119/365: 43,000 Ways

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ~ Colossians 3:11-13

Even though we worship one God, we Christians have launched over 43,000 different organizations and styles to practice our faith. In the words of the poet Maya Angelou..."We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."

Today, as you are challenged by people who choose to worship differently or have crazy opinions - remember God's call to perfect love.

Let's not get caught up in style, what we wear, or the language - simply love God 100% and love others 100%.

GO DEEPER: Colossians 2: 6-12

NEXT STEP: Take a minute to focus on how you give praise to God? Where do you consisently find that groove?

Leonard

on 04/30/2023 at 12:47 PM

Thank you guys for sharing! I get so much insight from you testimonies and words of encouragement. Keep living BOLD my friends!!

Robert McFaddin

on 04/29/2023 at 08:15 PM

“We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.” - Vance Havner

on 04/29/2023 at 08:10 PM

“Plenty of church members are shaky about what they believe, while not many are shaken by what they believe.” -Vance Havner

Ashley Jarvis

on 04/29/2023 at 06:11 PM

Any energy I place in correcting someone else and their belief, or lack there of, is wasted energy that I cannot spend in loving them instead. Jesus spent zero energy condemning others, pointing to their sins, or warning of their demise. Jesus spent every ounce of energy in meeting others where they were, pointing to their future freedom in Him, and giving them hope of their new eternal life in Him. We all to often get it all completely backward. Jesus lives us BEFORE we surrender to Him. We don’t have to “get right” before He loves us, so then why do we demand others “get right” for us to accept them? Why must we demand an apology before we apologize? Why when we make an amend do we demand an immediate amend from them? Why when someone supports an opposing view or opinion do we shut them out, or try to force ours upon them? Belittle them, try to make them look foolish, talk about “them” behind their backs? Or, worst of all, look down upon others from our pedestal of “Christian”? Christian, means getting off of ANY pedestal, and walking amongst anyone and everyone, loving them NO MATTER WHAT, because that’s exactly what Jesus did. Yes, we hold firm to our truths, but not in a way that chastises others. And that, is how others can come to us when they are ready.

Old Dude

on 04/29/2023 at 06:09 PM

Satan does not care how much we theorize about Christianity, or how much we profess to know Christ. What he opposes vigorously is the way we live Christ.

Ethan Rogers

on 04/29/2023 at 03:52 PM

Sometimes, it is hard to love one another when there is so much evil in people and bad people that at are doing bad things against you. However, as Jesus commanded, I pray that I may forgive and love these people. It makes perfect sense all of the teachings of Jesus, and I must follow to the best of my ability. I praise God by doing His will, to do good deeds, helping others, and doing gracious things for others anonymously, that only I know I've done. I get a sense of goodness in my heart, feeling that God approves. There is good in the world, Jesus brought it.

Robbie Simms

on 04/29/2023 at 03:25 PM

Thank you father for this app and devotion amen

Brandon Pembleton

on 04/29/2023 at 03:00 PM

Probably the most consistent groove for me is every morning getting up early enough to have time to read devotional and write a little bit on here. This almost acts as a sort of journal for us. I know for me it causes me to read with intent to write about it which makes me focus up a bit more on the reading. That is where I can find a consistent opening to the day. Anyone can do it too. Any Christian or even someone just curious about becoming a Christian can read and write from the heart. It opens up conversation between us in a way that is loving and kind. Indeed we are far more alike than dis alike. Thank you God for opening my mind to that and your way of life. I am truly in debt and I am so grateful. Thank you God. I love you amen 🙏

Elliott

on 04/29/2023 at 02:21 PM

Well said James! I need and want a relationship with Jesus. As soon as I start believing in my self I know that's Jesus telling me that no matter what I'm going to be okay.

James Saxon

on 04/29/2023 at 01:55 PM

It is all about a Relationship not a Religion

on 04/29/2023 at 01:30 PM

I’m often reminded of this. Christ loves us ALL. And thinking of this this morning reminds me of how much I miss the prayer wall. Coming together from all over the word and praying for each other is a powerful thing! Still praying for all my brothers there - for His grace and truth to fill our lives as we face our challenges.

on 04/29/2023 at 12:56 PM

Jesus told His disciples that if they are for me they are not against me. I think there are things to die on a hill for and there are things to lovingly debate. There are things that we can agree to disagree on and still love each other. I’ve heard it said to “major on the majors” - or something like that. Obey the scriptures as best we know how and as we are taught by the Holy Spirit, we may change our view on something. However, we must make sure that what we are learning does not conflict with what the Word of God says. Example of a major: Jesus is God and is the ONLY way to Heaven and eternity with Him. I recently saw a news story where a large percent of “born again Christians” do not believe Jesus was sinless. If that’s the case, they can’t be born again can they? If he wasn’t sinless then he couldn’t be the payment for our sins. He couldn’t be God. If he couldn’t pay for sins, then we still need a savior. If we still need a savior, we can’t be born again. THAT is a major for sure!

Boyce Moses

on 04/29/2023 at 12:27 PM

It’s so easy to say “Well this denomination does this or this Church does that.” Who cares? We are all worshiping God. Now we need to follow Jesus’s command to love one another as He loves us. Sounds simple to me. Love you Jesus! 🤎💜💛💚

randy swopes

on 04/29/2023 at 12:26 PM

I’m so grateful that God has shown me how to love my fellow man, I used to focus on doctrine and unfortunately became judgmental when I looked at my brothers, but praise be to God because he has taught me to look at my brothers through Jesus eyes and with forgiveness in my heart a whole new world has opened in my life and I look at my brother’s with a heart of love and compassion and truly enjoy awesome fellowship with them.

Scott Beebe

on 04/29/2023 at 11:59 AM

For years, I was wrapped up in a legalistic and dogmatic way of worship. Not any longer and thanks be to Jesus for waking me up.😊

Tommy Williamson

on 04/29/2023 at 10:21 AM

This commandment that Jesus gave His disciples is a very powerful commandment if we really look at it. God knew that over time that there would be divisions within the church and that people would see things differently. He also knew that some of these would cause great hatred and bitterness over these differences so His Son gave us this new commandment to tell His disciples and those that came after them to continue to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. One of the things that I have seen over my life is how much some denominations finger point and try everything they can to discredit another denomination’s beliefs. However if they were truly following Gods Word them there would be no hate in between any Christians but only the same LOVE THAT JESUS HAD FOR HIS DISCIPLES. I don’t hate anybody but especially other Christians.

on 04/29/2023 at 10:08 AM

John 5:12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. CJB-Complete Jewish Bible.

119/365: 43,000 Ways

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