Today : I Am Deeply Loved By God
TODAY’S VERSE
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This passage has always perplexed me. How could Jesus be tempted like me and not give in to sin? Was He tempted? Yes, severely. Satan himself led Him into a wilderness. He was surrounded by people who doubted Him, people who had not faith in Him, even after all the miracles. He was hated, despised and rejected. He worked tirelessly and was taken for granted. He was ridiculed, misunderstood, tortured and finally killed. Yet all this without sin. How? Dr. Ed Smith, founder of Theophostic Prayer Ministry, said it was possible for Jesus not to sin because He was not full of all the lies that we believe about ourself. Jesus knew who He was. He did not have to people please, perform, put on a mask, worry what others thought, because their thoughts could not change Him one little bit. Where does our sin come from? It comes from the way we react when we feel threatened, hurt or wounded. Even worst, when we feel we will be revealed for the wretched, worthless, no good, piece of garbage we already feel we are, we will sin to keep others from agreeing with us. When did we begin to believe that? Who ever convinced us of such heinous lies? Not God. Today, might we begin to see ourself the way God sees us. Might we begin to unmask the lies we believe about “who” and “what” we are. Might we let Jesus tell us the truth about our very essence and the amazing love He has for us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, help me see myself the way You see me. Help me rid myself of all the lies that have resulted from my interaction with others. Thank You that Jesus understands and will hear my prayers.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am deeply loved by God
Jesus knows your heartache. He knows your inner most thoughts and feelings. Today see Jesus filled with compassion and a deep love for you. Sense that He is there for you, that He knows exactly who you are. See yourself through His eyes. Feel all the lies you believe about yourself begin to slip away. Feel the deep wounds and hurts start to heal. Today I will believe that I am deeply loved by God.