Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 4, 2017
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8
The Lord’s love initiates and pursues the pinnacle of His creation with an eternal engagement. Hell is the sole environment void of the love of God, otherwise His love is all pervasive. In our shame, His love wipes away our remorseful tears—in our successes, His love reminds us of His generous blessings—in our anxious heart, His love brings a peace that passes all understanding. Nothing can separate us from the love of God: Can sin? No because the cross of Christ is our bridge back to God. Can death? No, because Jesus rose from the grave—so we might do the same. Relentless, radical and resourceful, our Lord’s love lingers with those who linger with Him.
What are some ways the Lord loves His children? We continue with two more Biblical images:
A Parent’s Love for Their Child
“He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior” (Isaiah 63:8).
A parent’s love for their child includes training in the ways of the Lord and how to engage life with skill and zeal. Parental love is expressed in a plethora of ways: discipline, encouragement, teaching, modeling, church involvement, prayer, Bible study and service. A mom’s love nurtures compassion, while a dad’s love harnesses passion—both are critical to an emotionally healthy child. Compassion is the motivation to be generous in mercy, grace and giving—while feeling another’s pain with empathy and meeting their needs with helpful resources. Moms care deeply and freely. A loving dad helps channel a child’s passions into productive outcomes: anger into patient forgiveness, joy into gratitude, physical drive into serving others. Our heavenly Father loves us where we are, so He can grow us into a faithful follower of His son Jesus Christ.
A Husband’s Love For His Wife and A Wife’s Love For Her Husband
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10, NKJV).
A husband and wife’s love is first submissive to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—whatever He says do, they do—whatever He says don’t do, they don’t do—whenever He says forgive, they forgive—whenever He says serve, they serve. The lasting fruit of marital love is: intimacy (emotional, spiritual, physical), joy, peace and fulfillment. Not without heartache, pain and disappointments, but all the while growing into oneness around their unity in Christ. Our bridegroom Jesus adorns us, His bride, with the jewels of His character, attracting yearning hearts to our hearts. The garments of our salvation are always in style—with a look—causing others to look to the Lord for their hope and peace. Jesus loves us by giving His life to us—for us to love!
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I receive your love, so I can love others freely and fully.Application
Who needs me to love them today, while expecting nothing in return?Related Reading
Nehemiah 1:5; Psalm 25:7; 1 Timothy 1:14; Hebrews 12:6Post/Tweet today
Relentless, radical and resourceful, our Lord’s love lingers with those who linger with Him. #WisdomHunters #waysGodlovesWorship Resource
4 minute video: Voctave: All is Well Check out Shana and Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Women. Pre-Order now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app
