by Jessica Finney
Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
It says multiple times in scripture that we should love one another as Christ loves us. When we truly love someone, we do not want any harm to come to them. Not to say that we don't hurt other unintentionally sometimes, but it should not be our motive.
I believe that anyone can say the right words to tell someone they love them, but if we don't show them with our actions, then what are we trying to prove? It is like the husbands/boyfriends that supposedly love their wives/girlfriends but they beat them. How can you love someone and physically harm them? That isn't how God is. He brings good out of our bad. Not to say that He won't allow things to happen for consequences to our actions, but He loves us enough to forgive us and to not beat us up for our actions.
This week let's try to show God's love through us by trying to encourage someone with word and action.
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the love that you show for me. I pray that you help me love others as you do, that I might bring more people to You. Show me the ones that need an encouraging word or an action. Show me what you want me to do so I can show others Your love. I love you Lord, In Jesus' name, Amen.
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thou shalt...
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 9:8 “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (NKJ)
…not lie.
…not steal.
…not commit adultery.
…not murder.
Sound familiar? They should. Christians ought to have the entire Ten Commandments committed to memory. As soon as we learn them, they become our creed. We live by them. Take a moment to take an inventory. Which commandments have you obeyed today? Now what about this:
Thou shalt not judge.
Hmm. Feeling uneasy? I am.
Sometimes in our eagerness to be “good little Christians” we judge those who do not appear to be as “good” as us. But who are we to judge? Has God appointed us with that task? No. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (NKJ)
Nowhere in the Bible will you find a ranking system for sin. However, don’t we rank sin anyway? For example, wouldn’t we say a murderer is worse than a liar? But you know what? God views all sin equally. A sin is a sin is a sin. Period. Case closed. So why is it we judge others based on their sins?
Now what about this:
Thou shalt love thy neighbor.
Feeling convicted? Yep, me too!
When we judge others, we show condemnation rather than God’s love. We treat others as if their sin defines them. “She’s a liar.” “He’s a murder.” “She’s an adulterer.” “They’re sinners,” you think. We’re all sinners! Ask yourself what sin you struggle with the most. Do you want your life to be defined by that? Do you want God to judge you for that sin as harshly as you judge others? I sure don’t. Jesus died for every single one of us. As Christians, covered by the blood of Jesus and saved by God’s grace, our focus should be on showing that love and grace to others rather than behaving as if we are better than they are. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:35-38 (KJV)
How many people do we turn away from God with our hypocritical attitudes? How many people could we save if we were truly obedient? Think about that.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I have judged harshly and neglected to show Your amazing love to others. Please forgive me for being a stumbling block to those who would otherwise come to You. Thank You for forgiving me, despite my sins. I thank You, dear Lord, for offering Your grace, which allows me to come to You without condemnation. Continue to convict me so that I can be truly obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God does not intend for any to be condemned. We are not condemned; we should not condemn others. If this week’s devotion has convicted you, seek God’s guidance. Repent, and God will forgive. Then take the grace God has offered you and share it with those around you.
Power Verses:
1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” (KJV)
1 John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (KJV)
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (NKJ)
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 9:8 “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (NKJ)
…not lie.
…not steal.
…not commit adultery.
…not murder.
Sound familiar? They should. Christians ought to have the entire Ten Commandments committed to memory. As soon as we learn them, they become our creed. We live by them. Take a moment to take an inventory. Which commandments have you obeyed today? Now what about this:
Thou shalt not judge.
Hmm. Feeling uneasy? I am.
Sometimes in our eagerness to be “good little Christians” we judge those who do not appear to be as “good” as us. But who are we to judge? Has God appointed us with that task? No. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (NKJ)
Nowhere in the Bible will you find a ranking system for sin. However, don’t we rank sin anyway? For example, wouldn’t we say a murderer is worse than a liar? But you know what? God views all sin equally. A sin is a sin is a sin. Period. Case closed. So why is it we judge others based on their sins?
Now what about this:
Thou shalt love thy neighbor.
Feeling convicted? Yep, me too!
