January 20

“And so faith, hope, love abide [faith - conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope - joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love - true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us}, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  1 Cor. 13:13 AMPC

The true beauty of these words are found in the truth that love comes from God, originates in His heart, and is His very nature and character, revealed in it’s fullness in the sacrificial life of Christ.  God’s love is pure, gentle, patient, and kind.  Now imagine this same love—the mercy-filled, understanding, compassionate type of love—all directed towards and focused on you.  Why?  Because He loves you so.  Always has. Always will. 

Over and above all you have done, and all that has been done to you, His love shouts freedom and His love rings true.  “Come away My beloved, My beautiful one”, He says, “Come away, cradled in My arms of kindness, to the joy-filled future I have for you.  It is good, beloved. It is good.  As am I”.

Look up cherished one and look ahead with confident expectation and unwavering hope, to all that is yet to be.  Love never stops loving, never doubts, never gives up, no matter what else is taking place.  Remember, He has you securely in His grip of grace.  Abide there beauty. It is what you were born for and where you are meant to be. 

Prayer:

Lord, You have made us as kings and queens, giving us significance we could never have apart from who we are to You!  Created in love to be loved, and to love others, just as you have shown us to do.

All these magnificent mysteries are too wonderful for us to understand Lord, but we receive them now, because of Your goodness and grace.  You have exceeded our expectations in every way and our hearts explode with praise!

To the Lord of eternity, our Mighty God, we pray!