Step Forward

I used to think I needed God's approval to be loved. To be deserving of his love and blessing, I had to adhere to certain rules. I always tried my best to do what was good and right, but I consistently fell short, and each time I did, I felt shame. That shame only pushed me further from away from a connection with Jesus. Have you ever felt like this? 

Jesus, in his human form, was able to live without sin and obediently listened to God's voice. Comparing myself to Jesus, I felt inadequate and unworthy of his love and affection. 

As I reflected on Paul's words in Philippians, a feeling welled up within me. Jesus doesn't love me any more or less based on how flawlessly I perform. He loves without conditions. No matter what I do, his love remains deep and steadfast. He is present even when I make choices that go against his teachings. 

Can you envision having someone in your life whose love and dedication remain constant, regardless of the circumstances? They never have bad days. They're constantly there for you and, above all else, they desire a connection with you. They want to help you, want to provide comfort, they want to guide you and you want to celebrate with you. 

Every one of us has that Jesus is here present and all around you. His love is surrounding everything you see you touch you feel. He isn't disheartened by you; he perceives your innermost desires and seeks a genuine connection with you. He wants to help you, he wants to see you flourish. God is the same every day and always. 

In Philippians 4:4-7, it says to rejoice in the Lord always and let your graciousness be known to everyone because the Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts in mind in Christ. 

So today recognize how deeply loved you are. Jesus seeks to have a relationship with you. 

I will leave you with this from Philippians 4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!   Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Step Forward today into a relationship with Jesus. Philippians 4-13-14 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  

It is a blessing that we can have a profound and beautiful connection with Jesus, calling upon his name daily for guidance, blessings, his overflowing of joy and abundance is upon our lives. We are with him on earth and he has a place for us in Heaven. 

Jesus, today in your steps I reach out, I talk to you, and I see you moving in my life