Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I mean, REALLY love God? I’m not asking if you’re saved. You might be saved and not love God.
The term itself is somewhat vague. “Love God.” Ok. Sure. I love God… Love, love, love. Ok am I done loving God now? What did I just do?
When I say, “love God,” usually it’s just a broad generalization. It’s
usually an overarching concept that touches every part of your life; at least, it should.
“Loving God” is the best and easiest way for me to say that you should have a relationship with God. If you love God the way you should and truly remember what he has done for you, obeying Him is easy. You’re compelled to obey. You’re not forced to obey… you WANT to!
If you’re in love with God, you won’t have to be rewarded to read your Bible. You do it because you want to hear from God. With that mindset, it should take A LOT to make you miss your devotions. I mean, NO excuses. I mean, it HURTS you to miss a day. Not because you won’t get the points on the sheet but because you missed your quiet time with your Father. Having a friend over shouldn’t change anything about your devotions the next morning. Going to bed late because of finals homework shouldn’t change your passion to have time with God.
If it’s real, nothing gets in the way. Same with church. Nothing gets in the way of a true conviction about being in church. Same with a kind spirit, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, obeying your parents, being encouraging, welcoming others in class, serving, working hard, praying… you get the idea. EVERYTHING is affected by your love for God.
When GOD is the one convicting you of sin, helping you grow, pointing out your pride, showing you your weaknesses and using the Holy Spirit to help you grow, it doesn’t have to be me, your parents, the Bakers or others pointing out areas you should improve on spiritually. When you’re Christ-motivated instead of pleasing-authority-motivated, it changes everything. Maybe it doesn’t change what you’re doing, but it changes your heart behind it all. Don’t merely do right. Love God and others truly. Then do right.
-Bro. Ryan
CHOIR – Young Adults Choir will be concluding after our next song. We will resume practices after the Summer. If you’re 16+, you can join the adult choir at any time.
PROMOTION SUNDAY – This Sunday! We’ll be mixing up the seating that day, so prepare now for it. Don’t just sneak by and hope you don’t get asked directly to do something. Step up and choose to be kind. Plan now to say, “Hey, I’ve got a seat right here. Come sit by me.” They’ll act like, “whatever,” but it will be cool. Just be kind and considerate.
INTERNS – Bro. Tim and Bro. Garrett are coming in tomorrow. Text them your name and let them know you’re looking forward to meeting them!
Bro. Tim – (315) 560-2780 // Bro. Garrett – (903) 421-3843
YARD SALE – Saturday, June 8. Workday Thursday, June 6. Sleepover Friday night, June 7. If you want to borrow my truck to do pickups, let me know (scary!). We will do some pickups Friday.
GRAD SUNDAY – June 9
MISSIONARY KENNY AND KALIE KECK – Sunday evening, June 9. Missionaries to Papua New Guinea. Be sure to greet them and thank them for coming.
6th Graders on the SS roll (may or may not promote):
- Richie B.
- Joshua H.
- John L.
- Issabelle B.
- Hannah H.
- Skye M.
- Evelyn (Evie)
- Claudia (in Kid’s Choir)
- Giovanna R.