BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."
Luke 12:31-32 (NLT)
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
Romans 8:29-30 (NLT)
Have you ever been invited into someone's home for a meal and discovered that your host had thoughtfully prepared your favorite dish? They weren't simply checking a box or fulfilling an obligation. Every detail reflected their desire to make you feel welcome, cared for and known. The greatest hosts don't find joy merely in preparing the meal—they find joy in watching others enjoy it.
Jesus paints a similar picture of our Heavenly Father in Luke 12. Not only will He give us the Kingdom, but it gives Him great happiness to do so. This reveals something beautiful about the heart of God. He's not distant or begrudging in His generosity; He delights in blessing His children. Romans 8 reminds us that our salvation begins with God's loving initiative. He knew His people, called them, justified them, and promised to glorify them. We do not obey to gain God's love; we obey because, in Christ, we have already received it. His love is not a prize for those who deserve it; it is a gift freely given through Jesus Christ.
We can trust that the Father who gave us His Son will also faithfully provide everything we need to accomplish His purposes. The God who chose us and called us has never stopped loving us. His heart has always been for His children, and it always will be.
APPLICATION: Think about an area of your life where you've been striving to earn God's approval. Surrender that burden to Him today. Thank Him that His love is a gift, not a reward, and choose to seek His Kingdom from a heart of gratitude.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me long before I ever sought You. Thank You for choosing me, calling me and making me Your own. Help me to rest in Your love and seek Your Kingdom with confidence, knowing that You delight in caring for Your children. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?