Pieces of the Puzzle

I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. ~Romans 8:38-39 (CEB)

“What can we say about God’s love? We can say that God’s love is unconditional. God does not say, ‘I love you, if. . .’ There are no ifs in God’s heart. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love for us existed before we were born and will exist after we have died. God’s love is from eternity to eternity and is not bound to any time-related events or circumstances. Does that mean that God does not care what we do or say? No, because God’s love wouldn’t be real if he didn’t care. To love without condition does not mean to love without concern. God desires to enter into relationship with us and wants us to love God in return.

Let’s dare to enter into an intimate relationship with God without fear, trusting that we will receive love, and always more love.” ~From Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen

When the people of this world who are supposed to love you don’t, it is hard to fully understand that God’s love is unconditional. But that moment when the realization sinks in that God REALLY does love you, that He even loved you when…, and that there is NOTHING that can take His love away… That is when true healing can begin.

Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me when others couldn’t. Thank You for loving me when others wouldn’t. Thank You Almighty God for loving me even when I was unlovable. Thank You for seeing in me more than I am and for drawing me closer to You. Thank You for the confident knowledge that NOTHING can separate me from that love. Amen.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Then, after singing songs of praise, they went to the Mount of Olives. ~Matt. 26:26-30 (CEB

“When Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to his disciples, he summarized in these gestures his own life. Jesus is chosen from all eternity, blessed at his baptism in the Jordon River, broken on the cross, and given as bread to the world. Being chosen, blessed, broken, and given is the sacred journey of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

When we take bread, bless it, break it, and give it with the words, ‘This is the Body of Christ,’ we express our commitment to make our lives conform to the life of Christ. We too want to live as people chosen, blessed, and broken and thus become food for the world.” ~From Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Help me this day O Lord, to live a life chosen, blessed and broken for You. May all the trials I’ve seen and the pain I’ve born be for Your glory. May the words from my mouth and the actions of my life be a reflection of You. Help me to be Your hands and feet in the world. Amen.