Giving our all, Monday Moments with God

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 NLT*

My dearest child,

You may think that I'm asking too much when I ask that you give your whole life to me - your body, your soul, your intellect, your emotions.

But I don't ask any more of you than I demanded of myself. I gave up all of heaven's
splendor to be born in human form in a stable of all places. Have you ever tried to breathe deeply in a stable?

When I took on your form, I felt the same things you feel - the warmth of the fire, the chill of the winter air, the joy of worshipping my Father and the pain of betrayal and death. I even experienced a moment of intense, excruciating aloneness when I believed my Father could not look at me because of the sin, your sin, that I bore on the cross.

Because I love you, I will never turn my face away from you. I will never leave you alone or forsake you, no matter how much sin you believe there is in your life. I have already shouldered it all and covered it with my blood so it cannot be seen again. All you need to do is accept that as a free gift from me.

Give me all of your heart, mind, body and soul. Let me hold them in my hands. That is the best gift you can give me - a living and holy sacrifice - a gift of worship and obedience .

You will find it isn't a sacrifice at all. I will love you, hold you, comfort you, protect you and lift you up as a good shepherd that loves his sheep. I will write your name on the palm of my hands and hold you close to my heart.

All my love,
Jesus

* Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:6-11, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 49:16

Monday Moments with God

We all need affirmations - to know we're loved when we feel unloveable, to know the Lord carries us when we feel too weak to go on, or to feel the strength of his grip when we feel like we're slipping over the edge. These Monday Moments with God are dedicated to a dear friend who is in need of encouragement - to start her week off knowing the Lord will help, comfort and guide her along her way. I pray they will lift you up too.

My Dearest Daughter,

To me you are as beautiful and pure as a wooly, white lamb. As your shepherd, I will provide everything you need. I will protect you when the wolves of life attack and drive the lions away from your resting place. I know that the rushing waters of the streams frighten you , so I will find still pools for you to drink. I will lead you to lush, green pastures where you can eat and be satisfied.

Stay close to me today and follow where I lead you because I am committed to taking good care of you. If you wander too far from my sight, I will follow you and bring you back on my shoulders because you are just as important to me as the other sheep in my care.

Remember that I know you by name and each evening I look for you as you enter into the fold for a time of sweet rest and each morning, I call you out by name. Listen for my voice.

Love,
Jesus, your Shepherd.

Psalm 23:1-3; Matthew 18:11-13; Luke 15:3-7; Isaiah 43:1; John 10:1-16

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NCV