Sample Daily Encounter Message

Is That You God?

"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV).

I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, “I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family,” “I am so proud of you,” “I love you devotedly,” “You are very important to me,” and so on.

I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn’t know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn’t hurt them.

I love to tell how, early one morning about 5 a.m., I slipped quietly into my youngest son’s bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleep—as he looked like an angel—so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, “O beloved of the Lord.” As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in all sincerity, “Is that you God!?”

I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I whispered again in his ear, “No, it’s not God, but he sent me to tell you that.”

On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, “Why did you have me anyhow?”

As quick as a flash I replied, “Because you are a part of God’s eternal plan.”

And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that’s why we are here on earth.

And as God wanted my son to know that he is beloved of God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven’t already done so, I trust and pray that you will realize this today! (For further help click here on KNOW GOD or on the Know God button at the top of the right hand column).

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to see and remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or hindering my being fully open to your love. Help me to accept your love and, in turn, communicate it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”