“LOVE WHEREVER WE GO”
OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Matthew 25 (Focus vs. 31–40)
MEMORY VERSE: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Matthew 25:40
BACKGROUND
I sat on the pier during a vacation, reading my Bible and watching my husband fish. A young man approached us, suggesting we use different bait.
He glanced at me as he fidgeted from one foot to another and said, “I’ve been in jail.” He pointed to my Bible and sighed, “Do you think God really cares about people like me?”
Opening to Matthew 25, I read aloud that Jesus talked about His followers visiting those in prison. “It says that? About being in prison?” Tears brimmed his eyes when I shared how God considers kindness toward His children a personal act of love toward Himself (vv. 31–40).
“I wish my parents would forgive me too.” He lowered his head. “I’ll be right back.” He returned and handed me his tattered Bible. “Would you show me where to find those words?”
I nodded. My husband and I hugged him as we prayed for him and his parents. We exchanged contact information and have continued praying for him.
At one point or another, we’ll feel unloved, unwelcomed, in need, and even physically or emotionally imprisoned (vv. 35–36). We’ll need reminders of God’s loving compassion and forgiveness. We’ll also have opportunities to support others who struggle with these feelings.
We can be a part of God’s redeeming plan as we spread His truth and love wherever we go.
INSIGHT
Each of the gospel accounts has a specific structure. Matthew’s gospel uses five major teaching blocks around which the inspired author wraps the story of Jesus.
Of these blocks, the first and the last are the longest and appear to stand in contrast to one another. The first block, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), presents the ideals and principles of life within the kingdom of God.
The final message (chs. 23–25), along with some end-time prophecy, focuses on what happens when those kingdom principles are ignored—seen primarily in Jesus’ challenges to Israel’s unfaithful religious leaders (ch. 23).
APPLICATION
How can you love God by showing love to others today? In what ways has He showed you love through others?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Here’s the paradox. We can fully embrace God’s love only when we recognize how completely unworthy of t we are.” Ann Tatlock
“Your love for another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“At one point or another, we’ll feel unloved, unwelcomed, in need, and even physically or emotionally imprisoned (vv. 35–36). We’ll need reminders of God’s loving compassion and forgiveness. We’ll also have opportunities to support others who struggle with these feelings…”
PRAYER
“Father, thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and giving me opportunities to share Your truth as I love You by loving others. Discover what real love is.”
*YOUR TAKE? 
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL
“MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT” Steve Archer
Flowers have the sunshine
and the earth has the rain
Lord, you know I’m nothing
without Your Spirit, my life’s in vain
so mold me & make me –
help me to be more like You
Make Me An Instrument of love anew
Make Me An Instrument of Your love today
may I remember Your children, Lord
every time I pray
let me see the good side
in the bad side of every day
Make Me An Instrument of love Your way
Some people speak about love,
but with them I know it’s just talk
for when I caught a glimpse of real love
it was hangin’ on the old rugged cross
so help me be like my Jesus
as He prayed “Father Forgive”
Make Me An Instrument each day I live
Make me an instrument…
Make me an instrument…
Make Me An Instrument of Your love today
may I remember Your children, Lord
every time I pray
let me see the good side
in the bad side of every day
Make Me An Instrument of love Your way
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF JUDGES CHAPTERS 15-21
PSALMS 15-21