delight

“Jesus answered, “The most important is, Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And 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…

You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Mark 12:29, 34

Daughter, Jesus desires a relationship with you that is intentional.

In Mark 12, Jesus tells the scribe (and us) the most important commandment; the one above all — is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart and soul; with everything we have; our entire being. Jesus not only answers the scribe's question here, but sends him away with encouragement. He teaches him, and then affirms that he is already doing the good work — and in that, he is “not far from the kingdom of God ''.

The Lord delights in watching us take what He says and applying it to our lives — becoming wise on the foundation of His word. What better of a way to live out what is written than to pour our daily cup & soak in wisdom from the author himself?

As we sink deeper into a relationship with Jesus we begin to realize what a true friendship looks like when it is rooted in love and other reflections of our Fathers spirit. We are commanded to love God above all else, and then we learn how to show love to His people.

He gives us the blueprint. How amazing is that? Now you may ask — what does that deeper relationship with God look like? How does it start? We may not know all the answers, but we do know this:

Our question. His answer. Intentional affirmation.

Seek Him today.

with love + kindness,
Madison Leigh

additional reading:

Luke 10:27, Proverbs 23:26, 1 Timothy 1:5, Deuteronomy 10:12

reflect:

What is God teaching you in this season about your relationship with Him? How can you be more intentional while building connections and friendships with the people the Lord has placed in your life?

centering prayer:

LORD, thank you for the gift of friendship — for teaching us what a true friend looks like: one that cheers us on, comforts us, and gives us wisdom all in the same day. May our relationships glorify you & reflect the things you have taught us as we have sought after your heart. We love you. Amen.