November 12: 1 John 4:7-12
Key Verse: 1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Devotion:
How do you show love to others? If, like me, you loved to hug people, this year has been very difficult because of the pandemic and not being able to mix with people, never mind hugging them! But love goes a whole lot deeper that a hug or a kiss, love is at the centre of your being and you have to be the one who allows others to see into yourself.
We know from the scriptures Jesus encouraged us to be like lights shining on hills rather than hiding behind bushes and so should it be with our love. Love is no good if it is going to be hidden from others, it has to be shared openly and willingly. This love we have within us was given to us from God for the good of everyone; it is something we live with and need in our lives.
God showed His extraordinary love for us by allowing His Son to come and live amongst us and share that love with people in amazing and miraculous ways. Jesus then showed even more love by taking the blame for our wrong-doings and permanently nailing it to the tree when He died for us. Even our scriptures remind us there is no greater love than a person laying down their life for others.
God has shown us the way through His scripture. Jesus came and demonstrated the way through His actions. He now asks each one of us to continue this string of love by always sharing it with others. None of us have seen God the Father because none of us are in Heaven yet, not counting the people who have already died and are enjoying eternal life in Heaven already; but we can live out the love on earth before we get to Heaven by sharing and caring.
Points to Ponder:
How do you show your love to others?
What will you do differently today to demonstrate love?
November 11: Psalm 86:14-17
Key Verse: Psalm 86:15
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Devotion:
What goes through your mind when people attack or abuse you for seemingly no reason? I’m sure we have all faced some opposition to what we do as Christians, but when people attack you because they don’t know what you are trying to do, it can get very disheartening. Jesus wants us to know we have a friend in Him who is standing with us and defending us at every opportunity!
It is easy to attack back when we are attacked, but this is not what God is trying to teach us. He knows we are going to face opposition and knows we are going to find it hard – but if we are willing to call on Him for support and trust Him with that support, we can get through so much more.
Unlike our short fuses which get tried over and over again, God has compassion and grace which extends far beyond our means and our minds. He will not get angry with us just because we slip up and do something wrong. He will not condemn us just because we tripped up. God’s love for us means we can still make mistakes and know He is going to continue loving for us and caring for us!
We long to see positive action being taken when we go out to do something for God. We love to see some rewards for what we do... because that is what we are like. God longs to see us do things for Him too, but He will never hold it against us when we fail to live up to righteousness goals. Always be on the watch for the things God does in your life because He is doing amazing things all the time!
Points to Ponder:
Do you live life for the rewards?
Will you humble yourself and live for God?
November 10: Luke 22:35-38
Key Verse: Luke 22:36
He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Devotion:
How many times have you stopped what you were doing because you saw someone else doing what you were trying to achieve? How many times have you stopped just because the going got a bit tough for you? If we are brutally honest, we have all thrown in the towel at some stage in our lives just because it got a bit difficult or it looked like someone else was doing it better!
Jesus knew what lay ahead for the next few hours and days, yet He continued to press forward doing everything which was required so we could enjoy the gift He was giving us! Jesus knew a sword would be needed to complete His work and He wanted to make sure they had a sword at hand. He did not promise a smooth ride all the way. He did not promise an easy life for the disciples. But He gave them hope to look forward to!
I am writing this just as the news is breaking about a viable vaccine being available to help against Coronavirus! We are being given hope, but even with that hope we are still a long way off being ‘safe’ because we are facing terrible times ahead until such time as the vaccine is made available to everyone. There will still be heartbreak and sorry as people continue to die and be adversely affected by the virus – but we have hope!
Jesus had to be counted as a rebel, as a villain, as someone who was working against the country in order for Him to be hung on the cross for our cause. He knew what lay ahead, but knew He had to endure so we could have hope. Just as we were talking about people in the wars and conflicts before us laying down their lives for our sake, so too are we called to lay down our pride and desires to give others hope in Christ!
Points to Ponder:
How often do you focus on other's needs?
Will you set aside your desires for someone else's needs today?
November 9: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:6
The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Devotion:
How good is your country at serving justice? Unlike tyranny, justice works for the good of the country and its people, not for the good of a single leader! The people who do the work should be the people who are rewarded for what they contribute toward the good of others. Individual reward should be given when it is due, not because the few have the positions which have titles to them...
Jesus did not come down as a God who did everything His own way, or as an all-powerful God who wanted complete control over everything. Instead, He humbled Himself before mankind to show His utter love for us. He gave His life for us so that we could be free. The United Kingdom has just celebrated a Remembrance Day with a big difference because the crowds were not there due to the Covid pandemic. We remembered all those who humbled themselves before their country and gave their lives so we could live.
We should never forget what they have done, just as we never forget what Christ has done for us. These are the people who deserve the reward, not the people who govern with iron fists or guns...
I used to live on the edge of a farmer's field where I would see farmers working long and hard hours, even into the small hours of the morning if that was what was needed. They did this because they wanted to, and they knew what was best to deliver the best crops every year.
Everyone can reach out to others in a humble and loving way; if we try!
Points to Ponder:
Are you reaching out to people?
Will you step forward and offer help to someone today?