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 Corinthians 13:13 (AMPC)

The true beauty of these words are found in the truth that love comes from God, originates in His heart; is His very nature and character, revealed in its fullness in the sacrificial life of Christ. God’s love is pure, gentle, patient, and kind. Now imagine this same love—this mercy-filled, understanding, compassionate type of love—all directed towards, and focused on, you! Why? Because He loves you so. Always has. Always and forever 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.  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 Your children to be kings and queens, with a significance we could never have apart from who we are in, and 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 me to understand, Lord, but I receive them now, because of Your goodness and grace. You have exceeded my expectations in every way and my heart explodes with praise!  Where I am hurting, Abba Father, from a lack of love, from looking for love in all the wrong places, or from limiting my own ability to give or receive because of pain from the past or fear for what might be, would you come with Your healing touch, to all that is hurting.  Heal my heart with Your love first, Lord, then help me to love others, in these same life-giving ways.

To the Lord of all Eternity, my Magnificent and Holy God, I pray!