1 John

May 16th – 1 John 3:2-3

1 John 3:2-3

As followers of Jesus, we find our blessed assurance in the hope of His return. And although the future may be shrouded in mystery, we are confident that when Christ appears, we will be transformed to be like just like Him. How exciting and humbling it is to wonder what our new name will be, how we will look, and where we will dwell in His glorious kingdom and presence. Therefore let us purify ourselves just as the Lord is pure, as we eagerly await His coming. May our hearts overflow with anticipation and joy, knowing that the day will come when we shall see Him face to face. With each passing moment let us draw nearer to Him, embracing the sanctifying work of His Spirit within us. With eager anticipation and overflowing joy, let us prepare ourselves for that glorious day when we will dwell with our Lord forever. Filling our hearts with the radiant hope that sustains us through every trial and tribulation. For we know our ultimate destiny is to be united with Jesus in perfect harmony for all eternity.

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April 15th – 1 John 1:7

1 John 1:7

I love the quote by Dodi  Smith which says, “I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer.” There’s nothing better than a spring dawn overflowing with sunshine. So as the days grow longer and the light shines brighter, let us heed the call of John to walk in the light of Christ. For it’s in His radiance, we find guidance, clarity, and the path to righteousness. May we embrace His divine light, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. In fellowship with one another, let us share in the warmth of His love, strengthening and uplifting each other along the journey. And let us recognize the profound sacrifice of Jesus, as His blood cleanses us from all sin. Because it’s through His redemptive act that we find restoration, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. As we bask in the light of His grace, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and our spirits renewed with hope. Let us walk confidently in His light, knowing that in Him, we find true freedom and everlasting peace.

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February28th – 1 John 5:11

1 John 5:11

Have you ever stopped to think about the great depth of God’s love for you? He loves you so much, He wants to spend forever with you by His side. That’s why He spared nothing, not even His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to give us the gift of salvation. This precious gift, freely offered to all who will receive it, serves as an unending source of hope in a world ruled by the Enemy, and filled with uncertainty and fleeting pleasures. Through the sacrificial love of Jesus, we are granted the promise of everlasting life, a reality made possible by His redemptive work on the cross. As we reflect on this profound truth, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the immeasurable grace extended to us by our Heavenly Father. For It is through His love that we are reconciled to Him, adopted into His family, and granted the privilege of eternity in His presence. May we each us lift our voices in praise and adoration, proclaiming the wondrous gift of eternal life made possible through the unfailing love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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February 21st – 1 John 3:1

1 John 3:1

As Christians, we often find ourselves feeling out of place in this world. That’s because we follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is rejected by the world. This side of heaven is ruled by Satan, and so it operates according to self interest, materialism, and power. But our commitment to following Jesus means that we are called to live lives of love, humility, and selflessness. To be salt and light in a dark and broken world. This often means that we’ll face opposition or persecution for our beliefs. However, our citizenship is in heaven, and our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom, not the ways of this world. So our souls can resonate with joy as we embrace our identity as beloved children of the Most High, destined for greatness in His kingdom. In the shelter of His love, we find refuge from the storms of life. Because we are deeply valued and irrevocably cherished by our Heavenly Father. With every breath, we celebrate the privilege of being called His own, basking in the radiance of His love that knows no bounds.

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February 19th – 1 John 4:18

1 John 4:18

While we know that God’s perfect love has the power to cast out all fear, that doesn’t mean we won’t have times of feeling afraid. And those times don’t make us bad Christians, or mean we’ve failed God. Instead, they mean that we’re human. And all fall short daily. But in those times when fear and doubt creep in, we can find comfort knowing despite our fears, God’s love remains steadfast. Ready and able to cast out even the darkest of shadows and bring us back to a place of peace and security. In His embrace, fear is powerless, its grip loosened by the unwavering assurance of His presence. For where His love resides, there is no room for fear to dwell. Because it’s eclipsed by the brilliance of His grace. With each heartbeat synchronized to the rhythm of His love, we are emboldened to face the trials of life with unwavering courage. For He who is Love itself, walks beside us. And in the radiance of His perfect love, we find refuge, our hearts emboldened to embrace the journey ahead with faith and fortitude.

