Love Revealed
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)
God’s expression of love for us is nothing short of extravagant! “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
Jesus is not merely a token of love, like a rose passed from one person to another. He is the divine human who willingly gave up His life so that anyone who believes in Him for salvation can have an everlasting covenant relationship with God. Nothing can separate a Christian “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39).
Dear God, thank You for showing me, in the greatest way possible, that You love me. Help my life to demonstrate my love for You. Amen.
We know how much God loves us because He sent His Son to save us. When I read this it caused me to stop and reflect on today, Valentines Day, to some Valentines Day may seem over rated, commercialized or even sad but if we would stop for a moment and remember the greatest love story ever told we just might have a different perspective on this day because it truly isn’t just about us and our significant other or even maybe our crush but it’s about The One who loved us so much that He willingly gave His Son to die for us that we may have the greatest opportunity in our lives to spend eternity with Him. So when you start feeling down today, upset, disappointed at the outcome of today just remember The One who loves you so much He wants to spend eternity with you. No thing can take the place of The One True Gift, His love for you and I. What a genuinely magnificent love story! He loves me.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:9-16
River Tree
The prophet Jeremiah pointed to a shrub (Jer. 17:6). When the rains stopped and the summer sun turned the ground to dust, the bush shriveled into itself, offering no shade or fruit to anyone.
Why would the prophet compare a flourishing tree to a withering bush? He wanted his people to recall what had happened since their miraculous rescue from the slave yards of Egypt. For forty years in a wilderness, they lived like a tree planted by a river (2:4–6). Yet in the prosperity of their promised land they had forgotten their own story; they were relying on themselves and on gods of their own making (vv. 7–8), even to the point of going back to Egypt looking for help (42:14).
So God, through Jeremiah, lovingly urged the forgetful children of Israel, and He urges us, to hope and trust in the Lord and to be like the tree—not the bush.
Father, in so many ways You have taught us that You alone can be trusted—even when it seems like You are nowhere to be seen. Please help us to recall today what You have already shown us along the way.
Wow! When I read this it empowered my spirit man, let me not be the bush but the tree, no matter what I face today, tomorrow, next week, next month, He has given me the measure of faith and that’s all I need no matter what I face. Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Nothing! I choose today to be the tree! What will you choose?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 17:5-10
Seeing to Tomorrow
For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I enjoy gazing up at a cloudless blue sky. The sky is a beautiful part of our great Creator’s masterpiece, given for us to enjoy. Imagine how much pilots must love the view. They use several aeronautical terms to describe a perfect sky for flying, but my favorite is, “You can see to tomorrow.”
“Seeing to tomorrow” is beyond our view. Sometimes we even struggle to see or understand what life is throwing at us today. The Bible tells us, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).
But our limited visibility is not cause for despair. Just the opposite. We trust in the God who sees all of our tomorrows perfectly—and who knows what we need as we face the challenges ahead. The apostle Paul knew this. That’s why Paul encourages us with hopeful words, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
When we trust God with our day as well as our unseen tomorrows, we don’t need to worry about anything life throws at us. We walk with Him and He knows what is ahead; He is strong enough and wise enough to handle it.
Lord, I know I can trust You for today and tomorrow because You are kind, good, loving, wise, and powerful. Teach me not to worry. Amen.
I cried as I read this today, I got little sleep last night as I wrestled with the unknown in my children’s life and wanting the very best in everything for them. I’m certain you are thinking, what parent doesn’t. As I have said many times before, God never ceases to amaze me and He’s always speaking right to my heart, right to the area I’m struggling with, big or small. I wouldn’t want to imagine my life without Him as the captain. God sees the beginning to the end, it’s my responsibility to trust Him not only in my own life but in my children’s lives. I must pray, fast, read the word and be obedient and allow Him to do the rest. Even in times when I would hope and pray for a different outcome, His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways His ways. For we walk by faith, not by sight. Allow your faith to be bigger than your fears and watch what God will do.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 5:1-9
Does it Spark Joy?
I recently read, the apostle Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to pursue joy in their relationship with Christ. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Instead of a life cluttered with anxiety, he urged them to pray about everything and let God’s peace guard their hearts and minds in Christ (vv. 6–7).
Looking at our everyday tasks and responsibilities, we see that not all of them are enjoyable. But we can ask, “How can this spark joy in God’s heart and in my own?” A change in why we do things can bring a transformation in the way we feel about them.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . honest . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (v. 8).
Paul’s parting words are food for thought and a recipe for joy.
Lord, show me how You want to spark joy in the tasks I face today. Amen.
