Love

I have loved thee with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

“I have loved thee with an everlasting love” brings to mind such a beautiful love between a husband and a wife. A pure love, undefiled, selfless, generous, kind, thoughtful, and caring. A love that says “til death do us part.” A love that speaks no angry words and knows and speaks sweet words of love and encouragement. A love that gives to its beloved and says, “Take. This is mine and I give it to you.” A love that longs to please and is satisfied in that giving.

If you know God’s love, you know this pure, holy, undefiled, selfless, kind, thoughtful, bountiful, caring, and sacrificial love. His love is so pure that I can never repay it. His love is so kind that my generosity will never merit against it. His love is pure, holy, and undefiled and my love will never match it. His love is bountiful, caring, and selfless and my love will never compare to such selflessness and kindness. Yet, He loves me “with an everlasting love.” His love endures. His love died for me, endured death, and lives forever. His love longs for my love.

His love rises early in the morning and waits for me to awake. His love waits patiently for me to speak and acknowledge His presence. His love longs to talk about the activity of my day. His love is selfless in His providing for my basic needs. His love smiles as I leave and start a new day, but wonders when I will spend time with Him. His love hovers over me and clings to me like the cloths I wear, but I never noticed His enduring presence. His love looks on as I struggle through difficult people and problems. His love reaches out to hold my hand and longs to whisper words of wisdom and advice in my ear, but I don’t see or hear Him. His love patiently waits for me.

His love longs to please in the selfless giving of time. As my calendar is freed with canceled appointments He longs to talk with me over lunch, but I never noticed His presence in the car. Instead the news of the day, the phone has rung, or the songs of this world enticed my mind and consumed my newly found free time. Yet undaunted He waits. His love gives through the selfless acts of kindness of others once again asking patiently for my attention and I didn’t see Him.

His love protects me as I travel home, yet as I missed the speeding car that ran a red light I never noticed His presence. Once home I drop my bag and purse and plop my tired body in a chair and turn on the television. His love continues to call to me, but I don’t hear Him. His love whispers words of love and kindness, they go unnoticed. His love waits for me as I finish the day, but I walk past and fall into bed.

“His love is everlasting.” When will I notice? When will I see all that He has and is and will continue doing for me? When will my cold heart burn with the fire of His love? When will I know His very presence moment by moment, morning by morning, and day after day? When will this selfish heart break open and spill out its love for the One who loved me first? When will this heart give its love to the Giver and Provider of all love? When will I?

O Precious Father, may Your love never grow cold within me. May I always know Your intimate presence. May I always long to spend time with You. May the deepest yearnings of my heart surface to the top and cry, “Abba Father. You who loved me first fill my every thought with Your enduring love.” May I know from whence I came. May I long never to be the same. May my thoughts and selfishness be tamed by Your pure and holy love. O Father, may I share Your love in return with equaled devotion and cry out that I am unworthy of Your kindness and caring. Fill my longing with You. Fill my yearning with You. Fill my desire for love with You. Fill my entire being with You and may every sense of my being know Your everlasting presence and enduring love.

Pursuit of Happiness

Proverbs 23:4
Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Strive not for riches, but for life. Work towards providing for your basic needs and not towards the gain of wealth and riches themselves. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said, “If you being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask?” Am I working a job for my own pursuit of money, fancy house, the elitist of cars, or my expensive hobby? Why am I working? For me, it is for the basic needs of life; food, clothing, transportation, and family. I have learned to be content in all situations. Right now we were told there would be no pay raises. My retirement fund has lost over fifty percent of the assets it once had. But I labor not for these riches. I labor for the love that is within me. My job is my mission field. A place where God shines His light in my life everyday and continually grows ministry skills. That is not to say that I am perfect in this endeavor, besides I am an emotional female. I have my good days and bad days. But I strive not to please my pocket book. I strive and labor to please my Heavenly Father.

