Daily Devotion

[boldstardex]

While I was traveling with a chorale from a Christian high school, it was great to see the students praise G
od as they led in worship in the churches we visited. What happened away from church was even better to see. One day the group discovered that a woman had no money for gas—and they spontaneously felt led by God to take up a collection. They were able to give her enough money for several tankfuls of gas.
It’s one thing to worship and praise God at church; it’s quite another to move out into the real world and worship Him through daily obedience.
The students’ example causes us to think about our own lives. Do we confine our worship to church? Or do we continue to worship Him by obeying Him in our daily life, looking for opportunities to serve?
In 1 Samuel 15 we see that Saul was asked by the Lord to do a task; but when we review what he did (vv.20-21), we discover that he used worship (sacrifice) as an excuse for his failure to obey God. God’s response was, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (v.22).
It’s good to be involved in worship at church. But let’s also ask God to show us ways to continue to give Him the praise He deserves through our obedience.

Lord, I want my worship of You to extend beyond
the walls of my church. Help me to listen to
Your prompting and to serve others wherever
I can—no matter what day it is.​

Our worship should not be confined to times and places; it should be the spirit of our lives.​

To obey is better than sacrifice. —1 Samuel 15:22​

 

[boldstardex]

In September 1961, Harvey Karlsen, a high school student in Brooklyn, New York, wrote to C. S. Lewis in England. Harvey had read Lewis’ book The Screwtape Letters and asked the author, “When you wrote this book, did Satan give you any trouble, and if he did, what did you do about it?”
Three weeks later, Lewis penned a reply in which he affirmed that he still had plenty of temptations. He said that in facing them, “Perhaps . . . the most important thing is to keep on; not to be discouraged however often one yields to the temptation, but always to pick yourself up again and ask forgiveness.”
The New Testament letters of John are filled with encouragement to persevere in the face of temptation. “I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:12-13).
Whatever our age or experience, we are in a spiritual battle together. “The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (v.17).
Let us cling to God and keep on!

Lord, I get discouraged when I’ve given in again to one
of Satan’s schemes. I’m thankful, though, that Christ
paid for that sin on the cross. Help me to confess it and then
to keep on relying on You for my spiritual growth.​

To master temptation, let Christ master you.​

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. —1 John 2:12​

 

[boldstardex]

My wife Martie often tells me, “Joe, you eat too fast! Slow down and enjoy your meal.” I’m usually done long before she is, because she takes the time to savor every bite.
I wonder how many of us rush through reading God’s Word without really savoring it. The psalmist said about it, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103). That sounds good to me!
What are the benefits of delighting in the rich food of Scripture? A daily meal of God’s Word helps to keep anxiety, pride, fear, and temptation from plaguing our undernourished hearts, and strengthens us for a victorious journey. The Word gives us wisdom and understanding (vv.98-100). And it helps restrain our feet from evil (v.101). Just as our digestive system distributes nutrients to our bodies, God’s Word, when digested, nourishes our minds, our emotions, and our will.
Rather than grabbing the Word on the run just before dashing out the door, it’s important to read it at a time and in a place where we can really fellowship with God.
Take the time and enjoy savoring the richness of God’s Word.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Word. Please
forgive us for the times when we’ve rushed through
reading without taking the time to savor the richness
of its meaning. Help us to listen to Your voice.​

God’s Word provides the ingredients we need to thrive spiritually.​

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! —Psalm 119:103​

 

[boldstardex]

I woke up one morning and discovered that my Internet connection was not working. My service provider conducted some tests and concluded that my modem needed to be replaced, but the earliest they could do so was the next day. I panicked a little when I thought about being without the Internet connection for 24 hours! I thought, How am I going to survive without it?
Then I asked myself, Would I also panic if my connection with God was disrupted for a day? We keep our connection with God alive by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then we are to be “doers of the Word” (James 1:22-24).
The writer of Psalm 119 recognized the importance of a connection to God. He asked God to teach him His statutes and give him understanding of His law (vv.33-34). Then he prayed that he would observe it with his whole heart (v.34), walk in the path of God’s commandments (v.35), and turn away his eyes from looking at worthless things (v.37). By meditating on God’s Word and then applying it, the psalmist stayed “connected” to God.
God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path to lead us to Him.

