Tag: Community

October 17, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Door to God’s Love

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
– Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Introduction

Imagine God’s love as a house with an always-open door, inviting everyone in. Sometimes it’s hard to take that step inside, especially if we’re not sure what we’ll find. But when we see people we know living happily in that “house,” it makes us want to join them. The story of Maria and Rosa is a perfect example. It shows us how embracing God’s love can change our lives for the better and how we can be the catalyst for others to do the same.

Devotional Story

Maria and Rosa have been friends for years. They hang out, share laughs, and support each other. Despite their closeness, they lead different lives. Maria is often seen hopping from one party to another, looking for excitement and fun. She thinks that’s where happiness lies.

Rosa, on the other hand, leads a quieter life. She’s always seemed calm, centered, and genuinely happy. And this happiness isn’t tied to her circumstances; she’s like this all the time. Rosa attributes her contentment to her faith in God.

Maria becomes more and more curious about Rosa’s serenity. Why is Rosa so peaceful even when life throws curveballs? Finally, one evening, they sit down for some real talk. Rosa opens up about how her relationship with God has filled her life with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 (KJV)

Something clicks for Maria. She feels an internal warmth that she can’t ignore. Inspired by Rosa, Maria decides to explore this avenue. Rosa guides her as she begins praying, attending church, and diving into the Bible for the first time.

Over time, Maria starts experiencing a newfound peace. She feels a deep sense of joy that’s far more satisfying than the temporary thrills she’d been chasing.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Conclusion

The story of Maria and Rosa is not just a tale of personal transformation but also a lesson for all of us. God’s love is a choice available to anyone who seeks it. We don’t just have to talk about God’s love; we should strive to live it every day.

When people around us see the happiness and peace radiating from our lives, they might become intrigued, just like Maria did. That’s our chance to share the joy that comes from God’s love, guiding them toward a fulfilling life too.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

 Faith Notes

Being an example of God’s love is like being a lighthouse. We help others find their way through the darkness, leading them toward the open door of God’s love. It doesn’t take a grand gesture to make a difference—sometimes, even a small act of kindness can be the spark that ignites someone else’s faith journey.

So remember, even a little light can shine brightly in a dark world. By simply being who we are, living a life filled with love and care, we can guide others into the comforting, loving arms of God. It’s a responsibility, but also a privilege, to share this gift of divine love and joy.

 

October 12, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Opening the Heart’s Secret Door

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Introduction

There are moments when life presents us with unexpected pathways, sometimes hidden in plain sight. When discovered, they invite us to embark on journeys that may reshape our destiny. Picture a concealed door, molded as a heart on a wall, concealing mysteries behind its facade.

Devotional Story

In a quaint town, Elias, a kind yet weary man, lived in a humble dwelling. His days were spent tending to the needs of his community, always offering a helping hand yet quietly nursing a heart aching from past wounds. His house, like his exterior, was robust and welcoming, yet held untold stories within its walls. One quiet evening, as the golden rays of the setting sun gently kissed the world goodnight, Elias, while in contemplative prayer, noticed an unusual silhouette on his wall. It was a subtle, heart-shaped outline that seemed oddly conspicuous amidst the fading light. Curiosity nudged his steps toward the wall. As his fingers gently caressed the heart, it emanated a warmth that pulsated through his very soul. To his astonishment, the heart yielded under his touch, revealing a hidden door that slowly swung open, inviting him into a chamber glowing with an ethereal light. Hesitant yet drawn by an inexplicable peace, Elias stepped through. The room was filled with whispers of memories – echoes of laughter, tears, dreams nurtured, and those left to wilt. In the midst of it all, a gentle, reassuring Voice spoke, urging him to unburden his soul, to release the fragments of untold stories and unshed tears into the tender embrace of the light. Elias, overcome by a love so profound, surrendered to the warmth enveloping him. He opened his heart, releasing every joy, sorrow, fear, and hope into the loving arms of the Voice. And as he did, he realized the wounds of his heart began to mend, not by erasing the pain, but by transforming it into a wellspring of love and empathy. Emerging from the hidden chamber, the world seemed just as it was, yet Elias was forever changed. The love that healed him now flowed through him, touching every soul that crossed his path.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

