1 John 5:2 KJV
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Aunt Betty’s Way
When I was young, whenever my doting Aunt Betty visited, it felt like Christmas. She’d bring Star Wars toys and slip me cash on her way out the door. Whenever I stayed with her, she filled the freezer with ice cream and never cooked vegetables. She had few rules and let me stay up late. My aunt was marvelous, reflecting God’s generosity. However, to grow up healthy, I needed more than only Aunt Betty’s way. I also needed my parents to place expectations on me and my behavior and hold me to them.
God asks more of me than Aunt Betty. While He floods us with relentless love, a love that never wavers even when we resist or run away, He does expect something of us. When God instructed Israel how to live, He provided Ten Commandments, not ten suggestions (Exodus 20:1–17). Aware of our self-deception, God offers clear expectations: we’re to “[love] God and [carry] out his commands” (1 John 5:2).
Thankfully, “[God’s] commands are not burdensome” (v. 3). By the Holy Spirit’s power, we can live them out as we experience God’s love and joy. His love for us is unceasing. But the Scriptures offer a question to help us know if we love God in return: Are we obeying His commands as the Spirit guides us?
We can say we love God, but what we do in His strength tells the real story.
Reflect & Pray
When do you find it most difficult to obey God? How does this connection between obedience and love offer new insight for your life in Christ?
God, I say I love You, but it’s hard to love. It’s hard to obey. Help me see the truth and to love You with my actions.
Insight
In 1 John 5, John addresses two of his favorite topics and their relationship to each other: love and God’s commandments. Verse 2 could be considered a summary of John’s theology. Love and obedience are so intertwined that one is considered a demonstration, or proof, of the other.
Sounding much like Jesus when He identified not just the most important, but the two most important commands (see Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–33), John connects the love of God with love of others. He says that anyone who loves the Father “loves his child as well” (1 John 5:1). Obedience to His commandments isn’t just a demonstration of love for God but also shows love for the children of God (vv. 2–3).
In the gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples that if they love Him, they’ll keep His commands (14:15, 21; 15:10)—one of which was to love one another.
Psalm 109:26 KJV
Help me, O Lord my God: O save me according to thy mercy:
Prayer of the Broken-Down
“Dear Father in heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there, and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope.” That prayer is whispered by a broken-down George Bailey, the character played by Jimmy Stewart in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. In the now iconic scene, Bailey’s eyes fill with tears. They weren’t part of the script, but as he spoke that prayer Stewart said he “felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn.” It broke him.
Bailey’s prayer, boiled down, is simply “Help me.” And this is exactly what’s voiced in Psalm 109. David was at the end of his rope: “poor and needy,” his “heart . . . wounded” (v. 22), and his body “thin and gaunt” (v. 24). He was fading “like an evening shadow” (v. 23), and sensed himself to be an “object of scorn” in the eyes of his accusers (v. 25). In his extreme brokenness, he had nowhere else to turn. He cried out for the Sovereign Lord to show him the way: “Help me, Lord my God” (v. 26).
There are seasons in our lives when “broken down” says it all. In such times it can be hard to know what to pray. Our loving God will respond to our simple prayer for help.
Reflect & Pray
When was the last time you felt broken down by life? If you have a family member or friend who currently feels that way, how might you help?
Dear Father, some days are hard. They feel hopeless. Turn my heart to You in my brokenness. Give me strength to simply ask for help.
Insight
Psalm 109 has been called the “Judas Psalm.” Peter quotes from it to support his suggestion that the apostles needed to replace the betrayer of Jesus (Psalm 109:8; Acts 1:20). This psalm is also known for the intensity of the curses that show up in David’s appeal to God for help (Psalm 109:6–20). From a New Testament point of view, we may not understand the cruelty of the requests. Bible scholars differ in their interpretations, with some suggesting verses 6–20 express what David’s enemies were wishing on him. The New Living Translation inserts “They say” at the beginning of verse 6 to indicate that David is asking God for help in the face of such hatred. Regardless of the interpretation, such curses stand in contrast to Jesus’ counsel to reflect our relationship to Him by returning blessing for curses (Luke 6:27–36).
1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
On the Same Team
When Philadelphia Eagle’s quarterback Carson Wentz returned to the field after healing from a severe injury, the NFL team’s backup quarterback, Nick Foles, graciously returned to the bench. Although competing for the same position, the two men chose to support each other and remained confident in their roles. One reporter observed that the two athletes have a “unique relationship rooted in their faith in Christ” shown through their ongoing prayers for each other. As others watched, they brought honor to God by remembering they were on the same team—not just as Eagles quarterbacks, but as believers in Jesus representing Him.
The apostle Paul reminds believers to live as “children of the light” awaiting Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 5:5–6). With our hope secure in the salvation Christ has provided, we can shrug off any temptations to compete out of jealousy, insecurity, fear, or envy. Instead, we can “encourage one another and build each other up” (v. 11). We can respect spiritual leaders who honor God and “live in peace” as we serve together to accomplish our shared goal—telling people about the gospel and encouraging others to live for Jesus (vv. 12–15).
As we serve on the same team, we can heed Paul’s command: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (vv. 16–18).
Reflect & Pray
Who has encouraged you while serving on the same team? How can you encourage someone who serves alongside you?
Jesus, please give me opportunities today to encourage someone who serves with me.
Insight
The apostle Paul wrote the book of 1 Thessalonians to the young church in Thessalonica, a Roman colony. Thessalonica was the largest and most important city in Macedonia and the province’s capital. Because of its fine harbor, central location, and access to many roads, the city enjoyed flourishing trade. First Thessalonians was probably one of Paul’s first letters, written around ad 51 or 52 from Corinth. Only two or three years earlier, Paul, accompanied by Silas, had visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey and established the church there. According to Acts 17:1–4, Paul taught there for just “three Sabbaths” before opposition forced him to flee the city. Paul penned this letter to encourage the new believers in their faith and to assure them of Christ’s return.
Psalm 1:1 KJV
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
God’s Guidance
When their bank accidentally deposited $120,000 into their account, a couple went on a shopping spree. They purchased an SUV, a camper, and two four-wheelers in addition to paying off bills. Discovering the deposit error, the bank told the couple to return the money. Unfortunately, the husband and wife had already spent it. They were then charged with felony theft. When the couple arrived at the local court, the husband said to a reporter, “We took some bad legal advice.” The two learned that following bad advice (and spending what wasn’t theirs) could lead to making a mess of their lives.
In contrast, the psalmist shared wise advice that can help us avoid messing up in life. He wrote that those who find genuine fulfillment—who are “blessed”—refuse to be influenced by the advice of those who don’t serve God (Psalm 1:1). They know that unwise, ungodly counsel can lead to unseen dangers and costly consequences. Also, they’re motivated by (find “delight” in) and preoccupied with (“meditate on”) the timeless and unshakable truths of Scripture (v. 2). They’ve found that submitting to God’s guidance leads to stability and fruitfulness (v. 3).
When we’re making decisions, big or small, about our careers, money, relationships, and more, may we seek God’s wisdom found in the Bible, godly counsel, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. His guidance is essential and trustworthy for living a fulfilling life and not creating messes.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you believe Scripture is essential in making godly decisions? Who are your counselors that help you with wise advice?
God, before I seek Your advice about things I don’t know, help me to practice obedience in the areas I do know, and in loving You and others.
Insight
Psalm 1 is often classified by scholars as Wisdom Literature because it describes an idealized person—someone whose integrity no one could actually fully live up to. The purpose is to inspire in the audience a desire to pursue such a life of wisdom themselves. In stark contrast to a lifestyle of wisdom, the psalm portrays an alternative destiny, the lifestyle of “mockers” (1:1).