When we judge others, we show condemnation rather than God’s love. We treat others as if their sin defines them. “She’s a liar.” “He’s a murder.” “She’s an adulterer.” “They’re sinners,” you think. We’re all sinners! Ask yourself what sin you struggle with the most. Do you want your life to be defined by that? Do you want God to judge you for that sin as harshly as you judge others? I sure don’t. Jesus died for every single one of us. As Christians, covered by the blood of Jesus and saved by God’s grace, our focus should be on showing that love and grace to others rather than behaving as if we are better than they are. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:35-38 (KJV)
How many people do we turn away from God with our hypocritical attitudes? How many people could we save if we were truly obedient? Think about that.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I have judged harshly and neglected to show Your amazing love to others. Please forgive me for being a stumbling block to those who would otherwise come to You. Thank You for forgiving me, despite my sins. I thank You, dear Lord, for offering Your grace, which allows me to come to You without condemnation. Continue to convict me so that I can be truly obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God does not intend for any to be condemned. We are not condemned; we should not condemn others. If this week’s devotion has convicted you, seek God’s guidance. Repent, and God will forgive. Then take the grace God has offered you and share it with those around you.
Power Verses:
1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” (KJV)
1 John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (KJV)
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (NKJ)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Jesus Loves Us
by Charity Pence
This Week's Verse: John 19:30 "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." (NKJV)
No matter how many times I read the story of Jesus' death on the cross, I cannot fully wrap my mind around what Jesus did for all of mankind. Jesus' physical walk here on Earth did not last long, but consider the agony He must have felt as He took that final walk. He carried His cross alone for as long as He could. And with each step, He knew what He would come to but kept walking. What love He must have held in His heart for humanity!
Despite all the miracles He performed and the lessons He taught, Jesus was hated by many. But He loved them all in return. "And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgatha, where they crucified Him." John 19:17, 18 (NKJV) By the time of Jesus' death, he'd been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was a friend and disciple, and He was denied by Peter three times. He'd been beaten, spit on, had a crown of thorns forced into His head, but He loved each of His offenders. And before giving up His spirit, He made one simple request. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Jesus' love was so great, it's inconceivable. But it's the truth; it's real. Celebrate that this weekend as you celebrate Easter.
Dear Jesus, thank You for dying upon the cross to save me from my sins. Thank You for loving me even when I haven't deserved it. I pray, Lord, that You will help me to take that love and spread it to Your children so that all will see Your glory. In Your name, Amen.
There's nothing wrong with egg hunting and eating chocolate bunnies, but make sure you take time to reflect on everything Jesus went through to give you everlasting life. We, as Christians, bear Jesus' name. So please honor Him today.
Power Verses:
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'" (NIV)
Mark 15:38, 39 "Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this Man was the Son of God!'" (NKJ)
This Week's Verse: John 19:30 "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." (NKJV)
No matter how many times I read the story of Jesus' death on the cross, I cannot fully wrap my mind around what Jesus did for all of mankind. Jesus' physical walk here on Earth did not last long, but consider the agony He must have felt as He took that final walk. He carried His cross alone for as long as He could. And with each step, He knew what He would come to but kept walking. What love He must have held in His heart for humanity!
Despite all the miracles He performed and the lessons He taught, Jesus was hated by many. But He loved them all in return. "And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgatha, where they crucified Him." John 19:17, 18 (NKJV) By the time of Jesus' death, he'd been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was a friend and disciple, and He was denied by Peter three times. He'd been beaten, spit on, had a crown of thorns forced into His head, but He loved each of His offenders. And before giving up His spirit, He made one simple request. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Jesus' love was so great, it's inconceivable. But it's the truth; it's real. Celebrate that this weekend as you celebrate Easter.
Dear Jesus, thank You for dying upon the cross to save me from my sins. Thank You for loving me even when I haven't deserved it. I pray, Lord, that You will help me to take that love and spread it to Your children so that all will see Your glory. In Your name, Amen.
There's nothing wrong with egg hunting and eating chocolate bunnies, but make sure you take time to reflect on everything Jesus went through to give you everlasting life. We, as Christians, bear Jesus' name. So please honor Him today.
Power Verses:
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'" (NIV)
Mark 15:38, 39 "Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this Man was the Son of God!'" (NKJ)
Friday, November 26, 2010
What’s In A Name?
By Charity Pence
This week’s verse: I Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (KJV)
Devotion: Many people believe God has a plan for them. It should not be surprising then to learn God uses every detail of their lives to fulfill His plan. God certainly has a plan for me. He even had a plan for my name. I have occasionally been asked why my parents named me Charity. When I was a child this question could be answered easily. My dad had an Aunt Hope and an Aunt Faith so my parents decided there should be a Charity, too. No longer is the question answered so simply, though. This is because by being named Charity, I was given more than just a name.
