Build Eachother Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Th. 5:11).

In fact, are we building others up in the Faith with words that express love and patience, or are we tearing others down with words that declare frustration and quick-temperedness? If we build others up, we too will be built up.   If we tear others down, we too will be torn down.  Similarly, “Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything” (Pr. 13:3 MSG).   According to the sinful nature that lives in us, we are prone to things such as hatred, discord, selfish-ambition, and dissension (Gal. 5:19-21). On the other hand, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24).  When we “live by the Spirit”  God cultivates in us character traits such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” essential in the encouraging and building up of others (Gal. 5:22 & 23).  May we seek to approach every matter by the power of His Spirit.

Heavenly Father, teach me today to “keep in step with the Spirit,” (Gal. 5:25).  Teach me …to be ready to do whatever is good… (Tit. 3:1). In Jesus, Amen.

Work for the Good of All

For the last couple of days I have been at Practicum in Tampa for Classical Conversations. My boys have been sick and it was hard leaving them at home (although they are old enough and I was confident that they would be fine). I asked my neighbor, Eve, to check in on the kids from time to time. When I got home yesterday for the day, the boys told me that she had been over 4 times and every time she came in and sat down with the boys and did a devotion with them. Then toda…y, she asked me if she could help again while I went to Practicum. When I came home the boys told me that she had checked on them and did even more devotions with them. In addition to caring for the spiritual and physical needs of my children, she also looked for someway to help in the house and even did the dishes. When I got home I found a thank you note from her expressing her joy and thankfulness to be able to help. The Bible says that “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 NIV). Like a mom to a daughter, Eve left me and my children an example to follow today. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially those who belong to the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 HCSB).

Because of Your Great Love, January 3

There is none Holy like You Father…there is no Rock like my God (1 Sa. 2:1).  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me (Ps. 51:11-12). Reveal through me, by the Power of Your Spirit in me, the fruit of Your Spirit:  love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, gentle behavior, and control over desires (Gal. 5:22-23). Thank You for a new day.  Thank You that because of Your great love, I  am not consumed.  Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (La. 3:22-23).  In Your Son’s Name, Amen.