But the part of the verse that pokes at me is the second half, which says, “Cease from thine own wisdom.” Am I chasing after foolishness? Am I listening to the whisper of the world when it says, “Its okay, everybody does it?” Some sound words of wisdom I have found are; Psalms 119:34, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, yea I shall observe it with my whole heart.: Psalm 119:60, “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Psalm 119:66, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I have believed thy commandments.” Proverbs 3:7, “Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil.”

What wisdom are you clinging to and following? Are you listening and following the wisdom of this world that says, “Go ahead. There is nothing wrong with a little lie. No one believes you are wrong in just looking at a pretty woman/man. Take the money. You deserve it. Not being truthful on your taxes is okay, besides it's your money.” Justifying your bad behavior, ugly talk, gossiping, or just being rude is the “pursuit of your own wisdom; being wise in thine own eyes.” Cease! Cease from your own wisdom and folly. Follow the commands, laws, promises, and precepts written within the Holy Bible. “Love one another. Treat others as you would yourself. Honesty is the best policy. Be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing unto God.” Live in reverent and Holy fear of God, His majestic presence, His everlasting power, and His great wisdom and knowldge!

Seek the wisdom, knowledge, and sound judgment that He has to offer. His home is opened to you, more that that He offers to bring His home, His kingdom, presence, and majesty to you! He longs to fill your cup, your plate, your life with all His wisdom and knowledge, mercy and truth. Cease striving after the things the world offers. There is no lasting value in it. It is a "chasing after the wind."

O cry out to God, “Teach me! Teach me for I long for your everlasting peace. Teach me, for my heart is weary of the foolishness of this world. Teach me, for I desire Your goodness, Your wisdom, Your knowledge, Your strength, and Your eternal love.” Make haste! Delay not! Welcome the Master and Teacher into your home. Open the Bible and discover the jewels of peace and love; the gems of love and selflessness; the light that draws you from the shadows and sorrows of life; the living water that restores your soul when you are tired of living the life this world offers; and the bread of life which never decays with age, but grows ever sweeter day by day as you dwell in the secret place of the Most High God and feast upon His lasting promises!

Cease! Cease from thine own wisdom. Open the Book of Life. Discover the world God longs to give you!

Friendship

Throughout the New Testament, Paul continually writes words of greetings and thankfulness over his friends, companions, brothers and sisters in ministry. He mentions their faithfulness, their comfort, their service, their dedication, their prayers, and their love. Throughout Paul’s ministry he was surrounded by others. Some were close friends. Some were partners in ministry and service. Some he supported and some supported and comforted him. Even during solitary times in prison, Paul still had friends and fellow believers who cared deeply for him and continued to meet his every need.

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by counsel.” (Prov 27:9)

O the joy of friendship. A friend is someone who will hold you when you cry, who will listen to your fears, tears, and dreams. A friend is someone who can laugh when you laugh and will sing when you sing. A friend is someone whose mere presence is a delight and joy to your heart. A friend is someone who carries the rainbow in the storm of your life and who leads you to the living water when your soul hungers and thirsts after God. A friend is someone who cares and prays as if you were one of their own; shedding tears of sorrow, anguish, and love in petition for and with you. A friend will hold the candle in the darkest of night and will come beside you and walk the difficult path. A friend is ointment for healing the wounded or tired spirit. A friend will bring to your life strength for tomorrow. A friend encourages. A friend endures.

O the joy of friendship, “ointment and perfume” that rejoices the heart. There is nothing like the “sweetness” of a friend. May you be blessed with a friend.

Treasure Hunting

The following is in response to the question, "What gem have you found?"

I found Proverbs 24:13-14.

My son (daughter), eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to they taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul; when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

I was intrigued that the honeycomb was written into this text, or proverb. I understand the sweet taste of the honey and how it relates to the even, but not all inclusive, simple discovery of Christ, and the wisdom and knowledge found in Him. There is a great reward in eternity. There is great expectation at His providing, protection, healing, and second coming. But why is the honeycomb mentioned? My memory recalls a waxy taste with no real flavor. So what did my inquisitive mind find?

I found that the early European settlers brought the honeybee over for selfish reasons. They wanted “good-quality wax” for making candles and for the sweet tasting honey that the honey bees produced. They felt these things were essential to the existence of their life, in an untamed and virgin land.

So what I found was that you should not only dig into God’s word everyday for its nutritional value for the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God, but for the light that it provides in and around your life. The byproduct of feasting on the word of God is the light that it produces in your life; the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path; lamps of wisdom, lanterns of love, sparks of sharing, and floodlights of liberty. Walking in the pathway of God’s guiding light. Seeing the deception of the enemy. Looking to the hill from whence God’s abiding love shines bright as a blazing fire for all the world to see.

Captive Heart

Ezekiel 33:11
“As I live” declares the Lord God, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”

I watched the History Channel last week while I was home sick. It had a documentary called Stalking Jihad. It told the tale of two American missionaries to the Philippine Island, Martin and Gracie Burnham, who were taken hostage by al Qaeda terrorist Abu Sayyaf on May 21, 2001, and the American government’s effort to locate and free them. The kidnapping took place months before the events of September 11, 2001. Once these events occurred, the pursuit of the terrorist holding the American hostages took a more fervent role.

The documentary focused on the efforts of the American government, but continued to relay the human struggle of captivity. Of all the captives taken that fateful night, only the missionaries remained unharmed. The other captives were raped, killed, or eventually released for ransom. The documentary showed the Burnham’s struggle for survival. I was awed by their faith, by the respect they had for the terrorist, by their willingness to share their food or care packages that found their way to their remote locations, by their continued prayers at night, and their continued trust in the Lord. My only thoughts were, could I be as faithful if I were placed in a similar situation?

Having read this passage in Ezekiel I now see a different side to this story of captivity. For over a year, God gave the terrorist, the wicked, a chance to “turn from his way and live.” The Burnham’s submission to captivity, their love in sharing, and their prayers in captivity, all were opportunities for the terrorist to turn from their wicked ways; to see the everlasting Light and Truth; and to know a loving God who cares for all of His creation.

It is easy to pray for someone who appears to be God fearing. But it goes against reason to pray for the wicked; to pray for anything but his demise. It goes against reason to pray for the bully, the child abuser, the murderer, or the person dabbling in witchcraft. Why waste “the fervent prayer of a righteous man” on such as these? They have chosen their path of life. They have seen the evidence of God in all creation and in their surroundings.

But according to God’s very own words, He takes “no pleasure in their death.” He is the Creator of all creation; heaven and earth; man and woman; birds of the air and beasts of the field. It all is His creation – the work of His very own hands. He loves it all!

Even a human artist loves his creation, his artwork, his music, or his poetry. As imperfect as the human artist is - he still loves and admires his creation. Nothing is more pleasing then to see others admire his handiwork, or see the joy on their face as they understand the depth of love that went into each creation.

Yet God’s love is perfect. God’s creation is perfect. God’s pleasure is perfect. God’s sorrow is perfect. God “takes no pleasure, no delight, in the death of the wicked.” He desires that none should perish, no not one.

We believers, saved by this same God, need to truly understand God’s heart here. He loves the wicked as much as the righteous. He loves the murderer as much as the redeemed. He loves the drunk, the child abuser, the selfish, those lost in a false religion just as much as you and I.

How dare we not pray for them! How dare we keep God’s love and not share it with them! How dare we remain silent about the greatest gift of all - LIFE over eternal, never ending, tormented death!

O Heavenly Father, I am continually awe struck by the depth of Your wisdom and love; and the understanding of my wretchedness. Precious Savior and Lord, write these words on my heart, my head, my hands, my feet, and my lips. May all my thoughts and actions reflect these written words. That You “take no pleasure in the death of the wicked", but rather "they turn from their way and live.” For I once was lost, but have been found, You saved a wretch like me. Open my eyes to see Your love for the wicked. Open my ears to hear the cry of their heart for You, O God. Open my lips and speak loving words of salvation that draw them to You, my Savior and Lord.

(A brief video interview of Gracie Burnham http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3001437239292144492 )

Got love?

I know a love that is so cold.
It harbors itself within the fold.
Thinking life is mighty fine;
With workings of the joyous kind.

Yet deep within the heart is collow
For this love is awfully shallow.
The err that brought me to my knees
Struggles to yield and joys to bring.

If this love is born of err
How can it grow ever fairer?
Twas grace that taught this heart of mine
It led me to this Savior divine.

O mighty Savior draw me near.
Let me see within the mirror
The wretched state of my affairs
How tainted and filthy I appear.

May my heart soon behold
The dark within that I’ve been sold.
Regardless of the gifts I bring
Forever ugly tis this being.

May the darkness ever behold
Never once to grow cold.
Remind me always of my shame
And grow my love for You - I claim.

Luke 7:47

Seed of Love

While driving home tonight I was blessed with one on one time with my ten year old daughter. She talked about her school day, her friends, her likes and dislikes, and other girlie things. She talked about growing up and wanting a horse. She talked about singing and a singing competition and who she would like to sing with this year. Then the conversation lead to difficult people and how others can “stand being around them.” Not to be confused with “cannot” stand being around them.

My reply started with the verse in Romans 5:4-5, “…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” God will plant a seed of love in your heart and He will grow it to the point where you can love others. You can love the unlovely, the friendless, the mean, the selfish, the hurting, and those that are difficult to be around. Yet you will still have enough love left over for those you truly love. God’s love is everlasting, it is faithful, it is true, and it is pure.

She said, “Yeah I think that God has given me a love for horses.”

I told her that is where this “seed of love” begins. God gives you a small seed of love. He waters it, cultivates it, and begins to create in you a love that is more than it once was. Through the caring, nurturing, and giving of that love God will branch it out to others. Pretty soon, you will have a love so deep, so wide, so high, and so long, you will not be able to contain all the love that “God has poured into your heart.” It will grow to a size you never imagined and it will accomplish things never thought of. You will discover a love and a passion for things once feared or forgotten. You will discover a love that will stand firm in the face of persecution; that will bring boldness to your determination of faith; it will cause you to forget the things of the past and press on towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. You will accomplish simple tasks with joy, you will accomplish difficult tasks with determination, you will accomplish God’s purpose for your life, because His sacrificial, undeserving love has been poured into your heart and it compels every action, every breath, and every step you take.

Matthew 13:32 says, “It is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” Are you allowing God to water the “seed of love” in your heart so that He can use you for His utmost glory?

Heavenly Father, may we fall on our faces before Your endless love. Cause us to look deep into our heart at the “seed of love” You have placed in us. Lord, open our hearts to your nurture, care, and love so that You may grow in us a “mustard seed” of love for others to perch on. May this “seed of love” persevere through the heartaches and difficulties of life. May it deepen its roots and take hold of the everlasting living water that sustains us in the storms and deserts of life. May every stretch of our branches remind us that it is You growing inside of us and You who loves others through us with such compassionate determination and faith. To God be the glory for great things He has done.

Anniversary of Love

Song of Solomon 8:6
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal over your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame."

There is a great void in the heart of one who has lost a loved one. “Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away” (Song 8:7), but it would seem as though the tears that are shed could fill many waters and rivers by themselves.

The expanse of this void is great. It would seem that at every turn the empty darkness is there; through memories, through certain smells, through familiar activities. It is there through family members, through friends, and co-workers.

The pain that is felt is deep. It is felt to the very core of your being. At times it would seem that your grief could cover you in a dark abyss with no hope of getting out.

Beloved child of God, there is hope. For, “Everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that we might have hope through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures.” (Rom 15:4) What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. He wrote to us before this moment in our life. He tucked the notes away and placed them where we would find them; notes of love, hope, and strength.

In the darkened sorrow of our grief God’s love is ever present. As we blink through our tears, God’s love is seen in the distance. God’s love burns for His creation that is tormented in the pain of despair and loneliness. God’s love burns bright for His child through the outpouring expressions of others.

God’s flame of love grows bright; it becomes a mighty flame of warmth and love as the Heavenly Father kneels down and wraps His arms around His grieving child and whispers, “Hush child. Rest my child, be still, and let me hold you in the stillness of this moment. You are precious in my sight. You are my pride and joy. Rest my love. For there is no greater love than My love. Rest my child, I know your pain. The love you have known is great, but My love for you is greater, it is an everlasting love and I will never leave you. (Jer 31:3) It is in these moments that I would have you know the depth and breadth, and height and width of My love.”

“For My love burns bright, it is a mighty flame. No matter how dark and deep your pain, My love will shine through the darkness. It will erase all the shadows of grief; it will remove the storm clouds of fear. Its warmth penetrates the very core of your being and into the sunken heart of despair. My love is greater than death itself, for no grave can hold back the love that I have for you.”

“Grieve no more my child, for I am here. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Though My thoughts are not your thoughts, I have a plan and a purpose for your life and a reason for your grief. (Isa 55:9-10) Rest my child, for in the morning your strength will be renewed. Rest, I am here."

Father in heaven, help me to see the light of your love in this darkness of pain. Grant me the willingness to remain out of this despair and rest in You, for you are my strength. Awaken me each day with the whispers of your love and the warmth of resting in You. You are my hope, my joy, and my peace. Rain down the radiance of your love and fill me inside and out with Your presence. Carry me Lord, for the load of this pain is too heavy for me to bear. Carry me, for I cannot see through my rivers of tears. You, Lord, are my Rock and my Redeemer, my God in whom I trust.

The Perfect Gift

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I recall one of many visits to my grandmother-in-laws southern home; sitting on the rocking chair front porch with my in-laws after a family meal. The conversations would sometimes last for hours. They would begin while there was still some daylight, but would end near dark.

This verse causes me to reflect on those shadows that form as the sun fades and how they continually move until they disappear all together. They are never still. Think about it a moment.

This verse says, “the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” God does not change. He is faithful. He is consistent. He is dependable. He is reliable. He is Holy. He is the same as He was yesterday. He is the same today and will be the same tomorrow. His words written two thousand years ago are just as reliable, dependable, and valid today as they were back then. What He promised is still true today. “For everything that was written in the past, was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, you might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Unlike the shifting and continually changing of the shadows, God’s promises are promises you can depend on. The prophecies written and unfulfilled you can trust they will be fulfilled. His words of love, encouragement, strength, patience, gentleness, and kindness are available today and tomorrow and forever; “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” He will not change.

It is His desire; He longs to give you, every good and every perfect gift. He desires to show you that He is real. He longs to express His love for His creation; “for we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 3:20).” He wants you to know Him. He longs to reveal Himself to you.

Do you know him? Do you desire to know this God who “gives every good and every perfect gift?” Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord;’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Simply pray this scripture to God and confess Jesus as Lord of your life. Discover God – with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Discover His strength. Discover His love. Discover His passion for His creation – you and me. Discover a purpose for life. Allow God to infiltrate your heart and show you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you always, even to the ends of the earth. His love is deep. His love is wide. He longs for you and He loves you.

Petals of Love

The smallest flower, so feeble and hidden among the greater flowers of the garden, was often overlooked by the passerby. Daily it would gleam the nourishing rain from off the other flowers. It would stretch to reach the warmth of the sun from between the greater giants of the field never once knowing the loving protection the giant’s presence provided.

Slowly and reservedly this little flower grew. Its color and beauty too dull to be noticed among the other bright vibrant flowers, but it was there. Ever growing, ever stretching, and ever reaching. Reaching for a place in the garden where it solely received a clear path of rain and sun. It’s smallness ever present in its outward appearance. As small and unlovely as the flower seemed this never deterred the flowers desire to receive the fullness of the unobstructive radiance of the sun, the clear freshness of a summer rain ,or the early morning dew.

The life long struggle of this flower produced an inner strength and beauty. Though never picked for display by the gardener it served as a tower of strength and encouragement for the other newly found buds. The buds who struggled in the darkest of places, those left in the shadow of others, and those who seemed unlovely.

The older flower would whisper words of encouragement and strength. It would capture the harsh beating rain and shelter the newer buds from its onslaught. It would gingerly drip the freshness of the rain on them so as not to overwhelm their weaken structure. The older flower would cover them from the harsh rays of the sun, yet allow the blessed beams of light to penetrate and rest upon the strongest parts of their limbs. The older flower would shield the younger bud from the strong and mighty winds; protecting it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. (Jeremiah 31.3) Thank you Lord for allowing me the privilege of growing in Your garden, of learning to look for and desire the fullness of Your love. Lord, may I always be what you would have me to be; one full of love and tenderness. One full of strength and inner beauty. One who knows the mighty gifts You have granted. May I always be willing to share your love with those around me. May Your tender mercies forever fertilize the life in which I live that I may grow and be worthy for use by You and for You. You are my rock and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.

JUNK

Ezekiel 16:4-14
On the day you were born…no one looked on you with pity, or had compassion for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. Then I saw you…and said to you, “Live!” I made you grow…you grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Later I passed by…and saw you were old enough to love…and you became mine. You became very beautiful…because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Hurricane Ike is pushing its way through Houston, Texas and on towards Dallas, Texas. Reports are already coming in of people stranded, tossed, battered, beaten, and tormented by the effects of the storm. Pleas for help are being reported to every 911 center in the area. For some, rescue is immediate, but for others it will be many more hours before rescue teams can enter the ravaged areas.

As I watch and listen to these reports, I am reminded of the day my Heavenly Father rescued me. When I was born, “the Father of this world” despised me. There was no compassion or love in his heart. There was only hatred and contempt. So he tossed me aside. He left me - alone. He left me to fend for myself.

As the King of Heaven and Earth traveled by, He saw me. He stopped, reached down and picked me up. Holding me in His arms He breathed His breath of life into me and said, “Live!” Everyday He watched and whispered words of encouragement and love. He “made me grow.” And when I was old enough to understand all that He had done for me, I was “old enough to love,” and He “took me” for Himself.

I became beautiful because of the splendor and majesty He has lavished on me. I have been made beautiful and perfect in His sight, in His timing, and with His provision of beauty and grace. When I was naked and alone, He clothed me. When I was tired and weak, He lifted me, carried me, and encouraged me onward. When I became dirty from my daily travels, He washed and cleansed me; making me beautiful once again. I became beautiful, because of – Him.

O Father, Savior, and King, I am overwhelmed with the selfless love you have shown toward me. Despised by this world - you have loved me for all eternity. A wretched lump of life, yet beautiful and perfected by Your Might. You have fed me at your banqueting table, clothed me with your righteousness, and adorned me with jewels of trials and temptations, and pearls of patience. I am “very beautiful” because of Your splendor, love, and care. Sovereign Lord, I am full. I am in love with You. I am Yours. Use me…

Here is a video on GodTube that is similar... http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5&msg=Your%20email%20has%20been%20successfully%20sent%20to%20your%20friend.

God Loves You (The Artist)

I John 4:4
Ye are of God little children and have overcome them. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

As the artist, seamstress, musician, or craftsman you lovingly stitched together your piece of handiwork. You formed it in your mind, you thought of every angle and corner. You created it. To you it breathes and has a special personality. You may even think it speaks of your love and creativity. You know it’s every intimate detail. You know what makes it flash, what brings out it’s brilliant color, what makes it hum so beautifully. No matter who uses it, touches it, plays with it, or just admires it – it is your creation and you love it!

