Friday, April 3

1 John 4:8

To better understand divine love, consider its opposite —false “love,” which sets limitations and always withholds something. This so-called love clings to control and gives only in order to manipulate. It is emotionally detached and unwilling to be vulnerable. 

Genuine love, on the other hand, respects people as they are. It means understanding who the other person really is and loving without restriction. If you must be in control and your heart is not 100% in it, you’re missing true love. 

Looking at the love of Jesus Christ on the cross, I see the most perfect demonstration of love anywhere. The Savior showed us how unlimited His love is: He gave His life for us and withheld nothing (Romans 8:32)! He did not give His love to manipulate us but instead gave us free will to accept or reject Him. And He loved us with vulnerability, already knowing His love would be rejected—even ignored or mocked. In loving with His whole heart, Jesus was willing to be turned down. 

If you’re ever unsure about what true love really looks like, turn to the cross. Jesus gave His best, His all to love us so that we could become children of God. 

Memory verse: 1 John 3:1

“What the world needs is more love and less paperwork.” Pearl Bailey

Thursday, April 2

Deuteronomy 4:21-31

We will find God when we seek Him with all our heart. That is a biblical promise we can depend on. But how do we go about seeking Him?

First, we must exhibit certain attitudes. Scripture implores us to pursue wholeheartedly, diligently, continually, confidently, and humbly. These qualities are essential for learning and spiritual growth. 

Then we get into God’s Word, studying and meditating upon it with a receptive heart. We also take up the discipline of prayer, because it’s the primary way we communicate with Him, and He with us. 

The next step is to consider how God is operating in our circumstances. Think back on His patterns of faithfulness to you in the past, and you’ll see glimpses of how He worked, even during times of adversity in your life. You may even be able to recognize His involvement in the lives of other believers, and that awareness can also enrich your growth.

When we seek God, we find the capacity to love and serve Him. If you’ve been feeling apathetic towards the Father, consider pursuing Him in one of the ways described above, and pray that it ignites your passion.

Memory verse: Matthew 5.5

“God is strong, eep seeking him.: Lailah Gifts Akita

Wednesday, April 1.

2 Chronicles 34

What is it that we look for the most in life? Are we looking for academic achievements, material things, monetary wealth, fame, or other things of the world? Take a moment to clear your mind, and breathe. Now ask yourself this question with the intention of being completely honest: What am I seeking most in life?

The majority of people in the world are seeking things they will never be able to keep once this lifetime is over. However, true fulfillment comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that is eternal. Like Josiah in today’s passage, we too can seek that relationship with the Lord. It requires a desire to find out what He is like. Examining God’s Word in depth gives us more understanding of who God is and how He relates to His creation. 

Do you fellowship with Him intimately. Spending time alone with God reorients our heart with His, but it must be quality time: consistent, alone, quiet, and unhurried. 

Do you follow Him more closely. The more you allow the Holy Spirit to work His Word into your heart, the more you will want to obey and please our heavenly Father. 

These three things undoubtedly bring us closer to God, but we have to make the decision to pursue them. Do you want to seek God? Let us resolve to know and love Him more today, and turn to Him for help. 

Memory verse: Jeremiah 33:3

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him the greatest achievement.” Saint Augustine

Tuesday, March 31.

Proverb 3:5-10.

The Lord’s plan for financial security: giving back to Him the first part of our earnings. For many of us, however, that’s hard to put into practice. The thought of giving that way creates anxiety about not having enough. We’re tempted to replace the Father’s plan with our own because His feels so uncertain. 

The good news in today’s Scripture passage is that the Lord promises to provide everything we need if we will honor Him with the first part of our wealth. Many of us have staked our eternal security on what the Lord has said in the Bible, but some still doubt what He says about money and His provision for us. What conflicted creatures we are! We take one part of Scripture and say it’s true, and yet we discount another section, feeling that God cannot be trusted in the area of our wealth. 

God tells us to test Him in this and see if He is faithful (Malachi 3:10). In giving to the Lord, we have the privilege of watching Him fulfill His Word. Which is more reliable? Our instincts or the Word of almighty God? If we can trust our Father with salvation, we should certainly be able to trust Him with our finances. And generosity is a way to demonstrate that we believe what He says.

Let me encourage you to give to the Lord’s work. Though we are in tough times, the bills needs to be paid. Let us not forget to contribute to the work of the Lord.

Memory verse: Malachi 3:10

“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.” Booker T. Washington