Scripture Memory Verse #20

Isn't it cool how God continues to reveal himself through his word? I wish I knew a more profound word than "cool" because He needs a more profound word than that. But I don't, sadly. I'll work on finding one. In the meantime, this is what I've learned this week:

God put a priority on relationship with man, with us. From the very beginning, in the garden of Eden He asked questions of Adam and Eve that he clearly knew the answers to. Chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 9: The Lord God called to Adam, 'Where are you?' Do you think He couldn't see them? We are studying Abraham in Bible Study. In Genesis 18:17-33, God and Abraham are having a discussion about Sodom and Gomorrah. Why would God, creator of the universe, need to have a discussion with anyone? I'd suggest that He wanted to dialogue with man. He wanted to have a relationship with man. He put in us a need for Himself and is waiting patiently for us to discover that He is the ONLY one who can fill that need. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God wants to be in relationship with me. "What is man that you are mindful of me?" I am overwhelmed and so very, very grateful. He is so good.

So, if I carry that thought out further, I can say that relationships should be a priority for me. Not my to-do list, not my activities, not my goals, but people. This often gets lost in our world. And, frankly, relationships are hard work. It is only through the Holy Spirit that I can make this my priority too. Daily surrendering to Him and asking to be filled with his love and great affection for people in my life. This has been my prayer this week and it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how different I "feel" today compared to Monday towards my family. It is only Him. He is the only reason I am not living in a pit of sin and He gets all the glory. I wish I could tell you how many times a day He has worked in me this week alone. I've lost count. He is so amazing.

So my memory verse for this time is to remind me not only to prioritize people, but to love them or it means nothing. From 1Corinthians 13:3 (NLT): If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (I love to read familiar verses in a new version, gives a whole new twist, don't ya think?) I could be doing great things, but if I'm not loving people, what is the point? The gospels are full of this concept. 1John is full of this command. In fact, I think it's safe to say, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation, love is the theme of the Bible. After all, God is love.

I pray love abounds in your life this weekend. I appreciate you and your support. Remember to leave your verse in the comments. Thanks!