For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
My words…
Praise
When weeds begin to grow, I am compelled to pull them. When hunger pangs unsettle my concentration, I am compelled to eat. I have invited guests to my house tonight, so I am compelled to clean the bathroom. When I think seriously about it, I am compelled all the time to do something. There is always a “force” which drives me to action. There is no greater “force” than the one behind why You died and were raised – Your love. How many times, Lord, have I said and heard these three words: Jesus loves me? You know the number. It’s a big number. Those three words compel me to do all sorts of things, but the one thing which drives all others is to live for You, not me. You died for me, so I could live for You. I praise You as the only One who is worth living for.
Prayer for me
The truth that You love me is the glue that holds my life together in this universe. Period. A God who loves me. Almost beyond belief! But I am guilty of loosening my grasp of that truth and viewing it like I would McDonald’s menu. I know it. I’ve seen it a hundred times. I ask to be reminded of Your love for me. I want it to wrench my heart every day in a way that it sounds and feels brand new. Because it is.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I live for myself instead of You. It’s a daily occurrence. I am more compelled by my love for me than by Your love for me.
Prayer for others
There are people dear to me who do not believe they are loved by You. “Gods don’t love,” they say. “Gods don’t care.” They seem content in that belief. Shake that contentment, Lord! Awaken their sleeping spirits to the assurance of Your love. That it’s real. That it’s theirs.
Thank You
Thank You for teaching me how to live. Thank you for teaching me how to die. You did both perfectly.
More praise
Three words: Jesus loves me. These words are packed with power, power to turn a murderer into a preacher, power to break the shackles of addiction, power to breathe new life into a dead soul. I don’t know how You do it. I just know that You do. Praise God!
