October 21 – Being Loved First, to Love

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.” (ESV, NASB)

Our promise in the very short verse is profound.  Let’s think about this. Before we ever experienced love of any measure in our hearts, God loved us.  He loved us first before we were ever able to love Him or each other. We believe that if God did not first love us, we would not be capable of love. In verse eight just a bit before this one we read “God is love.” And we learn that we cannot claim to know God if we do not love. In fact, chapter four covers how the love of God is the source and means for us to love God and others. Those who do not know God believe they can love others, but not with the love God has for us. The love that reflects the life of Christ Jesus who loved us so much He submitted to the cross and death for us. “We love, because he first loved us.” Or, “We love because he first, loved us.” Different emphasis but same truth. God so loved all the world He gave His only Son for us to know and love with the love that He loved us. The only way.

- 200 -

November 5 – All Things Added – Six of Seven

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  -  Matthew 6:33  (ESV)

In the words of Jesus Christ from the Sermon on the Mount, we as believers are instructed to not be anxious about what we have to eat, drink and wear.  These seemly mundane things are personal material needs and do cause some to be concerned (another word for anxiety or worry).  But Jesus say we are not to worry or be concerned.  We have looked so far at five of the seven promises in the larger passage of Matthew 6:25-34.  Today we look at the godly behavior which Jesus instructs us to live by.  Seek first God, his Kingdom and His Righteousness.  If we will give ourselves to His cause in the world, rather than fretting about our private material needs, He will make sure that we have all we need to do His will and give Him glory.  All the food and drink and clothing — and everything else — that you need to do His will and glorify him. 

# # #

*Some of this content has been drawn from a series of articles from "Solid Joys" a daily devotional by John Piper.  Desiring God 

March 20 – Always Before and After

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”  Revelation 22:13 (NIV)

When we read in the Bible a special name for our Lord in heaven we know that there is a purpose and meaning behind that name. Our verse today gives us two names three ways. God revealed to the apostle John who wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ that He was the Alpha and the Omega, and He follows with two more way to express the same truth. First and Last. Beginning and End.  Alpha is the first letter of the Greek language alphabet. Omega is the last. When God identified Himself this way it was to encourage us. When we realize that our Lord has always been and will always be, it helps us to believe that He is able to take care of our needs.  So now today when you sense a need for some outside help, just remember that Your God has always been and will always be. We can know that he is sufficient to meet our needs.  So now, today, when you sense a need for some outside help, go to the one who has always been before and will always be after – He will help you if you trust Him to.