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Showing posts from May, 2024

No.253 - Walking in Love

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The Love of God ’s Children Walking in Love Ephesians 5:2 "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me insight as I reflect on Your Word today. Help me understand how to walk in love as Christ did. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Ephesians 5, Paul exhorts believers to imitate God and walk in love. He emphasises sacrificial love, modeled after Christ's example of giving Himself up for us. The selected verse urges believers to walk in this love, which is characterised by selflessness and sacrifice. Be Encouraged Walking in love means living a life that reflects the selfless and sacrificial love of Christ. Just as Jesus gave Himself up for us, we are called to love others in a way that puts their needs above our own. This love goes beyond mere words or feelings; it requires action and tangible expressions of care and compassion. Practically, walking in love involves da

No.252 - Sincere Love

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The Love of God ’s Children Sincere Love   1 Peter 1:22 "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me insight as I reflect on Your Word today. Help me understand the depth of sincere love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 Peter 1, the apostle Peter addresses believers who are undergoing trials and persecution. He encourages them to stand firm in their faith and emphasizes the importance of holy living and obedience to the truth. The selected verse speaks of the purification of souls through obedience to the truth, resulting in sincere brotherly love. This love is to be heartfelt and genuine, flowing from a pure heart. Be Encouraged The call to sincere love is a powerful reminder of the transformation that occurs when we obey the truth of God's Word. When we truly understand and accept the gospel messag

No.251 - Love One Another

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The Love of God’s Children Love One Another John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Starting Prayer Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding as I reflect on Your Word today. Help me to comprehend the depth of Your commandment to love one another as You have loved us. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In John 13, Jesus is sharing His last supper with His disciples before His crucifixion. In this poignant moment, He gives them a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. Jesus sets the standard of love by His own sacrificial example, laying down His life for the sake of others. These verses emphasize that love is the identifying mark of Christ's disciples and the essence of true Christianity. Be Encouraged Jesus' commandment to love one another challenges

No.250 - Love Fulfils the Law

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The Love of God ’s Children" Love Fulfils the Law"   Romans 13:10 "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Starting Prayer Lord, grant me understanding as I reflect on Your Word today. Help me to grasp the depth of Your love and how it fulfils Your law. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Romans 13, Paul addresses the importance of living in obedience to God's law and authorities. He emphasises that love is the essence of fulfilling the law. Verse 10 succinctly captures this idea by stating that love does no wrong to a neighbour and thus fulfills the entire law. Paul encourages believers to love one another genuinely, treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. This love reflects God's character and His desire for His children to live in harmony and righteousness. Be Encouraged Paul's message in Romans 13:10 reminds us that love is not merely a feeling but an active expression of o

No.249 Love Never Fails

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The Love of God’s Children Love Never Fails 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." Starting Prayer Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding as I delve into Your Word today. Help me to grasp the true meaning of love and how it never fails. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "Love Chapter," the apostle Paul writes about the supremacy of love. He addresses the Corinthian church's divisions and emphasises that love is the highest virtue. The selected verses outline the characteristics of genuine love: patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, forgiveness, and perseverance. Paul underscores that love is eternal, contrasting it with t

No.248 Love One Another

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The Love of God ’s Children Love One Another 1 John 4:7-12 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." Starting Prayer Lord, help me to understand the depth of Your love and how I can reflect it by loving others. Guide my heart to grasp the essence of today's message. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 John 4, the apostle John emphasises the centrality of love in the lives of believers. He stresses that love originates from God

No.247 - Serving Christ in Others

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The Service of God ’s Servants No.247 - Serving Christ in Others   Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to recognize opportunities to serve You through serving others. Help me to understand the significance of my actions in light of Your words. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches about the final judgment, illustrating the importance of serving others as a reflection of serving Him. The selected verse emphasizes that whatever service we render to the least among us, we do it to Christ Himself. This profound statement underscores the significance of showing love and compassion to those in need, as our actions toward them directly impact our relationship with God. Today's title, "Serving Christ in Others," encapsulates the essence of this week's theme on the service of God

No.246 - Selfless Service

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The Service of God’s Servants Selfless Service Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, guide me to understand the true essence of selfless service. Help me to set aside my selfish ambitions and to genuinely prioritize the needs of others above my own. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Philippians 2, Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in the Christian life. He encourages believers to imitate the humble attitude of Christ, who willingly sacrificed Himself for the salvation of humanity. The selected verses urge believers to avoid selfish ambition and pride, instead exhorting them to regard others as more significant and to prioritize their interests. Paul's exhortation is rooted in the example of Christ, who demonstrated ultimate selflessness t

No.245 - Service with a Willing Heart

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The Service of God’s Servants Service with a Willing Heart Ephesians 6:7-8 "Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to understand the importance of serving with a willing heart. Help me to serve others as if I am serving You, with sincerity and joy. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Ephesians 6, Paul instructs believers on the importance of spiritual warfare and living as servants of Christ in various aspects of life. The selected verses emphasize the attitude with which believers should serve—wholeheartedly and with sincerity. Paul encourages Christians to serve not merely to please men but with a genuine desire to honor the Lord. By doing so, they can be assured of God's reward for their faithful service, whether they are in positions of authority or serving in humble circumstances

