BECAUSE

"I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2 NKJ)

Four-year old Grant asks, "Why, Poppa?" And I reply, "Because . . ." No matter how innocuous my answer, Grant always asks again, "But why?" Then I respond the same way again. Over and over, again and again until his understanding is complete or his interest turns to other things.

Because. It is the reason we do what we do. It is the reason why. Because explains our decisions. It tells our reason for the hope we have. It explains our actions. It is the foundation of our faith . . . because God loved the world so much . . . because he gave his Son . . . because his Son died for our sins.

In today's Scripture, the Psalmist declares his love for God. Why does he love God? Because God heard him when he was in trouble. Because God listened when he called. Because God responded to his requests for help in time of need. Good reasons!

Because. It is also the springboard for further actions, the catalyst for commitment. The Psalmist leads the way. Because I love the Lord, I will call upon him . . . I will worship him . . . I will be faithful to him . . . as long as I live! Ah, what a relationship!

And that's why I love him so . . . our relationship.

Dear Father, thank you for the relationship we have with you through Jesus Christ. Empower my resolve to love you even more in 2013. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Love Christ because . . .