March 4, 2016 – Deuteronomy 32:2
Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. Deuteronomy 32:2Teaching words settle, fall gently — not to harm but encourage even the most tender living beings. What a sweet way to describe teaching that comes from God.When was the first time you remember this kind of a shower and inhaled the sweet fresh aroma that comes through the window to dissipate the stale odors of the indoors. It causes us to open wide every opening of the house to freshen every corner and hiding place.Teaching from God Himself clears away anger, cynicism and crumbles our defenses – for it is like a gentle rain of love on our hearts. For God is not trying to catch us not minding — He simply asks us to love Him as much as He loves us. There are no ‘try harders’ in loving God. It is a day by day process of learning how to love completely.When I was in elementary school — the periodical report card always included these words: She would do better if she tried harder and didn’t daydream. For years I pondered those words. What exactly is ‘try harder’? What a relief to know there is no ‘try harder’ in following the teaching of Jesus.Where did the teachings of Jesus come from? From our Heavenly Father who sent Jesus to earth to become the sacrifice for our sins and give us a way to make our home with God Himself. All it takes is that we love Jesus and obey Him.The question is….how much do we love Jesus? How much do we want to follow Him? How much do we care? Really care? The life we live is our testimony of how much we truly love Jesus! He is the door and the way to Heaven. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. John 14:23-24