Beyond Country

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Ben Waites - Real As I Believe (Official Lyric Video) Ben Waites powerfully delivers his latest single "If Heaven is as Real As I Believe." This song will encourage you to reflect on your faith and what you beli...

Wisdom Hunters
August 19, 2024
Two Fears
By: Boyd Bailey

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Adventurous bedtime stories tend to spark our grandchildren’s imaginations. They especially enjoy it when they are part of the story. So, imagine with me that you're standing on the edge of a vast forest. One path leads into a dark, foreboding thicket filled with shadows and uncertainty. Though still within the forest, the other path is illuminated by a warm, inviting light. The first path represents living in fear, while the second symbolizes fearing God. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." At first glance, this may seem confusing—how can fear be a good thing? But this fear isn’t about terror or anxiety. It’s about awe, reverence, and respect for our Creator. It’s about recognizing God’s power and majesty and understanding our place in His creation.

Continuing on our forest adventure, we have now made our way up a knoll to a waterfall. Think of fearing God as standing before a mighty waterfall. You feel its refreshing mist cooling your hot and sweaty body after a strenuous hike. You feel its power and strength, but you’re not scared. Instead, you’re filled with awe and wonder. This kind of fear draws you closer, making you want to know more about the One who controls such power. It leads to wisdom and a deeper relationship with God. On the other hand, living in fear is like being trapped in a dense fog; you hesitate to move, scared of something hurting you. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of what others think—these fears paralyze you, keeping you from moving forward. 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." God doesn’t want you to live in that fog of fear. He offers clarity, strength, and peace.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." This isn't about living in terror but understanding what truly matters. When we fear God, we’re aligning our lives with His will, prioritizing what’s eternal over what’s temporal.

So, how do you shift from living in fear to fearing God? It starts with trust. Trust that God is in control. Trust that He loves you and has a plan for you. When you focus on His power and love, the fog of fear dissipates, and you can walk confidently on the path He’s illuminated. Remember, fearing God isn’t about living in dread; it’s about living in awe and reverence. It’s about acknowledging His greatness and letting that understanding guide your life. Let the fear of the Lord be your compass, and watch as He leads you out of the fog and into His marvelous light. A divine light that illumines the path of God’s will and a warm light of unceasing, comforting love.

Prayer
Dear Lord, grant me the strength to fear You alone and not the opinions of others. Help me to stand firm in my faith, trusting in Your guidance and wisdom. Let my actions be pleasing to You, and may Your love cast out all fear. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application
What unhealthy fear do I need to replace with love and a healthy fear of the Lord?

Related Reading
Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13

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Wisdom Hunters
August 16, 2024
Focus Bears Fruit
By: Boyd Bailey

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Your world, like mine, is brimming with distractions; we find ourselves often pulled in many directions, our minds scattered, and our spirits weary. Yet, Jesus invites us into a life of focused attention, a life where the branches of our existence bear fruit through abiding in Him. To focus is to choose the essential over the urgent, the eternal over the temporal. It is to sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary, who chose the better part (Luke 10:42). Our focus on Christ is not an escape from reality but an entrance into the deeper reality of God’s presence. Here, in this sacred abiding, we find the nourishment needed for our souls to flourish and our lives to bear fruit.

Consider the life of the vine and the branches. The branch does not strain or struggle to produce fruit; it simply abides in the vine, drawing sustenance and life from it. So it is with us. Our fruitfulness is not the result of frantic activity but the natural outcome of a life deeply rooted in Christ. When our focus is fixed on Him, His love flows through us, producing the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). A focused life is not perfect but focuses on the perfect One, Jesus Christ!

This focused abiding requires intentionality. It is a daily practice of turning our hearts and minds towards God amidst the noise and busyness. It includes setting aside specific times for prayer and reflection, immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, and seeking solitude to listen to God’s voice. As we cultivate these disciplines, we find our focus shifting from the myriad of distractions to the One who holds all things together. Focus bears fruit as the fruit of being God’s beloved.

As you focus on Christ, you also learn to see the world through His eyes. Your relationships, work, and daily tasks are infused with His presence. You begin to recognize opportunities to serve, to love, and to bring His light into dark places. Your focused life bears fruit not only in personal transformation but also in impacting the world around you. By God’s grace, embrace the call to focus on Jesus, knowing that you find your true life and purpose in Him. Trust that as you remain in Christ, He will make your life abundantly fruitful. In the stillness of focused abiding, you find the strength and grace to live fruitfully, bringing glory to the Vine and joy to your soul. Focus allows you to feast on the fruit of relational health, financial stability, perseverance to see a plan to completion, and wisdom and love to finish well for God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us to abide in You with undivided hearts. Help us to focus on Your love and presence so that we may bear the fruit of Your Spirit in our lives. Grant us the grace to turn away from distractions and to center our lives in You. Amen.

