Daily Devotional

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

This excerpt from David's song was the fruit of a great offering that the king made with the participation of all the people of Israel in the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. For God's work to be carried out, a great deal of involvement and effort was required. In the face of all that David rejoiced and praised God. When we serve the Lord, no effort is in vain!

Helping in God's work is like planting a seed in good soil. Every time you have the opportunity to serve God, don't just do it, do it with a grateful heart and you'll see how much God will do in your life by putting yourself at His disposal. God is a blesser and loves those who take pleasure in serving him.

Serve the Lord with joy:

• Try to integrate with the brothers and sisters of the church you attend. Make yourself available. By making contact, you will get to know more brothers and sisters and be more involved in God's work.
• When you serve in God's house, even in small tasks, keep in mind that every service is an offering of worship. At the end, prayerfully give your service to the Lord.

Pray:

Lord God, I want to thank you and praise you for all the things you have done in my life. Revive my heart so that I feel more and more pleasure in serving you. I want to serve as Jesus served! I want to rejoice more and more in your house! In Jesus' name, amen!

"⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1:9-11

This is a beautiful prayer made by the apostle Paul to the Philippians; indirectly, it has also reached each of us. In it, he asks for love to increase in two fundamental things:

1. knowledge
2. perception

An increase in love is fundamental nowadays. But it's not something nominal or superficial. Love implies knowledge and all perception (discernment, being attentive). This means that we need to know more about the object of our love: God in the first place, and our neighbor as ourselves.

In addition, we also need to be attentive, with all perceptions, to love more and better. This means no longer being insensitive and alienated, but paying attention to others and their needs. Remember, you were and are loved by the greatest Love in the world. That's why you can also show greater love for God and others.

Love in Action!

• Being loved and loving changes our understanding of living, it should change our attitude towards everything and everyone.
• Look for ways to get to know God better, through a personal relationship with Him. Also, try to get to know the reality of other people. Get involved, participate, and find ways to love more.
• Pray more and get to know the Bible better - reading, preaching, Bible studies, and courses are good ways.
• Look around you, like the "good Samaritan". See what you can do for others today.
• Ask God to increase your love (and that of the whole church), to love with knowledge and a good understanding and sensitivity.

Pray:

Lord our God, help me to love more.
Teach me to love you faithfully above all things, and also to love those who are the object of your love.
May I notice those who suffer along the way and extend my arms to the afflicted.
Increase knowledge and a good understanding of life, so that Your love is reflected in me and reaches out to others around me. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for everything.
Amen!