Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5 :1-2
“Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”
Forgetting those things that are behind…
One of the greatest obstacles to loving like God loves is our memory; especially memories of wrong that had been done against us.
It is usually much easier to remember the shortcomings and failures of people, rather than the record of the good in them. Pain registers deeper and
longer than pleasant memories.
longer than pleasant memories.
Loving in spite of, sometimes means that we have to choose to move on, to move forward from the disappointments, pains and heartache from the past.
Most people will judge your character by the worst thing that you ever did…God judges you by the best you will ever be!
Man takes a snapshot of your past, puts a frame around it, and hangs the framed picture on the wall of their mind…
On the other hand, God takes a snapshot of your destiny and hangs it on his wall, unframed…a picture of endless possibilities, limitless opportunities
and unbridled hope; a future without borders! Amen.
and unbridled hope; a future without borders! Amen.
He knows and understands that every blip in your life, every misstep, every mistake is just a brush stroke of the bigger picture on the canvas of your
destiny. He is able to look at people and love them in spite of their past, as He sees with the eyes of love, the good that can still come from
them by His grace.
destiny. He is able to look at people and love them in spite of their past, as He sees with the eyes of love, the good that can still come from
them by His grace.
How many framed pictures of people do you have on the wall of your mind that is preventing you from loving them like God commands?
God is asking you to take those pictures off the wall today and see hope through His eyes for their destiny. Exchange it for a picture of Christ hanging
on the cross for them.
on the cross for them.
Maybe the framed picture is even a “selfie” of yourself that you have taken in commemoration of a tragedy or failure in your life that has brought
hopelessness or which the enemy constantly uses to discourage, taunt or condemns you with.
hopelessness or which the enemy constantly uses to discourage, taunt or condemns you with.
Know this precious child of God: God loves you.
God loves you in spite of your past. He loves you in spite of where you may even be right now. He loves you more than anyone ever can, or ever will.
What you need to do is to reach out; to reach up to accept His sacrificial offering for you. This can be by repentance or appropriation.
What you need to do is to reach out; to reach up to accept His sacrificial offering for you. This can be by repentance or appropriation.
He’s reaching out to you today to remember the depths of His love for you. Whenever you feel unloved, unappreciated, dejected or just unsure of what
you are worth; know that you can get your cue of love from your identity in Christ Jesus.
you are worth; know that you can get your cue of love from your identity in Christ Jesus.
As you go into the coming week, make a choice and a commitment, that your life will be a reflection and a demonstration of the God kind of love.
“May The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV
Shalom,
Pastor Wale Ola
LIFE APPLICATION
1. What is God saying to me in today’s message?
2. What was ministered to me in the bible verses that I read today?
3. What are the changes or adjustments I need to make in my life to align with the word of God?
4. What is my commitment to the word for today?
5. What practical steps can I take to benefit from the word I have read today?
PRAYER FOCUS
Lord please help me to look at people through the eyes of Your love.
Help me to see myself the way that You see me.
Fill my heart with love for You.
Make my life a reflection of Your love
Let my life be a demonstration of Your love. Amen
Song For Today: Dwelling Places