Loving Like Jesus
|
Posted:Feb 16, 2024 4:35 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 1842 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: John 15:9–17
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 19–20; Matthew 27:51–66
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
He was loved by all—those were the words used to describe Giuseppe Berardelli of Casnigo, Italy. Giuseppe was a beloved man who rode around town on an old motorbike and always led with the greeting: “peace and good.” He worked tirelessly on behalf of the good of others. But in the last years of his life, he had health problems that worsened when he was infected by the coronavirus, and he eventually died in the hospital. A friend who knew him for more than twenty years said he would’ve given up his potential spot in the intensive care unit for another younger patient if he could have. This reveals the character of a man who was loved and admired for loving others.
Loved for loving, this is the message the apostle John keeps sounding throughout his gospel. Being loved and loving others are like a chapel bell that tolls night and day, regardless of weather. And in John 15, they reach somewhat of a zenith, for John lays bare that it’s not being loved by all but loving all that’s the greatest love: “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (v. 13).
Stories of those willing to offer sacrificial love always inspire us. Yet they pale in comparison to God’s great love. But don’t miss the challenge that brings, for Jesus commands: “Love each other as I have loved you” (v. 12). Yes, love all.
Loved by all and love all. Do you get those mixed up sometimes? Why or why not? What might sacrificing for a friend look like today?
Loving God, please help me to love as You love me.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Humility’s Perk
|
Posted:Feb 15, 2024 4:47 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 1860 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Proverbs 22:1–5
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 17–18; Matthew 27:27–50
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4
Like many teachers, Carrie devotes countless hours to her career, often grading papers and communicating with students and parents late into the evening. To sustain the effort, she relies on her community of colleagues for camaraderie and practical help; her challenging job is made easier through collaboration. A recent study of educators found that the benefit of collaboration is magnified when those we work with demonstrate humility. When colleagues are willing to admit their weaknesses, others feel safe to share their knowledge with one another, effectively helping everyone in the group.
The Bible teaches the importance of humility—for much more than enhanced collaboration. “Fear[ing] the Lord”—having a right understanding of who we are in comparison with the beauty, power, and majesty of God—results in “riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Humility leads us to living in community in a way that’s fruitful in God’s economy, not just the world’s, because we seek to benefit our fellow image bearers.
We don’t fear God as a way to gain “riches and honor and life” for ourselves—that wouldn’t be true humility at all. Instead, we imitate Jesus, who “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2.7) so we can become part of a body that humbly cooperates together to do His work, give Him honor, and take a message of life to the world around us.
What does humility mean to you? How have you seen someone’s humility benefit others?
Dear Jesus, I surrender my pride to You.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Motivated by Love
|
Posted:Feb 14, 2024 5:16 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 1826 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 15–16; Matthew 27:1–26
If I . . . do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3
Jim and Laneeda were college sweethearts. They got married and life was happy for many years. Then Laneeda began to act strangely, getting lost and forgetting appointments. She was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at forty-seven. After a decade of serving as her primary caregiver, Jim was able to say, “Alzheimer’s has given me the opportunity to love and serve my wife in ways that were unimaginable when I said, ‘I do.’ ”
While explaining the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul wrote extensively on the virtue of love (1 Corinthians 13). He contrasted rote acts of service with those overflowing from a loving heart. Powerful speaking is good, Paul wrote, but without love it’s like meaningless noise (v. 1). “If I . . . give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (v. 3). Paul ultimately said, “the greatest [gift] is love” (v. 13).
Jim’s understanding of love and service deepened as he cared for his wife. Only a deep and abiding love could give him the strength to support her every day. Ultimately, the only place we see this sacrificial love modeled perfectly is in God’s love for us, which caused Him to send Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16). That act of sacrifice, motivated by love, has changed our world forever.
How have you tried to serve others without love? How can a love for God and others inspire your actions today?
Loving God, thank You for loving me. May my actions flow out of a loving heart today.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Jesus’ Blood
|
Posted:Feb 13, 2024 4:41 am
Last Updated:Feb 13, 2024 4:42 am 1857 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Isaiah 1:15–20
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51–75
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Isaiah 1:18
The color red doesn’t always naturally occur in the things we make. How do you put the vibrant color of an apple into a T-shirt or lipstick? In early times, the red pigment was made from clay or red rocks. In the 1400s, the Aztecs invented a way of using cochineal insects to make red dye. Today, those same tiny insects supply the world with red.
