Daily Devotional
A daily devotional to strengthen your relationship with God.
Today's Devotional
There's something better to love...
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
1 John 2:15
When the Bible mentions the "world", it can be referring to the physical planet where we live, to all nations, to the human race, or as in this case, to the corrupted system of things and values we find in this fallen world. In today's verse, love of the world speaks to us of interest in and attachment to everything that gives rise to pride, selfishness and other sins. The desire and admiration for the attractions of the world will oppose the love and dedication given to God and His will.
Look at the activities, ideas, feelings or hobbies in your life - have they taken the place of God in your heart? What do you devote more time, effort and money to? Remove the idols that are in your heart. Understand that it's not wrong to dream of having better things in life. The problem is when these same things become the most important thing to you. The Father's love needs to be number one in your heart, everything else will be in addition, not pole position.
Dedicate your love to the right cause:
- Pray and ask God to help you identify the areas or worldly tendencies you have been leaning toward.
- Ask for forgiveness if you know that you have loved the world more than the Lord... Always aspire to have God first in your heart.
- Take care that the simple things of everyday life don't become idols in your life: relationships, money, leisure, status, addictions, etc.
- Seek to learn from the Bible how to love God more. Set aside time every day for reading and meditation.
- There is nothing and no one in this world who deserves our love more than the Lord God.
Pray:
Beloved Father, I need you. Forgive me when I feel so drawn to the things of this evil world. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and to love the things that matter in this life. May the Father's love remain in me and may I love Him above all things. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Yesterday's Devotional
Living in peace requires effort
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
- Hebrews 12:14
It may not seem like it, but we must admit: living in peace with everyone requires personal effort. Living in peace requires from us temperance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, qualities of the fruit of the Spirit that we only develop as we walk in holiness.
God never hid from us that His Kingdom is taken by effort and that we must seek it in order to find it. Through the pursuit of the things above, as a result, the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible in our lives. Living in peace with our brothers and sisters is living in peace with God, with a heart free of resentment and bitterness.
Living in peace is an effort worth making, because first of all, we are the ones who benefit from these actions. Every peaceful attitude produces good fruit and bears good witness. This kind of posture is also part of proclaiming the Good News of the Lord. It is no use speaking about the peace that surpasses all understanding while living with an aggressive and reactive attitude toward every situation.
When Jesus spoke about the Beatitudes, many of them called for a peaceful heart, and all are a reflection of holiness unto the Lord. In light of so many blessings and promises, living in peace and holiness is an effort worth pursuing! Be holy!
Practice peace and seek holiness
- The best way to begin sanctifying yourself is by meditating on the Word of God. In it, we have all the guidance and every source needed to nourish our spirit.
- Prayer is our faith in action, it is the moment when we must strive in faith and worship. God hears the prayer of His children and longs to hear our voice!
Prayer:
Lord God, pour out Your Spirit upon me. May Your move in my life reflect Your love, and may my actions reflect Your work within me. May Your peace overflow in me and reach those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Day Before Yesterday's Devotional
God answers our prayers at the right time
We know that God answers our prayers, we just don’t know when. Because we don’t know the timing of His response, we often become anxious and even impatient with God. But understand this: the Lord answers our prayers at the right time!
I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
- Habakkuk 2:1
The prophet Habakkuk prayed to God, seeking His guidance. God’s people were losing their identity, turning away from the Lord’s commandments, and this deeply troubled the prophet. He did not receive an immediate answer to his prayer, yet he did not complain, instead, he waited attentively for God’s voice.
Sometimes, God may answer us immediately; other times, the waiting itself is part of His answer. Therefore, talk to God and wait patiently for His response. Stay alert to His signs and remain faithful, surely, God will answer you at the right time!
God Answers Our Prayers
- Don’t set conditions for God. Speak with Him and wait for His answer with patience and attention.
- Believe that God will answer your prayer. He never leaves us without a response. If you haven’t received one yet, wait and keep praying.
- If something continues to trouble you, pray again. Persevering in prayer is an act of faith.
To Pray:
Lord, I come to speak with You once again. I trust in You, and that’s why I cry out once more for there is no one who can hear me and change my situation but You. Speak to me, answer my prayer. In Your mighty name, amen.
Suggested Reading:
What is the Daily Devotional
The Daily Devotional is a special moment of your day that you dedicate to having a precious time of intimacy with God. It is very simple to establish an exciting routine of discovery and spiritual growth. You will achieve this by setting aside a moment each day to draw near to the Lord. During the Devotional, you will read a Bible verse with a meditation on the text. Then, you will meditate on the teachings and how to apply them in your life. In the end, you can pray.
How to do your Daily Devotional
Here are some tips for making the most of reading the Bible message during the Daily Devotional:
- Set aside a moment and choose a specific place: your devotional time will be more beneficial if you set aside the hustle and bustle and invest in a pleasant time alone with God.
- Read the verse or Bible passage attentively: develop a lifestyle committed to the Word of God every day and avoid distractions.
- Read the daily meditation: reflect and try to understand God's purpose for your life through the comments.
- Practical application: jot down your findings and don't forget to put into practice everything you have learned through the Bible.
- Share what you learned: try to share with people around what God has been teaching you in your moments of daily devotion as you go about your daily conversations and interactions.
Don't forget the importance of living a life fully committed to the Word of God!