1 John

February 4th – 1 John 4:19

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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

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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

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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

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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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May 27th – Luke 10:19

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Luke 10:19

I love the quote, “Give the devil his due, but don’t over pay him. ”Spiritual warfare is a serious business. But what many Christian’s fail to realize is that although the devil has power, he has no authority. As followers of Jesus, we have both power and authority over the enemy. That means the only dominion Satan has in our lives is what we give him. Oh he may throw opposition, adversity, and spiritual forces our way that seek to hinder our faith and well-being. However with the authority given by Jesus, we can stand firm and resist every attack. Think of how hard the Enemy pursued Jesus. Yet not once did the Lord give Satan victory. Not once did Christ fall for his lies. And we don’t have to either. Know who you belong to and who you are in Christ. Through Him we can do all things. Because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) And from the Lord’s greatness and authority, we can have peace, happiness, and joy, despite what the devil wants.

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May 20th – 1 John 2:17

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1 John 2:17

When we put our hope and faith into worldly things, we’ll end up disappointed every time. Because the desires and pursuits of the world are fleeting. Material possessions, earthly achievements, and worldly pleasures will eventually fade away. That’s why the only One who is worthy of our hope and faith is God. He will never forsake, abandon, nor disappoint us. His love, truth, and promises are forever. And when we seek His will above all else, we can have confidence in the hope of eternal life. The riches we want, the only ones that matter, are the ones we store up in heaven. And I can’t imagine anything of greater value than spending eternity by the side of the Lord. So John encourages us to focus on the goal of seeking God and His will rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits. The choices we make and the actions we take based on God’s will have eternal consequences. That’s why we need to prioritize the pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else.

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May 5th – Philippians 3:13

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Philippians 3:13

We can be our own worst enemies. Always replaying past mistakes in our head, never forgiving ourselves, and feeling too worthless for God. No wonder many believers seem to get stuck in the mud. Always spinning their wheels and unable to move forward. But Jesus made it clear that having a relationship with Him involves growth, change, and action. And the action needed is letting go of our past mistakes and instead focusing on our future. The glorious future planned for us as followers of Christ. We all sin daily, and need God’s forgiveness. And He’ll give it freely and generously when we come to Him in true repentance and sorrow. More than that when we confess, God promises to wipe our slates clean. He’ll remember our sins no more and remove them as far as the east us from the west. (1 John 1:9) So if God can forget our past, who are to remember? All we need to do is learn from our mistakes, and move forward with renewed focus and determination.

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February 20th – 1 John 3:11

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1 John 3:11

In the New Testament we are commanded no less than 13 times to love one another. That’s how important it is to Jesus for the children of God to cherish each other. But for fallen people living in a fallen world with a fallen nature, that’s a tall order. Nevertheless, it’s what we called to do. Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us to do the impossible. That’s why the moment we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us and gets busy. Instantly He begins the work of transforming us into the image of Christ from the inside out. Tenderly God’s Spirit remolds and reshapes our hardened, worldly hearts, into ones softened by the love, mercy, and grace shown to us by our Lord. He does this so that we might be set apart from the world. Loving others with the same enthusiasm, abundance, and joy that, “by this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” (John 13:35)

 

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February 14th – 1 John 4:10

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1 John 4:10

Many are the attributes of our most high God. He is good, merciful, faithful, wise, and all powerful; just to name a few. But above of else, God is love. And if there could be doubt, read 1 John 4. For in this little chapter love is mentioned over 25 times, and lies the very heart of the Gospel. God doesn’t love us because we are good, special, worthy, or deserving in any way. He loves us because He is love. And it is out of that amazing, unmerited love, that He sent His only Son Jesus to pay the sin debt that we owe. All He asks in return is that we open our hearts to Him and receive His free gift of love and grace. That’s it. No strings attached, conditions to meet, or standards to reach. God loves us, and no matter how dirty, broken, or sinful we are, He wants to call us His own. God wants to pick up us, dust off the dirt, wipe away our tears, replace our sorrow with joy, and make us royalty in His kingdom forever.

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February 10th – 1 John 4:7

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1 John 4:7

When you think of Jesus what is the first thing that pops into your head? For me it is His love. A love that He freely and joyfully gives to all. And a love that is so strong, He laid down His life to call us His own. And I in return love Him. But Jesus wants more than our love, He wants us to love others with the same passion that we reserve for Him. Every day society bombards us with false ideas of what love is. It makes us think that love just happens to us. And we have no control. After all, “the heart wants what the heart wants” right? But the Bible teaches completely the opposite. Love is a choice we make, something we can control, and the fruit of a spirit filled life. To love the Lord means loving all that He created.  Especially those created in His image. And no more is our love for the Lord evident than when we are loving others.

February 10th – 1 John 4:7 Read More »