Recent news: Blood Moon (Joel 2:31; April, September 2014 & 2015), Tornado in Mambaling, Cebu (April 8, 2014)

These are just a few of the signs that tell us Jesus is coming very, very soon.  Jesus said in Mark 13:29, “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it [the end of the age / the coming of the Christ, the Son of Man] is near, right at the door.” 

We need to be extra vigilant (watchful, alert, on your guard) because we do not know when He will come.  We have to be mindful of these signs given to us to remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  Let us not turn a blind eye to these warning signs because if we are caught unaware and off guard, if we are not ready, we will be left behind.  Our eternal destination is at stake.  Jesus warned us, “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. (Mark 13:23)” We are left without an excuse. 

More signs of Christ’s return may hit closer to home for some of us. Matthew 24:10-13 “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

How’s your love life?  

Our love for God should always be kept ablaze.  We cannot afford to let our love for God to grow cold.  This is of utmost importance.  Our memory verse tells us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)  Jesus tells us that this is the most important commandment of God.  If we are to choose just one command to obey, this is the one command you should choose. 

THE COMMAND TO LOVE GOD

Love is best received when it is freely given. God knows that well enough because He freely gave His all so that we can receive His best.  But why did God have to command us to love Him with all that we are?  He is not insecure – He is our security. He is not selfish – He gave His very best for us. He is not a tyrant – He is Love. Could it be that in “commanding” love from us, He is still the one giving to us?  He will not benefit from our love – God is God, whether you choose to love Him or not.  He doesn’t need anyone or anything to improve or disprove Him.  If we are commanded to love Him with all of our person, we are the ones who will benefit.  He calls it the “greatest” commandment because aside from it being the most important, it is also the most wonderful of all commands given to us.  Out of all created beings, we (human beings) have the privilege and capacity to fellowship, enter into a relationship, and be intimate with our Maker.  And the more you love Him, the more you find satisfaction in Him.  That’s how good a God He is.  In commanding us to love Him, He is thinking of our own good (Deut. 10:12-13).

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

This means the total package, not just a part of you.  No half-measures, only full measure!  Most of us are familiar with the Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman.  We can use that to explore different ways on how we can show our love for God.  His command to love Him requires all of you, so don’t limit yourself to loving Him with the way you are used to. 

#1. LISTEN

Bible Example: MARY

Luke 10:38-42 “She had a sister called MARY, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said… Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (vv.39, 42)

In the Five Love Languages, this will fall under Quality Time[1].   Are you spending time with the Lord? Are you setting aside a portion of your time each day to commune with Him? Are you listening for His voice? The more you spend time with Him listening to Him, the more you will get to know Him and the more you will love Him.

*This is loving God with your             MIND (intellectual powers consisting of will, intelligence and conscience)[2] 

#2. OBEY

Bible Example: MARTHA (Luke 10:38-40); ZACCHEUS (Luke 19:8)

Perform acts of service for God.  As you listen to Him, what is He telling you to do? He may be telling you to do something for Him (i.e. ministry, missions).  He may also be asking you to give up something or someone.  Act on His Word and obey. 

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.”

John 14:23 “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.”

Obedience to God and His Word not only proves our love for God, it also makes us grow in love for God.

1 John 2:5 (TLB) “Those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more.”

*This is loving God with your             STRENGTH (bodily faculties)           

#3. VOICE OUT YOUR LOVE FOR GOD (PRAISE)

Bible Example: DAVID (Psalms; 2 Samuel 6:14, 22; 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)

Say “I love you” to God.  Praise Him verbally.  Tell Him how much you love Him. Admire His beauty and magnificence verbally.  Sing songs of praise to Him.  These are the ways you can express your love for God using words of affirmation.  As you open your mouth to worship God, you’ll find that words are not enough to express your love for Him.  Don’t worry.  The Holy Spirit can and will help you in that department.  As you continue to praise Jesus the Baptizer, He will fill you to the overflowing and find yourself praising Him in a new language.

*This is loving God with your             SOUL            (feelings, emotions, passions, and desires)           

#4. ENCOUNTER

Bible Example: DAVID (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 13:14) | JOHN (Rev. 1:10)

As we worship God in spirit and in truth, we touch the heart of God.   We connect with Him, spirit to Spirit. 

To grow in love, our capacity for God must increase.[3] Nothing short of desperation will bring us to a burning desire and love for God.  If we really want to grow in our love for God, we must come to a point where we say, “He must become greater, I must become less (John 3:30).”  There must be an emptying of one’s self so that we can be filled with God who is love. We cannot love Him and others if we are too full of ourselves. 

EPHOD 10 PT. PLAN, Point #6 Pray and Fast One Meal Each Week

Aside from meals, try also to fast from technology (social media, TV, communication, books) and use that time to pray and seek God.  Mark 8:34 says “Deny yourself…” or in Tagalog “Tanggihan ang inyong sarili …”

(Side note to the Youth: Encounter this week (Youth Retreat) – Get ready. Prepare yourselves this week. Come hungry & thirsty for more of God.)

*This is loving God with your             HEART (innermost being)           

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As we live in the last days, God is graciously calling us back to Him. 

Will you respond to His call?