Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 1/9/08)

He Is No One Night Stand...

Jeremiah 31:3 (New Living Translation)
3) Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

I have watched people throughout my life fall in and out of love. I have also watched my fair of share of wasted encounters by strangers and friends alike. Moments where both may have benefited in a moment, but only one person really benefited in reality. I remembered the hugs and comforted I have given because "he or she didn't call," and a friend was left holding a bag full of disappointment and a heart full of hurt. Over time I have watched hearts become crushed and feelings left unreturned, people left in ruins over what they perceived might have become a fairy tale from one night. Thank God that Jesus, is no one night stand!

In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” God (unlike man) does not come into our lives for a night to get what he can and move on to the next one. He is one that offers us a covenant, a relationship that is eternal in origin and everlasting in it's make up. He woes us with such tenderness and care, like one in a place of unconditional love. He pursues us like one captivated by who we are, and what He wants us to be to Him. He protects us like warrior and King that has command over not just us but all He surveys, and He cares for us like one who died and laid down His life for us! He is that friend that sticks closer to us than a brother or any other. He loves us at best and when we are in the midst of our test. He is our shelter from the storm and He is the ray of "son" that warms and ignites our very soul. He is the one who is present to awaken us each morning and the one who gently rocks us to sleep each night. He is the lover that watches us while we sleep and it is our very soul He does keep. He loves us not just for a night, but He loves us with all His might. You see God is not like man He does not lie, nor at the sign of trouble does He fly, He is true blue in every way and with us He promises to stay!

Not a one night stand, He is no fly by night. He is not a lover that takes, without giving. He is the one who has given and continues to give unselfishly. It is because of this love that we can live eternally and it is also that love that made and keeps us free!