He still loves you 😍

For we trust in our God

And through His unfailing love

We will not be shaken

We will not be shaken

We will not be shaken

Though the battle rages

We'll stand in the fight

Though the armies rise up against us on all sides

We will not be shaken

We will not be shaken

We will not be shaken...

This song by Bethel music is really provocative! It takes courage to sing this song out of a strong conviction, trusting that God's love is able to keep and guide us even in the midst of personal and national crisis. We have not been called to face down but ladened with treasures to give hope. 

For we know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. It's awesome how I got the inspiration to write ✍️ even in the middle of the storms I faced in the course of the week, though discomforting but purpose propelled me to do this. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2: 10

Introspectively, God's purpose can only be carried out through the vehicle of divine love. I understand that the character of divine love is far deeper than valentine, it is graciously clementine!

The Shulamite sang to her beloved- (Song of Solomon  8:7; NKJV)

"Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown it: If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, It would utterly be despised."

I imagine one thing that can withstand the force of many waters... perhaps the Shulamite was thinking of a rock! Love is as stable and strong as a rock. It is dependable, not shaky and unreliable. She also profoundly depicts the truth that love is priceless, it cannot be bought. 

The love our heavenly Father has towards us is insuperably strong and everlasting that not even our weaknesses can erode it. It is wonderfully tender yet so unconditionally firm. 

 I John 3: 1 - New International Version "See what great 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."

Love enriches when it is communicated effectively through thoughts and Words and also gracefully transformed into actions. Love cannot be concealed. Our Father's love is so transparently conveyed through His love letters inscribed in the pages of the Bible. His life transforming words give us confidence for our daily walk on earth... changing me and changing you! 

Jeremiah 29:11- New King James Version. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

We make ourselves sick through uncontrolled thoughts. We can heal quickly by engaging the words of life. Don't worry about how to study the bible, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. The peace we gain from His word actually controls the way we think and feel. His love quenches all our anxieties giving us the strength to face each new day. . 

Our heavenly Father daily loads each day with benefits for us, despite the uncertainties around, we can always bank on His unfailing and limitless love gifts wrapped in goodness and mercy. If only we can understand the depth and height of His inextinguishable love for us, then we will behave better! 

I make it a duty to always remind myself that " Jesus loves me...He is the loving Father, perfectly responsible and never neglects His own..hmm...no man can starve a man God is feeding...I'm a living witness👋😍😃☺️🎉🎉🎉

God is a perfect planner! Our limitations in understanding the inestimable dimension of His love was demystified even before the foundation of the world. God chose to become flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, thus the intangible love of God became tangible for us. He chose to be our sacrificial lamb, paid all our debts of sin, ransomed us and gave us a new beginning in Himself. His first move modelled to us how to behave God for love is not taught, it is shown: 

Romans 5: 8 - New King James Version 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

"For we love Him because He first loved us"...1 John 4; 19 

Many people are wrongly working for love (Their love actions are powered by self righteousness), such only bring ephemeral dividends. Healing and blessings come when we walk in love (powered by the Holy Spirit). 

Frankly, the world is in dire need of hearts full of God's kind of love. 

Love is behavioural; 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (ESV) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth

Love is trusting and not fearful...Tough times reveal where your trust is invested. 

 I John 4: 18- NKJV-  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear...

The heart full of Love listens first to God.  Anytime you are studying the Bible you are actually listening to God. Prayer is more conversational. When you listen to Him through His Word, you will be able to communicate effectively with Him in prayer. 

A heart full of Love is grateful and generous enough to care and give to others. Time, material gifts are all so vital. 

A heart full of love is healing and forgiven. It also chastises whenever necessary.

A heart full of Love is wise and not foolish. Love wisely consider situations before acting. It's discerning to see truth and has the capacity to receive truth. Love seeks peace however it never compromises truth under any circumstance.   

A heart full of Love is understanding not selfish. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred .... Proverbs 15 : 17

A heart full of love is not cowardly, for love is an act of valour; sacrificial : John 15: 13 " Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to fully love like Jesus did? 

Well, the good news is, we can! Love is a fruit of the spirit and it actually dwells in everyone born of the Spirit. God's love is so perfect, He knew we couldn't do it all alone for we need help to love and obey Him and He gave us His Spirit as our helper, counsellor, back up, and comforter. So like muscles, love grows when we use it. I keep exercising my love muscles...I thank the Holy Spirit who doesn't condemn me even when I fail...He urges me to try again...His love never fails ☺️.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. I John 4. 16(NIV)

Whoever dwells in God loves, and whoever God dwells in loves. How we respond to God's love is actually what influences how we love others, and also differentiates a mature christian from a baby christian.

