God Pursues Me

Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”

Greetings,

When I was a fifth grader in Georgia, I would take the bus every morning.  Somedays, when I had a little time, I would take a small detour to a Tenneco mini mart right next to the bus stop to buy my favorite candy of all time – Sugar Babies.

One fine crispy fall morning while en route to the mini mart, a huge German shepherd jumped out of nowhere and growled at me. It’s four gigantic paws were spread wide in an aggressive stance, and I was so afraid. I did the only thing I could, which was turn and run. It was such a horrible feeling thinking that at any moment I was going to feel sharp fangs sinking into my leg! Poor scared Yenisita! But thank God; the dog did not give chase.

God, however, gives pursuit! He chases us with kindness and unfailing love.  He follows after us with loads of forgiveness and friendliness. And unlike that gnarly old dog, God is persistent.  He never gives up.  Every single day of our lives God is pursuing us. Even when we run away, when we don’t feel like praying, when we are too tired, bored, disinterested, faithless, hopeless, and mean, God keeps up the chase.  He knows we need Him to live a life of joy, peace, protection, provision, health, hope, and faith.

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, Thank You for never giving up on us.  Help us to embrace this truth: WE CAN NOT LIVE LIFE WITHOUT YOU!  This is why You pursue us; You know we need You every moment of every day!  Thank You for Your amazing love.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Are You Wiser Than a Criminal?

Monday greetings,

I spent a lot of time thinking about Psalm 23:6 this weekend.  "Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life..."

If we take this promise at face value, and we should, this means that every single day we are alive we can be certain that God's goodness and love are in our lives.

But before we go any further, let's clarify something: The promises of God are not for everyone. 

Say what?

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  

His promises are for those who believe in Him.  For those who allow themselves to be caught by the goodness and the love that steadfastly pursue.  Everyone is pursued, but some folks just run away even harder.

Consider the two criminals on the cross on either side of Christ.  

Luke 23:32-41 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Christ...They were also crucified - one on His right and one on His left...One of the criminals hanging beside Him scoffed, "You're the Messiah...Prove it...Save Yourself and us...!" The other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve it, but Jesus hasn't done anything wrong."  Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Both criminals had the same opportunity, but only one believed.  Only one realized that even though his life of poor choices had led to a sentence of death, Christ was able to save him.  What a wise criminal.  This criminal would die on earth, but it was a stepping stone to an even better life - the best life - eternal life!

Luke 23:41 And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise."

I always get the goose pimples and jimjams when I read this verse!  As soon as we say yes to Jesus, yes to His love, yes to His goodness, everything immediately gets better!  TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE! Amen!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We say, "YES!" to You.  We stop running right now and allow ourselves to get caught by Your love and goodness.  Thank You for Your immediate and total forgiveness no matter what we have done.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!

God Keeps Up The Chase~

Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”

When I was an elementary school student in Georgia, I used to walk up a little hill to the bus stop every morning.  Sometimes, if there was enough time, some of us kids who had saved our quarters from doing odd jobs for the neighbors would walk around the back of a Waffle House that was on the corner by the bus stop because it was a short cut to the Tenneco, a gas station/mini mart where we could buy candy before school.  (Sugar Babies were my favorite!) One fine day I found myself taking the shortcut to the Tenneco alone because none of the others wanted to go.

Midway to my destination a huge German shepherd appeared, and it immediately growled at me.  I did the only thing I could, which was run away.  It is a horrible feeling knowing there’s an angry animal with big teeth right behind you, but thank God it didn’t come after me.  Poor scared Yenisita.

What a difference to be pursued by God’s goodness and unfailing love.  By His kindness and forgiveness – His friendliness and tenderness.  And unlike that raggedy old dog, God is persistent.  He never gives up.  Each and every single day of your life God is pursuing you.  Even when you run away, when you don’t feel like praying, when you are too tired, bored, disinterested, faithless, hopeless, and mean, God keeps up the chase.  He knows we need Him to live a life of joy, peace, protection, provision, health, hope, and faith.

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, Thank You for never giving up on us.  Help us to embrace this truth: WE CAN NOT LIVE LIFE WITHOUT YOU!  This is why You pursue us; You know we need You every moment of every day!  Thank You for Your amazing love.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!