Love God and Love People, God is with us

For the past two years, the church has been preaching on the “Heartified Commandments” in the main services. Thank God for His unlocking so that we know that the summary of the Law and the Prophets is to become Trees of Life–loving God and people. One finds it extremely hard to follow God without the love of God. When I was pastoring a church in Vancouver, my heart broke as I eavesdropped on some very negative comments from a group of pastors. There and then I prayed and asked God to keep my heart pure so that I shall be neither bitter nor resentful! Thank God I carry on until today.

We love God because He first loved us. Louisa, my disciple finished her Bible School study, planning to go back to Australia and raise her children. However, I pointed out to her that she can serve God while raising children. Thankfully, she took my advice. Today, she is a happy mother of many. Not only does she share love with others, she even offers up her family. In the past, she served at the Bible School, taking care of many bible school students. Now, she and her husband are discipling “Wonderful 611”, our branch church, with one heart. Her love continues to expand as her life keeps elevating. Being discipled by us, she has love and trust with us. Therefore, she can freely express herself. In this way, her life is fulfilling, making her following God simple.

Catherine came from Taiwan many years ago and left her job to be a Levite. Her life has changed a lot as well. She admits that her love was very shallow. Before coming to 611, she loved those who were friendly and lovable while ignoring others. She always talked back to C-Mo and I. Hence, I used to say that she was “No. 2 in refusing to listen”. But now, she understands what she lacks in life and she is willing to receive love from us.

As we keep piling on the“Heartified Commandments”, especially the first one, Catherine has received a huge apple from God. The laws and commands of the Lord are no longer negative rules from God. Instead, they are out of God’s love. During one MG leaders’ retreat, I asked everyone what they wanted to put on their gravestones. Catherine said, “Faithful Love”. She has been serving “Special Treasures (special needs) kids and their families at Mercy House. Today, I can testify that she gives willingly and has become much more joyful.

We love God because God loves us first and He is with us always! One day, I was praying at the Mercy Seat. Suddenly, a ray of sunlight came through the cross on the roof, it was magnificent! Recently, C-Mo and I were talking about the development of the Tree of Life Education, including nurturing teachers and setting up the whole thing. Suddenly, we saw a rainbow but it disappeared soon after, even though it didn’t rain that day. Similar astrological phenomena have been appearing to us. They seem to be telling us: God is with us! As long as we love God and men, He shall surely be with us!■【2023.09.24】