May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say. —Wilkinson​

To recharge your spiritual battery, plug into the Source.​

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105​

 

[boldstardex]

A colleague recently shared an experience I don’t intend to try personally—bungee jumping. I found his description of the event both fascinating and terrifying. To think of jumping headfirst from a bridge hundreds of feet in the air suspended only by a giant rubber band is not my idea of a good time. But his leap was not without support. He described not one, but two heavy-duty harnesses that secured him to his lifeline—and to safety. The careful design and proven testing of those harnesses gave him great confidence as he jumped into the air.
As I listened, it occurred to me that for the follower of Christ, living in a sinful world is not a blind “leap of faith.” We too have a pair of protections that can secure us in even the darkest times of life. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote these words, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
It’s in these twin harnesses—God’s grace and faith in the finished work of Jesus—that our relationship with God safely rests. In the strength of these provisions, salvation is not a risky leap into the void. It’s an exercise of confidence in God’s Word and His unfailing love and protection.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed! —Newton​

We can expect God’s peace when we accept God’s grace.​

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. —Ephesians 2:8​

 

[boldstardex]

Kim Peek was a savant (a person with extraordinary memory) who memorized all of Shakespeare’s plays. During a performance of Twelfth Night, Peek noticed that the actor had skipped a word from one of the lines. Peek suddenly stood up and shouted, “Stop!” The actor apologized and said he didn’t think anyone would mind. Peek replied, “Shakespeare would.”
Words matter. But especially when they are the very words of God. Moses warned Israel, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God” (Deut. 4:2). Moses often reminded Israel of God’s mercy and faithfulness to them in the past. But he also stressed the importance of obedience to God’s commands as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. He told them that obedience would result in blessings of life and a rich inheritance (vv.39-40). Every command and regulation mattered to God. The value His people placed on God’s Word showed their view of Him.
Today, when we value God’s Word, handle it with great care, and obey what it says, we give God the reverence He truly deserves.

The Bible stands, and it will forever
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given—
All its precepts I will obey. —Lillenas​

God’s Word needs no additions or subtractions.​

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God. —Deuteronomy 4:2​

 

[boldstardex]

"...but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" - Genesis 3:3

I am sure most of you know the story of Adam and Eve. The Bible says that God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They had both been made in the image and likeness of God. They now had each other as marriage mates. God had given them total dominion over everything on the earth and had told them that they were free to be fruitful and multiply.

And then to really top it off, they both had direct contact and fellowship with God Himself, as the Bible says that God walked with them in the Garden of Eden. They literally had it all! However, there was just one small catch - the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Don't you ever wonder why God put that one tree there in the Garden of Eden and told Adam not to eat from it?

Well, the reason is very simple. God loves us, and He created us to have fellowship with Him. There is not true love in a relationship unless we are free to reject that love. God gave man a free will to decide if we love Him enough to trust Him and trust Him enough to obey Him. To love God is to obey Him. It's a choice. If we have no choice, we have no opportunity to love. Instead, we would be robots or puppets.

But, what is really amazing, God's love is so great that even though we all choose to disobey Him more often than we'd like to admit, He gives us a way to be forgiven and changed, and empowered to love Him through Jesus Christ. Why don't you choose Christ in faith and you'll be forgiven and made right with God. It's a relationship like none you've known before!

 

[rowan]

"...but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" - Genesis 3:3

I am sure most of you know the story of Adam and Eve. The Bible says that God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They had both been made in the image and likeness of God. They now had each other as marriage mates. God had given them total dominion over everything on the earth and had told them that they were free to be fruitful and multiply.

And then to really top it off, they both had direct contact and fellowship with God Himself, as the Bible says that God walked with them in the Garden of Eden. They literally had it all! However, there was just one small catch - the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Don't you ever wonder why God put that one tree there in the Garden of Eden and told Adam not to eat from it?