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February 5th – 1 John 4:7-8

1 John 4:7-8

We all know that actions speak louder than words. But in the case of Christians, both our words and our actions are to be living testimonies of love. The same love that God so generously and unconditionally shows us. Meaning our words should echo the compassion and grace of our Heavenly Father. Our conversations sprinkled with kindness, encouragement, and affirmation to uplift those around us. Likewise, our actions should mirror the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Meaning we should be the first to reach out, offering help to the needy and extending forgiveness to the brokenhearted. It’s through these expressions of love that others can experience the depth of God’s love for them. Because as we abide in God’s love, it overflows our hearts and minds. And we become channels of His divine love, radiating His light and warmth to a world in need. Let us, therefore, walk in love, following the example set forth by Christ. And shine brightly as beacons of God’s love in a world longing for His embrace.

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February 4th – 1 John 4:19

1 John 4:19

We are not born naturally loving and caring about others. Instead we enter this world selfish, sinful, and thinking about only ourselves. Love is a gift given and created by God who is love. And it is His amazing love, that awakens the love inside of us. A love we can only to show to others, because He first loved us. As we grasp the depth and magnitude of God’s unfailing love, a natural response emerges within us. To love Him in return Him with all of our heart, soul, and strength. And to show that love through our words, actions, obedience, and devotion to His will. Loving God in return isn’t just an obligation; it’s a joyful privilege. It’s a love that seeks intimacy with Him, yearning to dwell in His presence and abide in His love. As we respond to God’s love with love, our lives become a living testimony of His transformative power. One that draws others into a deeper relationship with Him. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to love God fervently. Knowing that He first loved us and continues to pour out His love upon us each day.

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January 16th – 1 John 4:18

1 John 4:18

Change isn’t easy. And facing the unknown is scary. But perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, acts as a shield against the fear of change. Because when we’re rooted in God’s unwavering love, we have all we need to embrace new beginnings without the anxiety that change often brings. With fear cast out, we have the courage needed for our journey of renewal and fresh starts. If each morning we surrender our day to God, we can embrace the freshness of the day without being stuck by the shackles of fear. And in the beauty of God’s perfect love, the prospect of a new beginning becomes not just a possibility but a reality to be embraced with faith and assurance. So as we step into uncharted territory, we can do so confidently. Because our path is illuminated by the radiant light of God’s perfect love, giving us the courage of a transformed and hopeful tomorrow. Courage to claim the promises of new beginnings that unfold when God’s love takes center stage in our hearts.

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December 5th – 1 John 4:9-10

1 John 4:9-10

Christmas at its core is a celebration of love incarnate. Love incarnate refers to the divine, boundless love of the Lord. The One who left His majestic throne in heaven, coming in human form, to bring salvation to the lost. In the quiet majesty of the manger, we encounter the profound truth that God’s love for us took on flesh. The birth of Jesus is the embodiment of sacrificial and transformative love. A wonderful and undeserved demonstration of our Father’s heart. As we exchange gifts, wish goodwill and peace to others, and practice kindness this holiday season, John calls us to reflect on the ultimate gift. God’s only Son, sent as an atoning sacrifice. A glorious gift overflowing with the boundless depth of God’s love. Christmas is a sacred reminder, in the incarnation of Jesus, we witness the purest form of love. One given not because we love Him, but because God loves us. A love not to be kept, but shared with others. Shining brightly in a world of darkness pointing the lost to saving light of the Lord.

 

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July 18th – Proverbs 9:10

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Author John Bevere wrote, “We cannot truly love God until we fear Him, nor can we properly fear Him until we love Him.” Love seems counterintuitive to fear. Especially when it comes to loving God. After all aren’t we told in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love casts out fear? And there’s no more perfect love than God’s. But far from meaning terror or dread, when the Bible speaks of the fear of the Lord it’s referring to a deep reverence and awe for who God is and all that He does. And a respect for the Ruler and Creator of all things due Him and no other. So fearing the Lord means submitting ourselves to His authority. And in doing so becoming open to receiving divine wisdom. Wisdom that keeps us grounded, humble, and receptive to learning from both the joys and challenges of life. The fear of the Lord encourages us to seek knowledge, insight, and spiritual growth. Which in turn leads to a deeper and wiser understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

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