The meaning of the Hebrew word ’ashre (1:1) is difficult to capture accurately in translation. Although often translated “blessed,” the word doesn’t have the modern connotations of being given a gift. Instead, it evokes the idea of the richness and joy of life rooted in God, living out the kind of peace (or shalom) that God intends for humanity. The New Living Translation attempts to capture these connotations by translating the word blessed as “Oh, the joys.”
Philippians 2:8 KJV
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The True Servant
In 27 bc, the Roman ruler Octavian came before the Senate to lay down his powers. He’d won a civil war, become the sole ruler of that region of the world, and was functioning like an emperor. Yet he knew such power was viewed suspiciously. So Octavian renounced his powers before the Senate, vowing to simply be an appointed official. Their response? The Roman Senate honored the ruler by crowning him with a civic crown and naming him the servant of the Roman people. He was also given the name Augustus—the “great one.”
Paul wrote of Jesus emptying Himself and taking on the form of a servant. Augustus appeared to do the same. Or had he? Augustus only acted like he was surrendering his power but was doing it for his own gain. Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). Death on a Roman cross was the worst form of humiliation and shame.
Today, a primary reason people praise “servant leadership” as a virtue is because of Jesus. Humility wasn’t a Greek or Roman virtue. Because Jesus died on the cross for us, He’s the true Servant. He’s the true Savior.
Christ became a servant in order to save us. He “made himself nothing” (v. 7) so that we could receive something truly great—the gift of salvation and eternal life.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it true that we’re never out of God’s reach? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is the Servant who suffered and died in order to save you?
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Your servanthood wasn’t a show but the reality of Your love for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude today.
Insight
In Philippians 2, Paul uses the word humility only in reference to Jesus’ death (v. 8). Though certainly Christ’s taking on human form was an act of humility, death was the ultimate act of humility for the second person of the Trinity, who is eternal and everlasting.
Paul says Jesus “humbled himself” (v. 8). It’s interesting to note the reflexive language used here. Jesus wasn’t humbled by death; He willingly humbled Himself in obedience so he could die. Because He humbled Himself, God restored Him to the place of honor from which He came. Jesus is the one to whom all creation will bend its knee (v. 10).
Isaiah 44:22 KJV
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Morning Mist
One morning I visited a pond near my house. I sat on an overturned boat, thinking and watching a gentle west wind chase a layer of mist across the water’s surface. Wisps of fog circled and swirled. Mini “tornadoes” rose up and then exhausted themselves. Before long, the sunlight cut through the clouds and the mist disappeared.
This scene comforted me because I connected it with a verse I’d just read: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist” (Isaiah 44:22). I visited the place hoping to distract myself from a series of sinful thoughts I’d been preoccupied with for days. Although I was confessing them, I began to wonder if God would forgive me when I repeated the same sin.
That morning, I knew the answer was yes. Through His prophet Isaiah, God showed grace to the Israelites when they struggled with the ongoing problem of idol worship. Although He told them to stop chasing false gods, God also invited them back to Himself, saying, “I have made you, you are my servant; . . . I will not forget you” (v. 21).
I don’t fully grasp forgiveness like that, but I do understand that God’s grace is the only thing that can dissolve our sin completely and heal us from it. I’m thankful His grace is endless and divine like He is, and that it’s available whenever we need it.
Reflect & Pray
How is it possible to abuse God’s grace? What steps can you take to break free of sinful habits and experience His forgiveness?
Dear God, thank You for Your gracious presence in my life. I don’t want to live in habitual sin. Help me to feel the freedom that comes when I confess my sin and You erase it completely.
Insight
The prophet Isaiah is foremost among Israel’s prophets. His book is the longest of the prophetic books and covers a huge sweep of Israel’s coming experiences. Isaiah contains more messianic prophecies than any other Old Testament prophet. It’s also one of the most quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament, referenced more than sixty times, with twenty-five of those found in the Gospels. The most quoted portions of Isaiah are the four “suffering servant songs” (42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–7; and especially 52:13–53:12), which believers in Jesus see as being fulfilled in Christ and His suffering on the cross. In addition to the prophecies of Jesus’ sacrificial death, some of Isaiah’s most beloved prophecies are those of His birth, including Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6.
