More Than A Feeling

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

John 17:25-26


It was Ray Stedman who said regarding John 17:25-26, “Intimacy with the living God is the key to vitality and fruitfulness. It begins with the recognition of Jesus as "sent from God." It develops as awareness grows of the Father's power and love, and finds its deepest expression in a growing consciousness of the presence within of Jesus himself.”

In other words, when you and I realize just how much God loves us that He would send His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ to die upon Calvary’s Cross so that we could enjoy a personal relationship with Him something happens deep inside, transforming us. We can know no greater joy in this life than to be loved unconditionally and there is no greater force that brings about lasting change in our lives than when we accept love without reservation. Thats what Jesus wants us to know and it’s my prayer for you today too.

Just think, over 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was praying with you in mind before He went to the Cross. His prayer then was that today you would know fully all that His death and resurrection have provided for you. Because of His love for us, Jesus laid His life down and took it up again so that we can know God, and not just truths about God, but actually know God personally, intimately and for all eternity.

If you have ever been in love then you know that when you love someone, I mean you really love someone, you want nothing more than to be with them. Thoughts of the one you love fill your mind and occupy your day. The following quote captures my thought best, “You know you are in love when you see the world in his eyes, and his eyes everywhere in the world.” Most would agree thats what happens the longer we know and walk with the Lord. Everything reminds you of Him.

C.S. Lewis in his book, ‘The Four Loves writes’, “A man in love wants not a woman, but one particular woman.” I think the same thing can be said of both men and women who have come to know the love of God. All other loves as good as they may be pale in comparison. We long for more, not more love in quality as there is no more love for God to give. The love we desire most is quantitative and can only be satisfied by time together. One day we will be completely satisfied when we meet Jesus face to face. Until then, read your bible as the love letter that it is knowing…

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.”

John 16:13–15


I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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