Riding a New Wave: An ‘80s Devotional

Day 1 of 4: The Power of Love

Today, we concentrate on Christ's love for us—its overarching influence in our lives, its manifestations in our lives, and how we may better others through showing His powerful love to our friends, family, community, and ourselves.

Listen to "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis & The News.

How does the song make you feel? Happy? Does it make you want to jump up and dance? Or does it maybe remind you of the movie "Back to the Future?" Take a moment to write what you feel after listening to the song.

Now read and reflect on the following passages from Scripture:

*For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
-John 3:16 (NLT)
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
-Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
-Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)

In each of these scriptures, God illustrates His powerful love for us by sending Jesus and how, through Him, we are able to emulate that unconditional love to others. His love for us gives us confidence without arrogance. When we look inward, He reveals areas in us where we need Him to lead and direct so that we can grow as individuals. He asks us to show Him to others in a variety of ways such as volunteering, offering a kind word to someone, holding the door or elevator for someone. He asks us to show ourselves love by resting, having quiet time, even enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of wine at the end of a hectic day. Consider these verses and how they apply, today, in you and your life. Write your observations below.

Listen to "The Power of Love" again. How has the song, coupled with the scriptures, changed for you? How have the two combined to shed new, powerful love in you and through you? How are you able to incorporate this song and these scriptures into your daily routine and life? Answer below.

Let's pray: God, I thank you for Your power of love. Jesus, I ask that Your love is shown through me and that I extend it to others, including myself. Thank You. It's in Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

In your quiet times, let this song and these scriptures inspire you to love powerfully. How can you achieve this? Take another moment to reflect on your answer in writing.

Jo Beck

Day 1 of 4: The Power of Love

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