Devotion for Saturday, September 18, 2021

“Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12)

The Lord commanded that we love one another and Him with all we are.  This has never stopped being the prime directive.  We are to love others as He first loved us.  We are to increase in love.  God is love and we were created in His image.  Therefore, increase in love and in the likeness of the Lord.  Know that He will accomplish this in all who love Him and believe in His promises.

Lord, continue to guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me now and always to see that in You there is all hope and glory.  Guide me, Lord, according to Your will and by Your Holy Spirit so that I would grow in love and therefore in Your likeness.  Let not anything hinder the way I need to go.  Lead me each and every day You give me to keep the prize in my mind and live according to the Father’s will.

Lord Jesus, You know all that is needed.  Through Your Holy Spirit, You know me better than I know myself.  Continue to lead me and remove from me all sin and from those acts by which I resist the cure that grace brings.  Guide me in all goodness to see that in You alone is there hope and the promised eternal future.  Do not let anything hinder the way I need to go.  Guide me now and always, Lord, to be in the Father’s will.  Amen.