Date: February 19, 2024
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost yet abiding in the body. For February, the weekly messages will focus on the HEART. Jeremiah 17:10 reads, “I, the Lord, search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
The first and greatest commandment, Saints, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This week’s message is to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds and encourage believers to practice this all-encompassing love in their relationship with God. The reference scriptures for this message are Matthew 22:37-38, Deuteronomy 6:5, and Romans 8:38-39.
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in the law, He was clear that it was to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. But what does it mean to love God this intensely? How can we live out this commandment in our daily lives? First, loving God with all our hearts means having a passionate, emotional love for Him. It means making Him the center of our affections and desires. Do you prioritize God in your affections? Loving God with our soul means deeply intertwining our life with God, seeking Him in everything. Can you identify areas where you can invite God into your experiences? Loving God with our mind requires engaging our intellect in our relationship with Him. This includes studying His word, cultivating wisdom, and understanding His will. Can you think of ways to engage your mind in your spiritual journey? Finally, Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that God’s love is inseparable, inspiring us to love Him wholeheartedly. No matter what we face, we are secure in His love, allowing us to love God fully. What obstacles might you overcome to fully love God with your heart, soul, and mind?
In conclusion, the first commandment calls us to an all-encompassing love for God that engages our hearts, souls, and minds. While it is a lifelong journey to embody this commandment fully, each step brings us closer to the heart of God. As we strive to love Him passionately, profoundly, and intentionally, we find ourselves transformed, deeply rooted in His love, and empowered to reflect this love in our daily walk.”
Until next week, let us remember, “…with God, all things are possible” Matthew 19:26.
In His Service,
Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem
General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop