(What follows are impressions from God one recent morning):
Yesterday, Nancy, you started singing that praise chorus from the ‘90s, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” One line exclaims, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” Take to heart the truth that I’m glad you’re in MY life too!
Each of my children is one-of-a kind, specially created with a unique set of traits, talents, and strengths. I already loved you, even before you were born, taking great care to plan out your days and write them in My book.
You’ve sometimes wondered what I was up to as those plans have unfolded—plans that involved challenge, trouble, and pain.
But as a parent yourself, you know that love must include discipline. I’ve used the difficulties you’ve faced in the development of your character and the growth of your spiritual maturity [1].
Keep in mind also that I designed you with the purpose of participation in my divine activity [2]. That activity sometimes includes adversity in order to provide the benefit of example and encouragement for others.
Once you get to heaven you’ll see how some of your most challenging experiences, most mundane moments, and most thankless efforts, have created impact under My orchestration. Be prepared; you’re going to be amazed!
Remember too that all through the years I’ve tenderly led you along like a good shepherd, providing for you, guiding you, and blessing you with good things. Your “God Is Faithful” notebook contains forty years worth of proof [3].
I’ve also related to you as a devoted father, always regarding you with compassion and taking into consideration how weak you are. How well I know that you are mere dust [4]!
But every step of faith you take and every effort toward obedience you make bring me pleasure. I delight to see your progress as you grow more and more like Christ [5].
Never forget:
- You are precious in My sight, like an expensive pearl [6]
- You are highly valued as a treasured possession, proven by the price I paid for your redemption, the death of My Son in your place [7]
- You are a vital part of My rich and glorious inheritance [8]
Daily I lavish My love upon you [9]. Stay alert to my blessings, and let gratitude do its work to magnify the delight of each gift. Then thankfulness will provide a continual flow of joy in your heart.
And remember, My steadfast love for you will never wane, My kindness to you will never end, My purpose for you will never expire [10].
Be mindful of these truths, Dear One, that prove I AM so very glad you’re in my life!
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[2] James 1:2-4
[2] Ephesians 2:10
[3] Psalm 23; see the post “What’s an Ebenezer?” for a few examples from that notebook.
[4] Psalm 103:14
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18; see also the post “God’s Pleasure in Progress.”
[6] Isaiah 43:4; Matthew 13:45-46
[7] Luke 12:6-7; Exodus 19:5; 1 John 4:9-11
[8] Ephesians 1:18 NLT
[9] 1 John 1:3a
[10] Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 54:10; Philippians 1:6
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From the Inside Out 