love Archives - Akedah

September 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Be Yourself, Not a Copy

Opening Verse

“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)

Introduction

It’s easy to feel jealous of others sometimes. We see someone who seems to have it all—popularity, success, and admiration—and we think that if we act like them or look like them, we can have the same life. But what we often forget is that it’s not the outward appearance that truly draws people in. It’s something deeper.

Devotional Story

There was once a young man who admired his friend. This friend seemed to have everything—a great job, many friends, and everyone loved being around him. The young man thought to himself, “If only I could dress like him, speak like him, and do the things he does, then I will be liked too.”

So he started copying everything. He bought the same clothes, adopted the same mannerisms, and even tried to say the same things. But to his surprise, people didn’t react the same way. Instead of drawing people closer, they seemed distant and unsure around him.

After weeks of frustration, he finally asked his friend, “Why isn’t this working for me? I’ve done everything you do, but I still feel invisible.”

His friend smiled kindly and said, “It’s not the clothes or the way I talk that make people want to be around me. It’s the love in my heart for them. I genuinely care about people, and that’s what they respond to.”

What This Means

We often get caught up in appearances, thinking that if we can mimic someone’s outside, we will gain what they have. But God reminds us in His Word that He doesn’t look at the outside—He looks at the heart. What truly attracts others is a heart filled with love, kindness, and sincerity. If we focus on becoming the person God created us to be, instead of copying others, we will find that the right people are drawn to us naturally.

Think About This

Have you ever tried to copy someone else, thinking it would make you more popular or successful?
What qualities of your heart can you focus on that reflect the love of Christ?
How can you be more genuine with those around you?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to remember that You care more about my heart than my outward appearance. Teach me to love others from a sincere heart, and to be the person You created me to be, not a copy of someone else. Fill me with Your love and kindness so that I may draw people closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34, KJV)

July 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humility and Love

Opening Verse

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

Introduction

In our fast-paced world, the virtues of humility and selflessness often get overshadowed by the pursuit of personal gain and recognition. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. The Bible teaches us to consider others above ourselves and to act with genuine love and humility.

Devotional Story

There was a man named James who worked in a busy office. James was known for his exceptional skills and efficiency, often receiving praise and awards for his work. Despite his success, James always remained humble. He never sought the spotlight, and he was always quick to help his colleagues, even when it wasn’t his responsibility.

One day, a new employee named Alex joined the team. Alex struggled to keep up with the workload and felt overwhelmed. Noticing this, James quietly offered his assistance. He spent extra hours mentoring Alex, sharing his knowledge, and providing support without expecting anything in return.

James’ actions made a significant impact on Alex. Over time, Alex not only improved in his work but also adopted James’ humble and caring attitude. The entire office noticed the positive change and began to follow James’ example of humility and selflessness.

What This Means

The story of James reminds us that humility and love have the power to transform lives. By putting others first and serving without seeking recognition, we reflect the character of Christ. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to look beyond our own interests and care for the needs of others. This selfless attitude fosters unity and love within our communities.

Think About This

How can you demonstrate humility in your daily interactions?
Are there opportunities where you can help others without seeking recognition?
Reflect on a time when someone showed you kindness and humility. How did it affect you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the perfect example of humility and love in Jesus Christ. Help us to live selflessly, putting others’ needs before our own. Grant us the grace to serve with a humble heart and to seek the well-being of those around us. May our actions reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Matthew 23:11 KJV

June 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Golden Rule

Opening Verse

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, KJV)

Introduction

In our daily lives, we interact with many people. How we treat them speaks volumes about our character and our faith. Jesus summarized a key principle of righteous living in one simple yet profound statement: Treat others as you would like to be treated. This rule, known as the Golden Rule, is a guide for living a life of kindness, compassion, and empathy.

Devotional Story

John, a small-town grocery store owner, always had a kind word and a smile for his customers. He treated everyone with respect, whether they were a regular or someone passing through town. One winter, a heavy snowstorm hit, and many people were stranded. John opened his store to those in need, providing warmth, food, and a place to stay until it was safe to travel. His generosity was remembered long after the storm passed, and his store became a symbol of community and care.

John’s actions reflected the heart of the Golden Rule. He didn’t help others because he expected something in return; he did it because it was the right thing to do. By putting himself in the shoes of those in need, he was able to show true Christian love.

What This Means

The Golden Rule calls us to look beyond our own needs and consider the needs of others. It encourages us to act with kindness and compassion, not out of obligation, but from a sincere desire to reflect God’s love. In treating others as we want to be treated, we build a more just and loving world.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you can better apply the Golden Rule? How might your actions change if you consistently put yourself in others’ shoes? Consider the impact of your words and deeds on those around you. Strive to be a source of encouragement and support.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to see others through Your eyes. Teach me to treat others with the same kindness and compassion that I desire for myself. May my actions reflect Your love and grace. Guide me to live out the Golden Rule in all aspects of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31, KJV)

June 24, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Never Lost to Jesus

Opening Verse

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10 (KJV)

Introduction

Have you ever felt lost, like you were wandering without direction? Sometimes in life, we stray from the path and it’s difficult to find our way back. But there’s good news: Jesus is always seeking us out.

