We all talk about hundreds of things every day. Some important, many less so. Some of the things we speak about probably should never pass our lips. But GOD is a topic worth speaking about – regularly and often.
Hey, speaking of God, welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend! Join our email list to get a free copy of my book COUNT TO ONE, get Mornings with Bishop Robert sent directly to your inbox each morning, and lots of other great benefits. Click the link in the description. Grab a cup and lift it up.
Sure GOD is a topic worth speaking about – regularly and often. More to the point, what God says to us – His commands, His Word, His teaching – needs to be spoken of. We need to make certain we pass these things along.
I remember sitting at the dinner table one night before my father had passed away. We got him to begin speaking of some of his experiences in France during World War II. As he spoke I slipped my phone out of my pocket and began to record a video. I knew that his time was short, and I wanted to be able to replay his words over and over again. What he had to say that night was important. I wanted to be able to remember it clearly. Shortly after dinner, I shared the video with my family. We’ve spoken frequently of the pictures and videos, and worked diligently to keep our memories alive, sharp and clear. this desire is driven by my deep and enduring love for him.
The words of my earthly father are important to me, and I do not want to forget them. I want the sound of his voice in my head and my heart. How much MORE SO the words of my heavenly father! I want His voice to clearly resounding in my heart. I want His teaching in my head. Moreover, so does He.
Today’s verse says LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOULD, ALL YOUR MIND AND ALL YOUR STRENGTH
His lesson for us today begins with Judaism’s most oft repeated prayer. “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God, the LORD is one.” Because love is the most powerful of motivations, God’s very next words lay the motivational foundation. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Love is to be the reason we listen and hear. Love is to be the reason we remember. Love is the reason we obey. Not because of rules, but because of relationship; to preserve it and enhance it.
Then comes this instruction. “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
On your heart, and on your lips. Simple. elegant.
We talk about the things we love. We do so because they bring us joy. Because they are important.
So first – LOVE HIM. That’s the beginning.
Then, let’s talk about God.
