Weekend Message: What Now? Part 2 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In Part 2 of the What Now? series, American evangelist and author Beth Moore continues guiding us through seasons of uncertainty by anchoring our faith in the exalted Christ. As we wrestle with “what now?”, Beth reminds us that we cannot be firmly grounded without seeing Jesus highly exalted. 

What we believe about control dictates our actions. Rather than wishful thinking, our faith rests on the historical reality of Acts 1-2, where the ascended Christ empowers His people through the Holy Spirit. 

Beth defines ministry not as a job, but as Spirit-led service tailored to our gifts and surroundings. She urges believers to maintain their passion for God, follow Jesus rather than wounded leaders, and release offenses to remain obedient.

Ultimately, Beth points us to Jesus, who leads the Church one step at a time. 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Psalm 13; Psalm 107:20; Acts 1:12-13; Acts 2:1-7a; Acts 4:1-16; Matthew 5:15; Ephesians 1:22-23

Key Themes:

• Fixing Our Focus on the Exalted Christ: Moore urges believers to navigate life's uncertainties by focusing on the exalted Jesus rather than getting overwhelmed by current circumstances. 
• Release to Reach Forward: To move forward with God, you must release the past, honoring it without clinging to it. True progress requires letting go of bitterness and control to trust in His plan. 
• Letting Go: Trust the Redirection: Sometimes a closed door is God's way of pointing you in the right direction. By listening closely and letting go of our own plans, we can find the clarity needed to move forward in faith.
• Living Empowered: The Holy Spirit in Daily Life:  This series explores "marvelous help" from God, showing how the Holy Spirit provides strength to overcome obstacles by shifting reliance from personal effort to divine power.  
• Faithful Endurance: Moore calls believers to uphold biblical truths even when they become unpopular, urging Christians to continue following Jesus regardless of wounds inflicted by other leaders. 

Acting as a bridge, "What Now? Part 2" prompts believers to shift from fear and confusion to trusting in God's continuous, active involvement.

We invite you to find a cozy spot and enjoy this inspirational teaching by Beth Moore!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Fasting From Self, Feasting on God

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation."  - Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Russian-born Catholic activist (1896-1985)

Heart & Truth: Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 6:1-6; James 4:8-10 (NIV)

Question: "If you had to pick one of these three—fasting, intentional prayer, or giving/service—which one feels most natural to you, and which feels the most difficult?"

We often check off boxes like fasting, prayer, and giving/service during special times of the year (like Lent), but these aren't just "duties"—they are strengthening exercises for our relationship with God. The goal isn't to look holy to others, but to allow these habits to reshape who we are on the inside.

Understanding these three "pillars of faith" requires a brief examination. We'll begin with the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 58:3-4, the Israelites questioned why God ignored their fasting, to which God responded that their rituals were superficial, self-serving, and hypocritical.

While outwardly appearing pious (bowing heads, wearing sackcloth), they continued to exploit workers, engage in selfish desires, and cause strife. True fasting, God clarified, requires justice, compassion for the poor, and loosening the chains of oppression (Isaiah 58:6-7).

It’s about aligning our desires—not just giving up food, but giving to the needy. Biblical fasting breaks our addiction to comfort and proves that our appetite for God is stronger than our physical appetite. 

Now, let's shift our focus to prayer and almsgiving (giving/service). In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus advises against performing charitable acts or praying just to be noticed by others. 

He warns that those who seek public validation are "hypocrites" who have already received their full reward in the form of human praise. Instead, he encourages believers to practice their faith privately, seeking only the approval of God.

This highlights that prayer is a personal conversation with God rather than a public performance. Similarly, service and giving are expressions of gratitude to God, acknowledging our role as the body of Christ to care for one another. 

To wrap things up, James 4:8-10 calls us to stop living a double life and instead draw near to God so He will draw near to you. Own your mistakes, remain humble, and trust that He will ultimately lift you up. 

In closing, keep in mind that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are meant for God and our neighbor, not for public display. Let's embrace a humble, secret path of obedience and trust God with the outcome.

