8th. February. 2022. Daily Devotion.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned, received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. We, on our daily Christian walk, are adjusting our attitudes and actions to imitate our Heavenly Father, though Jesus Christ. It’s a daily battle to rid ourselves of selfish desires, to fill ourselves with the love of Christ. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, and we, likewise, are to be an example of Him. When we look at these scriptures in Philippians, we see a focus shift that should become a dominant factor as we work on our salvation. Salvation is a gift, free and clear, but walking in that salvation takes work on our part.
Our growth is helped along, by what we fill our minds with, daily. If we take into ourselves things that are true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, excellent, and praise worthy, we will be more likely to emit the fruits of the spirit that are mentioned in Galatians 5: 22-23. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”
What does our fruit look like? Is it nice and ripe, and pleasing to the eye, or is it a little less than desirable? Sometimes we just need to re-evaluate what we are filling our minds with and do a little adjustment. We must remember, what comes in, will certainly come out. ~ Jenny Calvert
Dear Lord, Thank you for setting an example of good things, though your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to fill our minds with things that will make us more like Him. In Christ I pray. Amen
God uncreated, bless us who are made in your image. God untouchable, come to us in the Word made flesh. God unfathomable, reveal yourself in the wisdom of the Cross. God immortal, keep us in eternal life; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Angela of Foligno (1248-1309)
A place for All
At your Last Supper, Lord, there was a place for all, a place for disciples who believed, as well as for one who doubted. There was a place for the power seekers and the powerless, for the ‘rock’ who would crumble when challenged and for one who valued you at thirty pieces of silver. There was enough room. When we are tempted to pick and choose our table companions, Lord, forgive our judgmental attitudes and help us to find room at life’s table for all, marvelling that even we ourselves are among the guests. Amen.
A Prayer for Healing Atrocities
Lord God, the blood of the innocent does not lie idle. It calls out to You for vengeance, for the life of all is in the blood. Lord, put an end to the shedding of innocent blood around the world. Destroy the schemes of the wicked who monger after war and create conflict. Quench the insatiable fire of the greedy and murderous, for these people will not inherit Your kingdom and world to come. Hear our heartfelt cry, Lord. Amen.
