Tag Archives: God’s love

May 2
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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

In the tug and pull of daily living, we are apt to forget how God feels about His children; but Paul offers to us this reminder: We are “holy and dearly loved.”

To be holy is to be like our heavenly Father, because He is holy — which is to say, “separate,” or “uncommon.” Separate, because we follow only our God. Uncommon, because the world doesn’t see many who live as we live: “[Clothed] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

To accept that we are “dearly loved” is the fire of inspiration; it is the freedom to go beyond ourselves; it is the frame that informs and circumscribes all of our choices.

It is a rare and wonderful state to be holy and dearly loved by God; and that is us. Today. Live it!  – Luther

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February 14
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“We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, KJV)

There is much chatter today on the topic of love — and rightfully so: It is Valentine’s Day!

The scriptures tell us that we were always loved.  Loved before we had achieved anything.  Loved before we had become anything.  Loved before we had done anything.

The scriptures tell us that we were always loved with the purest love: God, because God is love. He loves us on our bad days and our good days; and, as Paul related in the book of Romans, chapter 8: There is nothing that can ever separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

The devil wants us to doubt the love of God.  Somehow, that fact got me to thinking of a story by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), who wrote a story titled, “The Ugly Duckling.” (Click on this link to see the story, if you don’t remember this wonderful childhood tale: http://hca.gilead.org.il/ugly_duc.html); and this fact: The ugly duckling always was a swan!

Others may not see you as a swan, but God does.  Others may not treat you as a swan, but God does. Others may tell you what you are not (and they may be right); but instead listen to what God says you are — and Whose you are.

He loved us at the beginning — and first.  He will love us at the end.  He will love us always.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  – Luther

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August 23
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“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43, NIV)

The verses preceding today’s scripture are a recollection of the many gracious deeds of the Lord toward His “redeemed” ones. 

It is worth noting that the list is both personal and corporate; as recent as today and as distant as long ago; both dramatic and mundane. 

We need not personally experience every gracious deed of the Lord God in order to add our “amen.” The testimony of all of the saints of God is also our testimony when we identify with our heavenly Father’s purposes, and affirm in our living our heavenly Father’s will.  

Heeding the wisdom of the Lord, and pondering all of His loving deeds will keep your relationship fresh, and your vision clear.  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be taking its customary Sunday break on tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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