The Sanctuary is pleased to have author Sheryl Merritt share with us the greatest gift of LOVE.
The Holy Spirit comes today specifically to encourage and remind us all that His love is everlasting. His love won’t fail. His love will chase you down. His love is empowering. His love will never leave us lonely or feeling forsaken. And that is why His love is a gift to us. He is love. He gives love and He loves us. He is perfect love. This agape love is a love so strong, pure, forgiving, and compassionate that it is really unimaginable and we probably won’t fully appreciate, understand and bask in its fullness until He returns for us. But that shouldn’t stop us from reminding ourselves throughout the day that we are loved by the Greatest Love of All. Say it until you start to believe it. Declare it until it changes you for the better. Decree that thing (I have the love of God in me) and it shall be.
This is what I had to do. A few years back, I was on a Valentine's Day date with Jesus. Yes, that's right. As a single, I decided to start going on dates with Jesus to my favorite restaurant. On these dates, I would spend time in His presence, listening to every word He had to say about my relationships, destiny, life and loves. On this Valentine's day date, I looked through the crowded restaurant surveying all the couples and families there celebrating. As I sat there, I started to cry because I felt lonely, like I was really missing out on physical love. But before that first tear could hit the table, Jesus spoke the most beautiful love poem to me I had ever heard. Here's a taste...
"Daughter hold your head up and sit up tall, for yours is the greatest love of all. It may seem like you're all alone but Jesus loves you from the throne. Take heed my child, my love is true; the Holy Spirit confirms this too. For don't feel rejected, that's not my plan. Don't feel unworthy because there is no man. I called you and approved you too, now hold your head up for I speak the truth. I love, I love, I love you."
My tears turned into a smile and I felt like the most blessed person there that day. I was with Love and there was no reason to feel sad and alone. That date changed my outlook and the way I dealt with my singleness forever. To read the poem in its entirety, please visit my website, www.creator-in-me.com.
Today God is whispering sweet ‘everythings’ in your ear. He is saying softly, “I love you my child. You are mine. I chose you. I want to pour out my glory upon you. I want to be your everything because you mean more to me than you will ever know, can ever think or imagine.” That guy or girl you lost and that you thought you could never live without, I am removing the pain you feel when you think of them. The person you love so dearly now, I am pouring out my Spirit upon them and your relationship shall be renewed as you grow together IN ME.
I am providing a special delight for my children today because I created love and no one does it better than me. Their bling diamonds…I created. The flowers, I spoke into existence. The marriages, I ordained. So know that this day, I will remind you of my love and you will know that you are special to me.”
Bask in God’s love today.
We are pleased to announce that Sheryl will be conducting a session at our Making W.A.V.E.S. Retreat. She is a writer and creative artist who “creates and helps others find and develop a personal relationship with The Creator, which ultimately enhances the gift of creativity one has within; the gift He gave them.” Sheryl has written scripts for the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards for the past five years. Her first book, Dates with Jesus © written in 2010 takes readers on a journey of Sheryl’s relationship with Jesus forged through seven years of dating Him. Her second work, Climbing Mountains ©, will be released soon, is an experiential journey with Sheryl and others covering their mountain experiences and faith stirring walks with God. Sheryl also founded and operates Creator in Me, an experiential company that produces influential activities that are artistically and creatively fun, challenging and personally fulfilling that are destined to bring out the Creator in you so you can practice a closer walk with God. Creator in Me also houses Sheryl’s book and greeting card publishing lines. You can purchase Sheyl's book on her website: www.creator-in-me.com.