Today is February 3rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)