It is easy for us to accept that our Father loved Jesus and was well pleased with Him. But what about us? Does He love you and me that way too? I am convinced He does. .

I was at a banquet recently with my seven year old son. One person at the table asked him, "How do you like school? "Fine." he responded. Then they asked, "What is your favorite subject?" Without a moment's hesitation, he responded, "My Dad! He's my favorite subject. He's the best Dad in the whole world and I love him."

Of course, I just "melted", and tears came to my eyes. But I didn't care who saw! I felt so honored and humbled at the same time. Such high praise from a little child. I was so very pleased with him at that moment, as you could imagine. That was my child saying those words!

After I had put him to bed that night, and thought back over the evening, my mind turned to my relationship with God. How pleased He must be when I open my spirit to Him and honor Him with my words, just as I was pleased with my son.

I was also pricked in my heart to realize how seldom I give Him that pleasure.

That evening changed by understanding and perspective of praise and expressions of love to my Father in heaven.

Do not be concerned with the way you say it, or if you will have the right words. Just say it! Tell Him how you feel.

I assure you, as a father that has heard such praise from his child, that my son's choice of words was not so important, but what mattered most to me was that it was my son saying those words, and he loved me.

Do not hesitate! Just open your heart and your mouth and tell Him how much You love Him.

Then listen closely in your heart, and you too may hear Him say, "You are my dear child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." ...because He is.

Trust Him. Love Him.

G. Randall Vaughn