Application
What plan or project do I need to stay focused on and finish what I started?

Related Reading
Isaiah 26:3; Proverbs 4:25; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 3:17

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Wisdom Hunters
August 15, 2024
Living in Today and Trusting God for Tomorrow
By: Shana Schutte

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34, ESV

I have a favorite bracelet. It was given to me by a dear friend and contains three little words: I Am Here. This tiny phrase has been an anchor for me during sleepless nights, an unknown future, and difficult decisions. It’s reminded me at 3 AM that Jesus is with me and that He will never leave or forsake me.

But there is also a second, life-giving meaning of these three words: I (Shana) am here. Right now. In this moment. In this day. I am alive. And because I am still alive, I need to continue to fully live each day.

Even if we are healthy, even if we are physically safe now, these blessings are not guaranteed tomorrow. The Lord could take any of us home at any time. Therefore, it’s wise to continue to truly live.

To truly live each day means taking time to notice the blessings given to us by God.

At the end of each day, my husband and I hold one another before our eyes close to sleep and we talk about the day and sometimes answer the question: Where did you see God at work today?

This simple question gives us opportunity to glorify and thank God for His movement in our lives in little ways that would have otherwise been overlooked. And there is an extra-added bonus when we do this exercise: joy! There is nothing like gratitude to fill a heart with happy.

To truly live in each day means taking advantage of all the opportunities God gives us each day.

Yesterday I spoke with a man who said, “None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. So, we need to live life to the fullest.” If we fear what may happen in the future, we may miss an opportunity to take that bike ride, witness to that neighbor, or go on that mission’s trip. But when we truly live, we embrace the moment and boldly move into the opportunities God has placed before us. There is nothing like taking risks to fill our hearts with courage.

To truly live means not fretting about the future.

In the book, Morning by Morning, Charles Spurgeon wrote:

“Care can be sinful—even when we care about legitimate things—if it is carried to extremes. Our Savior regularly taught that we should avoid anxious concern. When we worry, we put ourselves in His place and try to do for Him what He intends to do for us. We struggle to bear our burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to carry it for us . . .”

Scripture instructs us not to worry about tomorrow. This isn’t about being irresponsible. It’s about trust. Each day, the Lord invites us to trust Him for our provision and care, knowing that He holds our future firmly in His hands. When we worry about the future, we try to control that which we can’t control. This only leads to a lack of peace.

Trusting God with our tomorrows means believing that He is good, that He has a plan, and that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). It means letting go of our need to know everything and resting in the assurance that God knows and that is enough.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Prayer
Lord, help me to live in today and not be consumed with worry about tomorrow. Remind me that You are in control, and that Your plans for me are good. Give me the grace to trust You with my future, and to focus on the blessings and opportunities of today. Amen.

Application
Share what you read in today’s devotional with a friend or family member.

Related Reading
Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Romans 8:32

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Wisdom Hunters
August 14, 2024
Unforgiving Means Unforgiveness
By: Boyd Bailey

Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.
Matthew 6:14-15, TLB

In Matthew 6:14-15, we often encounter the staggering words of our Lord Jesus: If I don’t forgive, I cannot be forgiven. Really? Yes! These words are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives that demand our earnest reflection and sincere obedience. Forgiveness, you see, is not an optional addendum to the Christian life. It is central to the Gospel message itself. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. This conditional clause is a stark reminder that our forgiveness from God is inextricably linked to our willingness to forgive others. We are forgiven for heaven when we are saved, but forgiveness on earth is a lifetime of repetition. C.S. Lewis validates this idea, “We believe that God forgives us our sins; but also, that He will not do so unless we forgive other people their sins against us.”

Consider, for a moment, the nature of divine forgiveness. God, in His infinite mercy, extends grace to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. We, undeserving and guilty, are pardoned and restored to fellowship with Him. This forgiveness is not earned by our merit but is given freely out of God’s boundless love. If we, having received such grace, refuse to extend it to others, we become like the unmerciful servant in Jesus' parable (Matthew 18:23-35), who, forgiven a great debt, could not forgive a much smaller one.

