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Pearls of wisdom…. (devo reflection)

1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (NIV)
There is so much packed in this verse. The commentary* provides two pearls of wisdom I want to explore further. The first is: “To be or abide in God or in Christ implies an habitual condition….” In other words, if we are truly abiding, residing, in Christ, then it’s not just something we do when we feel like. It is a continual state, meaning that just like Jesus on the Mount of Olives, we pray, continually, “…not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus, Help me.
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked. (BSB)
The other pearl contained in the commentary* on this verse states: “Christian love teaches us to value our brother’s soul….” So, who is my brother? In Matt 12:50, Jesus says, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” But Jesus repeatedly goes out of His way to tell others about His Father (Remember the woman at the well? The prisoner crucified at His right hand? The soldiers, casting lots, that He prayed for at His death?) God is love. Jesus is love. They want us to value their creation, all those with life. Jesus, Help me.
1 John 2:6 If we say we are His, we must follow the example of Christ. (CEV)
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture, for the reminder that abiding in You is a way of life, not a whim. Help me to keep my pride in check so that in every circumstance I can seek Your will instead of my own. Help me to look past my prejudices and to see You in all those around me. Help me to treat them with unconditional positive regard, to treat all others with the same loving care with which You have always treated me. Help me to follow Your example, to do as You have done for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
John 13:15 I have set an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
Have a blessed day.

*The commentary referred to in this reflection is from BibleHub.com for 1 John 2:6 and can be found by following this link. Scroll to the bottom and look at both the Pulpit Commentary and the Matthew Henry Commentary.

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Teach me to listen… (devo reflection)

1 Sam 3:8a A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
It would be easy for me to wax eloquently on today’s smart phone obsessed culture, to talk about those who are so wrapped up in their social media accounts or video games that they miss the Lord calling to them, and I do not think I would be totally off base if I did so, but today’s scripture hits much closer to home for me than that.
1 Sam 3:8b Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.
I begin each morning in my recliner with my coffee, my Savior, and His word. I usually spend an hour or two reading, praying, reflecting, writing. That time is crucial to my day, to my well-being, and I always feel closer to my Savior when I’ve finished. But I’m a routine kind of gal, my time with Him has a definite pattern, and if He tried to shake that up, I could definitely see myself responding, “Hang on a sec, Lord. Let me finish this thought first.” Jesus, Help me.
1 Sam 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You want to be an active, dynamic presence in our lives, that Your call should not be relegated to a comfortable routine. Thank You for the time that You spend with me each morning, Lord. Help me, always, to listen for and respond to Your call, no matter when, where, or how. Help me to hear Your voice, to heed Your direction. Teach me to listen, always, with an open mind, an open heart, and a willing attitude. Draw me closer. Amen.
Matt 11:15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.
Have a blessed day.

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Answer the door…. (devo reflection)

Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in…. (NIV)
I have felt the sting of separation. For much of my life, I have been plagued with vague feelings of not fitting in with the rest of the crowd, of not belonging when everyone else clearly seems to feel like they belong. Two observations: 1. If someone FEELS separated, they will BE separated, even if they aren’t. Perception absolutely becomes reality until that false perception can be broken. 2. Everyone, at some time, in some way, feels that sting of separation, even when it isn’t real. 
Rev 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (NLT)
Rev 3:20 spoke to my heart this morning, to that little piece of me that has never felt like enough, never felt like I belonged. Jesus’s inclusive love, inclusive invitation, is for EVERYONE. He IS knocking. He WANTS a relationship—with me, with YOU, with all of us. But it must be an intentional relationship. You can’t just holler, “Door’s open! Come on in!” You’ve got to ANSWER the door and then sit down and eat with our Savior. Be in relationship WITH Him. Thank You, Jesus.
Rev 3:20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in… (CSB)
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture. Thank You for Your inclusiveness. Thank You for knocking, for Your perseverance, for Your desire for relationship with us. Thank You that we are Your deeply loved children and for the sense of belonging that comes from that. Draw us closer to You as we reach out to others. Amen.
Matt 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Have a blessed day.