So That was quite the hiatus there after just getting off the ground, no? It's no big, though. I was just in an epic battle with Weebly's main site because it wouldn't let me log in. But never fear, I'm still here! And back with a new appreciation for Bible Journaling and studying His word. I started work on this the first of the month, but when Weebly and I got into an epic battle that I ultimately won (clearly, since I'm posting), I got a bit discouraged about this whole thing. I've been checking my statistics on the phone app, and people keep coming by! It's so encouraging, and it's pushed me to come back to posting regularly, starting with this.
The Bible is full of examples of God's love. It shows us story after story of God giving His people love and affection. From Creation to The Rapture, God's love for His people is outstanding and far surpasses anything we could ever hope to understand or truly appreciate. He works on a plane completely different from our own, in ways that our minds cannot even begin to fathom.
The Bible is full of examples of God's love. It shows us story after story of God giving His people love and affection. From Creation to The Rapture, God's love for His people is outstanding and far surpasses anything we could ever hope to understand or truly appreciate. He works on a plane completely different from our own, in ways that our minds cannot even begin to fathom.
- He sent His son to die on a cross. (John 3:16)
Most people have heard of this verse. Most Christians have it memorized. It's used so often to bring people to Christ that I can't think of a time when I didn't have it memorized. I can remember the choir play I was in where I memorized John 3:17, but I do not recall a time I did not know of this verse. It's such an important thing to remember, though, I'm so happy to have the constant reminder. All it takes is a word or a mention of the verse and it plays through my head. I encourage everyone to memorize it if you haven't, yet. More importantly, though, let it serve as a reminder of God's great love for us.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 - He continually answers our prayers (Phillippians 4:6, John 15:7, Matthew 7:7)
There are so many examples of God answering prayers in the Bible. Even outside of the Bible. I'm sure you can think of plenty of people who have answered prayers, or plenty of times He's answered your prayers. He loves us enough that when we call out to Him, He listens. He answers. While it might not always be the answer we want to hear, He always answers when we call on Him. Doesn't that make you feel more than loved?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
- He created us (Genesis 1)
So, I probably should have started with this, but my mind works in a million different places at once. We're lucky I even put it on here, honestly. But the truth is that there's no greater example of God's love for us than this. He created us. He formed our Earth and he made us from clay. The story of creation is familiar for most of us, but have you ever stopped to think about it? God created a perfect and pure world. He saw all He had done and it was good. And then he created us, human beings. In His image. How could we ever doubt his love for us after that realization?! - He delivers His people time and time again. (Exodus)
There are a number of examples in the Old Testament of God literally delivering his people from something, but Exodus and Moses' story has always been the one that pops out clearly in my mind. Miracles abound in Moses' push to free his people. Through him, God turns water to blood, he sends plagues, and he parts the Red Sea, then has it crash around the guards chasing after the Israelites. He cares so deeply for His children that He performs miracles just to free them. He saves them from a terrible life and leads them to the promised land. God never fails to deliver his people from evil. He loves us far too much for that. - He's patient with us (Jonah)
Jonah's a book of the Bible that's four whole chapters. A lot to read, I know. But for those of you who have never read it, heard about him, or seen the Veggie Tales version of his story, here's a quick run down.
Jonah was a man that God gave instruction to. He wanted Jonah to go to this really sinful and awful place and preach His word. Jonah didn't like that plan. So he hopped on a ship going the complete opposite direction. Instead of letting Jonah do his ridiculous thing, God sent a storm that knocked Jonah into the water, where he then prayed to God to save him. God sent a big fish/whale to gobble him up. While Jonah was in the whale, he repented and prayed to God to deliver him from the whale's stomach. God made it happen, and the whale spit him up right on the shores to Nineveh (the sinful, awful place).
God wanted Jonah to tell the people that if they didn't repent, he was going to destroy their home. Much to Jonah's surprise, the people of Nineveh repented and prayed to God to spare them. So He did. Once again, Jonah didn't like that. So he found himself a rock on the outside of the town and sat down to watch God smite them. God sent a plant to grow and shade Jonah as he waited, and then the next day, he sent a worm to eat the plant and ruin Jonah's shade. After Jonah grew faint, God had another conversation with him about why he was so upset, and how silly it was to be angry after Nineveh repented.
What's that all got to do with His patience? Well it's simple. Jonah refused God time and time again, but God didn't get frustrated or annoyed with him. He redirected Jonah and explained things to him with patience and love! We go against His will time and time again, but time and time again, God looks on us with patience.
- He regularly forgives our sins (Romans 3:23-24, 1 John 1:9)
I don't know about you....but I'm a sinner. I struggle with different sins on different days. Pride, vanity, greed, lust. It's a real problem. I definitely don't live up to the Bible's standards of a Christian. The thing that I definitely do, though, is pray. I pray for forgiveness on a regular basis. And the best part about God's love is that he grants it. He doesn't require anything but our trust and belief in Him. He wants us to confess and repent. That's it. In return for that, He showers us with his love. He forgives us for every wrong thing we do, because He loves us. Just take a moment to let that one sink in.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9 - He blesses us (Ephesians 1:3)
Time and time again, God pours his blessings out on people in the Bible. He blesses the poor, the meek, the humble. What an awesome concept! In case you don't know, a blessing, defined by Mirriam-Webster is a) approval that allows or helps you to do something, b) help and approval from God, c) something that helps you, or brings you happiness. I don't know about you, but any one of those descriptions in conjunction with God blessing me is pretty freaking fantastic. I need all the help I can get from Him, and He brings me infinite amounts of joy. Being blessed by God? I'm definitely here for it.
"Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3 - He came to bring us eternal life (John 3:16, John 10:10)
Part of God sending his only son to us to die on a cross was to give us eternal life. So not only did He create us, but he wants us to live forever in Him! How cool is that, really? He came to bring us an abundant and rich eternal life with Him, praising Him, giving Him all the glory He deserves. Talk about amazing love. If you were doubting after the creation thing, I hope you're not anymore.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and you may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 - He's promised to never leave us. (Hebrews 13:5b)
This is another one of those verses that you've probably heard, memorized, and recited time and time again in some form or the other. It's one of the most encouraging promises God has brought to his people, in my opinion. I have so much strength in the knowledge that God will never leave me. He's always going to be there to call on, and I love so much about that.
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5b - He wants us to have a happy life in Him. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I've seen this verse thrown around a lot lately, and I have to say, I love it. It's always been one of my favorites, and it's always spoken to me on such a deep level. There's just something reassuring in knowing that God has plans for me. Especially at a time in my life where I am searching for what I'm meant to do. To know that God wants me to be happy and hopeful, that he wants me to prosper in Him? It warms me to my very core.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11