The Love of God: Loving with Strength

Hey,

Before I discuss the talk by Paul that was in the service this week, I am going to talk about new songs that I came across in church this week.

All creatures of our God and King

He is the king of kings and lord of lords



You put love of the line

I feel that this song is saying that I am who I am as is everyone else so we should accept one another God does.



Loving God with Strength by Paul

The first question is how? How do you love God with strength? When talking about loving with strength we do not mean is a physical way but in an effort as we have to commit to loving God.
We need to love God with all our strength and therefore with all we have. It is difficult to do this as there are so many things to love in this world that distracts us from taking the effort to put God first and to love him with all our being.


1 Corinthians 9:24-29

"Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that last for ever. That is why I run straight for the finishing line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest."

1 Peter 2:9

You are chosen and loved by the Coach that is God.

"But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvellous light." 

Mark 12:30


Goal - to win the game and therefore to love the lord with all our strength.

"Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength"



Mathew 6:19-20


Prize

"Do not store up riches for yourselves here on Earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal."




Matthew 4:4

Lie in - get up a bit earlier and read the Bible before getting up as an example

"The scripture says 'Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.'"




Philippians 3:12

You have to be Committed in the strength and effort to loving God. You get to places by commitment. To be the best that you can be takes effort, recognising what God has given us.

"I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself."



Roman 8:31

Mental effort - sound theology

"In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?"





Philippians 4:13

Never give up

"I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me."







Proverbs 3:27

Don't hold anything back - Love God with wanton abandon

"Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it."




Violin Theory

How long do you have to practice to become perfect at it?
       
5000                  Can teach it
8000                  Play for a living
10,000               Concert player (best they can be)








The Parable of the Ten Young Women (Mathew 25)

Use the gift that God has given us.


The speaker spoke about how 'money may not be what you wish but there are times on benefit for you and others.'



God I look to you

Put the effort to love God with all that you are and to look to him.


Think about what we eat, both physically and spiritually and therefore put effort into what you put in your body  and what you feed your mind.

Love God with all our EFFORT




Amy x