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Transcript

Love is Present · First15 Devotional

• 0:04
  [SPEAKER_00]: As we continue this week's focus, seeking to put love into action.
• 0:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: Today, we're going to look at how simply being present can make all the difference in the life of another.
• 0:17
  [SPEAKER_00]: As our world becomes more and more distracted, and takes less time to notice what's happening in the life of another.
• 0:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: May God empower us as his people to simply be present today.
• 1:02
  [SPEAKER_00]: Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 139 verse 7, Scripture says, where shall I go from your spirit?
• 1:13
  [SPEAKER_00]: Or where shall I flee from your presence?
• 1:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: One of the most comforting aspects of God's character is that he is present.
• 1:26
  [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus made clear God's desire to be present when he left his throne and took on humanity.
• 1:34
  [SPEAKER_00]: God has never desired distance with his children.
• 1:39
  [SPEAKER_00]: He fights to have close relationship with us every day.
• 1:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: This week, we're looking at how we can not only receive God's Word, but experience more of God through being doors of His Word.
• 1:55
  [SPEAKER_00]: So today, let's explore how we can follow the example of Jesus and be present for those around us.
• 2:05
  [SPEAKER_00]: Being present in people's lives always requires sacrifice.
• 2:11
  [SPEAKER_00]: It requires stepping outside of what will solely benefit you, in order to live for the benefit of others.
• 2:20
  [SPEAKER_00]: Philippians 2 verse 3 teaches us, do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
• 2:34
  [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus counted you and me as more significant than his own life.
• 2:40
  [SPEAKER_00]: He died so that we might live and he calls us to do the same.
• 2:47
  [SPEAKER_00]: Luke 9 verse 23 says, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
• 3:00
  [SPEAKER_00]: John 12 verse 24 makes it clear that in order to bear fruit in this life we must die to ourselves.
• 3:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: Scripture says truly truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone.
• 3:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: But if it dies it bears much fruit.
• 3:24
  [SPEAKER_00]: Choose today to be a doer of the Word.
• 3:28
  [SPEAKER_00]: And guide yourself that you might better love others.
• 3:33
  [SPEAKER_00]: You see, before people need your advice, they need your presence.
• 3:39
  [SPEAKER_00]: Before our need to be fixed, we simply need to know we are loved and cared for.
• 3:46
  [SPEAKER_00]: It's in the giving and receiving of love that healing takes place.
• 3:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: Being present creates space for them to thrive, heal, and be transformed.
• 4:01
  [SPEAKER_00]: Who in your life needs you to be present for them today?
• 4:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: In what ways has God been present in your own life?
• 4:11
  [SPEAKER_00]: In what ways has He demonstrated His nearness to you?
• 4:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: And in what ways could you be His reflection today?
• 4:22
  [SPEAKER_00]: I promise you, there is someone around you that just needs you to be present in their life.
• 4:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: There is someone who simply needs to know that somebody would love them enough to think about them, to be near them.
• 4:38
  [SPEAKER_00]: Take time today to let someone know you are there for them.
• 4:43
  [SPEAKER_00]: Listen, love.
• 4:46
  [SPEAKER_00]: And watch as God works through you simply being present in the lives of others.
• 5:24
  [SPEAKER_00]: As we begin, take a moment to reflect on God's nearness to you, receive His presence, encounter His closeness.
• 6:18
  [SPEAKER_00]: And next, ask the spirit to show you someone who needs you to be present for them today.
• 6:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: Spend some time thinking about and praying for that person.
• 7:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: And last, ask God how he would have you be present in their life.
• 7:22
  [SPEAKER_00]: How can you be a reflection of God's love to them today?
• 8:10
  [SPEAKER_00]: have the courage to humble yourself before people around you.
• 8:15
  [SPEAKER_00]: Count them as more significant than yourself.
• 8:20
  [SPEAKER_00]: Being present isn't about what they can give you in return, or even how they appear to receive your love.
• 8:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: Love selflessly today, the way Jesus did, and experience the joy and peace that comes from serving
• 9:03
  [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for listening to today's podcast, love is present.
• 9:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: As you go about the rest of your day, try and notice when you feel I've pulling you away from the present.
• 9:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: And when you sense your attention and emotions drifting from where you are and when you are, take a deep breath and just look around.
• 9:26
  [SPEAKER_00]: When the thought tries to pull you away from the present, simply notice it and let it go.
• 9:32
  [SPEAKER_00]: God is meeting you is with you here and now to live an abundant life is to live a life in the present.
• 9:42
  [SPEAKER_00]: May God empower you in a special way today to get a sense of how amazing life is when it's lived in the present.
• 9:50
  [SPEAKER_00]: If you haven't already, please leave a rating or a review on the podcast, and we'd love to hear how God is moving in your life through 1st 15.
• 9:59
  [SPEAKER_00]: You can let us know in that review, or you can shoot us an email at podcast at first15.org.
• 10:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: Have a wonderful rest of your day today, and may God bless you as you see Kim.