Love... Is Deep
Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.
Psalm 42:7 (ESV)
He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.
Daniel 2:22 (NKJV)
As it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (ESV)
In God's Word, people are compared to trees: healthy or rotting, fruitful or barren, tasty or tasteless, worthy or worthless.
People are also compared to buildings: light-filled or darkened, solid or shaky, pristine or dirty, worthy or worthless.
Because at first glance, bad trees and buildings can seem to look good. The wisest people know, we must go deep to examine the root or foundation.
Therefore…
When choosing pastors or close Christian friends, DO examine their foundation: the heart!.
If their love seems shaky (or wavering), then their faith is shaky and wavering.
If their love isn’t connecting with you, then Christ may not be connected to them:(
The “fix” for new or unsteady Christians?
Whether it’s you or you’re leading others, water love’s root by prayer and praise-time. Strengthen it with daily rays of Son-Light by Bible-reading (not just devotions).
Build on the King’s rock foundation of love by growing godly fellowship. Safeguard your own accountability through discipleship under wise mentors.
The “fix” for Christians showing hate, not love?
In privacy and kindness, approach and gently correct them with love in your heart. Who knows? God may open their ears to hear!
If they rebuff you and keep showing hate, avoid them, because hate is contagious. Be careful of the company you keep!
Bottom Line:
In the deepest trials Christians may face, God’s love is inconceivably deeper. It anchors us, as Jesus leads us UP!
Love… Is Deep (Part 36)
* Thought-provoking excerpt that was published in Christianity Today: 'Deep Calls Out to Deep, but I Long to Stay Shallow':
'To stay in God's presence is like swimming in the ocean. Immense. Frightening. Powerful. Beautiful. Where deep calls to deep. Where answers don't come easily. Where pain is exposed rather than covered over. Where healing requires transformation.'
'I think the reason I gravitate toward sugar and fluff, and the reason my kids do, and the reason our culture does, is that we want to avoid the dangerous truth that God is God and we are not. Whether it's food, chitchat, hours on Pinterest, or watching mindless television, we have constructed countless ways to avoid looking at the mess and brokenness within our souls.'
'We live in a world where it is easy to avoid the hard questions, to ignore our own selfishness, to fill our days with busy but meaningless activity. Deep calls out to deep, but sometimes I long to stay shallow.'
Revisiting: Deep Calls Out To Deep, But I Long To Stay Shallow
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!