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Let us love one another…. (devo reflection)

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  

As I read these verses from 1 John 4 this morning, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 came to mind. In it Shakespeare writes: “love is not love/Which alters when it alteration finds,” … “O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark/That looks on tempests and is never shaken….”

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

The love John is speaking of in these verses is the same love as Shakespeare writes about–a love which accepts, a love which doesn’t seek to change, a love that is steadfast and is not shaken. This is the love God has for us and the love we are commanded to have for each other–deep and abiding, love that weathers the many, many storms of life.

1 John 4:9 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. 

Precious Savior, Help me to love others as You love me–fiercely, steadfastly, unconditionally. We are called to love one another. Sometimes that is so difficult. Sometimes it’s so much easier to judge. Sometimes it seems wiser to walk away. Give us Your wisdom and guidance as we seek to love as You love. Amen.

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

Have a blessed day.

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God is not only WITH us, He is not only FOR us, He is IN us as well…. (devo reflection)

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.   

The part that says, “…the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” is a favorite of mine. It brings to mind songs and other scripture that underscores the same point–God is not only WITH us, He is not only FOR us, He is IN us as well.

1 John 4:5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.

The preposition IN denotes a closeness, a connection, that this world cannot offer us. I’ve heard this verse used as a weapon (“How dare you fear?!? God is with you. Don’t you trust Him?!?), but for me, it is a loving reminder. “I know you’re afraid. Of course you are. But you don’t need to be because He is IN you. You are not alone.”

1 John 4:6a We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us….

Precious Savior, You know my doubts and fears. You know my struggles. Thank You for sending me to Joshua and 1 John, for showing me that You are WITH me, FOR me, IN me. Thank You that You are infinitely gentle and fiercely loving and not full of anger or wrath. Thank You for Your presence in my life. Amen.

1 John 4:6b …This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Have a blessed day.

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The confusion is real…. (devo reflection)

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  

Commentary says that these verses mean that we need to be sure that every spiritual experience or spiritual encounter is from God. I’m not going to lie, that really doesn’t clear up my confusion about these verses.

1 John 4:2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 

Just like I wonder about prophecies and visitations from angels–were they really so prevalent two thousand years ago? Are they really so nonexistent today?–I wonder about the spirits mentioned in this verse who/what/where/when they were. Were there literal spirits in John’s time? The confusion is real.

1 John 4:3a …but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

Precious Savior, Thank You that I can admit when I am confused by Your word. Thank You that I can ask questions and wrestle with nuance. Thank You that I can love You and believe in You and shine Your light even when I do have questions about Your word. Amen.

1 John 4:3b …This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

Have a blessed day. I love you.

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When life goes sideways…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 

Commentary says that all of this section–the Israelites’ reply to Joshua–is a confirmation of what the Lord told him. And while I can see that–the Israelites’ reply mirrors God’s words. I can see that as confirmation of what God just said–I can’t help but think about the beginning of this chapter where these same Israelites demanded Aaron make them an idol because Moses had been gone too long.

Joshua 1:17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.

And I’m not exactly sure what to do with that. Perhaps what Joshua should keep in mind is that he’s got God’s word and that even if (even when?) the Israelites disobey and/or things go sideways, God will still be with him and he needs to cling to God–always–to be strong and courageous no matter what because God is with him.

Joshua 1:18a Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death… 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that even when life goes sideways–as it inevitably does–even then, You are with us. Thank You for the reminder that we can be strong and courageous not because of our strength or goodness or righteousness but because of Your loving presence. Thank You. Amen.

Joshua 1:18b …Only be strong and courageous!”

Have a blessed day.

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A beautiful gift of hope…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:14a Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan…  

The theme of these verses seems to be that once you have gone through a difficult time, you need to go back and help others instead of settling into the comfort of your new status. I see this motif played out in so many ways and on so many levels, and it can be such a beautiful gift of hope.

Joshua 1:14b …but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them…

Recently on social media, a friend shared his struggles with addiction. He had someone who helped him, and he wanted to share his story with others in the hopes that someone might read it and realize they are ready for help. And every day in these daily reflections, I try to be open and honest about my struggles, my mistakes, my missteps, my precious, loving Savior, in the hopes that others who are struggling will realize they are not alone and that there is hope. That is the theme of these verses. Help others through.

Joshua 1:15a …until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the light of hope. Thank You that we can use all our mess–struggles, mistakes, missteps, everything–to help others who are struggling. Help us, even when it’s difficult, to have the strength to reach out and offer hope. Amen.

