The Greatest Commandments

Recall the 10 Commandments that God gave to Moses in Exodus 20:

I. You shall have no other gods before me.

II. You shall not have idols.

III. You shall not use the Lord’s name in vain.

IV. Keep the Sabbath holy by doing no labor.

V. Honor your father and mother.

VI. You shall not murder.

VII. You shall not commit adultery.

VIII. You shall not steal.

IX. You shall not lie.

X. You shall not covet possessions of others.

During Jesus’ ministry, he was questioned by the Pharisees on which was the greatest law. Matthew 22:37-40 reads, “Jesus replied: ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’

It all makes sense when you think about it! If you love the Lord with everything you have, and you love other’s as yourself, all the other commandments will naturally follow! It has always been about looking at God’s law in a positive manner. Focusing not on what we shouldn’t do, but instead on what we can do to show or love for God and others!

What do these two great commandments tell us about God? They both have their foundation in love. The most important thing we can do is love one another! God’s love for us is indescribable and immeasurable! If we can give even a portion of that back to God and to our friends, families, and strangers, we’re becoming more Christ-like. That is one of our goals here on earth. To become more like Him.

Our God loves us so much, He sent Jesus to die on a cross. It’s the most terrible, painful, and humiliating way to die in ancient Rome. And God did it so we could have a relationship with Him. There is no longer a veil separating us from seeing His face or being in his presence! We’re now able to fulfill our original purpose and intimately draw near to God. How incredible and hopeful is that?!

As you pray, be sure to thank Him for his grace and mercy that now allows us to be with Him in heaven for eternity!

Letting Go

I am a control freak. Everything just seems to work better when my hands are on the wheel. It’s my life, I’ll do whatever I want. I know best. I, I, I, I…

God really smacked me on the side of the head toward the end of last year. He made it abundantly clear that I was going nowhere with that attitude! So I did what any sane person would do: I quit my job (after buying a house a month prior) and decided to travel across the country by myself. Well, not entirely by myself… I would take my dog with me for security and companionship.

I had to take the ultimate leap of faith and trust that God would not only take care of my health and safety, but also my finances. I forced myself to give it all to Him. It all belongs to Him anyway. I’m just a steward of all these earthly things that He’s given me.

You wanna know the weirdest part? I was excited! I was ready for this new chapter in my spiritual life! I wasn’t worried about anything because I knew that He would show Himself to me on this journey, and I’d become more faithful because of it.

Two months and 48 states later, I’m back in Texas. God opened my eyes to His wonder! I now have an even better job than when I left, and a whole new perspective on life. I trusted God and he didn’t let me down. He never will. So I will continue to put my faith in Him.

I cannot stress how important it is to give it all to Him. Matthew 6:19-20 states that we aren’t supposed to “store up treasures on earth” where it can be stolen and destroyed. We are instead encouraged to “store up for [our]selves treasures in heaven” where they can’t be stolen or destroyed. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Don’t set your sights on physical, tangible things. Turn your gaze to eternity spent with Christ in heaven. Our earthly lives are numbered, so commit yourself to the omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent Creator of the heavens and earth!

It isn’t until you truly let go, that God will begin to show you the plans He has for you. There are no better plans than those! “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4 What amazing news! He knows you because He created you. Let God work in your life. Let Him take the steering wheel. Open yourself to receive His love. You will never regret it.