Lover of My Soul

His love is unconditional.

His creation is magnificent.

His character is perfect.

His goodness is pure.

His humility is powerful.

His integrity is unprecedented.

His heart is redemption.

His tears are for the lost.

His intentions are life-saving.

His works are renewing.

His death is vicarious.

His anger was satisfied.

His enemies are defeated.

His opposition is annihilated.

His crucifixion was an overpayment.

His righteousness is imparted.

His resurrection is the centerpiece.

His life is indestructible.

His position is above all.

His rule is uncontested.

His presence is safety.

His home is security.

His steps are all-conquering.

His battles are won.

His honor is bestowed.

His leadership is tender.

His direction is triumphant.

His understanding is unimaginable.

His knowledge is available.

His wisdom is receivable.

His ways are unfathomable.

His paths are adventurous.

His ideas are infinite.

His strategies are flawless.

His plans are victorious.

His thoughts are transforming.

His mercies are refreshing.

His peace is core-penetrating.

His faithfulness is stability.

His shield is a fortress.

His protection is impenetrable.

His songs are deliverance.
His reach is limitless.

His eyes are full of light.

His countenance is shining.

His smile is infectious.

His laughter is life-giving.

His joy is hilarious.

His humor is medicinal.

His healing is miraculous.

His sacrifice is complete.

His expectation is fulfilled.

His justice has prevailed.

His forgiveness is free.

His passion is unbridled.

His truth is freedom.

His power is limitless.

His strength is cataclysmic.

His majesty is stunning.

His throne is approachable.

His grace is astonishing.

His favor is undeserved.

His embrace is empowering.
His resources are inexhaustible.

His provision is lavish.

His giving is good.

His gifts are nonreturnable.

His blessings are relentless.

His promises are everlasting.

His sayings are life-changing.

His word is delicious.

His law is fulfilled.

His discipline is freeing.

His touch is liberating.

His voice is exhilarating.

His kindness is unstoppable.

His patience is permanent.

His dominion is satisfying.

His desires for us are delectable.

His relationship is intimate.

His prophecies are revelation.

His vision is glorious.

His will is fantastic.

His invitation is amazing.

All of this – for you – purchased by the blood of Jesus.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Over All These Things -- Love

Oh, Love of God, be real in me.
Be seen in actions, words and thoughts that come
From your heart, oh, Lord, streaming out through mine.
Be the Lord of every partition of my life,
All my kingdoms now yours.
Show yourself strong, fountains of joy, floods of peace,
Flowing through me in Love.
Oh, Love of God, be my foundation.
Be the walls of my living and the ceiling of my existence
Yet traveling infinitely in every direction.
Burst through into every circumstance as I lift belly-born praise to You!

In this was manifested the love of God toward us: God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we dwell in him, and he in us: He has given us his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has toward us. God is love; and he that lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear involves punishment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:9-19

His love has made us “unpunishable,” if we receive it. It was the love of God that caused Jesus to receive all the punishment for all of our sin.

And because He has put His Spirit within us, we can love one another:

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:5

Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, “Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously”: So will we render the calves of our lips. – Hosea 14:2

Instead of bringing blood sacrifices, we now bring to God the praises of our lips, thanking Him forever for His perfect Sacrifice that took away the sin of the world.

What is Lovingkindness?

Here's something to meditate on. I found it in "Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words," of all places. I believe that, whenever I meditate on God's lovingkindness, turning it over and over in my mind and letting it sink into my innermost being, I am being changed into His likeness.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [be metamorphosed by the renovation of your understanding], so that you may discern what is the good [beneficial], acceptable [well-pleasing] and perfect [complete] will of God. – Romans 12:2

Here is the Vine's quote. It's lengthy, but worth the meditation:

Loving-kindness [Hebrew hesed] – “loving-kindness; steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion.” The term is one of the most important in the vocabulary of Old Testament theology and ethics.

In general, one may identify three basic meanings of the word, which always interact: “strength” [Greek dunamis], “steadfastness” [from everlasting to everlasting], and “love” [Greek agape]. Any understanding of the word that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. [It appears to include God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.]

The word refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship (especially Yahweh and Israel). But hesed is not only a matter of obligation; it is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises. Hesed implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law.

“Devotion” is sometimes the single English word best capable of capturing the nuance of the original. Hebrew writers often underscored the element of steadfastness (or strength) by pairing hesed with emet (“truth; reliability”) and emunah (“faithfulness; certainty”).

The concrete content of the word is especially evident when it is used in the plural. God’s “mercies,” “kindnesses,” or “faithfulnesses” are His specific, concrete acts of redemption in fulfilment of His promise. An example appears in Isaiah 55:3: “. . . And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” [Clearly referring to Jesus!]

Hesed is God’s most central characteristic. God’s loving-kindness is offered to his people, who need redemption from sin, troubles, and enemies [the flesh, the world, the devil]. A recurrent refrain describing God’s nature is “abounding/plenteous in hesed” (Exo. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103.8; Jon. 4:2). The entire history of Yahweh’s covenantal relationship with Israel can be summarized in terms of hesed. It is the one permanent element in the flux of covenantal history. (Woohoo!  Isn't God good?)

The association of hesed with ‘covenant” keeps it from being misunderstood as mere providence or love for all creatures; it applies primarily to God’s particular love for His chosen and covenanted people. “Covenant” also stresses the reciprocity of the relationship; but since God’s hesed is ultimately beyond the covenant, it will not ultimately be abandoned, even when the human partner is unfaithful and must be disciplined (Isa. 54:8, 10). Since its final triumph and implementation is eschatological [referring to the final destiny of all humankind], hesed can imply the goal and end of all salvation-history (Ps. 8:7, 10; 130:7; Mic. 7:20).

How Much Do You Love Me, God?

Your Love Never Fails

Nothing can separate, even if I ran away –

Your love never fails!

I know I still make mistakes, but

You have new mercy for me every day

Your love never fails!

You stay the same through the ages.

Your love never changes.

There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning!

And when the oceans rage, I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that you love me.

Your love never fails!

Waiting for Daddy

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Roman 8:28


Every good gift and every perfect ( free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. – James 1:17 [AMP]


If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? – Romans 8:31-32


"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the Lord who has compassion on you. “O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and your foundations I will lay in sapphires. Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies , and your gates of crystal, and your entire wall of precious stones. All your sons will be taught of the Lord; and the well-being of your sons will be great. In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear [for perfect love casts out fear]; and from terror, for it will not come near you. If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings out a weapon for its work; and I have created the destroyer to ruin. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:10-17

Limited?

Day 131
What limitations have you placed on Me? Is the problem too big? Are the resources not available? Is there not enough time? Not enough money? Is the road too long? Are the people too resistant? Do they argue with you, mock you, persecute you? Have you endured for too long? Is the difficulty too deeply entrenched? Are things happening too quickly? Too slowly? Is there too much confusion? Is the pain too debilitating? Are you surrounded by people who doubt Me? People who don't understand? Have you already tried everything? Have you lost hope? Can you see no way of escape?

Okay. Now lift up your eyes and begin to focus on Me. I am above every limitation. It's only the direction of your gaze that keeps Me out of your picture.

Autumn Asters

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.
God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.
God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now,
He guards you always. -- Psalm 121 [The Message]

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble.

"To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?" says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. -- Isaiah 40:21-31 [NASB]