Saturday, November 4, 2017

LOL


LOL


‘LOL’ is an acronym used widely in social media and other electronic communications; it stands for ‘laugh(ing) out loud’. LOL is primarily used to indicate an appreciation for, or acknowledgment of, the humor, wit or amusement found in someone else’s message or post. But I believe there is a better use for this acronym.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah speaks the very words of God to condemn the southern kingdom of Judah for the multitude of ways they have sinned against the LORD, the shameless way in which they have done it, and the anger and judgment aroused in God by this rebellion against His love and sovereign rule. In Chapter 7 of Jeremiah, he reminds them of God’s words when they were delivered out of Egypt and how their ancestors responded.
  • Jeremiah 7:23-24 But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’ 24 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

At the heart of God’s message to all humanity is a remarkably simple and profoundly life changing message – LOL!

Listen – Obey – Live

Listen
Hear the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word.
  • Psalm 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Are the Words of God sweet, encouraging, challenging, helpful… to your soul? Do they satisfy the cravings that can’t be met by any earthly information or activity? Or are they like bitter medicine ignored and left on the shelf?
  • Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law,
  • Matthew 15:10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand:
  • Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  • Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
Imagine the creator of the universe gently taking hold of your hand and asking, ‘Are you hearing me?’ God has spoken through His Word and He desires and expects us to listen to what He has said. In His Words are the answers to our deepest questions, the information we need to be reconciled to Him, and the truth about love, relationships, science, history, the future and so much more.

The first step to an understanding of, appreciation for, and relationship with God is to listen to Him.


Obey
Heed the requirements and principles found in God’s Perfect Word.
  • Psalm 119:145 I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes.
Are you joyfully committed, wholly determined and eternally faithful in your desire to obey God’s Word? Or are His teachings and truths just weighing you down?
  • John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
  • Deuteronomy 12:28 Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
  • Hebrews 11:8 Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God.
  • Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
If your obedience to God is not motivated by love for Him, faith in Him and humility before Him, it is misguided. Obedience is not a means to an end, it is a passion and a privilege. Obedience to the Word of God is a way to worship Him, protect ourselves, and encourage others to do the same.

Ongoing and intentional disobedience is rebellion against and rejection of God’s love and forgiveness.


Live
Honor God in every area of your life according to His Eternal Word.
  • Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Are you learning, growing, serving, sharing and getting victory over sin as you walk with God? Does your heart yearn to live a life that emulates our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Or are you just going through the motions and hoping no one notices that your heart is not really into Christian love and selflessness?
  • Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  • Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
  • Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
  • Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Living a life that brings glory to God and demonstrates who you are in Jesus is more about your attitudes, intentions and desires than a measure of your actions, words and works. But make no mistake, salvation through and in Jesus, which leads to an indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit, will change how you think, feel and live. When you live for God, your life will become less about yourself and more about how you can serve and share truth with others.


The principles, priorities and passions
of your life will demonstrate
if you really Listen to, Obey and Live for Him.

LOL!!


Prayer

Dear Lord, in Your loving and perfect ways, please use Your Word and Your Spirit to transform hearts and minds so that people who never acknowledged or responded to you in the past will now Listen to, Obey and Live for You. I praise You for Your patience and Your eternal desire for all to repent and come to You. In Jesus’ holy and precious name I pray. Amen