Tag Archives: God’s Eternal Love

God’s Presence

Living in the Spirit

October 21, 2022

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. –2: Timothy 4:16-18

We find out who our real friends and supporters are when we see who turns up when our lives turn down. I must say I cannot remember a time when I did not have support in challenging situations. Jesus did know how it felt to be deserted in his time of need. Peter denied even knowing him. I appreciated the visits and calls when my father died. When the phone stopped ringing, and all the visitors had left, I sat quietly in my favorite rocking chair, closed my eyes, and felt the full, presence of the Lord. I had the deepest sense that dad had experienced some distress until he too entered the peace of God that passes understanding.

We do need to present for those we love and even those we meet along the way, but the greatest gift we might give them is to share the eternal presence of God with us when we seek God.

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ` (Matthew 6:33)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the constancy of your presence. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

God is Always With Us

eternal-love-of-god-larry-bishopAdvent
December 24, 2016

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

I wonder how many times I have read or heard this scripture. When does it sink in that God came to dwell among us, experience humanness, and eventually provide atonement, making us at-one with God? Has the story become just another childhood tale bringing feel-good sentimentality? Has it fallen in line with remembrances of Mom’s applesauce cake or hanging our favorite ornament or singing Silent Night to the neighborhood with friends? These are all good things, wonderful memories of childhood carried forwarded for the next generation.

God has always been with us, but apparently, God came to the realization that we sometimes lose track of that truth. So, God came to dwell among us in the personage of Jesus, the greatest act of love ever recorded. On this Christmas Eve, we may be a part of a picture-perfect experience engulfed in all the love we can handle or we may be with no one shivering in the cold seeking warmth from the heat of a grate on the sidewalk. No matter where we are, God is with us, has always been with us, and will always be with us. Thanks, be to God.

Prayer: Lord, let the warmth of your love infuse our beings wherever you find us today. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.