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Pay Attention

    Do you ever stop to think, I mean really think, about the fact that God knew you before you were born. That He knew your entire life, mistakes and all, and He still created you. That He made you unique among the countless others He created. That He has always had a plan and purpose for your life. And that He loves you more than you could ever imagine.

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (NIV)

 Romans 8:29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (NLT)

 Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ” (NIV)

    Even though God knew every bad decision we would make before we made it, He still wanted us to have a choice. By giving us free will to either accept or reject Him, our maker, God also gave us the choice to love Him or not. He wanted us to be able to love Him back of our own accord. 

    Has anyone ever forced you to love them? Is that really love if you are forced? Of course not. This is why God decided to let us determine for ourselves whether to follow and love Him or not. We do not serve an angry and forceful God. He is all powerful and could easily make us do whatever He wanted us to do! But He wants us to know Him by his goodness and love Him for it. 

    Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God's plans are good for us. Do you believe that today? That His plans are actually good? That He is good? Or do you think that there is just another disaster He has planned waiting around the corner for you? Well I hope you don't believe it because that is simply untrue and unbiblical! He is good all the time and wants the best for you.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

    Remember today that He chose to send His son to die for you, knowing all the sins you would commit. Knowing that many people wouldn't even receive the gift of His son's sacrifice. Knowing that those of us who accepted would still ignore Him. Knowing our lack of appreciation. Why would an omnipotent God choose this? The answer is simple. Because He loves us. He really, truly, unconditionally, furiously, loves us. Pay attention to the one who gave it all for you today. All He wants is your heart. 

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (ESV)

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