Month: December 2023

Rejoice in the Lord!

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Verse of the Day:   Philippians 4:4    

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice.

Fruit of the Spirit: Do you want to experience more happiness in 2024? You can achieve greater Joy in the new year by embracing all of the Fruits of the Spirit. By focusing on God’s promises and practicing positive thinking, you can cultivate a heart filled with gratitude. Choose Joy as your mindset and as the Bible reminds us, “Rejoice in the Lord always”. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, choose to rejoice in the Lord and express gratitude for the good things in your life. This way, you’ll find Joy and happiness in your relationship with the Lord, no matter the circumstances.

As I wrap up my year-long devotion and exploration of the Fruits of the Spirit, I sincerely hope that you’ve found inspiration and encouragement through the daily verses and commentary. I extend a warm invitation for you to embark on a fresh journey alongside me, delving into the “Women of the Bible.” In the upcoming year, we will explore weekly Bible verses and commentary, exploring how we can draw inspiration from these remarkable women and apply their lessons to our own lives. While our focus may shift toward women in this new journey, I want to emphasize that everyone is welcome to participate, as there is valuable wisdom for all to gain from this enriching experience.

Keep God First

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Verse of the Day:   Matthew 6:33      

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   

Fruit of the Spirit: As the new year approaches, we often set resolutions to improve ourselves. With faith in God, we can anticipate a better year ahead by prioritizing His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs. In 2024, let’s draw closer to God through His Word and guidance, keeping our focus on heavenly matters. Make resolutions that prioritize God daily and aim to cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit, like Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control in our lives.

Strength Renewed

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Verse of the Day:  Isaiah 40:31         

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.          

Fruit of the Spirit: As we near the end of 2023, it’s a good time to reflect on what God has helped us overcome this year. Despite challenges, God has been our guiding light. The approaching year signifies a chance for fresh starts, new beginnings, and brighter days. Place your trust in God to renew your strength, and remember, in Christ’s love, you are more than a conqueror. The new year also brings opportunities to embrace Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control in your life, so let’s make the most of it!

Seek the Lord

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Verse of the Day:   Jeremiah 29:13   

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.           

Fruit of the Spirit: The start of a new year offers fresh opportunities. You can start anew, even if you’ve stumbled before. It’s about having Patience and Self-control. Remember, we believe in a God who values fresh starts. None of us are perfect, but if you stay determined and seek God sincerely, He’ll meet you where you are. God listens to your prayers and knows your heart. If you humble yourself, pray, seek His guidance, and turn from wrongdoings, He will respond. In the upcoming year, prioritize God by reading His Word and spending time in prayer. God loves you and wants a personal connection, but it’s your choice to seek Him out.

Love and Obedience

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Verse of the Day:  John 14:23           

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”           

Fruit of the Spirit: Genuine Love for Jesus means following His teachings faithfully. Being a Christian extends beyond Sundays; it’s about inviting Him into every aspect of your daily life. Demonstrate your Love and devotion through your actions, not just words. Let Jesus change your life by expressing Love and gratitude through obedience, dedication, and passion.

Treasures in Heaven

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Verse of the Day:  Matthew 6:19-21  

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Fruit of the Spirit: By selflessly sharing our gifts and talents with others, we demonstrate a kind of Love and Kindness that’s more important than our own earthly desires. This unselfish Love and Kindness is what helps us build up everlasting treasures in heaven. Instead of just going after temporary wealth or recognition, start thinking of ways to use your abilities for God’s purpose in the coming year.

Christ the Savior is Born!

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Verse of the Day:  Luke 2:1-20

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Fruit of the Spirit: Christmas is a time when Christians around the world come together to rejoice over the miraculous birth of Jesus. We exchange gifts and share Love with one another as a way to celebrate His birth and share the message of Love and hope that Jesus brought into the world. Through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you too can receive the gift of salvation, a divine and everlasting grace that offers redemption and eternal life.

O Holy Night

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Verse of the Day:  John 3:17 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

The Fruit of the Spirit: The star was brightly shining over the City of David on the night of our dear Savior’s birth, a grace-filled moment preordained by God who sent His only Son. God’s purpose in sending Jesus was not to condemn the world but to save it. Angels proclaimed the birth of Christ, the Messiah, to shepherds who went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus lying in a manger. This Christmas Eve, let’s envision the profound gift of Jesus Christ and share the Joy and Love that accompany the great message of salvation.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

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Verse of the Day:   Luke 2:4-6           

Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.          

Fruit of the Spirit: Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem as part of a prophecy about where the Messiah would be born. Even the name of the city, Bethlehem is important and special because it means “The House of Bread” and Jesus is known as the “Bread of Life”. Every detail about Jesus’ birth, including Bethlehem and His family lineage, was part of God’s plan to save us. The Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” beautifully captures the humble setting where Jesus was born. This Christmas, let’s reflect on the divine purpose behind the birth of Jesus, and share the spirit of Love, Joy, and Peace.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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Verse of the Day:  Luke 2:13-14        

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men 

The Fruit of the Spirit: God’s goodwill is revealed through Jesus the Messiah, who brought Peace and goodwill to the world. Jesus, known as the Prince of Peace, reconciles humanity to God through His atonement. This gift is a manifestation of God’s goodwill, Love, and mercy for all who accept it. Inspired by the angels’ praise in Luke 2:13-14 and the song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” let the Peace of Christ and the spirit of Love fill your heart this Christmas and throughout the year.