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. I told him I was humbled by her mother’s story and how she brought her family to the United States during the Vietnam War. She worked hard to raise the money to bring them all, one by one. She also had to divorce her husband, whom she dearly loved, and he her, to escape the tyranny. Eventually, she managed to bring him to the United States as well, and they remarried.
Back then, people had to do what they had to do for preservation; some married to become citizens, and single pregnant women were good candidates, regardless of the situation. The natural father could have been killed during the war, MIA, POW, or for any other reason; I don’t remember ever seeing or hearing shame. At least their children could have a name.
The man my mother married when I was too young to remember was also Filipino. He was the only man I ever called “Dad.” I knew I was different, but I never felt like an outcast from him or the Filipino community. They called me “Haole,” which sounds like “Howly,” which means “foreigner, or simply, White.”
Regardless, the Filipino community accepted my brother and me as their own immediately, and even after my dad and mother divorced, the family loyalty remained. I was reminded of that kind of Love described in Paul’s message to the Corinthians; although I am not surprised because the Holy Spirit was reminding me of God’s Perfect Love.
During these times with 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 for You to fill us with Your Holy Spirit, bringing unity amongst us, and 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. Please fill our hearts with Your Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Help us to stand fast in our faith and to be bravely and strongly confident in Your Sovereignty. Let our minds be fixed on what Jesus would do in any situations that arise within this day, and our hearts and minds 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. Let Your Holy Spirit fill this home with Your Presence. Let Your word manifest Your Perfect Love, which casts out all fears. Let mercy remind us who You are, and who we were. Let compassion open our hearts to understanding, and let faith, hope, and the knowledge of God work through us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
