God Loves You! Yes, You!!

God Loves You! Yes, You!! A few months ago, I was at our bathroom sink – getting

ready for the day – when Pat came in.

She stopped for a moment, looked at me kind of funny, and then asked: “Are you talking to yourself?”

I had to answer, “yes”. I knew I was talking to myself, but I didn’t realize I was talking out loud.

We both had a good laugh about that.

Please tell me I’m not the only person who talks to himself?

Since I have been caught, I must confess I actually talk to myself quite often.

• Sometimes the conversations are quite amusing and about nothing momentous.

• Others time I am rehearsing something I need to say, trying to figure out the right way to say it.

• Sometimes I’m even arguing with myself about something I know I need to do, but don’t want

to do.

But, many times I find the conversation not so pleasant. It happens after I perceive I have done

something stupid, said something I think I shouldn’t have, or done something I know is wrong.

The conversation turns into this voice who belittles me. It tells me I’m stupid, an idiot, and that I’m fat. It

wonders if there is any hope for me because I’m just lazy and irresponsible.

This voice can be very persistent. It tells me that if people really knew me, they would be horrified. And

it especially tells me I’m a failure in representing God and that I’m just a big hypocrite.

It then concludes that God couldn’t really love me – and if He does, it’s only because He has too because

He’s God and the Bible says He loves everyone. But, He sure doesn’t like me very much. And He must be

very disappointed in me.

Does any of this sound familiar?

You know where this conversation comes from, don’t you? Satan tries to inject some variation of this

into each of our lives.

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

The problem is, I have often played this conversation over and over in my mind until I believe the lies

Satan is feeding me. This can become so ingrained in my thinking that when God comes to me with the

truth, it sounds like a lie.

Redeemed

A couple of weeks ago I downloaded the book, I Am Redeemed,

written by Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave.

The write up for it, which is also part of the introduction of the

book, really caught my attention. It reads in part:

“For much of my life, my perception of myself was dogged

by lies that worked their way into my heart. Those lies told

me I was something to be hated. I loathed myself.

“One day God spoke into me with a revelation that

changed everything. I shared that word through writing

the song ‘Redeemed,’ recorded by our group Big Daddy

Weave …

“It would be great if that were the end of the story. In truth, since that day when I heard

God tell me how much He loved me, I’ve been pulled many times into that old self that

can’t see me the way God sees me. I’ve often struggled to live in the peace He purchased

for me, even to the point of arguing with God that He must be wrong about me.

“Thankfully, God continued teaching me and still is all the time. In this book I will share

the revelations learned in my journey that have brought me closer to the life God intends

for all of us …”

The book is an honest and engaging record of his on-going struggles, which I can identify with. It helped

me realize that while we talk about God’s love, probably more than any other topic, I – along with most

people I know – secretly believe it applies to everyone but me. Knowing what I know about me, if feels

impossible that He could really love me. And liking me is a stretch beyond my wildest dreams and hopes.

God Spoke

When I was the chaplain of Auburn Academy and the Associate Pastor of the Auburn Academy church I

would often get up early in the morning and walk around campus praying for our staff and students.

One Sabbath morning, I was walking and praying when my thoughts were interrupted by God. He said:

“Would you be quiet for a moment and just listen?”

I was stunned, I was praying – just rattling off names and circumstances that I believed

needed God’s attention and wasn’t expecting God to show up. I don’t remember what I

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

said, but He certainly had my attention. I was wondering what momentous thing He was going to reveal

to me.

He went on and just said: “I want you to know that I love you.”

That was it. No special message to carry to the world – He was just letting me know that He knew me

personally – and, He loves me!

Perhaps you have heard someone say that we should spend part of our devotional time listening for

God’s voice. Not reading, not rattling of our prayer requests – just listening. I’ve known several people

who have experimented with this. Almost without exception, the first thing they hear from God is how

much He loves them.

We all need to know we are valued and loved. This need has driven many people to do all sorts of crazy

things in order to be noticed and acknowledged. This need is most powerfully met in God’s love.

