Listen

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them from my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 10:27-30

Think

When I was a kid, my parents would take me to the “Camp Meeting” each August. Camp Meetings are a historical (yet vibrant) artifact of early American Christianity. Even today, people gather in open air tabernacles for two weeks of camping, worship, and fellowship. The one I attended had the feel of a tent revival.

At the end of worship each night, the pastor would invite people to come to the altar and commit their lives to Christ. Often the pastor would challenge us to consider our eternal destination. Even though I absolutely believed in Jesus, these messages would strike fear in my heart. I would ask myself, “What if I am not actually saved?” Or, “What if some wrong I committed today canceled out my relationship with Jesus?”

But, God’s love doesn’t work that way. It isn’t capricious. It isn’t predicated on perfect actions, thoughts, or words. In other words, nothing can snatch us out of God’s loving hands. You are God’s beloved child, and God delights in you. Allow this truth to permeate your being and give you peace.

Wade Griffith

Question to Ponder:

When is a time you have felt loved by God?

Pray

God, awaken me to your caring presence in my life. Help me to see and believe in your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go

Open your eyes to the caring presence of God and all the ways God’s love is active in our lives. Receive it and allow God to use you to manifest that love in the lives of others.