Food for Thought:

• According to Isaiah 58:6-7, what is the “kind of fasting” God actually desires?
• Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be “seen by others” (Matthew 6:1). What is the danger of seeking approval from people rather than God?
• James 4:8 promises that if we “come near to God,” He will “come near to you.” How do fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (giving/service) help us “come near” to Him?
• Based on our discussion, which of these three pillars (fasting, prayer, or almsgiving) do you find difficult to practice? Why?

Prayer: "Lord, thank you for teaching us that true worship is humility and love. As we fast, pray, and give, keep us from hypocrisy. Wash away our pride, help us serve like Jesus, and make our lives a living sacrifice for Your glory. Amen."

May God bless you,

Dorit

From Dust to Grace (Ash Wednesday 2026)

"Ash Wednesday is full of joy...The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves we are anything but dust."  - Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist (1915-1968)

Ash Wednesday serves as the formal commencement of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual discipline—consisting of prayer, fasting, and charity—that concludes with the celebration of Easter.

Opening Reflection: How does this day challenge us to “return to the Lord”?

Below is a guide to help explain the meaning and purpose of Lent and Ash Wednesday.

• During the imposition (application) of ashes, the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are spoken. This phrase acts as a sobering reminder of human mortality and our temporary nature.
• The season of Lent is a time to hit the reset button—turning away from distractions to focus on our relationship with God and personal growth..
• Drawing inspiration from Jesus' forty days of prayer and testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1, 2; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1, 2), Christians engage in this period of reflection to ready themselves for the joy of Easter morning. 

Where did Ash Wednesday come from? Even without a direct biblical basis, the traditions behind it go back a very long way in history.

• In the Old Testament, using ashes (on the head or sitting in them) was a common, visible sign of deep mourning, humility, and repentance. This acts as an outward expression of inner sorrow or a desire to turn away from sin.
• Established in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, the 40-day Lenten fast became a standard tradition. By the 8th–11th centuries, marking foreheads with ashes became a widely adopted practice in the Western Church.
• These ashes are traditionally made by burning blessed palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Who observes Ash Wednesday? The observance of Ash Wednesday is most common in Western Christianity. For Roman Catholics, it is a major day of fasting and abstinence (refraining from meat).

Ash Wednesday services are typical for many Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, but it is not observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians—who start with Clean Monday—or many Baptist and Evangelical churches.

Ultimately, while Ash Wednesday carries a somber tone, its purpose is hope, not guilt or fear. It serves as a reminder that our Savior meets us in our brokenness, bringing new life out of death through the cross.

Putting Intentions Into Action:

• Which habits or routines are stealing my focus, and how can I let them go?
• Which spiritual discipline—prayer, fasting, or giving—do you plan to practice?

Closing Prayer: "Lord, thank You for the grace of this new season. During these forty days, help us to repent and believe the Gospel, embodying Your peace and love in our daily lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 

May God bless you always,

Liana

Hope When Life Doesn't Go As Planned

"When God brings all things to light, you will discover just how significant you've been in God's plan." - Aiden Wilson Tozer, American Christian pastor and author (1897-1963)

Scripture Focus: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Feeling lost? Jeremiah 29:11 says your life isn't an accident; it's a divine design. No matter how hard things seem right now God is right there with you, actively directing every step toward a future of hope.

Opening Reflection: How does it change your perspective on a difficult season to know that God has a “blueprint” or divine design for that time, too?

When building a house, a builder does not simply throw bricks together and hope for a good result. They follow a blueprint—a detailed plan designed to ensure the entire structure is safe, functional, and beautiful. 

Many people live their lives without a clear sense of direction, but Jeremiah 29:11 reveals that God is the divine Architect. He has already designed a “blueprint” for your life.

Around 597 B.C., during the early years of the 70-year Babylonian exile, the prophet Jeremiah sent a letter from Jerusalem to Jewish exiles in Babylon. This message, containing the promise in Jeremiah 29:11, encouraged the captives to settle in and trust God's long-term plan for their future.

