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Tomorrow morning in my turn to lead so here is what I’m planning on sharing. Let me know what you think, thank you !
John 14:15- If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40-Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Mark 12:28 -One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no commandment greater than these.”
Love the Lord your God
This commandment is rooted in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It emphasizes the monotheistic belief in one God, Yahweh, who is to be the sole object of worship and devotion. The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling for exclusive loyalty and love. This commandment is foundational, as it establishes the priority of God in the believer's life, reflecting the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3).
heart
In biblical terms, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, desires, and will. It signifies the core of a person's identity and decision-making. Loving God with all one's heart implies a deep, sincere, and undivided affection and commitment. This aligns with the call for purity and integrity in one's relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where David asks for a clean heart.
soul
The soul represents the life force or essence of a person, often associated with one's spiritual and eternal nature. Loving God with all one's soul suggests a devotion that transcends the physical and temporal, engaging the eternal aspect of one's being. This reflects the understanding that one's life and existence are to be wholly dedicated to God, as echoed in Psalm 103:1, where the soul blesses the Lord.
mind
The mind involves intellect, understanding, and reasoning. This phrase highlights the importance of engaging one's cognitive faculties in the love of God. It calls for a thoughtful and informed faith, where believers are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:2-5. This aspect of love involves meditating on God's Word and aligning one's thoughts with His truth, as Paul advises in Romans 12:2.
strength.
Strength refers to one's physical capabilities and resources. Loving God with all one's strength implies using one's energy, abilities, and possessions in service to God. It calls for active and vigorous devotion, where every action and effort is directed towards honoring God. This is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who demonstrated perfect obedience and service to the Father, as seen in John 4:34. This comprehensive love encompasses every aspect of a person's life, reflecting total dedication to God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20- Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Romans 12:1-2- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
There is no substitute for time in any relationship. While factors like quality time, mutual understanding, and trust are also important, consistent presence and shared experiences are fundamental for fostering intimacy and strengthening bonds. Ultimately, while other factors are important, the time invested in a relationship provides the foundation for all other aspects of a healthy and lasting connection. Without consistent time together, it's difficult to build a strong and meaningful relationship
Where we spend our time reflects what we value most. Just like our checkbooks reflect what we value monetarily. Since both our time and money are limited resources, how someone chooses to spend them speaks volumes about priorities and what is important to them.
Actions speak louder than words. What does your daily time with God look like? How are you cultivating that relationship with your time and money ?
God speaks to us through His word, our Bible. We speak to God through prayer. How much time do you set aside to nurture your relationship with Christ ?
John 14:15- If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40-Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Mark 12:28 -One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no commandment greater than these.”
Love the Lord your God
This commandment is rooted in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It emphasizes the monotheistic belief in one God, Yahweh, who is to be the sole object of worship and devotion. The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling for exclusive loyalty and love. This commandment is foundational, as it establishes the priority of God in the believer's life, reflecting the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3).
heart
In biblical terms, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, desires, and will. It signifies the core of a person's identity and decision-making. Loving God with all one's heart implies a deep, sincere, and undivided affection and commitment. This aligns with the call for purity and integrity in one's relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where David asks for a clean heart.
soul
The soul represents the life force or essence of a person, often associated with one's spiritual and eternal nature. Loving God with all one's soul suggests a devotion that transcends the physical and temporal, engaging the eternal aspect of one's being. This reflects the understanding that one's life and existence are to be wholly dedicated to God, as echoed in Psalm 103:1, where the soul blesses the Lord.
mind
The mind involves intellect, understanding, and reasoning. This phrase highlights the importance of engaging one's cognitive faculties in the love of God. It calls for a thoughtful and informed faith, where believers are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:2-5. This aspect of love involves meditating on God's Word and aligning one's thoughts with His truth, as Paul advises in Romans 12:2.
strength.
Strength refers to one's physical capabilities and resources. Loving God with all one's strength implies using one's energy, abilities, and possessions in service to God. It calls for active and vigorous devotion, where every action and effort is directed towards honoring God. This is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who demonstrated perfect obedience and service to the Father, as seen in John 4:34. This comprehensive love encompasses every aspect of a person's life, reflecting total dedication to God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20- Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Romans 12:1-2- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
There is no substitute for time in any relationship. While factors like quality time, mutual understanding, and trust are also important, consistent presence and shared experiences are fundamental for fostering intimacy and strengthening bonds. Ultimately, while other factors are important, the time invested in a relationship provides the foundation for all other aspects of a healthy and lasting connection. Without consistent time together, it's difficult to build a strong and meaningful relationship
Where we spend our time reflects what we value most. Just like our checkbooks reflect what we value monetarily. Since both our time and money are limited resources, how someone chooses to spend them speaks volumes about priorities and what is important to them.
Actions speak louder than words. What does your daily time with God look like? How are you cultivating that relationship with your time and money ?
God speaks to us through His word, our Bible. We speak to God through prayer. How much time do you set aside to nurture your relationship with Christ ?
