1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV — Do everything in love.

Today I want to reflect with you on my word of the year for 2023: “Love.” My verse of the year comes from 1 John 3:18-20 MSG titled: “When we practice real love.” In today’s key verse, we are instructed to do everything in love. As I look back on 2023, have I done this? Everything is hard to measure so let’s look at what isn’t love.

Comparison can devalue our own self-love. Selfish ambition, being so focused on our wants and desires, sometimes results in losing sight of loving others. Being prideful, the antonym for humility, could result in missing out on forgiveness and grace. Gossip, which spreads like fire, distorts the truth and hurts feelings. For the last 90 days this year, let’s pause and walk it out in our minds before we act. May we all be so full of God’s love that we overflow His love in all areas of our lives. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I finish 2023 strong, help me to do everything in love. Help me to stay humble and give grace. I desire to walk it out and filter through Your word and truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I am the bread of life.

It is easy for us to remember that Jesus is the bread of life if we already have a Christian faith base. Take time to think about those who don’t know Jesus or don’t believe in Him. A simple loaf of bread viewed by the world represents the broken body of Christ for Christians. If they only knew that Jesus died for everyone and how wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. 

Now take time to evaluate what others see when they look at you. Do they see Christ Jesus through you? What bread are you eating from? Are you getting nourished by Jesus or by the manna in this worldly life? In ‭‭John‬, Jesus shows us how our ancestors ate from the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. I encourage you to read the full chapter in John 6:25-71 and have the confidence that all we need to recall is five simple words. We have one life here on earth to live, let’s not waste it on worldly manna. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can experience a personal relationship with You here on Earth and a life of eternity in Heaven. I desire to eat from the bread of life so that others see You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway

1 John 4:19 NIV — We love because he first loved us.

What is muscle memory? According to Merriam-Webster, muscle memory is the ability to repeat a specific muscular movement with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition. Not only is this true for body movement but also driving, typing, and playing musical instruments. 

In today’s key verse, our love should come from the practice and repetition that we receive daily from God. Although we live in a fallen and sinful world with worldly influences, God’s love can conquer all. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we read all that love is. Is your love patient and kind? Is your love self-seeking? Do you find yourself easily angered? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me with my muscle memory this week as I memorize Your word. Help me to love as You have loved. Help me to love from a place of truth, full of grace and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

John 11:35 NIV — Jesus wept.

It was nice to hear from Deborah last week, encouraging us to finish the last 90 days of the year strong. This week I will be sharing some of the shortest verses in the Bible. Ray will make a memory verse card each day so that we can easily memorize God’s word. In today’s key verse, what caused Jesus to weep? I encourage you to take time to read the passage in John 11: 1-44 NIV, titled “The Death of Lazarus.”

When Lazarus, the brother to Mary and Martha dies, Jesus travels to the town of Bethany, where Lazarus lived. As Mary approached Jesus’ feet and wept, mourning the death of her brother, Jesus wept with her. Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead with the intention that all would believe in Him. This was His final miracle before His crucifixion. We can walk this earth knowing that Jesus weeps with us in our sorrows and rejoices with us in our joys. Take a moment to worship with “Jesus Cries” by Riley Clemmons.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to run to Your feet when I experience both joys and sorrows. As I study Your word this week, help me to be able to recall and recite Your word in times of need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway