I wanna’ love Jesus like He loves me. I wanna’ love God’s people because they are worthy and God asks it. So… this week is about loving ourselves, our family, that those who surround us. It takes practice and patience. Let’s take a few “next steps” in our Christian journey together this week with God’s love.
PRAYER Hi, it’s me, just come to pray and thank you for a fun filled day! You’ve been with me, so I know you’ve seen all the great exciting things, but also when I’m sad or mad I know you love me, no matter what! So… help me to in my day (or in my rest) and feel the peace of your love for me. Amen.
Monday –Joshua 24:14-15 As for me and my house…
Why had the Israelites kept the false gods? Most followed the lord, yet some were still worshiping idols acquired from the years of slavery in Egypt. Perhaps they wanted something to fall back on in case the Lord didn’t come through for them. …but we would never think to do that! Right? Are we trusting God, or preparing a backup plan “just in case” God doesn’t come through the way we’d like?
Tuesday –Proverbs 22:1-16, focus on vs. 6 Parents and children
Will good training guarantee that children will not rebel? Nope, but it’s highly likely (how’s that for odds?) This proverb makes a general observation about the way life usually works. If we raise our children to Love God, we’re most likely to continue that relationship. And just because there’s an outside chance that they might not, does not usurp the value of this proverb. So… start them and continue! It’s not a one-time deal.
Wednesday –Ephesians 6:10-17 Children are to obey their parents
What is spiritual warfare? It’s the unseen battle of believers against Satan and his. Paul explains that it’s not physical battle, but it is a spiritual struggle against the dark forces of evil in the world and in the heavenly realms.
Thursday –Ephesians 5:21-33, focus on vs 28 Husbands and Wives
“He who loves his wife loves himself.” How’s that for a verse that’s been interpreted 9 different ways?! We would all agree that God created man and woman differently, but He never expresses a desire to love man and women differently. Separately? Yes! But when a marriage is described, Paul is describing a partnership in love. A reciprocal & unconditional love? Doesn’t that sound wonderful? God can help us receive that same love.
Friday – I Timothy 5:5-8 Caring for your family is priority
This seems like a “no brain-er.” However, the world is full of selfish people who have selfish intentions. But… what specifically are we to provide? Money? Warm home? An example of God’s love? A word that encourages each other to grow and understand God’s desire to love and bless us? What do you think? What are you convicted to do?
Saturday – I John 3:1-2 The Father’s love
In what sense will we be like Jesus? Although some cults teach that human beings can become gods themselves; this is not what John was saying. God’s plan has always been to conform believers to the image of Christ. When Christ returns, our lowly bodies will be transformed so that they will be like Christ’s glorious body. That sounds wonderful, but what are we to do today? We still need to take care of ourselves: physically, spiritually, knowledge, experience, within our communities to love God and serve others.