I have been looking over my sermon for tomorrow. I have been teaching through II Cor 4 and 5 looking at Paul's motivation for ministry. I have come to one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible. (I actually have many, many favorites) II Cor 5:14,15
All week I have been meditating on the phrase, "the love of Christ compels,constraineth, controls me." There are so many different motivations for why we do what we do. Greed, fear, envy, competition, appearances, pleasure, a desire to feel significant. This verse talks about "the love of Christ" compeling the believer. What a great motivation. The conclusion to the love of Christ is two fold. Live a holy life (die to self) and live for Him. (vs 15)
I have the privilege of being able to think through scripture verses during the week as I get ready for Sunday's sermon. I study, think, research, gather information, quotes...but not just for the sake of gathering information for others. I want the scripture impact my own life. I imagine that every week the Lord does something in my heart and life well before I share the message with the congregation.
This week especially I have been impacted by the love of Christ. Not that this is new information for me. Of course I have known of His love for years. This week I am especially grateful and so blessed to be loved by Christ. I have often wondered who I would be apart from Christ and how my life would have been different. Of course I will never know (in this life anyway) but I am sure that my life would be very different.
My heart goes out to those who know little or nothing of the Love of Christ. They have missed a dimension of life that I so appreciate. It is only by grace that He has shown his love toward a sinner like myself. I am blessed to be loved by Him.
Dennis,I always enjoy reading your blog. You are such a wonderful person and always have a smile. God Bless. your friend Debra Conn
Posted by: Debra Conn | August 02, 2009 at 01:00 PM