Before explaining, let me ask, what’s in a name? Charity means brotherly love. By studying the thirteenth chapter of I Corinthians, I see exactly what love is and how love behaves. By studying this verse, I have come to understand that charity is not just my name. Charity is my God given mission. I am to be patient and kind to others at all times. I should not be envious or prideful. By reading this chapter, I am reminded that no matter what I have, even if I have everything but love, I really have nothing and am nothing. This is a lesson I have to study regularly. I frequently get my Bible out and read I Corinthians 13 to remind myself how God intends for me to be. My mission is certainly a work in progress.
Before you get too curious about your own name, let me ask you the real question: What is your mission? Are you living it? Charity is my mission and should be the basis for everything God calls me to do because without love, my works are nothing. I am to exude charity at all times. I Corinthians 13:13 has always been my favorite Bible verse. When I was younger, I liked the verse because my name was in it. Now I Corinthians 13:13 goes straight to the core of who God created me to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to display charity at all times, not for my benefit, but for Yours. Forgive me for not always behaving in a way that allows others to see You through me. Help us all to recognize that you have called us to a mission. Show each of us our part so Your mission can be accomplished. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Applications: Even if charity is not your mission, it is important to remember your mission means nothing if you do not show charity to others.
Power Verses:
I Corinthians 13:8, “Charity never faileth.” (KJV)
Hebrews 13: 1, “Let brotherly love continue.” (NIV)
I Corinthians 3:9, “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” (NIV)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Lover of My Soul
By Debby Craig
This Week’s Verse: Song of Solomon 5:10 “My lover is dark and dazzling, better than ten thousand others!” (NIV)
Devotion:
*He stops whatever he’s doing & listens to every word when I say, “let’s talk”.
*He loves me even when I am being a brat.
*He is always there for me any time, any place.
*When I feel unwanted, he gently reminds me of how much I am worth to him.
*He is my provider for every one of my financial needs.
*He makes sense when I don’t.
*When I look at myself in the mirror and see “old, wrinkled, chubby and gray” he still calls me the "most beautiful one".
*He really, really loves me just like I am.
*I am so lucky he chose me.
I am talking about my husband.
A few months ago as we heard the sermon series on marriage & dating, I jotted down a few notes and couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the way I feel about my husband & the way I feel about God.
When I was lost and didn’t know the Lord, I thought I had to do it all. I thought I had to fix everything and depend on my own smallness to solve all the problems and mistakes that I had accumulated in this life. Once I found Him it is all changed. He is my soul mate.
The Lord has sent me someone to help provide for my needs. He has sent a man who isn’t scared to take care of me. And, I am not scared to accept his willingness to do so. This is God’s natural way for me to depend on my husband for the earthly things in our relationship. These include (but are not limited to) comfort, financial stability, self worth, loving kindness, gentleness, and peace.
I love feeling this way about my husband and I love knowing that I can also curl up into our Lord’s arms any time I want. Because of this, I feel blessed.
Dear Lord, thank you for being my provider, my caregiver, my healer, my comforter, my friend, and my Father. Thank you for sending me a wonderful husband who also loves to care for me and loves me just the way I am. You know my heart inside and out. Thank you for giving me just as I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application: How long has it been since you have written a love letter? Try writing one this week to either your Father in Heaven, or your earthly love.
Power Verses:
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:4 “The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.” (NIV)
Ephesians 5:25 “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” (NLT)
Friday, January 22, 2010
No More Bickering
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: 1 Peter 4:8,"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." (NLT)
Devotion:
Bickering. And more bickering. Most of the time my three kiddos get along pretty well. They invent games together, ask for permission before entering each others’ bedrooms, and share their things. But lately—I don’t know if it’s winter and cabin fever, or what—the bickering has escalated.
And consequently, so has my temper a few times.
It drives me absolutely nuts to hear the smart-aleck jabs, one-upmanship comparisons, and outright put-downs. My children are supposed to love one another and live in harmony. Right?
Maybe I need to lay down some new rules.
During the latest bickering session when I was just about ready to start pulling out hair (I won't say whether it was mine or theirs!) I was made vividly aware of the fact that my Heavenly Father knew exactly how I felt!
It struck me that in the Old Testament--under the law--God's anger burned against Israel when they were unfaithful to Him. Consequently, under the new covenant, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Also under the law, God was appalled at how his children were treating each other. But now, under grace, the second greatest commandment is to love others as ourselves.
Not necessarily "new" rules, as the original ten commandments still apply, but more of a shift in perspective. Instead of volumes of "do this; don't do that" we are now told to love above all else. Why?
Because love covers a multitude of sins.
