Devotional: For Me - Gail Marsh

Hi!

This devotional is a part of the book Woman of God, by Gail Marsh. A gift from pastor Sofia Paiz and I was reading again today because I miss her. 

Enjoy the text!

For Me

Jesus loves us, this we know. For the Bible tells us so. That doesn´t sound quite right, does it? The words us and we don´t belong in the original lyrics. The words actually read like this: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so.  

The little personal pronoun me makes a huge difference, doesn´t? The author of this beloved children´s hymn understood Jesus´love. She recognized that Jesus´love is personal. Yes, it´s true that God loves all people, from everywhere and every era. But Jesus´ makes a much greater impact on us. It carries a vastly deeper meaning because we know that love is personal. 

God´s love is personal, because it´s relational:

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. - Galatians 4:4-5

God-s love, in Jesus, brings each one of us into his family. Not as distant cousins or as in-laws or extended family members. No. We are adopted as heirs and cherished as dear daughters of the Most High. God´s love draws us close and keeps us secure in much the same way as a loving father embraces his own child. 

God´s love for you, in Jesus, is also intimate. You heavenly father loves you because he knows you - really knows you. He created you. Consider:

Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5

The unique, intimate love that God has for you is real. Yes, he knows your sins - eben the ones you keep hidden from others. He knows them because he died for them. In the cross, he forgives you and loves you still. 

God´s personal and intimate love for you is also fiercely protective. Jesus says:

I know my own and my own know me. John 10:14

Your Warrior-Shepherd, Jesus, stands ready to fight for you. He´ll do whatever it takes to keep you close to himself. His love is stronger than anything that frightens you, and you can be sure his love for you never end. That~s love! Real love!

"Thank You, God, for loving me. Help me reflect Your love today."

God bless you!

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