You love me, and there is nothing I or anyone else can do about it. Your acceptance of me is unconditional. You don’t love me more when I do good, and you don’t love me less when I do bad. When I read my Bible I get closer to you and learn more of you, but when I don’t, you don’t love me any less. You didn’t come into the world to make me feel guilty, and you don’t shame me into obedience or compliance. You just have plain love for me. And I know when it’s you talking, because the Holy Spirit does not condemn me. He convicts and convinces me of what is right, .and then, He comforts me. That’s the kind of relationship I need.
Like the woman at the well---you knew her life and what she had been doing; yet, you loved her. Even though she was convicted in her heart, you did not condemn her. You reached out to her and ministered salvation to her and the people in her city.
So, if others are looking for me to do something wrong, I’ve got something for them, because it’s bound to happen--I’m not perfect. But, Father, you won’t hold it against me, and I hope they won’t either.
The fact is, your grace is greater than every mistake I have ever made or will ever make. Thank you, Father.
And oh.....the accuser of the brethren will say, “He doesn’t really love you, because if He did, He wouldn’t have let this happen to you. You made confessions, you gave extra money at church last Sunday,.....you even worked the volleyball game last week when nobody else would step up, and blah, blah, blah. God doesn’t really love you. Can’t you see he’s forgotten about you---that you’re a “has been?”
But, hold on.....I will ask him this question: “If I am not worth much, then how come Jesus paid so much for me? He paid the highest price that’s ever been paid for anything, for me. And now, because I am your sheep and I know your voice, I realize I cannot afford to let the enemy rent any space in my mind. I will declare with all that is in me, “My God loves me.........my God loves me........my God loves me.”
In fact, it's possible I can yell at my children and forget my spouse’s birthday today and you can turn around the next day and bless my socks off. It is possible that I can go on a shopping spree and mess my finances up for the month and you can turn around the next day and get rid of all my debt and place me in a position where I can give more to the gospel than I have ever given. It is possible, that I can eat a big fat cheeseburger, some chili cheese fries and a funnel cake, and don’t get my proper rest this week, and you can still turn around and totally heal my body and give me new organs tomorrow! Why? Because you don’t move in my life based on my performance. My faith, and my faith only is what pleases you.
My failures, my sense of unworthiness and my awareness of all the things I have done wrong was amplified by satan and by religion, not by you. You said the mountains will depart and the hills will be removed before your love, your kindness and your covenant of peace and completeness will depart from me, because you have compassion on me. You will have mercy on me. You’re looking at the good in my life, because you see me in the spirit. You are not picking me apart and analyzing me the way I have analyzed myself. If you tell me to be longsuffering and kind with others, you must be that way with me. Thank you, Father.
All things are possible to me, because I believe, and because I believe the love you have for me, I shall see your glory! So, I resist guilt and shame, because you love me.
I am your beloved. You actually love me as much as you love Jesus! Wow....Nothing shall separate me from your love. - AMEN
Scripture Links: Ephesians 2:4; Revelation 12:10; I John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6; Titus 3:5 Romans 8:39
To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan h; as no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.
To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
