“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
These are big words. We tend to read verses like this and focus on the grand, sweeping language. There is a universal invitation contained in these words that resonates across all cultures, languages, social stratums, and backgrounds. This one sentence reveals the heart of God in a picture so profound and beautiful that it has the power to provide the one thing Satan can’t defeat – hope.
These words are personal. Too often we read words like “world” and “whoever” and hold them at arm’s length. We examine them from a distance, admiring them but not admitting them into our hearts. God means for you to hear these words in the most personal way possible. For God so loved Casandra… Those aren’t the words of a distant God to six billion faceless people. They are the tender words of a Father to His child. Come home. Believe. Choose life.
God aches to hold you close. His deepest desire is to reveal His heart to you. He wants to relieve your fears, pour peace over your worries, erase your shame, and empower you to soar. These are just a few of the assurances embedded in the promise of eternal life. He doesn’t just change our futures. He changes right now. He doesn’t just want you to live with Him in heaven. He wants you to live, really live, abundantly live, confidently live, with Him today.
The cross is the bridge. The movement of Jesus into this world, through this life, to the cross, and out of the empty tomb is a move toward you. Can you see His hand? Feel His gaze? Hear His voice?
My Jesus Resolution today is to remember that the cross is as personal as it gets. It speaks to my most desperate need. It answers the deepest ache of my heart. It swallows up the death that is rotting my soul. It opens the door for me to enter God’s presence. It shouts my victory, proclaims my place, and declares my worth. Say it with me. Make it personal. For God so loved…..
Casandra Martin 
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the reminder that – “yes, indeed, He loves Oleta and He carried “my” sins to that cross”. I do think of that every so often – but you have such a way with words, Casandra, as I said before —
“Thanks for the reminder”.
Your God-given gift is such a blessing to countless numbers. May God continue to bless you and keep you in His care as you continue to be that blessing.
Love you!
Actually people must not know about this page because I can’t imagine you not having like posted on everyone from every one who is blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to read your reflections.