Explore God’s Word
Elizabeth Brown of Augusta, GA, USA
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? -1 John 3:14, 16-17
For me, God’s word is a personal message of love. I find the best ways to mature as a Christian and get to know God in a personal way is to spend time with God and spend time in God’s word. Here are a few examples:
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And the words of John 5:24 offer, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Being a Christian is an incredible event. For many, it is a way to find peace. “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).
Romans 8:28 tells us, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
In the New Testament, suffering is part of the Christian experience. Christ died and suffered for us. At times, we also suffer. The text from 1 Peter 4:1 says, “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin).”
Zechariah 13:9 tells us that followers of Christ experience testing:
And I will put this third into the fire,
refine them as one refines silver,
and test them as gold is tested.
They will call on my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, “They are my people”;
and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”
In Matthew 28:19 we find the Great Commission. Here Jesus instructs us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer Phrase
Help us see beyond our dark places and find our way closer to your loving light.
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