What this illustrates is that God’s plan is not a guarantee of an easy life or immediate freedom. It is a guarantee of His presence and purposeful direction, even when things are going wrong.

Jeremiah 29:11 also highlights that God is all-knowing and has personal plans for each individual. The word “prosper” used in this verse is shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which encompasses peace, wholeness, safety, and well-being, rather than solely material wealth. God’s plan is ultimately aimed at providing a hopeful and secure future, rooted in eternity.

The “blueprint”, however, is not a passive promise; it requires active pursuit. The following verses offer guidance on how to live within God’s plan:

• Thrive in Exile: Active Faithfulness (Jeremiah 29:5-7): The command to settle down, build homes, and cultivate gardens in Babylon calls us to invest deeply in our current, uncomfortable circumstances rather than just waiting for a change in scenery.
• Waiting Faithfully (Jeremiah 29:10): The Israelites endured a 70-year exile, teaching us to trust in God’s perfect timing rather than our own.
• Pursue God with All Your Being (Jeremiah 29:12-13): To truly encounter God, you must seek Him with total, undivided dedication.

Closing Question: When we think of “prosper,” we often think of financial or physical comfort. Based on the situation of the exiles, what does “prosperity” mean from God’s perspective?

In conclusion, God has a design for your life, intended for your ultimate well-being (Shalom) and peace. You can trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), even amidst difficulties.

Prayer: "Lord, thank You for Your good plans for me. Even when life is hard, I trust that You are building a hopeful future for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Grace be unto you,

Charlotte

Weekend Message | What Now? | Part 1 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In "What Now? Part 1 of 3," American evangelist and author Beth Moore addresses the common human experience of finding oneself in a season of uncertainty and transition, standing between a past phase of life and an unknown future.

Drawing primarily from the biblical accounts surrounding Jesus' ascension, she encourages listeners not to panic but to anchor their hope in the reigning Lordship of Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Themes:

The message focuses on trusting God's control during times of transition and uncertainty, using key biblical passages to illustrate how believers can remain faithful when facing a "what now?" moment. 

• Jesus' Exaltation: Moore lifts up the image of Jesus highly exalted, seated at the right hand of God, above every earthly authority. The ascension is presented as the culmination of Christ's earthly life and the foundation for faithful living today.
• Trust in God's Control: A central theme is the importance of believing that God is in control, regardless of the uncertainty of personal circumstances. Every new season of life depends on where one places their belief and trust.
• Faithful Obedience: Rather than a call to passive waiting, the message emphasizes that the ascension of Jesus was a launching point for active, faithful obedience in the life of the believer.
• Biblical Foundations: The teaching is rooted in specific scriptural references, including Acts 1:1-12, Luke 24:44-53, Colossians 1:23, Ephesians 1-3, and Acts 2:32-36, which provide the framework for understanding Christ's ongoing work and authority. 

Start your weekend right with a dose of inspiration and knowledge!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

The Heart of the Matter: Love God, Love Others

"If God should have no more mercy on us than we have charity to one another, what would become of us?"   - Thomas Fuller, English churchman and historian (1608-1661)

Opening Prompt: Which is easier for you to focus on: loving God or loving your neighbor? Why?

Jesus was once asked to identify the “greatest” commandment. His answer wasn’t a list of dos and don’ts, but a call to a lifestyle of love.

In Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV), Jesus keeps it simple: love God with everything you've got and love others just as much as yourself. He basically says if you get these two right, everything else in the Bible falls into place.

Let’s explore this passage component by component, starting with the trap laid in Matthew 22:34-36. The Pharisees, having heard that Jesus silenced the Sadducees, gathered to test Him. A legal expert among them asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”. 

The religious leaders, preoccupied with 613 legalistic rules, sought to provoke Jesus into a debate, hoping to catch Him in a mistake regarding their doctrines.

Consider This: Why do we often try to turn our faith into a “checklist” of do’s and don'ts rather than a relationship? 

Jesus answered their inquiry by quoting the first and greatest commandment from Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37-38).

This verse demands 100% devotion—total intellectual and emotional commitment. It highlights that loving God is foundational; without this, love for others remains limited and selfish. 