Genesis 32:24 KJV
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Prayerful Wrestling
Dennis’ life was transformed after someone gave him a New Testament. Reading it captivated him, and it became his constant companion. Within six months, two life-changing events occurred in his life. He placed his faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, and he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches. Because of the unbearable pain, he became bedridden and unable to work. One painful, sleepless night he found himself crying out to God. Sleep finally came at 4:30 a.m.
Bodily pain can cause us to cry out to God, but other excruciating life circumstances also compel us to run to Him. Centuries before Dennis’ night of wrestling, a desperate Jacob faced off with God (Genesis 32:24–32). For Jacob, it was unfinished family business. He had wronged his brother Esau (ch. 27), and he feared that payback was imminent. In seeking God’s help in this difficult situation, Jacob encountered God face-to-face (32:30) and emerged from it a changed man.
And so did Dennis. After pleading with God in prayer, Dennis was able to stand up after being bedridden, and the doctor’s examination showed no signs of the tumor. Although God doesn’t always choose to miraculously heal us, we’re confident that He hears our prayers and will give us what we need for our situation. In our desperation we offer sincere prayers to God and leave the results to Him!
Reflect & Pray
What are you struggling with that you could bring before God in prayer? What are some of the benefits of praying from the depths of our hearts even when He chooses not to change the situation?
Father, help me to see that life’s difficulties and challenges are opportunities for me to seek You in prayer and to grow in my understanding of who You are.
Insight
The name Jacob means “heel-grabber” and refers to someone who tries to advance themselves by tripping up someone else by means of scheming or manipulation. This characteristic of Jacob is first seen in the event that gave him his name. Following the birth of his twin brother, Esau, Jacob came out of the womb literally grasping his twin’s heel (Genesis 25:26). This event also foreshadowed his character. So, when Jacob manipulated Esau to take his birthright (vv. 29–34), and then also schemed against their father, Isaac, to steal Esau’s blessing (ch. 27), he was living out the name that his first action described. Jacob would go on to live with his mother’s brother, Laban, but there he would reap what he had sown. Laban schemed against Jacob by giving him his daughter Leah as his wife (ch. 29), rather than Rachel, the daughter Jacob deeply loved.
Luke 1:64 KJV
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
The Christmas Gift of Speech
A post-surgical stroke had robbed Tom of his ability to speak, and he faced a long rehab journey. Weeks later, we were pleasantly surprised when he showed up at our church’s Thanksgiving service. We were even more surprised when he stood up to speak. Searching for what to say, he jumbled his words, repeated himself, and confused days and time. But one thing was clear: he was praising God! It’s possible to have your heart break and be blessed at the same moment. This was that kind of moment.
In the “pre-Christmas story” we meet a man who lost the gift of speech. Gabriel the angel appeared to Zechariah the priest and told him he would be the father of a great prophet (see Luke 1:11–17). Zechariah and his wife were elderly, so he doubted it. That’s when Gabriel told him he would not speak “until the day this happens” (v. 20).
The day did happen. And at the ceremony to name the miracle baby, Zechariah spoke. With his first words he praised God (v. 64). Then he said, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them” (v. 68).
Like Zechariah, as soon as he was able, Tom’s response was to praise God. Their hearts were inclined toward the One who made their tongues and their minds. Regardless of what faces us this season, we can respond the same way.
Reflect & Pray
How do you respond when a crisis comes? What’s your reaction when you come through it?
Thank You, Father, for the gift of speech. In my times of doubt, be with me to strengthen my faith. Help me learn how to use language to draw near to and honor You.
Insight
The Bible contains a rich heritage of unlikely pregnancies. Abraham and Sarah were elderly and Sarah was infertile, but she gave birth to Isaac in fulfillment of God’s promise (Genesis 17:15–19). Isaac’s wife Rebekah was childless until God responded to Isaac’s prayer, resulting in the birth of Esau and Jacob (25:21–26). Jacob’s wife Rachel was unable to conceive (29:31) until God intervened and she gave birth to Joseph (30:22–24). Manoah’s wife was infertile but gave birth to Samson according to God’s promise (Judges 13). Hannah pleaded with God for a child and gave birth to Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1–20).
