Good morning Mark and Lisa!

Before you start your day, I want to remind you of something that is extremely important:

I LOVE YOU!

I

I am the LORD God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.   I spoke and created everything.  If I wanted to, I could create more.  I have more wealth and power than you can imagine.  I could speak and melt the earth.  I command angelic armies, hold everything together and know every hair on your head.  I know everything that could be known about what has happened, what is happening and what is to come.  The only reason you exist is because I want you to.  And I really want you to.  I have personally indwelt you—consciously, intentionally, unreservedly.  You have everything you need because we’re together.

LOVE

Love exists because I do.  I’m really really good at it.  In fact, I have never failed at love.  Never.  Not once.  You are loved because I love you.  I don’t need you—I’m quite self-sufficient; however, My sincere desire is for us to be together forever because I love you.  I have literally adopted you.  You are a co-heir with My only begotten Son Jesus Christ.  We are a family together.  I no longer call you a slave—I call you a friend.  Absolutely nothing (and I mean literally nothing) could ever separate you from My love.  Not earthly enemies, Satan himself, or even your sins and failures.  I am very aware of all of them.  You will never surprise Me.  You love Me because I loved you first.  You didn’t inspire Me to start loving you, and you couldn’t make Me stop.  I was tortured to death so that absolutely nothing could diminish our perfect (loving!) relationship.  I know you aren’t very good at love, but I delight in your efforts!  Keep up the good work!   Keep learning to walk in the indwelling power I supply (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!).  Don’t worry about your sins—My love (and blood) has covered them all.  At My right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Come to Me and I will give you rest.

YOU

You are created by me, sustained by me, and placed in My body (the Church) just as I desired.  The world, flesh and devil will try to distract you from living out your calling as a holy, Spirit-indwelt, prince and princess of the Kingdom—My son and daughter whom I dearly love.  Be strong and courageous!  I’m not going to lie to you—today will be hard.  I want you to follow Me into the world I’ve made and manifest My love and truth and joy and hope and peace everywhere we go.  Our enemies see this as an act of war, and they are formidable foes.  Fear not! I have defeated them.  Nevertheless, the battle continues against spiritual forces of darkness until I return.  Many of your brothers and sisters will be casualties today.  Maybe you will be also.  You, and the rest of our family, will be filling up what is lacking in My afflictions.  Believe me—I know that this hurts.  I am a man of sorrows who is acquainted with grief.  Sadly, the only road to heaven goes through a battlefield.  Follow me!  I promise it is worth it!  This momentary light affliction is producing an eternal weight of glory.  Behold I am with you always–even to the end of the age. 

Ready?  Come with me!  Let’s go love people!