"Two by Two" -Two

 "The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:43-45 KJV) 

  "This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:10 NLT)

  Not that it hasn't already been established, because it has been this way all along; but the whole reason for that, Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, was that we love God by choice. Everything love is about is based upon choice: you must choose to do what is required to love! God provided that tree in the midst of the garden, that Adam and Eve might choose to love Him; they would choose to love Him by obedience to the one thing that He asked them not to do.  

  Basically, this is a two-way street: God proves His love for us in everything He does! Nothing is held back, as He proved by sending His Son to die for our sins; He chose to do this, because it was the only way that He could save us from our sin, which, for the sake argument, is the lack of love that we have for Him! God says, 'Do this and don't do that,' not to make our lives difficult or make us to follow His commands; His commands are given so that we know what to do so that we might please Him! 

  I know it might be hard to sometimes understand, because we just don't usually communicate this way; as if to instruct those we love, what they must do or not do, if they wish to show love back. For us, it is pretty much understood how we should treat one another; yet, we fall short in that regard also, without even trying! 

  As much as I would like to, I cannot be perfect throughout the day! I set out each morning to start my day with one goal in mind, to love God, and love everyone as myself. It really does not take very long at all, and that goal is soon forgotten, because it has failed. Simply put, love requires a choice; you either do or you don't do, whatever it is, it is done or not done for love to be, or else, love is not! 

  God does everything He does because He loves us! I know, there are things we feel He could or should do, as if it is what we expect to see to know He loves us. But this little time here is nothing compared to what He has planned for our eternity with Him. What is a 100 years of this, compared to eternity in heaven? Not that I plan on being here that long, but that is totally up to Him!  

  Okay, so what does this stupid title, Two by Two, have to do with anything I have just said? Oh, goodness, for goodness sake! There are only two choices we have to make! Jesus demonstrated that when He decided to go to Galilee! Philip demonstrated it when he chose to follow Jesus; the he showed it again, when he went to find Nathanael. Should I stay or should I go...

""Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!"" (Isaiah 1:18-20 NLT)