Loving One Another
Devotional Passage: I John 4:7-12

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  I John 4:7

        I love to make quilts. One of the most satisfying things for a quilter is to walk into a well-stocked fabric shop with thousands of choices. One's eyes are quickly drawn to favorite colors, yet a good quilter knows that it may take a certain amount of a color that you would not ordinarily choose, to make a quilt more interesting. I learned that I should e encouraged to consider all colors, favorites or not.
        As Christians, we will daily come in contact with people from diverse backgrounds and situations. Scripture reveals that, as we meet those around us, we should love one another, for, if we do not love, we do not know God. Because we do love God, we must have a desire to be like Him. That may mean showing love and compassion to someone who may seem unlovable. Out of all of His creations, God loves people more than anything. So should we.

Dear Lord, help me to show love and compassion to all I encounter today.

Practicing Love
Devotional Passage: Romans 12:9-21

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16

        My mother was a sales clerk in the discount department store that my father managed. I would often see her talking quietly with customers, most of whom were from the less fortunate side of town. Her kind eyes and soft-spoken voice led many people to open up to her with their problems. People could tell that she genuinely cared about them.
        Paul's message to the people of the church at Rome was a clear outline of love for each other, no matter what their position in life. Not only should we be sincere, but we should encourage each other. Be prepared if someone has a special need to share with you today.

Father, help me to be a sincere listener. Bring someone in my path doay that needs to be shown brotherly love.


Teach Me Your Will
Devotional Passage: Psalm 143:1-12

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

        Have you ever been asked to serve in a position and your response was, "I want to pray about it"?  Did you then pray for God's guidance? In looking back at my own life, I can clearly see that many times when I was asked to serve, it was because the person encouraging me knew that I was qualified, and believed that God had directed them to contact me. I am convinced that God's desire for my life may come by way of a fellow Christian.
        Psalm 143 is a prayer for favor in judgment from God and asks for His guidance. We can be ready when opportunity comes our way by praying for His will in our life each day and by seeking His spirit.

Dear Lord, today I pray for an open and willing heart. Help me to trust Your guiding hand in my life.




        Carol McKinney is a ministry assistant for Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a featured writer for Open Windows, published by Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. 
        Carol and her husband, Mike, have two sons, Kyle and Blake.