TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7
Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.” - 1 Samuel 20:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A survey published in American Sociological Review revealed that in 2004 one out of every four Americans had no close friends, and there was a 33 percent decline in the number of friendships over the past two decades. On average, Americans had only two people they would call close confidants.

Even if those numbers represent a recent decline in friendships, the Old Testament seems to support the idea that a lack of good friendships is not at all a new problem. In a collection of books not populated with many examples of close relationships, the story of Jonathan and David is a rare example of two friends who displayed what it really means to love unselfishly.

Jonathan's love for David took root right after the defeat of Goliath, but it wasn't a matter of Jonathan being star-struck over David's miraculous victory. As the king's son, Jonathan had vast experience as a commander in Saul's army, and his history of personal victories was quite impressive (cf. 1 Sam. 14:1-14). When Jonathan turned over his royal clothing and battle gear to David, he was making a grand gesture of admiration and respect. Their love for each other reached a profound depth almost immediately.

The friendship was especially important for David. Jonathan defended David's life against Saul's rage on multiple occasions, including the second portion of today's reading. When Jonathan spoke out in defiance of Saul's order to kill David, he was taking a considerable risk. He wasn't just opposing his father; he was contradicting a direct order from the king. During later confrontations, Jonathan was putting his life at risk merely by appearing to side with David (20:33).

In this instance, Jonathan was successful in tempering his father's wrath by boldly but respectfully confronting his father. Natural selfish jealousy would have led many men in Jonathan's position to betray a threat to their power, but Jonathan was more concerned about the well-being and prosperity of his friend David than his own.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Standing up for a friend comes naturally, but doing it in the face of someone who is very angry can be threatening. But successfully defending a friend and diffusing the anger takes a rare combination of courage and consideration. If you do have to speak up on behalf of a friend, remember to show love to the person you're confronting. If Jonathan could put his angry father at ease, God can certainly help you bring peace to the situations you face.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:1-45
I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. - John 11:42
TODAY IN THE WORD
Philosopher George Santayana wrote, “When all beliefs are challenged together, the just and necessary ones have a chance to step forward and reestablish themselves alone.” Santayana thought that, when put to the test, practical, natural explanations would win out over spiritual or religious theories. But Jesus had the ability to go head-to-head with any commonly held belief and destroy it. Not even the finality of death could stand up to the power of Jesus, and He was willing to do anything to move people to believe in His singular truth.

At four separate points in today's passage, Jesus stresses the importance of belief. He tells His disciples that waiting until after Lazarus died gave Him the opportunity to confirm their belief, presumably their belief in His ability to raise the dead since His death was fast approaching. He then twice addressed Martha about the life that comes through belief in Him. And finally, He mentions in His public prayer that His intent is to bring the witnesses of the miracle to faith in Him.

The other recurring theme in this passage is the deep emotional distress that Jesus endured because of His love for others and His obedience to God. The disciples wondered why Jesus would return to Judea when doing so would put His life at risk. Mary and Martha wished Jesus had returned earlier to save Lazarus. If Jesus were selfish, He could have quietly protected Himself and miraculously saved Lazarus without ever entering Judea (cf. Matt. 8:8-13). But Jesus was willing to go through the suffering of having a loved one die and the threat of personal injury in order to bring people to saving faith (v. 45).

Both the onlookers (vv. 36-37) and modern scholars debate the reason Jesus became so emotional. The truth is, we don't know. We do know that Jesus loved Lazarus and those who came to believe in Him—and He was able to save them all.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Doing the loving thing may not always be the obvious choice. Jesus could have shown love to Lazarus by saving His life. But by waiting, Jesus was able to extend His love beyond His close circle of friends. Although the circumstances will certainly be different, obeying God may require you to be unselfish with your love as well. Ask God to show you opportunities to extend your scope of ministry, even beyond your normal social circle.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 13:34-35; 15:12-17
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
A retiring CEO of a company gave his successor three envelopes labeled “In Case of Emergency.” When the company began to fail, the new CEO opened the first envelope, which read, “Blame your predecessor.” That advice worked at first, but soon negative publicity moved the leader to consult the second envelope. It read, “Completely restructure. Change everything.” And so he did, to short-lived success. When all hope seemed lost, the CEO ripped open the final envelope and read this message: “Prepare three envelopes. . . .”

Preparing for the departure of a leader can be critical to the success of a group, and the disciples didn't appear to be ready at all. They couldn't blame Jesus for their failures, they had no strategy to change, and there was no one waiting in the wings to take their place. Even in the final week before the crucifixion, the disciples didn't think Jesus was going to leave them (cf. 16:18). If they had fully accepted the reality of what was about to take place—and if they knew that Jesus expected them to lead the fast-growing group of believers that would soon span the globe—they surely would have requested a more detailed plan of action.

Jesus gave them one general directive, positioning it as a commandment to elevate it in priority to the level of the Ten Commandments. The strategy Jesus handed to them was to love each other with sacrificial service, even to the point of death (15:13). Though He had taught them everything God had revealed to Him, Christ summed up His teaching in the single command to love one another. Love was to be the identifying mark of a follower of Christ.

By God's grace, it worked! The disciples, who didn't have a great track record of selfless love, went on to become the beloved Apostles, and according to church tradition, all except for John gave up their lives for the sake of Christ. Jesus would later be more specific in His plan through the Great Commission, but the key part of the disciples' behavior was their love for one another.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The disciples were able to move past their differences and shortcomings and love each other to the point of sacrificing their lives. How far would you go to show your love to your fellow believers? If you are part or even aware of a dispute in the church, exercise love to restore unity. Jesus commanded us to love, He prayed for us to be one (17:20-23), and He said our love identifies us as His followers. Do the reasons behind the divisions in your church compare in importance?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 9:36-43
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. - Romans 13:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The book and movie Pay it Forward popularized a concept that can be traced back to a practice of Ben Franklin's. When he would lend money to someone, he asked that the debt not be paid back to him directly. Instead, he considered the debt repaid when his debtor lent the same amount of money to someone else in need, asking the next person to do the same. Today, Pay it Forward foundations have been created around the concept and in some cases have stirred entire communities into a domino effect of kindness and love.

The ministry of Tabitha had that same kind of effect. Her simple act of kindness sent ripples throughout an entire city. The language in verse 36 suggests that she performed good works with remarkable consistency, but she was showing love to people who were in no position to pay her back. And the atmosphere of love around her is evident from the reaction of her friends. They mourned her death not only as the personal loss of a loved one but also as a tragic loss for the community, as we see by the widows' showcase of the work she had been doing right up to the point of her death (v. 39).

Love certainly wasn't the only virtue at work in this passage, because the disciples' request for Peter to come showed faith that he could bring her back to life. Why else would their plea be so urgent (v. 38)?

It seems that even Peter's miraculous healing of Tabitha (her Aramaic name, translated in Greek as Dorcas) had a purpose beyond rewarding her love or even the faith of the other disciples and widows. When Peter showed Tabitha alive to the crowds, the story of her healing brought mass conversion throughout the community. She spent her life making clothes for the poor, and God used her love and even her death to cause a chain reaction of faith, action, and miraculous power that brought eternal life to those in spiritual poverty.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“Paying it forward” can keep your motives in check. To make sure that you're doing good works out of love rather than desiring payback, find a way to show love to people who are unable to pay you back. You could also do someone a favor with the stipulation that the only thanks you'll accept is to pass the kindness along to someone else. By doing so, you'll also help the other person respond out of love instead of guilt.

[Soldier4Christ]

Loving My Neighbor

One day, a lawyer put Jesus “to the test” asking, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus answered with another question: “What is written in the Law?” The lawyer already knew the answer and responded: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul...and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:25-28).

But the lawyer pursued his questioning, wanting further clarification.

Verse 29 tells us, “But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ”˜And who is my neighbor?'”

The man was looking for an exception to the rule as stated. The Bible says his aim was “to justify himself.” He seemed to ask: For just exactly whom must I be responsible?

Indeed, the commandment is difficult. Some have said you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family or your neighbors. Plenty of famous quotes echo that sentiment:

American poet Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Social writer Eric Hoffer said, “It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor.” British author G. K. Chesterton said, “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.”

Neighbors can be difficult. Like the lawyer, we might also look for an exception to God's command. We don't always want to love our neighbor, but God's Word is clear, “He who despises his neighbor sins” (Prov. 14:21).

We might want to press the matter like the lawyer, asking whether we can have some exemptions, or at least more clarification on who this neighbor really is. And Jesus provides it. In response to the lawyer's question, He told the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). We are not exempted from loving and serving others based on their ethnic, cultural, or religious differences. We are to extend mercy and grace to those who can give us nothing in return. We are called to be neighbors even to the one who is most objectionable, the person that everyone else wants nothing to do with.

The word neighbor is used 17 times, almost always with the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. A commitment to love our neighbors takes sacrifice. It demands that we look beyond our desires and extend ourselves to others.

Loving our neighbor means helping people we don't necessarily like, spending time with people we might not enjoy. It demands giving and patience and selflessness. Loving our neighbor begins as we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Our love for God will inspire our obedience to this clear command.

[Soldier4Christ]

Keeping Faith:

Answering Love

Jesus linked the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” to one of the foundational statements of the Old Testament (cf. Matt. 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31). Found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, this call to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” became the central confessional statement of Judaism. Such a command was a common feature of treaty language in the ancient Near East. In the context of Deuteronomy it was a call to respond to God's covenant faithfulness with love and obedience.

Viewed through this lens, the love that Jesus commands of His disciples is answering love. It is the reply of the heart to the experience of God's grace. Love is listed among the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. It is also described as something that is mediated to the believer by the Spirit (Rom. 5:5). The relationship between these two aspects of our Christian experience creates a kind of “call and response,” in which God's love prompts us to love Him in return and to love those whom God loves. God's love is both the source and the motive for the love we show to our neighbor. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). But we also love others because God loves them. Love for God and hatred of one's neighbor are incompatible. Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20).

The obligation to love God with our entire being, and the companion obligation to love our neighbor as ourselves, define the ethical boundaries of the Christian life. Every decision we make should be shaped by these complementary responsibilities. How do my actions reflect love for God as He defines love? How do they demonstrate God's love for my neighbor?

Biblical love, then, is not mere sentimentality. It is more than a choice. Ultimately, it must be a work of grace. “One cannot ”˜love' someone simply at command or forgive him or have respect for the life and property of another (to name only a few of the things that are mentioned in the commandments) simply because one is commanded to do so,” theologian Helmut Thielicke observes. “I can do all this only if I stand in the discipleship of this Lord and see the world, my country, my neighbor through his eyes.” Answering love is much more a way of seeing than it is a way of feeling.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 10:24-48
Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. - Acts 10:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the introduction to the third edition of “Common Sense,” Thomas Paine wrote, “a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right.” In Peter's day, Jewish discrimination against Gentiles had become so commonplace—religious leaders had essentially written it into the Jewish laws—that it took a divine revelation to show Peter that Gentile believers were not unclean. Despite the prevailing wisdom, dismissing the faith of an entire race or group of people was most definitely not right.

God's desire was for the church to be one (cf. John 17:20-21), and He had prepared the hearts of Peter and Cornelius for this historic meeting of believers. The divine nature of the vision to Cornelius can be seen in the specific knowledge he had of Peter's whereabouts (which had changed during yesterday's reading). The Gentile believers were ready to hear God speak, and the Jewish apostle was ready to deliver God's message.

Peter's message was simple: he summarized the advent of Christ and the essence of the gospel. Nothing in his message had anything to do with race, age, or gender. It was the story of how God introduced His plan of salvation to “everyone who believes” (v. 43).

