July 7, 2020


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Today's Bible Verse
"No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
1 John 4:12 (KJV)



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Today's Bible Study
In today's verse, John writes that the love of God is visible to others through the actions of other Christians. This means when we know the Lord, our lives become walking demonstrations of the Lord's love. This is because He lives in us. Indeed, while no one has ever seen the Lord, many people have seen and experienced His love directly through those who know Him. His love is "perfected" through us, meaning that His love satisfies us completely and is beyond anything else we will ever know.

This verse reminds us that the Lord has chosen to make himself "visible" through His love. He does not desire that we see Him in Heaven as we stand on Earth. Instead, He desires that Christians become embodiments of His love. This is possible because He dwells in us; our bodies are literal temples for the presence of the Lord. And showing love to one another proves the Lord's presence in our hearts and lives. When we interact with other people, we should give them a tangible experience of God's love.


This sounds great in theory, but in the real world it can get pretty messy. Have you ever found yourself in an emotional situation, where you got angry or upset and completely forgot that the Lord lives within you? I know I have … more than once. The best way to avoid this scenario is to be in communion with the Lord daily--reading His Word, worshiping in church on Sunday, and praying to Him. The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we become like Him, and the more His love will shine through our lives.

Today, try to be an example of the Lord's tangible love to someone else. This could take a variety of forms; perhaps you can give a genuine compliment, write a card, or purchase a small gift. Whatever it is, remember that it is a privilege to represent the Lord's love to another person, and pray for the person as you actively demonstrate Godly love.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you so much for the love that you first showed me. You are so good to me, and I am so grateful that I am your child. Help me to show love to another person today, reminding them of your kindness and mercy. In Jesus's name, amen.
Yesterday's Devotional
July 6, 2020
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Yesterday's Bible Verse
"(6) Today's Bible Verse But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."
Psalm 59:16 (KJV)



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Yesterday's Bible Study
David (the future king) wrote Psalm 59 after King Saul sent men to his home to spy on him and plot his murder. In the psalm David asks the Lord for deliverance, pouring his heart out before Him, and then makes up his mind to praise the Lord, even in the midst of what seemed like David's imminent demise. Today, we will talk about how the Lord gives us strength to praise Him even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Why is it so important to praise the Lord? The answer to this question begins with understanding what praise means: to glorify the Lord, honoring Him for His goodness and faithfulness. David knew the character of God and that the Lord loved him. In his time of struggle, he chose to set his heart on what he knew to be true about God: He knew that the Lord had power, was merciful, had long defended him, and was a refuge. Truths about God gave David strength to praise Him in the direst of circumstances.


Putting on the strength of the Lord can be very difficult, but when we focus on what is true, we will be able to lean into His strength. David knew his tough circumstances did not indicate that the Lord was unfaithful; they were not evidence against the Lord's character. David continued to believe that the Lord was trustworthy. Even when Saul's troops stood outside his door, he remained firm in his confidence in the Lord.

We can put on the strength of the Lord in the same way that David did: recalling specific truths about God that expose lies we have believed. The word of God is like a weapon--the "sword of the spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17)--and we can use it to demolish false beliefs about the Lord and instead build an armor of truth around our hearts, just as David does in the psalm.

Today, if you are struggling to keep going or to have faith, remember that the Lord is our everlasting source of strength. Meditate on His goodness and kindness to us, just as David did, and ask Him to give you strength to respond to your circumstances in a way that honors Him.
Yesterday's Prayer
Dear Lord, I want to praise you in every circumstance and through every trial. I will need your strength to be able to do that. Help me to ground myself in everlasting truths about your goodness and love. Please give me strength in your name so that I can become more like you. In Jesus's name, amen.
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