Signs of a Passionate Love Affair

Scripture: Mark l2:30...'Yeshua answered him, "The first of all the
commandments is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind, and with all your strength.
Here are some signs of having a 'passionate love affair' with the Lord
Jesus Christ:

l. Loving God with passion means taking Jesus as the Lord of your
life, not an afterthought. This means taking time to nourish your
relationship with every everyday, morning, noon, and night.

2. Intimacy with Christ involves spending time alone with Him,
enjoying fellowship with Him as a close and intimate friend, and
communicating with Him, having a close and intimate talk back and
forth, both sharing with one another as with a dear lover and friend.

3. A personal relationship with Jesus involves welcoming Him into
your life on a 24 hour per day basis, participating in His mission and
comforming yourself to His likeness, character, and will.

4. Some people experience God's presence through visions or
hearing His voice. Others may experience feelings of peace and joy or
experience His presence during a time of song or praise or through
scripture. Even some experience God's presence through actual signs
and wonders and through His miracle working power flowing through
their lives.

Think about it. God created human beings to live in close relationship
with Him. And our lives were meant to be shaped by a fascination and
enthusiasm for who God is in real time. This intimate romantic
attraction would fuel everything we desire, think, say, and do.
We know that sin ruined the original design but we're still meant to be
madly in love with the Lord Jesus Christ today. He is meant to be the
One that occupies our minds and fills our hearts. He is meant to be
what excites us and brings us joy. Jesus is the one we wholeheartedly
aim to please.

I am concerned for many of us, because Christianity has become
defined by other things. Too often our Christianity is defined by mainly
Bible Study. Too often our Christianity if defined as a defense against
political or moral issues. Too often, our Christianity is defined how busy
we are in our ministry or charity or giving work or how much money we
give. Don't get me wrong, theology, morality, and ministry are all
important. But, those things shouldn't define who a Christian is. What
should define a true Christian is their romantic, intimate, and
enthusiastic relationship and pursuit of the Lord Jesus.

This one central romance - being madly in love with Christ - will give
you the desire to follow every good thing that will define your life in
Christ. I beseech all who are reading this message to return to your lst
Love. Fall in love with Christ Jesus all over again! He is coming
soon...right at the door! Watch, Repent, Prepare, and Be
Ready!

Amen.