I know my kids love each other deep down, but showing it at all times is a constant battle of the flesh. It is for most of us. But every little victorious showing of love covers a sin we might otherwise have committed.
That's why oftentimes when the kids have been ugly to each other, Shane and I will have them lock eyes, apologize, and hug. The actions of love--even if they don't feel it right away--will usually result in the feeling later. And oh yeah, lots of giggles.
As God's children, we have to stop the bickering, the one-upmanship comparisons, and the put-downs. By loving instead, we're covering a multitude of sins. Thank you, Jesus, for doing it first.
Lord, when we feel like complaining and arguing, when we want to take sides and tear others down, fill us with your love instead. Help us to show it and eventually feel it. Use it to cover sins, Jesus, in Your Name.
Application:
Develop a plan for the next time (and you know it's coming!) you're around or being pulled into an argument. How can you show love to diffuse sin?
Power Verses:
Phillipians 3:15-16, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained."(NIV)
Phillipians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."(NIV)
This Week's Verse: 1 Peter 4:8,"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." (NLT)
Devotion:
Bickering. And more bickering. Most of the time my three kiddos get along pretty well. They invent games together, ask for permission before entering each others’ bedrooms, and share their things. But lately—I don’t know if it’s winter and cabin fever, or what—the bickering has escalated.
And consequently, so has my temper a few times.
It drives me absolutely nuts to hear the smart-aleck jabs, one-upmanship comparisons, and outright put-downs. My children are supposed to love one another and live in harmony. Right?
Maybe I need to lay down some new rules.
During the latest bickering session when I was just about ready to start pulling out hair (I won't say whether it was mine or theirs!) I was made vividly aware of the fact that my Heavenly Father knew exactly how I felt!
It struck me that in the Old Testament--under the law--God's anger burned against Israel when they were unfaithful to Him. Consequently, under the new covenant, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Also under the law, God was appalled at how his children were treating each other. But now, under grace, the second greatest commandment is to love others as ourselves.
Not necessarily "new" rules, as the original ten commandments still apply, but more of a shift in perspective. Instead of volumes of "do this; don't do that" we are now told to love above all else. Why?
Because love covers a multitude of sins.
I know my kids love each other deep down, but showing it at all times is a constant battle of the flesh. It is for most of us. But every little victorious showing of love covers a sin we might otherwise have committed.
That's why oftentimes when the kids have been ugly to each other, Shane and I will have them lock eyes, apologize, and hug. The actions of love--even if they don't feel it right away--will usually result in the feeling later. And oh yeah, lots of giggles.
As God's children, we have to stop the bickering, the one-upmanship comparisons, and the put-downs. By loving instead, we're covering a multitude of sins. Thank you, Jesus, for doing it first.
Lord, when we feel like complaining and arguing, when we want to take sides and tear others down, fill us with your love instead. Help us to show it and eventually feel it. Use it to cover sins, Jesus, in Your Name.
Application:
Develop a plan for the next time (and you know it's coming!) you're around or being pulled into an argument. How can you show love to diffuse sin?
Power Verses:
Phillipians 3:15-16, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained."(NIV)
Phillipians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."(NIV)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Oh, for the Love of Pete!
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: John 6: 66-69, “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you going to leave, too?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life. We believe them, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’”(NLT)
Devotion:
When I was a kid, I would hear frustrated adults mutter under their breath, “Oh, for the love of Pete.” It was an expression equivalent to a negative “Oh great, now what?” or “Sheesh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
But when I read this week’s verse, I grasped a new meaning of the phrase. You really do have to love Peter—the disciple who usually had the quick response, the guy whose passionate declarations sometimes escaped his mouth before undergoing the process of thoughtful evaluation. But when Peter was right, he was right. And in this verse we see him being as right as right can be.
Peter knew—and I believe he knew it in every fiber of his being, not just in his head—that this man before him was the real deal. The ONLY deal, for him. Jesus had been teaching some hard truths that were offending some of his followers. Some were so offended they left never to follow Jesus again. But not the Twelve. Look at how the Amplified Bible records Peter’s response to Jesus asking the disciples if they were leaving too:
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.”
Can’t you just sense Peter’s 100% sold-out-to-Christ faith? He knew there was nothing else worth following.
His zeal led him to do things like walk out into high waves to his Lord. Even though he started to sink, he knew where to turn for help: “’Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.” (Matt. 14:30, NLT). And save him the Lord did.
When Jesus was predicting his own death, Peter’s loyalty and devotion prompted him to say, “'Heaven forbid, Lord…This will never happened to you!” But this time his passion was misdirected, getting this back from Jesus: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men"(Matt.16:23, NIV). Apparently this rebuke only strengthened Peter’s love for Jesus though, because six days later at the transfiguration, Peter’s fervor led him to blurt out “’Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I’ll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” (Matt. 17:4, NLT).
See, Peter’s unabashed trust and dedication enabled him to take even the hard truths. I want to be THAT in love with Jesus.
Oh, Lord…for the love—the fleshy, imperfect but nonetheless COMPLETE—love of Pete. Amen.
Application:
Have you ever made a fool of yourself on behalf of Jesus? He built the church on a man who was willing to take that risk. Consider an area where you’ve been playing it safe and then tackle it with the fervent trust of Simon Peter.
Power Verses:
Luke 22:31-34, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start." Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!" Jesus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me." (MSG)
John 21:15-17, “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'
Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?'
He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'
The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (NIV)
This Week’s Verse: John 6: 66-69, “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you going to leave, too?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life. We believe them, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’”(NLT)
Devotion:
When I was a kid, I would hear frustrated adults mutter under their breath, “Oh, for the love of Pete.” It was an expression equivalent to a negative “Oh great, now what?” or “Sheesh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
But when I read this week’s verse, I grasped a new meaning of the phrase. You really do have to love Peter—the disciple who usually had the quick response, the guy whose passionate declarations sometimes escaped his mouth before undergoing the process of thoughtful evaluation. But when Peter was right, he was right. And in this verse we see him being as right as right can be.
Peter knew—and I believe he knew it in every fiber of his being, not just in his head—that this man before him was the real deal. The ONLY deal, for him. Jesus had been teaching some hard truths that were offending some of his followers. Some were so offended they left never to follow Jesus again. But not the Twelve. Look at how the Amplified Bible records Peter’s response to Jesus asking the disciples if they were leaving too:
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.”
Can’t you just sense Peter’s 100% sold-out-to-Christ faith? He knew there was nothing else worth following.
His zeal led him to do things like walk out into high waves to his Lord. Even though he started to sink, he knew where to turn for help: “’Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.” (Matt. 14:30, NLT). And save him the Lord did.
When Jesus was predicting his own death, Peter’s loyalty and devotion prompted him to say, “'Heaven forbid, Lord…This will never happened to you!” But this time his passion was misdirected, getting this back from Jesus: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men"(Matt.16:23, NIV). Apparently this rebuke only strengthened Peter’s love for Jesus though, because six days later at the transfiguration, Peter’s fervor led him to blurt out “’Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I’ll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” (Matt. 17:4, NLT).
See, Peter’s unabashed trust and dedication enabled him to take even the hard truths. I want to be THAT in love with Jesus.
Oh, Lord…for the love—the fleshy, imperfect but nonetheless COMPLETE—love of Pete. Amen.
Application:
Have you ever made a fool of yourself on behalf of Jesus? He built the church on a man who was willing to take that risk. Consider an area where you’ve been playing it safe and then tackle it with the fervent trust of Simon Peter.
Power Verses:
Luke 22:31-34, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start." Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!" Jesus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me." (MSG)
John 21:15-17, “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'
Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?'
He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'
The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (NIV)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Love Is A Verb
by Stephanie Niebarger
This Week’s Verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (NLT)
Devotion:
After I read the devotion from a few weeks ago, it stirred me to go a little deeper. I thought about love and what all it means. My first thought was the song by DC Talk, “Luv is a Verb.” While it is true that we are to love each other, what exactly does that mean? Love really is a verb because it requires action.
I have a friend who used to call me every so often for no reason at all other than just to say Hi and that she was thinking about me. The conversations hardly lasted five minutes, but that was the best five minutes of my day because it reminded me that she loved me.
This past week I was reading a newsletter from my church back in Iowa, and it mentioned a soldier being killed by “friendly fire.” It was not the enemy who killed him but some misguided weapon. I see on the news all too often the mass shootings in our own country, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a result of friendly fire, too. Could some of them have been prevented by a word of encouragement to the assailant? Sometimes harsh criticism can cause wounds which are too difficult to heal and push people away. We are told in Philippians 2:3: “Think of other people as more important than yourself”(NLB).
Sometimes love requires us to get out of our comfort zone. Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14, “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people”(MSG).
Jesus also tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me” (CEV). Love most definitely requires action; Love also requires sacrifice. Sometimes we may not always “feel” like doing something because it may make us uncomfortable, but I don’t think that ever stopped Jesus. Love is a Verb!
