December 4

Daniel 11:36-12:13, 1 John 4:1-21, Psalm 123:1-4, Proverbs 29:2-4 

Pray: How can you love others? What about those who don’t really deserve it? John tells us that once we experience the love of God in our own lives, it ought to drive us and enable us to love each other. I once heard of a missionary who was struggling to authentically love the villagers she was trying to reach. One night she prayed and the Holy Spirit revealed to her that her prayers were pointed in the wrong direction. She began praying, “Lord, give me your heart for me.” With a different prayer, she was given a different heart. With a different heart, she had a different love for people. Do you know just how much your Heavenly Father loves you? Ask Him to reveal it to you so you might love others in the same way.

Read: I had a colleague once who didn’t like it when I referenced John saying “You belong to God.” He said it made him feel controlled and restricted. I, on the other hand, feel a sense of security and trust knowing that I am God’s. When something/someone is in my possession, I am responsible for it/them. I’ll show care and concern. I’ll protect whatever is in my possession. If I belong to God, I believe His level of care, concern, protection, and responsibility over me far surpasses anything I am capable of. In that truth, I find great comfort and trust. You?

Edify: “The king will do as he pleases…and no one will help him.” It’s not coincidental that these two phrases bookend our opening passage of Scripture today. When we live for ourselves, we can’t expect others to help further our selfish ways. The king mentioned here meets his demise because of his self-centered and independent ways. In what ways can you rewrite your life’s script? In what ways can you stop doing only what pleases you and add value to someone else, investing in them? The king didn’t fair too well, even though he was a king! Selfishness will get you more of what you want…if what you want is more of you.

Practice: “I have a word.” Honestly, I cringe when someone says that to me. It’s not because I believe God cannot use someone to speak to me. He can, and does. It’s because usually this person with “a word” wants to give me their opinion…their biased, unbiblical, mostly uneducated opinion, typically rooted in rumors, feelings, and occasionally experiences. It’s why John tells us “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit” and it’s why we often say, “Be careful who you allow to speak into your life.” I gave great parenting advice before I had children. Broke people know exactly how you should manage your money. Who is speaking into your life? Who has your ear?