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.
— 1 John 4:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Love is an action. The Bible stresses this truth again and again. Love must not only be spoken, it must also be shown. The beginning of love is God. He showed his love in the most sacrificial of ways so we could know our incredible value to him. The price of our adoption was the emptying of heaven of its greatest treasure, God the Son, who is our Savior.
My Prayer...
Loving Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. I can never thank you enough or repay you for your kindness, but please receive the service of my life as my ongoing thanksgiving for your grace and my small way of trying to share the love you have given me. Through my Brother and my Ransom I pray. Amen.
Thank you for:
- Sunshine
- a gym at my apartment so I can be motivated to work out
- catching up with life long friends
- people who can relate to my struggles
- love of friends
- support in difficult times
- time away, to realize what is important
- a new day, to learn from my past mistakes
- the avenue of prayer (I love to see God working!)
- Fridays and the weekend to recoup!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
— Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Some things are just not very complicated. Living for Jesus can be boiled down to two principles: love God with everything I am and have and love others and treat them like I would like to be treated. Not too hard to understand. I guess it's the living it that is the challenge!
My Prayer...
O Living and only True God, please accept the work of my hands, the words of my mouth, the moments of my rest, and the love of my heart as my worship to you this day. I pray that these are pleasing and refreshing to you. In the name of your Son, my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- days that I don't wake up with a headache
- being able to talk about scriptures over dinner (what a great conversation!)
- Spring and Summer are season, I can look forward too!
- seeing people smile!
- opportunities to love on those in need
- God always working when I least expect him to do something amazing!
We love because [God] first loved us.
— 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
It's all very simple. God is love. He is love's origin, example, and architect. I love because he loved me first. I know how to love because he has demonstrated it. I can love because he made me in his likeness and to share his character. He is the fountain, the motivation, and the pinnacle of love. I love because he does, first, last, and always.
My Prayer...
God of comfort, thank you for comforting me with your love. Just as a child learns from parents how to do so many things, I want to learn to love as you do: sacrificially, selflessly, and submissively so that others may know that they do not have to earn your love, only receive it. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today:
I am so thankful for God's love!!
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
— 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
What is there to fear since God sent his Son to die to redeem us? What is there to fear since we cannot be separated from the love God has for us in Christ Jesus? What is there to fear except ourselves, and God has poured his Spirit into our hearts to reassure us and strengthen us in our weakness! As we love God and his children, we are reminded of his love for us which is far better than our meager love for others. Rather than run from him in fear, we bow before him in thanks knowing that he who hears our prayers is also he who loves us and yearns to calm our fears.
My Prayer...
Loving Father, thank you that I can reverence you without fearing your wrath. Thank you that I can revere your word and yet not be terrified with my inadequacies. May your love in me produce a closer likeness to your holiness, righteousness, justice and mercy than all the laws, threats, and judges combined. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, who ransomed me from sin and poured out his love upon me. Amen.
Thankful for:
- a wonderful weekend enjoying the nice spring-like weather!
- not having to fear my inadequacies, when it comes to God
- time to spend with my niece and nephews
- a fellowship group of wonderful people, that brighten my day!
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
By Kutless
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
— 1 John 4:11-12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Can you imagine what an honor it is to have the Creator of the universe, the Lord God Almighty, living inside of you! But when we love each other, that is exactly what happens. When our hearts are full of love, there is room for God. When they are not full of love, we leave God little room to take up residence and produce his character in us. Let God complete his love in you. Make a commitment to do loving things for others today!
My Prayer...
Abba Father, it is so comforting to know that you are not far away - that I live in you and you live in me. Help me see others with your eyes and respond to their needs with your heart so that your love may be complete in me. In the name of Jesus, the Servant and Savior of all, I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the encouragement of friends
- great hugs
- 50 degree weather
- grateful the blessings I have that I take for granted
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Separation is something we fear whether it's separation from a child, a parent, a sibling, a spouse, a friend, or from God. Jesus endured separation from God by becoming a human and by going to the cross. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can know we won't have to ever be separated from God's love. He bore the separation so we would never have to fear it!
My Prayer...
Great Father of all peoples, thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me the promise that nothing can separate me from your love. Make me more aware of your accompanying presence in my life. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- weekends with friends and family
- sunshine and temperatures above 30!
- answered prayers for friends
- knowing the waiting will be worth it!
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
— Romans 8:35-37 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Conquerors! We win!! When you open up the final book of the Bible, Revelation, that is the message - Christians win because Jesus is the one true conqueror. No matter how the battle is going for you right now, remember that in the end, we win!
My Prayer...
El Shaddai, God Almighty, thank you for securing the ultimate victory for me by raising Jesus from the dead. I know he is coming with victory on the day you have determined, but I pray that I may live victoriously for you until that day. Through Jesus my conquering King I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful:
- I didn't oversleep for a meeting this morning
- for a good night's rest
- for a book that challenges me to wait on God (Satisfy My Thirsty Soul by Linda Dillow)
- for the sunshine!
- for new opportunities that God can use me
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. — 1 John 3:11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
The original message - love one another. The enduring message - love one another. The most convicting message - love one another. The most difficult message - love one another. I'm reminded of the little verse: To dwell above with saints we love, O that will be glory. But to dwell below with saints we know, now that's another story. But it's the story we're called to write with our lives! This is God's enduring message he wants demonstrated in his children. Let's go out and live it!
My Prayer...
Loving Father, I commit to you that I will intentionally show my love for your children in what I do and say. I do this trusting your grace to empower me to do more than I would do on my own. Through Jesus my Savior I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- phone calls to the people I love
- good reports at the doctor for my poppy
- my job
- the opportunity to wait on the Lord (can't wait to see what great plans he has for me!)
- encouraging words that God's light is being shown to those around us!
This is love: not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
He loved us first! He offered his Son to save us regardless of our decision to believe or ignore his grace. We are given the ability to accept or reject the death of his Son as the sacrifice for our sins. The only condition, as 1 John 2:1-2 emphasizes, is that we realize that he died for everyone else in the world, too!
My Prayer...
Precious King, God Almighty, why you should love me and send Jesus to die for me I will never fully understand. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your sacrifice for my sins. Thank you Jesus for coming to save me. I pray in your name and by your intercession. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- God's love
- flexible job, that allows you to come in late when the roads are bad
- weekends with friends
- reminders of how much I am loved by those around me
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. — 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Always love - pretty tall order and pretty tough stuff. Only God is always. But then Christians are fueled to an always love through the Holy Spirit! Elsewhere, Paul tells us that "The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Rom. 5:5) No wonder this love is always -- it is God's love, demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice, and delivered by the Holy Spirit!
My Prayer...
Sweet and Glorious God on High, I humble myself before you recognizing your boundless power to love, the incredible need for love in the lives of those around me, and my limited ability to love. Please pour your Holy Spirit into my heart and fill me with the power to love as you do, always. In Jesus' sweet name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- free lunches
- no snow on the ground or ice
- Fridays
- Evening with friends
- my granddad
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others as being valuable and not just placing value on me and my desires. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!" When "I" become more important than others and what "I" want and that "I" win is more significant than what someone else truly needs, then "I" have lost my way and do not display the love of Christ.
My Prayer...
Holy God and Sacrificial Father, teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the love of Christ
- the opportunity for God to change people ( like Paul)
- sunshine on a gloomy day
- the act of forgiveness
- the idea of pay it forward
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. — 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Love! In the week of Valentine's Day, we want to remember the real meaning of love. Without the motivation and expression of love, all "Christian" activities are more "activity" than Christian. Love is the expression of Christ's character and presence in our lives through deeds done for others. So don't get lost in the annual trip down sentimental lane. Too many of us forget the needed daily dose of love that so often gets lost in the grit of day-to-day relationships. Let's be loving year round and thus show ourselves to be Jesus' disciples. (cf. John 13:34-35)
My Prayer...
Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your demonstration of love in Jesus. Help me to love as he did - selflessly, sacrificially, and consistently so others may know of your love through my actions. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- positive attitudes - seeing the glass half full instead of half empty
- a great work out last night
- time with God to renew my thinking on life and refresh my attitude
- answered prayers
- people who show Christ to others everyday!
- songs that say exactly what I was thinking and trying to say (knowing someone can relate)
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. — 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Increase my faith, O, Lord." "Increase my strength." "Increase my wisdom." We often pray for these things, but when is the last time you thanked God for your love increasing? Can you think of anything more exciting to say about your church than to say, "The love every one of you has for each other is increasing!" Let's pray and act to make it so!
My Prayer...
Holy God, may your love so fill me that I can fully share love with those I meet each day. May this love grow and increase in me so that others may readily see its benefits and recognize that it is a direct response to the lavish love you have shared with me. Through the power of your Spirit, help my love increase! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- people who encouragement to me to be a better person
- increasing love between friends
- compliments that make hard work feel like it is paying off
- the four seasons (which is hard for me, since I want Spring to come now!)
- the birds that sing in the morning, reminding me that God has given me a new day!
[Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We often talk about the privileges of being a child of God -- forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory when Christ comes. One of the greatest privileges we get, however, is the opportunity to act toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the character of God himself. Anyone can return hate for hate, but it takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for his or her enemies.
My Prayer...
