For SCC - 2-17-08 Loved

On Sunday, 2-24-08, we continued our 3:16 series and the topic was Loved. "For God so loved..."

Love is a relationship word. God desires a relationship with us.

I shared the following quote:

"So long as we imagine it is we who have to look for God, we must often loose heart. But it is the other way about - He is looking for us." Simon Tugwell

The following verses were shared to help us understand God's love for us:

God is love. Part of I John 4:16

9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:9-10

1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

I John 3:1

8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Psalms 136:1-3

3-6How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Ephesians 1:3-6

The above verses and passages are just a few of the passages and verses that tell us of God's love for us. God desries a relationship with us. God's love is about a rlationship that provides hope and life for us. We looked at the follwoing three ways God provides for us because of his love for us. There are many other ways God expresses His love for us, but these three will give us a good idea of the hope and life god desires to give us and are very practical and can be fleshed out during the weekdays.

1. When I am discouraged, God is my strength.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

2. When I am worried, God is my confidence.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29"11

3. When I need guidance, God is my conuselor.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

God desires to be a part of our lives. His love for us is real and provides hope for us. Practice these four secrets in ordert begin to experience God's love and presence in your daily life.

1. Invite Jesus into your life.

2. Be still and quite. Take some time each day to be still and quiet and listen to God.

3. Talk to God about everything.

4. Develop the habit of thanks and praise.

God loves you. He desires have a real relationship with you. Christianity is about a relationship with God. This week God is looking for you.

"So long as we imagine that it is we who have to look for God, we must often loose heart. But it is the other way about - He is looking for us." Simon Tugwell