Well, the reason is very simple. God loves us, and He created us to have fellowship with Him. There is not true love in a relationship unless we are free to reject that love. God gave man a free will to decide if we love Him enough to trust Him and trust Him enough to obey Him. To love God is to obey Him. It's a choice. If we have no choice, we have no opportunity to love. Instead, we would be robots or puppets.

But, what is really amazing, God's love is so great that even though we all choose to disobey Him more often than we'd like to admit, He gives us a way to be forgiven and changed, and empowered to love Him through Jesus Christ. Why don't you choose Christ in faith and you'll be forgiven and made right with God. It's a relationship like none you've known before!

nice .... really nice..

 

[boldstardex]

Every year when I put out the hummingbird feeder, the busy little birds start battling for position. Even though there are four places at the “table,” the birds fight for whatever place one of their neighbors is using. The source of food at each place is the same—a reservoir of syrup in the bottom of the feeder. Knowing that all the feeding stations are equal, I shake my head at their greediness.
But then I wonder, Why is it so much easier to see the greed of the birds than it is to see my own? I often want the place at “God’s table” that someone else has, even though I know all good things come from the same source—God—and that His supply will never run out. Since God can prepare a table for us even in the presence of our enemies (Ps. 23:5), why be concerned that someone else might have the station in life that we want?
The Lord is able to give us “all sufficiency in all things” so that we will have “an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). When we recognize the importance of our work as ministers of the grace of God (1 Peter 4:10), we’ll stop fighting to take over someone else’s position and be grateful for the place God has given us to serve others on His behalf.

Thank You for the privilege we have to serve You by
serving others, Lord. Help us to be content to fill
the place where You have put us, so that
You might be glorified through us.​

Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking at God.​

God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance for every good work. —2 Corinthians ​

 

[boldstardex]

When airplane pilots are training, they spend many hours in flight simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can calmly walk away.
Simulators are tremendous teaching tools—helpful in preparing the aspiring pilot to take command of an actual aircraft. The devices, however, have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the full-blown pressures of handling a real cockpit cannot be fully replicated.
Real life is like that, isn’t it? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable. That’s why the words of Jesus are so reassuring. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.

Outward troubles may not cease,
But this your joy will be:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee.” —Anon.​

No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.​

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. —John 16:33​

 

[boldstardex]

Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country doctor. She feels superior to others in her new small-town environment. But her husband’s response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm, which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant attitude challenges Carol’s prideful mindset.
In all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think we’re superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle, tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
We can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we focus on Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself up for us (vv.5-8). When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows us the humble, better way.

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel​

Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own.​

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3​

 

[boldstardex]

In May 2011, a young woman took cover in a bathtub during a tornado that devastated her city of Joplin, Missouri. Her husband covered her body with his and took the blows from flying debris. He died, and she survived because of his heroism. She naturally wrestles with the question, “Why?” But a year after the tornado, she said that she finds comfort because even on her worst day ever, she was loved.
When I think about “worst days ever,” I think of Job right away. A man who loved God, he lost his animals, his servants, and his 10 children in one day! (Job 1:13-19). Job mourned deeply, and he also asked the “Why?” questions. He cried out, “Have I sinned? What have I done to You . . . ? Why have You set me as Your target?” (7:20). Job’s friends accused him of sinning and thought he deserved his difficulties, but God said of his friends: “You have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has” (42:7). God did not give him the reasons for his suffering, but He listened to Job and did not fault him for his questions. God assured him of His control over everything, and Job trusted Him (42:1-6).
The Lord may not give us the reasons for our trials. But, thankfully, even on our worst day ever, we can know for sure we are loved by Him (Rom. 8:35-39).

We’re grateful, Father, that You know our hearts
with our pain and joy. Thank You that You never
leave us nor forsake us, as Your Word tells us.
Please hold us close during our trials.​

God’s love does not keep us from trials, but sees us through them.​

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. —Job 7:11​

 

[boldstardex]

"Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise)..." - Ephesians 6:2

Having recently watched my mother exchange her earthly home for her heavenly home, I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It's a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:

* The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time, but if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.

