So Live In Love With God Series

LIFE’S TOO SHORT

So Live in Love with God

January 8, 2012

INTRODUCTION

Some decisions change everything.

The decision to drop out may seem attractive to some, or to others the only choice at the time. But the decision will change everything for so long perhaps even a lifetime.

T. S As we begin this new year I believe that there are chances for each us to make choices that will shape not only the rest of the year, but perhaps will shape our lives forever. Most of us have heard the phrase, ' Life's Too Short.' The reality of the truth is supposed to motivate us to make certain choices.

This week I read things like this.

Life's too short

* To tolerate people who pull you down.

* To work in an environment or career you hate.

* For all work and no play.

* Not to care for your body.

* to be living somebody else's dream.

T. S. I want us to explore three choices that we just need to make because life is too short.

In one of the old testament books, just such a choice is laid out before God's people, an opportunity to choice and the out of the choice with have either great or horrible impact upon their lives.

Each of those choices is seen in the encounters that Moses has with the people of God in the events described in the book of Deuteronomy.

I. Background

A. Deuteronomy --

B. Purpose of Deuteronomy

The purpose of Deuteronomy is to remind God's people of His faithfulness and kindness so that they together embrace God's future for their lives.

C. Key Passage: Deut 30:19

19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, . . . NIV

P.S. LIFE'S TOO SHORT SO LIVE IN LOVE WITH GOD.

T. S. Turn with me to Deut 6:4-8 and let's begin to explore this choice.

Moses wrote as a foundation principle for the people of God. Jesus quotes from the passage when he is asked be a seeker what is the first and greatest commandment.

He has been remembering all the incredible greatness of God, his mercy in deliverance, his protections and patience while they wandered in the desert. Oh and did I tell you... he knows he is soon to die.

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

T.S. When you read this passage it is clear that Moses is describing not just a simple decision but a lifestyle decision.

II. Living in Love with God is a Lifestyle Decision

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God

* Impress them on your children.

* Talk about them

* Tie them as symbols on your hand

* Bind them on your foreheads.

* Write them on your doorframes

Some decisions require very little of us. Most of you decided to get dressed today. And we're all grateful. If you had decided not to get dressed that would have had big impact upon your life. But the decision you made to today to wear, grey, black, red, wool or cotton likely had less of an impact.

The Decision to live in Love with God is one of those ultimate defining decisions that we make.

A. We can know him and not live in love with him.

I know the guy who changes the oil in my car. But I don't love him. I may not wish him Ill, I may want him to come to Christ, I may hope he's happy, but if I were to choice to love this guy, I would be a different.

B. We can do things for Him and not live in love for him

Have you ever held the door for a stranger, stopped to help someone pick up something they dropped. We can serve without living in Love. We can show up to a meeting , a service, a gathering and not be in love with him.

Ever eaten dinner with a coworker? For most of us that's different than eating dinner with the love of our lives.