Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
If I return His love, a conditional statement, He will make His home with me. I should understand the importance of a welcoming, hospitable environment being an absolute necessity for the guest beginning at the moment of their arrival. You would think that something soaked in after 20+ years as an innkeeper. There it was a neat, attractive approach and entrance to the property that got their visit off on the right foot.
That neat, attractive, welcoming entrance into my heart is an environment that seeks to return His love and sacrifice through obedience to His Word. Complete, total, no argument, no debate obedience. A consuming desire to please Him in every aspect of my life.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 45
Mid-day: 119:145-152
Evening: Psalm 121
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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.