Conclusion

Elias’s discovery of the heart-shaped door is symbolic of our own journey towards inner healing and transformation. The heart, often concealed by the walls we build to protect our vulnerabilities, holds the key to a sanctuary where love, healing, and peace reside. It’s a gentle reminder that when we allow ourselves to open our own hidden doors, to touch and be touched by the Divine Love, we not only find healing but also become conduits of healing for others. Our pain, once surrendered and transformed, becomes a fountain from which compassion, understanding, and love flow into the lives of those around us.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – Romans 5:5 (KJV)

Faith Notes

In our lives, we may find heart-shaped doors, hidden yet waiting to be discovered. These are invitations to step into God’s unfathomable love, to allow His light to permeate our being, mending, and revitalizing our spirit. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to open our hidden doors, and to step into the Divine Light, we not only embark on a journey of personal healing and discovery but also enable ourselves to be vessels of God’s love and healing in the world. May the love that heals us also flow through us, nurturing and healing the world around us. And may every hidden door we discover and open lead us closer to the boundless love of our Creator. In the secret chambers of our hearts, may we discover, embrace, and share the treasures of God’s eternal love, healing, and peace.  
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)
October 7, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Mission Field Next Door

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14, KJV)

Introduction:

We often hear incredible tales of missionaries who venture to far-flung places, spreading the Gospel in challenging environments. While these stories are inspirational, they sometimes lead us to believe that being a missionary requires us to leave our country or make dramatic life changes. Today, let’s explore the concept that the mission field can be closer to home—perhaps as close as our own neighborhood.

Devotional Story:

Meet Emily and Sarah, two devout friends. Emily had always felt a calling to be a missionary but was unable to travel abroad due to family responsibilities. Sarah, on the other hand, had recently returned from a mission trip to Africa. The contrast between their circumstances led Emily to question her ability to serve God effectively.

“I wish I could make as significant an impact as you, Sarah,” Emily lamented one day.

Sarah smiled, recalling the words of Jesus:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20, KJV)

“Emily,” Sarah responded, “You don’t have to go to another country to be a missionary. Your mission field is wherever God has placed you, even if it’s just in our neighborhood.”

Inspired by Sarah’s words, Emily started a Bible study group in her community, inviting her neighbors and sharing the Gospel with them. The group gradually grew, transforming lives one by one. Emily realized she was fulfilling her calling right where she was, embracing the Apostle Paul’s wisdom:

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23, KJV)

Conclusion:

The stories of Emily and Sarah serve as a reminder that we all have a mission field, whether it’s across the ocean or across the street. Both are valid and valuable in the eyes of God. The key is to serve where you are planted, using the gifts God has given you to reach those around you.

So if you find yourself unable to venture far, remember that you can still make a significant impact right where you are. The Apostle Peter’s words affirm this universal call to discipleship:

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, KJV)

Missionary work isn’t limited to foreign lands. Our very own community can be our mission field, calling us to illuminate the darkness and bring others closer to God.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, KJV)

October 6, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Cultural Feast

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV)

Introduction:

Today’s devotional introduces the parable of the Cultural Feast, where a diverse community gathers to celebrate but finds themselves divided. Amidst the fragmentation, one individual emerges to unify the divided crowd. This narrative prompts us to meditate on our own roles as agents of unity and reconciliation in a world often rife with division.

Devotional Story:

In a small, bustling town, a grand feast was organized to celebrate the cultural richness of the community. Everyone was invited—farmers and scholars, rich and poor, people of all ethnic backgrounds. However, as the feast began, an unintended divide occurred: People started clustering based on their culture, language, or social status.

Among the attendees was Samuel, who noticed the fragmentation. Unlike others, Samuel moved from one group to another, sharing laughter, stories, and breaking bread. His actions began to dissolve the invisible walls; people started crossing boundaries to share and celebrate together.

Samuel’s role emulates Christ, who came to earth to “break down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14, KJV).

 13. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15. by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,   (Ephesians 2:13-15 KJV).

Just like Samuel, Christ mingled with people from all walks of life, bringing them into a unity that transcended earthly divisions. The atmosphere in the feast transformed, embodying the biblical truth:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek…for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, KJV).

Conclusion:

The Parable of the Cultural Feast compels us to examine our role in either perpetuating divisions or fostering unity. The character of Samuel stands as an example of what it means to live out Christ’s call for reconciliation and unity. The Apostle Paul succinctly encapsulates this in his letter to the Colossians:

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14, KJV).

Our role is not just to fit into a specific group but to act as connectors, uniting disparate parts into a harmonious whole. By doing so, we mirror the divine love and unity that God intends for all His children.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV)