Love Your Family with the Selfless Love of Jesus

February 4, 2016 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

Why does it matter to Jesus that we love one another as He loved us? (John 13:34, John 15:12)

Jesus desires that we be like Him. But the end result isn’t only our own sanctification; He wants us to be like Him to grow His body.

God is a God of relationships.

After all, he exists as Father, Son, and Spirit… The Holy One exists as three persons… That’s relationship. He shows us from the core of His character that He values relationships and wants us to value them, too.

Jesus always made time for people: to listen to concerns, heal the sick, comfort the mourning, teach the curious, and even to admonish the hardhearted. He made time.

He was selfless.

In both Matt 14:13-16, and Mark 6:31-37, Jesus had just been told the news of John the Baptist’s beheading. Jesus sought time alone to grieve and time to rest with His disciples. Instead, He was followed by crowds who were hungry for His attention, His teaching, His miracles, and even hungry for food.

So, He stopped to meet the crowd’s needs and modeled selflessness to His disciples. He taught that even when we’re tired, grieving, when life has demanded our attention, or distraction has taken over our minds, we must keep focus on the things that matter most. Loving others.

A Good Question to Ask: What matters most?

Sometimes, I really have to stop and ask myself if I’m being selfless with those He’s placed in my life. Too often, the answer is no. (I have a lot of growing to do before I can claim that I’m like Jesus.)

Do you struggle with selflessness, too? If so, how do we overcome it?

Honestly, I’m not sure we ever completely will. Until our last day on this earth, we’ll be fighting our sin nature. But, rather than give up hope, we need to fight against sin and take up the weapons God has given us to do it.   Love is a powerful weapon. Selfless love is what drove Jesus to feed those hungry crowds, die for us, and redeem our lives from the pit.

Selfless love for my family asks, “What matters most?”, and puts their needs above my selfish tendencies.

Selfless love…

gets my little one a glass of milk, even when I’m in the middle of an intricate crochet project
helps me stay up late to greet my oldest as she comes home from work, even when I’m exhausted
reminds me to put a smile on my face when my husband comes in after his long commute, even if I’ve had a bad day
says it’s ok to have that bad day and let it go— no need to burden others with what I can handle myself
keeps my mouth shut when my teen really just needs me to just be a good listener
encourages me to pamper my sick and miserable child, even when I have the same virus

You get the idea.

And, yay! for those moments of victory! But there are too many times when, with my actions, I’ve said, “I don’t feel selfless right now. Sorry, not sorry.”

There are times when I don’t get off the couch, don’t put down my phone, don’t stay up and wait, don’t keep my mouth shut, complain instead of smile, and whine selfishly when I’m sick. (And worse, I’m sure!)   But, those moments aren’t Kingdom-building. They don’t convey the importance Jesus puts on relationships. They don’t say, “I value you above myself!” (Phil 2:3)

Those failed opportunities don’t teach my children what selfless love looks like so they can show it to the world. They certainly don’t edify my husband or myself.

The Remedy

What’s the remedy? It’s super simple, but so hard to do… the answer of course, is to keep doing love. (That’s what Jesus did!)

It comes down to the heart and discipline. We must pray for God to root out all selfishness in our hearts, then pray for the discipline to actively practice loving one another. It’s definitely a lifelong learning process, and even though (like I mentioned before) we may never love one another perfectly, God has promised us His help. It’s our duty to pursue it and place the utmost importance on it.

And He will help us to love one another well.

What does selfless love look like in your home? Do you struggle with loving selflessly like Jesus?  What helps you overcome?

What matters most? Learning to love your family selflessly. Like Jesus does. #LoveOneAnother

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What does selfless love look like? Jesus shows the answer… #LoveOneAnother

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When it’s hard to love – 1 John 4:7-12

November 12, 2015 by Lisa Burgess 20 Comments

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7

My love is being tested.

On our Wednesday afternoon rotations, we knock on a door in the public-housing complex, announce we have a meal, and chat in the hallway for a few minutes.

But one apartment is particularly tough. Because, well, it is particularly foul. #521 (not the real number) belongs to Darryl (not his real name).

He calls us in. We set the dinner on the counter. Roaches scatter. Smells overwhelm.

And Darryl just sits in the corner. Every week, same spot. He mumbles thanks and that’s it.

So each week, I dread the entry, hold my breath, and pray for grace.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8

I have a hard time loving Darryl. [Read more about Darryl here.]

