Love—Do You Give and Receive It?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are love. As my shepherd I am grateful that You have been willing to give up so much of Your life for all of mankind. You willingly and obediently sacrificed Your life just so that we could one day stand pure and spotless before the Lord God Almighty. What an awesome gift! Thank You. I look forward to spending eternity—forever—living in the Lord’s house. From a stable to a throne—You are a blessing. May Your name be honored forever. 

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (Verse 6 underlined for today’s focus.)

 

Meditate. Consider God’s home in Heaven—the house of the Lord.

 

Do you feel that goodness and unfailing love…or mercy…are part of your daily life?

           

Herod's Court with the Wise Men

The Shepherd—Jesus, the Good Shepherd—takes care of us…if we choose to believe in Him. This is the time of the year when we celebrate His birth. I just went to an awesome dramatic presentation of the “Journey to Bethlehem” at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kennewick, Washington. In November there had been a tragic fire that destroyed a storage shed where many of their costumes, sets, and props were stored. Not much was saved, but miraculously those items were replaced, and the show went on as scheduled. Love prevailed…and many people were allowed to take the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, pay their taxes, just like Joseph and Mary, and then, along with the shepherds, visit the stable where Jesus was born.

Bethlehem Stable
Mary & Joseph with Baby Jesus
Kennewick, Washington Drama

           The love of Jesus is unfailing. He died on a cross for the sins of the whole world—throughout history. That amazes me—all the people in any time since creation—can be forgiven of their sin. It is the choice that we all must make. Repent and be forgiven…or not. Those who choose to repent and be forgiven will be the ones that will live in the house of the LORD forever. Personally, I choose that. The Lord’s goodness and unfailing love has pursued me all the days of my life. I know that God loves us…Jesus loves us (Revelation 1:4-5)…and the Holy Spirit continues to remind us of scripture that support these promises (John 16:5-15). God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is the most important feeling, action, and emotion that exists. Without love babies don’t thrive people are isolated, and life is lost. We must have love—but it is our choice to give it and receive it. What is your choice today?

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:7

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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