Why is it so difficult to forgive? Perhaps it is because we cling to our sense of justice and desire for retribution. Yet, holding onto grudges is to poison our own souls. Unforgiveness is a heavy chain that binds us to past hurts and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s peace. To forgive is to release not only the offender but also ourselves from the bo***ge of bitterness. To forgive is to trust God by moving out of the judge and jury seat to the mercy seat of grace and love.

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring justice or excusing wrongdoing. It means relinquishing the right to exact revenge and trusting God to be the righteous judge. It is a deliberate act of will, often repeated daily, to let go of our anger and choose love instead. In forgiving, we reflect the character of Christ, who, even on the cross, prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Do not deceive yourself into thinking that you can harbor unforgiveness and still walk in the fullness of God’s grace. Examine your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any lingering resentment. Choose today to forgive, as you have been forgiven. In doing so, you will experience the liberating power of God’s love and mercy. In the light of this truth, walk in forgiveness, ever mindful that your own forgiveness is contingent upon your willingness to extend the same grace.

Prayer
Gracious Father, thank You for the immense forgiveness You have shown me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Remove any bitterness from my heart and fill me with Your love, that I may reflect Your grace to all. Amen.

Application
Sit quietly and ask if you have forgiven yourself from past guilt and shame.

Related Reading
Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 1:18; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32

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Wisdom Hunters
August 13, 2024
The Middle Miles
By: Pat Elsberry

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

Do you have a prayer list? It could be a physical or mental list of things you have been praying for. Perhaps you've had something on that prayer list that's been there for what seems like forever, but God hasn't seen fit to answer it yet. It can be challenging, frustrating, and even depressing during a waiting season. You're not alone in this struggle. Many of us have experienced the same feelings. It's like being in the middle miles. When I was single and praying for a husband, I was specific about who I wanted him to be. This one prayer request was rather lengthy with the long list of qualifications he needed. With no husband in sight, I became disillusioned and wondered where God was. Is there something you're praying for, but God seems to have drawn a deaf ear? Is there something on your prayer list that God hasn't answered yet and seems unattainable? Perhaps we need to take a page out of the marathoner's playbook. Let me explain.

I have several friends who are marathoners and find running to be fun, challenging, and exhilarating. You're probably well acquainted with the middle miles if you're one of those people. But for those like me, who would only be caught running if someone was chasing me, I didn't understand the middle miles. When a marathoner starts out on their race, they are excited, fresh, and energetic. They pace themselves for the long haul, knowing that there is going to come a time, typically in the middle of the race, when their bodies begin to tire. The excitement they felt at the beginning of the race starts to wane. The middle miles are the most exhausting and challenging when their exhilaration at the beginning of the race has dissipated. At this point, they begin to dig in and push on, seeing the finish line in their minds. Just like those runners, if you're feeling skeptical and wondering if God has forgotten you along the path, just hold on. If the answer to your long-held prayer has yet to manifest, just take another step forward, then another. Remind yourself of God's promises to you. Though the middle miles may be challenging, it doesn't mean you have been forgotten. Persevere in your faith, for God's timing is perfect, and He will give you what you need to get to the finish line.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer
Father, how grateful we are that you are not only with us during the fun and exciting moments, but you are with us during the middle miles when we may be struggling and feeling forgotten. Thank you for carrying us through to the end.

Application
If you have an unanswered prayer, give it back to God. Remind Him that you trust Him and know His timing is perfect in all things.

Related Reading
Isaiah 26:3; John 14:6; Romans 8:28

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Wisdom Hunters
August 12, 2024
Source of Joy
By: Boyd Bailey

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

In a world often marked by fleeting happiness and transient pleasures, the concept of joy stands distinct and attractive. For Christians, joy is more than an emotion; it is a deep-rooted state of being that transcends circumstances and is anchored in our relationship with God. Understanding what brings us true joy requires a reflection on biblical principles and a recognition of the eternal truths found in Scripture. One of the foundational sources of joy for Christians is the presence of our heavenly Father. Psalm 16:11 highlights the fullness of joy in God's presence. Unlike worldly happiness, which is often dependent on external factors, the joy that comes from the Lord is a constant and enduring source that fills our hearts regardless of our circumstances.

Another key aspect of joy is experienced in our salvation. The assurance of being reconciled with God through Jesus Christ brings a grateful and unshakeable joy. In Luke 10:20, Jesus tells His disciples, "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." This eternal perspective shifts our focus from temporary troubles to the everlasting security and joy of our salvation. Knowing that we are loved, forgiven, and destined for eternal life with God fills us with a joy that cannot be taken away. Gratitude for the gift of eternal life elevates our life on earth to bring joy to others.

