Category Archives: Encouragement

   I know that I am loved though I may not always act like it. I am betrothed to my best friend, the King of kings. I am dearly loved by my Father, I lack for nothing, He provides for me well with all good things, yet I don’t always show appreciation. I am in a privileged group but sometimes cast my eyes elsewhere and desire what my Father says is not good for me; those things others, who are my Father’s adversaries, seem to enjoy.  As I take my eyes off Papa I wonder why they are not good, they look appealing. As I scoot closer to the fence to get a better glimpse my foot slips, I cross the line.

   I begin to be drawn further in by what my eyes behold, the desire to partake grows; I reason that just this once it won’t hurt me to try this one little thing and then I’ll go back; it’s just on the other side of the fire, I can reach it without getting burned…or so I thought! Those who seemed so caring, who once compelled me to join them, now laugh and sneer at me, their masks came off – my eyes are opened, I see the traps they set about me.

   Lured in I’m now trapped by the wrong desires of my flesh that I did not resist or turn away from. My beautiful robes now tattered and soiled, regret fills me as tears of sorrow role down my cheeks. I cry in desperation and fear, despair begins to set in, I long for home not knowing how to return and fearing even if I did I would be rejected, considered unworthy of my Father and Betroths love.

   In the dark of night I begin to see a light, I hear a familiar voice, my Betrothed, my Savior, is calling my name. I want to respond but I am ashamed, voices around me say “He won’t want you back when He learns what you’ve done”, so I remain silent. The light grows brighter – the voice stronger, He has found me in the mire, His face full of love and compassion as He looks at me, I weep. The voices flee from His presence; He reaches out His hand, taking mine He lifts me out of the mess I have gotten myself in. He places his robe on me in exchange for my filthy one. I experience complete forgiveness and a grace I’ve never known. Reconciled – I collapse into His loving embrace.

   Have I lived an exemplary life since He rescued me? I wish! Yet as the years pass I have known no greater love, our relationship grows more intimate; my desire for my Father’s ways grow deeper. The Lord’s extravagant love for me, and you, makes all other love stories in history pale in comparison, and no other will last for eternity.

   This Valentines – who has your heart?