* Be prayerful and sensitive when parents can no longer care for themselves or their home. Be honest in helping them think about where they will live - be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.

* As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you most want. You should always allow them a much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old.

 

[boldstardex]

“In whatever a man does without God, he must fail miserably—or succeed more miserably,” wrote George MacDonald (1824–1905), a Scottish novelist, poet, and Christian minister. This intriguing statement is often cited by modern speakers and writers and appears in MacDonald’s book Unspoken Sermons.
MacDonald was dealing with the difficult subject of a Christian’s self-denial and how we are to apply this teaching of Jesus: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).
Rather than merely trying to suppress our natural desires, MacDonald said that true self-denial means “we must see things as [Christ] saw them, regard them as He regarded them; we must take the will of God as the very life of our being . . . . We are no more to think, ‘What should I like to do?’ but ‘What would the Living One have me do?’”
Getting only what we want is succeeding miserably. True success is found in “losing” our lives for Jesus’ sake and finding them again full and free in His will.

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be. —Gabriel​

The spirit of humility and self-denial precedes a deeper and closer walk with God.​

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. —Luke 9:23​

 

[boldstardex]

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV

Just before 8am on December 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The attack lasted only two hours, but it was devastating. They managed to destroy eight enormous battleships, and almost 200 airplanes. More than 2,000 US soldiers died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded.

It has always fascinated me to read the accounts of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a day of overwhelming tragedy and innumerable acts of courage. Hearing the accounts of bravery performed by those men who distinguished themselves fighting for freedom brings awe to all.

But acts of courage don't occur only on the battlefield. Courageous deeds happen unnoticed on playgrounds, in offices, and in homes every day as people stand up for what is right. Courage is understanding the consequences, and choosing to do the right thing anyway.

About 2,000 years ago a man named Jesus Christ, a man who had never sinned, chose to go to the cross for your sins and mine. It was the ultimate act of courage. And His sacrifice, like the men at Pearl Harbor, was done for you and me. When you finally recognize what His sacrifice means, I encourage you to choose to trust Him. He will then give you courage to face every day victoriously.

 

[boldstardex]

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." - James 4:3 NIV

How do you handle it when you are disappointed in the results of prayer? Hasn't everyone had some puzzling or disappointing outcomes even with the most fervent or faith-filled prayer?

Sometimes we think we have to slide those little disappointments under the rug and not talk about them. We don't want to admit that (we believe) maybe God doesn't have all the answers. (Clarification on the preceding sentence: We're not saying that God doesn't have all the answers. As you will see in the following paragraph, we clearly know He does. What was meant here is that "we," meaning "people" sometimes don't want to admit that they don't believe God has all the answers, when, unfortunately, that's exactly what they believe.)

The truth is that God is always faithful and His Word is 100% accurate every single time. Psalm 33:4 reminds us; "For the word of the Lord is upright; and all His work is done in faithfulness." We, therefore, are all the more dumbfounded in those times where our experience does not seem to match that truth.

You'll find little argument from people about the importance of prayer. Most people pray. Everyone needs it. But the reality is, prayer is often disappointing to us. We don't get the results we desire. Let me share with you why: It's found in the Bible, in the book of James, as shown above. "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives."

Prayer is not so much about asking God for what we want. It's about discovering what He wants and finding the strength to do it. Selfish prayers disappoint. Prayers to get to know God, to find strength and to do His will, bring tremendous results - sometimes even supernatural results. This kind of praying is powerful, because you get plugged into the ultimate power source - the God of the universe.

How is your prayer life? Is it fulfilling or disappointing? Remember to check your motives, for your heart is the key. Why don't you take a moment right now and talk with God, just for the purpose of seeking His will. You'll be pleased with the results!

