sgys banner books

RECENTLY: I just read this on a wall-mounted picture in a local business …. “Kindness is the key to love.” Is that true? No. Kindness is certainly an attribute of love yet not the key to love. “God is love” and so knowing God is what is the key to love and what will cause “the love of God” to be in us. “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5) The Bible tells us that “love is of God.” (1 John 4:7)

The only way to know true love is to know God via the Son of His love – Jesus Christ – who in the greatest act of love ever, came and died for us, sinners.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

Here are 2 more passages that clearly reveal that the LORD loves His people immensely:

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:17-18

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1-2

Yes we are to love one another as Christ teaches in the Golden Rule and yet such is only possible by way of God’s love working in us.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Until He saves us, because of the conscience He made us with, we attempt in vain to do what is right without Him and such simply does not work. If we are relegated to our own “love”, that’s shallow at best, right? Yet, after being born again, the infinite love of Him who “is love” is in us and will be manifested by the cross life. This of course is limited only by the individual believers obedience to seek and therefore be full of Christ and not self.

“he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Love to the brethren is the proof we are in Christ. Talk is cheap.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. IF we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:11-12 

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:15

Living in God’s Love

Do you desire to be full of Christ – to be overflowing with God’s love, shining it to all? God only rewards and fills those who seek Him diligently.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

Only those who diligently seek the LORD will be full of His life and love.

The wellspring of divine love is poured into and through the crucified vessel which Christ is raising up for His glory. In the passage below, note v12 in particular:

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  2 Corinthians 4:10-12

Christ’s kingdom only operates by the cross principle. Only those who choose to live “crucified with Christ” will be used of God. Jesus told us that only those who choose to deny self and “take up his cross daily” instead of lifting up self, will follow Him.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Christ’s kingdom life and love only work through the operation of the cross. As God’s love was poured out on the cross of Christ, so, as we consent to the death of self, the life of Christ reigns in us, and the supply of God’s love flows fully and freely in and through our lives.

“He first loved us” and when we choose to love the LORD who displayed the ultimate love on the cross of Calvary, His love will dwell in us (1 John 4:19).

QUESTION:

“If we are to love the people in the world then what exactly does this verse mean to you ….just asking. To me it means not to love what the world does or anything in this world but to show love by speaking truth to them and being good to them. Not agreeing with them but doing good for them. Is that correct?”

REPLY:

Yes …. Loving the people of the world is completely different than loving the ways of the ways of the world (Romans 12:2). James is speaking the divine truth and that is a most poignant example of love. Prov 12:17 … The Word IS the judgment of GOD not man (James 1:20).

Deliverance from All Fear 

WHEN God’s love fills our hearts in an abiding, oneness relationship with Christ and the Father, all fear is vanquished! (John 15, 17; 1 John 4:16-18) The following passage is one this disciple would vigorously encourage the reader to prayerfully camp on.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

God Is Love 1 John 4:7-21

7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 

9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 

12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 

13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 

14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 

15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 

16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 

17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 

18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

19  We love him, because he first loved us. 

20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 

21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 

The love of God works through the cross – Christ’s cross – not only 2,000 years ago but daily in our lives. Pouring prayerfully over 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 is of great benefit to the disciple of Christ. In the most monumental display of love ever, Jesus chose to come and die for us rather than live without us. May this divine love strike us today and forever dwell in us as we lay aside our own lives to facilitate the divine life.

“The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth (exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:6-9

Love | Christology

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

A Few of My Personal Favorite Psalms [podcast]

Walking in Godly Integrity

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]


Here’s why Jesus came:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

There is nothing – NO-THING – more important in your life than your relationship with Christ.

Job 22

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. 22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. 23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. 26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. 30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent; and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.” Job 22:21-30

“lay up his words in thine heart” v22 – WITH the learning of each new verse of Holy Scripture, each new Bible truth, your knowledge and understanding of the LORD and His kingdom is expanded.

“Let thine heart retain my words.” Proverbs 4:4

“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:96-100

“God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly.” EM Bounds

Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with GodSupport | STORE | Podcasts |

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]


“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1

Of the Bible phrase “secret place of the most High”, one source notes:

“‘The secret place of the Most High’: is a spiritual state of intimacy, trust, and absolute protection in God, referenced in Psalm 91:1. It is not a physical location, but rather a hidden sanctuary found in the heart of God, accessed through prayer and a surrendered life.”

