Verses from Mama By Sandra Sheridan Deuteronomy 4:24 “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
Have you ever thought of your relationship with God as part of a heavenly love triangle? There are two forces competing for your affections, but only one offers true and perfect love. According to Wikipedia “a love triangle is a scenario in which two people are vying for the affections of one person.” Did you know this concept plays out in your spiritual life? The Bible tells us that God showered His amazing, perfect love on us by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus gave His life for us, purchasing us with His blood so we could belong to Him (1 Cor 6:20). But there is another who wants our affections and attention. He is an enemy who will do anything to turn us away from the true Lover of our soul. To persuade us: - He disguises himself as an angel of light to mislead us. - He dangles appealing but harmful opportunities to lure us away. - He whispers lies to discredit God and shatter our trust. - He devises wily schemes to capture our hearts. Sadly, there are many who fall prey to Satan’s persistent advances. They shift their attention from the One Who loves them perfectly to attractive idols that will destroy their soul. While Satan’s enticements seem attractive, they only lead to heartache. It is only in our relationship with God that we experience true love, care and compassion. The early theologian and church leader Augustine said it well, “Thou hast created us for Thyself, O God, and our heart is restless until it finds repose in Thee.” It is only in our relationship with the LORD that we find peace and experience abundant joy. After all, (if God) did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things (Romans 8:31-32)? In return, the LORD our God, a jealous Lover of our souls, demands our allegiance and worship. We must be careful not to forget His covenant or He will do whatever it takes to win us back. Many of our deepest trials stem from our lack of regard for His law and His love. Yet if we return and seek the LORD, we will find Him waiting with open arms. Invariably, in modern stories, the love triangle resolves as the main love interest realizes who her true soul mate really is. Then the couple lives happily ever after! In life’s ultimate love triangle, who will you choose? Will you fall prey to the schemes of the enemy or pledge yourself exclusively to the Lover of your soul? He is a consuming fire and jealous God, but also the source of great mercy and love. Pledge yourself to Him and you will experience peace, purpose and abundant life forever.
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