No. 244 - The Heart of a Servant

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The Service of God ’s Servants The Heart of a Servant Mark 9:35 "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'" Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me humility and understanding as I meditate on serving others. Help me embrace the heart of a servant, following the example of Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Mark 9, Jesus teaches his disciples about true greatness in the kingdom of God. He emphasises that greatness is found in service rather than seeking prominence. Jesus uses a child as an illustration, showing that those who humbly serve others are the greatest in His kingdom. The selected verse highlights Jesus' call to servant leadership, challenging His disciples to prioritise service over status. Be Encouraged True greatness is not measured by positions or titles but by the heart of service. When we adopt the attitude of a servant, we reflect the

No. 243 - Stewards of God's Grace

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The Service of God’s Servants No. 243 - Stewards of God's Grace 1 Peter 4:10 "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me understanding as I reflect on serving others through the gifts you've given. Help me to be a good steward of your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 Peter 4, Peter encourages believers to live for God's will, even amidst suffering and persecution. He emphasizes the importance of using the gifts received from God to serve one another. The selected verse underscores the idea of stewardship, reminding believers that their abilities and resources are given by God for the benefit of others. By serving others with the gifts they have received, believers demonstrate faithful stewardship of God's grace. Be Encouraged Imagine a community where everyone recognizes and utilizes their unique gifts to serve others. Each person contributes to the

No. 242: Freedom to Serve

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The Service of God’s Servants No. 242: Freedom to Serve Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding as I reflect on the theme of service today. Help me to grasp the significance of serving others in love. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Galatians 5, Paul addresses the concept of Christian freedom. He emphasizes that believers have been set free from the bondage of sin by Christ's sacrifice. The selected verse highlights that this freedom is not for self-indulgence but for serving one another in love. Paul urges the Galatians to use their freedom to actively serve others, reflecting the love and grace they have received from God. Be Encouraged Imagine a community where every member is motivated by love to serve one another, regardless of status or position. In such a community, there is harmony

Servanthood and Sacrifice

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The Service of God’s Servants No. 241 Servanthood and Sacrifice Matthew 20:26-28 "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, help me understand the true meaning of servanthood and sacrifice as I meditate on Your Word today. Guide my heart to embrace humility and selflessness. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Matthew 20, Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. He contrasts the world's view of leadership, which is often characterized by power and authority, with His own example of servanthood. Jesus explains that greatness in His kingdom comes from serving others rather than seeking positions of honor. The selected verses highlight Jesus' call to humility and sacrificial service as the essence of Chr

Walking Wisely

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  The Diversity of God ’s Gifts No. 240: Walking Wisely   Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, as I reflect on Your Word today, please grant me wisdom to understand how to walk wisely in the midst of life's diversities. Guide me in making the best use of my time for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background Ephesians 5 is a chapter filled with exhortations for Christian living. Paul urges believers to imitate God and walk in love, avoiding all forms of immorality and impurity. In the selected verses, Paul emphasizes the importance of walking wisely and making the best use of time in light of the evil days. This underscores the need for discernment and intentional living amidst the diverse challenges and temptations of the world. Today's title, "Walking Wisely," concludes this week's theme by highlighting

Using Our Gifts for God's Glory

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The Diversity of God ’s Gifts No. 239: Using Our Gifts for God's Glory   Romans 12:6-8 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me insight into how to use the gifts You've given me for Your glory. Guide me in understanding Your Word and applying it to my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In Romans 12, Paul exhorts believers to use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ. He emphasizes that each believer has been given different gifts according to God's grace. The selected verses highlight various spiritual gifts such as prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and acts of me

The Blessing of Giving

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The Diversity of God ’s Gifts No. 238: The Blessing of Giving 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, as I meditate on Your Word today, please grant me insight into the blessings of giving. Help me understand the importance of generosity and stewardship in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul instructs the Corinthian church regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He emphasizes the importance of regular and systematic giving, urging the Corinthians to contribute as they have prospered. The selected verses highlight the principle of setting aside a portion of one's earnings on the first day of each week, demonstrating both consistency and intentionality in g

Using Our Gifts Wisely

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The Diversity of God’s Gifts No. 237: Using Our Gifts Wisely 1 Peter 4:10-11 "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me insight into the use of the diverse gifts You've given me. Help me serve others faithfully and wisely, for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background In 1 Peter 4, Peter encourages believers to use their spiritual gifts to serve one another faithfully. He emphasizes that these gifts are given by God's grace and are meant to be used for His glory. The selected verses underscore the importance of stewarding these gifts responsibly, whether through speaking or serving, so that God may be glorified through Jesus

Equipping the Saints

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The Diversity of God’s Gifts Equipping the Saints Ephesians 4:11-12 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Starting Prayer Lord, grant me wisdom to understand how Your diverse gifts equip the saints for ministry. Guide me to use my gifts effectively for the edification of Your church. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background Ephesians 4 addresses the unity of the body of Christ and the diversity of spiritual gifts given by Christ for the building up of the church. In verses 11-12, Paul lists some of these gifts, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, emphasizing their role in equipping the saints for ministry and the edification of the body of Christ. Be Encouraged Just as a toolbox contains various tools for different purposes, God has equipped His church with diverse gifts to fulfill various ministries. Just as a carpenter