Father, Thank you for loving us by Your actions. Thank you for sending a Perfect Example of love. Father help us to show more love to others by our actions. Help us to reach out to others in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Is there someone you need to show love to? Do you have five minutes for a phone call? What are some of the ways you can show love and encouragement to others? It doesn’t take much. Just a little time. You never know what it might mean to that person.
Power Verses:
Galatians 6:10, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just an in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:25, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT)
This Week’s Verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (NLT)
Devotion:
After I read the devotion from a few weeks ago, it stirred me to go a little deeper. I thought about love and what all it means. My first thought was the song by DC Talk, “Luv is a Verb.” While it is true that we are to love each other, what exactly does that mean? Love really is a verb because it requires action.
I have a friend who used to call me every so often for no reason at all other than just to say Hi and that she was thinking about me. The conversations hardly lasted five minutes, but that was the best five minutes of my day because it reminded me that she loved me.
This past week I was reading a newsletter from my church back in Iowa, and it mentioned a soldier being killed by “friendly fire.” It was not the enemy who killed him but some misguided weapon. I see on the news all too often the mass shootings in our own country, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a result of friendly fire, too. Could some of them have been prevented by a word of encouragement to the assailant? Sometimes harsh criticism can cause wounds which are too difficult to heal and push people away. We are told in Philippians 2:3: “Think of other people as more important than yourself”(NLB).
Sometimes love requires us to get out of our comfort zone. Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14, “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people”(MSG).
Jesus also tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me” (CEV). Love most definitely requires action; Love also requires sacrifice. Sometimes we may not always “feel” like doing something because it may make us uncomfortable, but I don’t think that ever stopped Jesus. Love is a Verb!
Father, Thank you for loving us by Your actions. Thank you for sending a Perfect Example of love. Father help us to show more love to others by our actions. Help us to reach out to others in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Is there someone you need to show love to? Do you have five minutes for a phone call? What are some of the ways you can show love and encouragement to others? It doesn’t take much. Just a little time. You never know what it might mean to that person.
Power Verses:
Galatians 6:10, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just an in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:25, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Suzy Sunshine Smackdown
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 25:20, “Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing someone’s jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound.” (NLT)
Devotion:
I have a friend from my high school years that I rarely see or communicate with anymore. It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s because every several years or so, we’ll somehow reconnect, vow to keep each other updated via email, and then after exchanging a few “catch up” emails about what’s going on in our lives, she’ll just stop responding. Cold turkey. And I take it very personally and get my nose all out of joint about it. I start to wonder if she even likes me.
At Christmas I was expressing my frustration about this to my husband’s step-mom, Pat, who is acquainted with my friend. I told how I’d answer questions about what’s going on in my life with long paragraphs, trying to fill in the gaps of years since we’d last kept in touch, and then I’d get back nothing…NOTHING! Whew. I couldn’t wait for Pat to validate me with a sympathetic “Yeah, that’s weird. I wonder why she’d do that?”
But that didn’t happen. Pat kind of laughed and said, “Well, Miss Suzy Sunshine, maybe she just feels like she can’t compete with your life.”
Wha...What?
I was stunned. That couldn’t be it. Could it?
I still don’t know if that’s the real reason for the lapse in communication, but Pat’s words pierced my soul so deeply that I really had to stop and consider how I’d summarized my life to this friend in those few emails. I’d caught her up on cool ways God was working, on the kids’ activities, on Shane’s job and my job. I’d probably included some really cute stories about the kids.
No doubt about it, I’d glossed over the imperfections and the battles I face daily to focus on what’s good in my life. It was unintentional—I sure didn’t do it to compete, or to flash a big neon sign saying “Kathy’s life is perfect” in her face. I think did it because I felt our relationship had slipped from what used to be a close one into what was now a superficial one. So I gave her a superficial account. I’d hoped for our messages back and forth to get more personal, to expose more vulnerability, and to take us back to a more intimate level where I felt safe in sharing more. The real more. The messier more.
Would she have responded if I’d opened up about my frequent struggle with anxiety and depression? And that I have to repeatedly give those over to God or I’d be an even bigger mess?
Would she have responded if I’d mentioned some bad parenting moments? Some stupid fights? Some wrong decisions?
Maybe.
See, I’d broken one of the cardinal rules of effective communication: know your audience. In an over-eager attempt to catch up, I plowed ahead without gauging my friend’s “place”. This week’s verse clearly shows the importance of being aware of your friend’s status so that you know how to respond accordingly. If she was in a low place and I made it sound like I was in a high place, well…I might have been stealing her jacket or rubbing salt in a wound.
