A House Built on Radical Love

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A House Built on Radical Love

​Scripture Focus (NLT)

​John 1:14: "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."

​Joshua 24:15: "But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will pray to... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."

​John 15:12: "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you."

​1 Peter 4:10: "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

​Psalm 146:8: "The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly."

​

​In our journey with God, we often look for grand signs, but today’s scriptures remind us that the most profound move of God happens in the quiet choice to serve and the daily rhythm of love.

​The Word Among Us

We begin with the miracle of the Incarnation. John 1:14 tells us the Word became flesh and "dwelt" among us. The Greek word for "dwelt" is skenoo, which literally means "to pitch a tent." God didn’t just visit; He moved into our neighborhood. He came full of grace and truth. To follow Him today is to carry that same presence into our homes and workplaces—not as a distant judge, but as a neighbor who pitches a tent alongside those in need.

​The Choice to Serve

In Joshua 24:15, we find a bold declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The Hebrew word for "serve" is abad. While we often think of service as a chore, abad is the same root used for "worship." To serve God is to worship Him through our actions. Whether you are folding laundry, leading a meeting, or helping a friend, you are performing a priestly act of worship.

​The Command to Love

Jesus takes this service a step further in John 15:12, commanding us to love as He loved. This isn't just a feeling; it is agape—a sacrificial, purposeful love that seeks the highest good of the other regardless of the cost. This is the "fruit" we are called to bear. When we feel overwhelmed, Psalm 146:8 reminds us that the Lord "lifts up those who are bowed down." He sustains us so that we may sustain others.

​Stewards of Grace

Finally, 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us that we are stewards of God’s "varied grace." We all have unique gifts meant for the common good. Today, look at your talents not as personal possessions, but as tools for agape.

​Real Talk: Life in the Tent

​Reflection: Today, how can you "pitch your tent" (skenoo) with someone who is struggling? In what small way can your household "worship through service" (abad)?

​When did Jesus move in with you? Has it been years now, or did He just recently pitch His tent in your heart?

​Now that Jesus lives with you, does that mean you will never sin again? Hardly. We are all sinners saved by Grace! While we try a little harder each day, even walking with Jesus for a lifetime doesn't make us perfect. I personally battle my own will quite frequently. I still get upset; I still lose my temper.

​Sometimes I tell God I can’t do something—that I’m too busy, too tired, or just plain too old! Then, when I see God find someone else to do the task, I feel that pang of guilt. But that is why we need Him. I look forward to the day when Jesus returns, when we are all finally made whole and sin is no more. Until then, we just keep pitching our tents alongside His.

​Prayer

​Lord, thank You for moving into my neighborhood and my heart. Help me to see my daily chores as worship and my interactions as a chance to pitch a tent of grace for someone else. Forgive me when I am stubborn or tired. Thank You for Your 'varied grace' that covers my many mistakes.

​The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen!

​BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED. AMEN.

B.O.B.B.A. ❤️

Love, Penny 💛 

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