Beloved, Allow Yourself to Be Loved "To the praise of the glory of God's grace, who has accepted all of us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6 God completely accepts you. When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he proclaimed that we are accepted in the Beloved. That means you are not only seen by God but fully embraced. God knows your thoughts before you think them and still loves you. God knows your words before you speak them and still loves you. God knows your actions before you take them and still loves you. You are God’s beloved. You are the apple of God’s eye. God can't get enough of you. God can't stop thinking about you. Why? Because God loves you with a perfect, unconditional, everlasting love. A love that doesn’t fluctuate based on your performance or behavior. Beloved, allow yourself to be loved. Open your heart and your mind and recognize that you are worthy of love. You deserve love. Immerse yourself in God’s love. ...
What the Cross Means: Crucifying the World, Embracing God, and Crossing Out the Past "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14 (KSB) The cross is the central image of the Christian faith. It crowns the rooftops of churches, adorns sanctuaries, and rests around the necks of believers worldwide. Whether it’s the empty cross or the crucifix, the symbol remains a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the foundation of our faith. Songs like "At Calvary," "Near the Cross," and "The Old Rugged Cross" continue to declare its significance. Having stood at Calvary’s foot in Israel at the very place where Jesus was crucified. I can testify to the power of that sacred ground. But beyond the physical symbol, Jesus invites us to carry our own cross. He said, “If anyone would follow Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me.” Each ...