Father, thank you for loving me when I was still an enemy to you. Thank you for risking the death of your Son to offer me the chance to accept or reject your love. As you have promised, please pour your love into my heart so I may love even my enemies as you have loved me. In the name of your ultimate Gift of love, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Today I am thankful for:
- a wonderful day of worship on Sunday (what an awesome sermon)
- the power of pray and healing
- talking to Poppy on the phone (glad we can communicate, so far away from each other)
- my friend, Alicia and the friendship that keeps growing!
- a good nights rest
- tax season, when I don't have to pay anything in!
- a family that loves me
The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. — Psalm 33:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God is faithful. We can trust his promises to be kept and his purposes to be good. How do we know? The sunrise each morning is a reminder that the Father of heaven and earth is at work keeping his universe in working order. If it is true in nature, it is true in the spiritual realm as well. Greet each sunrise as a reminder of God's faithfulness.
My Prayer...
O Magnificent and Majestic Creator, I greet today as your gift and a reminder of your faithfulness. Each day the sun rises I anticipate the day you honor your promise to send your Son back to bring us home to you. Give me a keen sense today of your faithful presence. I pray this through him in whom all your promises find their fulfillment. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my friends and the good times we share! (I am so blessed)
- the gift of a new day
- the promises God gives me
- and for not having to worry whether, he will let me down or not - because I know he won't
- Saturdays to enjoy, me time - to reflect on how blessed I am and to refresh to be a better instrument of God!
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. — Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We sing it and we say it in our public prayers: "Father, God, we love you." But notice very carefully the beginning phrase of our verse. "I love you, O Lord..." Even in public, community worship, we are taught the importance of a personal expression of love to God. When is the last time you told the Creator of the universe, "I love you!"
My Prayer...
Father in heaven, I love you. I love you because you are more than worthy of my love. I love you because you have first loved me. I love you because you sent your son to be my big brother and pay the price for my adoption into your family. I love you because of your faithfulness. I love you because you have permitted me in your grace to love you. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- a new day
- the past being the past, it is the future that matters
- a good nights rest
- my sister, who's birthday is today
- the birds chirping in the morning, because it reminds me Spring is near
- a group of girl's I can study the Bible with
- the bridge that connects God and I - JESUS!
When anything in life brings pain,
Or anyone upsets my day,
If I can build a bridge to God
His peace will chase my fears away.
When problems leave me tense, unstrung,
And peace of mind cannot be found,
If I can build a bridge of faith,
He'll lift me up to higher ground.
If I can build a bridge of trust
To span the tensions of my day,
God's grace and understanding love
Will be a light upon my way.
No difficulty large or small,
Can come between my Lord and me
If I can build a bridge of prayer
To feel His presence constantly
Unknown
I don't like bridges, but when I think of bridges in this way - it makes me reconsider! I don't like man-made bridges, but love the ones God has provided for me to get to him.
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
— Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
So many things in our lives can be stolen away by natural disasters, aging, and death. Satan could be appropriately called "The Thief of Always." But God is immovable and "unstealable"! We can invest ourselves in him and know our spirits are secure in his care. He is a fortress and a refuge.
My Prayer...
O Great Rock of my salvation, thank you for being unchangeable and faithful. Thank you for being the source of security and future in a day of chaos and change. Thank you for being God. You are my God and in you I place my life, my hopes, and my future. May you be glorified in me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an unchanging God! I am so blessed!
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18, NIV
Thoughts from scripture...
"Talk is cheap!" "You can tell me with your words, but I'll show it with my life." "Put your life where your mouth is." We know the slogans; now let's love in truth. In a world where barter has replaced sacrificial and steadfast love, let's go against the grain and truly love in our words and actions.
My Prayer....
Sacrificial Father, I confess to you that at times I am selfish. Other times my intentions are good but my follow through and faithfulness are lacking. Use your Spirit to empower and enable me to be what I hope to become to your glory. May your love be seen in my actions of genuine concern today. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my parents safe trip to Nashville and back home
- the Gannon babies, being born and doing ok - in spite of their tininess
- a warm bed to go home too
- healing power of time
- encouragement from friends
- laughter
- sunshine on a cloudy day
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
So many times Satan seduces us into a flat, 2 dimensional Christianity - going to church and doing good deeds. But God calls us to a three dimensional faith. He wants us to love him with all of our being in all of our actions and with all of our might.
My Prayer...
Dear Heavenly Father, I honor you as God Almighty. I appreciate you for all your kindness and blessings lavished upon me. I love you because you first loved me in Jesus. My heart's desire today is to demonstrate my love for you in all I do, and love and say. Through Jesus. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- answered prayers
- safe drive to work in the snow/ ice
- kind people that help others, even when they don't know them
- time with my family this weekend
- friend's that will go out of their way to show you they care!