Jesus then provides the second commandment in Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This quote from Leviticus 19:18 connects our relationship with God to our relationship with people. If we truly love God, it will overflow into love for others. 

It is worth noting that in this verse, "neighbor" refers to anyone you encounter in daily life, rather than being restricted to those who live in your immediate neighborhood. 

Ultimately, Matthew 22:40 synthesizes Jesus's teachings, highlighting love as the summation of all God's requirements. By sincerely loving God and our neighbor, we fulfill the core purpose of every other commandment.

Check Your Understanding: 

• Why was the question in verse 36 a “test” for Jesus?
• What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
• Why did Jesus pick these two specific commandments out of hundreds of others?
• What does it mean that all the Law and Prophets “hang” on these two? (v. 40)

True love is a choice, not just an emotion. Let's choose to act in love for our neighbors, just as God has shown love to us.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to love You with all our being and to see our neighbors through Your eyes. May our lives reflect the love You have shown us. Amen.”

With love and prayers,

Deshane

The Architect of Grace: Building a Life Within God's Love

"There is no one insignificant in the purposes of God."  - Alistair Begg, American pastor of Scottish birth (1952-Present)

God is not a distant architect; He is a loving Father. Every detail of our lives—the joys, delays, and the challenges—is filtered through His heart of love. He is intentionally shaping us to fit within His divine purposes, ensuring that His work is completed in our lives for our ultimate good.

Jeremiah 31:3 reveals that God’s love is eternal and His kindness unfailing. Therefore, His actions are not random or cold, but purposeful, intentional, and driven by a desire to compassionately draw, restore, and protect His people. God’s motive is His heart of love.

Stop and Think: What is the difference between believing God is “acting loving” versus believing God is love? How does this change your view of difficult seasons?

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God designed us for a reason. We aren't just watching from the sidelines; we are His partners, created to carry out the good work He planned for us long ago. God’s own purpose is what guides us as we do this.

Stop and Think: Why is it often harder to trust God’s process than His promises? What is one area of your life you are currently finding difficult to “hand over” to His plan?

Romans 8:28 offers profound comfort, assuring us that God harmonizes His divine purpose with our personal welfare, regardless of how painful life becomes; resulting in our ultimate well-being.

Stop and Think: Look back at a past trial, can you see how God used a “closed door” to protect or prepare you for something better?

When we know God is working for our good, we can respond with trust rather than panic. This boils down to our trust in and obedience of Him. We can:

• Trust His Timing: Wait patiently, knowing He is growing us in hidden places.
• Submit to His Will: Align our goals with His purpose rather than fighting our plans.
• Surrender Cares: Cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

Let's embrace the promise that God wastes nothing, using all things for our good and His purpose out of deep love for us. Trust His hands to guide our lives, today and forever.

Prayer: "Father, I thank You that Your love protects us and Your purpose guides us. Thank You for Your unseen work in our lives. Teach us to rest in Your care, confident that You are on our side. Amen."

Blessings always,

Vaunda

Guided by the Light: From Darkness to Life

“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”         - Mother Teresa, Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and a Catholic saint (1910-1997)

Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 14:19-20; John 8:12 NIV

In times clouded by uncertainty, a deep promise remains. We are exploring the sharp difference between living in darkness and embracing the "light of life" promised by Jesus.

A Starting Perspective: Have you ever been in total darkness? It is disorienting and scary. Spiritually, this is the state of the world without Christ.

First, let's confront the reality of this darkness. In the Bible, “darkness” is rarely just the absence of sunlight. It symbolizes spiritual blindness, ignorance, sin, suffering, and separation from God.

The prophet Isaiah described humanity as a “people walking in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2), lost and disoriented. Without God, the world gropes in uncertainty, fear, and moral confusion.

In the wilderness (Exodus 14:19-20), the Israelites faced a hopeless situation: the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind. God intervened by moving the pillar of cloud from the front of the camp to the rear, standing between the two armies.

This single cloud created two opposite realities. To the Egyptians, it brought thick darkness, stalling their pursuit. To the Israelites, it provided light at night, illuminating their path to freedom.

