I remember when I first gave my heart to Jesus- 15 years ago. I had never really been to church (I say never really, because when invited, I went physically but mentally I wasn’t really there) and I have no memory of ever opening a Bible. In my first 20 years of life I lived a very long and hard life. I had always looked to people (men) to fill my void, my love tank. And yet, my love tank was always running on empty. I will never forget the first time I asked Jesus into my heart and God began showing me how much He loved me. I remember learning the worship songs, and singing them with all my heart. I remember that I couldn’t stop weeping in His presence because His love for me was overwhelming. He didn’t care where I had been or what I had done. All I remember was hearing the Lord say over and over “I love you…you are mine…I love you…”And as weeks turned into months (and now years), He has washed 20 years of hardness, sadness, loneliness, brokenness, and emptiness away- washed away by His love for me.
In exchange He has filled my life with such joy, peace, and unshakable faith in Him no matter what I go through. I will forever be grateful that the maker of the universe, the ruler of the skies, God Almighty- loves me this much. I am humbled and in awe of how much He loves us. His love is unconditional, unchanging. His love is relentless which means He will never give up pursuing us.
Okay, here’s the amazing thing about Gods love (that I’m still learning and growing in each day)- There is nothing you can do to make God love you more than He already loves you today. Stop and let that soak in for a moment. No ministry, no mission, no good works will earn His love for you. He loves you so much and nothing will ever change that. It is the most selfless, perfect love.
On the flipside- No mess up, selfishness, or wrong doing on our part will ever make God love you less. This is not to say that there aren’t consequences for our actions- but let’s not confuse that with Gods love.
You see, His love, unlike some earthly love, is not based on actions, performance or what we do or don’t do. His love for you is based solely and purely on who He is. And God is love! 1 John 4:8b God is love. Nothing will ever change His love, His desire, and His affections for you. Song of Solomon 2:4b His banner over me is love. There is freedom in that love. Because of His love for me, I want to love and serve Him even more, not out of duty or obligation, but out of love.
Pray that God would give you a revelation of His love for you. I encourage you today at some point in your day to sneak away to a secret place with Him. Ask Him to reveal His love for you. This isn’t about a ‘religion’. No, this is about a love story between you and your Maker. This is about a ‘love’ relationship. And He is here, right now, just waiting to show you just how much He loves you!
Jeremiah 31:3 (Message Bible)
God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!”
that was so good! thanks for the “cup of Love” LOL
Oh, what a joyful blog [for me] to read today. I am basking in and still reflecting on the real LOVE that Jesus deposited in my heart just a few days ago as I attended my second Kairos. It appears that you have been basking in that same love for so many years and that is the sweetest thing. I have “known” Jesus for many, many years but was shown in such a vivid way that I purposed the shutting down of my heart to deep, abiding love 15 years ago. Jesus broke that vow I made this past weekend and opened my heart so sweetly to His Love, and I look to seeing my world through His eyes and His heart.
You captured His love so perfectly here.
Thank you so much for sharing this today, as I have been battling sadness since the early hours of this morning. And what I have so needed was a reminder of my God’s amazing love for me. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you all for your kind words. Erin, I wish I could pull you out of the computer and give you a hug from God. I have a couple scriptures that I thought would be good for you to say throughout the day-
Bless you- I am praying for you.
In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121:2-3
Keep on trusting and know that He is wild in love with you and passionately pursuing you. He won’t even sleep, because He’s busy looking out for you. No matter how many times I might have messed up or things are not turning out as I had hoped, I say to myself..God loves me. I’m going to be okay
A young friend recently died and today was his memorial service. It was a beautiful celebration of a life cut terribly short. What you shared was the resonating message of today’s service and His amazing love pierced my heart once again and then to come home and read this, your blog … thank You Lord for your steadfast love! Beautiful, joyful blog! Hugs to you xoxo
P.S. The first blog you wrote that was posted on here almost a month ago is still ministering to me. I found it so relevant for my life and it hasn’t left my mind all month so thanks again!
Celeste,
I love your transparency and willingness to share how God has touched your life and how He continues to do so daily!! I am so thankful that you shared today about God’s amazing love for each one of us! I also loved The Message version of Jeremiah 31:3 and I wrote it down to meditate on it for awhile. I love you!
I’m thankful that the Lord’s love has redeemed two little girls from a lonely loveless life.
And allowed us to share a precious friendship joined together in Him. Your a beautiful woman Celeste Thanks for your post.
Celeste,
Wow! It was also 15 years ago for me too! Actually June 94′ when I was arrested by His love in my Aunt and Uncle’s bathroom. Thank you by taking me back there today as I read your blog! He was always loving us…but then we choose to love Him back. Thanks for reminding of us of that POWERFUL LOVE! I am humbled and blessed to be partnered with you in this great adventure of embracing destiny and choosing to bloom!
Great Love!,
~Ris
I love your love story and love my own!! Thanks for sharing your heart and love for God so clearly!
Thank you Celeste…beautifully said. LOVE you.
I have forgotten what it’s like to not know His love. His love brings such security, that it erases whatever doubt I felt before. So to hear you share about this love reminds me that there are so many who need to read this. And to be guided into this sacred romance. May God send them your way!