2 Corinthians 5:14-15 English Standard Version

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Yesterday’s post was written several days ago. In the hopes of finding a word to continue with the pattern displayed, I turned to my bible software and this is the verse of the day. It is not what I thought it would be, it is a more sure word.

The love of Christ is the motivation of our hearts. If we focus on that relationship we will hear what He has to say next. It might not be what we thought was coming, it is better. Paul’s expression of being controlled can be offensive to some. We are not puppets on a string.

This is about relationships and communication. We submit to Christ because He has proven His great love for us. Not just in dying for us but in revelations of His intentions. We get to choose by faith how we respond. Puppets don’t have a choice, we do. Love will always be a choice.

Psalm 40:16 English Standard Version (ESV) But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

His salvation is a daily event, it continues, always, expressed in rejoicing and gladness because we found Him again today in our seeking Him. He never disappoints us when we seek Him with our hearts, returning the love that has been given.

1 John 4:19 English Standard Version (ESV) We love because he first loved us.

Simple, direct and true, love begets love.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

The phrase “the word of the Lord came to me” is repeated ten times in the book of Jeremiah. While the office of the prophets no longer exists, “the word of the Lord came to me” is still in us and repeats Himself over and over again.

There is an amazing thing that happens when we reply to the word of the Lord by faith, He keeps talking to us. He wants loyal servants to carry out the will of the Father and who better than those who listen and obey?

It is a loud and bothersome world out there and many voices are being raised in anger. Not so the word of the Lord who is at peace and does not raise His voice. We call it “that still small voice” but there is nothing still in His voice. His words are active.

Hebrews 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Because He can discern our thoughts and intentions, He knows who will listen and obey.

Listening is not enough. We must be willing to obey. Then we will be used by God to fulfill His will.

We all want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He will never ask us to do anything He knows we will fail to accomplish.