February 13, 2012

It's nearing Valentine's Day, where everyone will run to the store and buy a card for their sweetheart.  Sometimes, it feels like that's the only day we ever really tell the people around us that we love them.  I am so glad that our Father doesn't wait for the anniversary of His resurrection to let us know how much He loves us.  If He did, this would be a sad and lonely world.

Thankfully, He tells us every day what we mean to Him.  All we have to do is open the Old and New Testament and find the love He had for us, then and now.  He came for Israel and then He came for all of us.  When Israel did not respond, He sent His disciples out to the masses.  And because of our sin, He died on a cross so that we could have eternal life.

I have really been meditating on the power of the cross lately.  I think its because it's so easy for me to look down, rather than looking up.  Up until the last couple of years, I spent most of my time just trying to get by, walking daily, hoping that tomorrow would be a brighter day.  Amazingly, the closer I am to Jesus the brighter the days get.  That doesn't mean I don't falter from time to time.  It just means that I have learned that looking at the cross gives me more joy, more hope, and more security.  There is a rainbow in every day and the only way for us to see it, is to look upon Jesus and what He did for you and me.

Matthew 10: 5-8 NLT:

     Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions:  "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel--God's lost sheep.  Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons.  Give as freely as you have received!"


Exodus 20:6 NLT:

     But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

John 15: 13 NLT:

    There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

Romans 1: 7 NLT:

    I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his only holy people.  May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Throughout the Bible, love is the resounding theme.  It is the essence of our Father and the sacrifice He made with His own son.  This life is hard and sometimes very lonely but look up and see the power in the love your Father has for you.  He doesn't wait to tell us one day a year; He has spoken it upon our lives from generation to generation.  Feel His love today!

My prayer today:

Lord there is none like You.  You are the maker of the Universe, the power of the people, the essence of who we are.  We are being molded in Your image.  This is Your time, Your kingdom, Your people. Fill us today with the holy love You have for us and give us confidence to do all things for You because we are Your disciples.  Thank you for showing your unfailing love daily and walking with us from the beginning of time.  Please help us keep our heads up as we look upon You today.  AMEN