But if I can’t love the least of these, can I say I love God?

It doesn’t start with us, I know that. We don’t initiate love. God initiates love. Through Jesus. Every time. Every day. For every person.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10

Not only does God love, God is love. I can’t fully grasp it.

But instead of knocking it around in my mind, going nowhere, I have to knock on a door and step inside.

The past few months I set new goals:

Knock on #521
Give a genuine smile
Engage in conversation with Darryl

I don’t need to just talk about love, to study love, to pray about love . . . I need to do love.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11

If God abides in us, if Love abides in us, anything is possible, right?

Week after week, Darryl and I slowly engage. I ask a question; he gives a short answer.

Then he talks a little more. And then he shares about his past. And now he’s laughing and story-telling and making our visits enjoyable.

Last Wednesday, not only do I notice how much he talks now—would he talk an hour if we could stay?—but I also notice something else new.

No roaches. Less clutter. And the odor is gone.

I haven’t seen God in person (not yet anyway). But I know I’ve seen God in a person. I see Him on Wednesday afternoons in #521. He meets me there when I knock on the door. And we engage in conversation.

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:12

It’s not because we love God so much that things change.
It’s because God loves us so much.

Despite our filth, He cleans us up.
In our shallowness, He digs deeper.
Out of our fears, He creates friendships.

If God can love us at our worst, we can pursue love for each other with our best. Because in those moments when we do, “God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!” (1 John 4:12 Msg)

TO DO THIS WEEK:

PRAY
Prepare your heart before you read. Ask God to speak life through His words, to give you fresh insights, to tear down any walls.
READ TWICE
First, receive God’s love for you as you read through 1 John 4:7-12. Then, read it again, listening for a specific person or situation you can pour that love back into.
PLAN
Brainstorm practical ways you can love this person. Make a phone call? Send an encouraging email? Invite to dinner? Take a small gift? Do an act of service? Just smile and say hello? No act of love is too small.
ACT
Do it. Go make God’s love manifest in your world.

When it’s hard to love, what do you do? #SinceGodLovedUs

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It’s not because we love God so much that things change. It’s because He loves us so much.

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Is there a difficult person you’re called to love in your life?
Have you made progress?
What more can you do?
Please share in the comments.

Since God So Loved Us {new month-long study}

November 3, 2015 by Caroline 5 Comments

I remember having conversations with a good high school friend about the difference between a believer and a person with “good character.” At the time, I wasn’t a believer myself, though I was searching (and this particular conversation was a key point for me, thanks in part to my amazing, God-following friend).

He made the comment that a person with “good character” still exhibits good choices, good intentions, but the main difference is the why behind all of those actions and thoughts.

Since God Loved Us {1 John 4 study} — Original photo credit

Why the “Why” Matters

The why recenters our hearts and minds.

The why helps us persevere.

The why opens our opportunities to serve all people.

The why of God’s love also leads to the what of living as a believer.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11 (NIV)

Studying the “Why”

One of my favorite chapters in the New Testament is (and has been for a long time) 1 John 4. It’s all about the why and the what of living in God’s love.

This month, we’ll read through 1 John 4 together, study each verse, and surround ourselves with the truth of God’s love and how that changes us.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

We’d love to study this together with you and grow together in God’s love.

Want some extra study until the next post?

Read through 1 John 4 twice between now and Ali’s post later this week.
Write down three verses that stand out to you about the why and the what of God’s love.
Write down two or three questions you have. Share them in the comments below! We’d love to study and search with you on those questions during this month.

We’re studying 1 John 4 this month. Join us! #SinceGodLovedUs

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In 1 John 4, we learn about the ‘why’ and the ‘what’ that comes from #SinceGodLovedUs:

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His Steadfast Love Endures Forever – Psalm 118:4

April 21, 2015 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

– Psalm 118:1-5 (ESV)

Every day this month the Do Not Depart team will be posting a scripture graphic that you can use to spread the Word of God. Share it on social media, print it out and write someone a letter, email it to someone who needs encouragement.

You are free to share our image with Psalm 118:4b above. If you have questions about how to download images, just ask in the comments (be sure to tell us what type of computer/device you are using.)

Visit DoNotDepart.com for more shareable scripture graphics! #SpreadTheWord

Today’s shareable scripture image is Psalm 118:4b. #SpreadTheWord

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“His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:4b. #SpreadTheWord

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God’s Ultimate Demonstration of Love

February 24, 2015 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

Does God really love me?

