The very fact that you are reading this speaks of your bravery. I applaud your willingness to explore God’s heart.
If you, like so many, are searching for a way forward but have not considered Jesus Christ, thank you for your boldness and courage. This is a good place to start. If you, like so many Christians in this generation, are feeling that something is keeping you from experiencing life the way you sense God designed it to be lived, thank you for your humility and honesty. This is a good place for you to start as well. The Christian life is a journey of letting our assumptions about God be replaced with the truth of who He really is.
The do’s and don’ts of religion (including Christianity) keep us thinking that we must do “good” things and avoid doing “bad” things to please God. The ways of thought that have worked themselves into us from childhood often tell us we must conform to certain rules to be accepted and loved.
But what does the Bible say? What is God’s heart toward us? How does He feel about us? Who is God really?
The simple truth is: Jesus came to show us the Father and carry us back to Him. In Jesus there is no need of striving to attain right standing—no pressure to measure up to some illusive, holy standard—before we can be accepted. In Jesus separation does not exist. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
These devotionals were written for slow reading and deep thought. Wherever we are on this journey of seeing and believing God’s love for us, we have only just begun. The renewing of our mind is a Spirit-led process, sometimes quick as a lightning bolt flashing across the night sky, sometimes gradual as a winding river wandering along to the sea. God’s desire is that you come to rest in the joy-filled, peaceful assurance of knowing, deep down in the core of yourself, that you are welcomed and accepted, treasured and adored. His passion is that you be free to live life as the person He created you to be—knowing His heart for you—knowing His love for you.
May God be with you in this journey of understanding and transformation. May you come to know the vastness of our Father’s goodness. May you feel the warmth of Jesus’ embrace holding and including you. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes so that you come to see God as He really is—reaching out in love to you and all humanity.
Onward precious beloved. Welcome to 40 Days of God’s Love.