Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Nothing Means Nothing


Just what does it mean to you to actively know that nothing can separate you from God’s love? Love is powerful word in that it is not static. It is an active word and it is shown not just once, but repeatedly by our words, intentions, and actions. Scripture tells us that while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. Why? Because He loves us. And after we place our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation God’s love actions do not cease. Scripture also calls us His beloved children. 1 John 4 tells us repeatedly that God is love and Scripture declares over and over again how His love is continually shown to us.

This love even extends to our hardships or our being disciplined. God’s discipline is not a punishment for wrong doing, but a training in right doing and endurance. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 where we read, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Here we read about the training combination that goes beyond just pointing out any wrongs. We see that Scripture is so much more that “teaching.” It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and profitable (for our good) in showing us not only how we have gotten off track (reproof), but showing us how to get back on track (correction), and then how to stay on track (training in righteousness). And the why is so that we might be made adequate by God for His good works. Hebrews 12 declares that God does this because He loves us, and this is exactly what any loving father should do.

But His discipline does not pertain only to correcting our actions. God also shows His love and faithfulness toward us in bringing us through hardships. In Romans 8:28 and 31 we read, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

In John 10, when Jesus was being questioned as to whether or not He truly was the Christ, this is how He responded in verses 25-30, Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

We are truly His, and this is a forever truth. Sarah writes today about how this truth should impact the moments of our days.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/9)

You are Mine for all time; nothing can separate you from My Love. Since I have invested My very Life in you, be well assured that I will also take care of you. When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone. Your focus becomes problem solving. To get your mind back into gear, just turned toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My Presence.

Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but to become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

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