It is a question you may have asked.

Life can be beautiful, but we all know pain and suffering. Being a believer does not make us immune to sorrow.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the details of our lives that we base our understanding of who God is on how we are feeling at that moment. And if we are struggling, we can begin to blame God.

We wonder if He really cares after all.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to stay in God’s Word. To be constantly reminded of the truth – God loves you beyond your ability to comprehend.

And the ultimate demonstration of God’s breathtaking love for you is in the cross of Christ:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:6-8

Can you imagine willingly sending your own child to die in the place of someone else? To be punished for another’s wrongdoing?

I can’t.

This is not greeting card love. No Hallmark sentiment here. This is a love that truly is “vast beyond all measure.”

Stuart Townend‘s beautiful modern hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love” is one of my favorite contemporary worship songs. With a simple and moving melody, the lyrics profoundly underscore the incredible love that God demonstrated to us by sending His Son to the cross on our behalf.

How Deep the Father’s Love
by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders,
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished,
His dying breath has brought me life,
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom,
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

It defies logic, doesn’t it? That Jesus – pure, sinless, holy – would willingly die a criminal’s death. That the Father would allow it… that this very act would be His will.

Friends, I am a mess. Every single day I shake my head at my own sin. I am selfish, I lose my patience, I forget to keep my eyes focused on Jesus and I worry too much. Why would Jesus die for me?

It is simple. Because He loves me. It is not fair that I should be showered with so much grace… that a broken girl who keeps sinning should be washed clean. We all know the consequence of sin…

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

Yes, we are offered a gift… the ultimate gift, freely given with an extravagant love.

You and I will sin today. We will experience pain this week. But we can sing this love song, strong and true:

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Thank you Lord!!

You can listen to “How Deep the Father’s Love” by clicking here or on the video below.

How deep is the Father’s love for you? #RealLoveSongs

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Does God really love you? #RealLoveSongs

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Want to enter an eternal giveaway? Open to everyone, every day! #RealLoveSongs

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A love song leading to hope and peace

February 17, 2015 by Julie 2 Comments

It’s devastating to realize we placed our hope in an unworthy person. Eve felt it. Real life Anastasia Steeles feel it in Fifty Shades of Grey-style relationships. The discovery can be painful, terrifying, and maddening. It can leave us wounded, mistrusting, and fearful. In romance, in your family, or in your church? Maybe you’ve felt it, for a woman’s hope follows where her love leads. You believed, you loved, you followed, but you were used.

We all have the potential to let our own desires drive us so we run right over other people. Fear is the tool of a manipulative heart. It’s a weapon wielded by abusive lovers, controlling leaders, and insecure parents. If we all have the capacity to sin, is there a fail-safe place to love? Can we find real love?

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 33:18

There is One completely deserving of our hope. He desires reverence, not dread, so He looks for “those who fear Him.” He reaches to us with truth, because He is truth itself. There’s no manipulation, only grace. His holiness makes Him wholly worthy of our love and, thus, our hope. We can hope in His lovingkindness.

Women worldwide put their hope in the ones they love. If the one they love is wholly worthy, their hope brings life. If they love one who is wholly unworthy, their hope brings death. Aaron Shust wrote a love song with declaration words, that the Lord is the One worthy of our hope. Nothing shakes His worthy ways, even painful circumstances or the unknown. It’s safe to love Him. It’s safe to hope in Him. To love Him is to hope in Him, and to hope in Him is to know His peace.

To love Him is to hope in Him. #LoveSongs

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My hope is in You, Lord, all the day long.
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm.
My hope is in You, Lord,
All the day long I won’t be shaken by drought or storm.

A peace that passes understanding is my song,
And I sing my hope is in You, Lord.
My hope is in You, Lord.
My hope is in You, Lord.

Do the loves in your life lead you to hope and peace? Do your passions produce a heart full of hope and a peace-filled perspective? God watches for those who reverence Him, loving Him enough to hope in His authentic lovingkindness. Does He see you reverencing Him and putting your hope in His fail-safe intents for you? Does He see you making Him the love of your life? If our love is well placed, our hope will follow and fill us with peace.

True love leads to holy hope and holy hope leads to peace.

Would you say you’re experiencing a hope-filled outlook and heart of peace?