In the Bible, red denotes royalty, and it also signifies sin and shame. Further, it’s the color of blood. When soldiers “stripped [Jesus] and put a scarlet robe on him” (Matthew 27:28 these three symbolisms merged into one heartbreaking image of red: Jesus was ridiculed as would-be royalty, He was cloaked in shame, and He was robed in the color of the blood He would soon shed. But Isaiah’s words foretell the promise of this crimsoned Jesus to deliver us from the red that stains us: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (1:18.
One other thing about those cochineal insects used for red dye—they are actually milky white on the outside. Only when they are crushed do they release their red blood. That little fact echoes for us other words from Isaiah: “[Jesus] was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus, who knew no sin, is here to save us who are red with sin. You see, in His crushing death, Jesus endured a whole lot of red so you could be white as snow.
How do “sins . . . like scarlet” stain your life? How might Jesus restore you and make you clean again?
Dear God, thank You for Your , Jesus, and the saving grace of His shed blood.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Loving Our Enemies
|
Posted:Feb 12, 2024 2:32 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 1904 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Matthew 5:43–48
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26–50
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
With the American Civil War spawning many bitter feelings, Abraham Lincoln saw fit to speak a kind word about the South. A shocked bystander asked how he could do so. He replied, “Madam, do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” Reflecting on those words a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. commented, “This is the power of redemptive love.”
In calling disciples of Christ to love their enemies, King looked to the teachings of Jesus. He noted that although believers might struggle to love those who persecute them, this love grows out of “a consistent and total surrender to God.” “When we love in this way,” King continued, “we’ll know God and experience the beauty of His holiness.”
King referenced Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). Jesus counseled against the conventional wisdom of the day of loving only one’s neighbors and hating one’s enemies. Instead, God the Father gives His the strength to love those who oppose them.
It may feel impossible to love our enemies, but as we look to God for help, He’ll answer our prayers. He gives the courage to embrace this radical practice, for as Jesus said, “with God all things are possible” (19:26).
Who is your enemy? If you feel conflicted about loving those who oppose you, how could you submit those feelings to God?
Loving God, You’ve made me—as well as those who hurt me—in Your image. Help me to see them as You do.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
I’ve Seen God’s Faithfulness
|
Posted:Feb 11, 2024 6:02 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 1938 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: 2 Samuel 22:1–4, 48–51
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 11–12; Matthew 26:1–25
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
2 Samuel 22:50
Throughout her historic seventy years as Britain’s ruler, Queen Elizabeth II only endorsed one biography about her life with a personal foreword, The Servant Queen and the King She Serves. Released in celebration of her ninetieth birthday, the book recounts how her faith guided her as she served her country. In t
he foreword, Queen Elizabeth expressed gratitude for everyone who’d prayed for her, and she thanked God for His steadfast love. She concluded, “I have indeed seen His faithfulness.”
Queen Elizabeth’s simple statement echoes the testimonies of men and women throughout history who’ve experienced the personal, faithful care of God in their lives. It’s this theme underlying a beautiful song King David wrote as he reflected on his life. Recorded in 2 Samuel 22, the song speaks of God’s faithfulness in protecting David, providing for him, and even rescuing him when his very life was in danger
(vv. 3–4, 44). In response to his experience of God’s faithfulness, David wrote,
“I will sing the praises of your name” (v. 50).
While there’s added beauty when God’s faithfulness is seen over a long lifetime, we don’t have to wait to recount His care in our lives. When we recognize that it’s not our own abilities that carry us through life but the faithful care of a loving Father, we’re moved to gratitude and praise.
How have you seen God’s faithfulness? How might you express your gratitude to Him?
Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that in every season of life—sorrow or joy—I’ve seen Your faithfulness.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
God’s Transforming Word
|
Posted:Feb 10, 2024 3:51 am
Last Updated:Feb 10, 2024 3:52 am 2013 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: 2 Timothy 3:10–17
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 8–10; Matthew 25:31–46
You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15
When Kristin wanted to buy a special book for Xio-Hu, her Chinese husband, the only one she could find in Chinese was a Bible. Although neither of them was a believer in Christ, she hoped he would appreciate the gift anyway. At first sight of the Bible, he was angry, but eventually he picked it up. As he read, he became persuaded by the truth in its pages. Upset at this unforeseen development, Kristin started to read the Scriptures in order to refute Xio-Hu. To her surprise, she also came to faith in Jesus through being convinced by what she read.
The apostle Paul knew the transforming nature of Scripture. Writing from prison in Rome, he urged Timothy, whom he mentored, to “continue in what you have learned” because “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures”
(2 Timothy 3:14–15). In the original language, the Greek for “continue” has the sense of “abide” in what the Bible reveals. Knowing that Timothy would face opposition and persecution, Paul wanted him to be equipped for the challenges; he believed his protégé would find strength and wisdom in the Bible as he spent time pondering its truth.
