Is Not About Your Love For God; It Is About God’s Love For You.

Gospel Corner

24/12/24

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
Luke 1:34–35, NIV

Who’s Power?
When God gave Mary the promise that she would give birth to the Messiah, it seemed impossible. To have a baby without a man defies the laws of nature and logic. But the angel didn’t get upset when she asked how it was possible. He simply helped her have a new perspective. He was saying, in effect, “Mary, you’re looking at it in the natural. In your own ability, it won’t happen. But the Spirit of God will make it happen.” Mary was at a critical point and chose to look beyond the logical. She got in agreement with God and didn’t let her human reasoning talk her out of it.

God is going to put promises in your heart that don’t make sense. Are you going to keep seeing them only from a human point of view? It’s not going to happen by your own strength, intellect, or hard work. The Spirit of the living God will make it happen. It’s going to be supernatural, something you can’t explain or take credit for. Everyone will know that it’s the hand of God.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your promise to Mary that her giving birth to Your Son was possible because the Holy Spirit made it happen. Thank You that Your promises to me are equally as possible because Your Spirit is at work in me. I won’t talk myself out of it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

SECTION TWO

Her story is heartrending. In the Bible’s account, this woman is described as “a sinner” (Luke 7:37). Many believe that she was a prostitute. When she came to Jesus, He did not chase her away, humiliate her, or condemn her for her sins. He knew how guilt had been eating her up on the inside, and had compassion for her.

As she neared Jesus, she began weeping. Then, she washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with the precious ointment that would have cost her an entire year’s wages. Without hesitation, she lavished it on Jesus’ feet and worshiped Him.

In response, Jesus said that those who know and believe how abundantly God truly loves and has forgiven them will end up loving God very much. Simply put, those who have been forgiven much, love much. Those who have been forgiven little, love little. That’s why the emphasis of the new covenant is not about your love for God; it is about God’s love for you.

Do you see that your love for God in the new covenant is birthed out of a genuine and authentic relationship with Him? It is not a groveling display that is birthed out of the fear of punishment or religious obligation.

Under grace, we are able to love God because He first loved us. That is why people under grace become the holiest people you will ever meet. Their holiness flows out of their love relationship with Jesus!

They have experienced His unconditional love in an intimate and personal way that transforms them. They just want to live lives that glorify and honor the name of Jesus.

Friend, we have all been forgiven much, but many don’t know and don’t believe this. Give up on trying to overcome your own failings, mistakes, addictions, and bondages, imagining that God requires this of you before you can come before Him.

When you fail, come to Jesus with boldness and confidence as this woman did. Feel free to weep in His sweet presence and simply worship Him. Pour out everything that is on your heart to Him.

Don’t worry, He will not heap more guilt and condemnation upon you. He will remind you of the cross and say, “Your sins are already forgiven. I have already paid the price for your sins at Calvary. Rest in My forgiveness and love for you.”