We love because he first loved us. (First John 4:19)
For I am convinced that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)
…If I have faith that moves mountains but don’t have love, I have nothing.
If I give all my possessions to feed the poor but do not have love… it profits me nothing. (I Corinthians 13:2b-3a 3)

Quoting Henry Blackaby:

“What is the one thing God wants from you? He wants you to love Him with all your being. Your experiencing God depends on your having this relationship of love. A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life.”

I love what I’m learning about discipleship. The life shape tools for discipleship developed by 3dm are frankly the best I’ve been around. They can be used and taught. What I’ve learned I’ve passed on to fifth graders and research professionals. These are great tools. Like tools in a wood-shop, the more you use them, the better you get at using them. I’m excited to say that we can learn and teach people to be disciples and to make disciples. But above all else, discipleship is built on the foundation of a love relationship with God. Without great love for God, discipleship is simply a task to perform. Without God’s love working through us, people can become discipleship projects.

I also love what I’m seeing in terms of mission. People are getting it. They are going forth to the places to meet needs trusting that God is going ahead of them and will work through them in that place. I have begun to see little glimpses of God’s power being released to meet needs. It is so exciting. But without great love for God and God’s love in us for others, we won’t go where God is sending us.

Question: What can you do today to remember the great love of God for you. I have three recommendations. Choose one of items below and do it – and see if your heart is lifted up and renewed.

#1 Get out a piece of paper and fill it up with things you are thankful for – then tell God thank you in prayer for each item.

#2 Tell someone you know all about how you know God loves you. Tell them everything.

#3 Do you have a time when God was with you through a difficult season, a time when God brought you through. Tell someone the story of what God did for you.

Ready… Go! I’d love to hear what it did for your heart.