It was the Scribes, the theologians of the day, who asked the question: "Which commandment is the most important of all?"
Jesus answered: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark adds "strength" to the shema. It still is impossible!
Controlled by the love of God---it's the motivation that makes us give, live, love.
It is not an act of our will. It is a transformation of the motives of our heart. What really resides in us as we try to be good? My thoughts give me away.
Are we striving really hard to be good so God will bless us? Yet, inside rumbles and rages cruel thoughts, comparing ourselves to others, conclusions that we are never sure about ourselves or we're good enough. Self-obsessed.
It is not about applying the moral law to our hearts through an act of our will.
Far too much we are striving to be good, live good, act good.
No man knows how bad he is
until he has tried very hard to be good. C. S. Lewis
We are rescued from ourselves.
Safe. Secure.
New Motivation...
The Motivation of Gratitude...
for it's the Spousal Love of our God
that transforms us to love with all of our heart & soul & mind & strength.
So how can we find that kind of Strength to live and love this day from our heart & soul & mind & strength?
I don't know why this didn't post last night---it was there.
ReplyDeleteCame to try to put up a post for Saturday but I am feeling too bad. I was out walking tonight and something came over me and I feel horrible and came home to go to bed. Will try to post Saturday on Saturday morning. Thanks, Bev
Prayed especially for you as I woke up this morning and then felt led to pray for your sweet Britt.....let us know how you are.
ReplyDeleteJust had to comment on the title.
ReplyDelete"No Kidding!"
It is the story of my life, I try to be good, and it comes out not so good. I say things I shouldn't, and then beat myself up over and over.
The good part is "Saving Grace". I am saved by grace through faith, and realize God made me the way I am, with the intention of bringing out the best. The process of grace takes a lifetime, and if I am not making mistakes, I am not learning and growing.
Praying for you Bev. I sent you an email, I misread your post, so the email probably doesn't apply, know I love you and want the best for you, especially good health.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jan. I'm fine---I think I hit the wall last night. Slept 13 hours and I'm like new again. My body just said: enough. Funny but i never used to be like that but am now. Need to watch it. thanks for caring. Bev
ReplyDeleteps - Jan, I really love what God is doing in your heart...so obvious it's Him. And it's so good!
ReplyDeleteDear Mary Lou
ReplyDeleteThanks, as always, for your prayers for Britt and for me.
I'm fine this morning after much needed sleep. Just can't go like I used to. Could never find the words to say thank you for your prayers and kindness to my family. Love you so.
Love the quote from CS Lewis as I try to sort out what Lent really is--I am surrounded by people trying to do good for the wrong reasons--but who am I to question anyone's motives. My heart is so polluted. Searching for mercy this day as I gear up for the first wedding at the ranch followed by another. I so needed to stop here this morning and fill up with His Grace to face today.
ReplyDeleteBev, I was hoping you weren't sick and said a quick prayer for you, my friend. I hope today finds you back to your energetic beautiful self! I so appreciate your dedication here on the blog and know it takes a huge amount of time and energy. If you can't post some days, we would understand. But it does not go unappreciated! Love and hugs.