25th. February. 2022. Daily Devotion.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
Christians a need to be aware of their appearance as a representation of Jesus Christ. I am not talking about an outward appearance, but an inward one. Paul has much to say about clothing in Colossians and Ephesians.
When we get up in the morning, do we take just a moment to acknowledge just who gave us this day? Do we take time to read a scripture, or say a quick prayer? Do we realize that our outward appearance, is not lasting, but our inward spirit is what gains eternal value? That’s why it is so important, to set our minds on things from above, as opposed to temporal things here on earth.
When we put on our pants, we need to remember, to put on mercy and kindness for the day. When we pull our shirt over our head, we need to remember gentleness and patience. When we slide our belt through the loops, we must remember truthfulness. When we slip socks on our feet, we should remember to slip on humility. Our shoes should remind us to walk out the door, spreading the gospel of peace.
When we take one last look in the mirror, do we see our coat of faith, our hat of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God? Is everything bound together in perfect harmony by His love, through us? When we walk out the door, people are interviewing us, to see if they even want to consider Christ. We must remember the grace God bestowed to us; is the same grace clothing we should don.
Take time to read Colossians 3:12-14 and Ephesians 6:14-17 to get some guidance. When you follow these instructions, you will be a well put together Christian; dressed for success. ~ J. Calvert.
Dear Father, Help me each day to dress for success, showing your love, mercy and peace. In Christ I pray, Amen.
Praise to you, O Lord, for the jewel of sight, the treasure of hearing and the glory of speech. Open our eyes to your glory, our ears to your word and our mouths to proclaim your goodness; now and for ever. Amen.
Thomas Traherne (1636-74)
God of all grace, you do not need us to agree with one another, but you do call us to love one another just as you love us. We know your love to be generous and gracious. You created us to be a part of your diverse creation, richer for being a gift, not a threat, to one another. So give us courage every day, not just to worship you but to follow where your love leads. Amen.
For Peace of Mind
Blessed Lord Jesus, I need you now because I am filled with stress and anxiety. But you have promised that if I read and remember your Word, and come to you in prayer, your Holy Spirit will come to me. I lay my burdens on you, precious Christ, as you have promised to take them. Please carry them for me so that I don’t have to, for they overwhelm me. Replace my fears with your humble and gentle yoke, so that I will find rest for my soul today. Let me feel your love.
I accept the peace of mind and quietness of heart, which you offer to all men as a gift. My praise and thanks that it is possible for me to lie down this evening in peace, and find the rest of sleep, by your gift. For with you, I have faith that I dwell in perfect safety. What should I fear, when you have promised to be with me for all time? I pray that I can find your perfect peace, by your Word and your promise, this day and every day, until I see you face to face. Amen.
Give comfort to those who suffer because of the violence. Give comfort to those who mourn their dead, and strength to neighbouring countries to welcome the refugees. Convert the hearts of those who resort to arms and protect those who work to promote peace. God of hope, inspire leaders to choose peace instead of violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire compassion in the universal Church for the Ukrainian people and give us hope for a future of peace based on justice for all. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the world. Amen.”