Today’s Daily Bread ~ “Let me love on you!”

1 John 4:19 – We love because He first loved us (NIV).

“Friday night movie night” has become a tradition at our house.  Mike gets home from work, we have an early dinner, a quick bath for the kids, and the Carrell clan cuddles up on the couch with a family friendly movie of the kids’ choice (last one was Marmeduke – very cute).

We try to get movie night underway early because, by Friday, we’re all tired.  This past Friday Caitlyn was unusually grumpy.

“Come here, sweetheart,” I coaxed.  “Snuggle in.  Let mommy love on you.” 

“No!  Daddy!” was the reply.  I smiled at Mike, pulled Nick in closer, and we settled in to watch Marmeduke struggle to fit in at the dog park by his new home in California.

A few minutes later Nick and I inched closer to Mike.  Finally, Caitlyn came in for a hug.  It’s hard to resist unconditional love, isn’t it? 

“Come here,” Jesus whispers.  “Let me love on you.”

Today, I can feel the Holy Spirit beckoning.  Are you tired, like me?  Are you frustrated with your circumstances?  Are you floundering, feeling like you’ve lost your way?  Are you anxious and troubled?  Come, sit at His feet and be filled.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41-42).” 

Only one thing is needed.  Only one thing matters. Jesus.  Sit at His feet and listen.

Child, when life looks overwhelming, look at me.  Don’t resist me, draw closer.  Empty your mind, and I will fill you with my love.  You cannot fathom the love I have for you; the distance I traveled to reach you. 

Today, choose to let me love you.  Walk in the victory I have won for you.  Consider the cross, and take it personally.  I chose the nails for you.  I bore the sins of the world so that you would believe in me and be saved.  Do not accept my salvation but reject my peace.  The enemy has no power over you.  Everything of this world will pass away.  Your trials are temporary, and I walk with you through the valleys.  I will never fail you, leave you or reject you.   I will catch you when you fall, and draw you back to me when you stray.  My grace is a bottomless ocean; my mercy is a river that never runs dry.  My love for you is everlasting. 

Walk with me today, and feel my love wash over you.  Do not worry about the future.  I am already there, and will strengthen you for each trial as it arrives. Precious child, trust that my plan is in place, and that I am working for your good.  I will do great and mighty things through you if you will submit to my will.  Trust that my will for your life is perfect, and that in me, you will be complete.  Child, open your heart to me.  Let me love you.

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.  I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel.  You will again be happy and dance merrily with tambourines (Jeremiah 31:3-4).”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You.  We love You so much.  Help us to love others with Your selfless, sacrificial love.  Strengthen us, and place others in our paths that need You.  Help us to shine the light of Christ to a dark, unbelieving world.  Where there is a need, help us meet it.  Where there is hurt, use us to heal it.  Help us to focus only on You.  Help us to remember that apart from You we can do nothing, but through You, we can do anything.  Bless us to be a blessing to others, Father.  We ask these things in the precious, beautiful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.