God through His Spirit brings Scripture alive to us. As we dwell in it, He changes us to be more like Him. Even as He did with Xio-Hu and Kristin.
How have you been changed through spending time reading and pondering the Bible? When have the Scriptures come alive to you?
Author of all that lives, thank You for inspiring the Bible to be such a life-giving book. May I submit to You as I read the Scriptures.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
God’s Great Love Cycle
|
Posted:Feb 9, 2024 5:53 am
Last Updated:Feb 9, 2024 5:56 am 2015 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Romans 13:8–10
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 6–7; Matthew 25:1–30
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. Romans 13:8
As a new believer in Jesus at the age of thirty, I had lots of questions after committing my life to Him. When I started reading the Scriptures, I had even more questions. I reached out to a friend. “How can I possibly obey all God’s commands? I just snapped at my husband this morning!”
“Just keep reading your Bible,” she said, “and ask the Holy Spirit to help you love like Jesus loves you.”
After more than twenty years of living as a of God, that simple but profound truth still helps me embrace the three steps in His great love cycle: First, the apostle Paul affirmed that love is central in the life of a believer in Jesus. Second, by continuing to pay the “debt to love one another,” followers of Christ will walk in obedience, “for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8. Finally, we fulfill the law because “love does no harm to a neighbor” (v. 10).
When we experience the depth of God’s love for us, demonstrated best through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we can respond with gratitude. Our grateful devotion to Jesus leads to loving others with our words, actions, and attitudes. Genuine love flows from the one true God who is love (1 John 4:16, 19).
Loving God, help us get caught up in Your great love cycle!
When have you struggled to feel loved by Jesus or to love like He loves? How does knowing Christ loves you completely and unconditionally change the way you love others?
Dear Jesus, please help me believe You love me so I can love others through the overflow of Your love for me.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Brought Low
|
Posted:Feb 8, 2024 6:10 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 2037 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Proverbs 29:18–27
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 4–5; Matthew 24:29–51
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Proverbs 29:23
Pride precedes and often leads to humiliation—something a man in Norway found out. Not even dressed in running clothes, the individual arrogantly challenged Karsten Warholm—the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles—to a race. Warholm, training in an indoor public facility, obliged the challenger and left him in his dust. At the finish line, the two-time world champion smiled when the man insisted that he’d had a bad start and wanted to race again!
In Proverbs 29:23 we read, “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” God’s dealings with the proud is one of Solomon’s favorite themes in the book (11:2; 16:18; 18:12). The word pride or haughty in these verses means “swelling” or “puffed up”—taking credit for what rightfully belongs to God. When we’re filled with pride, we think more highly of ourselves than we should. Jesus once said, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Both He and Solomon direct us to pursue humility and lowliness. This isn’t false modesty, but rightsizing oneself and acknowledging that all that we have comes from God. It’s being wise and not saying things arrogantly “in haste” (Proverbs 29:20).
Let’s ask God to give us the heart and wisdom to humble ourselves to honor Him and avoid humiliation.
When have you experienced humility that brought honor? How can you humble yourself before God?
Dear God, remind me that humility is the pathway to honor in Your sight.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Angels on the Walls
|
Posted:Feb 7, 2024 5:19 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2024 7:11 am 2066 Views
|
Today's Devotional
Read: Nehemiah 4:6–9
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 1–3; Matthew 24:1–28
We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah 4:9
When Wallace and Mary Brown moved to an impoverished part of Birmingham, England, to pastor a dying church, they didn’t know that a gang had made the grounds of their church and home its headquarters. The Browns had bricks thrown through their windows, their fences set on fire, and their threatened. The abuse continued for months; the police were unable to stop it.
The book of Nehemiah recounts how the Israelites rebuilt Jerusalem’s broken walls. When locals set out to “stir up trouble,” threatening them with violence
(Nehemiah 4:8, the Israelites “prayed to . . . God and posted a guard” (v. 9). Feeling God used this passage to direct them, the Browns, their , and a few others walked around their church’s walls, praying that He would install angels as guards to protect them. The gang jeered, but the next day, only half of them showed up. The day after that, only five were there, and the day after, no one came. The Browns later heard the gang had given up terrorizing people.
This miraculous answer to prayer isn’t a formula for our own protection, but it’s a reminder that opposition to God’s work will come and must be fought with the weapon of prayer. “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,” Nehemiah told the Israelites (v. 14). He can even set violent hearts free.
What would you have done in the Browns’ situation? Who needs your prayers for deliverance today?
Awesome God, protect Your people by Your powerful angels, and set the hearts of Your enemies free.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
