When did our Father in Heaven decide he loved and approved Jesus? 

This is not a trick question. The answer is obvious. Somehow, however, we often miss this insight. 

Before Jesus ever did anything like healing the sick or raising the dead, our Father in Heaven declared his love and approval. One of the clear messages here is that ours is not a performance-based religion. It is not about how many rituals we observe or religious services we attend. God loves us with an everlasting love that began before we were conceived. 

We do not earn God’s love, grace, mercy, favor, or gift of salvation. Instead, we receive these gifts he alone can initiate and make available and active for every person who says yes to his loving offer. 

You were born because God wanted you here. Your life has meaning and purpose. Your value is beyond calculation. You are the object of God’s love and salvation as if you were the only person who needed these gifts of grace. 

You are God’s beloved. 

This is an opportune moment to stop writing and reading and to begin luxuriating and living from this place of affection and approval. What difference do these truths make for your life today?

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I will live in a deep and abiding relationship with God who loves me and seeks his highest and best for me.

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Our Father, before I could ever do anything to gain your attention, you already knew me, loved me, and had a wonderful plan for my life. Even when I choose my own path, you lovingly draw me back into the one you prepared for me. You initiated this relationship. You continually work to grow me in this relationship. You want to extend this relationship through me to those who have not yet awakened to your goodness and grace. How could I not praise you for who you are and thank you for what you do? Amen.