“While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is beloved. In our key verse, God refers to Jesus as His beloved. According to the dictionary beloved means dearly loved. Notice Ray White’s beautiful picture of the sun setting over a church. As you look at this picture I want you to be reminded that we are God’s church and we are His beloved. In 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ASV‬‬ we read: “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Now read the key verse again. Notice there is a call to action. As His disciples, we are asked to hear God. Hearing involves a relationship with God. Keeping in mind that we are His beloved, I encourage you to really listen to the words of the song, “I Am Your Beloved” by Johnathan David Helser and Melissa Helser. Some of the lyrics sing, “I am Your beloved, You have bought me with Your blood and on Your hand, You have written out my name. I am Your beloved, the one the father loves. Mercy has defeated all my shame.” Let’s pray.

Dear God, I come to You today as Your beloved child. I desire to hear Your voice. Thank You for defeating my shame and loving me. I lift up all those that do not know You. May they see Your love through me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.