Every exchange any of us has with others is an opportunity to gauge where they are and respond appropriately. Romans 12:15 advises us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”(NIV)
That’s what a good friend does…
Now, excuse me. I need to go send an email. It’ll be short and it won’t focus on so much on me.
Father God, give us your empathy for others. In our conversations—whether in person, via telephone, or through electronic means—give us wisdom to know when to listen and when to speak. Guide us in discerning how to best meet the needs of our friends and develop our relationships into ones that are meaningful, real, and glorifying to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Try to envision different reactions you might have if you’re talking to a friend who seems …tired, distracted, joyful, quiet, angry, goofy. How can you meet her where she’s at? What if her kids are interrupting and pulling at her? Does it matter if you’re in public or private? How might communicating electronically change the dynamics? Asking questions shows you are interested and you care. It also tells you more about “where” she is, allowing you to respond in the best way possible.
Power Verses:
Job 16:1-5, “Then Job defended himself: ‘I've had all I can take of your talk. What a bunch of miserable comforters! Is there no end to your windbag speeches? What's your problem that you go on and on like this? If you were in my shoes, I could talk just like you. I could put together a terrific harangue and really let you have it. But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort, make things better, not worse!” (MSG)
Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 25:20, “Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing someone’s jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound.” (NLT)
Devotion:
I have a friend from my high school years that I rarely see or communicate with anymore. It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s because every several years or so, we’ll somehow reconnect, vow to keep each other updated via email, and then after exchanging a few “catch up” emails about what’s going on in our lives, she’ll just stop responding. Cold turkey. And I take it very personally and get my nose all out of joint about it. I start to wonder if she even likes me.
At Christmas I was expressing my frustration about this to my husband’s step-mom, Pat, who is acquainted with my friend. I told how I’d answer questions about what’s going on in my life with long paragraphs, trying to fill in the gaps of years since we’d last kept in touch, and then I’d get back nothing…NOTHING! Whew. I couldn’t wait for Pat to validate me with a sympathetic “Yeah, that’s weird. I wonder why she’d do that?”
But that didn’t happen. Pat kind of laughed and said, “Well, Miss Suzy Sunshine, maybe she just feels like she can’t compete with your life.”
Wha...What?
I was stunned. That couldn’t be it. Could it?
I still don’t know if that’s the real reason for the lapse in communication, but Pat’s words pierced my soul so deeply that I really had to stop and consider how I’d summarized my life to this friend in those few emails. I’d caught her up on cool ways God was working, on the kids’ activities, on Shane’s job and my job. I’d probably included some really cute stories about the kids.
No doubt about it, I’d glossed over the imperfections and the battles I face daily to focus on what’s good in my life. It was unintentional—I sure didn’t do it to compete, or to flash a big neon sign saying “Kathy’s life is perfect” in her face. I think did it because I felt our relationship had slipped from what used to be a close one into what was now a superficial one. So I gave her a superficial account. I’d hoped for our messages back and forth to get more personal, to expose more vulnerability, and to take us back to a more intimate level where I felt safe in sharing more. The real more. The messier more.
Would she have responded if I’d opened up about my frequent struggle with anxiety and depression? And that I have to repeatedly give those over to God or I’d be an even bigger mess?
Would she have responded if I’d mentioned some bad parenting moments? Some stupid fights? Some wrong decisions?
Maybe.
See, I’d broken one of the cardinal rules of effective communication: know your audience. In an over-eager attempt to catch up, I plowed ahead without gauging my friend’s “place”. This week’s verse clearly shows the importance of being aware of your friend’s status so that you know how to respond accordingly. If she was in a low place and I made it sound like I was in a high place, well…I might have been stealing her jacket or rubbing salt in a wound.
Every exchange any of us has with others is an opportunity to gauge where they are and respond appropriately. Romans 12:15 advises us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”(NIV)
That’s what a good friend does…
Now, excuse me. I need to go send an email. It’ll be short and it won’t focus on so much on me.
Father God, give us your empathy for others. In our conversations—whether in person, via telephone, or through electronic means—give us wisdom to know when to listen and when to speak. Guide us in discerning how to best meet the needs of our friends and develop our relationships into ones that are meaningful, real, and glorifying to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Try to envision different reactions you might have if you’re talking to a friend who seems …tired, distracted, joyful, quiet, angry, goofy. How can you meet her where she’s at? What if her kids are interrupting and pulling at her? Does it matter if you’re in public or private? How might communicating electronically change the dynamics? Asking questions shows you are interested and you care. It also tells you more about “where” she is, allowing you to respond in the best way possible.
