His Life-Changing Love

Today's devotion is for those of you who have been damaged by the abuse of the world. There are so many who have hidden wounds and bleeding hearts. The pain that they've experienced has left them dysfunctional and their reactions to pressure is exaggerated by heartache, rejection issues, unforgiveness, anger, and even hatred. 

I remember as a child experiencing abuse by a family friend. On the outside I appeared to be relatively normal, but what no one knew was the hatred, anger, and bitterness that was festering within me. Thoughts of revenge was my constant companion and suicidal aspirations haunted me. Do you wonder why I'm so crazy about Christ and desire for everyone to experience the intimate relationship with Him that I've found? It's because of His amazing, life changing love. A love that wasn't repulsed by my depravity or brokenness. There was nothing of worth to be found in me, yet He showered me with such love, gentleness, acceptance, mercy, and grace. He swept me off my feet, washed me clean in His blood, anointed me with oil, and covered me with the corner of His garment. I will forever be grateful for what He's done for me. 

My past no longer has a hold of my heart, and it only serves to give me a testimony of His life changing love, draw me closer and make me more dependent on the one who set me free! I want to encourage you to find true freedom and complete, unadulterated love from Jesus. He gave His life for you! The price was paid for your freedom from the grip of your past. His desire is to fill the cold, dark, and empty crevices of your heart with the warmth of His love and illuminate you with the light that dispels all darkness. 

Psalms 147:3 (NKJV) He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

John 1:4-5 (KJV)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 8:12 (KJV)  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Ezekiel 16:8-13 (NKJV) Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine. Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.