As we daily lean on the help of the Spirit of Truth to strengthen us to feed adequately on the rich diet of God's word, we grow in understanding thereby expanding our capacity to receive Love and likewise willingly give love to others. Remember, you can only give what you have!

A heart full of love is ladened with treasures and not burdened with worries or bitterness. An effective prayer life keeps our hearts pure and shapes us as channels through which His love flows to others. God has proven His love for us and we are required to also prove our love for Him over and over again. Your service and generosity especially towards His Kingdom should not waver even in hard times... don't stop loving... don't stop giving... don't stop sowing...serve God and man with the right attitude...remember only God can give increase no matter the labor. 

 John 15: 14- NKJV 

You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. 

Though Christ laid down His life for everyone, only those who obey His commands are His friends! We must understand that God's training is for a lifetime and obedience is a major course that we would continue to learn and be tested on throughout. Obedience is never optional! In other words, you might as well get ready to go the long haul with obedience, for God is not interested in part- time obedience. 

Active obedience to God's instructions save us time and is greatly rewarding. It takes a fervent spirit, filled with love and trust, to actively obey God. In essence, love for God is what powers active obedience. 

Joyce Meyer reveals a profound truth in her inspirational book " How to Hear from God" Part one, page 17, subtitled - Don't Miss Out; " "I have learned that we may as well just do quickly whatever God says, the way He wants it done, because in the long run, if we want to enjoy God's perfect plan for our lives, we are going to have to follow Him. I recently told one of my children, " I will never tell you anything that I don't believe is for your benefit." As I thought about it, I realized that God is the same way with us. He will never tell you or me anything that is not for our benefit."

So anytime you want to do the wrong thing or want to give excuses to disobey His leading, think about this truth...you are headed for trouble! Christ Jesus is not the task master who uses and dumps people. He is the Faithful Master who truly loves you and has your best interest at heart. He is with you to bless you and make you a blessing indeed. When you truly love Him, you would love to obey Him more than anybody else in this whole world! 

Will you hit rock bottom as you willingly obey?Hmm ... Sure you will! Much more, be equipped with the truth that, sometimes you can still fail after fully obeying God's command! Shocking,😗 right? 

A study of the book of Judges chapters 19 - 20, reveals this hard truth. The Children of Israel arose to fight against their brothers from the tribe of Benjamin for the evil committed by the men of Gibeah. Chapter 20 verse 18 - They went to the house of the Lord to inquire of God and the Lord said "Judah shall go first". They went but twenty- two thousand( 22,000)  Israelis were killed that day. The Hebrew name for Judah, Yehuda is literally "thanksgiving" or "praise,"  In other words, inspite of their praises or thanksgiving to God, they were defeated! 

Verse 23- Then they went up and wept before the Lord...asked again and the Lord said " Go up against him". So the men of Israel took courage and went out again to fight. This time, eighteen thousand (18,000) experienced swordsmen were killed. In short, despite their wealth of experience, they still suffered a bigger defeat! 

Rather than concede defeat, this time they were even more determined to seek God. Verse 26- So, they went up and came to the house of God and wept...(much more), they sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt and peace offerings...before the ark of the covenant of God with the priest and they asked the Lord again...

The Lord answered " Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand". 

And yes! On the third day the Lord did give the children of Israel a resounding victory ✌️✌️. In fact, the Lord inspired them with a battle strategy and they killed 25,100 battle warriors of Benjamin in one day, leaving but a tiny remnant of 600 men. They completely destroyed the entire population and land. 

Be aware; Anytime you suffer defeat after obeying God, remember, His love still never fails...recount His testimonies in the past...don't throw in the towel, humble yourself and go back to Him! He still loves you 😍.

Be more intentional and determined to seek Him, don't be hasty to go back into the fight rather set your mind on Him... spend more time worshipping Him! Sometimes God just wants to test your motive for obedience. Intentions matter to God. He wants to know if you truly love Him enough to stick with Him and that you are not seeking Him just for the rewards. Don't forget that God still answer prayers but He does it in His own style and time...He rewards, much more, He Himself is our ultimate reward! 

Psalm 91: 14a " Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him..."

Yours sincerely ☺️

Segilola.