Tag: God’s love

January 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Path of Righteousness

Opening Verse:

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) – “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.”

Introduction:

In Proverbs 21:21, we’re invited to embrace a lifestyle focused on doing what’s right and being kind to others. It’s like being told that the best way to live a fulfilling life is by being good and caring towards everyone.

Devotional Insight:

In simpler terms, ‘righteousness’ here means doing what’s right according to God’s standards. It’s about being honest, fair, and just in everything we do. ‘Mercy’ is about being compassionate and kind, showing love and forgiveness just like how God does with us.

The verse encourages us to actively chase after these qualities. It’s like a journey where we keep trying to be better in being fair and kind. The reward for this? A life filled with real meaning, staying true to what’s right, and earning respect not just from people but, more importantly, in God’s eyes.

What This Means:

This verse isn’t just about being religious; it’s about how we act every day. It’s a call to be our best selves – fair, kind, and caring. It affects how we treat our family, friends, and even strangers.

Think About This:

Consider your daily actions. Are you making an effort to be fair and kind? How do these choices shape your life and relationships?

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to always aim for what’s right and to be kind to others. May these values guide me every day and make my life meaningful and respected in Your sight. Amen.

Closing Verse:

Micah 6:8 (KJV) – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

November 19, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Embraced by Mercy

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

 

Introduction:

When we follow Jesus, we sometimes feel guilty and wish for forgiveness. The story of Jesus and a woman in trouble (John 8:1-11) shows us how Jesus forgives and gives us a new start.

Key Point Summary:

– Jesus met a woman who did something wrong, and he showed her kindness instead of blame.
– He taught us about forgiving and starting over.
– This story shows us that God’s forgiveness is different from how people often judge each other.
– It makes us think about our mistakes and how to change.

Devotional Story:

In Jerusalem, people brought a woman to Jesus who had broken a rule about marriage. They wanted to see if Jesus would say to punish her. Jesus wrote on the ground and then said, “If any of you has never done anything wrong, you can punish her.” One by one, they all left. When they were gone, Jesus asked the woman if anyone had blamed her. She said no. Jesus said, “I don’t blame you either. Go and don’t make this mistake again.”

Contextual Insight:

This story shows Jesus’ way of forgiving. Even when others said the woman should be punished, Jesus was kind. He showed that God loves us and forgives us.

Personal Reflection:

Think about times when you felt bad about something you did. How can this story help you accept Jesus’ forgiveness and forgive others too?

Practical Application:

– Remember Jesus’ words of forgiveness when you feel guilty.
– Try to be kind and not judge others, just like Jesus did.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for always forgiving us. Help me to accept your forgiveness and to forgive others too. Teach me to live without blaming others, following your way. Amen.

Conclusion:

The story of the woman and Jesus’ words, “Neither do I condemn you,” shows us how kind and forgiving Jesus is. With Him, we find forgiveness and a chance to change for the better.

“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:11 (NKJV)

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)