Joshua 1:15b … After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

Have a blessed day.

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Beautiful reminders…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 

Clearly, all the encouragement, the reminders to be strong and courageous, the reminders that Joshua is not alone, clearly, it all worked as intended because now, Joshua gets to work. Without hesitation. Seemingly without fear. He does what he’s been called to do.

Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ”

He knows God has a plan for him. He knows that God is with him. He has all of those beautiful reminders to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid. I doubt he has any illusions of perfection. He doesn’t expect it. He just gets to work.

Joshua 1:12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 

Precious Savior, There is so much to be said about facing your fear, remembering God’s promises, and getting to work. We all have our own baggage, Lord. We have our own trials. But Your promises are the same for all, the same for us as for Joshua–Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; I am with You. Help us, like Joshua, to take heart and to get to work, knowing You are right there with us. Amen.

Joshua 1:13 “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ 

Have a blessed day.

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The Lord your God will be with you…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:9a Have I not commanded you?   

Lord, You know what each person reading this reflection has before them today. Thank You for the command, for the reminder, that we can be strong and courageous, that we do not need to be afraid or discouraged, because You are with us. Always.

Joshua 1:9b …Be strong and courageous….

Father, We have so many needs, so many hurts, so many anxieties and worries and requests. Thank You that You love us so deeply, that You lavish us with blessings so completely. Thank You for Your reminders, Your encouragement, Your presence.

Joshua 1:9c …Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…

Precious Savior, The encouragement to be strong and courageous, the encouragement to not be afraid or discouraged, those things are priceless. But the true gift is the fact that You are with me wherever I go, that You see me, You love me, You are for me, You know every hair on my head, every tear I will cry, I am Your deeply, fiercely loved child. Always. Thank You. Amen.

Joshua 1:9d …for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Have a blessed day.

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Be strong and courageous…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 

In the span of four verses (v6-9), God tells Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. That seems a lot of encouragement in a very small space, though the worrier in me appreciates the repetition. It makes me wonder if Joshua was that afraid or if God was that intent on being reassuring or what exactly is going on here.

Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 

Personally, though, I have found that repetitious reminders to be strong and courageous, especially when I am stressed or hurting (or angry or bitter or melancholic or….) are lifesavers, game changers. They make all the difference when I am struggling mightily in a given situation.

Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the many, many reassurances that You are with us, that we are not alone, that we can proceed in life–strong and courageous–because You will never leave us nor forsake us. That promise is priceless, and I am so very grateful. Amen.

Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Have a blessed day.

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A path back…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 

Moses got to see the Promised Land, but he never got to set foot in it. His anger got the better of him one too many times, causing him to be disobedient to God. Ironic, considering how many times he was angry at the Israelites for their disobedience. But now Moses is gone and Joshua is in charge of leading the Israelites.

Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 

Interesting that in verse 2, God still loves Moses, still uses Moses in His service, even with his repeated anger and disobedience. There were consequences to both–Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land for one, but God didn’t turn His back on Moses because of his imperfections. And now that Joshua has taken the mantle, God is there for Joshua, too.

Joshua 1:3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for Your love for us, even when we disobey, even when we get angry. Thank You that Your Son has made a way for us that allows us a path back to You, even when we are messy and human and so very fallible. Thank You for the knowledge that You are with us. Always. Amen.

Joshua 1:4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 

Have a blessed day.

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What’s going on? (devo reflection)

Exodus 32:32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

Commentary points out that Moses offers himself as a sacrifice, which is exactly what Jesus does in the New Testament. I overlooked that fact. What I did notice was that Moses, who was livid with Aaron and the Israelites, asked for forgiveness for the people of Israel, “but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”  Why?

Exodus 32:33 The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. 

Does he ask to be blotted out if they aren’t forgiven because he is their earthly leader? Because he has spiritual responsibility for them? He was livid about their behavior. He was livid with Aaron. But unlike Aaron, he doesn’t shrug his shoulders and claim ignorance at how they ended up in this mess. What’s going on?

Exodus 32:34 Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

Precious Savior, Thank You for this journey through Exodus,  for the questions I’ve asked, for the wisdom I have gained. Thank You for drawing me closer to You, even when I don’t understand. Help me have eyes to see You and ears to hear You and always seek to draw closer to You. Amen.

Exodus 32:35 And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made. 

Have a blessed day.