Lifetime Daily DevotionsSample

Love That Never Lets You Go

Apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Can you imagine God, scowling and with His finger pointing straight at you, saying . . .

"Look, I have led you this far--but NO FURTHER!

You're on your own from here on out. I have to eventually cut the apron strings, don't I? You have to learn to walk by yourself.

For too long now you have depended on Me. It will cripple you to have Me constantly supplying and supporting you, continually advising and interpreting for you, strengthening you by My constant presence.

I created you to stand on your own two feet. I gave you intelligence. I gave you a will. When are you going to learn to take it on the chin? When are you going to learn to take care of your problems by yourself? Now rest assured, I'll be in the shadows watching, but you are now in control. And don't yell for Me the first time you stump your toe, either. You can do it! Hear Me? You can do it!"

Read that again. How does it affect you?

Of course it's not true. And yet, as I read it my emotions start up, my stomachstarts around, and my body wants to sit down.

Would you believe that this was the way I faced life for years?

Maybe you're sitting in the same row where I sat. This is man's idea of God--the God he would "build." His conjecture. This is man and his interpretation of God and the role He plays in our lives.

If this were God, I would have long ago resigned from the choir and abandoned my Sunday school class to search for a God who was interested in me. To hunt for a God who cared. To seek a God who was powerful enough to heal my wounds, to pick me up, to be my strength. And I would not give up until I found Him. . . .

Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28,29 phillips

There is a God like this. His name is Jesus.

"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you," declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:13,14

I rush to find Him.
I need Him desperately.
I want to know Him.
I love Him.