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

Prayer communion is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).

Knowing the Father and the Son is the whole purpose for which He made you.

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3-4 

Beloved of God, you have a relationship with your Maker, not religion.

To know Him, we must seek Him. He promises us that as we seek Him, He will be found of us!

“if thou seek him, he will be found of thee.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

He promises to manifest Himself exclusively to those who “diligently seek him.” (1 Chronicles 16:11; John 14:21-23, etc.)

God is not hiding and yet He is not available to the casual seeker. Only those who “diligently seek him” will be known as His, will experience in real relationship with the LORD.

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:33

“A sinning man stops praying. A praying man stops sinning.” – Leonard Ravenhill

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35

Anyone not praying is not seeking God and has already fallen away (Luke 12:40).

“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

The LORD’s people are known as His “house” and He calls them His “house of prayer.”

“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13

Those who truly love and worship the LORD perpetually seek His holy face and that’s called prayer.

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Seek his face continually”

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Spending quality moments with God is your best time spent (Matthew 6:6).

“The preaching of the Word of the Lord fails to run and be glorified from many causes. The difficulty may lie with the preacher himself, should his outward conduct be out of harmony with the rule of the Scriptures and his own profession. The word lived must be in accord with the word delivered; the life must be in harmony with the sermon. The preacher’s spirit and behavior out of the pulpit must run parallel with the Word of the LORD spoken in the pulpit. Otherwise a man is an obstacle in the success of his own message.” E.M. Bounds, E.M. Bounds On Prayer,  p. 421

“A sinning man stops praying. A praying man stops sinning.” – Leonard Ravenhill

“The men who have done mighty things for God have always been mighty in prayer, have well understood the possibilities of prayer, and made the most of these possibilities. The Son of God, the first of all and the mightiest of all, has shown us the all-potent and far reaching possibilities of prayer. Paul was mighty for because he knew, how to use, and how to get others to use, the mighty spiritual forces of prayer.” EM Bounds, The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer, P. 341

“It has been said that no great work in literature or in science was ever wrought by a man who did not love solitude. We may lay it down as an elemental principle of religion, that no large growth in holiness was ever gained by one who did not take time to be often long alone with God.” Austin Phelps

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 

Can anyone possibly NOT enter into temptation who is not living a life of prayer? Not possible. If you are not living a life of prayer, praying “without ceasing,” you ARE living in sin. Wonder no more. Fresh repentance before God needed (Hosea 10:12; 14:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 4:14-16).

It’s the cross – where you die so Christ can be preferred, can reign in your personal daily life.

“Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Lotta Prayer
Lotta Power
vs
Lil Prayer
Lil power

No such thing as an overcoming, victorious child of God who doesn’t meet daily with God in prayer communion.

Let’s read the words of our LORD Jesus again – aloud:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 

PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You now, in repentance, asking You to please forgive my self-idolatry, rebellion, pride, sinful unbelief, and prayerlessness. Please wash me clean in Thy blood dear LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Thy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Life of PrayerThe Place of Our Sanctuary | Having a Heart After the LORD

Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18).  It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ParentsFamily | Godly Manhood | WomenSupport | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

Are You Bless-able? English and Spanish [podcast]


Who is Going to be “Blessed”?

“A FAITHFUL MAN shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20

Like it or not, God has conditions to appropriate His blessings. Rebels hate this reality because they despise personal accountability, personal responsibility. Their rebellion changes nothing. Either repent, be saved, and walk humbly with Christ, or lose your soul for eternity in hell (Mark 8:34-38).

True followers of Jesus are doing the work of the Gospel, are diligent, are “not slothful,” and “inherit” “the promises” of God “through faith and patience.”

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

In the New Testament, we don’t ever see disciples of Christ spending all kinds of time singing praise songs, numbing themselves out, etc. No, when the Holy Spirit truly fills a believer, it’s to be a witness of Christ and that person is sent out.

Jesus dwells large only in those who practically obey Him and not those just trying to get an emotional fix by soaking in a building in a “revival.”

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Are We Bless-able?

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Have you given God your life?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of God | Gifts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | ChristologyFinal Divine Authority | The Cross Life | Knowing God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending