July 2022 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for July 31, 2022 – Thanking God for others is not just a pleasure – it’s a MUST! And the clock is ticking!

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have broadsided you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This morning as I listened to the prayer requests offered on a Facebook livestream of my church’s worship service, I learned that a sweet friend died overnight. Joanne was the church nursery director when our children were toddlers. She adored all our kiddos – but Zola especially stole her heart. Later, Joanne worked in the kitchen at the local Senior Center, where Greg would see her most every week when he delivered Meals on Wheels. We knew Joanne had a heart condition – and that she had been sick and hospitalized some of that time for a virus and related complications. But I had exchanged messages with her just three days ago, and Joanne said she was slowly improving.

In our state newspaper, I read an editorial piece today that was written by a man whose daughter said “Goodbye” to a 60-year-old naval buddy in the Memphis airport and walked away. The writer said his daughter had turned to wave at her friend and oddly thought, “What if this is the last time I see John?” Minutes later, this friend collapsed at the gate and died of an apparent heart ailment.

Last night, a friend shared a video that I reposted where a man asks someone how often he sees his parents, who are in their 70s and live in another part of the state. The man replies that he visits one to three times a year. The interviewer then suggests, “If your parents live to be 78 and you see them twice a year, it means you are going to see them 16 more times. When you look at it that way, you’re like, ‘What?!’ You don’t have eight years with them, you have SIXTEEN times…and that’s the shift in my life and the way that I look at things.” This video was daunting and thought-provoking, to say the least!

As I read this passage today, I thought about all the people in my “circle.” I know from personal experience how fleeting and precarious life can be. I also know that right now, there are people in this world that I am finding very hard to love for one reason or another. Many have demonstrated hateful attitudes and offered unkind words and actions. Some are trying to deceive others…behaving selfishly…and making decisions that cause hardship and heartache for many. Still…God loves each of these folks as much as He loves me and you…and I am called to love them, too.

Moreover, I am called to thank God for these people. When I pray, I cannot ask God to be selective in His love and care. I am told to thank Him for every person…to ask God to meet him/her in each moment of their lives…and to do all the sorting and sifting as He deems necessary. It is not up to me to decide who is faithful or obedient. I am simply called to love them. And the clock is ticking. How many more opportunities do you and I have to serve as Christ’s disciples to any given person or situation? How many more prayers will we offer? How many more times will we be able to love someone as Christ loves us? We don’t have a minute to waste!

”LORD, this day, I thank You for all You do…and for all of Your children. I ask You to meet their every need according to Your perfect will. I pray for the families of those who are sick and suffering. I pray for those who have struck off on their own course and are operating outside of Your directives. I pray that You will touch their hearts and minds…and that they will find their way back to a life of love and faithful obedience. I pray that we will use every minute we have left on this earth for Your glory – and that we will always share the love and Good News of Jesus with all we encounter. Amen!”

Daily Devotional for July 30, 2022 – You know the drill…love each other with the love of Christ

2 John 1:5
Dear friend, I am not writing to tell you and your children to do something you have not done before. I am writing to tell you to love each other, which is the first thing you were told to do.

Nathan is visiting us for a sleepover. Yesterday, we celebrated his 10th birthday a few days early. Next week, our niece will begin the “school routine” and get her children back on a sleep schedule in preparation to go to bed and get up early when school resumes in less than 20 days. Of course, the kids are not thrilled about this schedule, but it’s nothing new for them…they understand how and why these things work!

During our “birthday lunch,” Nathan wore a cone-shaped party hat. One of the children asked how long we have had the hat. We could not remember…so Nathan and I checked. The hat first appeared in 2017. Each child wears this hat at his/her birthday party…and they actually expect to do so. In fact, yesterday, the older siblings reminded Nathan to “put on your hat before you open presents!” The hat is showing a little wear, and we wondered aloud how many more years the children will wear it on their birthdays.

Someday, school sleep schedules will be traded for different agendas as the children grow up and have families of their own. And I suspect that someday, they will stop wearing the birthday hat. These are exercises and traditions that can reasonably have a “shelf life.” But the command of Jesus Christ to love each other is perpetual…even eternal! This command never changes, wears out, or goes out of style. We do not outgrow the directive of Jesus to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are never to stop loving all others, just as Christ loves us.

Our kids “know the drill.” They don the birthday hat without fanfare. They know other “rules” that must be followed at home – and at our house. They will adjust to the school sleep schedule and get back in the groove in no time. You and I “know the drill” with Jesus, too, don’t we? His command has never wavered or grown stale. We are to love each other…today, tomorrow, and forever. Let’s “put on the hat” and get to it! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 29, 2022 – Stand for the truths of Jesus, or you’ll fall for anything – and always love one another warmly

2 Corinthians 13:8-9; 11-13
All we can do is to follow the truth and not fight against it. Even though we are weak, we are glad that you are strong, and we pray you will do even better.

Goodbye, my friends. Do better and pay attention to what I have said. Try to get along and live peacefully with each other.

Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you. Give each other a warm greeting. All God’s people send greetings. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with His love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

“It is easier to fall for anything than to stand for something.” – 1926 May 27, State Center Enterprise Church Announcements: Methodist Mention*

Shortly before Greg and I married in 1974, my dad sat me down one day and said, “Life will go a whole lot better if you just go along with things.” In other words, he was advising me to “go along to get along” in my marriage. I loved my dad, and I know what he was trying to accomplish – and that he meant well. But this was truly some of the worst advice I was ever given!

There are times when we simply must stand up for what we know to be right and true, even when the cost is high. Too often, we sit back and let situations evolve – or fester – and our inaction and failure to respond speaks volumes. People assume that we agree with their ideas and actions. They view our silence as an endorsement. Often, because no one said anything, situations escalated to a point where they never should have gotten. Moreover, our failure to stand up and speak out demonstrates that we do not trust the Holy Spirit to guide and guard us. We lack faith that Jesus will make a way where we see none.

We are called to love one another – and to get along. But we are also commanded to seek the truth and will of Jesus Christ. This is going to require work on the part of each of us. Don’t just take someone else’s word for this…ask Jesus what He wants you to know – and how He wants you to proceed. Jesus calls on each of us to share His truth, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, redemption, and inclusion with all we encounter. We are to be kind and loving toward everyone – and yes, there are times where we are to carefully compromise – but we are to always to represent Jesus’ teachings and commands with every word and action.

Almost 48 years later, I can tell you that marriage is a two-way street…and going along to get along is not always a good path to take! I don’t think my dad followed his own advice – or truly believed it. He wanted me to be happy, and he thought this suggestion would be helpful toward that end. Nobody with a lick of sense ever claimed that marriage is easy – or that a life of faithful obedience to Jesus Christ would be without difficulties and dissension at times. But oh, what a glorious life I have had – both in my marriage AND as a follower of Jesus. I wouldn’t trade either relationship for anything under the sun!

Listen to the words of Paul and take them to heart. Stand up for what you know to be the truths of Christ Jesus. Love all others with kindness, and treat them warmly as the precious children God created them to be. Don’t follow the crowd…or fall for subtle schemes and deceptions intended to lure you into a false sense of security and down the wrong path. Work to join ALL hearts together in Christ Jesus…and to always live in His peace. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

*Quote Page 1, Column 4, State Center, Iowa (Newspaper Archive)

Daily Devotional for July 28, 2022 – The whole point is Christ’s love…stop trying to make it about anything else!

1 Timothy 5:5-7
The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into dead ends of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven’t the remotest idea of what they’re holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Jesus didn’t build his following by telling people how much they needed to fear, hate, and eliminate a particular group of others. We Christians shouldn’t follow any earthly leaders who do that, either. – Rev. Benjamin Cremer

A childhood friend (who is an ordained minister) shared this quote today on Facebook. When I read Paul’s words to Timothy, I immediately thought of the quote. A lot of people are operating in the characteristics outlined by Paul and Rev. Cremer…self-interest and counterfeit faith, fear, hate, and exclusion. Many are listening to trusted “experts” or people considered to have great faith and understanding of Christian principles. What we often fail to recognize is that we are all human – and thereby fallible. And the devil is ready, eager and able to prey on our fragile egos to serve his purposes and thwart our efforts to love others with the pure and genuine love of Christ Jesus.

It is human nature to want answers. We want the doctor to tell us what ails us – and how to cure it quickly and completely. We want to believe that teachers, coaches and leaders have our best interests at heart and will always tell us the truth and steer us in the right direction. We certainly want to believe that our pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, deacons, elders, missionaries, and others in ministry have not only been anointed and ordained by God, but always speak and act with prayerful conviction and confidence.

Paul reminds us to always do a “reality check” to make sure that what we are hearing and seeing is offered in uncontaminated love. He calls on us to make sure that those who speak into our lives with the supposed authority of Christ Jesus truly are listening for His voice and following His commands. More importantly, Paul suggests that we cultivate a relationship with Jesus for ourselves, so that we know when we are operating in His love and not our own selfishness or a counterfeit faith.

One of my favorite walking routes is a simple .8-mile loop in our neighborhood. Some would consider this to be boring, as I circle the same loop repeatedly. And I get that. But when I turn on my Contemporary Christian music playlist and head out , I find that all outside influences disappear, and I fill my heart and mind with the love of Jesus. As I put one foot in front of the other, I focus on Jesus’ unconditional love for me and all others. I listen to the words of the songs as they speak of hope, promise, love, healing, and redemption for everyone. I join in on choruses about someday meeting the saints of the ages sitting with all believers at the feet of the One who loved us enough to sacrifice everything so that we can enjoy such an undeserved privilege.

My prayer today is that I would never speak or act with anything but love for others. I pray that I never place my own selfish desires or attitudes above the love and will of Christ Jesus. I pray that I would stay awake and alert to the truth…and that as much as I respect the opinions of others, I understand that even our “leaders” are imperfect human beings, as am I. My prayer for all of us is that we would shut out the influences of the world and immerse ourselves in the love and commands of Jesus Christ. I pray that we would seek His word and will in all matters, and that we would trust Him to give us courage and confidence as we step out in faithful obedience to Him.

You and I have the incredible favor of a direct relationship with Jesus Christ. We can go straight to the Source on all matters – and at any time. Call on Jesus to guide and guard your heart. Ask Him to show you His truth – and to help you love all others at all times, for His glory. Alleluia.

Daily Devotional for July 27, 2022 – Get up and get going – and be gentle and kind as you encourage others with the love of Christ

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

A few weeks ago, I began to follow videos I saw on Facebook from a woman named Ophelia Nichols, who lives outside Mobile, Alabama. This 40-something woman has a compelling story of growing up with a loving father who died when she was 13, and a mother who was verbally abusive and cruel. Nichols, who is a TikTok sensation known as “Mama Tot” is the mother to four children of her own and has been married for 16 years to a man she refers to as “Poppa Tot,” who she says loves her unconditionally. She calls her followers, “my little Tater Tots.”

Nichols’ language is flowery, southern, and “she cusses a little” from time to time. But her message is one of hope and courage. She has become a “cheerleader” to so many who are struggling in a myriad of ways. Many of her daily “reels” show her sitting down outside with a plate lunch – a sandwich, chips and a drink, perhaps – and she will say, “Hey, my little Tater Tots…have you eaten today? Let’s eat together.” Other days, she will walk up to the camera and say, “I know you’re having a hard day, but it’s going to be alright. We’ll get through it together. I care about you!”

On June 24th, Ophelia Nichols’ youngest child, 18-year-old Randon Lee, was shot and killed at a gas station near Mobile – one day before his 19th birthday. Nichols has been forthcoming that her child was murdered while making a marijuana sale. She acknowledges that she and her husband had done everything as parents to try to steer her son down a different path. Nichols hastens to add that while her son was doing something he shouldn’t, nobody deserves to be shot dead over such things. In the days after Randon Lee’s murder, people around the world rallied around “Mama Tot” to try and help her get back on her feet. They encouraged her, and truly lifted her entire family, with prayers, words of encouragement, cards, gifts and monetary donations to get through the first horrific weeks of this tragedy.

The first few videos that Nichols made after her son’s murder were raw and gut-wrenching. The heartbreak, frustration and anger were palpable from this mother. And she didn’t try to hide her feelings from the public. She also vowed to never stop living and loving – and to use what has been given to her to help others and finance outreaches for many people and groups. Today, “Mama Tot” created a video in which she gently admonished viewers, “What are you doing still lying in that bed? Get up and get going.” She added that if she can get up and get dressed each day, surely others can! She openly admitted that she had “only cried once today” – and she declared this to be a huge victory. And then she went on to offer words of hope, promise and encouragement to anyone who might be struggling to simply get out of bed.

I share this story to tell you that the words of Paul to the Thessalonians apply to you and me and make us all “Mama Tots” in some way. We are to be kind and gentle with others. We are to use whatever vehicle is at our disposal to share hope and encouragement with others. You may not be a fan of social media, but there are plenty of other opportunities to reach out to people with the love of Christ. And in this season of such hatred and divisiveness, this passage reminds us never to be hateful – even when others are hateful toward us. Paul suggests that we “be good to one another.” A dear friend of mine once advised me to “Kill ‘em with kindness!”

Let this be a reminder to us to think before we speak or act. Let us carefully choose our words and actions, so that we never offer another person hatred or unkindness. People are watching. They not only notice what we say and do – they notice how we say and do things. Make sure that your words and actions reflect the love of Jesus Christ…toward all the “Tater Tots” of the world.

“Mama Tot” Ophelia Nichols notes frequently that somebody somewhere needs to know that they are seen, heard, and loved…and she has made it her mission to be the messenger. Who in your circle needs this same missive from you? As Nichols reminded viewers today, get up and get going…and make the best of this day. Then get up and do it again tomorrow. Always do all you can to love and encourage others, to the glory of Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 26, 2022 – “Stars in My Crown”…lessons from an old movie on building a community of faith – and loving all others

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Last night, Greg and I watched Stars in My Crown*, a western/drama produced in 1950, that featured life after the Civil War in a small fictional southern town. Based on a novel of the same name, written in 1947 by Joe David Brown, the story centers around Josiah Gray (played by Joel McCrea). You are likely to recognize many other actors in this little film that went on to have stellar careers and become part of our movie/television landscape. “Parson Gray” comes to the little town of Walesburg to bring “religion” to the residents. The parson wins over the local citizenry with kindness and confidence – and on a rare occasion early in the story – by wielding his guns to get the attention of a group of unruly men in a local saloon. Most of the time, he gently encourages others to come to church, read their Bibles, and trust God…all while serving as a consistent example of living in Christian faith and obedience.

In a twist that was quite timely and relevant, the community of Walesburg is hit by an outbreak of Typhoid Fever – including the “son” of the parson and his wife. Several children and the schoolmarm are stricken – and some die. The young doctor of the town is at odds with the parson, particularly over matters of faith and healing. He convincingly suggests that the parson’s visits to sick children is spreading the disease, and the parson begins to question his ministry and discipleship. For a time, the parson isolates at home and allows the negative talk of others to challenge his faithfulness. Ultimately, the source of the fever is traced to a well at the school – the supply of drinking water for the teacher and students. And the parson’s prayers, presence and encouraging words are once again welcomed.

The other story line of this movie features a freed slave, “Uncle Famous,” who is physically, mentally, and emotionally berated and pressured by greedy white men who want to take his land for their own financial gain, and because of personal hatred and bias. The parson stands up for “Uncle Famous” and ultimately points out to the townsmen how this man has been an integral and positive influence in their lives. He shows them the power of inclusion and clearly demonstrates that with God, no one is left out – or left behind.

If you have a chance, check out this sweet little movie for yourself. Meanwhile, consider this…you and I live in a “community” of faithful believers in Jesus Christ. How are we treating each other? How are we speaking and acting toward those on the fringe…and those who may not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Are we symbolically wearing the white robes and hoods who are threatening the very life and well-being of a man or woman who is unlike us in some way? Are we the young doctor who basically tells the parson that faith in God is not the answer – or at the very least, it’s not enough? Are we the people who are quick to point fingers and operate in fear – in a myriad of ways?

I truly wish life were as simplistic as the movie Stars in My Crown suggests. I do believe the truths portrayed there with regard to Christian faith and decency – and love toward all others (the parson even kindly indulges the performance of a traveling magician/snake oil salesman) – are relevant and real. You and I are called to live as if we are the faithful residents of the fictional town of Walesburg. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves…to be ready to step up and serve wherever and however God calls us…and to speak encouraging words to everyone as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In this movie, the parson’s favorite hymn is “Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?” The first verse says…

“I am thinking today of that beautiful land
I shall reach when the sun goeth down;
When through wonderful grace by my Saviour I stand,
Will there be any stars in my crown?”

It is time for us to live in such a way that we at least have the opportunity for stars in our crown. As Paul reminds the Thessalonians who may already be offering hope, encouragement, love and inclusion to others…“just keep on doing it!” Alleluia!

* Stars In My Crown

Daily Devotional for July 25, 2022 – You are God-taught to love one another. So GO! GO! GO!

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You’re already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

You may have seen a news report last week that contained video of a former teacher in North Carolina scaring a bear cub off her porch. While wildlife officers do not recommend that people try to interact with bears, this woman said she was not afraid and just wanted to protect her bird feeder. She said to the cub that was climbing her second-story porch rail, “You get down from there! Right now! Go! Go! Go! What do you think you’re doing on my porch? How dare you! I see you!” The bear looked sheepish as it backed down a support post and meandered through the yard.

This scripture passage could be Paul’s gentle way of saying to the Thessalonians – and us – “What do you think you’re doing? I see you! Stop fussing and fighting, criticizing and discriminating, and love one another! Get over yourselves. Go! Go! Go! You know what to do!” And he’s right! We do know…we just don’t always choose to do the right thing!

So hear the words of Paul and the teacher in North Carolina intertwined… “How dare you! You are God-taught to love one another. So GO! GO! GO! Keep it up and get better and better at it! Just love one another!” Alleluia, and Amen!

Daily Devotional for July 24, 2022 – Spread the word…a Heavenly reunion is in the works, and all are invited!

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they’ll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God’s trumpet blast! He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

My husband’s high school class is planning a reunion to celebrate 50 years since their graduation. A committee was formed to plan the events, and efforts are underway to organize several activities for those who will gather. The weekend of festivities will culminate with a party at the home of one of the classmates, and efforts are underway to locate every classmate, so that all are included and given the opportunity to attend. At some point, I am sure the organizers will send out a “schedule of events” on social media and via e-mail, so that everyone is well informed. The word has gone out from the organizers…“We hope to see you there!”

Paul is reassuring the Thessalonians (and us by default) that we are invited to the ultimate Heavenly “party!” While we do not know the exact hour of Jesus’ return, Paul has somewhat explained the schedule of events. The dead who professed faith in Jesus Christ and served as His disciples will be gathered first, and the believers who are still alive on earth will join them. No preferential treatment will be given…Paul tells us this will be “one huge family reunion with the Master!” This is THE party you and I do not want to miss!

There is a lot of “information” in this passage. Paul tells us the reunion will be “huge.” This indicates that there is room for everyone. He also tells us to reassure one another with these words. If we “read between the lines,” Paul is also calling on us to spread the Good News of Jesus…to invite everyone we meet to become His follower. Paul is calling on each of us to live in a way that makes all we encounter want to get in on this “New Life in Christ Jesus” and to experience His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and inclusion – and to be invited to the Heavenly celebration!

When I think of Heaven and meeting Jesus face-to-face, I also think of the glorious reunion with family and friends who have gone ahead of me. I think of meeting ancestors I never knew…of connecting and reconnecting with so many faithful servants and meeting so many saints from ages past. I also giggle a little when I think about how shocked some are going to be to discover who else has been welcomed into Heaven! Paul reminded us that the Master is coming to get all who have called on His name! So let this be a reminder and a reassurance to you that we are to live and love as Christ loves us…with anticipation of the great day when He will call our name and show us to our seat at the table for the big, glorious reunion. I can almost hear the Archangel’s thunder and God’s trumpet blast now. I pray that I will see you there! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 23, 2022 – Does your love for others grow and overflow?

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
And may the Lord make your love to grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love does toward you. This will result in your hearts being made strong, sinless, and holy by God our Father so that you may stand before him guiltless on that day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all those who belong to him.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Have you ever been frustrated with a child or a pet…then you walk through the room, and he/she is sleeping like an angel, and your heart just melts? I imagine this must be how Jesus feels toward you and me daily. And His love grows for us exponentially.

Here’s where this gets tricky for you and me. There are people in our lives we have grown to love over time…and perhaps that love has increased. It seems to me like I love my husband and my family members more every day, as if this is even possible. But there are people I have loved for a long time who have disappointed me in some manner…and I have got to admit, I find it hard to love some of them as I once did. I still love them…just differently and with an air of caution.

God wants us to trust Him and let our love overflow even toward those who have hurt us in some way. I will readily admit that I must ask God daily to help me love certain people with “love that overflows.” I try to remind myself how much He loves them…and that if I want God to love me with a love that grows and overflows, I must offer this same “agape” to all others.

Our goal should always be to grow strong, sinless and holy by the power of God our Father, so that just as Paul reminds the Thessalonians, we “stand before Him guiltless” when we meet Jesus face to face. In order to accomplish this, we not only have to surrender our sins to Christ…we have to love as He loves toward everyone else. I still have a lot of work to do, but I will keep trying. What about you?

Daily Devotional for July 22, 2022 – We agreed to serve Jesus – it’s time for a “disciple checkup!”

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Last night, the 9th Congressional hearing regarding the attack at our capitol on January 6, 2021, was held. Over and again, witnesses and interviewers alike spoke of taking an oath to defend and protect our country against all enemies – both foreign and domestic. When you and I surrendered our sins to Jesus Christ, we took an oath to serve Him and follow His commands. As we invited the Holy Spirit to dwell within our hearts and minds, we made a covenant to listen to His will and way – and to serve with faithful obedience.

In other words, when we became redeemed, born-again Christians, we committed to keeping the commands of Jesus Christ. So we agreed to love one another. We agreed to love others as Jesus loves us. We agreed to share the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, and promises of Jesus Christ with everyone we encountered. As Paul points out in his letter to the Thessalonians, God put His hand on us for something special. These were not just words…there was a transformation that was supposed to occur.

This is a call for each of us to search our hearts and ensure that when we surrendered to Jesus, we fully committed to serving Him. Are we truly speaking and acting with love for all others…with steeled convictions to obey Jesus Christ with every breath? Are we really “all in” with Jesus and doing everything we can to demonstrate that God’s hand is on us for something special?

People are watching. They see how you speak and act while claiming the name of Jesus. Are you leading others toward the cross…or away from it? Are you fully transformed and serving with steel in your convictions? Are you loving others as Christ commands? When your name comes to mind, what do people think…and who do they see?

We’ve made a covenant to love Jesus and follow His commands. It’s time for a “Disciple checkup!” Alleluia!

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