 

[boldstardex]

While serving as a maid in London, England, in the early part of the 20th century, Gladys Aylward had other dreams. Her goal was to be a missionary to China. Having been rejected by a Christian missionary organization as “unqualified,” Gladys decided to go there on her own. At the age of 28, she used her life savings to purchase a one-way ticket to Yangcheng, a remote village in China. There she established an inn for trade caravans where she shared Bible stories. Gladys served in other villages as well and became known as Ai-weh-deh,Chinese for “virtuous one.”
The apostle Paul also spread the gospel to distant regions of the world. He extended himself as a servant to meet the needs of others (2 Cor. 11:16-29). He wrote this about serving: “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake” (4:5).
Not all of us are called to endure hardship to spread the gospel in distant lands. But each of us is responsible as a servant of God to share Christ with people in our sphere of influence. It’s our privilege to help our neighbors, friends, and relatives. Ask God for openings to serve and to talk about Jesus who gave Himself for us.

My life is a painting created by God,
And as such I’ve nothing to boast;
Reflecting the image of Christ to the world
Is what I desire the most. —Sper​

We serve God by sharing His Word with others.​

We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. —2 Corinthians 4:5​

 

[boldstardex]

I received good news at my eye checkup last month—my faraway vision has improved. Well, I thought it was good news until a friend informed me: “Faraway vision can improve as we age; close-up vision may diminish.”
The report made me think of another kind of improved faraway vision that I have observed in some Christians. Those who have known the Lord for a long time or who have gone through great trials seem to have a better heavenly vision than the rest of us. Their eternal eyesight has gotten better and their close-up “earthly” vision is diminishing.
Because the apostle Paul had that type of eternal vision, he encouraged the church in Corinth: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory . . . . The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
For now we struggle with our “eyesight.” There’s a tension between enjoying all that God has given us in this life, yet still believing what theologian Jonathan Edwards said about our future: “To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.” Seeing Him will bring perfect vision.

Lord, we know that our life on this earth is but
a moment compared to eternity. Help us to enjoy
the time we’ve been given, and use us to tell of Your
love and goodness until that day when we see You.​

Keep your eyes fixed on the prize.​

We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. —2 Corinthians 4:18​

 

[boldstardex]

When a general returned from a victorious battle, ancient Rome would stage a parade to welcome the conqueror home. The parade would include the general’s troops, as well as trophy captives who had been brought along as evidence of the victory. As the parade made its way through the city, the crowds would cheer their hero’s success.
To prevent the general’s ego from becoming unduly swollen, a slave rode along with him in his chariot. Why? So that as the Roman throngs heaped praise on the general, the slave could continually whisper in his ear, “You too are mortal.”
When successful, we too may lose sight of our own frailty and allow our hearts to fill with destructive pride. James pointed us away from the danger of pride by pointing us to humility and to God. He wrote, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The key to that statement is grace. Nothing is more wonderful! The Lord alone deserves thanks and praise—especially for the grace He has lavished on us.
Our achievements, success, or greatness are not rooted in ourselves. They are the product of God’s matchless grace, upon which we are eternally dependent.

New mercies every morning,
Grace for every day,
New hope for every trial,
And courage all the way. —Mc Veigh​

God’s grace is infinite love expressing itself through infinite goodness.​

 

[boldstardex]

On cold days, our old dog moves around the yard, finding a sunny spot to stretch out on the grass to keep herself in the warmth of the sun.
This reminds me that we must “keep” ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21). That doesn’t mean we have to act in some special way to make God love us (although our desire is to please Him). Because we are His children we’re loved no matter what we do or fail to do. It means instead that we should think about His love and bask in its radiance and warmth all day long.
“[Nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God” (Rom. 8:39). He loved us before we were born, and He loves us now. This is our identity in Christ; it is who we are—God’s beloved children. That’s something to think about throughout the day.
Five times in John’s gospel he described himself as the disciple Jesus loved (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20). Jesus loved His other disciples too, but John reveled in the fact that Jesus loved him! We can adopt John’s theme—“I am the disciple Jesus loves!”—and repeat it to ourselves all day long. Or we can sing that familiar children’s song in our hearts, “Jesus loves me, this I know.” As we carry that truth with us throughout the day, we’ll bask in the warmth of His love!

I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see—
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. —Bliss​

God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.​

Keep yourselves in the love of God. —Jude 1:21​