25Jul
22Jul
Love, Love, Love
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.O-bservation:
The Apostle Peter says to all "Followers of Jesus," since you have embraced the truth only found in Jesus, you are purified from all unrighteousness. Since this has happened to you, you are now called by God to love one another from your heart.A-pplication:
When Peter mentioned the heart in this passage, he was referencing our "Human Will." Prior to finding truth and forgiveness in Jesus, our will is weak and used to make selfish choices that gratify only us. That self gratification is so temporary that it leaves us feeling empty. However, once free from guilt through the saving grace of Jesus we are free to choose unselfishly, because our "WILL" has also been saved and purified. Unconditional love is an act of our "WILL." Peter encourages us to use OUR will to choose in the best interest of others. Once we do, it becomes natural to ... "Love, Love, Love!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM I'm amazed that You cleansed me and showed me how to Love. I know my decisions are made from the heart. Help me continually choose to … "Love, Love, Love." Amen
25Jul
Love Looks Nice On You
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.O-bservation:
The words of St. Peter, written about 2,000 years ago, still ring clear today. Of course he was speaking to "Followers of Jesus" when he said ... "Love each other deeply. Because love covers a ton of sin."A-pplication:
The kind of love spoken of here is a love rooted in decision. The decision that says, “I love you no matter what.” I love you in spite of. I love you. When the issue is decided in one's heart to love people unconditionally, and then people hurt you, abuse you, spitefully use you, trash talk you, or steal from you, the decision has already been made on your part. The decision is: I am a "Follower of Jesus." If I take a blow from someone it will be a blow for the sake of Christ. I will move in love. I love you deeply. People are my heart. I am passionate for people. I want people to know my savior, so I will operate in love. Love looks better on me than hate, bitterness, or anger ever could. And whatever decision you make toward me is inconsequential, because ... "Love Looks Nice On You."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, With Your help this AM, I will love people deeply. When they fail, I'll see love covering them. I know that "Love Looks Nice On Them." Amen
16Dec
Honor Is Our Calling
S. O. A. P.
Here's your 90 second AM devotional!S-cripture:
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.O-bservation:
St. Peter The Apostle talks here about the calling of every "Follower of Jesus." We as Believers are called on a number of levels. In this passage, our calling is specified as a call to Honor and Respect everyone we come in contact with, or know from a distance. Literally Everyone.A-pplication:
Recently, a fellow "Follower of Jesus" related a story to me and then finished by saying, "I was offended by that!" Immediately I thought of this passage in 1 Peter 2. I said, "I don't think as 'Followers of Jesus' we have the right to be offended." In verse 16, the Apostle tells us to live as "Slaves of God." Our motivation as Believers is love. Love always wills the highest good and best interest of those around us. It really doesn't matter what others say about ME or do to ME, it's always on ME to respond as a loving servant of Jesus. So, Honor is my calling. Even more than this ... "Honor Is Our Calling.” After all, who is that one who offended you or me? Are they not a child and creation of God? If the answer is yes, then indeed ... "Honor Is Our Calling."
Dear Jesus,
This AM, I ask You to help me once again to lay down my RIGHTS. I know I am an American ... but before that I am a Christian. AmenP-rayer:
22Jul
He Just Makes Me HAPPY
S. O. A. P
Here's your 90 second AM devotional!S-cripture:
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.O-bservation:
The Apostle Peter was the leader of Jesus' "Top 3": Peter, James, and John. And he wrote this letter to Christians who had never seen Jesus in the flesh. By now Christ had died and resurrected and had ascended into heaven. Peter of course had known Jesus physically while here on earth. But he defines what people were thinking and feeling in their hearts at that time. He says, "You have never seen Him before or now in the flesh, but you love Jesus and when you think of Him ... You Just Get Happy."A-pplication:
Even though this letter, written by St. Peter 2,000 years ago, was to a group of scattered Christians living throughout Asia Minor, he's also definitely speaking to me today. I only know Jesus by faith, but I must say he's REAL to me. I have days when great sorrow, or depression, or defeat try and overtake my goal and purpose. But it's in those times I call on his name ... JESUS ... And I really don't know how else to say it, "He Just Makes Me HAPPY!"