Devotion Am I Loving God by my Actions?

Read: Matthew 22:34-40

Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. --Matthew 22:37

Loving God with every aspect of who I am? That’s not simple or easy. What does it entail? We can’t even know the depth of the verse in Matthew unless we read, meditate, and study God’s Word.

We need to not simply read a verse here or there, hit or miss, but we need to be reading God's Word every day. This allows God to fill us with His perspective, principles, and guidance. We also need to be in regular communication with Jesus.

Can you imagine letting days, or weeks go by without talking or discussing things with your best friend? Would you ignore emails, posts, or letters sent? Umm. How often do we claim Jesus is our Savior and friend, yet ignore His Word and stop communicating with Him? Hard to know His direction without His input.

What happens when I ignore Him? Much easier to scream at the kids for messing up the living room or not cleaning their rooms. Much easier to sneak a look at that racy show that caught my interest, though it promotes everything God says is harmful to those He loves and created. Much easier to take offense at something said or done. Loving God--not with my mind.

Without His guidance, it is easier--and without as much guilt—to pass on that juicy piece of gossip. And complaints, they get easier, too, whether about the neighbor's tree branch that hangs over the fence or about the city blocking streets for construction. Instead of trying to help, I judge my neighbor for how she cares for her children. What a terrific witness I make with my better-than-thou attitude!

Loving the Lord, with all my heart, soul, and mind--and my neighbor as myself. Whew! I have a lot of maturing to do and it starts with a commitment to study God’s Word and to communicate with and listen to the One who loves me best--Jesus.

Help me, Jesus, not only claim I belong to You but help me to show both by my speech and actions that, indeed, I do love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me practice loving others as I follow You. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Deuteronomy 6:4-25
Tuesday: Mark 12:29-44
Wednesday: Luke 10:30-37
Thursday: Romans 3:9-10; Galatians 5:14-16
Friday: Ephesians 4:21-29
Saturday: James 2:1-10 & 4:8

(c) 2018, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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From Listen! Who Me?

Blog Prayer Not About ME!

Just about everyone prays at some point. But praying can feel awkward, even for those who believe. However, when we say we don't want to be forced to pray, at any given time or in front of others, if we consider prayer a burden, we've missed the point.

The point is, prayer should never be a burden because prayer isn't about us, about me or you. First, second and always, prayer is a privilege. It is powerful communication with the Creator of the Universe, our Lord and Savior, a privilege that should bring a sense of awe and wonder that we have a right to come before Him. It is a privilege that changes lives, starting with our own. Prayer has positive benefits for the whole person--mentally, emotionally and physically as well as spiritually.

Prayer should bring us to our knees in honor, worship and gratitude. Refusing to bring our worship and petitions before God with others present denies our prayers the power they can have when we join together with others in prayer. We all know there is strength in numbers. It is no different in the spiritual realm. In fact, Matthew 18:20 reads, “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them.” (God's Word version)

When prayer makes us uncomfortable, we need to make sure our hearts and lives are right before God. Sometimes our prayer needs to simply be one of submission, confession and repentance, before one of worship, praise or petition.

No one can force us to pray, and there is a time to speak and a time for silence. But, if we are right before Him, to keep silent, because of our comfort level alone, puts the focus where it doesn't belong--on us, robs God of the praises of His people and withholds blessing as well as a full measure of the power of His presence from those praying.

Prayer isn't about ME but about HE who makes me whole. Prayer is foremost a privilege--not an act of comfort or convenience. God says come and shows us how.

In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors.And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.For Yours is the kingdom and the powerand the glory forever. Amen.Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV

Prayer changes us, changes families and nations. Maybe it is time to set aside time to pray—alone, with family, even via video at this time.

© 2008, 2020 Carolyn R Scheidies

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