Have you ever misplaced your love and ended up hopeless and without peace?

How to be brave

February 12, 2015 by Lisa Burgess 17 Comments

If you could substitute your fear today with love, how differently would you live?

I’ve seen it; you have too. The shy, in-the-background woman suddenly can keep quiet no longer. Someone she loves is threatened, and she has to speak up.

That’s what love can do to us.
It makes us brave.

The world can be a hard place. It often requires things of us and ways from us that we don’t feel equipped to give—time, energy, money.

And courage.

The world needs our courage.

It needs us to speak up for the powerless.
It needs us to create peace in chaotic places.
It needs us to love those who don’t love back.

I received a short supply of courage by nature. I’ve always wanted more. And now that I’m an adult, I’ve seen the need for more.

But there’s only one way my human tendencies toward worry and timidity can be overcome: By love.

Specifically, the love of God.

We need a safe home base because it can go bad for us out there. We can be betrayed, knocked down, and even have our physical life ended by other people or circumstances. It’s the risk we take when we choose to step out in love.

It’s the risk Jesus took when He loved. Look where it got Him: He was betrayed, knocked down, and even allowed His life to be snuffed out.

But because Love is always stronger, He arose. And because His love now lives in us, we, too, can rise up to be brave.

God’s love is the only unshakable foundation that can’t be moved. No one can take away our safe place in God. Only through Him can we be truly brave. To go. To do. To love. Even to die.

Because we are loved, we can look reality eye-to-eye and keep moving forward.
Because we are loved, we can take chances to love others who are hard to love.
Because we are loved, we can give ourselves away trusting God will replenish us.

To err on the side of love is the brave thing to do. In God’s love, we are safe.

Stay in His love today and do the next thing He’s calling you to do. Even if you have knocking knees, a fast-beating heart, and a mind that says, “I’m scared!”.

Fear says, “What if . . . ?”
Love says, “What can be . . . ?”

His love is bigger than our fear. May He make us brave.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! . . . The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:1,6

What do you need courage for today? Let’s talk in the comments.

Click here if you can’t see the song video “You Make Me Brave”

Click here for the backstory of “You Make Me Brave”

The world needs your courage. God’s love is bigger than your fear. “How to be brave”

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Hearing God’s Love Song in Hard Times

February 10, 2015 by Kathy Howard 2 Comments

Have you ever wondered if God had forgotten you? Had stopped loving you? Perhaps you’ve thought your sorrow, grief, fear, loneliness, fear, or (you fill in the blank), would never end. In times like those, it’s not always easy to trust in God’s unfailing love.

Like a violent storm at sea, life is filled with circumstances that toss us around and threaten to pull us under. The psalmist David intimately knew about these storms of life. The 13^th psalm expresses his feelings during one such time:

¹How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
²How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

³Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
⁴and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

Four times David asks “how long?” How long must I struggle? How long, oh God, must I wait for your answer?

He calls out to God for help. “Look, answer, give.” Then David makes a choice.

In the midst of his despair, David purposefully chose to trust God and lean on His unfailing love. David chose to anticipate God’s coming deliverance. (Check out Ali’s post from last Thursday for a great explanation of chesed, the Hebrew word used for God’s unfailing love.)

There will be days. Days when evil appears to win… when God seems absent… when the circumstances of life feel unbearable… Days that make us question God’s love for us. “If God loved me then…”

Circumstances do not define God’s love

But our circumstances do not define the depth or quality of God’s love for us. God loves us in and through every circumstance.

Our circumstances do not define the depth or quality of God’s love for us.

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Even when our circumstances have left us hopeless, our hope can begin anew in the God of unfailing love. Trust in His faithful love is not misplaced. This firmly placed trust will birth confidence that God will act on our behalf. And as this confidence grows, joy in our good and gracious God will take root and bloom.

Truths to cling to

Cling to the truths about God and His love even when you don’t see it.

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Sweet believer, when we don’t hear God or we don’t see His activity, we can still choose to trust in His love for us because He is faithful and His love is unfailing. We can choose to cling to the truths about Him we see in Scripture even though our circumstances might seem to indicate something different.

God is always there. Even when we don’t sense His presence.

God is always working. Even when we don’t see His activity.

God always loves us. Even when we don’t hear Him say it.

Will you choose to trust in Him and cling to His unfailing love today? If so, listen to “Oceans” and let it be a prayer of your heart. “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders… I will call upon your name… My soul will rest in your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine.”

