Friday, February 12, 2010

The Great Commandment -- El Gran Mandamiento

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.' ” Matthew 22:37-39

Love the Lord your God with all your heart…

The heart has to do with desire. When we love someone with all our heart, that person is the object of our strongest desires. The same applies with loving God with all our heart. We want to be with Him all the time. We want to make Him happy. We want what He wants; His desires become our desires.

…and with all your soul…

I think of the soul as having to do with our essence. The Spanish NIV uses the word for “being” instead of the word for “soul.” So we’re talking about the core of who we are – not just our emotions, not just our intellect, but what is really at the center of our being – our will. When we don’t feel emotional love, when we can’t find a rationale to love, we love out of sheer will because God merits our love.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Be Strong and Courageous -- Sé Fuerte y Valiente

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This one really hits me where I live. I’m a pretty rational guy. My favorite TV character growing up was Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek series. In my second grade school picture I even had the blue Starfleet uniform shirt like Spock wore. Logic. Reason. That’s my game.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Fly Like an Eagle - Volar Como una Aguila

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness and concerns of our jobs, family activities, studies, and ministry responsibilities. It’s easy to lose our focus, and instead of keeping our eyes on the goal, which is Jesus, we end up looking at our circumstances. Like Peter, when we take our eyes off the Saviour and rely on our own abilities and understanding, we feel like we’re drowning.