Approaching God
Come to a place where you can slow down your heart and mind. God is already with you, but invite Him into your place by asking for more of Him. Receive God’s goodness as you read these verses.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:9-10)
Listening to God
Our compassionate God longs for us to experience His tenderness in our lives. We receive the love of Jesus freely and without merit. Listen to this prayer of Jesus just for us:
“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23)
There is nothing we need to do to earn God’s loving presence. No amount of ministry, money, or sacrifice will grow God’s love for us. His love is planted in us. So in all situations, He is in us.
Talking to God
Just as He did with Martin Luther, God has opened the eyes of our heart to receive His abiding love. As God has loved us first, He looks for our response of love in return. That is how our relationship continues to be nourished. Is there any blockage or barrier that is keeping you from a full–out response to God? Do you need His power to love Him more? Is anything keeping you from loving others more with the love of Jesus?
Responding to God
Let’s practice remaining in God’s love. Let’s grow in confidence that God in us will help us to receive, remain in, and respond to the incredible love of God through His Son.
Surrendering to God
“God, I give you my deepest and sincerest thanks for being my beloved. Bless you Father, Spirit, and Son for placing your lovingkindness deep within me. I freely receive your love. Lead me to share it with those around me—those who are like me and those who are not.”
By Paul Sausser
A HISTORICAL SIDEBAR
The Holy Spirit is found in nearly every teaching by the Reformers. Yet, it was not just a teaching but was also part of their worship. In the words of a hymn by Martin Luther:
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord! Be all Thy graces now outpoured On each believer’s mind and heart; Thy fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Thy light. Though in the faith doesn’t men unite. Of every lad and every tongue; This to Thy praise, O Lord, our God, be sung.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