Devotional Story

A shepherd had a hundred sheep and one of them went astray. He left the ninety-nine and went into the wilderness to find the one that was lost. He searched diligently, not giving up until he found it. When he finally did, he joyfully put it on his shoulders and brought it home. This story reminds us of how Jesus pursues us when we wander off.

What This Means

Jesus never stops looking for us, no matter how far we have strayed. He is the Good Shepherd who cares deeply for each of His sheep. When we feel lost, we must remember that Jesus is actively seeking to bring us back to Him. His love is relentless and His desire is to save us.

Think About This

– Have you ever felt lost in your spiritual journey?

– How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is always seeking you out?

– What steps can you take to stay close to Jesus and avoid getting lost?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me. Even when I feel lost and alone, I know You are searching for me. Help me to stay close to You and follow Your guidance. Thank You for Your unwavering love and care. Amen.

Closing Verse

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (KJV)

June 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Intention and Tone of Our Faith

Opening Verse

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Understanding the intention and tone of our faith is crucial. It shapes how we live, how we interact with others, and how we represent Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Our words and actions should reflect the love, clarity, and urgency of the Gospel.

Devotional Story

Consider a small church nestled in a busy neighborhood. Every Sunday, the pastor delivers sermons that are simple yet profound. He speaks with urgency, knowing that the message of Christ is too important to be misunderstood or ignored. His tone is always clear, filled with grace, and seasoned with the love of Christ.

One Sunday, a visitor entered the church. He had been searching for meaning and truth in his life. The pastor spoke about the intention of our faith—to love God and love others—and the tone we should use—one of compassion and clarity. The visitor was moved by the simplicity and urgency of the message. He realized that faith wasn’t about complex rituals or lofty words, but about a genuine relationship with Jesus.

What This Means

The intention of our faith is to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Our tone should be clear, urgent, and filled with grace. We should strive to communicate in a way that everyone can understand, ensuring that our words and actions reflect the heart of the Gospel.

Think About This

How do your words and actions reflect the intention and tone of your faith?
Are you communicating the love and truth of Jesus with clarity and urgency?
How can you ensure that your speech is always seasoned with grace?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to understand the true intention of our faith and to communicate it with a tone that reflects Your love and truth. May our words be clear, urgent, and filled with grace, so that others may come to know You through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

May 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humility of Jesus

Opening Verse

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, showed us the greatest example of humility. He, who was equal with God, chose to come to Earth in the form of a man. This act of humility and love is beyond our full comprehension. Let’s explore how His humility impacts our lives and how we can follow His example.

Devotional Story

Imagine living in a grand palace, surrounded by luxury, and having everything you could ever want. Now, imagine choosing to leave all that behind to live as a servant in a small, poor village. This is a small picture of what Jesus did for us. He left the glory of heaven to live among us, to feel our pain, and to ultimately sacrifice Himself for our sins.

Jesus, the Supreme God, became a man. He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even sorrow. He did all this willingly, out of love for us. His life on Earth was marked by humility from beginning to end. He washed His disciples’ feet, touched the untouchables, and associated with those society rejected. Jesus showed us that true greatness is found in serving others.

What This Means

Jesus’ humility teaches us that no task is too lowly and no person too insignificant. If Jesus, who is God, could humble Himself to serve others, we should be willing to do the same. Our pride should not prevent us from helping those in need, forgiving those who have wronged us, and loving those who seem unlovable. True humility is about putting others before ourselves and recognizing that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

Think About This

How can you show humility in your daily life?
Are there people you consider beneath you? How can you serve them?
Reflect on a time when you put your pride aside to help someone. How did it feel?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the incredible example of humility that Jesus showed us. Help us to follow His example in our daily lives. Teach us to serve others selflessly, to love unconditionally, and to put others before ourselves. May we always remember that true greatness comes from humility and service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 14:11 (KJV)

March 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Journey Back to the Father

Opening Verse

“I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” – John 16:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In this simple, profound statement, Jesus encapsulates the essence of His mission on earth. He came from the Father, to the world, only to return to the Father after completing His work here. This cycle of departure and return offers a glimpse into the heavenly plan and Jesus’ obedience to it.

Devotional Story

Imagine a child who leaves his home at dawn to embark on a day-long journey. His purpose? To deliver a message of love and hope to a distant relative. Throughout the day, he faces various challenges—storms, difficult paths, and even moments of doubt. But the thought of fulfilling his mission keeps him going. As the sun sets, he returns home, tired yet fulfilled, having completed his task.

