Loving God, or not? (2)

Isaiah 40:29-31, Proverbs 2:6-8, James 1:5, 2nd Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 31:6 , 1st John 4:7-12

Show video, We will be talking about this today.

1st, lets look at strength. Isaiah 40:29-31 says when we are weary, God gives us strength. This talks about what it looks like for all those who don’t follow the Lord. Yet us, we will mount up on wings like Eagles. Now, this of course doesn’t mean I will suddenly grow wings and fly around. This is referring to our time in heaven and on earth after Jesus returns. Does this mean he won’t help us become stronger while we are here, of course not! But we usually ask for strength when things are going wrong.

So, we have difficulties on this earth. You don’t need me to tell you that. We live in a fallen world. So does it make sense that God will allow us to go through things that will help us get stronger? Of course it does. If he rescued us from everything we go through, how would we learn?

2nd thing to look at is Proverbs 2:6-8. Wisdom, we are given wisdom by our Lord, but this wisdom comes with a price. We are given it to deal with everyday problems. But that isn’t the only reason we are given wisdom. We are given wisdom to further the kingdom of God. Using wisdom for other things is just bonus.

James 1:5 says we are to ask of God for wisdom, He gives this to all freely, but we must not doubt, asking in faith. So, wisdom has been given by God, meaning that there is not limit. We are the only thing that limits that wisdom. You might ask how we limit anything of God, but think about it. We are sinful creatures. Sin gets in the way of our relationship with God all the time. Its on our end though, not His.

Now 2nd Timothy is going to lead us into courage. We have not been given a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Asking for courage is a bit of a double edge sword. Because if you ask for it, like the video said, dangerous things may come your way. Deuteronomy 31:6 says do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord you God is the One who is going with you.

What does it look like to have God go before you. I am going to ask you to imagine something. Take the strongest person you know. Now multiply that one person x 10,000. This is no where near accurate. But it still serves the purpose to show you what its like to have the Lord go before you. I chose that number on purpose. There are several places in the word where it says an army of angels 10,000 strong. So the number serves as well as any. Another way to look at it, the creator of all you can see, smell, and touch, That power is going in front of you.

Lastly, and most importantly, we have love. Everything hangs on this point. 1st John 4:7-12 states it simply. Lets love one another. Do I really need to say anything more. I will say this, if you do not love. You do not know God! God is love, if you doubt this for even a moment, then I have not done my job. We must as a church, stand for love above all else.

What is one thing that proves all these things true?

Each one of the verses we have read today, leads to one conclusion. What is it?

I would offer to all of you, one question, one final question. What must you be willing to surrender to follow God?

Final thoughts, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t make it clear that God’s love is perfect, not like human love that has led to all sort of imperfections. So, how do we change this?