Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 02.21.2017” on Spreaker.
“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).
God’s love is amazing!
It seems I am writing more exclamatory openers in devotionals these days because I really want you to get the message. Today is no different.
I am going to be vulnerable today. Can you keep a secret? I am a huge fan of the Bible. I love to listen to it, read it, study it, and share it. My ultimate fulfillment comes with the Bible in my hands and heart. In it I find peace and comfort. I find pleasure in learning more that will help me live a life that pleases God (I have made so many horrible mistakes over the years).
I should be better prepared to share this thought, but I simply cannot find the verse I want for our focus. Though I have searched I cannot remember where it’s found (maybe you can help me?). It says that our heavenly Father loves us so much that He loves Jesus more than ever because He gave His life for us.
Wait! What? God the Father loves us so much that He loves God the Son more than ever because He gave His life for us. Let that settle in. That is love! Now you understand why I really want to find the verse again. It warms my heart to know that we are securely enfolded in the circle of God’s infinite love.
In His Presence Forever
Many people think the Father needs to be convinced by Jesus not to destroy us. They think Jesus has to beg Him to be merciful. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Jesus taught that He would not need to continually ask the Father for anything in our behalf because the Father loves us.**
If you feel unloved and unlovable today, take courage in the fact that the One who is Love cannot get enough of you. He cannot wait to welcome you into His presence forever, with no darkening veil between. God wants you to be able to see Him as He really is. He wants you to be able to experience His smile, laughter, touch, joy, peace, and companionship. Yes, we can get a foretaste while on earth, and must, but He has infinitely more to share.
So if you don’t get anything else from my ramblings today, get this: God loves you more than you’ll ever know. Surrender your life to Him, in the Spirit, do whatever He says, and look forward to the day you will see Him in all of His effulgent beauty.
We’ll Be Together
In case you’ve not been paying attention to the news lately, let me tell you that the signs of the times are fulfilling more rapid a pace than ever before. He who promised to prepare a place for us will soon come again to receive the faithful unto Himself forever. I hope you are looking forward to that day; He is! Peace.
**For beautiful exposition of the thought, read Steps to Christ, p. 14. (The whole book is worth the read!)