Love Songs – What is Real Love?

February 3, 2015 by Kathy Howard 1 Comment

What is real love?

At it’s best, the world’s concept of love is warped and self-centered. At it’s worst, the world’s “love” is harmful and destructive. One recent example of the latter is the upcoming release of the movie version of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Which, sadly, is sure to be a block-buster.

This month at Do Not Depart, we will explore real love. God’s love.

W cannot fully know real love apart from knowing God. Because “God is love” (1 John 4:16). God is the source and initiator of true love.

Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:14-16, NLT

When we come into a saving relationship with Jesus, God takes up residence within us. Real love comes to live inside us! Without a relationship with Jesus, we cannot experience or give true love because we are disconnected from God.

I don’t mean that non-Christians can’t give and experience tremendous “love.” While there is a huge range of emotions and behavior we call “love” – much of it wonderful! – we cannot have true “agape” love apart from knowing Jesus.

The Greek word used to describe the love of God and the love He calls His children to express is agape. Here’s a quick description of agape:

Agape is the love God has for His Son and for us
Agape is love expressed it deliberate action (See Romans 5:8)
Agape seeks the welfare of others
Agape is a choice; it’s love of volition, not emotion
Agape is based on the giver’s character and not the merit of the receiver

This month, we’ll discover more about the scope and depth of God’s love for us. We’ll see the glorious effects of His love in our lives. And we’ll learn how we can love like He loves.

Today, let’s reflect on the mind-boggling truth that God has chosen us as the object of His great love. Listen to “Only Your Love,” performed by Kari Jobe, worship our God, and praise Him for His amazing love.

Let’s talk: How is God’s love different from the way the world understands and expresses “love?”

Understanding God’s Ways

March 18, 2014 by Julie 4 Comments

I don’t understand the pattern Lisa talked about last week, but I’m so grateful for it, just the same. “We need; God provides. That’s the gospel.” I want that, even if I can’t grasp it all.

Understanding God’s Ways

How could the holy God doze away barriers to make way for ever-fallen, failing me?
How could the One who delights to give rain down grace on ever-receiving me?
How could the Father give the Son for the orphans who didn’t love back … yet?

How?

To demonstrate His intimate knowledge of us, God anticipated our bewilderment. He tenderly sheds light on our confusion in the verses following the crazy declaration that if we seek Him, “He will abundantly pardon.” ( from Isaiah 55:7) Not just adequately forgiven, but abundantly forgiven. The only right response is to worship Him.

How?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

His thoughts are His purposes, His plans, and His intentions. And His thoughts are so unlike ours. I wouldn’t pardon abundantly, but that’s His plan.
His ways are His path, His direction, His journey, and His manner. And His manner is so unlike ours. I wouldn’t invite opposers to seek me out, but that’s His manner.

Our ways and our thoughts are so different from God’s that we can compare the contrast to the distance of heaven to earth. There are many ways to define how far space is from earth, but the International Space Station orbits at 400 km from earth; a constant boost is necessary since it is constantly “scraping” the atmosphere of the world. From earth to heaven is higher than high. But “higher” here exceeds an earthly sense of distance. Instead, it refers to lofty in deserving exaltation.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

There will be a day when God reveals how He could extend His abundant pardon to us. For now, His lofty plans and His higher manner is to be exalted above my small understanding. I don’t understand His great mercy that invites those far off to “Seek the Lord while He may be found,” but I’m so glad He invites. You?

Share the Love – Unshakeable Faith 8

November 5, 2012 by Kathy Howard 6 Comments

This is the last lesson in the Unshakeable Faith Bible study. It has been a privilege to share it with you! The devotional is below. Access the 2-page Quick Study here.

Every Christian belongs to God’s family. When God saves us, He saves us into His family. We can never experience all God has for us apart from a local body of believers. Jesus made it clear to His disciples that God designed the Christian life to be lived in the context of community.

Unshakeable Faith trait eight: Connected to a local church body with love and service

Peter spent roughly three years learning from Jesus how to live in a community of believers. This group traveled together, ate together, and did life together. But Jesus didn’t merely teach about love and service. He set the example.

Read John 15:12-13. What command did Jesus give His disciples – then and now – on the night He was arrested?

How did Jesus ultimately show His love for us?

