“I have told you these things,

so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

 John 16:33 (NIV)

"Give thanks to God

—he is good and

his love never quits."

1 Chronicles 16:34 (The Message)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

"Jesus replied:

Love the Lord your God

with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your mind.

This is the first

and greatest commandment."

Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

"I love those who love me,

and those who seek me find me." Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)

"Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

John 15:13 (NIV)

"I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength." Psalm 18:1

Being a follower of Christ is so much more than just attending church. The bible says to "love the Lord with all your heart, mind soul and strength" (Mark 12:30). Have you ever heard of that Bruno Mars song Grenade? Here's an excerpt from that song:

"I’d catch a grenade for ya, Throw my hand on a blade for ya, I’d jump in front of a train for ya, You know I'd do anything for ya, Oh, I would go through all this pain, Take a bullet straight through my brain, Yeas, I would die for ya baby..."

Its funny how crazy in love this person seems to be in that song that he would do all of that for somebody. Songs are exagerrated sometimes, but you get the drift... When we are in love with someone, we express to them by our actions and words “I love you” on a daily basis.

As we begin to establish our relationship with God, eventually we should reach this place where “I love you” is A DAILY EXPRESSION TO HIM IN THOUGHT, WORDS AND ACTIONS. Whenever we fall in love with someone we must first spend time with them, getting to know them, and it works the same way with the Lord. If we can do that for another human, how much more with the Lord???

Spending time with the Lord means that we talk to him regularly in prayer. We shouild also read the bible often and do the things that God likes to do. We should also include him in the things we like to do. Today, take time to sincerely tell God, I love you; he deserves to receive our expressions of love, and he also requires it.

Oh, by the way.... JESUS died for YOU thousands of years ago... wayyyyyyy before Bruno Mars came up with this song, just sayin! :)

PRAYER: Heavenly father, sometimes its difficult for me to express my love for you. Please forgive me if I have been ignoring you, if I haven't been giving you enough time and attention. I know now that in order to have an awesome relationship with you I must make an effort. I must get to know you by reading your word and spending time with you in prayer. I remember today that you loved me first, fully and deeply by dying for me on the cross. I love you absolutely and with every single fiber of my being. I ask that you keep this fire within me burning, that I may continue to passionately live for you. In your sweet name I pray, AMEN.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1 (NIV)