For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:16-17
Regarding the Bible, there’s a lot of talk these days about “behavior modification” and it’s being used in a negative context. A number of pastors have been tricked by satan to tell their congregations that they don’t need to change their lives or adhere to a list of Biblical dos and don’ts. “Jesus, please show these pastors and their congregations the truth of Your Word, Your love.”
I like to be rubbed. It removes soreness and makes me sleepy and relaxed. Kind of revitalizes me.
I love to read and look at the individual words that make up scriptures – Words like peace, still, calm, joy, love, forgive. I love to soak in them (as if the words are the hot water in a soothing bath) and let them minister to me as they convey God’s truths, love, mercy, peace and joy to me. “Be careful for nothing; Be not afraid of sudden fear; Let the peace of God reign in your heart; Be still and know that I am God; Husbands love your wives; Casting all your care on Him for He careth for you; He works all things together for good; The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” and on and on. The words in those God-inspired, loving directives/enlightenments calm me down, relax me, comfort me, fill me with faith, strength for the day, hope and love. Through His Word, my soul receives a much needed massage as the kinks of living on earth get rubbed out and replaced by God’s great, and fathomless understanding and love. His Words definitely revitalize me (Isaiah 40:31 and Jeremiah 15:16).
16 I pray that from his (God’s) glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him (Letting His Word dwell in you richly). Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his (God) love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:16-19
The Word lists dos and don’ts, but they’re there to show us our loving Heavenly Fathers care for our souls. Through words, He communicates and expresses His supernatural, matchless, infinite, deep love for us, how much He values our souls, as He soothes our lives and revitalizes our spirits with His transforming truths.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3:16
Soak in His love words and let them minister His abounding, deep care for your life. Then, as you receive God’s love and encouragement in your own life, comfort others with His love and care.
who (God) comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort (the same loving massage the Word has brought to our lives) with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Oh, thank you, Jesus.”
God bless,
Mark