Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

1 John 5:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

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Reflect

Being obedient requires love. Let’s face it, there is no way that we will remain obedient unless there is love! Love is what drives us into a life of obedience.

And love requires action. God acted on our behalf when God sent God’s Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins and give us eternal life. God would have not done this selfless act, if God did not love us!
In this scripture, it tells us all about God’s love and how God’s love leads us to love God and obey God’s commandments. Being touched by God’s love gives us the desire to love one another as God has loved us. This love drives us to serve selflessly with great joy in our hearts.

As a pastor, I know that there is no way that I could serve my flock effectively unless I truly love them. And the only way that I can truly love them is by being in constant communion with God first then being in communion with them! If I just approach my pastorate with “I am going to be an inspirational speaker, but not walk with them on their journey”, then I would be failing them. Because love requires more than lip service, it requires action. Jesus walks with us and talks with us as well as serves us…don’t you think that He wants us to do the same with one another??

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Pray

“Precious Lord, take our hands and lead us! Oh Lord, how we desperately need You! Please give us the courage to love and serve like You! We love You, Lord! In Jesus name, Amen.”

Go with God!