Following in Love

Today, Jesus invites us to relationship with Him. He asks us, “Do you love me?” He meets us where we are and walks with us as we journey along. He sees our wounds, pains, brokenness, and says to us “I love you. Just as I show you my wounds so you can show me yours. Our wounds are not something to be ashamed of because it can bring much hope and love. Now, follow me.”

Not Backing Down

Aren’t you tired of living in fear and anxiety? Aren’t you tired of feeling incompetent or not good enough? It is time to reject those lies. St. Paul went from persecuting the Christians to dying as one. He encountered the Truth, was moved by it, converted, lived the Truth, and was unafraid doing so. He was not afraid because he heard the Lord say to him time and again, “Take courage. I am here with you.” On our own we cannot cast out those fears that control us but with God we can cast out those lying voices that enslave us. We must not back down. We must go forward in Truth.  We must go forward for God is with us.

The Lord stands by us. When we are faced with a difficult decision or presented with a troubling situation, we need not worry or grow anxious. The world and the enemy will tell us to escape and run away, but you know deep down that is not the answer. Do not run away. Go face it head on. The darkness and the enemy have no real power. When you choose to face those struggles head on, the enemy has nothing. God will bring you through it. Don’t back down. Don’t escape. Run towards the light and leave the darkness behind. Pray with me,

“Lord, I reject those lies that keep me from living in the freedom you won for me!  I reject the lie that I am not good enough.  I reject the lie that I am unlovable. I know I am loved. Now, teach me to live in Your truth. You say to me, “take courage,” and so I go forward and won’t back down.”

Belonging to the Truth

You were created out of love for love. You are loved not because of what you can do, what you have, or what others say about you. True and genuine love cannot be bought or earned. It can only be received and given. God loves you, but you have to receive it. You cannot really love anyone else, including yourself, if you do not receive love. You can't give what you don't have. The world will tell you that you are loved only to the extent you can perform and that others will love you more or less based on that. That's a lie! You are loved and you have been loved from all eternity. And that is the Truth. We belong to the Truth.  This Truth is so true that God became man for you and me. It's time to receive God's love. Pray with me, "Come into my heart, Lord. I am ready to receive your love."