Our friend Peter learned what love looks like from Jesus. In his first letter, Peter encouraged his readers to also love like Jesus loved.

Read 1 Peter 3:8-9 and 1 Peter 4:8-10. List all the characteristics and behaviors that describe how we Christians should love one another.

Peter used the Greek word agape to describe the kind of love Christians should have for each other. According to the The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, “agape love is capable of being commanded because it is not primarily an emotion but a decision of the will leading to action.” Agape loves deeply, unselfishly, with the other’s best interests at heart.

God loves His children through His children. He cares for us, comforts us, provides for us, and encourages us through our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do you know of a need right now in your church family that needs your love in action? List some concrete ways you can show your love.

God’s purpose for your life includes a vital connection to a local church body. He has designed this interdependent relationship to benefit each of us. When trials hit, God will use His body to hold you up and He will use you to encourage someone else. If you are not fully connected to a local church, don’t wait any longer!

Let’s talk! Let’s share today some of the ways God has loved you through the local church.

I’d also love to hear how this study has encouraged you in your faith!

Unshakeable Faith: Secure in the God Who Chooses

September 21, 2012 by Sandra Peoples 2 Comments

Over two years ago, my family decided we were ready to begin the adoption process. We filled out the application with the agency we chose and waited to hear if we were accepted. After a couple weeks, they called with good news and bad news. The good news was we were accepted into the program. The bad news was we had 90 days to raise $15,000. Social services looked at our information and wasn’t sure a pastor and a stay-at-home mom would have enough money to see the adoption process through to the end (over $30,000 total). So they set the bar high, asking us to prove ourselves.

Some might have seen this as God “closing a door.” But we knew God calls all Christians to care for orphans. We knew He put the desire in our hearts to adopt. What would we do with this challenge?

Peter was also in a challenging situation in Luke 5:1-11. Christ seemed to expect the impossible. And Simon Peter didn’t know what to do. “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets'” (vv. 4-5).

In our book, Unshakeable Faith, Kathy writes, “Think of a time when God guided you in a direction that did not seem logical to you. Did you obey? How did God work in this situation?”

As we learned in this lesson, God calls each one of us. God Himself chose you. He brought you first into a relationship with Him, then called you to specific ministries and opportunities. Acts 17:26 says He even determined when and where you would live. He chose the life you are living. The school you attend. The job you have. The husband you love. The children you raise. In all of this choosing, He asks you to trust Him, just as He asked Peter.

Well, we didn’t raise $15,000 in 90 days. Halfway through our 90 day deadline, they called again and said we only had to have $7,000. Because we had been working so hard to raise $15,000 we already had the $7,000 we needed. Like Peter, we were overwhelmed with God’s goodness and faithfulness to our family. We praise Him for choosing us first for salvation, and also for each opportunity He has for us.

What can you praise Him for today? Has He asked you to continue to step out in faith, as He asked Peter to do in Luke 5? Is He asking you to rest in the assurance of His love? Tell us in the comments what you learned from this lesson in our Unshakeable Faith study.

“He Picked Me!” – Unshakeable Faith Lesson One

September 17, 2012 by Kathy Howard 11 Comments

This post is the Devotional version of the study intro. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page version) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

When I was in high school, a social slight felt like the end of the world. Now I know that rejection can be much more serious and hurtful than not getting asked to the senior prom. A departure of a spouse, a job layoff, or a broken friendship can make us feel unloved and discarded.

No matter how much rejection you may have faced in your life, never forget that God will never reject you. In fact, if you are a Christian – if you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ – it’s because God chose you! (Here’s more about how to have a saving relationship with Jesus.) Have you ever taken a moment to dwell on the incredible truth that God chose you?

Unshakeable Faith Trait One:

He Picked Me! – Secure in the God Who Loves and Chooses

Read Ephesians 1:4-5 from the New Living Translation below and note the words that describe God’s action on your behalf.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5, NLT

How did God feel about doing this for you? How does it feel to be chosen by God for salvation and adopted into His family?

Believer, God chose you before the creation of the world. He picked you out for His very own, before you were even born. He saved you for a purpose: “to be holy and without fault (Eph 1:4).” You were chosen by God, saved by the blood of Jesus, and now the Holy Spirit is working in your life to transform into Christ’s holy likeness. God wants to grow your faith from shaky to unshakeable!

Let’s talk: What situation are you facing right now in which you need to remember that God loves you and has chosen you?