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,

Devotional:

In these verses, Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love. He

"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

In the beautiful wisdom of Proverbs 2:1-10, we are reminded

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

Scripture Focus: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."

Reflection:

1 John 3:2 invites us into a profound mystery and promise. As believers, we are already children of God, a status that brings with it an inherent dignity and worth. Yet, there's an element of the unknown, a future glory that awaits us. This verse assures us that our ultimate destiny is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ Himself. This transformation will be complete when we see Jesus face to face, in His full glory. Until then, we live in this tension of the 'already' and the 'not yet.'

Fixing Our Eyes on the UnseenVerse: 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."