This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
A leap year is a calendar year that includes an additional day to maintain synchronization with the astronomical or seasonal year (Wikipedia). This occurrence takes place every four years, and today is that extra day! It’s an ideal moment to take a leap of faith. What has God laid on your heart to accomplish? Today is the perfect time to act. Whether it’s performing acts of kindness, aiding someone in need, or spreading the love of God, seize this day and every day. How will you honor and glorify God on this bonus day?
The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance.
Solomon, the King of Israel, humbly asked God for wisdom and understanding, a request that pleased the Lord, who granted him wisdom beyond measure. The Book of Proverbs serves as a timeless guide, intended not only for the young but for all individuals seeking to discern what is right, just, and fair. While some may argue that the wisdom contained in the Proverbs is outdated, the truth is it is as relevant now as it was then. God’s Word remains steadfast throughout time and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Learning is a life-long journey and even the wise continue to deepen their wisdom and understanding.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
What a profound blessing it is to have the opportunity to pray alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. Inviting our friends to join us in unified prayer and together presenting our requests to the Father promotes deeper connections not only amongst yourselves but also with God. In His teachings, Jesus assures us that when we pray in His name, He stands ready to help you and bless you. Establish a prayer group among your friends and reap the benefits of praying together.
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
While we may not have the solutions to everyone’s problems, we can certainly offer encouragement and spread hope. Use the Word of God to uplift one another, reminding each other of His unending love. Let our words serve as tools for building up, rather than tearing down. Share the love of God through prayer, supporting one another in times of need, as we are all in need at some point. Be a friend and a blessing to those around you with a spirit of kindness and compassion.
Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Rebekah, a notable figure in the Bible’s Genesis, was Isaac’s wife and the mother of Esau the older twin and Jacob the younger twin. God had had spoken saying that the older would serve the younger. Because of Rebekah’s favoritism toward Jacob she took matters into her own hands and caused problems like deceit, rivalry, and division in the family. She favored Jacob over Esau, leading Jacob to deceive their father, Isaac, and sparking a bitter feud that made Jacob flee to avoid Esau’s anger. This favoritism and manipulation damaged the family, showing how harmful such behavior can be. While Rebekah exhibited positive qualities, she also had her moments of favoritism and manipulation. Though Rebekah’s favoritism wasn’t explicitly in God’s plan, God used the events that followed to fulfill His ultimate purposes and promises.
The Lesson: From Rebekah’s story in the Bible, we can learn the importance of avoiding favoritism and manipulation within the family. Instead, we should strive for fairness, equality, and open communication within our families. Additionally, the story highlights that even when we make mistakes, God can still work through those circumstances to fulfill His purposes, underscoring the significance of faith and trust in His plan for our families.
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Your words matter and they’re capable of either causing harm or providing support. Often, we utter statements impulsively or without considering the repercussions. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back or disregarded. That’s why it’s necessary to exercise caution with the things we say, as we will ultimately be held accountable for our words. Let’s use language to uplift and inspire, channeling its power for good rather than evil.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
In our fast-paced lives filled with work, family responsibilities, appointments, and social engagements, it remains essential to devote our best efforts in everything we do. We serve as examples to others, whether we’re aware of it or not, and we should strive to be an example of values that align with our beliefs. Representing God in our actions, and treating everyone with love and kindness allows others to witness His presence through us. Consequently, every interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect God’s love and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
It is evident that our friendships can significantly impact us, for better or worse. It is crucial to exercise discernment in selecting those who are close to us. Choose friends who embody godly values and can serve as a positive influence in your life, rather than individuals who struggle to manage their anger and are bad influences, as associating with them may lead you to finding yourself in a bad situation. Remember, a volatile temper can easily spread its negativity and is often contagious.
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Selecting the right kind of friends is important, since the company you keep can influence your character. Without even realizing it, you tend to adopt the traits and habits of those you spend the most time with. It’s essential to surround yourself with individuals who not only support you but also have a positive impact on your life. Your friends should serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, pushing you towards goodness and personal growth. Take a moment to assess your closest companions and contemplate whether they align with the values and principles you hold dear, as well as whether they contribute to strengthening your relationship with your faith. Are they equally committed? Do they share your values? Do they help nurture your connection with God? Make your friend choices carefully, and remember to strive to be a good friend yourself.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Trials and tough times are inevitable, but remember that God is by your side, and if you persevere, you will be blessed. In moments of affliction, practice patience, maintain your unwavering belief, and persist in prayer. It’s no surprise that we encounter adversity; Jesus himself foretold that we would face troubles, but He also encouraged us to take heart, as He has already conquered the world. When these challenges arise, stand firm in your faith and place your trust in the Lord. Stay resilient, knowing that you are never alone, and all your efforts will be worth it in the end. On that day, you will receive the precious gift of the crown of life from God, making every trial and tribulation you’ve gone through worth it.
The Consecrated Woman 