Jesus’ journey is much like that child’s. He left His heavenly home, came to us with a message of salvation, faced unimaginable challenges, and at the end of His earthly mission, He returned to His Father. His journey was marked by love, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to His Father’s will.

What This Means

Jesus’ statement in John 16:28 is not just historical; it’s deeply personal. It signifies that Jesus is the bridge between humanity and God. He came to us so that we, too, can find our way back to the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus completed the path that leads to eternal life with God.

Think About This

Reflect on your own journey. Are you walking on the path that Jesus laid out? His journey back to the Father is a reminder that our ultimate home is not of this world. We are here to fulfill our mission, to spread love and hope, and to eventually return to our heavenly Father.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to guide us back to You. Help us to follow His example, to live lives of purpose and love, and to always remember that our true home is with You. May we embrace the journey ahead with faith and courage, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6 (KJV

March 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Gift of Grace

Opening Verse

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8, KJV

Introduction

Grace is often talked about but not always fully understood. It’s more than just a word we say before meals; it’s the very heart of God’s message to us. Grace is unearned, undeserved favor from God. It’s His love in action towards people who earn the opposite of love.

Devotional Story

Imagine a father and his child walking through a park. The child wanders off and gets lost. Panicked, the child begins to cry, thinking he will never find his way back. But the father, who has been looking for him, sees his child from afar. Without a moment’s hesitation, he runs to his child, embraces him, and assures him that everything will be okay. The child did nothing to earn his father’s forgiveness or love, yet the father showed him grace by loving him unconditionally and bringing him back home.

This story is a picture of God’s grace towards us. We wander away, get lost in our mistakes and sins, but God, in His infinite love, finds us, forgives us, and brings us back to Him.

What This Means

God’s grace means that we don’t have to earn our way to God or work hard to deserve His love. He offers it freely to us, despite our flaws and failures. It’s a gift that we receive by faith, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Think About This

How often do you try to “earn” God’s love by doing good things, instead of accepting His grace freely? Remember, it’s not about what we do for God, but what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace. Help me to understand the depth of Your love and to accept Your gift of grace freely. Teach me to live a life that reflects Your grace to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” – Ephesians 2:4, KJV

January 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Balancing Convictions and Relationships

Opening Verse

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18 (KJV)

Introduction

In the journey of faith, balancing personal convictions with familial relationships is often a delicate dance. It involves navigating the tightrope between standing firm in what we believe and maintaining harmony within our family circles.

Devotional Story

Roy, a devoted Christian, often found himself at odds with his family’s more secular views. During family gatherings, conversations about faith and morals became a battleground, with Roy feeling the need to defend his beliefs vigorously. However, over time, Roy realized that his approach was creating a rift. He began to seek wisdom in Scripture and prayer, learning to express his convictions with gentleness and respect.

One Christmas, his family planned to engage in activities that went against his beliefs. Instead of outright refusing or condemning their choices, Roy respectfully shared his stance and chose to serve them in other ways, like preparing the meal and sharing stories of God’s love. This act of service, done without judgment, opened a door for more receptive conversations about faith in the future.

What This Means

Our convictions are integral to our identity, especially as believers. However, the way we express these beliefs in the context of family relationships matters profoundly. It’s not about compromising our faith, but about demonstrating it through love, understanding, and patience.

Think About This

Consider how you engage in conversations about your faith with family. Are you more focused on winning an argument, or on lovingly sharing and living out your beliefs? Reflect on the ways you can serve your family and show God’s love, even when you disagree.

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to navigate my family relationships with grace and love. Help me to stand firm in my convictions while showing compassion and understanding. Teach me to serve as You served, and to love as You love. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

January 15, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Silent Giver

Opening Verse:

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
– Matthew 6:1 (KJV)

Introduction:

In our pursuit of recognition and applause, we often forget the essence of true giving. Matthew 6:1 invites us to a deeper understanding of humility and selfless service.

Devotional Story:

In a quaint town, there lived a woman named Elizabeth, known for her kind heart and silent generosity. Unlike many who sought recognition, Elizabeth’s acts of charity were done quietly, without fanfare. She embodied the spirit of Matthew 6:1, finding joy in giving without expectation of return or recognition.

What This Means:

This passage reminds us that the truest form of giving is one that seeks no reward or acknowledgment, but is done purely out of love and compassion.

Think About This:

Reflect on your motivations when you give. Are they influenced by the desire for recognition, or are they driven by genuine love and selflessness?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to give as Elizabeth did – quietly, selflessly, and with a heart full of love. May our actions reflect a spirit of true charity, unseen by the world but known by You. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”

– Matthew 6:3 (KJV)