Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 13, 2020
Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance—none of these things come from the Father but from the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever. 1 John 2:15-17, TPT
I love college football, but in the big scheme of things, my affections are misplaced. From someone who grew up in Alabama, it’s hard to say but no less true—football is fleeting—as is anything other than making God my supreme delight. What lasts is loving to do the Lord’s will. Things of the world promise gratification from pleasure, status and stuff, but will only pass away when I pass away. God and His will is the only permanent reality 100% worthy of my love.
John, the apostle of love, dives deep into the heart of what is worthy of love. He contrasts what comes from the Father of love with what comes from the love of the world. Heavenly love looks only to do the will of the Lord, while worldly love is drawn to the temporal for fear of missing out on an exciting life of lust veiled in levity. The problem with a focus on affections originating outside the Father’s love with only a glance above, is that God’s will becomes an afterthought. But when love compels a heart to abide in Christ he truly lives now for the forever. Love obeys God’s will.
“Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. The reason the world doesn’t recognize who we are is that they didn’t recognize him. Beloved, we are God’s children right now; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like him, for we will see him as he truly is” (1 John 3:1-2, TPT).
Beloved child of the Most High, has the Lord’s love been locked up in a china cabinet of your heart, valued and admired, but only used on rare occasions? Love from above is meant to be your everyday dishes on earth so you can clearly comprehend and do the will of your heavenly Father. Sensual gratification, intellectual allurements and a fixation with feeling important only contribute to separation from the Spirit’s power, and eventually you long to immerse yourself in relationships oozing authentic love. An unfulfilled life often plays hard, but seldom prays hard.
Keep your eyes on the prize of seeing the face of perfect love—your savior Jesus. Like the voice of the sirens in Homer’s Odyssey, listen for the Lord’s melody of love to draw you unto Himself. Love is the motivation that empowers and emboldens you to thoroughly follow God’s will for your life. The world and its amusing attractions are unworthy of your love, but the Creator of the world in all His majesty and glory is totally worthy of your love. So, love the Lord well, be loved well, and love well. You are worthy of love, because you are a beloved child of King Jesus!
“When he [Jesus] came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38).
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for loving me so well, so I can love well, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What worldly attraction do I need to let go of, and cling to the Lord?
Related Reading
Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 27:20; Romans 12:2; James 4:4
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Love is the motivation that empowers and emboldens you to thoroughly follow God’s will for your life. #love #wisdomhunters #truth #Jesus
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Boyd; great words today. As I’ve eased into my 2nd year of business retirement I wake up each morning asking myself “what next?” Like coach Bryant used to say”it’s sudden change” and how well we adjust to that occurrence determines our future success. So I’ve focused on loving my wife ❤️more, advising my children, loving and encouraging my grandchildren and being kinder to my fellow man, and being available for God to use my skills and remaining life on this earth 🌎 to be the example He desires me to be 👍😎🙏❤️