Commissioned to Love || A Look at the Biblical Command to Love God

*Note from Ryana Lynn: This post was written in advance. I had planned for it to be about loving one another, bringing out some things that have been on my heart on the topic. But I couldn’t get peace about it. So, I decided to listen to God and just post the part about Loving Him. Never question the Holy Spirit. Fighting with Him isn’t worth it 😉 But yeah, that’s why this post is a few hours late.*
 
Happy February and welcome back to Life of Heritage corner! As of this week, I am seven months pregnant! Or 32 weeks, whichever way you wanna count it 😉 I am writing these posts up a good bit in advance, so if you want a more accurate up to date baby report, feel free to ask in the comments! My newsletters are written in real-time as well, so be sure and subscribe if you haven’t already! (Keep in mind my March and April Newsletters might be late or non-existent depending on when baby Peterson makes her appearance!)

Today, I am sharing my first official devotion in the Commissioned series! And with February being the month when most are thinking of Valentines day, what better way to start off then talking about Biblical love? And no, I’m not talking about romantic love 😉 It’s time to think about what it really means to love God. Let’s dive in!

*All Scripture taken from the King James Bible*

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:36-40

1| The Commission to Love the Lord

If you were raised in a Christian home, no doubt you heard these verses more times than you can count. We hear it, nod, agree and move on. But do we really love God with all our hearts, soul and mind? Is He the first thing on our mind in the morning? Are His words the most precious to us? Are we aware this is a commission and not just a suggestion?

I’m by no means intending to indicate that I have arrived in this area. I am ashamed that many times, I struggle to put my relationship with Christ first. I often forget to read my Bible at the first of my day or put off the devotionals I desire to finish. This is as much a message to myself as to anyone else. We need to make a conscious decision to put Him first daily!

2| The Beginning Steps

But how can we do this? I am no expert but I will share my current goals in growing in my love for God. First, pray as soon as you wake. Don’t touch your phone. Take all your concerns and hopes for the day straight to Him. Ask Him to help you learn something from your Bible reading and not just do it out of duty. Read your Bible. Search for that little nugget God has for you today. If you are stuck in genealogies, read a psalm or proverb in addition! Pray again for grace to follow Him today and be a blessing to someone else. Listen to a hymn. Think over the biblical message it shares.

3| The Congregation of the Righteous

Second, stay faithful to church. In the days we are living in, each state or province has their own rules concerning the virus that shall not be mentioned. Thankfully though, most of us are free to worship the Lord in person. But in the event you are sick, or the weather is inclement, there is this wonderful thing known as livestream! I encourage you to tune into your local church every time you are forced to miss, but if your church doesn’t livestream, click here for a link to my church’s livestream! Or if you know of another church that teaches Biblical truths, tune in to their service!

4| The Continuance of our Reasonable Service

Third, get involved! There are so many different opportunities to serve the Lord in our local churches! Volunteer to help in the nursery or participate in church clean up! Ask your pastor or his wife if there is anything you can do to serve! Join the visitation team and stock up on tracks to pass out during the week! Add a link to a gospel presentation to that email you are sending to a friend. You never know what opportunities the Lord will send your way when you purpose in your heart to serve Him with all your soul and might.

5| The Communion with the Commander

Lastly, pray. Share your thoughts and desires, your struggles and triumphs with the Father. Does He know? Of course! But He always enjoys hearing from His children! Pray for friends and family and for God to send opportunities to share His Love with others!
 

What are some ways you plan to grow in your Love for God this year? Share below in the comments so we can cheer each other on!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn (and Baby Girl Peterson!)