Devotion
The God-Kind of Love
Chipo Biti
1 Corinthians 13 has always been the go-to portion of the Bible when it comes to defining God's kind of love. God's love far exceeds any other form of love that exists on earth. We often tend to think the love that is shown in books and romantic movies it the kind of love that matters the most. That love is often an inaccurate description of what love is meant to be. Love is not about the butterflies in the belly or the kisses at the end of the movie. The love that the media shows you is nothing compared to the love of God. Paul described God's love in these few lines but these words are powerful.
Love endures long. This means that love is patient beyond all human reasoning. When others choose to walk away, love chooses to remain and be kind. That is exactly what God did for us. He loved us and still loves us through everything - good, bad, and ugly.
Love is not envious and it is not vain. God put us before His interests many times. He could have chosen to protect his feelings by cutting us off, but he didn't. He could have programmed us to follow his every beck and call but He didn't do that either. He stuck to His promise of giving us the ability to choose - even if we chose against Him.
Prayer
Love is not meant to be about finding ways for you to benefit from other people. God did not redeem us to fulfill His selfish intentions. He saved us so that we would not have to go through the horrors and suffering of paying for our own sins. He did this because of His love for us.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity but always rejoices in the truth. God has always been truthful with His people, no matter what. He is for us and He corrects us when need be. Not only that but he has borne many things with us, believed in us, and always hoped for the best.
Where the words of man have failed, God's love has never failed.
It never has and it never will. We can always be confident of that.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