In Luke 1, an angel announced that Elizabeth, who was elderly and unable to conceive (vv. 5–7), would bear a son named John (vv. 11–17, 57–60). These miraculous births produced significant people for the plan of God. John prepared the way for the most significant of all—Jesus, born of a virgin.
Psalm 8:4 KJV
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Who You Are
His name is Dnyan, and he considers himself a student of the world. And “this is a very big school,” he says of all the cities and towns he’s passed through. He began a four-year journey on his bicycle in 2016 to meet and learn from people. When there’s a language barrier, he finds that sometimes people can understand just by looking at each other. He also depends on a translation app on his phone to communicate. He doesn’t measure his journey in the miles he’s traveled or the sights he’s seen. Instead, he measures it in the people who’ve left an imprint on his heart: “Maybe I do not know your language, but I would like to find out who you are.”
It’s a very big world, yet God knows everything about it and the people in it—fully and completely. The psalmist David was in awe of God when he considered all the works of His hands: the making of the heavens, the moon, and the stars (Psalm 8:3). He wondered, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (v. 4).
God knows you more thoroughly than anyone else possibly can and He cares for you. We can only respond, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (vv. 1, 9).
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel knowing that God knows all about you and loves you? What does believing this truth look like in your life today?
Dear God, it’s awesome to realize that You’re all-knowing about Your whole creation. I love You for knowing me personally too.
Insight
In the opening verse of this beautiful hymn of praise, David declares the greatness of God through His power and glory evident in heaven and earth. In Psalm 8:2 he states, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies.” Some Bible versions put it this way: “you have ordained strength” (nkjv); “you have established strength” (esv). Here David considers the power and glory of God displayed through babies and small children. This idea touches on the familiar theme in the Bible that God uses the weak to display His strength and majesty (1 Corinthians 1:27). The remaining verses of Psalm 8 point to the creation story in Genesis 1–2 and the fact that God’s creation of humanity was His crowning achievement.
2 Timothy 2:24 KJV
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Gentle Speech
I was on Facebook, arguing. Bad move. What made me think I was obligated to “correct” a stranger on a hot topic—especially a divisive one? The results were heated words, hurt feelings (on my part anyway), and a broken opportunity to witness well for Jesus. That’s the sum outcome of “internet anger.” It’s the term for the harsh words flung daily across the blogosphere. As one ethics expert explained, people wrongly conclude that rage “is how public ideas are talked about.”
Paul’s wise advice to Timothy gave the same caution. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:23–24).
Paul’s good counsel, written to Timothy from a Roman prison, was sent to prepare the young pastor for teaching God’s truth. The apostle’s advice is just as timely for us today, especially when the conversation turns to our faith. “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 25).
Speaking kindly to others is part of this challenge, but not just for pastors. For all who love God and seek to tell others about Him, may we speak His truth in love. With every word, the Holy Spirit will help us.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital as a believer in Jesus to avoid arguing with others on the internet (and in other contexts)? When you’re led by the Holy Spirit, how does the tone of your comments—your heart—change?
Father God, when I’m speaking to others about Your truth—or other interests—indwell my heart and tongue with Your love.
Insight
In his second letter to young pastor Timothy, Paul uses some familiar words that are worth exploring a bit deeper. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul encourages Timothy to “flee the evil desires of youth.” The word Paul uses for flee is pheuge, which means “escape” or “run away.” Paul is telling him to remove himself physically from the danger. In the moment of temptation, the best thing to do isn’t to fill ourselves with courage and rely on our willpower, but to run away. This word is also used in Paul’s first letter to Timothy (6:11) when he tells the young man to flee from the love of money. And we see it in Matthew 2:13, when the angel of the Lord tells Joseph to take the baby Jesus and Mary and escape to Egypt.