God’s Promises of Love

This is a recurring theme in Scripture. Listen to this promise:

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will

not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he

does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is

as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as

the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:8-12, NLT)

And these words recorded in Jeremiah:

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to

myself …” (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)

Jesus expressed it this way:

“And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be

lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who

believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge

the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:14-17, NLT)

Paul said it like this:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now,

most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might

perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:6-8, NLT)

Paul also expressed it this way:

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous

things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth

and new life through the Holy Spirit … Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave

us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7, NLT)

The Apostle John expressed it like this:

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we

might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved

us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:9-10, NLT)

There are many other verses like this scattered throughout Scripture.

Notice how often His love is expressed through His redemption. He knows how deep sin is imbedded in

your life and because of His love, offers you a different path. He wants you to be with Him forever.

Rescuing you and Redeeming you from sin and destruction is the greatest expression of love there it.

After reading Mike Weaver’s book, I looked up the song, I Am Redeemed. Many of you are probably

familiar with it. I only remember hearing it once before. It’s a powerful song. You can click here to play

it.

One Last Thought

This last Thursday evening, the movie Forrest Gump was shown on TV. I’ve seen it several time, but the

one thing that struck me – from the parts of it I saw Thursday – was the purity of Forrest’s love for

Jenny.

Over and over his love called to her. But for some reason, it took her a long time to believe that it was

real. She had a lot of baggage in her life. She had been abused by her father as a small child. She made

lots of bad choices.

She seemed to believe that Forrest was too good for someone as broken as she was. But, He always

loved her.

There were some beautiful, tender moments near the end of the movie where broken and dying, she

gave in to his love and married him. His unconditional love finally captured her heart and brought her

emotional healing and peace.

God is like that, only much better. Listen to these words from the best-selling devotional

book, Steps to Christ:

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are

reformed, before they can claim His blessing … Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are,

sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall

at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to … to cleanse us

from all impurity.

Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally, individually

… It is the privilege of all … to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin.

Put away the suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you … None are so sinful that they

cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them …

God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another. His thoughts are thoughts of

mercy, love, and tenderest compassion. (Steps to Christ, pages 52-53)

The amazing fact is that God knows everything about you and me. He knows your deepest, darkest

secrets. He knows the hate, the anger, the jealousy, the resentment – and more – that you harbor in

your heart.

There is nothing you have ever done or thought that He doesn’t know. And He still loves you. Yes, You!

There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less.

Isn’t Someone Who loves you this much worth getting to know? Isn’t He worth spending some quality

time with?

Don’t put Him off and miss out on the greatest experience of your life.

God love you! Yes, You!!

_______________

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

Notes

Text you find in this color is a link to more information. It may take you to the Bible verse in context

and/or in several different translations utilizing BibleGateway.com. In some cases, it may take you to

a website where there is additional information. And, it may take you to a PDF copy of previous

sermons in this series.

Book Info – I Am Redeemed

To purchase the book, I Am Redeemed:

• Click here for a printed copy.

• Click here for Apple Products (iBooks).

• Click here for a Nook Book.

• Click here for a Kindle Edition.

Website for Big Daddy Weave, click here.

Music Video for the song “I Am Redeemed”, click here.

Scripture References (Parts in red letters is emphasis I have provided.)

Exodus 33:12 – 34:9 (NLT): One day Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these

people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have

told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 If it is true that you look favorably

on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your

favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

14 The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will

be fine for you.”

15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will

anyone know that you look favorably on me – on me and on your people – if you don’t go with

us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the

earth.”

17 The LORD replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you,

and I know you by name.”

18 Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”

19 The LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name,

Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to

anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me

and live.” 21 The LORD continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. 22 As my

glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from

behind. But my face will not be seen.”

34 Then the LORD told Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on

them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed. 2 Be ready in the morning to climb

up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. 3 No one else may come

with you. In fact, no one is to appear anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or

herds graze near the mountain.”

4 So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed

Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.

5 Then the LORD came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name,

Yahweh. 6 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled

with unfailing love and faithfulness. 7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand

generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay

the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is

affected – even children in the third and fourth generations.”

8 Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. 9 And he said, “O Lord, if it is

true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and

rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special

possession.” (Exodus 33:12 – 34:9 , NLT)

Psalm 147:1-22 (NIV): Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy

name. 2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He

forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with

love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

6 The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is

compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not

constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does

not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as

great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as

the east is from the west.

