Today’s Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Today’s Text: John 15:12-17
Key Verse: John 15:14 (ESV): “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
Many of us treat love as a reaction to people or things, but no; that’s all wrong. But it is a demonstration of who we are, and has only a little or close to nothing to do with the object of our love.
A lady by the name Mandisa Hundley showed up on ''American Idol'' a couple of years ago. She has a huge body frame. So, Simon, one of the judges, upon seeing her, up stage, made a sarcastic comment: ”Do we have a bigger stage this year?“ Off stage, Mandisa looked right at Simon and said: “Simon, your remark was painful. It hurts. It really broke my heart, but I want you to know that I've forgiven you, because I don't need you to apologize for me to do that. If Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you. I just wanted you to know. Thank you!”
Jesus dies for us while we were yet sinners. His love was not a reaction to ours. We never qualify or deserve it. In the same way, He had left us a command to “love one another as I have loved you.” (v. 12) And of course His natural conclusion is that I am showing you the highest possible fruit of my love by laying down my life for you; so that you may follow in my steps love one another.
Quote for the Day: “The “if ye do,” in John 15:14 is not conditioning us for a reactionary choice; but actually conditioning the continuation of Christ’s love, and its full expression to others upon our obedience.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, more than anything else, I want You to reveal Your presence and love to me each and every day. You are Love and You have put Your love in my heart. Help me to practice love today in all I do, and all I say, so that others may see You in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
With all my Love and Prayer,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org
BBMme: E3F988D2
[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]
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Amen