God is so good. He creates so much joy in our lives and although at times we tend to focus on times of sadness, bitterness, anger and hurt may we be reminded today, this day, that by truly focusing on The Lord is just the beginning of joy. He wants to see your mind at peace and your heart at rest. How can you spark joy in your heart today? Start by counting your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. May we begin and end each day with this on our lips.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4-9
Learning From The Leper
And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. (Mark 1:40-42)
As we read the account of the leper in the first chapter of Mark, there are a couple things we can learn from it.
The first thing we can learn is how to come humbly to Jesus. We read that the leper came to Jesus with the words, “if thou wilt.” There wasn’t a demand, but a humbleness in his asking to be made clean. It wasn’t for him to decide, but for God to decide, as with anything in our lives.
Unfortunately, there is teaching that God will bring healing if we ask with the right amount of faith. If this were the case, Jesus would have rebuked the leper for his “lack of faith.” We also read that the Apostle Paul asked God to take away his thorn in the flesh and God didn’t. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
Secondly, we learn more of the compassion of Jesus. Jesus could have easily just said the words “be clean.” Instead he reaches out his hand and touches the leper. Luke’s gospel record of this account says that the leper was “full of leprosy.” (Luke 5:12) This wasn’t a case of a few spots, but a body that was covered. He probably hardly resembled a man and was shunned from society. Yet, Jesus, who is God, reached out his hand and touched the man with compassion. What a beautiful sight this would have been to see!
As we study this scripture, let us learn to humbly come before God as the leper did. We can also learn to show compassion to those who are hurting and have been shunned from society as Jesus did.
Show the humbleness of the leper and the compassion of Jesus today. Amen.
I feel there is so much we can glean from this but I was just recently praying for God to help me show more compassion so when I read this it blessed me and the showing compassion part stood out to me. It shined a different light on my current situations and circumstances. I may never come across someone with leprosy but when I don’t show love and compassion I might as well be treating someone like they treated those with leprosy in the times past. It’s our responsibility as children of God to show love and compassion no matter how we may feel about the individual or circumstance. We must do as Christ did, reach out our hand and touch those in our lives who are hurting or have been shunned by society with love and compassion. When we do that Christ’s light will shine so much brighter in a world that needs more of God. It starts with you and I.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-15
You Were Not Built To Break!
In today’s scripture, we see that Jesus fixed His eyes unto God because He knew what was ahead of Him. (The end glory at hand). He suffered all the humiliations. At the end where was He seated? At the right hand of the throne of God.
How marvelous is it to know that our sufferings are just for a moment. (Roms 8;18) We have many illustrations in the Bible of people who endured their sufferings and their end was glorious. There are the likes of Joseph who was rejected by his brothers because of his vision, and Daniel who was put in the lion’s den because he refused to comply to the king’s rule and instead trusted in the Lord. Also, Abraham and Sarah suffered the pain of barrenness, but in their old age God fulfilled His promise unto Abraham.(Gen 15:5)
Beloved God did not create us to break. It might look as though time is passing by while friends are accomplishing what they want, and we are left behind, feeling rejected and dejected by loved ones. However, God said that He will not leave us nor forsake us. We should trust in God’s timing. Believe in His word, His will concerning your life and also trust in His timing. His timing is indeed flawless.
Lord may I also have in mind that your plans are the best for me and you will sustain me. Help me have that mindset that no matter what, you are always with me. I bless your Holy name. Amen.
As I read this today I was so uplifted, I have had moments of discouragement this week and feeling overwhelmed at times but I have been reminded today, I was not created to break but to be strong in The Lord and in The Power of His might. It’s not what I can do but what He can do through me. His timing is absolutely flawless. He will sustain you. He is faithful. Trust Him!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 12
How Far Is Too Far?
Instead of giving them a nice little list of Christian rules, the Apostle Paul tells them they are not asking the right question. Instead of asking the infamous “How far is too far?” question, Paul challenges them to ask this question instead: “What can I do to benefit others? How can I intentionally seek to help others, even at the risk of some of my freedoms?” It is a totally different question. It is a question that can change our lives.
Ask yourself this question right now: How am I setting up other people to grow in their relationship with Jesus?
That is the heart of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians and it is still applicable to us. Yes, we have a freedom in Christ. Yes, we have the right to eat, drink and be merry. We even have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What would it look like if we were willing to sacrifice those freedoms to benefit others?
It is so profound that Paul uses the word “seek”, because it implies being intentional with your actions. When you played Hide and Seek as a kid and you were the “seeker”, you were very, very intentional at seeking (or else you weren’t very good!).
