Tag Archives: God’s love

Advent

The Arrival of Grace and Truth

During Advent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who entered the world to bring salvation and hope. The Arrival of Grace and Truth can be seen in Luke 1:30-31, where the angel Gabriel delivers a message to Mary that is as awe-inspiring today as it was then:

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31, AMP). This marks the arrival of grace and truth.

The Grace That Finds Us

Mary’s story reminds us of the incredible grace of God. The angel declares she has “found grace,” not because of her works but because of God’s sovereign choice. This same grace is available to us today through Jesus Christ, marking the arrival of grace and truth. Ephesians 2:8 echoes this truth: “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God” (AMP).

Like Mary, we do not earn God’s grace; we simply receive it through faith. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, freely given to transform lives and bring us into a relationship with Him.

A Son Named Jesus

When Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus, he also declared His name. The name Jesus means “The Lord saves.” This name encapsulates His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, AMP). This mission signifies the arrival of grace and truth.

In that moment, the eternal God stepped into time, clothing Himself in humanity to bring redemption. “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [one and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, AMP).

The Son born to Mary would live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him.

The Call to Respond

Mary responded to the angel’s message with faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, AMP). Her willingness to embrace God’s plan is a model for us. As we reflect on Christ’s coming, we are invited to say “yes” to God’s grace in our lives, embracing the arrival of grace and truth.

Advent is a season of preparation—not just for the celebration of Christmas but for the continual renewal of our hearts as we wait for Christ’s return. Let us follow Mary’s example, trusting God’s promises and allowing His grace to work in us and through us.

A Prayer for Advent

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace that was revealed through Jesus Christ. Just as You showed favor to Mary, You have extended Your love and kindness to us. Help us to prepare our hearts this Advent season to receive more of You. Increase our faith to say “yes” to Your plans, no matter how unexpected they may be. Let us live with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

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Advent

Favored and Chosen by God

Beloved, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

The message of God’s grace shines brightly in the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel: “Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28 AMP). This greeting reveals not only Mary’s unique role in God’s redemptive plan but also the vast and immeasurable favor of God that reaches down to all who respond to His call. Favored and Chosen by God, let your heart not only hear these words but receive them deeply, for they echo God’s invitation to you today.

Mary’s story shows us the profound truth that God’s favor is not for the mighty, the wealthy, or the perfect—it is for the humble, the willing, and the faithful. Mary, an unassuming young woman from an obscure town, was chosen not for her greatness but because her heart was yielded to God. As one commentator notes, “Grace finds us, not because we are worthy, but because He is good.” The favor of God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the lowly into the beloved.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace [free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness] with God” (Luke 1:30 AMP). These words echo through the centuries to you. Favored and Chosen by God, the same grace that called Mary to bear the Savior now calls you to receive Him. This grace is a gift, freely given by God, unearned and unmeasured. As the Apostle John declared, “For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16 AMP).

Mary was troubled and confused at the angel’s greeting, much like we may feel when God calls us to step into His purposes. But her story reminds us that God’s call is never about our ability—it is about His sufficiency. He equips those He calls, and His presence is the guarantee of His promise. As another commentator observes, “The assurance, ‘The Lord is with you,’ is the foundation of courage, the source of peace, and the promise of power.”

Beloved, do not let fear or doubt hold you back. The favor of God rests on you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. The same God who chose Mary now chooses you. He calls you to bear His life within you, to reflect His light in a dark world, and to walk in the fullness of His grace. Will you say yes to Him? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Let the words of Mary’s surrender become the cry of your heart: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP). This is the response of faith, the surrender of a heart that trusts fully in the goodness of God.

Reflect deeply on this truth: God’s grace does not find you where you think you ought to be but where you truly are. Just as He stepped into Mary’s humble life, He steps into yours. Matthew Henry’s commentary reminds us, “Those that God designs for the greatest honors are commonly the most humble and least ambitious.” It is not your perfection He seeks, but your willingness to trust Him.

Let me urge you, dear one, to answer His call today. The Lord is with you, and His favor rests upon you. Will you receive this grace and allow Him to transform your life? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Pray this with me:

Heavenly Father, Your grace is overwhelming and unearned, yet You offer it freely. I come to You with a heart that is willing but weak. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, and let Your favor rest upon me. I surrender to Your call and ask that You would use my life for Your glory. Lord, may it be done to me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go, beloved, as one favored by God. Walk in His grace, trust in His promises, and surrender to His call. For His love has chosen you, and His Spirit will lead you into the fullness of His plan. Let your heart echo the Apostle John’s words: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 AMP). Amen.

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Love

The Call to Love God: How His Love Transforms Us from the Inside Out

Beloved, God calls you to a love that is deep, pure, and life-changing. It’s a call to leave behind the fading allure of this world and embrace the enduring love of our Creator. When God asks you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, He is inviting you into a relationship that will change you from within. This call to love is no mere sentiment—it is a holy invitation to be reshaped and renewed, to become more like Him, and to live as His beloved child in a world that is passing away.

Answering the Call to Love God

The love of God is unlike any love this world offers. It is eternal, pure, and steadfast, a love that was set upon you even before you took your first breath. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). His love is active and powerful, drawing us away from sin and into His light, where our hearts are purified, our minds are renewed, and our spirits find peace. As you respond to God’s call, you will find that His love is a force that transforms, heals, and leads you to holiness.

