![]() ![]() We all must work, care for others and do the daily tasks that our jobs and lives require. So how do we live in the world but still do the will of God? We can start by making our life one of worship. Who is your God? Is it materialism? Is it prestige? Is it affirmation from others? Is it embracing a lifestyle that keeps God confined to a Sunday morning time slot? Our verse says this: “ the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Are they echoing the world's mantra of “ME” as the god of my life? Or are they glorifying God, serving others, sharing the gospel, and pointing others to Jesus?Įverything in this world is fading away, but GOD will endure forever. Examine your intentions, your actions, your habits, and your attitude. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. There is absolutely no ambiguity in it: Do not love the world or the things in the world. This verse is a command for us to reexamine our thoughts, our actions, and our priorities. Our verse speaks of this perfectly! For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life -is not from the Father but is from the world. Turn on any show, movie, podcast, talk show, or scroll through social media and it's very clear that what the world deems important is very far from what God’s standard for our life is. The writer of our verse starts out this chapter by saying these words: “My little children.” Just as any child is tempted and filled with intense longing when entering the toy store, we too, though older and more “mature,” are also tempted by all that the world proclaims is good.įame, success, material things, prestige, status, social media impact, self-image, and the list could go on for a very long time. We are not giving them these instructions to ruin their life but instead to teach them wisdom about avoiding pain so that they can be better equipped to go explore their world. ![]() We tell them these things over and over until we begin to see them practice this habit on their own. Do not open the door to someone you do not know. These are all things that we tell our children as they are growing more mature and becoming more independent. Do not cross the street without looking both ways. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17 ESVĭo not touch it, it’s hot. For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life -is not from the Father but is from the world. Get biblically wise and spiritually fit by becoming a member of Bible Gateway Plus."Do not love the world or the things in the world. Let the NIV Daily Devotional walk you through God’s Word at a steady and manageable pace. I ask that your will be done in my life, starting right now. Jesus, thank you for never giving up on me. Jesus gives those who will trust in him the best hope: everlasting life with him. This is shown in the most ultimate way through Jesus-who is “the way and the truth and the life” ( John 14:6). ![]() God reminded his people continually of his love throughout their trials, assuring them that when they repented and sought him, he would bring them back to himself. It also reveals God’s heart and purpose for his people in the midst of their struggle, and reminds them of the hope only he can provide: “‘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). ![]() There is perhaps no better parallel than one that comes from the prophet Jeremiah, although it came over a century later. Instead of cutting them off forever, God will give them a beautiful future with him as his people. When Israel returns to God, he will not turn away from them as they deserve, but will rather provide healing and a home for them with himself, allowing them to once again belong to him they will put their roots down in him and be fruitful because of his care and compassion to them. In the stunning conclusion to the book of Hosea, God puts the exclamation mark on his intention for his people, the chosen ones of God: he has chosen to redeem them despite their blatant rebellion. Here’s an example devotional: HOPE FOR A FUTURE ( Hosea 14:4–8) The readings are hand-picked from over 25 different popular NIV Bibles, including The Jesus Bible, the NIV Quest Study Bible, the NIV Zondervan Study Bible, and many more. Do you want to spend more time in the Bible? Is the popular New International Version (NIV) your preferred Bible translation? Then you’ll want to sign up to receive by email the free NIV Daily Devotional on Bible Gateway!Įvery day, you’ll receive a Scripture reading along with a short devotional reflection to help you meditate on and apply what you’ve just read. ![]()
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