'love' Tagged Posts (Page 8)
Daily Devotions
She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.” vs. 18 Acts 16:16-24 In the Roman world, slavery was a way of life. Paul likely encountered the practice everywhere he went–in fact, as he preached and his words were taken to heart, slaves listened too and some became a part…
Daily Devotions
Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’” vs. 23 John 14:23-24 It’s obvious from the gospel of John that loving Jesus is synonymous with loving others in the same way that he poured out his sacrificial love on us. Most of us have discovered, however, that his commandment is easier said than done. We tend to have the…
Daily Devotions
On either side of the river [of life] is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” vs. 2 Revelation 22:1-5 As he describes the river of life that flows through the holy city of his vision, John puts his finger on a truth that many will find compelling. Along its banks grows the tree of life, which not only…
Daily Devotions
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” vs. 34 John 13:31-35 It’s back to basics today. Jesus was leaving the disciples and he knew they would miss him–he wouldn’t be teaching or guiding them any longer, and they would struggle to know what to do. So he makes his final instruction as plain as he possibly could and his words have echoed through the…
Daily Devotions
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” vs. 1 Revelation 21:1-4 Events of the past months have reawakened the fear of atomic war in the hearts of people. It seems that even in these “enlightened” times there are those who would willingly wreak havoc and destruction on their fellow human beings. Some believe that as weapons become more deadly, life…
Daily Devotions
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.” vss. 1-2 Psalm 67:1-2 The psalmist believed that if the Lord would continue to be gracious to Israel and shower blessings on the people, it would be a witness to the nations of God’s favor. Perhaps, he reasoned, they would be so impressed that they too would begin to…
Daily Devotions
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.” vs. 36 Acts 9:36-39 Women have always played an integral part in the mission of Christ. Luke even names the ones who traveled with the little troop of disciples that surrounded Jesus during his Galilean ministry–some of them provided much needed financial support. They were present at the crucifixion and were the first to…
Daily Devotions
But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” vs. 11 Luke 24:1-12 The gospels indicate that when the women returned from the tomb with their report of a missing body and an angelic message, the male disciples did not believe them. And we can understand that! The story defies logic and seems irrational. Experience tells us that death is the ultimate ending and that there is nothing beyond it. But like Peter, having…
Daily Devotions
Maundy Thursday For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you… If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” vss. 15, 17 John 13:1-17, 31b-34 According to John, Jesus used his last evening with his disciples to demonstrate how they ought to live. Since he had washed their feet they were to wash one another’s feet, not just in a literal sense, but by adopting the role…
Daily Devotions
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” vs. 9 Psalm 71:1-14 Some things never change! Even in the time of the psalmist, more than 2500 years ago, people had a fear of growing old. That fear stems not so much from the aches, pains, and muscle weakness that comes from aging, but the alienation and loneliness that can be almost more than our spirits can bear. Physical…
Daily Devotions
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’’ vs. 12 Luke 4:9-14 Jesus had already received affirmation of God’s love following his baptism. It was an experience that he could never forget–and now a voice was telling him to ask for more, just in case he’d misunderstood the first time. We know what that’s like. As humans it’s never enough to be told something once, and if our lover has said “You’re…
Daily Devotions
because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” vs. 9 Romans 10:8b-13 In his effort to help the Romans understand that salvation is by God’s grace Paul describes what happens as a person comes to faith. It’s really simple, a matter of confession and belief–nothing more is required. And everyone is included, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Unfortunately…