Loving God is not simply obeying commands or following rules; it is a wholehearted surrender, a desire to delight in Him as He delights in you. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). When you set your heart on God, He draws near to you, filling you with a love that satisfies every longing. To love Him is to place Him above all else, to let His voice be louder than the temptations of this world, to let His will become your path.

The Transforming Power of God’s Love

God’s love changes you from the inside out. In a world where sin abounds, His love calls you to holiness, setting you apart as His own. As His love fills you, it purifies you, casting out every impurity, breaking chains of fear, and freeing you from guilt and shame. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18), for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In His love, you can live boldly, secure in the knowledge that you are accepted, forgiven, and redeemed.

When you answer the call to love God, your heart begins to reflect His heart. Your desires shift, aligning with His will; your joy becomes rooted in His presence. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). This joy is not rooted in earthly pleasures but in a relationship with the One who knows you fully and loves you unconditionally. As you surrender to His love, your life becomes a witness, showing others the beauty of a heart transformed by grace.

Loving Others Through God’s Love

To love God is also to love others. Jesus taught us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). As you are filled with His love, you will find yourself able to extend grace, compassion, and forgiveness to those around you. His love equips you to care for others selflessly, just as He has loved you. This love shines in a world desperate for kindness, mercy, and hope, and it brings glory to God as you reflect His heart.

An Eternal Hope in God’s Love

The call to love God is a call to eternal life. When you set your heart on Him, you are not simply choosing a path for today—you are securing an eternal hope. The things of this world may fade, but “the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Nothing in this life can separate you from His love, and this promise gives you strength to endure every trial, for His love is your anchor. The love of God is an unshakeable foundation, a love that holds you steady and assures you that you belong to Him forever.

Answering God’s Call to Holiness

Beloved, God calls you not only to love Him but to be holy as He is holy. This love demands everything, but it also offers everything in return. In His love, you find your purpose, your joy, and your eternal rest. Let go of the fleeting pleasures of this world and embrace the holy invitation that God sets before you. Choose to live for Him, to love Him with all your heart, and to find your life hidden in Christ.

The call to love God is the greatest invitation you will ever receive. It is a call to leave behind the emptiness of worldly pursuits and step into a life filled with His presence, His peace, and His power. Let His love transform you, and let your love for Him be a light in the darkness, a testimony of His goodness, and a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits you. Answer the call, and let His love change you from the inside out.

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Calls

Call to Return to the Living Word

Dear friend,

I want to speak directly to your heart today. Wherever you are, whatever paths you’ve walked, know that you are deeply loved by God. He is calling out to you, inviting you into a relationship that is real, fulfilling, and transformative.

Perhaps you’ve been searching for truth and meaning in various places—in philosophies, organizations, or teachings that promise enlightenment or hidden wisdom. Maybe you’ve felt burdened by rituals or obligations that seem to offer much but leave you feeling empty. I want you to know that true peace and fulfillment are found in Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). His invitation is open and free, requiring no secret knowledge or complex rituals—just a willing heart. He offers a relationship based on love and grace, not on our efforts or achievements.

Think about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The son wandered far from his father, seeking fulfillment in distant places. Yet, when he chose to return home, his father saw him from a long way off and ran to embrace him. This is how God feels about you. No matter how far you’ve strayed or what you’ve sought after, He is ready to welcome you with open arms.

The Bible tells us, “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”(Colossians 2:3). You don’t need to search elsewhere or adhere to secret teachings to find truth. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of all that we need. He is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and through Him, we have direct access to God the Father.

If you’ve been involved in groups or practices that promise deeper insight but leave you feeling disconnected from God, consider this a gentle call back to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. The Apostle Paul cautioned against being led astray from this simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3), reminding us that our faith doesn’t require added layers—just a sincere relationship with Jesus.

Remember when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26)? She had searched for meaning in many places, yet Jesus offered her “living water” so she would never thirst again. He knows your deepest needs and longs to satisfy them fully.

I encourage you to lay down any burdens, doubts, or affiliations that hinder your walk with God. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”(Hebrews 12:1). Embrace the freedom found in Christ, who said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This is a personal invitation. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart (Revelation 3:20). Will you open it? Will you allow Him to fill you with His love, grace, and truth?

Today is the day to step into the light of His love. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You don’t have to walk this path alone. Reach out to Him in prayer, seek guidance in His Word, and connect with others who can support you on this journey.

God loves you more than you can imagine. He is calling you back to Himself—not into religion, but into a relationship. Take His hand, and discover the abundant life He has promised.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a humble heart, acknowledging my need for Your grace and mercy. I realize that I have sought meaning and truth in places that have led me away from You. I confess that I have strayed, and I ask for Your forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death so that I might have eternal life with You. I turn away from all that has separated me from You—every false path, every hidden allegiance—and I turn wholeheartedly to You.

Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in Your truth and live according to Your will.

I open the door of my heart and invite You in, Lord Jesus. Be my Savior and my Lord. Lead me in the path of everlasting life. Thank You for Your unfailing love, Your endless mercy, and the gift of salvation.

In Your precious name I pray,

Amen.

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