“Heart Day” Part 2 - My Beloved Valentine

Jesus said to him, “you shall love the Lord your God with

all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

- Matthew 22:37

I love Starbucks (just saying).  I crave my cup of coffee.  My Grande White Mocha is to die for.

Whoa .... STOP RIGHT THERE...

As a society, have we become too casual in the use of certain words? Do we really mean what we are saying? What importance am I placing on the words: love – crave – to die for? To determine the answer to that question, let’s take a look at their meaning ...

Love – feel affection for, adore, worship, be devoted to

On Friday we talked about how God loves us and some of the ways we can pass that love on to others. Loving God with our heart, soul and mind is the key to everything in life. So I ask:

          • How do I show my love to God?
          • Am I living a life that is pleasing to Him?
          • Do I put God’s Will above my own?
          • Does my love for God make me want to learn more about Him?

Crave – long for, desire, need, beseech

I’m currently in a Bible Study class and the topic is all about learning to “crave” God. We are discovering ways to satisfy our deepest desires with God, not coffee, food or other cravings and unhealthy habits. The choice is ours ... “Luke 9:23 tells us, Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

To Die For – breathe your last breath, give up your life for, meet your maker

Really? Would I give up my life for a cup of coffee ... I think not! On the other hand, Christ gave up His life for me so that I could have eternal life. Oh, how I just want to shout the words of Psalm 84:1-2, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

That sure puts everything in perspective.

Hmmm ... maybe I should be saying, “I really appreciate the convenience of Starbucks. I enjoy a good cup of coffee. My grande white mocha is such a treat!” Now that sounds much better.

 
So, all of this perspective stuff got me to thinking, “When was the last time I told God I love Him?” Valentine’s Day is just two days away – what perfect timing to be reminded that we should express our love to God on a daily basis. Let’s use the words of Ephesians 5:18-20 as our guide:
 
“Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Worship Him daily with a thankful and prayerful heart ... “You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 118:28-29).

Worship Him daily with a joyful spirit ... “Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises [zamar] to Him with the timbrel and harp” (Psalm 149:3).

Worship Him with a sound mind ... Our thoughts and words, reading and studying His Word, keeping His Commandments, all of these actions reflect our obedience and love for the Lord.

Worship Him with a passionate soul ... Loving and meeting the needs of the “least of these” through serving others, not only reflects our love for the Lord but also brings glory to Him.

Worshipping God is paramount to nurturing our relationship with Him. By doing so on a regular basis, it becomes a spiritual discipline. And for me, during this year committed to “self-discipline” - that is definitely a good thing!

Today I plan to sit down and write some Valentine cards to send to family and friends.  I think I’ll start by putting God at the top of my list and writing a love letter to Him.

How will you choose to tell God you love Him?
 
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day, remember - God loves you, and so do I.
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver