Devotionals from Shawn Naylor
Title: What’s Love Got to Do With It!
Ace in the Hole – Love
Verse: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).
Thought: Many of us face obstacles in our lives, and unfortunately some of these obstacles can be the ones we care about and love. People often let us down, talk behind our backs, lie, cheat, scheme, take advantage, stand in our way, or just make life difficult.
In my short time on this earth, I have learned that there is one key ingredient that sounds soft but is actually the toughest, strongest, and most offensive. That ingredient is love. Love love love. Love for you is why Jesus went to the cross and conquered death. Love is what sees beyond the surface of a person and their actions.
You would be surprised at how many people walk around this world not knowing the simple fact that they are loved. If someone is loved, it implies they are not alone. Love is what brings people to life. Love is what breaks oppression!
Prayer: Jesus, at times, I forget the power of love. Help me to love on those who do not know love. Let me love people the way that You want us to love them. Amen.
Call to Action: Tell five people that you know “I love you.”
Title: My Precious That looks so good, but naw…
— Temptation
Verse: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38)
Thought: Many people around the world watch and enjoy the “Lord of the Rings” film series. In these films, we meet a character named Gollum. Though he started out as a normal hobbit, at some point in his life, he finds a ring that has incredible and damaging power, which causes his body and mind to decay. In fact, after first finding the ring, he kills his friend so that he may take possession of the precious ring. The damage of this ring is so bad that he is physically unrecognizable to other Hobbits, and unrecognizable to himself mentally. It seems that all Gollum had to do after experiencing the ring and its capabilities was to turn away and run. Ensnared by the weakness of the physical man, Gollum’s spirit man is subdued. In life, this is what can happen when we give into temptation. The temptation, whatever it may be, has power that is incredible and very destructive to us and the people around us. When temptation shows its head, the solution is to pray and get away.
Prayer: Dear Jesus when temptation comes my way, give me the strength to subdue my physical body and listen to the wisdom of my spirit man that is aligned with you. Help me think about the steps I take in my life to not put me at risk of being overtaken by temptation. Amen.
Call to Action: For three days, take a look into your life and go on a “diet” from that which you love too much. This could be your television use, refined sugars, negative thinking etc. For three days (72 hours), refrain from the usage and see how you feel in its absence. Who was in control, the spirit man or the physical man?
