JOY LOVE JOY LOVE JOY

LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, THY SOUL, AND THY STRENGTH.

It's a beautiful day today. Wow! I kept thinking all last week, that Easter was
going to be on this Sunday- You know, I hope we can have this kind of day next Sunday, because it is simply wonderful outside. Cool and sunny. Nice.
I love Easter, don't you? It's a time of cleansing- refreshing - renewal. Renewal of the mind and body- soul and spirit.
My daughter was lifting heavy furniture yesterday, changing the look of her living room around. I went up and viewed the finished results, and I like it very much.
I still don't know how she moved that heavy entertainment center by herself!
But she was determined, and she found a way.

I woke up this morning, sun streaming through the windows, and the verse kept
coming to my mind....Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.
By the way, the Old Testament version from Deuteronomy 6:5 is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength". It changes to the word 'mind' in the New Testament.

Anyway, "How do we Love the Lord our God with all our Heart, Our Soul and Our Mind?" Yes, and even our Strength!

I suppose it's like anything or anyone else that we put all our efforts into. Something or someone we love so much, that we make a conscience effort to show that love. It's like it engulfs our beings. We are moved at the mere thought of it all.

You know, not bragging, but I truly say that I love the Lord. I have witnessed His divine nature- His love for me in countless ways. There were times in my life that I did not serve Him as I do now. He was there for me in all of those times.
His love is never failing. Never. The Bible says that 'nothing in all this world can separate us from His love. Nothing! Romans 8. Read it for yourself, if you haven't. Sometimes, I must admit, I do not know how He could love me.
I've had some really selfish moments in this ole life of mine!
I'm so thankful that I found the unconditional love of the Lord Jesus Christ!
I'm so thankful that Nothing - NO One - can separate me from that Love!
That love is like none other. Forgiving to the core. Powerful! Engaging!

The Jewish people have the scripture for today written over the doorposts of their homes. They wear it on their beings. They teach it to their children. They recite it each and every day.

Why do we have to be reminded so of this scripture? First of all, because we are human! Secondly, our passions sometimes lean towards the things of this world- money and all it offers, before they find their way to the Lord Jesus Christ!
We have to make the effort. We have to get past all the distractions- whatever they may be, and make that single effort to do what the Lord is requiring of us. We need to be determined!!! We need to push aside self- and go for the gold!
Believe me, developing that relationship with Jesus Christ is the best reward of
all!
For those of you who know what I'm talking about- Hallelujah! Praise God!
For those of you who don't- it is a simple process to find a quiet place, and ask
Jesus to come into your heart. He is always there....watching...waiting...and
ready to fill your little heart, soul and mind with His presence.
Have a glorious Easter- believing in the One who is able to bring you and yours
to Him. The One who will bring you through every circumstance and finally, at life's end- into His Kingdom to live forever.
Praise be to God!
"Father, I cannot say that I have loved you with all my heart, soul and mind. Nor my strength. Even as a believer- and one who should know better, I cannot say that I have been obedient in this 99.9 percent of the time. Who knows me better than you Father? But, I am so thankful that you have brought me the 'good news'.
You have allowed me to know your Son Jesus, as my personal Savior. I'm so thankful! I thank you that the times that I wrestle with this flesh of mine, are much shorter than before. I thank you for the times that I dwell in fear or self pity or not the long bouts I had years before in my life. You have defeated the devil
and all his lies, and you have certainly brought me so much victory in so many places of my life. I'm still not there, as you know, but with your help and your LOVE- I know that I will grow.
I want your love in me. Help me to remember this scripture...not just at Easter's beckoning, but every day- every moment of my life. In Jesus's Name. Amen."

finally - I want to share something that will fill your little life with Joy- The Joy of the Lord is your strength!!!! Listen - and love Him and receive His Love for You!!!
have a great week!

Sending you a wonderful video that says the above in a wonderful way!! Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKvzWHokwf8