"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14).
Walk through any cemetery, and you will see a variety of headstones ranging from large and elaborate to small and simple. Some have pictures of the person, some have quotes they may have said, some may have engravings or Scriptures. No two are alike. One thing they all have in common; however, is they have the date the person was born, and they date they died. By this, you can determine how old the person was when they died. Some leave this world young, others live to be old. The date of birth and date of death are just a starting and stopping place that each of us will have in this life. There is something more important on that headstone than the dates, the names, the quotes, the photos, or anything else. What is that? It's the dash between the birth date and death date. This dash represents the life of the person. If that dash could show the entire life, it would show weddings, childrens' births, school, work, hobbies, activities, achievements, accomplishments, mistakes, problems, heartaches, decisions made, failures, questions, actions, grudges, moments of anger, sins, and everything involved in that person's life.
Some day, someone will walk through a cemetery and see your headstone. It will have your name, and maybe a quote or picture or a number of other things. It will assuredly have your date of birth, date of death with a dash in the middle. What will people see when they look at the dash? Will they remember your life as a loving, caring, giving person who was unselfish? Will they remember the kind words you spoke to them? Will they think about the times you helped them and visited them? Will they remember all the prayers you prayed and the testimony you had that you pleased God? or, will they think about the times you neglected them, or ignored them? Will they remember the sinful things you did, while proclaiming to be a Christian? Will they think about all the times they saw you lash out in anger against someone? Will they call to remembrance the way you treated those around you?
This life is short. This world is not our eternal home. You will live forever somewhere; either Heaven or Hell. The choices you make now will determine where you spend eternity. If your life is surrendered totally and completely to Christ and you are true to Him, then you will spend eternity in the glorious splendor of Heaven! If your sins are not forgiven and you have not confessed Christ as your Savior, then Hell will be your eternal home; even if your "dash" tells people you did all kinds of good deeds and were a good person. What really matters is where your relationship is with the Lord. Are your sins forgiven? Are you surrendered to Him fully? Do you obey His word? Is He your Savior?
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
How you live your life here on this earth matters greatly. Your life will influence your family, neighbors, co-workers, children, grandchilren, and all those you come in contact with. Your life is not just about you. It does affect others, and could possible alter their decisions for eternity. So... what will your "dash" say about you?
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Friday, December 18, 2015
Uproot the Weeds
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (Matthew 13:7).
No one likes weeds. No one admires the beauty of weeds. It seems weeds grow faster than flowers or garden crops. If the weeds are neglected and allowed to grow, they will choke out the plants and cause them to die. We cut them down, chop them up, pour chemicals on them to try to kill them; and nothing removes them. Weeds are resilient and stubborn. They are unsightly and quickly take over the area. It seems we pull up weeds and in just a few days, they are back again.These weeds also attract rodents, snakes, bugs and other unwanted pests. The only way to get rid of the weeds is to uproot them, and keep checking daily for new ones that are beginning to grow back.
In this passage, Jesus was teaching about how the Word of God is sown in our lives. He discusses the various types of ground that the Word can be sown on. One of those types of ground is the thorns (weeds). These weeds choke out the Word of God in our lives.
These weeds could be anything that separates us from God and keeps us from studying and obeying His Word. Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, gossip, doubt, prayerlessness, neglect of God's Word, and sins of any kind are weeds that need to be uprooted in our lives, daily. Make a daily effort to change lifestyles, attitudes and habits to keep the weeds out. Only with God's help and diligent attention will these weeds stay out.
If these weeds are permitted to stay in our lives, we will be powerless to defeat the enemy. We will have more unwanted things in our lives that come as a result of these weeds. Stress, worry, anxiety, separation from God, despair, hopelessness, depression, fear and other unwanted "pests" will take over our lives if these weeds are not removed daily.
Ask God to search your heart for any sign of weeds that are growing. Ask Him to change your heart, your attitude and your life. He will. Don't just trim the weeds back a little. Completely uproot them through prayer and the Word of God. Discipline yourself to have a weed-free life; therefore, having the power and victory that comes through God's Word!
No one likes weeds. No one admires the beauty of weeds. It seems weeds grow faster than flowers or garden crops. If the weeds are neglected and allowed to grow, they will choke out the plants and cause them to die. We cut them down, chop them up, pour chemicals on them to try to kill them; and nothing removes them. Weeds are resilient and stubborn. They are unsightly and quickly take over the area. It seems we pull up weeds and in just a few days, they are back again.These weeds also attract rodents, snakes, bugs and other unwanted pests. The only way to get rid of the weeds is to uproot them, and keep checking daily for new ones that are beginning to grow back.
In this passage, Jesus was teaching about how the Word of God is sown in our lives. He discusses the various types of ground that the Word can be sown on. One of those types of ground is the thorns (weeds). These weeds choke out the Word of God in our lives.
These weeds could be anything that separates us from God and keeps us from studying and obeying His Word. Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, gossip, doubt, prayerlessness, neglect of God's Word, and sins of any kind are weeds that need to be uprooted in our lives, daily. Make a daily effort to change lifestyles, attitudes and habits to keep the weeds out. Only with God's help and diligent attention will these weeds stay out.
If these weeds are permitted to stay in our lives, we will be powerless to defeat the enemy. We will have more unwanted things in our lives that come as a result of these weeds. Stress, worry, anxiety, separation from God, despair, hopelessness, depression, fear and other unwanted "pests" will take over our lives if these weeds are not removed daily.
Ask God to search your heart for any sign of weeds that are growing. Ask Him to change your heart, your attitude and your life. He will. Don't just trim the weeds back a little. Completely uproot them through prayer and the Word of God. Discipline yourself to have a weed-free life; therefore, having the power and victory that comes through God's Word!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Restored Like New
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3).
Think about an old car. At one time, it was in great condition. It was shiny, clean, and solid. However, years of weather, storms, miles and use had caused the car to lose it's shine and efficiency. Parts had broken, seats ripped, the body rusted and windshield cracked. Then imagine an owner who decides to restore this vehicle. Think about what all takes place. The broken, rusty, and non-functioning parts are removed and replaced with new parts. The exterior is cleaned, painted and polished and the inside is completely replaced. Every detail resembles those which the designer originally formed. We then say that this vehicle is "restored".
Think about an old piece of furniture. At one time, it had function and looked great. However, years of wear and tear have caused scratches, and the finish doesn't look like it did when it was new. Now imagine someone taking this old, unwanted piece of furniture and lovingly sanding away all the years of paint and varnish from the exterior of this piece. They replace the broken parts and refinish it to make it look like it did when it was new. It takes some time, but well worth the effort.
God saw that we were in need of a restoration. Years of storms, battles and problems have caused us to lose our shine and luster. We no longer function like we were designed to function. We are broken. We are weak and unstable. We cannot continue in that condition.
The devil would make us believe we are beyond restoration and are ready for the junk pile. People often give up on us saying there is no hope for us. If we are not careful, we soon believe those lies. God sees beyond all the layers that have been built up in us. He sees the potential that lies beneath. God lovingly strips away all the years of care, worry, pain, strife, anxiety, sin, doubt, frustration, anger, bitterness, and whatever else we were layered with. This is not a pleasant process and sometimes it takes awhile to get through all the layers. It isn't fun and it isn't easy. However, if we will allow Him to do the restoring, it will be well worth all the effort.
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25).
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:12).
He is a restorer... That's what He does. He can restore your peace of mind, health, joy, finances, purpose in life, or whatever has been buried under the layers of time and neglected. Allow Him today to begin restoring you back to the masterpiece the Master Designer originally formed in you before the cares of this life weakened and broke you. God wants to restore you today. He won't do it without your permission. Are you ready and willing to submit to His restoration?
Friday, October 23, 2015
Your Prayers Don't Have To Be Fancy
So many times I hear people say, "I don't know how to pray. It's complicated. My words don't come out right. I don't know what to say. What if I pray wrong?" These are just a few concerns people have about prayer. They are making it more difficult than it really is.
Do you have trouble talking with your dad? Do you stumble at the words when you want to tell him you love him? When you have a need, isn't it simple to go to your dad and ask him for what you need? What about your best friend? You can talk hours with your friend. You can tell your friend anything: all your deepest thoughts and desires, your secrets, your plans and dreams. You can even ask your friend for anything you need, right?
Well, God is our Father. His love for us goes deeper than our minds can comprehend. He knows all our thoughts and desires anyway. He knows what we need even before we ask. He is our best friend.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
"for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8).
So, if He already knows what we need before we ask, why should we ask?
"yet ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2)
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matthew 7:7).
Talking to God is so easy. Just talk to Him like you would your family or friends. Tell Him you need Him and you love Him and you are lost without Him. Let Him know how much you are desperate for Him. Let Him know what you need. You don't need fancy words, long speeches, you don't have to use correct grammar or "thee" and "thou".
Look at a prayer Peter prayed when he was walking on the water with Jesus in the middle of a storm:
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:30).
He simply cried, "Lord, save me." That's it. He didn't use fancy words or long prayers. If that were necessary, he would have been to the bottom of the sea.
Look at how this sinner prayed to God when he found himself in desperate need of the Lord:
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13).
"God be merciful to me a sinner". That's a simply cry for help that got the Lord's attention. Just talk to Him. He's your Father. He's your Friend. He is waiting to hear from you. You don't have to worry about it coming out wrong or the words not being right. God looks at your heart. He just wants us to pray. Just talk to Him. Don't wait. Don't delay. Don't think you're not educated enough to talk to Him. Come as you are and call on Him. Just speak to Him from your heart. Today's the day.
Do you have trouble talking with your dad? Do you stumble at the words when you want to tell him you love him? When you have a need, isn't it simple to go to your dad and ask him for what you need? What about your best friend? You can talk hours with your friend. You can tell your friend anything: all your deepest thoughts and desires, your secrets, your plans and dreams. You can even ask your friend for anything you need, right?
Well, God is our Father. His love for us goes deeper than our minds can comprehend. He knows all our thoughts and desires anyway. He knows what we need even before we ask. He is our best friend.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
"for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8).
So, if He already knows what we need before we ask, why should we ask?
"yet ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2)
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matthew 7:7).
Talking to God is so easy. Just talk to Him like you would your family or friends. Tell Him you need Him and you love Him and you are lost without Him. Let Him know how much you are desperate for Him. Let Him know what you need. You don't need fancy words, long speeches, you don't have to use correct grammar or "thee" and "thou".
Look at a prayer Peter prayed when he was walking on the water with Jesus in the middle of a storm:
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:30).
He simply cried, "Lord, save me." That's it. He didn't use fancy words or long prayers. If that were necessary, he would have been to the bottom of the sea.
Look at how this sinner prayed to God when he found himself in desperate need of the Lord:
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13).
"God be merciful to me a sinner". That's a simply cry for help that got the Lord's attention. Just talk to Him. He's your Father. He's your Friend. He is waiting to hear from you. You don't have to worry about it coming out wrong or the words not being right. God looks at your heart. He just wants us to pray. Just talk to Him. Don't wait. Don't delay. Don't think you're not educated enough to talk to Him. Come as you are and call on Him. Just speak to Him from your heart. Today's the day.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Will You Accept His Gift?
"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." (James 1:17).
"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8).
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
Suppose you spent much time and effort on a gift for someone. Suppose this gift came at a great cost. That must mean that the person that the gift was intended for was a very special person. This person must be so important to go to such lengths to provide this wonderful gift for them. Now, suppose when you give it to them, they refuse to accept it. They tell you they don't want it. They let you know they don't like it because it isn't the style or doesn't make them look cool or for whatever reason, they refuse to accept this precious gift. Perhaps you continue going to this person; offering this gift over and over and over, and ever time they refuse it over and over and over. What if they accepted the gift, but when you visited their home, you saw the gift still in the box or in the trash? How would you feel?
God has given us so many gifts. Every day, there are new gifts to be opened from Him. Life is a gift in and of itself. Grace, mercy, hope, love, salvation, His Spirit, peace, joy, blessings, provision, promises, protection, and the list goes on and on. God's gifts are perfect and always for our good. He gave us His Son, Jesus; yet many refuse to accept Him. Many ignore Him and reject Him. Yet, He comes to them over and over and over again; and they continue to reject Him over and over and over again. How do you think this makes Him feel?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8)
Now, suppose you give the person this gift and they are so happy and joyful. Then you notice that they go around telling everyone about this wonderful gift you gave them and how much they love you. You see them make use of the gift and their gratitude is genuine and heart-felt. How does that make you feel?
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15).
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." (Psalm 68:19).
Will you accept His gift today?
"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8).
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
Suppose you spent much time and effort on a gift for someone. Suppose this gift came at a great cost. That must mean that the person that the gift was intended for was a very special person. This person must be so important to go to such lengths to provide this wonderful gift for them. Now, suppose when you give it to them, they refuse to accept it. They tell you they don't want it. They let you know they don't like it because it isn't the style or doesn't make them look cool or for whatever reason, they refuse to accept this precious gift. Perhaps you continue going to this person; offering this gift over and over and over, and ever time they refuse it over and over and over. What if they accepted the gift, but when you visited their home, you saw the gift still in the box or in the trash? How would you feel?
God has given us so many gifts. Every day, there are new gifts to be opened from Him. Life is a gift in and of itself. Grace, mercy, hope, love, salvation, His Spirit, peace, joy, blessings, provision, promises, protection, and the list goes on and on. God's gifts are perfect and always for our good. He gave us His Son, Jesus; yet many refuse to accept Him. Many ignore Him and reject Him. Yet, He comes to them over and over and over again; and they continue to reject Him over and over and over again. How do you think this makes Him feel?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8)
Now, suppose you give the person this gift and they are so happy and joyful. Then you notice that they go around telling everyone about this wonderful gift you gave them and how much they love you. You see them make use of the gift and their gratitude is genuine and heart-felt. How does that make you feel?
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15).
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." (Psalm 68:19).
Will you accept His gift today?
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Cry Out To Jesus
"And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:35-39).
These disciples were in a boat crossing the sea in obedience to Jesus. These men were accustomed to being on boats on the sea, so this was not out of the ordinary for them. However, a storm arose. This was no ordinary storm. This was a wind storm. In a boat on the sea is not the place to be for a storm of this kind. This passage of Scripture says that the boat was full of waves. That must have been such a terrifying experience for these men. Jesus; however, was asleep. The wind was not waking Him up. The boat rocking and tossing up and down, back and forth was not waking Him up. The waves splashing into the boat was not waking Him up. So, what woke Him up?
He woke up when His followers cried out to Him. When they called unto Him in desperation, He woke up, got up, and took care of the matters at hand. Nothing else woke Him up. Nothing else got His attention. The cries of His followers got His full attention.
"And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee." (Mark 10:46-49).
This blind man was in a tough situation. He was an outcast; a beggar. He was helpless and hopeless. Jesus was passing through town. The crowds of people didn't get Jesus' attention and make Him stop. One man, Bartimaeus, who was crying out to Jesus with all his might, got Jesus' attention. Even when the people tried to make him stop, he became even more determined, and cried even louder. JESUS STOOD STILL. Bartimaeus' cries had gotten Jesus' attention.
When you cry out to Jesus, rest assured, He hears you. He will meet you where you are. He will answer you and meet your needs. He will not ignore you. He will not forget about you. You are precious to Him. Call unto Him. Cry out to Him today. You won't be a bother or burden to Him. He tells us to call to Him.
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3).
Cry out to Him today. Tell Him what you need. He's waiting for you.
These disciples were in a boat crossing the sea in obedience to Jesus. These men were accustomed to being on boats on the sea, so this was not out of the ordinary for them. However, a storm arose. This was no ordinary storm. This was a wind storm. In a boat on the sea is not the place to be for a storm of this kind. This passage of Scripture says that the boat was full of waves. That must have been such a terrifying experience for these men. Jesus; however, was asleep. The wind was not waking Him up. The boat rocking and tossing up and down, back and forth was not waking Him up. The waves splashing into the boat was not waking Him up. So, what woke Him up?
He woke up when His followers cried out to Him. When they called unto Him in desperation, He woke up, got up, and took care of the matters at hand. Nothing else woke Him up. Nothing else got His attention. The cries of His followers got His full attention.
"And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee." (Mark 10:46-49).
This blind man was in a tough situation. He was an outcast; a beggar. He was helpless and hopeless. Jesus was passing through town. The crowds of people didn't get Jesus' attention and make Him stop. One man, Bartimaeus, who was crying out to Jesus with all his might, got Jesus' attention. Even when the people tried to make him stop, he became even more determined, and cried even louder. JESUS STOOD STILL. Bartimaeus' cries had gotten Jesus' attention.
When you cry out to Jesus, rest assured, He hears you. He will meet you where you are. He will answer you and meet your needs. He will not ignore you. He will not forget about you. You are precious to Him. Call unto Him. Cry out to Him today. You won't be a bother or burden to Him. He tells us to call to Him.
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3).
Cry out to Him today. Tell Him what you need. He's waiting for you.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
God Really Does Love You!
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
People often say they don't see how God could love them. They feel they have done too many bad things; and therefore He cannot love them anymore. They are comparing God's love to the love (or lack of love) they have experienced here on this earth. People are looking for love in one relationship after another. They are never going to find it while seeking for it that way. Other people have only loved and accepted them when they have done good things and "measured up" to their standards, and as soon as this person failed, they no longer loved them and walked away from them. So, since that's all they've ever known, they expect God to be the same.
God is not like that at all. He loves no matter what. His love is completely unconditional. That means that He loves us no matter what we do or do not do. His love for us is so deep that it can never be diminished. Our minds cannot understand a love like that because we do not typically experience that kind of love here in this life.
God doesn't always like the things we do. He does not like sin or evil. He does not like unrighteous things we do, but His love for us is constant. Again, that's not easy for us to comprehend.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16).
"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 loved us enough that He gave the very best gift He had: His son. I love my son. It would be difficult for me to give him to die for people who did not show me love and respect. Yet while we were yet sinners and evil, He gave His son, Jesus, to die for us. That is the perfect picture of love. Love doesn't keep score. Love doesn't change based on circumstances. Love is unconditional. It is everlasting.
Others say, "If God loves me, He wouldn't let these bad things happen to me, the world wouldn't be in this shape and He wouldn't let me go to Hell". God loves you enough that He made a way out of all those things. Yes, bad things are still going to happen, but you must still love and trust Him through it all. It's not God's will for anyone to go to Hell. It's each person's choice as to where they will spend eternity. The choice is not God's. He has done all He ever will do to provide a way out of Hell. He gave His son. The choice is yours. Choose Jesus, choose Heaven. Ignore Jesus, choose Hell. It is that simple. People are not in Hell because God stopped loving them. They are in Hell because they never loved Him. His love is real. It's deep. It's unconditional and unlimited.
So to those of you today who feel God can't love you because of what you have or haven't done; this is for you: GOD LOVES YOU. Do you love Him? God wants you to receive His love today and accept His Son's sacrifice for your sins. When you accept Him, you will experience true love like you never have before. He really does love you. It doesn't matter what others say about you or how they feel about you. Even if you feel unlovable or that no one loves you, Jesus loves you. Even if you can't love yourself or forgive yourself for your past sins, Jesus loves you. His love knows no limits or boundaries. Don't question it, just accept it and receive it. You are worth it.
People often say they don't see how God could love them. They feel they have done too many bad things; and therefore He cannot love them anymore. They are comparing God's love to the love (or lack of love) they have experienced here on this earth. People are looking for love in one relationship after another. They are never going to find it while seeking for it that way. Other people have only loved and accepted them when they have done good things and "measured up" to their standards, and as soon as this person failed, they no longer loved them and walked away from them. So, since that's all they've ever known, they expect God to be the same.
God is not like that at all. He loves no matter what. His love is completely unconditional. That means that He loves us no matter what we do or do not do. His love for us is so deep that it can never be diminished. Our minds cannot understand a love like that because we do not typically experience that kind of love here in this life.
God doesn't always like the things we do. He does not like sin or evil. He does not like unrighteous things we do, but His love for us is constant. Again, that's not easy for us to comprehend.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16).
"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
God loved us enough that He gave the very best gift He had: His son. I love my son. It would be difficult for me to give him to die for people who did not show me love and respect. Yet while we were yet sinners and evil, He gave His son, Jesus, to die for us. That is the perfect picture of love. Love doesn't keep score. Love doesn't change based on circumstances. Love is unconditional. It is everlasting.
Others say, "If God loves me, He wouldn't let these bad things happen to me, the world wouldn't be in this shape and He wouldn't let me go to Hell". God loves you enough that He made a way out of all those things. Yes, bad things are still going to happen, but you must still love and trust Him through it all. It's not God's will for anyone to go to Hell. It's each person's choice as to where they will spend eternity. The choice is not God's. He has done all He ever will do to provide a way out of Hell. He gave His son. The choice is yours. Choose Jesus, choose Heaven. Ignore Jesus, choose Hell. It is that simple. People are not in Hell because God stopped loving them. They are in Hell because they never loved Him. His love is real. It's deep. It's unconditional and unlimited.
So to those of you today who feel God can't love you because of what you have or haven't done; this is for you: GOD LOVES YOU. Do you love Him? God wants you to receive His love today and accept His Son's sacrifice for your sins. When you accept Him, you will experience true love like you never have before. He really does love you. It doesn't matter what others say about you or how they feel about you. Even if you feel unlovable or that no one loves you, Jesus loves you. Even if you can't love yourself or forgive yourself for your past sins, Jesus loves you. His love knows no limits or boundaries. Don't question it, just accept it and receive it. You are worth it.
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