This past weekend we launched a new series at Northpark called SIMPLE. Our hearts long for simple times. Things have become so complex in our culture. Most things, including relationships, jobs and technology make things so difficult. However, following Jesus has always come down to three simple things. Love. Pray. Give. We specifically talked this week about what it means to “love unconditionally.”
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” In other words, the greatest way for us to demonstrate our love for God is obedience. We must be committed to His Word and simply obey what we read. It’s not rocket science. It really is that “SIMPLE”.
But let’s go deeper…
Read Psalm 145:8-20
I think it’s safe to say that obedience = commitment. If you are committed to having an incredible relationship with Jesus, you want nothing more than to be obedient to Him. If Psalm 145 does anything, it illustrates the importance of that commitment. Do you realize how much He deserves your unconditional commitment? We are really great at being consistently “inconsistent”. I’m talking about the complete opposite of that type of experience. I’m talking about having unwavering commitment to your Savior. The psalmist praises God for His goodness and for meeting every need. However, he also makes it clear that we must walk in surrender (commitment) as life-long followers of Jesus.
Here’s the cool thing, as we make that commitment, God provides the relationships, resources and strategy necessary to to fulfill our dreams. It’s pretty amazing how we invite Jesus into our hearts, commit ourselves to His mission and in return, He gives us the desires of OUR HEARTS!
But WAIT! What about me? I’ve invited Him into my heart and committed myself to Him and I have seen NOTHING happen to fulfill my desires. Two words for you, my friend – NOT YET. Check out verses 14 & 15. The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You and You give them their food in due season. What in the world does “IN DUE SEASON” mean? It simply means, “NOT YET”.
Verse 13 reminds us that His Kingdom lasts forever and His DOMINION endures throughout all generations. He has DOMINION over your life, over your family and thankfully, over your circumstance. He will meet your need, He will answer your request, He will answer your questions, He will give you the desires of your heart…IN DUE SEASON.
Did you miss Part One of the series SIMPLE?
Check it out here:
