Do not make God into your enemy

 

What God says about you is what matters

Lots and lots of books…but a simple truth is still the most meaningful

Why Try To Fight Against God?

Some people see God as an adversary. If you think about it, this is a strange position to take.

If there is no God then who are you fighting against? Why waste your time with an adversary who does not exist?

On the other hand, if there is an all-powerful, Supreme being why would you try to fight Him? There is absolutely no way to win.

The good news is that God does not view you and I as adversaries. He loves us. He wants what is best for us. In fact, the Bible tells us before we were inclined to make a move toward God He was already establishing His love for  us.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

There’s no need to fight God. Recognize and embrace His unfailing love.

God Already Loves You, Right Now

God is not going to love you someday after you have met certain conditions. He already loves you, right now. In fact, He has always loved you. Before you were born He loved you.

The Bible tells us important evidence of His love is found in the fact that He sent His son to die so that we might have life. (Check out John 3:16 or 1John 4:9)

I don’t know what will happen today. It might be a crummy day or it might be the most wonderful day you’ve experienced since that time you quarterbacked the winning Super Bowl game back in ’86. But whatever happens you can be sure of this: the One who created you and sustains all things loves you.

God Knows Best Even When We Don't Understand

Sometimes a young child does not understand what a loving parent is doing and the young child might even interpret the parent’s actions as mean or cruel (for instance a doctor’s visit that involves a shot).  The truth is that the parent knows much more than the child and, frankly, the child doesn’t even know enough to realize how much he/she doesn’t know.

This can happen with our interpretation of God’s ways.  The gap between what God knows and understands (which is literally everything) and what we know and understand (which is extremely limited) is vast.  So, there may be times when we simply cannot comprehend why things are happening.  And God’s ways may seem to be unkind.

Be assured that God loves us and that He knows what’s best even when it is hard for us to understand.

Finding Joy In the Simple Things

If we require major changes in the basic circumstances of life and significant events—like winning a million dollars—in order to find real joy, then it will tend to elude us.  Joy, in life, is typically experienced in simple moments, it involves taking pleasure in little things.  So, I hope you notice lots of things to bring laughter and joy into your life today.  A great place to begin is to remember that God loves you.

Merry Christmas, God Loves You!

Merry Christmas to all of my online friends and to everyone who may read this post.  Please know that when we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating the truth that God genuinely cares about us.  The birth of the Christ-child is a demonstration of God’s perfect, unfailing love.

He loves you.  This is the truth.

May God bless you richly.  May His grace and mercy bring you peace.  May His presence be a well-spring of life—abundant life—in you.

Love,

Dan

Thanks Brennan Manning For Helping Me Understand God's Love

Many years ago, I was in a small group with a few other men. At one point in this group, we listened to some

talks by a Christian teacher named Brennan Manning.  I had not heard of Brennan, yet, at this time. In these recorded talks Brennan said something that touched me deeply.  He said, “God loves you.” 

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I had heard people say, “God loves you,” before this time.  But in my mind, it was always said in a qualified way, for instance, “God loves you! …But remember, you still have to obey Him.”

Even though I grew up in a loving Christian church with terrific people, I had never heard (or at least it seemed to me that I had never heard) someone have the audacity to just say, “God loves you,” [period].  Without some type of qualifier.

Believe it or not, this was a big deal for me. 

I listened to the talks thinking:  “Wait a minute, God loves me without some type of qualifier having to be added to the statement?!?  Wow!”

I just learned, this morning, that Brennan has died.  I believe I’ll have an opportunity to thank him for his teaching, some day, when I pass over to the other side. But for now, I’ll write it here:  “Thanks, Brennan, for the incredible gift of helping me understand that God loves me.”

…Without qualifiers.

Peace and Comfort In Spite Difficulties

It seems I am reminded every day that life can be difficult, painful and discouraging.  But then I am also encouraged and inspired as I see people put their faith and trust in God and find peace, comfort, wisdom and strength in spite of the difficult circumstances. Remember: God loves you and He has not abandoned you! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28