The ensuing manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the Gentile believers was important, not only for the personal benefit of the believers who were baptized by the Spirit, but also for the enlightenment and unity of the entire Church body. The reaction from the Jewish witnesses was more than mere surprise; they were greatly astonished at the recipients of the Holy Spirit's blessing. This event confirmed for all who saw and heard that God would make no racial division among believers. Peter followed up the divine authentication with the human observation of water baptism. It was a sign of obedient submission to God's judgment on the matter and genuine love to Peter's newfound brothers in Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Even apart from racial divisions, we modern believers can sometimes be astonished at whom God chooses to welcome into His family. So we tend to associate only with those believers who look, speak, worship, dress, and behave as we do. We are united in Christ, so we shouldn't allow cultural matters to divide us. Expand your understanding of the body of Christ by occasionally attending a service or event at a church that is drastically different from your preferred style.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 20:17-38
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race. - Acts 20:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1993, Jim Valvano accepted an award for his fundraising efforts for cancer research, a disease that would soon claim his life. During his speech, a screen began flashing a warning for him to wrap up. He responded, “Like I care about that screen right now, huh? I got tumors all over my body. I'm worried about some guy in the back going, ”˜thirty seconds'?” The audience erupted in applause as he finished his now famous farewell.

Paul addressed Ephesus knowing it was his final opportunity to speak to them, and he exhibited a similar sense of passion, purpose, and personal abandon. But while Valvano's message was inspired by his fight against death, Paul's death was brought on by his refusal to sway from his message. Nevertheless, his audience was heartbroken by the knowledge that he was leaving them for good.

Paul had no regrets about his ministry, having faithfully proclaimed the Word every opportunity that he had. And he was emotionally invested in the people to whom he preached. Twice in this passage he said that he served to the point of tears (vv. 19, 31). We can see that the warning he gave the church at Ephesus came out of a deep love and desire for them to remain secure in Christ.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Paul's character is revealed in verses 33-35. Paul was one of the greatest, most beloved teachers and leaders in the church, but he worked with his hands to support himself. It is almost unthinkable in today's culture for such a renowned figure as Paul to work as a layman would and resist the temptation to profit from his position as a leader.

No wonder the disciples at Ephesus kissed him and wept with him as a brother. As we see in Paul's letters, he knew the people of the church by name and enjoyed a love from them that rose far beyond the adoration of a celebrity. Paul was a beloved friend and an example that any church leader can and should follow.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Leaders of the church, pay attention to this passage. Whether you're a Sunday School teacher or a pastor of a megachurch, your role in leadership is not an occasion for personal glory and elevated status. Love the people you serve; don't love the position. Even if you're not in a leadership position, this passage is very instructive as to how a relationship to a leader can be. Any good leader will crave your love and friendship more than your adoration and money. Pastors are people, too!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 16:1-27
I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you. - Romans 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Yesterday we read Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesians, and today's passage feels like a speech as well. It has the feel of a speech at an awards ceremony when a recipient acknowledges all the people who played a part in the achievement. The speaker thanks everyone in turn, from the director or producer to the “little people” whose work made it all possible. Great accomplishments usually require a team of dedicated people united on a common goal.

The believers in Rome appeared to have a trace of that special kind of unity, because Paul had a long list of people worthy of commendation. It's especially noteworthy considering that Paul had never visited the church at Rome (cf. Rom. 1:10). Some scholars believe this chapter was actually an addendum intended for the church at Ephesus, but verse 16 indicates a fair amount of familiarity among the churches in the area, so it's very likely that Paul could have known and loved this many people from a city he hadn't visited.

This catalog of believers and Paul's comments about them are impressive considering the source. The people are hard working, dear friends, kinsmen, helpful...everything you would ever want in fellow believers. Priscilla and Aquila even went so far as to put their lives on the line for Paul's sake (v. 4). The church at Rome had more than its share of quality disciples in Christ.

