Weekly Overview:
The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence.
Scripture:
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Worship:
Come Awaken Love by Bethel Music and Hunter G K Thompson
Devotional:
The eyes of God are always set upon us. He looks at us with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Because of who he is—namely his nature of love—he is in constant pursuit of us. His love never relents. His grace is like an ever-flowing river making its way to replenish the earth and those who fill it. The only question that remains is, are we willing to dive in?
1 John 4:19 says in beautiful simplicity, “We love because he first loved us.” If we have one iota of love in our hearts toward God it is because he has loved us first. If we have even an inkling of desire to seek after him, it is because he has sought after us every moment of our lives.
If your desire is to experience God, if you long to live in communion with him, you need look no further than the truth that he is pursuing you. To experience him is simply to let him in. To love him is simply to receive his love. Intimacy with God is as pure and simple as breathing.
In a world filled with complicated doctrines and strenuous programs it’s time for the people of God to rest in the simplicity of God. Abundant life boils down to the truth that God is available. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He never turns his heart away from us. But in love he draws us to himself knowing that the absolute best place for us is in his arms.
If you will choose to experience God—to respond to his drawing—know that the Holy Spirit is within you to help you. There is nothing in the way of you knowing the heart of God because God himself couldn’t be any closer. The Holy Spirit can and will reveal how God feels and what God’s saying if you’ll ask. He will give you the eyes to see the Father drawing you close if you’ll open your heart to him. And in response to his drawing he will show you how you can seek him in return.
Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Take time in guided prayer today to respond to the drawing of the Lord by seeking after him with all you are and have.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on the heart of God to draw you close to him.
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s heart for you. Pay attention to anything you hear, feel, or see. Trust that God longs to reveal his love to you.
“For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10
3. Respond to the love of God by offering him your heart in return. Tell him that you love him. Tell him what you’re thankful for. Spend time receiving and giving love that you might rest in intimacy with your Creator.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25
“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.'” Psalm 27:8
In The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer wrote, “God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust.” May you yield to the drawing of God today. May you find peace through trusting in his steadfast love. And may you discover more and more ways God has loved you from the first.
Extended Reading: 1 Peter 1
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