Devotionals for September 14, 2023
Be praying for our TNLC Salt + Light Women's Conference this weekend!
READ
PROVERBS 21:2-3
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
1 JOHN 3:16-18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
1 JOHN 3:16-18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
REFLECT
Should we expect anything in return when serving others? It’s easy to think, Of course not! But how often do we approach opportunities, friends, and people in need with a me-first mindset? Proverbs recognize our ways seem right in our eyes. The world tells us to trust our hearts first, but the Bible confirms the heart can be deceiving. Thankfully, God cuts to the chase: Love looks like action. It moves as justice, kindness, and sacrifice. The Apostle John, towards the end of his life, could have shared anything with the churches. Yet, he implores, “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Worship is more than songs. It’s living our lives as a sacrifice and blessing to God and others.
APPLY
Q: Why do the Scriptures emphasize faith in action and truth, not just words?
Q: When you pray, whom is God encouraging you to give to and serve?
Q: If all churches followed John’s words here, how would it affect our message to the world?
Q: When you pray, whom is God encouraging you to give to and serve?
Q: If all churches followed John’s words here, how would it affect our message to the world?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for loving in word alone. Forgive me for acting on impulse, rather than in the Spirit and in patience. Help me to grow in the fruits of your Holy Spirit today. When a challenge comes or a temptation to put myself first, remind me to love like Jesus. Amen.
Lord, forgive me for loving in word alone. Forgive me for acting on impulse, rather than in the Spirit and in patience. Help me to grow in the fruits of your Holy Spirit today. When a challenge comes or a temptation to put myself first, remind me to love like Jesus. Amen.