Rich, Pure, and Strong
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song
God’s love is perfect. (O love of God, how rich and pure) The nature of God’s love is such that it is flawless. This should matter to us because in this fallen and sin-sick world we need perfect love to counter our imperfect selves. God’s answer for us, in our sinfulness, was love communicated, demonstrated, and given through Jesus Christ.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.- 1 John 4:16-18
God’s love is sufficient. (How measureless and strong) No matter our situation, no matter our worry, no matter our burden, God’s love is enough to empower and encourage you. People talk a lot about inner strength and most of the time it means relying on our own power. Friends, we don’t need more of our power, it is insufficient and limited. We need the power of God and His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Strength comes in dependence on God, not in ourselves. #Godstrong, #Jesusstrong, #Icantbestrongenoughwithouthim
But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. – 1 John 2:1–2
God’s love incites a response. (The saints’ and angels’ song) What song does your life sing? In other words, what do you communicate with your words, your actions, your responses to God’s love. You either receive God’s love and become a messenger of that love or you reject God’s love and become a servant of the evil one, who works against the love of God. Our love of others, especially those who are difficult to love, is the response of those who love, serve, and are devoted to Jesus.
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:10–12
May you dwell on the love of God this day and the days ahead. His love is perfect, His love is sufficient and it requires a response. Be a vessel, an instrument, an ambassador of God’s love with the boldness of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb. Look for ways today to love God and love others.
Take care of yourself and take care of one another!
Sharing Life, and Sharing Christ together!
Pastor Dan