This Old Testament illustration shows that God’s presence serves as a protection from enemies and a guide for believers, causing confusion for the world while providing clarity to the faithful.

In the example above, the pillar of cloud is a "type" or a foreshadow of something or someone greater. In this case, it was a visible manifestation of God (a "theophany") dwelling with His people.

In John 8:12, Jesus fulfills the foreshadowing of the Old Testament by proclaiming Himself as the "light of the world." He promises that those who follow Him will avoid walking in darkness and will instead possess the light of life.

Walking in His light doesn't exempt us from trouble or sin; it simply means we are no longer lost. This light guides our steps, protecting us from the wandering, destructive nature of a world without direction.

Following Jesus goes beyond mere intellectual agreement; it requires active, consistent obedience by submitting to Him as Lord. Embracing Jesus as the source of eternal life allows believers to experience the guiding light of hope and joy.

Wrap-Up Questions: 

• What are some examples of “darkness” (sin, confusion, fear) that you can see in the world today?
• How did the pillar of fire (Exodus 14) serve as both a guide and protector? How does Jesus do this for us today?
• How can we, as believers, let our light shine in our workplaces, schools, or homes?

In conclusion, while darkness may seem to increase, it can never overcome the light of God. Through Christ, we have been ushered from the shadows of death into a truly wonderful, brilliant light.

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for guiding us through the darkness just as you did in the past. Help us trust your light and protection today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Blessings and joy to you,

Nataly

Weekend Message | Your Story is Not Over! Find HOPE after Heartbreak | FULL EPISODE | Better Together on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

What do you do when facing the unimaginable? We look to our Savior! 

This week on "Your Story is Not Over! Find HOPE after Heartbreak| Better Together on TBN, writer, speaker, and influencer Elyse Mahan (formerly Elyse Murphy) shares how remembering God’s faithfulness in the past gave her HOPE while walking through a divorce. 

Other guests Christine Caine, Hosanna Wong, Blynda Lane, and Inés Franklin also share personal stories of God’s sustaining power and strength in the midst of life’s hardest seasons.

© Better Together on TBN

Key Takeaways & Themes:

• Finding Hope in the Valley: Hold on during difficult seasons—know that God is not distant from your pain, but close by to mend your heart and provide tranquility.
• Redemption After Divorce: Elyse Mahan shares her personal journey of navigating divorce and experiencing God's restoration.
• Processing Emotions: Instead of suppressing emotional pain, embracing it and bringing it to God in vulnerability allows Him to transform our suffering into a more resilient faith.
• God’s Faithfulness: God is the ultimate comforter, holding the power to bring beauty out of our deepest pain, abandonment, or loss.

Our God is FAITHFUL, and He will carry you through the pain you’re facing today!

Prioritize yourself this weekend—come get encouraged with us.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Hesed: The Unbreakable Covenant Love

"To know that God knows everything about me and yet loves me is indeed my ultimate consolation."  - R.C. Sproul,  American Reformed theologian and Christian apologist (1939-2017)

Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)

In our world, "love" is frequently used for superficial preferences or fleeting romances. Conversely, the Bible describes God's love as an unconditional, selfless, and eternal commitment. To put it simply, it is more than just "love".

The Old Testament describes a foundational characteristic of God using the Hebrew term hesed (חֶסֶד), a multifaceted word frequently rendered in English translations as “lovingkindness,” “steadfast love,” “loyal love,” or “covenant loyalty".

Thus, hesed (pronounced: kheh'-sed) is a profound, steadfast love rooted in a covenantal bond. Transcending mere duty or feeling, it is a persistent, action-based commitment that remains unwavering even when it is not reciprocated. 

This is a perfect time to examine the nature of a covenant. Unlike a contract, which is a conditional agreement ("I’ll do my part if you do yours"), a covenant is an unconditional, personal commitment. It means being bound to someone and keeping your word regardless of circumstances. 