Joy is cultivated through gratitude and praise. Philippians 4:4 exhorts us, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Practicing gratitude helps us focus on God's blessings and goodness, even in difficult times. Praise shifts our attention from our problems to God's greatness, leading to an overflow of joy. As we worship and give thanks, we experience the joy of the Lord, which becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Worship calls us to joyful obedience.

The Word of God is an incubator for joy. Psalm 19:8 promises, "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart." Immersing ourselves in Scripture, meditating on God's promises, and allowing His truth to guide our lives brings a deep sense of joy. The Bible provides wisdom and direction and reassures us of God's faithfulness and love, fostering joy in our hearts. Truth brings a smile to our faces, freedom to our souls, and laughter to our hearts. Joy is a Christ contagion!

Relationships within the body of Christ also contribute significantly to our joy. Fellowship with other believers, mutual encouragement, and shared experiences of God's grace and love build a sense of community and joy. In Philippians 1:4-5, Paul expresses his joy in the partnership of the believers in the gospel. Being part of a spiritual family that supports, prays for, and loves one another enhances our joy as we journey together in faith.

Serving others and witnessing God's work through you brings immense joy. Acts 20:35 reminds us of Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When you serve and bless others, you experience the joy of fulfilling God's purpose for your life and seeing the impact of His love through your actions. True joy for Christians is multifaceted and deeply rooted in your relationship with God. It is found in His presence, salvation, Word, gratitude, fellowship, and service. Unlike temporary happiness, this joy is enduring and resilient, grounded in the eternal truths of your faith. As you cultivate these aspects in your life, you can experience the fullness of joy that God intends for you, bringing Him glory and shining His light of love.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the true source of my joy. Your love and presence uplift my spirit daily. Even in challenges, Your grace sustains me. Fill my heart with Your joy, and let it overflow to others. Thank You for Your endless blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application
How is the Holy Spirit revealing the Lord’s love as the source of your joy?

Related Reading
Nehemiah 8:10; John 15:11; Romans 8:13

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The Isaacs & Autumn Nelon Streetman Perform 'Family Chain' at The Nelons Memorial Service Award-winning bluegrass Gospel group The Isaacs were joined on stage by Autumn Nelon Streetman for this emotional performance of 'Family Chain' during the Ce...

Wisdom Hunters
August 9, 2024
Compassion Over Criticism
By: Boyd Bailey

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36

In a world filled with harsh judgments and quick criticisms, the call to show compassion stands as a gift of hope and healing. Compassion is deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who embodied compassion and mercy in His interactions with others. Understanding and practicing compassion rather than criticism can transform our relationships and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. Jesus’ ministry was marked by acts of compassion. Jesus didn’t look at the people with disdain or judgment; instead, He saw their struggles and responded with empathy and love. His heart was moved to reach out to heal, comfort, and restore. Compassion sees a measure of hurt in every heart, a glistening tear so that empathy wrestles down criticism.

Criticism often stems from a place of pride, self-righteousness, or misunderstanding. It can create division, hurt, and discouragement. Jesus cautioned against a critical spirit in Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way, you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This warning reminds us that we all need grace and that our judgments often lack the full understanding that God alone possesses. Mercy makes a way for the hurting to be healed.

Compassion requires us to look beyond the surface and see others through the eyes of Christ. It involves recognizing their inherent worth as individuals created in the image of God and understanding their struggles, pain, and needs. Colossians 3:12 urges us, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are essential for building loving and supportive relationships. Love looks for ways to lead another to the Lord.

Compassion means actively responding with kindness and understanding instead of criticism. It involves listening without judgment, offering support, and extending grace. When we encounter someone who is struggling or has made a mistake, we can ask ourselves, "How can I show the love of Christ in this situation?" This perspective shifts our focus from fault-finding to love-giving. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is a powerful illustration of compassion in action. The Samaritan saw the wounded man, felt compassion for him, and took concrete steps to help. He didn’t pass judgment on why the man was in that situation or whether he deserved help. Instead, he saw a fellow human in need and responded with mercy.

In your daily life, you are surrounded by opportunities to show compassion. Whether it's offering a kind word, helping someone in need, or simply being present for a friend, your caring actions reflect the love of Christ. As you choose compassion over criticism, you become an instrument of God's grace, bringing healing and hope to a world in desperate need of both. Stopping criticism and starting to show compassion aligns your heart with the heart of Christ. It allows you to be conduits of His love, grace, and mercy. By choosing to see others through the eyes of compassion, you fulfill Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved you (John 13:34).

Prayer
Dear Lord, fill my heart with compassion. Help me to see others through Your eyes and extend kindness to those in need. Let Your love guide my actions, and may I reflect Your mercy in all I do. Teach me to be a vessel of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application
Who needs my compassion in the pain of their current circumstance?

Related Reading
Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 30:18; Hebrews 4:15; James 5:11

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Wisdom Hunters
August 8, 2024
Abound in Hope
By: Tripp Prince

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13, ESV

In common usage, to speak of “hope” is to speak of a relatively passive and fleeting desire. “I hope I get new shoes for my birthday.” “I hope it doesn’t rain this afternoon.” “I hope my basketball team wins the game.” These sentiments are detached and distant from the core of who we are and say very little about the kind of people our Lord longs for us to be.

Yet, in the Bible, hope is not a fleeting emotion but a state of being. As David says in Psalm 16:9, “My flesh also will rest in hope.” Colossians 1:23 speaks of a steadfast hope from which we cannot be moved or shaken. And here in today’s passage from Romans 15, Paul’s prayer is that the church in Rome would “abound in hope” in a way that transcends mere human ability and is instead empowered and animated by the living presence of God in their midst. This is the “living hope” of the resurrection in which Peter so powerfully rejoices in 1 Peter 1:3, and it is the same living hope in which you and I are invited to “abound” today!

Our ability to abound in this unshakable hope, regardless of situation or circumstance, is related to the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. We are able to abound in hope because, as Paul reminds us, we serve and follow “the God of hope.” Hope is fundamental to who God is, and any ability to hope in our world is born out of the truth that God is for us and is able to secure the good and redemptive end which He has promised in and through Christ. This is the God we follow, and it is why belief in Him is not simply giving mental ascent to a collection of positions but is the pathway that leads to a lived experience defined by joy and peace. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.

Prayer
Father, may we abide in your presence daily, so that the hope we know and experience is not a passing emotion or fleeting desire, but is the very foundation of our lives and the source of all joy and peace, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Application
Take time today to meditate on this passage from Romans, asking the Lord to fill you with all joy and peace that you may abound in hope.

Related Reading
Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 10:23

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Wisdom Hunters
August 7, 2024
Be Loved
By: Boyd Bailey

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10

At the core of your existence lies a humbling and transformative truth: your primary purpose is to be loved by God. This divine reality shapes your identity and directs your life toward your deepest fulfillment. From a faith perspective, recognizing that you are created to be the recipient of God’s love redefines your worth, purpose, and direction. The Bible begins with the declaration of God's intentional creation of humanity in His image. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This act of creation is an expression of God’s love, signifying that you are designed to reflect His nature and to live in a relationship with Him. Your existence is not an accident but a deliberate act of a loving Creator who desires to lavish His love over you.

Understanding that our purpose is to be loved by God starts with acknowledging His love for us. 1 John 4:10 says, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God's love is not based on our actions or merits but is a gift freely given. Through Jesus Christ, God demonstrates the magnitude of His love, inviting us into a restored relationship with Him. This sacrificial love is the foundation upon which our lives are built and the source of our true identity. A life defined by love subdues forces hostile to faith.

Living in the awareness of being loved by God transforms how we view ourselves and others. It frees us from the need to earn acceptance or prove our worth. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This unshakable love provides security and confidence, allowing us to live with the assurance that we are valued and cherished by our Creator. Where sin seeks to separate, love brings together with mercy and forgiveness.

Being loved by God empowers us to love others. 1 John 4:19 states, "We love because he first loved us." Experiencing God's love compels us to extend that love to those around us. It shapes our interactions, driving us to act with compassion, grace, and kindness. Our purpose extends beyond receiving love; it includes reflecting God's love to a world in need. In daily life, recognizing our purpose as being loved by God brings peace and direction. It encourages us to seek intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. As we understand His love, we become more attuned to His voice and guidance, allowing His love to lead our decisions and actions. Love looks for and follows the abundant life, inviting others to join in.

Your primary purpose is to be loved by God. This truth shapes your identity, fuels your interactions, and directs your lives toward fulfillment and peace. Embracing this purpose allows you to live in the fullness of God's love, experiencing the joy and freedom that come from being His beloved child. As you rest in His love, you find your true purpose and are empowered to share that love with the world. Be loved by the Lord so you, in turn, can love for the Lord.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love. I feel Your presence in every moment, guiding and comforting me. Your grace renews my spirit and fills my heart with joy. Help me to always remember Your love and share it with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application
How does your heavenly Father love you right now?

Related Reading
Isaiah 54:10; Psalm 36:5-7; John 3:16; Romans 5:7-8