Keep yourselves thus in the love of God (Jude 21)
The famous American statesman and lawyer William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) was having his portrait painted. The painter asked, "Why do you let your hair cover your ears like that?"
Bryan replied, "There is a romantic story about my hair. When I started dating Mrs. Bryan, she didn't like to see my ears sticking out. To please her, I let my hair grow to cover my ears."
"It happened many years ago," said the painter. "Why don't you cut your hair now?"
"Because," Bryan said with a wink, "our love continues to this day."
Is our love relationship with Jesus still going on today? When we first came with faith in Christ, we rejoiced because our sins were forgiven and we were adopted into His family. God's love fills and continues to flow through our hearts. We too long to please Him.
As time passes, the fiery spirit of our first love may begin to cool off. Therefore, we need to meditate on the words of Judas written in his short letter, "Keep yourselves thus in the love of God" (verse 21). Jesus used the same phrase when He said, “Abide in my love” (John 15:9,10). We nurture that love when we focus on pleasing Him, not pleasing ourselves.
Always cherish that bond of love --Dave Egner
TO RENEW YOUR LOVE FOR CHRIST
REMEMBER HIS LOVE FOR YOU
REMEMBER HIS LOVE FOR YOU
*) Take from Daily Meditation