Our scripture this week is John 1:1-14, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
What does it mean to have the presence of God in our lives? If you’re like me, it comes as a surprise that God would want to be in my life, that the Creator of all things wants to spend time with me. How amazing and wonderful!
Humans seem to have this feeling that we are either the most important thing in the universe or that we are utterly worthless. I’ll let you in on a secret – it’s not what we think that counts! To God, each and every one of His beloved children is the most important thing in the universe, and He calls us to see and treat each other as such.
However, God reaches out to us; He doesn’t force His way into our lives and monopolize every conversation. He wants us to choose Him, to intentionally include Him in what we do every day. God has chosen you personally, called you by name. Call on His name, and make His love part of your life.
Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love shown to us in many ways. Help us to share that love with people everywhere that they may know our joy in You. Amen.