Today
July 26, 2024
1 Corinthians 16: 13
My Daily Word: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren-you know the household of Stephanas, that is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints-16that I you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men.
As I was typing the verse of the day, I was in awe of the goodness of our heavenly Father’s word. My son-in-law and I were conversing about the Filipino community; his mother is Filipino, and I was sharing a story she told me about her mother and how she brought her family over during the Vietnam War. I also shared with him about the man my mom married when I was very young, my sister’s father, who was also Filipino, and how he and the Filipino community accepted my brother and me as his own immediately, and the family loyalty remained even after he and my mother divorced. I was amazed at how much today’s verse corresponded with our conversation, although I am not surprised because the Holy Spirit is with me. During these times of so much division and uncertainty especially amongst different cultures; God is still love, and calls us to love one another. I see that I don’t have to push my beliefs on others. In fact, I learn more when I listen, as God listens to me; even when I don’t make any sense or when I can’t seem to find the right words or prayers to call out to Him; He sees, He hears, and He loves. This is what He is calling us to do; He will do the rest.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being amongst us, leading the conversation, and teaching us about community, unity, provision, protection, and love. I pray for Your divine direction and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, bringing honor and glory to Your Name. Forgive us for the many times we failed to show this kind of love to one another as You have commanded us to do so. Please fill our hearts with Your love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Help us to stand fast in our faith and bravely and strongly in Your sovereignty. May our minds be fixed on what Jesus would do in any and all situations that arise within this day, and our hearts be filled with Your Peace, which surpasses all understanding. By the authority of Jesus Christ, Your Son, I bind the spirit of division, resentment, and bitterness and loosen unity, mercy, compassion, and love. May Your Holy Spirit fill this home with Your Presence, manifesting Your love, mercy, compassion, faith, hope, and the knowledge of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, amen
