Love God Big, Love Folks Well

Alright now, buttercup, pull up a porch rocker and get comfy ’cause we’re ’a‑wanderin’ through some truths hotter than a skillet of buttered cornbread. You gotta know and commit to memory that prayer can transform your life and bring peace sweeter than a barn kitten ’a‑purrin’ on your lap. Proverbs 3:5 through 6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and seek His will in all we do.

Jesus said in Mark 12:29 through 31 that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. That teacher in Mark 12:28 was ’a‑tryin’ to trap Jesus like a raccoon in a feed barrel, but Jesus gave wisdom brighter than a porch light in July.

If you’re ’a‑lovin’ God right, you won’t be ’a‑breakin’ commandments like a goat ’a‑bustin’ through a garden fence. And if you’re ’a‑lovin’ your neighbor, you won’t be ’a‑stealin’, ’a‑covetin’, or ’a‑fussin’ like a feisty rooster at sunrise. Love makes obedience natural, like breathin’ or ’a‑swattin’ flies in summertime.

In daily life, lovin’ God looks like resistin’ temptation instead of ’a‑jumpin’ into it like a frog into a pond. It looks like studyin’ His Word and ’a‑keepin’ that prayer line open so He can be ’a‑guidin’ you, ’a‑nudgin’ you, and sometimes ’a‑hollerin’ when you get to wanderin’ off like a lost calf.

Truth is, if you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you’ll naturally want to do what He wants you to do.

Father, I come with a humble heart, ’a‑wantin’ to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach me to put You first and love my neighbor with kindness. Remove pride and fill me with Your grace. Let my life reflect these great commandments. In Jesus precious and holy name, Amen.

Well, butterbean, I reckon that’s enough soul stirrin’ for one day. Now go on out there and love God real big and other folks real well, too, like a plucky little beaver ’a‑buildin’ a dam it just knows will hold. The blessin’s ’a‑waitin’ for you are richer and sweeter than a warm slice of pecan pie ’a-glowin’ under a kitchen lamp on a quiet evenin’.

With joy,

Gwen