The Daily Devotional
Monday, November 18, 2024
Dwelling in the Shelter of His Presence
Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23)
Introduction
In John 14:23, Jesus speaks intimately about the relational aspect of obedience and love, stating, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." This profound assurance emphasizes that our spiritual walk with Christ is not just about adherence to commands but about nurturing a deep, personal connection with God, who desires to be present in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection
As the chill of a New Mexico winter wraps around the desert, it invites a season of reflection and inner warmth. The landscape, often seen as stark and harsh, transforms under the weight of snow, offering a new perspective of beauty and peace. It's in these quiet, introspective winter days that the promise of John 14:23 can profoundly resonate with us.
Imagine a small, adobe home, typical in New Mexico, with its walls providing shelter from the cold winds. Inside, a fire crackles, casting a warm glow. This setting is more than just a place of physical warmth; it is a sanctuary of spiritual refuge, akin to how God and Jesus promise to make their home with those who love and obey them.
Consider the piñon pine, common in New Mexico, which stands resilient through the winter. Even in the coldest months, these trees remain green, symbolizing endurance and life. Like the piñon pine, when we invite Jesus and the Father to dwell within us, we gain the strength to endure life's coldest and most challenging seasons. Our faith does not make us immune to the harshness of life, but it does provide warmth and shelter, much like a home does during a snowstorm.
Application
How can we better open our hearts as a home for God? It begins in the quiet moments of prayer, in the earnest study of Scripture, and in the living out of His commandments through acts of kindness and love toward others. Each act of obedience is a welcome mat at the door of our hearts, inviting God's presence to enter and transform our lives.
Conclusion
As the landscapes of New Mexico show us, beauty and peace often come cloaked in the guise of solitude and silence, much like the spiritual peace that comes from knowing God is dwelling within us. Let the winter be a metaphor for inviting Jesus into the deeper parts of our lives, allowing His presence to transform our coldest, hardest seasons into periods of growth and warmth.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, just as a home shelters us from the winter cold, let Your presence fill and warm the corners of our hearts. Help us to love You truly, to obey Your Word, and to open our lives fully to You. May we always find in You our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of need. As the piñon stands firm through the winter, let our faith in You remain constant and vibrant, no matter the season. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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