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Loving through Giving
Rod ShimabukuroAnd we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
Christians were being tested through suffering. Paul warns the Christ followers of Satan’s deception to recruit a man of unrighteousness, proclaiming to be God. How bold and direct - yet it seems that many will fall for this false prophet, teacher, leader - and follow his ways. But the Lord is faithful who will establish and guard us from the evil one! (3:3)
Paul expresses his confidence in the Lord, not man’s ability, education, experience or self sufficiency. Doing and continuing in living an obedient life, comes from God’s love and the steadfast, faithfulness of Jesus in our hearts. I must never think or believe that I can live a pleasing, holy life unit God on my own - with my one strength and will power or minds strength.
I feel so full, reading, meditating on His Word! Spending time connecting God’s character through the letter, pondering who God is (and not just what He does...for me) is so filling and renewing! I sense Paul speaking, praying v5 right into my own spirit and life. I can’t explain it!
I want to respond in worship, in living a life of worship - in the area of loving through giving. Loving through generosity. What does this look like?
- It looks like, the word of encouragement through me to the young men who’s dad just passed away.
- It’s a text of thanks and prayer for my bro in Jesus battling cancer, while trying to live godly as a father (who’s children aren’t doing well in Jesus).
- It looks like coloring with a little boy while my wife talked to his mommy.
Dear God of love.
Thank you for filling my heart with Your love and the steadfastness of Jesus. I feel so strong - but I want to keep yielding to Your love and faithfulness, every moment of the day. Thank you for loving me, giving Your only begotten Son so generously for all of mankind’s sins - including mine! May Your love touch, save, heal hearts through my surrendered life and service!