Key moments in the Bible reveal God keeping His covenantal promises: 

• Divine Initiative in Covenant: God is the sovereign initiator of every covenant, reaching out to humanity first throughout history—from Abraham and David to the ultimate New Covenant in Jesus. He establishes the relationship, seeking us before we seek Him. 
• The Covenant Promise: God has entered into a sacred, enduring agreement to be our God, establishing us as His own people. Within this covenant, He guarantees His unwavering protection, constant provision, and abiding presence. 
• Biblical Covenant Markers: Throughout history, God established visible signs to seal His covenants: the rainbow for Noah, circumcision for Abraham, the Sabbath for Israel, and Communion for the Church. These symbols serve as enduring, tangible reminders of His promises and faithfulness across generations. 

Human love can be unpredictable and quick to change, but God’s love is rock-solid and permanent. Even when people fail and break their promises to Him, God never stops being faithful because His love is based on who He is, not on what we do. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV; Isaiah 54:10 ESV)

Now it’s time to see some scriptural examples of hesed in action:

• The Hesed of Ruth: Choosing Loyalty Over Ease: Ruth exemplifies hesed (loyal love) by refusing to abandon her mother-in-law, choosing to stay by her side despite the ease of walking away (Ruth 1:16-17). 
• Hosea’s Call to Unconditional Love: God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, acting out a living parable of Israel's spiritual adultery. Despite this betrayal, Hosea’s pursuit of his wife mirrors God's relentless, redeeming love for humanity. 
• The Ultimate Expression of Hesed: The pinnacle of God’s covenant love was Jesus’ death on the cross. By taking upon Himself the penalty for our broken promises, He established the "New Covenant" and forever sealed His faithfulness to us. 

How can we embody hesed in our daily lives? Our covenant with God is meant to be displayed through loyal, sacrificial love for those around us. For instance,

• Love Without Limits: Covenant love is sacrificial, requiring us to love others when it is difficult and even when they do not deserve it.
• Reflecting God: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another,” (1 John 4:11). 
• Actionable Love: Hesed is not just a feeling; it is intervening on behalf of someone else—showing compassion, forgiveness, and loyalty.

Final Checkpoints:

• How does the biblical concept of hesed—a binding, covenantal loyalty—differ from the modern, emotional, and often conditional understanding of love?
• Reflect on Jeremiah 31:3. Why is it reassuring that God’s love stems from who He is, rather than what we do?
• How can I replace my frustration with a difficult person with intentional, merciful love?
• How does the sacrifice of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:25) turn your relationship with God from a contract based on law into a covenant based on intimate, blood-sealed love? 

Closing Prayer: "Lord, thank You for Your unwavering hesed that remains faithful even when I am not. Help me grasp the depth of Your covenant love, and empower me to reflect Your grace and loyalty in all my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

~Eve

1 Corinthians 13: The Way of Love

"Our culture says that feelings of love are the basis for actions of love. And of course that can be true. But it is truer to say that actions of love can lead consistently to feelings of love."  - Timothy Keller, American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian, and Christian apologist (1950-2023)

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NIV)

“Love” is everywhere in pop culture, but the Bible offers a higher definition. 1 Corinthians 13 describes a selfless, God-given love that is far deeper than the world's version. We will examine how this “love chapter” calls us to better relationships. 

Initial Reflection: If you had to define "love" without using the word itself, what three adjectives or actions would you choose?

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 to urge a divided, immature church in Corinth toward unity. Placed between teachings on spiritual gifts, it highlights that talent is hollow without agape—the selfless, active love modeled by Jesus.

To better grasp this chapter's message, we can divide it into three sections: the necessity of love (vv. 1–3), its character (vv. 4–7), and its permanence (vv. 8–13).

I. The Necessity of Love (Verses 1-3):

Paul argues that love is the ultimate, superior, and eternal virtue that makes all other spiritual gifts functional. Without this underlying compassion, powerful gifts and profound acts of charity are rendered empty, pointless, and unprofitable. 

