Tag: God’s Love

HomeTag: God’s Love

23
Oct '19

God’s Love For You and I

Posted on Oct 23, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: ,

23
Oct '19
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 
 
Focusing on the way God loves us in this verse, seems an infinitely more profound way of communicating the depth of His love. We must consider the reality that in order to redeem mankind, who had made themselves God’s enemies, his very Son was required as substitute. That’s like a parent giving his or her only child’s life to save the lives of soldiers from an invading enemy nation, intent on destruction. 
 
When our eyes are opened to that kind of unfathomable love, it should stir something in us. God’s love for us is deeper than words, it was spoken through selfless action and is further communicated through His adoption of us. (Ephesians 1:5). The beautiful gift of our salvation is a story wrought with absolute love.
 
Through the sacrifice made upon the cross we are reconciled back to our rightful place as sons and daughters of God; and this place is one that cannot be taken from us. (Romans 8: 38-39). Our place of dependence here is as God’s dearly beloved children.
 
In light of your dependence as children of God, you are invited to trust in the Father’s intense love and affection for you. Take time today to rest in the truth of the love that was shown to us all through the sacrifice of Jesus.
 
This devotion blessed me. As a parent myself I don’t know if I could willingly do as today’s devotion depicts, sacrifice my only child’s life to save the lives of soldiers from an invading enemy nation, intent on destruction. Wow! What a thought provoking visual. What love! Remember this today, God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime. There is no pit so deep that that God’s Love is not deeper still. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 6:2

28
Jun '17

Looking for Love

Posted on Jun 28, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: ,

28
Jun '17

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

There is a chorus of a song that says, “Looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for love in too many faces.” Funny how true that is. We each have an innate desire to be loved and accepted just the way we are. We long for others to be kind, caring and selfless. We look for this kind of love from our families, friends and even neighbors, believing that we are giving this kind of love so others should give it back. However, the harder we look and the more we seek, the more discouraged and heartbroken we become. Why? Because we are looking for love in all the wrong places and in too many faces.

God is love. Love comes from God. If we are going to talk about love, look for love and try to love others, we need to learn from the Creator of love. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down His life for us. He was willing to take on the form of a man and then lower Himself to the role of a servant to express His perfect love. The right place to look for love is at the cross and the only “face” that truly expresses love is Jesus’.

Jesus loves you. There is nothing you can do to receive more of His love and there is no sin so great that you can lessen His love for you. His love is constant. It is funny that we look for love, but when we find it, it is a hard thing to accept. Ask the Lord to open your heart today to be able to receive His love for you. Rest in His love and seek His face. Fill that void in your heart by knowing the true essence of Love. Then, instead of you looking for love in the faces of others, others will find it when they see Christ reflected in yours.

When I read this I thought about a saying I had read. It said, The best way to find love is to find God! He is The Way, The Truth and The Life! Today, lets strive to reflect Christ and His love.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 15:13-17


16
May '17

The Wise Graciously Take Criticism

Posted on May 16, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: , ,

16
May '17
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8-9)

Taking criticism can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told that what he is doing is wrong, especially when he thinks he is right. However, a wise person takes criticism graciously. A wise person understands that he does not know everything.

If you’re acquainted with individuals who believe they know everything, chances are they aren’t truly as wise as they perceive themselves to be.

When someone approaches a wise person and shows him faults or areas for improvement, that person will graciously listen and change accordingly; the text even says the wise person will love the observer for it. We must learn to look at criticism as a loving way for others to help us to be more like Jesus. Obviously, there will be times when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love. But, the majority of times it will be for our good.

Take a hard look at your life. How do you handle criticism? Do you have a hard time because you think you know best? Are there relationships that have been broken because of the way you have taken criticism?

Remember Proverbs 9:8-9 as others show you areas you need to work on.

Wow! When I read this I honestly hesitated to share it but I couldn’t shake the importance and truth of it all. Let’s take time today and ask ourselves this very question, how do I handle criticism? When I’ve gotten criticism is times past, as hard as it may have been to swallow and I may have had tears in private, I took it to The Lord and I said what does the word say about this, there is direction through scripture for everything we face in this life and it will guide you on the path you are to take and it will confirm or deny the criticism you receive. So, when you are criticized, take it to The Lord and have an honest look at yourself and allow God to do a new work in you and no matter what, love and in those moments when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love the word says in Luke 6:28, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:8-9


09
Sep '16

God’s Love

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: , ,

09
Sep '16
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)

I recently read about how God’s love is certainly at the heart of the mission and message of Jesus. In his earlier gospel account, John recorded the words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The apostle Paul tells us that God’s love is at the core of how we live, and he reminds us that “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).

God’s love is so strong, available, and stabilizing that we can confidently step into each day knowing that the good things are gifts from His hand and the challenges can be faced in His strength. For all of life, His love is what matters most.

Thank You, O Lord, that Your love is rich and pure, measureless and strong! I ask that you hold my hand on this journey called life. May I rest assured in knowing all my challenges can be faced in Your strength and Yours alone. Your love stands when all else has fallen. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:7-19