devotional thoughts...

Here are some thoughts from "My Utmost for His Highest:

The Delight of Sacrifice (Feb. 24th)

The title of this devotion somewhat intrigued me as the human side of me sees no delight in sacrificing...

Yet the apostle Paul was a great example of one who delighted in sacrificing for our Lord and Savior.

How did Paul win people over for Christ? He became holy, and he allowed the Holy Spirit to work in his very being on a regular, consistent basis. He totally surrendered himself to Jesus and he gave of himself to the point of becoming a mere, humbled person and servant of God and he permitted the Spirit to lead, guide and direct him. All this that Paul did is readily available to any believer who surrenders him or herself to Jesus Christ....

We tend to be devoted to the things which allow us more spiritual freedom (like church, a mentor, pray meetings, places where we participate while others hold the position of Godly leaders) and not to Jesus Christ... Yet, freedom was not Paul's motive at all. Paul was in love with Jesus and that was all the motivation he needed.

So the question we need to ask ourselves is ...are we in love with Jesus Christ?
To be in love:
-you think of that person all the time...
-you talk to that person all the time or you at least want to talk to that person...
-you get "butterflies" or "happy" feelings when you think about that person or when you are around that person...
-you say I love you and other great things to or about that person..
-you do things for that person...

Can I do these things for Jesus and can I be in love with Jesus like I can with people that I am in love with now?

"Love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength..." When I love God like that there is no room for sin. I love Him by serving Him, working for Him in everything that I do.....