Living 4 Him

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

Generosity is a hallmark of God’s love.  He is a God who gives and gives and gives over and over again.  When God gave us his Son, his ultimate act of love displayed the power of his passion to break down every barrier that could possibly keep us apart. 

Pastor and author Max Lucado says it this way:  The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you. 

When I ponder the suffering, humiliating love that won victory for me,  I can truly confess with John who said, “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us.”  1 John 3:16 NLT

God’s plan was never to leave us alone and helpless, but to rescue us from darkness, providing access to the inner recesses of his heart.  Through Jesus, God gave everything.  His love is enough to cover all.  

God’s joy becomes complete when we accept his saving love and share this same all-encompassing love with others.  His joy becomes our joy.

Let the truth of God’s love penetrate your heart and mind as you consider these scriptures.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ESV

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 ESV

“Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.”  Isaiah 53:10 NLT

God made a way for his pure love to reach us.

His love is not earned, but freely given.

His love does not expire, but is everlasting.

His love is not simply a spark or connection, but an enormous force moving,   working and changing lives. 

And his love is real.

Although we may feel God’s love gets lost in the demands of our earthly tasks, the complete truth says we are never lost to God’s love.  He pursues us with the fervor of a dedicated shepherd seeking a lost sheep.  (Luke 15: 3-7)

Let God’s love catch you and embrace you.  Let God’s love hold you and change you. 

His gracious kindness, his nearby presence, his lasting mercy are yours forever.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Visit the verses referenced in today’s devotion.  Let a phrase or word or thought or idea wash over you with new knowledge. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Acknowledge and receive God’s love each day with these words in prayer.

God of love, Thank you for the tender devotion you show to me each day.  Thank you for drawing me close to your heart and for washing my spirit clean with yours.  I love you, Lord.  Help me to stay aware of the immense love you have for me and for all of your children.  In gratitude and praise I lift this prayer in the name of Jesus.  Amen.