Power Verses:
Job 16:1-5, “Then Job defended himself: ‘I've had all I can take of your talk. What a bunch of miserable comforters! Is there no end to your windbag speeches? What's your problem that you go on and on like this? If you were in my shoes, I could talk just like you. I could put together a terrific harangue and really let you have it. But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort, make things better, not worse!” (MSG)
Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (NIV)
Friday, March 27, 2009
What Does Christianity Look Like?
by Guest Contributer Dawn Miller, of Kingshighway Family Worship Center
This Week’s Verse: John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Listening to the radio on my way to work this morning I heard the question, “what does Christianity look like?” Immediately I started to really think about the answers to such a profound question. What does it look like? Does it look the same for all? Do I look like a Christian?
As I pondered these things, scriptures began to flood my mind: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35, NIV); and Mark 12:29-31 tells us that there is no greater commandment than to first love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; second love your neighbor as yourself. (KJV)
Could it be? Love is the face of Christianity. That’s what it looks like. We have so often confused dress code and such as the thing that defines Christianity, but we could not be more wrong. You see, I can wear scrubs and a stethoscope around my neck but that does not make me a nurse. There is so much more to it than that. Please don’t misunderstand my point, I still believe in modesty and an appearance of excellence. However, what we wear does not define who we are. We do not wear Christianity. It is the heart of who we are.
To be a Christian means to be Christ-like. It means to follow Him and portray His characteristics. The Bible clearly gives us the essence of who God is. “God is Love;” (I John 4:16, KJV). Therefore, love defines Christianity. As I stated earlier, Jesus said that they will know that you are His if you have love one for another. We must first and foremost love God, but secondly we must love others.
So yes, Christianity may be “dressed” differently from one individual to another, but it must always look like LOVE.
Father, first I thank you for your amazing love and how you made and continue to make the ultimate expression to each of us. I ask that you fill us with your love so it may flow through us allowing others to know that we are Yours. Help each of us be a reflection of You so others will come to know You through a demonstration of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application: Christianity is not something that we wear but is the essence of who we are--or might I say--whose we are. Our lives must reflect the LOVE of Jesus Christ because that is what defines us. As you reflect on whether or not you "look" like a Christian, see past the surface and ask God to help you examine your heart. LOVE is the required uniform.
Power Verses:
Mark 12:29-31, “'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.'” (NIV)
I John 3:10, “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” (NIV)
I John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (NIV)
I John 4:12, “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (KJV)
This Week’s Verse: John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Listening to the radio on my way to work this morning I heard the question, “what does Christianity look like?” Immediately I started to really think about the answers to such a profound question. What does it look like? Does it look the same for all? Do I look like a Christian?
As I pondered these things, scriptures began to flood my mind: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35, NIV); and Mark 12:29-31 tells us that there is no greater commandment than to first love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; second love your neighbor as yourself. (KJV)
Could it be? Love is the face of Christianity. That’s what it looks like. We have so often confused dress code and such as the thing that defines Christianity, but we could not be more wrong. You see, I can wear scrubs and a stethoscope around my neck but that does not make me a nurse. There is so much more to it than that. Please don’t misunderstand my point, I still believe in modesty and an appearance of excellence. However, what we wear does not define who we are. We do not wear Christianity. It is the heart of who we are.
To be a Christian means to be Christ-like. It means to follow Him and portray His characteristics. The Bible clearly gives us the essence of who God is. “God is Love;” (I John 4:16, KJV). Therefore, love defines Christianity. As I stated earlier, Jesus said that they will know that you are His if you have love one for another. We must first and foremost love God, but secondly we must love others.
So yes, Christianity may be “dressed” differently from one individual to another, but it must always look like LOVE.
Father, first I thank you for your amazing love and how you made and continue to make the ultimate expression to each of us. I ask that you fill us with your love so it may flow through us allowing others to know that we are Yours. Help each of us be a reflection of You so others will come to know You through a demonstration of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application: Christianity is not something that we wear but is the essence of who we are--or might I say--whose we are. Our lives must reflect the LOVE of Jesus Christ because that is what defines us. As you reflect on whether or not you "look" like a Christian, see past the surface and ask God to help you examine your heart. LOVE is the required uniform.
Power Verses:
Mark 12:29-31, “'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.'” (NIV)
I John 3:10, “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” (NIV)
I John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (NIV)
I John 4:12, “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (KJV)
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