Scripture: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

Devotional:

In these verses, Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love. He highlights that even the greatest spiritual gifts and acts of self-sacrifice are meaningless without love. Love is the foundation upon which all our actions and abilities find their true purpose and meaning.

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

In this verse, Paul draws a sharp contrast between physical exercise and spiritual exercise. While physical exercise is beneficial for our bodies, its benefits are limited to this life. On the other hand, godliness—the pursuit of a life dedicated to God—yields benefits that extend far beyond the temporal realm. It promises not only the blessings of this life but also the hope of eternal life with God.

In our lives today, we often face situations that bring sorrow or uncertainty. We may encounter departures, transitions, or changes that leave us feeling unsettled. However, just as Jesus assured His disciples, these moments are often part of a greater divine plan. Just as Jesus promised to return to His disciples, we can trust in God's promises for our lives. Even when circumstances seem difficult to understand, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God's plans are always for our ultimate good.

Nearly everyone, at some point or another, has been subject to intrusive thoughts. These involuntary, unwanted images, phrases, or impulses are extremely common. Spontaneous and intrusive thoughts of violence to children or animals, inappropriate sexual contact, and blasphemy can be extremely disturbing and even cause some to question their salvation. But are they even sin?

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Reflection on Proverbs 2:1-10

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul.

In the beautiful wisdom of Proverbs 2:1-10, we are reminded of the value and power of seeking wisdom and understanding. These verses encourage us to turn our ears to wisdom, apply our hearts to understanding, and to call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding. The promise here is profound: if we seek wisdom as we would seek silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”

I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes

That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I don’t speak with human pride

I’m confessing that I stumble –

needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not trying to be strong

I’m professing that I’m weak

and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not bragging of success

I’m admitting that I’ve failed

and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I don’t think I know it all

I submit to my confusion

asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not claiming to be perfect

My flaws are far too visible

but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartache

which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I do not wish to judge

I have no authority

I only know I’m loved