Audio Version
1 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV) – And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Giving and sacrifice are visible marks of religion, but Paul strips away the applause and asks one searching question: what motivates you? Works without love are empty. The Lord desires that love—not recognition, not duty, not obligation—be the driving force behind every service we offer.
Two people can perform the same task, but one’s act will bear heaven’s fragrance because it came from love, while the other’s will return void because it came from pride or performance. Love purifies our service and aligns it with God’s heart.
Today, examine your reasons. Serve from gratitude rather than expectation; serve to bless rather than to be seen. When charity—agape love—rules your heart, your deeds become channels of God’s life. The Kingdom judges not by volume of work but by the motive that undergirds it.
What a powerful time in God’s Word today! As you go forth, hold on to this prophetic declaration from Prophet Isaiah Macwealth:
I declare that God searches your heart and replaces selfish motives with pure love. From today, your service will be motivated by Christ’s compassion; your deeds will carry divine reward and lasting impact.
Thank you for joining today’s devotional. To proceed to Praying the Promises, scroll down or click the yellow button below. God bless you.
SECTION 2: PRAYING THE PROMISES
Welcome to today’s Praying the Promises. If you have not read today’s devotional, scroll upwards to read it first. Let us now pray in line with today’s word.
Start-Up Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, examine my heart and replace every wrong motive with Your pure love. Teach me to serve from gratitude and compassion. Let love govern all my actions and let every deed be acceptable in Your sight.
Nation Focus: Kosovo
Christianity in Kosovo represents a small minority—recent estimates (2024) place Christians at about 4.1% of the population (roughly 2.3% Orthodox and 1.8% Catholic), with a smaller Protestant presence. Christians there often face challenges tied to ethnic and political tensions, including societal discrimination, property disputes involving religious sites, and limited legal status for some groups. Some converts report fear of open practice in rural areas, and ongoing issues around religious-property rights remain a concern.
Prayer for a Nation – Kosovo
Father, in the name of Jesus, strengthen believers in Kosovo. Remove fear where it exists, protect converts, resolve disputes over religious property, and cause reconciliation between communities. Let Your love be the motive that transforms hearts and systems.
Prayer for Leaders
Father, in the name of Jesus, grant leaders wisdom and a heart for justice. Soften hardened places, promote policies that protect minorities, and raise leaders who govern with compassion and fairness.
Prayer for Israel
Father, in the name of Jesus, uphold Israel with Your covenant kindness. Protect her people and prosper the work of righteousness among the nations.
Prayer for Unity in the Church
Father, in the name of Jesus, root out every motive of pride and competition in Your Church. Bind us together in sincere love and service so our witness will be credible and powerful.
Prayer for Souls / Revival
Father, in the name of Jesus, let love be the motive that draws many to repentance and faith. Send revival that begins with transformed hearts and results in multiplied disciples.
Bible Study Plan
Today’s chapters:
• Psalms 48
• Ezekiel 21 & 22
• Mark 13
