“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” ~ Luke 21:33 REFERENCE: Luke 21:31-33 We live in changing times and are confronted daily by several uncertainties. Technology is changing at the speed of light; there is climate change, economic flip-flops, and governments and their policies are constantly changing. Sometimes, it is people that we once trusted and believed in that change; they make promises they never intend to keep, and it becomes difficult to handle. Companies hire people on particular terms, but they do not honor the words; some have been told, “I...
“…Against such there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:23b REFERENCE: Galatians 5:22-25 We have spent the last nine episodes studying the beautiful virtues produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers who are filled with, and allow Him to guide and influence them. If you have the Holy Spirit, then you have these virtues as a seed buried in the soil of your heart; your duty is to cultivate them until they manifest as fruits that will bless all you relate with. These nine virtues (fruit of the Spirit) are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,...
We all make mistakes often, but those who don’t make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity. Like a bridled horse, they can control themselves entirely. - James 3:2 (CEB) REFERENCE James 3:1-10 Self-control is the virtue that restrains you from doing things you want to do but which are not in your best interest or that of others, e.g., eating an extra plate of unhealthy food despite the doctor’s caution. It is the power to self-regulate and adjust your responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals. It is the ability to...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23 REFERENCE Galatians 5:22-25 Gentleness speaks of kindness and warm-heartedness, the opposite of a harsh and crooked temper. It is the mildness of temper, calmness of Spirit, and a calm disposition to treat people politely. The Greek word for gentleness, ‘Prautes,’ describes meekness or mildness of character. It talks about “power under control” and paints the picture of a tame horse. Today, we live in a world where being harsh and brash in...
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. - Ruth 1:14 REFERENCE Ruth 1:6-19 King Solomon, perhaps, frustrated over having been disappointed over and again by people he trusted or relied on or committed responsibilities to, one day said, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” (Proverbs 20:6). Why is faithfulness so scarce amongst many? Psalm...
Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. - I Peter 2:23 REFERENCE I Peter 2:19-23 Webster's dictionary says Patience is "To be able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people." It can be arduous since such an expression of Patience contradicts (our fallen) human nature. We often beat traffic lights, are unwilling to stay in queues, become harsh and impatient with a slow motorist with the 'L' sign...
"There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding…" ~ Isaiah 11:1-2 REFERENCE: Isaiah 11:1-5 Prophet Isaiah earlier prophesied about a Son that would 'be given,' upon whose shoulders the government shall rest and whose name shall be Wonderful, Counselor... He was referring to the offspring of Jesse, Jesus Christ. This prophecy hinted at a dark period in Israel's future when the tree of David's royal line would be cut down. Jesus would...
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” ~ John 14:16 REFERENCE: John 14:15-26 Jesus gives His valedictory speech to His disciples; the thought of Him dying left them morose, like a child who had just got separated from his parents. That prompted Jesus to tell them He would not leave them as orphans; although He would not be present, He would send them a Helper just like Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Greek for ‘Helper’ is Parakletos. Parakletos describes the ministry of...
"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." ~ Proverbs 27:9 REFERENCE: Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 27:9 In concluding the devotion to fostering friendships, let us focus on being true friends to others. Just as we desire meaningful connections, we must extend the same love, support, and grace to those around us. Instead of wondering if people are good friends, be one; be to people what you would want them to be to you. Be a true friend. Today's verses show the ingredients for friendship; you will be considered a...
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 REFERENCE: Proverbs 18:24 Some people cringe when they hear about friendship because friends have once hurt them, so they steer clear of it. However, God designed us for connection and community; so, friendships are vital in our lives. Friends have supported, helped, and given people leverage over the years. Friendship is a good thing, and you need good friends around you. Fostering fulfilling friendships is an asset you need on your life’s journey. To have friends,...