Which God do you love?
This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Love God Love People (LISTEN HERE)
When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, he answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
But what does that actually mean?
As Jesus summarized “all the Law and Prophets” he concisely compiled all the directions he gave to his people with two directives…Love God…Love people.
In this week’s devotions, we will reflect on the 10 Commandments as they help to expand what it means to love God and love people.
The first and greatest command is to love God…
God told Moses (the first of the 10 commandments), “You shall have no other gods.”
What Jesus and what God told Moses defines for us is that while there are many things and entities called “god” there is only one true God.
Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God.”
What is so unique about the God we are invited to love with all our being is that he is the only God who loves us back…and in fact loved us first before we could love him first.
Jesus directs our love to “the Lord.”
Exodus 34:6-7 “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Consider that anything that captures the loyalty and priority of our heart, mind and soul is rightly termed “a god.”
What is that for you? What could that be for you?
Money? Reputation? Career? Acceptance? Athletics? Appearance?
Consider…did any of those things love you first? Do any of those things love you back?
Perhaps this is a litmus test to dismiss as unimportant those things that have not loved us first or love us back.
God, the Lord, does both. He loved us before we could ever love him. He continues to love us.
…because he is the Lord YOUR God.
What we need reminding of is that the Lord is the one who first loved us. He is the one that establishes a relationship with us. He is the one that calls us his son or daughter. He is the one who enables us to call him “Father.”
Does your “god” have a relationship with you? Perhaps this is another litmus test to the false gods in our lives. If what is most important to us is unable or unwilling to have a relationship with us, it’s a false god. It may seem like it cares for us. It may seem like it will always be there for us. But a false god will always let us down because it doesn’t or will stop caring to have a relationship with you.
The Lord YOUR God never stops desiring to have a relationship with you.
Is it hard to love someone whom you know loves you first and loves you unconditionally?
Nope.
Love engenders love.
We love because HE first loved us.
It is the greatest command because it commands all of our being. But when we realize we are simply responding to the love that the LORD our God has shown to us, it is a command the love of the Lord our God enables us to keep.
Apply: What false gods have you realized have been or are in your life? Do they love you or just are the object of your love? Do they have a relationship with you or just you with them?
Prayer: Forgive us Lord for casting the loyalty of our heart, mind and soul to things that neither love us or desire to have a relationship with us. Thank you for your consistent and constant love. May your love for me always empower me to love you first! AMEN.
SHARE…Faith always intersects with life!
Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: SHARE what God has given! (LISTEN HERE)
Faith and life intersect.
The longer we walk with Jesus, the more we realize that every aspect of our life has his hand guiding it and his truth affecting it. It makes a difference that we follow Jesus, because Jesus makes a difference in our life. He gives us hope, perspective, truth, and promises to guide us through the difficulties of life.
For last Sunday’s sermon, I found a list of the 10 most common difficulties that people face in life (from 2021 – but probably hasn’t changed much!). In looking at each of the difficulties, each one is an opportunity for us to see Jesus more clearly or for us to share Jesus into the life of someone going through that difficulty. For our devotion today, I give you the difficulty of life and the word of hope and promise Jesus gives. If that word of promise is for you today, great. If not for you, perhaps you know someone going through the difficulty which God is giving you this word for you to share. Faith and life intersect and God will use you to intersect faith with the life of another.
Difficulty: Health Crisis:
Promise: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Difficulty: Workplace Issues:
Start working for a different purpose! Colossians 3:22-24 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Difficulty: Feeling of Emptiness:
Refocus on what fills our soul: Psalm 126:2-4 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Difficulty: Friendship Issues:
A friend who doesn’t disappoint: Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Difficulty: Failure:
Failure happens, but doesn’t define us: Hebrews 10:14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Difficulty: Financial Crisis:
A needed perspective: Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Difficulty: Career Pressure:
Reminder…you’re not alone! Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Difficulty: Injustice and Unfair Treatment:
Promise: God will sort it out…you don’t have to. Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Difficulty: Inner Peace:
Look for peace in a different place…John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Difficulty: Mental Health Issues:
While mental health is taken seriously and sometimes needs extra help, remember the hope and perspective Jesus gives…1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 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, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Apply: Can you think of one person in your sphere of influence that is going through one of these difficulties? How can God use today’s devotion to help prepare you to share your faith into their life?
Prayer: Lord thank you for every word of truth you have given to us. Let us continue to let you share your love and truth into our lives so we will always be prepared to share our faith into the lives of someone else. AMEN
SHARE…Always be prepared!
Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: SHARE what God has given! (LISTEN HERE)
Yesterday was an interesting day in central Texas.
Much of the country has been suffering under a cold, snowy winter. We got our shot Tuesday into Wednesday. Not snow…just freezing rain and lots of it. As of writing this about mid-day on Wednesday, the tree branches are laboring under about ½” of ice. (I’d rather have a foot of snow than ½” of ice!) The power lines (many above ground) are also stressing under the extra weight and we (at the time of this writing) are without power (since 6am).
Fortunately (or unfortunately) we have had ice storms in our past. When we lived in North Carolina, we were without power for 3 days. Just a couple years ago here in Texas an arctic week left us on and off again with power.
Fortunately, we were prepared.
Out came the generator, multiple extension cords and the gas can and we are moving forward with our day. It’s not as convenient as flipping the switch and lights working, but it allows us to continue our work day in a makeshift way.
This time we were prepared.
Life can take turns we don’t expect. Sometimes we are ready for them, and other times we are not.
The Legendary UCLA Head Basketball Coach John Wooden said, “When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.”
The same is true for sharing our faith.
Sometimes we know an opportunity is coming and we can be ready. Other times, opportunities come when we least expect it. But we want to be ready then as well.
