1 John 3:1a. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Today, my devotions began with Luke 22:42, where Jesus was in the garden of Gesthemany. Three times, he asked Father God to let the cup of suffering pass by… if there was any other way… for us to be reconciled to the Father. Cara Whitney compares this to barn chores in the cold mid-winter. It’s not quite as extreme, but you get the picture.

Meditate on These Things
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

In Uta’s devotional, the Lord called her His child. He watches for His children to think or do these things listed in Philippians 8. It brings him joy when we do. He has a deep interest in each of us; each one of us is his precious child. His longing to be with you draws you back to him when you stray.

His heart hurts with you in your trials… not because he lacks hope, but because he longs for his hope to be in you. What a wonderful Father God we have! He loves it when we love him back, with all our heart, soul, and strength. When your heart is tender towards him and we receive all that he has for you, that’s the best!

May we grow deeper in our understanding of how greatly we are loved. Let this understanding overflow and pour out on those we encounter. This is no time to shrink back and cocoon, stewing in our own affairs. God is on the move! As the Moravians say, “Our Lamb has conquered let us follow him.”