Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? - Romans 8:35

I'll never forget Bowwow - a rag dog that Randy, one of my sons, adopted when he was young. Bowwow was Randy's most precious possession. He had other toys that had cost much more, but none was more greatly loved. Bowwow was Linus' blanket and the Velveteen Rabbit all rolled up into one.

Bowwow was hugged and dragged everywhere, and in time he became incredibly dirty. Cleaning was a major problem because we couldn't get Bowwow away from the boy. Washing just made things worse: All Bowwow's stuffing came out. In the end he was just a bundle of tacky, dirty rags. But, my, how he was loved!

We are God's "rag dogs." Although we have been damaged and dirtied by sin, to Him we are precious beyond measure. When we put our faith in Christ as our Savior, He looks at you and me and says, "You're Mine!" We are loved, and He will never let us go (Romans 8:35-39).

That perspective can give us incredible peace and confidence in life. We don't have to run in the fast lane, always seeking the approval of those around us. And we don't have to prove anything to God, because we don't have anything left to prove. We are embraced by His tireless, relentless, infinite, and everlasting love.

-DHR

I love to dwell upon the thought
That Jesus cares for me;
It matters not what life may bring -
He loves me tenderly.

-Adams

There is no greater joy than to know that God loves us.