Father, as I look out over my life You have truly blessed me in so many ways. I have done nothing to deserve Your blessings, but You do so because You love me. May I be generous in sharing that love and blessing with others around me. Amen.
1 John 2:7-8 (<<click here to read the passage)
Wow! So many thoughts from just two verses! My thoughts from the initial reading – thoughts from the study Bible notes – thoughts even from a sermon close to the time these things were noted– AND thoughts of how once again You have taken my opening thoughts and prayer and meshed it together with today’s passage of Scripture! Thank You, Lord!
It really all just boils down to love. I realize that I wrote about love just yesterday, but love has to be at the core of who we are and how we live. If love is not there everything we do is for naught! The foundation upon which we must build our lives is expressed in a passage of scripture that You, Lord, identify as the greatest of the commandments – the most important one. You quote it in Matthew 22. You gave it to Moses in Deuteronomy 6:5 to give to us,
“…you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
You also stated that that was the “first and greatest commandment” but that a “second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” which You quoted from Leviticus 19:18.
“The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
The command to love is old but it is new. It has been around for millennia but when we give ourselves over to You, You create it new every day – every moment – in our lives.
The final line in John’s passage this morning gives me renewed hope.
“For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.”
Darkness is rampant! It seems to be in control…but it is not! Darkness is in its death throes! Its days are numbered for love is mightier because it is YOU! You, Lord, have already won! You are victorious! And we are truly blessed to be counted as Your children! May we carry on, bearing the torch of light and love!
(Apr 10th, 2017, Mon, 5:15 am)
May 3rd, 2023, Wed, 12:33 pm