13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For

he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like

grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we

had never been here. 17 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his

covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

19 The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

20 Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his

commands. 21 Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise

the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the LORD. (Psalm 103:1-21, NLT)

Psalm 147:7-11 (NIV): Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; 11 the

LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

(Psalm 147:7-11, NIV)

Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT): Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an

everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself …” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV)

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NLT): “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,”

declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their

God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one

another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,”

declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

(Jeremiah 31:33-34, NIV)

Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NLT): “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be

washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will

put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender,

responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be

careful to obey my regulations.”

(Ezekiel 36:25-27, NLT)

Matthew 10:28-31 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your

soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two

sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father

knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are

more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31, NLT)

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT): Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and

carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke

is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

Matthew 22:34-40 (NLT): But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his

reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to

trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law

of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your

mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally

important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18) 40 The entire law and all the

demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40, NLT)

John 3:14-17 (NLT): “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son

of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who

believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge

the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:14-17, NLT)

John 6:28-29 (NLT): They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

(John 6:28-29, NLT)

John 13:33-35 (NLT): “Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish

leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a

new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

(John 13:33-35, NLT)

Romans 5:3-11 (NLT): We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that

they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character

strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For

we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with

his love.

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now,

most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps

be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by

sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in

God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since

our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his

enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us

friends of God.

(Romans 5:3-11, NLT)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 & 1 John 4:16 (NLT): If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels,

but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of

prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had

such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave

everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t

love others, I would have gained nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand

its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice

about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith,

is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But

love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of

prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these

partial things will become useless.

11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put

away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but

then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but

then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13 Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.

God is Love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13, NLT & 1 John 4:16, NLT)

2 Corinthians 5:11-21 NLT): Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work

hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we

commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you

can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere

heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is

for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all,

we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who

receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died

and was raised for them.

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of

Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that

anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new

life has begun!

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has

given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to

himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message

of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We

speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned,

to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2

Corinthians 5:11-21, NLT)

Galatians 2:17-21 (NLT): But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and

then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led

us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore

down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law – I stopped

trying to meet all its requirements – so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified

with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by

trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of

God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no

need for Christ to die. (Galatians 2:17-21, NLT)

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT): Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You

used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the

powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey

God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our

sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because

of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you

have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in

the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future

ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he

has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from

God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about

it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the

good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:1-10, NLT)

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT): When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the

Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources

he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in

your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how

wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the

fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish

infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus

through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21, NLT)

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT): Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a

sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2, NLT)

Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT): Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! 5 Let everyone see

that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank

him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can

understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:4-7, NLT)

Philippians 4:4-7 (the Message): Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear

as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.

Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into

prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,

everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what

happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:4-7, the Message)

Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT): Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe

yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make

allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord

forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us

all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.

For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other

with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful

hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks

through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:12-17, NLT)

Titus 3:3-7 (NLT): Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to

many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.

4 But – when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not

because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured

out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in

his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7, NLT)

1 John 3:1-3 (NLT): See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is

what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children

because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet

shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for

we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves

pure, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3, NLT)

1 John 3:11-19 (NLT): This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one

another. 12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And

why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing

what was righteous. 13 So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

14 If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death

to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is

really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.

16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our

lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother

or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?

18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our

actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we

stand before God. (1 John 3:11-19, NLT)

1 John 4:7-21 (NLT): Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not

know God, for God is love.

9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we

might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved

us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has

ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression

in us.

13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we

have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the

world. 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in

God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God,

our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face

him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of

punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each

other because he loved us first.

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t

love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this

command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers. (1 John 4:7-21, NLT)

Revelation 3:14-20 (NLT): “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message

from the one who is the Amen – the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new

creation:

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the

other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my

mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize

that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold

from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments

from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be

able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your

indifference.

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,

and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my

throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the

churches.” (Revelation 3:14-20, NLT)

E.G. White Resources

Desire of Ages, page 478: In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world

theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and

religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men

away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only

blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by

redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down

under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of

burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the

hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The

contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image

of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source

of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a

thief and a robber. (Desire of Ages, page 478)

Desire of Ages, page 480: Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the

Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He

came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, “Follow Me,” and His Spirit moves upon their

hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He

also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, “My

sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” He cares for each one as if there

were not another on the face of the earth.

