Today's blog is from: Jonathan
Due to our fruitless efforts to find a wireless connection to the internet, our update is a little late but that in no way lessens the influence the Spirit has had on this Trip….
We woke early for morning devotionals (linked below) and then joined the congregation of Trinity Baptist church (our gracious hosts) for worship. Our students were already making an impact when, upon gearing that the Trinity worship band was short a bassist, our very own junior Eric Peck stepped in. Afterwards, the music director was ready to sign him up on the spot. After church, we travelled to Venice beach to soak in the atmosphere of the performers, the streetball, and more. What a beautiful day! In the evening, J-Unit led us in a worship that can only be described as “joyfully undignified”- truly an evening spent in the presence of our Lord.
Prayers: for a great 1st day of work at PATH and the Access Center. For continued growth as a closely-knit family of God. For our understanding of where God needs us to learn to do His work.
Today’s Devotional:
Hear God’s Love
Before you start reading God’s Word, take some time in prayer to prepare your heart. Pray that the Holy Spirit seep into your heart so you might truly hear the awesome love
that God has for you...
Read Luke 7:36-50.
How was the woman described in verse 37?
Why did the Pharisee take issue with the woman being around Jesus? Why was this seen as a bad thing for Jesus’ image?
Imagine you are attending the meal. What would your impressions be of the woman’s actions? Why?
How did Jesus respond to the woman’s actions?
What did Jesus mean by His words in verse 47?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-4.
What actions did Paul list here that his culture deemed “good?”
How would these actions be any less if done without being based in love?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:5-8a.
This is how God defines the real love that He has for us. What are some characteristics that are a part of the biblical definition of love? Try to list them each with a single word..
Our culture has changed this definition. What things commonly to seep into nice actions that distort their meaning and purpose?
Why would that be? What has allowed this to be acceptable?
“Always” is a strong word. If we are following God’s way, always has to mean just that if we are to love as God loves us. Take moment to ask God for strength to always love how He loves.
Take some time thinking about the woman from Luke. What about her example scares you? Is it her humility? Her boldness to honor her Lord in a group that didn’t welcome her? Her confidence to be honest about her past as she came to Jesus?
What is most difficult for you when it comes to loving others purely? Humility? Kindness? Forgiveness? Patience?
Which characteristic of love do you think is the most difficult for God to love you purely? Why do you think that is?
This week, how can you begin to work towards loving others just God loves you?
What do you need to do to bring yourself to the point where you are able to honestly open up to God and allow His love to be completed through your actions? What’s keeping you from being rooted in Him?
As you close this devotional time, really looking into your heart. Is it a heart that is shouting out for God to work in it? Is it a heart that is closed off, not ready to risk itself? Use today as your time to figure out what you want to get from this trip. Is it simply “fun” or are you looking for something more, something lasting? As you look into your own heart, look around you today for the many opportunities to purely love and to recognize the love in which God unflinchingly surrounds you...
Want More? Check these out..
Matthew 5:43-46
John 13:34-35
Ephesians 3:16-19
1 John 4:7-12