II. Its Character (Verses 4-7):

Love is not just a feeling, but a deliberate choice and a series of actions. This ”agape” love is:

• Patient, kind, and selfless, always working for the best interests of other people.
• Modest, selfless, and never insists on having its own way.
• Slow to anger and quick to forgive.
• Inseparable from truth, refusing to gloat in wrongdoings and instead finding joy in righteousness.
• Resilient—always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persisting.

III. The Permanence of Love (Verses 6-13):

Prophecy and knowledge are partial and temporary; only love is enduring, as outlined below:

• While prophecy and knowledge are currently incomplete, they will cease to be necessary when Christ returns and the kingdom is fully established.
• Just as a child grows into an adult, our limited, earthly understanding of God will one day be replaced by full, intimate knowledge upon seeing Him in person.
• Faith, hope, and love are all important, but love is the best virtue because it represents God's nature. 

Ultimately, spiritual gifts and knowledge mean nothing without love. True maturity in Christ isn't about power or understanding, but about living out love in everything we do. 

Questions for Consideration:

• According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, spiritual actions lacking love are merely noise and have no real value. In what areas of our lives do we prioritize spiritual performance over genuine, loving relationships?
• Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, true love is marked by traits like patience, humility, and kindness, rather than envy or selfishness. Which of these characteristics is the most challenging for you to show to others, and why?
• While 1 Corinthians 13:13 highlights that faith, hope, and love endure, Paul declares love to be the ultimate virtue. What makes love supreme over faith and hope in Paul's theology? 

A Final Word: “Dear Lord, please guide us to make love our highest priority. Change our hearts from within, that our daily actions may show Your kindness and patience to everyone around us. Amen.”

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle

Where Love Begins: God as the Eternal Source

"If we want to deal with God the right way, we have to learn to love the right way. If we want to love the right way, we have to deal with God the right way. God and love can't be separated."  - Eugene H. Peterson, American Presbyterian minister, scholar, theologian, and author (1932-2018)

Scripture Spotlight: 1 John 4:7-12 (ESV)

Setting the Stage: How does viewing love as a divine gift from God, rather than merely a human emotion, redefine its nature, source, and purpose?

In a world filled with many definitions of love, John calls us back to the source. The phrase “love is from God” tells us that love has its origin in God’s nature; it proceeds from Him and has its beginning in Him (1 John 4:7 ESV).

Upon close analysis of 1 John 4:7 ESV, it becomes clear that love is not a human emotion, but an essential component of God’s character. According to John, God is not just doing loving things; He is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Love is the core of His character. 

Think of it this way: just as fire inevitably produces heat, God always emits love because that is His very nature. It (love) existed before creation within the Trinity. God is a loving community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose life is centered on eternally giving themselves to one another (1 John 4:13-14 ESV)

And because God loved us first (1 John 4:19 ESV), we are able to truly love. The Holy Spirit pours this divine, selfless love into our hearts, empowering us to love others with a capacity that goes beyond our own nature. 

Stop and Think: 

• What does it mean that “love is from God” rather than just a human emotion?
• John states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Why is it significant that love is defined by His nature, rather than just something He does?

Presently, many contemporary understandings of love center on personal gain or transient feelings. John's biblical definition, known as Agape (ἀγάπη)—a sacrificial, action-oriented love for others regardless of feelings, offers a stark contrast:

• Sacrificial vs. Self-Centered: Whereas worldly love often seeks personal gain, God’s love is defined by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross—unconditionally giving one's life for others, regardless of merit.
• Eternal vs. Temporary: While worldly affection is fleeting and driven by superficial desires—the "lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16 NIV)—divine love remains constant and everlasting, originating from an eternal God.
• Holy vs. Permissive: Divine love cannot be separated from God’s character of justice and purity. It moves beyond being merely "nice" or permissive; instead, it focuses on what is truly necessary for a person's spiritual health. 

Finally, in 1 John 4:7-12 ESV, love is presented as the essential evidence of a transformed life. If we love, it proves we are born of God; if we do not love, it shows we do not know Him, as love is the core of His character. 

Closing Prayer: "Lord, we praise You for being love itself and for sending Your Son to save us. Help us abide in Your love and reflect Your heart to the world. Amen."

In God's name,

Amy