Love, Defined by Action

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.  And he has given us this command:  Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

--1 John 4:20-21

 New International Version

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Love!  The word can mean anything.  Many in the Christian community have tried to define it by a dictionary or lexicon, not realizing the key word for love, agape, is defined by action. Before Christians got a hold of agape, it meant the same thing our word today does:  just about anything!  But if you read 1 John, you see what love is by what God does. God demonstrates his love. He asks us to do the same for our brothers and sisters. Love must be more than talk, it must be genuinely demonstrated in action!

MY PRAYER

Precious Father, you have so graciously shared your love with me.  I must confess, in my heart I intend to love others as you do, but my intentions often get washed away with "busy-ness" or timidity.  Father, through your Spirit, prompt me to show my love to others in actions rather than just thought and talk.  Through Jesus, your greatest demonstration of love I pray.  Amen.

Divine Appointments

Today's Scripture:

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9, NLT.

Today's Word:

There are some people that God has placed in your life to help you reach your destiny. They may not know you very well, but they may introduce you to someone or put in a good word for you with someone you need to be connected with. They may have wisdom or advice that will thrust you forward in life. We have to remember that these divine appointments have been orchestrated by God Almighty. Divine appointments aren’t always the people you would expect. In fact, oftentimes they are the people you don’t expect—a woman at the grocery store, an intern at the office, someone who may seem to be less influential. But, God can give anyone an idea. God can use anyone to make a connection. We should always be open to receive from others. We should always treat everyone we encounter with dignity, honor and respect. You never know who God is going to use in your life. So be open, be loving, be kind and sow good seeds that will open the doors to His divine appointments!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for ordering my steps. Thank You for divine appointments that keep me on the right path. Help me to discern the opportunities You have placed in front of me and see clearly Your hand guiding me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://thedailyverses.blogspot.com/2012/10/1-john-420-21.html

http://www.calvarybaptistnevada.com/

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-12-05
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Jayson Cabrera Gali

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