“He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out .... And the sheep follow Him: for they

know His voice.” The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends not upon force or

fear; but going before, he calls them. They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-

Shepherd with His sheep. The Scripture says, “Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of

Moses and Aaron.” Through the prophet, Jesus declares, “I have loved thee with an everlasting

love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” He compels none to follow Him. “I drew

them,” He says, “with cords of a man, with bands of love.” Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea

11:4.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of

Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His

pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him

attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear

His voice, and they follow Him. (Desire of Ages, page 480)

Desire of Ages, pages 667-668: The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon

themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has

placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive

errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very

highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they

have faith in His promises.

But to pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest

His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He

says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him

will show their love by obedience.

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will

so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into

conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own

impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual

obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin

will become hateful to us.

As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength.

But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us

what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as

willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries

to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as

He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know,

after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only

wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has

promised. Whatever was given to Christ – the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men – was

given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “whatsoever we ask, we receive

of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

1 John 3:22. (Desire of Ages, pages 667-668)

Desire of Ages, pages 826-827: In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent,

and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour. His blessings He presents in the most

alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the

most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess them. So His servants are to present the riches

of the glory of the unspeakable Gift. The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts,

when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing. “Comfort ye, comfort ye My

people, saith your God.” “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain;

O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid;

say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! ... He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall

gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:1, 9-11. Tell the people

of Him who is “the Chiefest among ten thousand,” and the One “altogether lovely.” The Song of

Solomon 5:10, 16. Words alone cannot tell it. Let it be reflected in the character and manifested

in the life. Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be

“conformed to the image of His Son.” Romans 8:29. In every one Christ's long-suffering love, His

holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested to the world.

The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord

worked with them, “confirming the word with signs following.” Mark 16:20. These disciples

prepared themselves for their work. Before the day of Pentecost they met together, and put

away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ's promise that the blessing

would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely;

they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to

the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that

Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and

thousands were converted in a day.

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

So it may be now. Instead of man's speculations, let the word of God be preached. Let Christians

put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in

faith ask for the blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the

“former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the “latter rain” will be more abundant. Joel 2:23.

All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of

physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ

gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its

highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their

faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of

saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human

weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.

The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world. It is His

purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan

works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be

achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is

complete, and “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11. All the

nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but “a seed

shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalm 22:30. “The kingdom

and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the

people of the saints of the Most High,” and “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,

as the waters cover the sea.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His

glory from the rising of the sun.” Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 11:9; 59:19. (Desire of Ages, pages 826-827)

Steps to Christ, pages 13-14: It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became “a

Man of Sorrows,” that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His

beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory, to a world

marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted

Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult,

humiliation, hatred, and death. “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His

stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Behold Him in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the

cross! The spotless Son of God took upon Himself the burden of sin. He who had been one with

God, felt in His soul the awful separation that sin makes between God and man. This wrung from

His lips the anguished cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46. It

was the burden of sin, the sense of its terrible enormity, of its separation of the soul from God—

it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God.

But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father's heart a love for man, not

to make Him willing to save. No, no! “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten

Son.” John 3:16. The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He

provided the propitiation because He loves us. Christ was the medium through

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

which He could pour out His infinite love upon a fallen world. “God was in Christ, reconciling the

world unto Himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19. God suffered with His Son. In the agony of Gethsemane,

the death of Calvary, the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of our redemption.

Jesus said, “Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it

again.” John 10:17. That is, “My Father has so loved you that He even loves Me more for giving

My life to redeem you. In becoming your Substitute and Surety, by surrendering My life, by

taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father; for by My sacrifice, God

can be just, and yet the Justifier of him who believeth in Jesus.”

None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of

the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could

make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man

could express the Father's love to lost humanity.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” He gave Him not only to live

among men, to bear their sins, and die their sacrifice. He gave Him to the fallen race. Christ was

to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity. He who was one with God has

linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. Jesus is “not

ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11); He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother,

bearing our human form before the Father's throne, and through eternal ages one with the race

He has redeemed – the Son of man. And all this that man might be uplifted from the ruin and

degradation of sin that he might reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness.

The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to

die for us, should give us exalted conceptions of what we may become through Christ. As the

inspired apostle John beheld the height, the depth, the breadth of the Father's love toward the

perishing race, he was filled with adoration and reverence; and, failing to find suitable language

in which to express the greatness and tenderness of this love, he called upon the world to behold

it. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the

sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. What a value this places upon man! Through transgression the sons of

man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam

may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men

are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the name

“sons of God.” (Steps to Christ, pages 13-14)

Steps to Christ, page 35: Study God's word prayerfully. That word presents before you, in the law of

God and the life of Christ, the great principles of holiness, without which “no man shall see the

Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. It convinces of sin; it plainly reveals the way of salvation. Give heed to it

as the voice of God speaking to your soul.

As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really are, do not give up

to despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save. We have not to reconcile God to

us, but – O wondrous love! – God in Christ is “reconciling the world unto Himself.”

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

2 Corinthians 5:19. He is wooing by His tender love the hearts of His erring children. No earthly

parent could be as patient with the faults and mistakes of his children, as is God with those He

seeks to save. No one could plead more tenderly with the transgressor. No human lips ever

poured out more tender entreaties to the wanderer than does He. All His promises, His warnings,

are but the breathing of unutterable love.

When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of

His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the

enemy that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” and that you may be saved by His

matchless love. 1 Timothy 1:15. Jesus asked Simon a question in regard to two debtors. One

owed his Lord a small sum, and the other owed him a very large sum; but he forgave them both,

and Christ asked Simon which debtor would love his Lord most. Simon answered, “He to whom

he forgave most.” Luke 7:43. We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be

forgiven. The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. Those to

whom He has forgiven most will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise

Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God

that we best realize the sinfulness of sin. When we see the length of the chain that was let down

for us, when we understand something of the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf,

the heart is melted with tenderness and contrition. (Steps to Christ, page 35)

Steps to Christ, pages 52-55: Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take

yourself away from Him, but day by day say, “I am Christ's; I have given myself to Him;” and ask

Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving yourself to God, and

believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him. The apostle says, “As ye have

therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6.

Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are

reformed, before they can claim His blessing. But they may claim the blessing of God even now.

They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil.

Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come

with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to

encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity.

Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally,

individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all who comply with the

conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the

suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor.

Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to

every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness

in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted

with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live

and not die.

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another. His thoughts are thoughts of

mercy, love, and tenderest compassion. He says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the

unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon

him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy

transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.” Isaiah 55:7; 44:22.

“I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves,

and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:32. Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He

desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not

permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, “Jesus has died that I might live.

He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father; and

although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me have been squandered, I

will arise, and go to my Father, and say, ‘I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am

no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants.’” The parable tells

you how the wanderer will be received: “When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,

and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20.

But even this parable, tender and touching as it is, comes short of expressing the infinite

compassion of the heavenly Father. The Lord declares by His prophet, “I have loved thee with an

everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3. While the

sinner is yet far from the Father's house, wasting his substance in a strange country, the Father's

heart is yearning over him; and every longing awakened in the soul to return to God is but the

tender pleading of His Spirit, wooing, entreating, drawing the wanderer to his Father's heart of

love.

With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt? Can you believe that

when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him

from coming to His feet in repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own

soul more than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father. He hates sin, but He loves

the sinner, and He gave Himself in the person of Christ, that all who would might be saved and

have eternal blessedness in the kingdom of glory. What stronger or more tender language could

have been employed than He has chosen in which to express His love toward us? He declares,

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her

womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:15.

Look up, you that are doubting and trembling; for Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Thank

God for the gift of His dear Son and pray that He may not have died for you in vain. The Spirit

invites you today. Come with your whole heart to Jesus, and you may claim His blessing.

As you read the promises, remember they are the expression of unutterable love and pity. The

great heart of Infinite Love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion. “We have

redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 1:7. Yes, only

believe that God is your helper. He wants to restore His moral image in man. As

God Loves You! Yes, You!!

you draw near to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw near to you with mercy and

forgiveness. (Steps to Christ, pages 52-55)