July 31 - I WIll Pour Out My Spirit

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 11:27-33
Revelation 4
Old Testament -
Job 30
Joel 2-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Joel 2:28, 31-32
28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. - - - 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. 32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

Insight:
The prophet Joel compared the destructive invasion of Israel by its enemies to a devouring plague of locusts. They would utterly consume and destroy everything in their path as judgment for rejecting their God.

Joel also had a message of hope and restoration for the remnant of repentant people who were steadfast in their faith in God. They were promised restoration of their land and their lives. They were also promised a new outpouring of God's Spirit and salvation on the final day of judgment.

Jesus' disciples appropriated the promises of Joel's prophecy. They saw the Day of Pentecost as the beginning of fulfillment of his promise to all who would "call on the name of the Lord." They believed they were seeing the long-awaited outpouring of the Holy Spirit and salvation given to all who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Response and Action:
I want to experience salvation and to live in the hope and power of the Holy Spirit. I will call on the name of the Lord. I will hold on to faith through every circumstance, believing that God will sustain and save me.

O God, save and protect me from the things that threaten to consume and destroy me. Help me to look to you in faith in all circumstances. Thank you for Jesus, my Lord, who for my sake and my salvation came down from heaven. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life who has spoken through the prophets. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Acts 2:21-23
21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

Resources:
Hope Has Its Reasons
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

July 30 - Praying and Forgiving

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 11:12-26
Revelation 3:14-22
Old Testament -
Job 29
Joel 1
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 11:22-25
22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Insight:
Our relationship with God is connected to our relationships with others. If we ask God for forgiveness, we should be prepared to offer forgiveness to others. God's grace toward us should result in our graciousness toward others. Lack of forgiveness toward others is a hindrance to our prayers.

Response and Action:
As I look to God for grace and forgiveness, I need to be ready and willing to extend that same graciousness to those who have trespassed against me. I do not want my relationship with God to be diminished or hindered by poor relationships with others. I will forgive others instead of harboring any grudge or resentment toward them.

O God, thank you for the mercy and grace and forgiveness you have given to me through Christ. Give me a heart to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Help me to treat others as I would want to be treated. May the attitudes of my heart, the words of my mouth, and the works of my hands be a witness to your grace and goodness to me. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Colossians 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Resources:
Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope
by Everett Worthington

July 29 - Returning to the Lord

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 11:1-11
Revelation 3:1-13
Old Testament -
Job 28
Hosea 13-14
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Hosea 14:1-2,9
1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. - - - 9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Insight:
Hosea's prophetic message ends with hope of renewal and restoration. There is hope for those who recognize that sinning is self-destructive. There is hope for those who ask God to for grace and forgiveness because they desire to be people who honor him. There is hope for those who turn away from their rebellious ways in order to walk in the righteous ways of the Lord.

Response and Action:
God is calling me to a life that is good and true. He wants to restore and renew me. He is ready and able to forgive and renew me. I must recognize sin for the self-destructive thing it is. I must humble myself and ask God for the forgiveness I need. I must look to his gracious provision for the strength and direction I need for living a righteous life that honors him.

O God, show me my need. Help me to recognize and turn away from sin. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, I ask you to lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 1:8-10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Resources:
Reflection & Confession
by Janet L. Johnson

July 28 - It Is Time to Seek

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 10:35-52
Revelation 2:18-29
Old Testament -
Job 27
Hosea 9-12
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Hosea 10:12
12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Insight:
The call to righteousness is a call to soften and open your heart. Like soil that needs to be tilled and broken up to receive seed and produce a crop, our hearts must be made ready to receive God's word and to produce righteousness as God nurtures that seed by the showers of his grace and provision.

Response and Action:
I need to be softhearted toward God. I need to break up the soil of my life and receive the word of God's truth. I need to sow seeds in my life that produce righteousness and integrity.

O God, by your grace and mercy, help me to soften my heart. I seek you with all my heart. Make the field of my life ready to receive your truth and your guidance. Nurture and sustain me that I might grow strong in faith and be productive in life. Help me to honor you in all things. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Galatians 6:6-8
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Resources:
Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ's Pattern for Spiritual Transformation
by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson

July 27 - First Love

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 10:17-34
Revelation 2:1-17
Old Testament -
Job 25-26
Hosea 7-8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Revelation 2:1-4
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.

Insight:
In John's vision, the glorified Christ has words of commendation and warning for seven churches. The first was the church in Ephesus. He commended them for good deeds, hard work, perseverance, holiness, and discernment. He warned them that, despite all these good qualities, they had forsaken their first love—their love for him.

It is unsettling to realize how it is possible to do good, work hard, be committed, and exercise commitment, and yet somehow lose sight of a genuine love for Jesus himself. While a sincere love for Christ will always produce the good qualities and actions the Ephesians displayed, these commendable qualities, without love for Christ, are bound to deteriorate into religiosity and law. The result is churchianity that is unsustainable and empty.

