Devotion
Loving One Another
Chipo Biti
These verses serve as instructions on how we are to interact with one another within the body of the Christ.
At the end of the day, the main goal is for all of us to live in harmony with one another, united in our love for God and one another. Paul includes guidance for different types of relationships, assisting the Colossians (and us) with how we should treat one another.
Wives are to submit to their husbands, loving them wholly, as they would love God and husbands are commanded to do the same. Paul adds that they are not to be bitter or angry towards them in any way - the same way that Christ is loving towards us. There is balance within the marriage when it comes to love and respect. Unfortunately, some people have twisted this verse and similar verses to mean a completely different thing.
Children are instructed to love and obey their parents, honoring them in all they do while parents are encouraged to love their children and to avoid provoking them to anger. Once again, we see this balance in parent-child relationships. There is often much emphasis on how children should be towards their parents, without much being said as to how parents should be with their children. As Christians we should know that we are to love our children as God loves us.
Prayer
Servants - people who are employed - were encouraged to be loyal to their masters. In this age we live in, we can apply this to our lives at work. We should be loving towards our bosses, taking our work seriously and not just to gain favor in their eyes. The sincerity in our work will speak far greater things than any eye service that we attempt to do.
Overall, we should know that to love one another is a great thing to do in the Lord. God encourages it greatly and He will reward His children who follow his instructions.
There is nothing to be gained from trying to wrong the people around us. It will only create strife.
We should desire to love everyone around us, not just because we have been told to but, because of the love that God has first shown us.
Night Prayer
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Inspiration
God only wants the best for us. On days we feel defeated and lost, we continue to have hope in God. He delivers us from our darkest moments, and with Him, we will always find peace. Our Lord is mighty and dependable. We surrender our lives and find happiness living according to His will, and we rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we submit our lives to You. You are trustworthy and good. We praise Your name for the unconditional love You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion Loss or GainFrances Taylor Paul is telling us and the Philippians that whatever he has suffered, whatever he has lost, it is nothing compared to what he has gained in Christ. Whenever we make changes in our lives, we lose as well as gain. When we move on from high school to the work force or to college, we will gain friends and lose friends. If we change jobs, we may even lose the ability to see our families as often as we had been able to do. If we change our religion or our religious habits, we also may lose friends or even connections with our family members. Christianity requires changes in our lifestyle if we are to be faithful to God's will. Doing the right thing becomes more important than hanging out with friends who can lead you in a different direction. Attitudes can change and your behavior with them. You're no longer the fun person who likes the dirty jokes who doesn't complain about foul language, who won't go to the x-rated movies, or engage in other activities...
Morning Prayer
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Inspiration
Good things generally happen to good people. If you commit good deeds, think good thoughts, and surround yourself with good people, in time you will be rewarded with a good harvest. However, it doesn't take many rotten apples to ruin a harvest, so think carefully with, how you spend your energy, how you spend your time, and who you spend it with.
Prayer
Everyday we are surrounded with the beautiful reminders of your creation God: flowers, trees, animals, people. I pray that you make me work, to use me as a vessel to blossom and spread my gifts to the world, spreading your joy to all that encounter me, just as you did with Jesus Christ. His eternal harvest is one that keeps on giving, and I pray that you help me give all that I ...
