"I Love Them"
"But you are merciful and gentle, Lord, slow in getting angry, full of constant loving-kindness and of truth". (Psalm 86:15)
Seeking the Lord about direction for this post, I received these words... "I Love Them". And it stopped me, and I wanted to make sure I understood it correctly, and He confirmed it. In confirming it by reminding me that He loves each one of you, that all of His word is given to you in love, that He is the author of all wisdom, He knows what will happen in the future, and He knows exactly what is best for each one of you. Today, we'll see how His love directs us in our finances.
Recently, we were watching a documentary about 9/11, and shared were the many instances of people facing death, and speaking to or leaving messages for spouses and children. Perhaps with only a minute to speak, the main thing they wanted to express was how much they loved them.
We can know that every verse from God's word comes from a foundation of His love for us.
God calls us His children, in 1 John 3:1 it is written "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" When we put down our pride, and recognize that God has always existed, and created us and has all knowledge (especially compared to us), it brings it into clarity how He is our Father and we are His children.
In the similar manner a parent gives instruction to their child, because they have knowledge and experience of what will happen, that is what the Father is imploring to us in His word - only His words are perfect and have never failed.
When He instructs us in Romans 13:8 to keep out of debt and owe no one anything but to love them, it is from His love for us. To steer us away from the stress, bondage and other unforeseen (by us) pitfalls that come when we disobey and plunge into indebtedness.
When He warns us in 1 John 2:15 to not love this world or the things of this world, it is from His love for us. The verse continues by stating if we have love for the world we cannot love the Father. It is this worldly love that entices us to break down and succumb to accumulating debts for those things from the world.
When He challenges us in Malachi 3 to bring the tithes into the storehouse (His church), it is from His love for us. However, the verses are unique - in that the Lord states to "put Me to the test" and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing. It is because He is the only One who can make that manifestation happen in your life when you obey.
When He encourages us in Ephesians 6 to work as unto the Lord and not to men, it is from His love for us. He knows as we do perform this way, it will bring us strength, perseverance and ingenuity to do our best. It will show in unselfishness to our teammates, stand out to our superiors and be a testimony to the glory of God to those we're alongside each day.
I can attest from over the years that every scriptural principle above has proven to be true in my life - whether shown to me as a result of obedience or disobedience. That is because the most important thing about God's word is:
It's true
It's true
Every... single... word... is true
Every single word about His love for you is true. Up to, and including the Passion of Christ which provided for your salvation. So you can trust Him and apply what you learn in your finances and every area of your life.
Consider how He has already written about one of the plans for you in showing His love in Ephesians 2:7 - "So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness towards us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus."
Lastly, be strengthened from these from words written in Jeremiah 31:3:
"The Lord appeared to them from a distance: I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. And so with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself."
God Bless you may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
