Saint Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love.

J ohn 14:21-26 He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." (22) Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" (23) Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (24) He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. (25) "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. (26) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all  that I have said to you.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you know the love that surpasses all, that is stronger than death itself (Song of Songs 8:6)? In Jesus' last supper discourse he speaks of the love he has for his disciples and of his Father's love. He prepares his disciples for his imminent departure to return to his Father by exhorting them to prove their love for him through their loyalty and obedience to his word. He promises them the abiding instruction and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Saint Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love. God’s love for each of us is as real and tangible as the love of a mother for her child and the love of a lover who gives all for his beloved. God made us for love – to know him personally and to grow in the knowledge of his great love for us. How can we know and be assured of the love of God?

The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in the knowledge of God and his great love. The Spirit enables us to experience the love of God and to be assured of the Lord’s abiding presence with us (see Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit also opens our ears to hear and understand the word of God. Do you listen attentively to God's word and believe it? Ask the Holy Spirit to inflame your heart with the love of God and his word.

"Lord Jesus, in love you created me and you drew me to yourself. May I never lose sight of you nor forget your steadfast love and faithfulness. And may I daily dwell upon your word and give you praise in the sanctuary of my heart, You who are my All."

Supplementary Reading

He Orders Your Steps

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord . . . – Psalm 37:2

S ometimes, when we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course. But if your heart is following after God, if you're determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be.

You might say, "Joel, that couldn't be right. I'm uncomfortable. Somebody isn't treating me right." God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it. I've found nothing in life happens to us; it happens for us. God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. Remember, He orders your steps. Stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let Him lead you into the good plan He has for you!

Father in heaven, thank You for ordering my steps. I trust that You are at work in my life even during times when I don't understand it. Give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.