Is It Possible to Continue to Love God More Each Day?

Pushing up against the edge of what’s acceptable seems to be a human condition. TV news reported on a mother who lost custody of her children because of drug and alcohol abuse. The temptation to push the acceptable boundaries is common to everyone regardless of social status.

Israel’s King Saul is such a tragic personality that it’s difficult not to feel sorry for him. Did Saul perceive God as existing only beyond himself rather than residing within his heart and mind? He knew God existed and should be worshipped, but not as God who lives within the heart and mind.

Saul consistently pushed the boundaries beyond the edge of what pleased God which prevented him from feeling secure in God’s love. A way to honor and please God is to continually push to understand and love him more each day.                     

                                                      

Then you are approved with no need to feel rejected because you have been forgiven and cleansed of all sin.  

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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version

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Whether Ordinary or Extraordinary, Choose God - Part 1

Most people seem destined to lead ordinary lives while others search for the unusual. Russian novelist Dostoevsky, who wrote Crime and Punishment, remarked that "all people appear divided into ordinary and extraordinary categories. Ordinary people usually follow the rule of law while extraordinary people may transgress the law if compelled to do so."

David, writing in the Psalms, complained about evil people bringing pain to himself and others but appearing to escape suffering for their evil deeds. David saw himself as an ordinary person chosen by God to lead an extraordinary life. However, David suffered immensely for deviating from God's boundaries.

Balaam, an unusual Old Testament prophet, searched for the extraordinary life that pushed him beyond what was acceptable to God. Yet God went after him to pull him back to the straight way. God sent Jesus to save both the ordinary and the extraordinary person because safe in the love of Jesus, we are all one.