But Paul knew that even a strong core of believers was subject to attacks. Although he had confidence in their ultimate victory over the evil one (v. 20), Paul still warned them of people who could drag them away from the priority of love. Their weapons of deception could easily be interpreted as love, but their evil ways should be easy to spot. Their motives are selfish, their work results in division rather than unity, and their teaching contradicts the Word of God. Paul's instructions regarding such people were simple and easy to follow: stay away from them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever noticed how frequently Paul thanked people, either by name or in general, for their faithfulness and hard work in Christ? We should echo that sentiment toward the people in our lives who serve the Lord and encourage us in the faith. Take some time over the next few days to write notes of thanks to members of your church whom you especially appreciate—your words will mean a lot to them. Expressing love verbally is an important part of loving your neighbor as God commands.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has. - 2 Corinthians 8:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2006, Warren Buffett gave a charitable gift of $40 billion, representing 17% of all giving in America that year. Many economists believe that high-profile, high-dollar gifts from the world's wealthiest men have caused a surge in high-end giving in other billionaire investors. Ten years ago, there were only two charitable gifts of $100 million or more in America, but USA Today reports that last year's total rose to 21 such gifts.

Generosity is contagious, and it doesn't take a billionaire to trigger an overflow of giving. The Macedonian church gave out of suffering (and when Paul calls a trial severe, that's no small statement). How incredible that their poverty and their joy overflowed in generosity! Their example testifies that there is no such thing as too poor to give. The Corinthian church had spurred the Macedonians into action with their willingness to give to help the believers in Judea. Now the enthusiasm that originated with them was returning as motivation for them to fulfill their previous commitment. Paul's fundraising techniques are worth noting. His focus was not on the need or the specific amount that the Corinthians should give. He intentionally avoided guilt as a motivational tactic.

Instead, Paul encouraged the Corinthians, as he had done with the Macedonians with positive examples of giving and promises that God would shower them with grace. Paul's intent was to create a positive attitude toward giving, and it was easy to do when so many had given so selflessly.

Giving is clearly a vital part of loving your neighbor. When it is done according to God's style, the keyword is abound or overflow. Paul repeatedly uses that word to describe both how the generous believers gave as well as the grace with which God rewarded them. True generosity springs out of a strong desire to give. Generosity doesn't ask, “How much do I have to give?” but instead, “What else can I do?”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If money were no object, who would you give to? Imagine what your giving would look like if you could give out of an account that would never be depleted. The truth is, you can! The love and grace of God is an unlimited resource. What is stopping you from giving to, volunteering for, praying for, or in any other way helping those individuals or organizations that you care about? If you aren't giving generously, you're missing out on one of life's great joys.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:1-25
I appeal to you on the basis of love. - Philemon 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Alvan T. Fuller served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives. He was Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and then the Governor of the state. He spent about 15 years in public office, but he didn't cash a single paycheck. He believed he should serve the public out of love and devotion to his fellow citizens, and he didn't need any other motivation.

Paul was hoping for a similar sentiment from Philemon. He wanted Philemon to do what was right, not just what he was told to do. He was making his appeal as a friend, not an apostle. And Paul's greeting indicates that Philemon probably didn't need to be told to be gracious.

Philemon was an encouragement to Paul because he had a track record of boosting the morale of other believers. In a time and place when persecution against the church was commonplace, someone like Philemon was an extremely valuable member of the church. He was a prime example of biblical brotherly love.

Paul repaid Philemon by showing him respect as a brother in Christ. Paul was gracious in his appeal on behalf of Onesimus. By pleading out of love instead of exercising his authority as an apostle, Paul showed his trust that Philemon would do the right thing and accept his former slave as a brother. He also showed him respect by recognizing his rights as master of Onesimus rather than rashly employing him as his own partner in ministry. This tactful approach helped ensure that no disputes lingered between any of the involved parties.