How?
Regularly let God’s truth fill your heart and soul. Let your experience of God and his grace expand in your life’s experience.
I don’t know to whom to give credit, but I read a meme that said something to the effect: “Daniel didn’t learn to trust God when he was thrown in the lion’s den. He learned to trust God when he spent three times a day in prayer to the Lord. When he was thrown in the lion’s den, he expressed what he already knew.”
Preparation to share our faith comes every day, so when the opportunity comes, we are prepared!
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, …
Apply: What little thing can I do each day to grow in my relationship with Jesus, my knowledge of his Word and the truth of his promises so I am better equipped every day to share the love of Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for opportunities to share my faith. Please help me to be ready every time and anytime they come. AMEN.
SHARE…in the midst of crisis!
Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: SHARE what God has given! (LISTEN HERE)
Does following Jesus make a difference in your life?
On the one hand, the short answer is “Yes.” But the follow up question is, “Why?” or “How?”
Part of sharing our faith is just sharing the difference Jesus makes in our life.
Perhaps it’s a different course of action. Perhaps it’s a different perspective. Perhaps it’s a different reaction.
Life has many situations that present challenges and difficulties. Often times the opportunity to share Jesus is in the middle of those challenges and help someone see a different perspective than they are currently hanging on to.
Over the next few days, we’ll look at a few examples and how God can use those situations to create an opportunity for us to share our faith.
Many people at some point in their life go through a health crisis. It may be as simple as a bad cold or as harsh as terminal cancer. The natural question to ask during these times is “Why, God?” When our bodies aren’t feeling well, we perhaps think that God is punishing us, getting back at us, or wanting to torment us for some reason. A natural reaction is to think that God has it out for us and is causing the hardship for a negative purpose.
So, is that what you have discovered when you go through health challenges as a follower of Jesus? Maybe in moments you have asked God, “Why?” or felt like God was paying you back for some sin you had committed.
But then God gives you a different perspective:
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Our health challenges are a reminder that we are not going to live forever. We are reminded that we live in a world affected by sin and its consequences. In those moments when we are weak we are invited to trust and rely on the strength of the Lord even more. The opportunity is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus.
So when you interact with someone going through a health challenge, perhaps you will have an opportunity to share and say something like, “This has got to be hard. I can’t imagine going through what you are going through. But here’s what I realized when I went through a similar challenge. God doesn’t hate me, but loves me. I found that my illness made me realize that this life is temporary and heaven is forever. I don’t know how this illness will turn out, but I do know that Jesus wants to walk with you and strengthen your heart every day.
Or something in your own words.
Here’s another scripture to use when going through a health or emotional crisis:
1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 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, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
How would you use this Scripture to share your faith?
All crises are intended to draw us closer to Jesus. When you have a friend or family member going through one…God is setting up an opportunity for you to share your faith!
Apply: Who is going through a health crisis? What has Jesus shared with you when you’ve gone through a health challenge that you could share with that person?
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for showing me your love, grace, hope and forgiveness when I go through challenges in my life. As I go through those situations, continue to share with me so I can share with others! AMEN.
SHARE what you have been given!
Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: SHARE what God has given! (LISTEN HERE)
We can only share what we have been given.
I can’t take food from my neighbor and share it with someone else. I can only share the food I have bought or been given. We share what WE have been given.
The same is true for our faith.
While the content of our faith, trust in Jesus as our Savior, is common, the facets and nuances of our faith and how we have experienced the love, grace and mercy of God is unique to us. But while in some ways it may be unique to us, it is given to us to share with someone else who is experiencing a similar situation.
What do I mean?
The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Christians in Corinth:
2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
The Apostle Paul and his traveling companions went through a lot of trials as they traveled around the Mediterranean world proclaiming the Gospel. Some of those encounters were minor and others put their lives on the line. In all of these situations, Paul found comfort from God. While his body was beaten and abused, he knew that God still loved him and was caring for him. This gave him comfort.
But the comfort wasn’t just for him…
It was to share with others.
The Lord allowed the challenges in Paul’s life so that Paul could experience the comfort of God in those troubles. He wanted to give Paul this comfort so Paul could then share that same comfort with others.
Do you see how it works?
God gives you a facet of his grace not only for you, but for you to share with others.
But that’s hard, right?
Let’s stay on the topic of comfort.
When we go through a loss of a loved one, perhaps an unexpected death, that is hard to go through. We are tempted to ask, “Why God?” and perhaps find ourselves more frustrated at God. However, the Lord invites us to receive what he wants to give us: Comfort. Amidst the tears and the unanswered questions, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. (John 11:25-26)
The comfort Jesus gives is that for those that die believing in Jesus, there is a glorious reunion in heaven. Why? Because Jesus himself overcame death!
Why does Jesus tell us this? Because he wants US to be comforted.
And…
He wants us to comfort someone else with the same comfort we have received from God.
So after we have experienced the comfort of Jesus in the loss of a loved one, it is for our benefit, but there is also enough to share with a friend, co worker or family member who experiences the loss of a Christian loved one.
It might sound like this:
“I know it is so hard to lose someone we love so unexpectedly. Here’s what has helped me. God reminded me that death is only a temporary separation because he has promised that all who believe in him will live forever in heaven. I’m sad and miss my loved one, but what comforts my heart is that I will get to see them again.”
And…you’ve just shared your faith.
Because you took what God has given to you and shared it with someone else.
Apply: What experience with God has been a blessing to you? Do you know someone who is going through a similar circumstance? How might you share that encounter with them?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me so many blessings of grace! Help me to receive them with gratitude, but also with the ability to share them with others. AMEN.