Response and Action:
I must cultivate my love for Jesus. My obedience and commitment to Christ must be rooted in my love and trust for him. I will nurture my love for Jesus through worship, expressions of thanks, and meditation upon the things he did and the words he said. I will remember that following Christ is more than belief, obedience, and perseverance; it is love.

Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Help me to love you with my whole heart, so that my obedience and deeds and commitment might flow out of that love. Thank you for your great love for me. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of you and forget that you want more than my belief and my behavior -- you want my love. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Resources:
Mere Churchianity
by Michael Spencer

July 26 - I Hold the Keys

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 10:1-16
Revelation 1:9-20
Old Testament -
Job 24
Hosea 4-6
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Revelation 1:17-18
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Insight:
In the Apostle John's great vision he sees the resurrected Christ Jesus, the Son of Man, who "has freed us from our sins by his blood" (1:5), and will return again -- "coming with the clouds" (1:7). The sight and sound of the glorified Christ Jesus so overwhelmed John that he fell to the ground as a dead man. But Jesus put his right hand on John saying, "Don't be afraid."

Jesus is the beginning and the end. He is the Living One and is alive forever; he has conquered death and holds the keys to death. Jesus holds the keys that open the doors from death to life for all humanity.

Response and Action:
Jesus is alive; forever! He is the Living One who has conquered death. Every thought I have of Jesus will be shaped and celebrated with the amazing truth that he is alive today. He is coming again. He is the beginning and the end. He holds the keys and he will deliver me from death.

O God, help me to walk and live in the truth that Jesus is alive. Fill my heart with hope, and give me peace and confidence as embrace this truth by faith. Give me courage in the face of suffering and hope in the face of death, as I trust in Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 11:25-26a
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26a and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Resources:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene H. Peterson

Reading Schedule for July 26 - 31

Psalm 119:32-34
"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart."

Schedule and Tips:
2009-10 Reading Schedule
Tips for Daily Bible Readers

July 26 -
Mark 10:1-16 / Revelation 1:9-20
Job 24 / Hosea 4-6

July 27 -
Mark 10:17-34 / Revelation 2:1-17
Job 25-26 / Hosea 7-8

July 28 -
Mark 10:35-52 / Revelation 2:18-29
Job 27 / Hosea 9-12

July 29 -
Mark 11:1-11 / Revelation 3:1-13
Job 28 / Hosea 13-14

July 30 -
Mark 11:12-26 / Revelation 3:14-22
Job 29 / Joel 1

July 31 -
Mark 11:27-33 / Revelation 4
Job 30 / Joel 2-3

July 24 - A Servant of All

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 9:33-50
Revelation 1:1-8
Old Testament -
Job 23
Hosea 1-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 9:35-37
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." 36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Insight:
Those who are focused on achievement and personal status will not find true greatness. Those whose priority is honoring God and whose joy is serving others will discover true greatness, even though it is not their goal or motivation. The person whose goal is greatness will be too busy with important people and projects to "waste" time with those people or things that are unlikely to serve that goal.

The person who is unconcerned with greatness and accomplishment is more likely to spend an afternoon with a child or serve the needs of someone who has nothing to offer in return. And in that selflessness, such a person will discover what true greatness is all about. Whoever loses his life will find it.

Response and Action:
I will not seek after accomplishment and praise. I will seek to love, know, and honor Christ Jesus with all my heart and soul. I will endeavor to live a selfless life and cultivate a heart and readiness for serving others. I will not think of myself as more important than others. I will share time and my attention with others without thought of personal gain. I will aspire to be unpretentious, unselfish, and unreserved.

O God, thank you for Jesus, who although he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself and became a servant. Help me, like him, to reach across barriers, to welcome the weak, to serve, and to look to the interests of others. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 25:37-39
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

Resources:
A Childlike Heart: How to Become Great in God's Kingdom
by Alan D. Wright

July 23 - Your Most Holy Faith

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 9:14-32
Jude 1:17-25
Old Testament -
Job 22
Daniel 10-12
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Jude 1:17-21
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Insight:
The Apostle Peter warned his readers to be discerning about false teachers and heresy; Jude does the same. In fact, Peter may have been drawing upon Jude in his second letter (compare 2 Peter 2 with Jude 4–18).

Jude gives a number of markers for discerning heretical teachers and leaders. These include: a twisting of God's grace that leads to disregard for holy living (v. 4); a refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the only sovereign Lord (v. 4); a selfish pattern of putting themselves first (v. 12); boastful arrogance (v. 16); and being divisive and opposing the unity of the Spirit (v. 19).

Response and Action:
I need to recognize godly teaching and leadership. It is essential for the life and mission of my church family that our leaders follow the Lord Jesus Christ, the only one who is able to keep us from falling.

In order to live by the truth, I will build myself up in Christian faith. I will pray and look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and integrity. I will look to the Scriptures and the teachings of the Apostles for direction and doctrine. In my Christian community, I will oppose teaching and leadership that ignores Scripture or fails to follow in the way of Christ. In all circumstances, I must be merciful and redemptive toward others as I endeavor to be a voice for the pursuit of truth and sound doctrine.

O God, help me to know and live by the truth. Help me to be a student of the Scriptures. Help me to follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, give me the honesty and integrity to recognize your will and your ways. Deliver me from pride, selfishness, and unholiness. Grant me the faith and the perseverance of Christ Jesus, who is able to keep me from falling and present me without fault before your throne with great joy. To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:19-21
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Resources:
Basic Christian Leadership: Biblical Models of Church, Gospel And Ministry
by John Stott

July 22 - Our Sin, God's Mercy

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 9:1-13
Jude 1:8-16
Old Testament -
Job 21:22-34
Daniel 9
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Daniel 9:7-10
7 "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets.

Insight:
The details of Daniel's prophetic vision are difficult to unpack and understand. Even Daniel didn't know what they meant apart from God's explanation. Daniel did understand, however, that the exile God's people were experiencing was the result of their unfaithfulness to God.

Daniel recognized their sin, rebellion, disobedience, and failure to listen to the prophets. He knew this was why they were now in ruin and captivity. He appeals to God's mercy and forgiveness and asks God to save them that the world might see his loving kindness.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize my sin and guard against unfaithfulness. I need to read and heed the words of Scripture. When I disobey and sin, I must look to God for mercy and forgiveness. God's saving work in my life is a hope for me, and a testimony of God's goodness.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Help me to live for you and through you this day in thought word and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what right. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 9:9-11
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

Resources:
Reflection & Confession
by Janet L. Johnson

July 21 -Figuring Loss and Gain

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 8:31-38
Jude 1:1-7
Old Testament -
Job 21:1-21
Daniel 7-8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-38
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Insight:
What would I be willing to trade for my life? Jesus says that following him requires denying myself, but it’s a self-denial that will result in finding true life. There is a way to put myself in first place and end up with nothing. There is a way to deny myself that results in great blessing.

The path to real personal gain looks like loss from a worldly point of view. Giving my best time and energy to gain money, success, security, status and possessions is really the road to loss. Putting Christ first, following in his footsteps, and heeding his commands might look like loss from an earthly perspective, but it actually results in attaining the richest and most satisfying life possible.

Response and Action:
I need to put Christ Jesus first, to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Seeking and knowing Jesus must be my highest priority. Following his example and valuing the things he values is the substance of faith. If I truly believe in Jesus, I must entrust my life to him and give up ownership of myself. If he is truly my Lord, I must deny every rival to his authority. The more I do this, the more I will experience and understand that this "loss" is actually great gain.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Give me the wisdom and the will to put Jesus first. Give me eyes to see the great benefit of seeking him first. Give me eyes to see the emptiness and loss of materialism and self-gratification. Help me delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Resources:
The Divine Conspiracy
Dallas Willard

July 20 - You Are the Christ

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 8:22-30
3 John 1:1-14
Old Testament -
Job 20
Daniel 5-6
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 8:27-29
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

Insight:
There were all sorts of ideas circulating about just who Jesus was. According to Mark's account, Peter declared what he believed with the words, "You are the Christ." Luke records Peter as saying, "You are the Christ of God" (Lk. 9:20). Matthew has the fullest statement, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Mt. 16:16).

In saying that he believed Jesus to be the Christ, Peter was declaring his faith that Jesus was the Messiah and deliverer promised by the prophets. Peter believed that Jesus was the one sent to "save his people." In saying he was "of God" or "the son of the Living God," Peter was declaring his faith in Jesus' deity. Peter believed that Jesus was God.

Response and Action:
There are many theories and ideas about who Jesus was and is, but I believe that Jesus is who he claimed to be. The testimony of Scripture, the anticipation of the prophets, the witness of the Apostles, the unfolding story of the Church, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit in my own heart all confirm the claims of Jesus.

Like Peter, I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father—God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, of one being with the Father. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven.

O God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, into the world to save and redeem humankind. Open the eyes of my heart that I might know him more each day, O God, and that my faith might be strengthened in new ways. Confirm and increase my faith as I follow Christ. Make my life a witness to the truth of Christ. It's in his saving name that I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 30:3-4
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John R. W. Stott

July 19 - This Is Love

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 8:14-21
2 John 1:1-13
Old Testament -
Job 19
Daniel 3-4
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 John 1:5b-6
5b I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

Insight:
Love for God moves us to draw near to him and to obey his commands. Drawing near to God and obeying his commands moves us to love others. Love for God, and love for others—each one feeds the other. The more we love God, the more ready and able we are to love others. The more we love others, the more we recognize our need to know and love and obey God.

Response and Action:
I want to love God with my whole being. I want to know his word and obey his commands. I need God to work in my life and make me able to love others. I will put my love for God into action by making every effort to obey him and live by his word. I will follow Christ's example and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit as I make every effort to love others.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind, and with all my strength. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. Make me more able to love others as I follow Christ and the example he has given. By your word and the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 5:15-18
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Resources:
Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality
by David G. Benner