Psa 31:23 (KJV) “O love the LORD, all ye his saints ...”
A Passionate Plea: Please, be patient to read through today’s teaching. It is the most important teaching you will ever receive from God’s word through me. It is quite a long one and I feel pressed in my spirit to say all I will be saying today. Please, don’t read it in a hurry. Thanks and God bless.
Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to LOVE the LORD our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind (Matt. 22:37). One Bible version says, “Love the LORD your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you” (Matt. 22:37; TPT). This is “the first and most important commandment” (Matt. 22:38; CEV). Love for God is not just a feeling, but a way of life characterized primarily by absolute obedience, consecration, and commitment to God, expressed in both heart and action. Jesus said, “Whoever knows and obeys my commandments is the person who loves me ...” (John 14:21; GW). Furthermore, Jesus said, “Those who love Me will do what I say ...” (John 14:23; GW). Therefore, what primarily determines whether we truly love the LORD is whether we are absolutely obedient to Him, as a lifestyle.
Genuine love for God empowers (enables) us to obey His word (John 14:23; TPT). Do we find it so easy and pleasurable obeying God’s commands? Do we have great delight in God and in His word? (Psa. 37:4; 1:2). Do we find great delight in doing His will? (Psa. 40:8). Do we know daily, the experience of being loved by our heavenly Father and Him making His living-place with us? (John 14:23). These questions will help us to know if we truly love the LORD our God.
There are so many benefits in loving the LORD. The Bible says, “The LORD watches over all who love Him ...” (Psa. 145:20; AFV), to protect them, preserve them, keep them from dangers, and take care of them. Our Lord Jesus said, “the one who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21; AFV); “I will reveal Myself unto him” (BSB); “I will make Myself known to them" (ERV). Again, our Lord Jesus Christ promised, “ "If anyone loves Me ... My Father will love him, and We will come to him and we will make Our home with him” (John 14:23; EMTV); “We will come to him and will make a dwelling place with him” (LITV); “We will come to him and take up residence with him” (NET). Wow! May this be our daily experience in Jesus precious name.
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje