Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."¹

I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important to me," and so on.

I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.

I love to tell how, early one morning about 5AM, I slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleepâ€"as he looked like an angelâ€"so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in all sincerity, "Is that you, God!?"

I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "No, it's not God, but He sent me to tell you that."

On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?"

As quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part of God's eternal plan."

And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why we are here on earth.

And as God wanted my son to know that he is loved by God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven't already done so, I trust and pray that you will realize this today!

For help to accept God’s love and forgiveness click on: www.actsweb.org/christian for the article, "How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christianâ€"without having to be religious."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or hindering my being fully open to receiving Your love. Help me to accept Your love and, in turn, communicate it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus's name. Amen."

1. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV).

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