What can you do today to intentionally seek the good of others? What can you do today to help someone grow closer to Jesus?
I struggled as to weather I should share this or not because I didn’t want to come across as if I was condoning certain things but I realized this is not what it’s about, it’s about putting aside those things to help someone grow closer to Jesus. Doing something to please yourself that you feel you have the right to do to then cause someone to fall away or be consumed by whatever “it” may be isn’t worth it. Nothing in this life is worth missing eternity over nor is anything in this life worth causing someone else to stumble and fall away from Jesus, you will be held accountable for those you led to or away from God. Just remember that the next time you question how far is too far. When in doubt, throw it out.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
Always in His Care
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)
In Psalm 32, David celebrated the marvel of God’s forgiveness, guidance, and concern for us. Unlike a human father, God knows every detail of our lives and the deepest needs of our hearts. The Lord’s promise to us is, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (v. 8).
Whatever our circumstances today, we can rely on God’s presence and care because “he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about” (v. 10).
Dear Father in heaven, thank You for watching over me in love and guiding me along Your path today. Amen.
When I read this today it made me think of the comfort that comes from The Lord. We are never truly alone. We may be separated from family, friends and loved ones but when we have Christ in our life, He is always watching over us. He truly knows every detail of our lives and we can rest in knowing His mercy is round about us. So today when the enemy tries telling you your all alone, remind Him what the scripture says, He will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: He will guide thee with His eye. You are never alone.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 32:1-11
The Lord Will Overcome!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Has the first thought in your mind, as soon as your eyes opened in the morning, ever been “I don’t think I can face today. My heart is too full of hurt/hate/anger/sadness.” If you answered no, I’d like you to do two things. First, please share your secret with everyone else in the world. Second, stop lying to yourself! Everyone has had this thought. I’ve had this thought more often than I’d really like to admit to myself.
We always hear that Jesus lives within us, and that if we call out to Him, He will fill us with peace and love. However, many of us find ourselves turning away from Him when we are feeling defeated. We try to conquer this world by ourselves.
Today’s Bible verse is clear that we will all face trouble. Everyone feels defeated sometimes. Everyone feels lost, scared, hurt and broken sometimes. However, God tells us that He has overcome the world and all of our trouble.
Why should we be of good cheer? God lives in our spirit! He is literally inside of us! So, because He lives in and through us, through Him, we can overcome this world! That is so amazing!
So next time you wake up and start to feel like you can’t face the day, call out to him!
Oh Lord Jesus, I can’t face today. My heart is so full of hurt. Fill me with Your peace and love, and help me to remember that You live in me, and that through You, I can overcome this world! Amen!
Although the day is already about over, after reading this I felt it was worth sharing tonight that we may have a different perspective when we lay our head down tonight and when we wake in the morning. Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone because I know, yes I know He holds my future and life is worth the living just because He lives. May you rest in this truth and remember always, nothing, no thing is to big for God! Amen!
Have a wonderful evening in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 16
Win Over Worry
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)
Jesus knew all about our inclination to worry when He asked, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27).
Maybe worrying is in your genes, you nurture it every time you allow it to take root in your thoughts. I myself have wasted time and energy letting my mind get worked up over situations my heavenly Father had under His control.
Scripture reminds me I have a loving Father who cares even for birds: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26). When I call to mind that God feeds even sparrows, I’m reassured. I remember my heavenly Father sees me, loves me and cares for my needs.
What about you, friend? You might have some pressing uncertainties in your life. Trouble at work may be wearing you down. Concern for your kids can keep you up at night. Bills might look big at the end of the month, and a simple visit to the doctor can turn your life upside down.
Let’s flex our faith muscles today.
Rather than waste time and energy on worry, let’s use it to build our faith. Why replay fears in our minds when we can choose to remember God’s truth instead? What if we look to His Word to find a specific Scripture verse that addresses our concerns?
We can flip fear with the Word of God. Worrying won’t change our situation, but God’s Word can. When anxious thoughts come, let’s call to mind God’s promises and meditate on His faithfulness. Let’s turn our worries into prayers as we proclaim God’s powerful Word over ourselves and the people we love.
After all, our heavenly Father calls each star by name, and He sees each sparrow when it falls. We can trust Him to take care of us.
Lord, I know You love and care for me and the people in my life. Help me learn to trust You. Give me grace to believe that You will work for good in every situation. Help me to lay worry aside and flex my faith muscles instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I pray this touches someone today as it did I when I read it. God is so good about speaking right into my situation. His timing never ceases to amaze me. I’m going to flex my faith muscles today!! Amen! Thank You my Savior!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:7