Matthew 22:37-39     New English Translation

 

37 Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 

Is genuine affection detectable, or can everyone be sent out?

Don't we need to lay ourselves down on the altar of sacrifice?

My selfish love points at my children, family, and spouse

Is that the cross I need to bear to be spiritually on fire?

 

What can God’s fire consume if there’s nothing on the altar?

What if there was just a little bit that didn't cost me anything?

What if I give all I've got, but not myself? Is it then that I falter?

Ignoring the cross bearing my name and keep going on in sin?

 

The Holy Spirit moves without a great manifestation

The work of God suffers when we willingly hold back

King Saul kept all the livestock to Samuel’s frustration

His relationship with God, the Father, ran off the track

 

Matthew 12:48-50 New International Version

48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

 

Do you think you can love your dear ones and God simultaneously?

It may throw you off the course of the destination you’re traveling

And if you are holding back just as King Saul did selfishly

Then here you deny the Lord and His Love, a missed opportunity

 

Without an altar, there is no Heavenly Fire

Without manifestation, there is no commitment

It is like murmuring along without any substance

Searching for water in a spring that dries out intermittent

 

Just let Christ love your family through you ...

 

Jan Wienen