5 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Daniel 11:36–12:13
1 John 4:1-21
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 29:2-4
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
1 John 4:9-10 (NLT): “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 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.”
Reflections from Scripture:
Do you want to know how much God loves you? Just look at the cross of Jesus!
That’s what 1 John 4:9-10 tells us. Just listen to the words of those verses again…
1 John 4:9-10 (NLT): “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 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.”
But, there is something else that these verses tell us. They clarify that the love relationship between God and us didn’t initiate with us. It started with God. We simply reciprocated.
So if you ever wonder if God is tired of the relationship you started, just remember that the relationship wasn’t your idea. You didn’t start it. He did.
Further, He loved you even though He knew of every sin you had and ever would commit and the price it would cost His Son on the cross (Romans 5:8). So, nothing you do can cause Him to stop loving you because nothing you do surprises Him.
What is left to do? Enjoy the love relationship with God, my friend.
Oh, and one other thing. Jesus told us that if we want to express our love to God, there’s one way of showing Him our devotion.
John 14:15 (NLT): “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me understand and experience your love for me. I’m not content to know that You loved me at some time in the past. I want to enjoy it right now. And I also want to express my love for You by enjoying You and doing what You have commanded in Your Word. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
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