God has the same thoughts toward you. You are thought of, created and loved. He knows every detail about you. Your mere presence on earth speaks volumes of His love and his creativity. You are his pride and joy, the workmanship of his very own hands (Eph 2:10). He cares for you and about every detail and aspect of your life. He hurts when you hurt. He cries when you cry. He laughs when you laugh and he rejoices in the new life you have found in Him.

God Created You, God Knows You, God Loves You, God Made You Part of His Family.

How Do I Love an Unseen God?

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

How do I love an unseen God?

How do I develop a “puppy dog love” of “I’ll do anything you say” type surrendered passion for a God I cannot see?

As thoughts wander through a potentially never-ending cycle of why and how come, I am drawn back to, “How do I love an unseen God?” What overrides the earthly desires and drives them to a point of “thoughtless abandonment” of love that becomes second nature? How do I get to the point where I instinctively love and follow after God?

I thought about picturing God through the words penned so eloquently by David in the Bible. Of how mighty, loving, merciful, fatherly, heavenly, and Holy God is. But these are “my” thoughts. A mental picture of who I think God is.

I thought of the surrounding beauty God has graced this planet with. The lovely flowers, the beautifully painted sunrises and sunsets, the childish laughter of a little girl, the strength and beauty of a wild stallion, or the cool, clear, blue ocean water off the Hawaiian Islands. Another picture I created to inspire these earthly desires into loving a being I cannot see.

I thought of the scientific accomplishments that have been made that validate the human fetus in the mother’s womb eight weeks after conception, the intricate and complicated organization of the atoms that surround us daily and of the vast differences within one species that flaunt the design of it’s creator. Again, these are my thoughts that are being stimulated into realizing that only a higher being of greater knowledge and understanding could have created such things.

Then it happened, another bible study, another required memory verse to learn, and another small nudge back into the reality of God’s world. I soon realized that all these thoughts were merely stepping-stones to the ultimate lesson God was going to teach. It was almost like He said, “Yes, the mental pictures you created of me were good and useful. Please use them, but you need more. I loved seeing the sparkle in your eyes when you looked around and surveyed the beauty I surrounded you with and placed you in. What pride I had when I saw you understand the detail of my creation and the depth of knowledge required in designing even the smallest creature of this earth. But child, there is still more. Take heart child, there is nothing you need to do or understand. This one is My doing.”

“For it is I, God, who will work in you and cause you to willfully love me with childlike abandon. Come. Sit. Listen. I will show you great and wonderful things that you know nothing about. I created you. You are wonderfully made in My image. I gave you the desire to be apart of My world, even though you cannot see Me. I have graced you with the evidence of My hand.”

“Do not worry. Take heart. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are my pride and joy. No one can take you from me. I have given you the Holy Spirit. He and I are one. He will always be with you. It is He who works in you to do the things I desire. Come. Sit. Listen. Come to Me in the morning. I will show you wonderful things I want to do through you and for you. Come. Sit. Listen. I will show you My love. I will fill your heart with My love, for I created you and I love you. No one loves you more than Me. No one knows your inner most thoughts, only I. I Am – loves you! Come. Sit. Listen.”

“Listen to the songs I sing to you in the morning. Re-read the love letters I wrote you and listen. Listen to the stories that evidence My love, My power, My strength, My sorrows, and My joy. Be still. Listen. I AM here. I AM with you always. Be still. Rest. I AM loved you first. I AM loves you still.”

With that said, I can only muster a whispered “thank you” as tears stream down my face. It had nothing to do with me all along. I AM was all I needed. Lord, what a wretched man I am. Forgive me for thinking it was something “I” needed to do. Cleanse my heart and mind of any thoughts of “me.” Lord, wash me anew with your Holy presence. Remove the distractions of this world and the earthly desires of my heart and replace them with Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with the knowledge of Your love in the deepest recesses of my heart, that I may be passionately, willingly, and obediently Yours and only Yours. May Your love always be my love.

Tracy Roberts