"I love You."

Sunday, January 20, 2019 (7:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. You are good. Thank You.

Thank You that when we don’t know what to say we can always start with, “I love You.” Mm, yes. Just thinking about it, my heart starts singing.

♪I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul, rejoice! Take joy my King In what You hear Let it be a sweet, sweet sound In Your ear♪

Thank You Father. Thank You for the privilege of loving You. What a gift. Mm, yes. A gift!

Here again I am reading in and of 1 John. Subtitled “Fellowship with God” in Illustrated Bible Handbook. Other titles in the Outline are: “Invitation to Joy”, “Being Loving with Others”, “God’s Love As Source and Example” (4:7-21). Let’s go there.

“Love Defined; 4:7-12 ”, “Love Essential; 4:13-15 ”, “God is Love; 4:16-18 ” and “God Loved First; 4:19-21 ”. Father thank You. Thank You that just by saying, “I love You” I get to learn more of what it is to be loved by You.

The Life Recovery Bible introduction to this book tells us, “Loving one another was evidence of God’s presence in their [true believers] lives. But if they bickered and fought all the time, or were selfish and did not look out for one another, they were revealing that they, in fact, did not know God.”

Father, how I thank You for Your constant reminders of what real love is. As well as what it is not (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Thank You that “John’s letter challenges us to treat others with respect and dignity” and in so doing “we grow spiritually.”

Most Holy God, how I ask You to empower and enable me in growing spiritually. Depending on Your love to mold and make me. And here begins another song.

♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still♪ Oh yes Father.

All because You loved us (v. 9) we get to experience Your real love (10). Do all You must in shaping me to Your will. Continue Your work in teaching me to love as You would have love. Living in Your love (16-17) as I learn to trust You even more. Without fear (18). Or hatred (20).

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(427 words ~ 8:52 a.m.)