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Loving God . . .

Sometimes it is the most obvious and basic things that are the very things we too easily lose track of.  As the old saying goes, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."  And really what could be more basic than this:  Loving God?  And yet, as obvious as this phrase may seem to us, for many in our world it is not obvious at all (which, of course,  means that if we are listening well, both to them, and to God, we have something vital, profound, foundational, even central,  to offer here!)  But, in fact, Loving God is what lies at the heart of everything.  Whether you take loving as an adjective or a verb, it still rings true. 
  • It is responsive and intentional. 
  • It is something we pursue, and something (perhaps Someone) who pursues us. 
  • It is something that seems to well up naturally within us at unexpected times and unexpected ways, and yet at other times it is very challenging to accept or extend.
  • It is something we cling to when we everything else seems to be trying to shut out its presence in our lives, and yet at others, it springs up and surprises us when we are not even looking for it.
  • And, according to scripture (1 John 4:8), it is a word that defines the very nature, being, and essence of God.
No matter which way you look at it, it is truly amazing!

Click here to listen once again (or maybe for the first time) to Pastor Chris' Sermon on Loving God as the first part of our Mission Statement

For a guide to a similar kind of prayer experience that Pastor Chris spoke about this morning (for those who  are looking for something simple to start with) click here.
Loving God - Part One of Our Mission Statement

For a look at the way our church has developed an understanding of ministry that is grounded in what our mission statement "Loving God, Loving People"
expresses, click here.  (for this week notice the first link - "Staying Focused on Jesus"

The pitcher - cup - saucer - plate metaphor provides one way of illustrating how Loving God is central and foundational to our life together as a church that reaches out to our world.
Scripture Passages For Reflection

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)

Hear, O Israel:  The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hand and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.


    As you reflect on this passage, take a few moments to notice
  • the verbs, letting the significance of each sink in.
  • the scope of the places that God's love was to find expression
  • what it would mean for us to really take this passage seriously (perhaps one or two things we might do differently this week, if we were to do so)

Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)


    Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.  One of them, an expert i the law, tested him with this question:  "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
    Jesus replied:  "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and the greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

    As you reflect on this passage, take a few moments to:

  • Think about what it means to love with heart and soul and mind - everything you have and are.  Do you really embrace God's love for you, and a responsive love for God is all dimensions of your life?  Are there some that you withhold, or that you are hesitant to grant God access to?  If so, what is that all about?
  • As you anticipate next week when we will explore this further, is loving your neighbor as yourself someplace you are really willing to go?  Even with Jesus' definition of neighbor?  Where have you been willing to make exceptions to this . . . and do you think Jesus would buy your exceptions?