Monday, December 22 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16) The Biblical definition of love is this: A selfless, sacrificial, and active commitment to the well-being of others. That’s too hard for any of us to be, under our own power. But that’s the standard. Because of Christmas, all of us now have the example to follow. So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Tuesday, December 23 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23) Living your life “in The Spirit and in truth” means that this is the filter through which your entire life will pass. These are the two fundamental foundational pieces of being a follower of Jesus. This is also a choice. You’re free to disregard, but at what cost? So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Wednesday, December 24 – “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14) My dad, before he died, would occasionally ask me if he could know that he was saved? Sadly, I never answered him with the childlike simplicity of this verse. Not that I’m shoulding on myself, but I wish I had simply told him that he knows that he’s saved, because of his love. So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Merry Christmas – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) In the Band Aid smash hit of Christmas 1984 this line rings out in the chorus: “The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life.” Today, think about it, your life is the greatest gift that you’ve ever been given. Your question is now this: “How will I live this life, that I’ve been given?” How about giving the world the gift of love? Looking to Jesus as your example.
Friday, December 26 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) Have you ever had to present yourself as a part of another entity, like a company? Maybe in customer service or sales? Then you know what it’s like to have to be someone, in spite of what’s happening around you or even to you. You deal with people differently as a representative of another entity, like a company. Well, as a follower of Jesus, you’re now a representative of God. So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Saturday, December 27 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Why all this focus on looking to Jesus as our example of how to love? Well, today you’re able to be real with yourself, with God and with others because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Nothing can separate you from the love of God, that’s yours in Jesus. Not even the worst sin that you could ever think of. Nothing you do or don’t do, will ever change the love of God.
Tuesday, December 23 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23) Living your life “in The Spirit and in truth” means that this is the filter through which your entire life will pass. These are the two fundamental foundational pieces of being a follower of Jesus. This is also a choice. You’re free to disregard, but at what cost? So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Wednesday, December 24 – “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14) My dad, before he died, would occasionally ask me if he could know that he was saved? Sadly, I never answered him with the childlike simplicity of this verse. Not that I’m shoulding on myself, but I wish I had simply told him that he knows that he’s saved, because of his love. So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Merry Christmas – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) In the Band Aid smash hit of Christmas 1984 this line rings out in the chorus: “The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life.” Today, think about it, your life is the greatest gift that you’ve ever been given. Your question is now this: “How will I live this life, that I’ve been given?” How about giving the world the gift of love? Looking to Jesus as your example.
Friday, December 26 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) Have you ever had to present yourself as a part of another entity, like a company? Maybe in customer service or sales? Then you know what it’s like to have to be someone, in spite of what’s happening around you or even to you. You deal with people differently as a representative of another entity, like a company. Well, as a follower of Jesus, you’re now a representative of God. So, give the world a gift this coming year, love. Looking to Jesus as your example.
Saturday, December 27 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Why all this focus on looking to Jesus as our example of how to love? Well, today you’re able to be real with yourself, with God and with others because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Nothing can separate you from the love of God, that’s yours in Jesus. Not even the worst sin that you could ever think of. Nothing you do or don’t do, will ever change the love of God.
You try to eat right. You drink plenty of water. you exercise. don't forget your spirit - feed it!
daily devotions
