BECAUSE OF GOD's LOVE

~By Anne Presteng~

 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up in your spiritual salvation, now that you have tasted the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2, 3

Yesterday I watched my newborn grandson, Isaac, for the first time.  He was napping and as he stirred from his sleep he started to squirm.  I picked him up and his little mouth opened. His head turned back and forth searching for milk!  When he found the bottle, he latched on eagerly sucking.  Oh, how he craved and enjoyed that milk!  I was reminded of the verses in 1 Peter that describe how I should crave God’s word. 

Do I yearn for it, long for it, hunger and thirst for it? Gazing at little Isaac’s face I was overcome with joy and love at this precious gift that God gave our family and was reminded that as much as I love Isaac God loves me more! God shows me his love and faithfulness in his word,

Scripture reminds me that because of his love:

• He made me alive in Christ - even when I was dead in my sins (Ephesians 2:4-5)
• He calls me his child. (1 John 3:1)
• He saves me, rejoices over me, quiets me, and exults over me with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
• Because He loved me first, I can love others. (1 John 4:19)
• He laid down his life for me (John 15:13) 
• God created me, He formed me, and calls me by name.  “Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
• Just as Isaac is my precious grandson, I am God’s precious child.  As a parent takes care of his child, God will take care of me through life’s difficulties…waters, rivers and flames. (Isaiah 43:2).

I will rejoice at each of Isaac’s milestones...his first chuckle, first steps and first words.  God, too, rejoices as he sees me grow in my understanding of Him.   As I read and study His word it becomes part of me, my faith grows, and I taste and see how good God is.  

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight” Jeremiah 15:16