Friday, September 12, 2014

Great Love............

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

www.bibletourwithjoline.com/dailydevotions.asp
www.bibletouravecjoline.blogspot.com
www.bibletourwithjoline.blogspot.com

I went through a couple of years of denial following my mother's death. I refused to pray. I refused to honor God. I refused to eat. It sounds silly now but it made perfect sense to the twelve-year old that I was. I decided that it was all a scam and God did not exist and if He did exist, He did not love me. The truth is I knew God. I loved Him but He never had my whole heart. I only loved him when all was perfect. In my own way I thought I was punishing him by denying him. Even in my rebellion I knew that there was a God. How can I punish Him if he did not exist? I was miserable not only because of the loss of my mother but also because I was grieving the relationship God and i once had. I missed our fellowship and I did not want to admit it. Thinking back today, It scares me that I stayed away for so long. But even when I ignored God, He did not forget about me. Though I no longer loved him, He loved me anyway. He brought me face to face with my own mortality and I came back running. I cried over the loss of my mother so hard and so long that I forgot that I was also a mortal. I forgot how desperately I needed God but one day He gave me an experience that was greater that having both parents alive. He touched my heart and restored our relationship. He reconnected with me and brought me back home to him and that was a bigger miracle than healing. Friend, healing is minuscule compared to salvation. God taught me in one week the lesson that my mother tried to teach me for twelve years. I finally learned that there is no bad news when I have Jesus as Lord.It is a win/win situation. Regardless of what happened in my life, I still have God and that is all that I need. After it all said and done I will be with God in glory. My mother knew Christ as Lord and Savior and she is now with him in glory and there is no better deal than Jesus.

I do not know why God did not spare my mother's life but I believe that all things work together for our good. My mother had her own relationship with Christ. I did not have inside information concerning their relationships but I know that God is a living God. I know that He is a giver of life and not a taker. I know without a doubt that everything that happens in my life is part of His divine plan and that God is putting me in position for the next stage of my life. I know that God cares about me. I know that He loves me despite my imperfections and when I become to look inside of me and away from my circumstances I was able to feel His unconditional love.

Dear friend, are you at a crossroad? Do you believe that God had forsaken you? I have good news: God cares. He loves you. He hears your prayer and He wants to save you. God wants to touch you also but He does not want part of you. He wants all of you. God is a good father and He wants to cradle you in his arms. He wants to consume you and He wants to shower you with his love but are you willing to receive it? What do you want more? Do you want a relationship with God or do you want all the riches of the world? Friend, it is time to come to God and remain at his feet. He says to seek his righteousness and everything else will be added on to you. Are you one of those people who are going through the motion but never really make a real connection with God? It is about time that you let that love that is inside of you come to life. It is about time that you choose God. He already chose you. God wants to touch you. He wants to reveal himself to you in a big way. Is your heart ready? He does not want you to be perfect. His love will perfect you. Come as you are. Health, wealth, family are all good but none of it greater than salvation. If you really want it all then come to God. Salvation is about healing mind body and soul. The Bible says to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Choose life (eternal).

Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle. The Bible says that every knee shall bow at the sound of his name. Cancer, Diabetes, Heart disease, High Blood Pressure and anything you may be facing today shall bow at the name of Jesus. When you have Jesus you have it all. Jesus comes with healing, joy, peace and salvation. My friend God loves you regardless of what you feel and what you see. It is time to step in your destiny and be what God wants you to be. When you have God, sickness no longer intimidate you. Sickness is an opportunity to experience God's glory. Go after Jesus and everything will change. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Let us pray: Father in the name of Jesus I come before you today. Thank you for being an accessible Father. Thank you for opening up my heart to your truth. Thank you for sending your son. Thank you for your love and the gift of salvation. Thank you for pursuing me. Thank you for not giving up on me. I am no longer looking for treasure on earth. My treasure is in you. You are my redeemer. You have my complete attention and all of my heart. I no longer wish to be cautious when it comes to your kingdom. Use me for your glory. You have full access Father and please use me as you see fit. I love you and I adore you for only you are worthy, only you are holy and only you are God

Praise the Lord!