Of course, Paul also showed immense love and grace to Onesimus. His treatment of this new believer was an incredible vote of confidence that prepared him for a lifetime of faithful service. Having the confidence of the Apostle Paul must have meant a great deal to Onesimus, and the recommendation he sent to Philemon did him the favor of restoring a damaged relationship. Paul's letter to Philemon is a case-study in establishing and maintaining harmony in the church.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul approached Philemon assuming the best, a step we would be wise to follow. If you're planning on confronting a fellow believer, take a moment privately to list the positive things you know about the person. If you think only of the one problem you're addressing, you'll add unnecessary fear to the situation. There is likely ample reason to expect a favorable response, and you can dissolve apprehension by keeping that in mind. Let love rule, even in your confrontations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:1-6:9
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Albert Einstein had a mind that could fathom the most complex ideas, but he was a fan of simplicity. He said, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.” He later added, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

Today's passage can be a controversial one in today's church, but it shouldn't be if we focus on the simple message Paul is trying to convey. He sets the stage for the proper understanding of the passage with the very first two verses: we should imitate God by living lives of love. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His very life—if we repay that act by wasting time arguing over who is in charge, something has gone horribly wrong. Selfish in-fighting has no place in the church. By submissively cooperating with each other, we're showering respect on our ultimate authority (v. 21).

The beauty of this passage is that it speaks to everyone. We all have opportunities to love by setting our selfishness aside, first of all by submitting to each other as believers. Wives can show love by acknowledging and cooperating with their husbands as leaders in the mold of Christ. Husbands can love their wives as if they were a part of their own bodies. Children can love their parents with obedience, and parents must lovingly guide their children. Even relationships in the workplace are forums for biblical love.

The final phrase of today's passage (6:9) is easily overlooked, but it's actually a key point that can help us understand all of our relationships in a new light. God doesn't show favoritism. Peter used that concept speaking of Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:34), but it applies well to any distinction. God doesn't favor husbands over wives, masters over servants, or leaders over laypeople. Our roles in human relations have no bearing on God's opinion.

If, in our application of God's guidelines, we show disrespect to any group of people, we've disobediently failed to love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Familiarity can breed contempt. The people we encounter every day are often the people we struggle to love consistently, especially when we're not getting what we expect from the other person. But unconditional love should be just that: unconditionally given even when we aren't being loved in return. Pick one “problem area” in a relationship and commit to submit. Decide to love that person no matter what happens. Let Christ's love for us be your example.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine . . . - Ephesians 3:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The word imaginary often carries a negative connotation; at least, we usually don't take imaginary things seriously. The kid with the imaginary friend is a bit odd. A person with a wild imagination can be considered a daydreamer who has lost touch with reality. Even mathematicians once scoffed at the thought of imaginary numbers (believe it or not, they do exist).

Sometimes love in its purest form gets dismissed by seriously minded folk as an imaginary ideal. A community of people who love each other selflessly is a utopian dream, a fantasy of simple minds. But this week we've seen plenty of Scriptural examples of love becoming a reality in people's lives. Even if genuine love was an imaginary ideal, it wouldn't be impossible. Because if we are able to imagine a society governed by love, God is able to accomplish a reality infinitely better than what our minds could come up with (v. 20)!

So how could that really happen? How can a body of believers achieve the seemingly impossible standards of biblical love? Paul's benediction gives us the blueprint. It starts with prayer as Paul intercedes for the believers in Ephesus. It requires the listening ear of the Father, the power of the Spirit, and the indwelling of Christ in our hearts. It comes from a foundation of love already in existence. But the preeminent factor that enables us to love is the fullness of the love of Christ that can fill us with the very fullness of God.

In other words, if we can somehow grasp the immensity of the love of Christ and personally experience it beyond a mere mental understanding of the facts (v. 19), there is no good thing that God will withhold from us.

Not only can God do infinitely more than anything we could dream up, He does so through the very power at work in us; the same power that raised Christ from the dead (cf. 1:20). If you think true biblical love in action is impossible, think again. Look at the empty tomb—nothing is impossible with God!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It is hard to read these words and not feel a mixture of love and abundant hope. Write today's passage down on a note card and keep it with you at all times. Use it to pray for the people that you know and love; even pray it for yourself. Let them know you're doing this. You could even send them a card with these verses written on the inside. You'll encourage them, and you'll also continually remind yourself to love your neighbor as yourself, trusting God to make it happen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 1:13-20; Isaiah 1:1-2:5
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. - Isaiah 1:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
How much can you trust your boss? Not much, according to a recent study conducted by Florida State University. Researchers surveyed more than seven hundred employees about how their supervisors treated them. Thirty-nine percent claimed unkept promises; 37 percent cited a lack of credit for good work or ideas; 31 percent reported receiving the “silent treatment”; 27 percent said bosses have complained about them to co-workers; 24 percent described invasions of privacy; and 23 percent said their supervisors blamed others to cover up their own mistakes.

God is a very different kind of Boss. For starters, He always keeps His promises. His faithfulness is one of the core themes of the book of Isaiah, our focus for this month's devotions. We've set for ourselves the rather ambitious goal of covering all 66 chapters in the 30 days of June, and we're glad you've decided to join us! If your time constraints require briefer readings, we've provided a shorter alternate reading choice for most days. Isaiah, whose name means “the Lord saves,” began his prophetic ministry in 740 b.c. Chapters 1-39 of the book that bears his name were probably written around 701 b.c., with the remaining chapters finished in his later years. Its themes are numerous and include judgment, exile, rebellion, pride, salvation, holiness, justice, mercy, hope, the Messiah, and God's sovereignty and kingdom. The New Testament quotes Isaiah more than all the other prophets combined!

The book opens with a charge of covenant-breaking against Israel. Like a child who rebels against a parent, the people—in particular the leaders—had forsaken the Lord. Though they followed the forms of worship, their prayers and sacrifices were empty and meaningless. Even so, the “Holy One of Israel”—a signature phrase of Isaiah—offered another chance for them to repent, be forgiven, and avoid judgment and discipline (1:18, 27-28). To underline this hope, Isaiah also imparted a future vision of the entire world at peace under God's rule (2:1-5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Studying Isaiah in a single month is a bit like trying to devour a bakery's entire stock in one sitting. Rather than calling this a “book study,” perhaps we should call it a “whirlwind tour”! It will probably prove helpful to you to obtain one or two commentaries to assist you during these devotions and as resources for future study in Isaiah. Two that we can recommend are Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. (Crossway, 2005) and Isaiah, by J. Alec Motyer (InterVarsity Press, 1999).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 2:12-22; Isaiah 2:6-4:6
The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. - Isaiah 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
You might know the famous baseball poem, “Casey at the Bat.” Although their team is losing, the “Mudville” fans are sure they'll win if only their hero, Casey, can bat. Their wish is granted: “There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place; / There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.” In “haughty grandeur” he takes two strikes. Then he digs in his heels, grits his teeth, takes a powerful swing . . . and misses. “There is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.”

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Throughout Isaiah, we see God's judgment on the proud. The impressive images for pride in today's reading include tall trees, mountains, ships, and strong towers—all brought low by the Lord. The root problem is that while God alone is worthy of worship, the Israelites were busy worshiping false gods. To rely on idols rather than God is not only wrong but arrogant. By the time God was finished with them, they would not only not worship their idols, but be glad to throw them away to any rat or bat that would take them (2:20)!

In this sense, God's coming and splendor was a terrible thing for the Israelites. To see Him was to understand immediately the folly of their ways, to know that disobedience deserves punishment and that His righteous anger was directed at them. They had brought His judgment on themselves—especially the leaders, who had been selfish and unjust (3:8-15). The judgment would include deprivation, oppression, and loss of life.

Chapter 4 brings hope, in the back-and-forth rhythm we often find in Isaiah. A remnant of survivors will return, the land will become fruitful again, and the Lord will once again be the refuge and protection of His people. The “Branch of the Lord” is a messianic image that will be further developed later in the book.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage alludes to the cloud and pillar of fire that led and guided the Israelites during the Exodus and signified God's presence with His people. Though wandering in the wilderness was something of a low point in their history, God's faithfulness was very real and never faltered. Recall a similar time in your own life—a time when things were bad but God's presence was real and powerful. Then think about believers you know and pray about who most needs to hear your encouraging story.