“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, NIV)
Darkness Around Us
In our world, darkness often seems to prevail.
We see injustice, corruption, and a lack of moral clarity all around us. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the weight of the darkness.
Call to Shine
In this verse, the prophet Daniel offers a powerful reminder that God’s people are called to be a light in the midst of the darkness.
Through our wisdom, our righteousness, and our commitment to leading others to the truth, we can shine brightly like the stars in the night sky.
Path to Wisdom
To shine brightly, we must first seek wisdom.
This means diving into God’s Word, studying his teachings, and allowing his truth to transform our minds and hearts.
As we grow in wisdom, we become more equipped to discern right from wrong and to make choices that honor God and bring light to those around us.
Leading Others
Our calling goes beyond personal growth and transformation.
We are also called to lead others to righteousness, to be beacons of hope and truth in a world that often settles for darkness.
This involves sharing your faith, living out your values, and serving others with compassion and humility.
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34 (NIV)
In this verse, Jesus addresses the root of our speech – the condition of our hearts.
He reminds us that our words are a reflection of what truly fills us, whether good or evil.
Heart’s Condition
Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or to inflict harm. But they are merely symptoms of a deeper reality – the state of our inner being.
If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or selfishness, our speech will inevitably reflect those qualities.
The Need for Transformation
As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts that are aligned with the love and compassion of our Savior.
We must allow God’s truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, transforming us from the inside out.
Guarded Tongue
When our hearts are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, our speech will naturally follow suit.
We will find ourselves speaking words of encouragement, grace, and truth, as we reflect the character of Christ to those around us.
But this process requires vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences that would corrupt them, and be intentional about filling ourselves with the Word of God and the things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.
May your speech be a testimony to the transformative work of Christ within you, as you strive to let your words flow from a heart that is fully devoted to Him.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
When we think of the word “power,” we often associate it with strength, might, and dominance. However, the Bible teaches us that true power lies in humility, gentleness, and patience.
In Ephesians 4:2, we are called to be “completely humble and gentle” and to “be patient, bearing with one another in love.” These three virtues are not only essential to our spiritual growth but also to our relationships with others.
In this devotional, we will explore the power of humility, gentleness, and patience and how they can transform our lives.
Power of Humility
Humility is often misunderstood as weakness or lack of confidence. However, true humility is the opposite of pride and arrogance. It is recognizing that we are not perfect and that we need God’s grace and mercy.
When we are humble, we are free from the burden of trying to prove ourselves to others. Instead, we can focus on serving others and putting their needs before our own.
Humility allows us to learn from our mistakes and grow in our faith. It also helps us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others.
Power of Gentleness
Gentleness is often associated with being soft or passive. However, gentleness is a powerful virtue that requires great strength and self-control. When we are gentle, we are able to control our emotions and respond to others with kindness and compassion.
Gentleness allows us to be peacemakers and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. It also helps us to build trust and deepen our relationships with others.
When we are gentle, we are able to see the good in others and to encourage them to be their best selves.
Power of Patience
Patience is often described as waiting without complaining. However, true patience is much more than that. It is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without losing hope or faith.
When we are patient, we are able to trust in God’s timing and to wait for His plans to unfold. Patience allows us to persevere through trials and to grow in our faith.
It also helps us to be more understanding and forgiving towards others. When we are patient, we are able to see the bigger picture and to trust that God is working all things together for our good.
Essentials
The power of humility, gentleness, and patience cannot be overstated. These three virtues are essential to our spiritual growth and to our relationships with others.
When we are humble, gentle, and patient, we are able to reflect the love of Christ to those around us. We are able to build deeper relationships and to make a positive impact in the world.
Strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives and to be a shining light to those around us.
Revelation 1:6 – And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Elevated Identity
When we place saving faith in Christ, we become part of a chosen, royal priesthood. He confers upon us the profound privilege of direct access to God that was previously limited. What an honor!
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now boldly approach God’s throne. Our position in Christ gives us authority to carry out the priestly duty of representing people before Him in prayer.
An Appointed Calling
Our royal priestly identity comes with responsibility. We plead Christ’s sufficiency to God on behalf of others. We represent them through intercession just as priests did in the Old Testament.
This is sacrificial work requiring compassion, perseverance, and Christlike commitment to the needs of people. We must embrace this holy calling.
Lord, Make Me a Prayer Warrior
Lord, remind me of my royal identity that allows me to directly commune with You and pray for others. Instill priestly compassion so I can effectively represent people and their struggles before Your throne of grace. Make me a prayer warrior.
Matthew 9:36 – When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Eyes that See the Hurting
Surrounded by crowds, Jesus chose to really see them. Behind the noise He discerned their aimless wandering through life, lacking meaning and direction. His heart broke with compassion.
We easily overlook people’s inner pain. Engulfed by our own concerns, their helplessness goes unnoticed. But Christ calls us to see through His eyes of empathy.
Harassed. Helpless. Hopeless.
The lost often mask distress behind a facade. But Christ sees the despair in each face – the fragmented families, addictions, depression, poverty. Their suffering deeply moves Him.
Who in your circles is wearing a mask but internally cries out? Ask God to break your heart with what breaks His. Let compassion propel you to act.
Lord, Give Me Your Heart
Jesus, help me see people as you see them, until it profoundly moves me. Open my eyes to see people and their pain as You do. Instill grace that compels me to enter in, listen, help, and offer hope found only in You.
Exodus 34:6 reveals the character of God as He proclaims His name to Moses:
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'”
This verse provides a glimpse into the Heart of God, describing His compassionate and gracious nature. It reassures us of His patience, love, and faithfulness, even in the face of human failings and shortcomings. It invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is a God who extends mercy and steadfast love to those who seek Him.
Compassionate God
Compassion speaks of deep empathy and tender concern for those in need. It reveals God’s heart of love and His willingness to come to the aid of His people.
God’s compassion is not a distant or indifferent response; rather, it is a compassionate response that is moved by our struggles and sorrows.
He is a God who understands our weaknesses and is quick to extend His mercy and help in times of distress. His compassion assures us that we are not alone in our trials, but have a loving and compassionate God who walks alongside us.
Gracious God
The verse further describes God as being Gracious. God’s grace is His unmerited favor and kindness extended toward humanity.
God’s grace is abundantly available to all who seek Him, regardless of their past failures or shortcomings. He is a God who offers forgiveness, restoration, and second chances.
His grace is a constant reminder that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is eager to extend His grace to us and pour out His blessings upon our lives.
Slow to Anger
Exodus 34:6 also highlights two other attributes of God: His patience and His abounding love and faithfulness. God is slow to anger, displaying immense patience even in the face of human rebellion and disobedience.
His love is boundless, overflowing with compassion and kindness towards His creation. He is faithful and trustworthy, keeping His promises and remaining steadfast throughout generations.
God’s patience, love, and faithfulness assure us of His unwavering commitment to His people, and they inspire us to trust in Him and rely on His unfailing love.
Take comfort in His compassion and draw near to Him with confidence, knowing that He cares deeply for you. Experience the richness of His grace, recognizing that you are a recipient of His unmerited favor and blessings.
Matthew 25:35 reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and care for others.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”
Jesus commends those who have reached out to the vulnerable, providing them with food, clothing, and support. This verse highlights the significance of practical acts of love and kindness, emphasizing that when we serve others, we are ultimately serving Christ Himself.
The message of this verse aligns with the teachings of Jesus throughout the Gospels, where He repeatedly emphasizes the value of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
It challenges us to examine how we can extend a helping hand to those in need, whether it be through providing physical sustenance, emotional support, or any other form of assistance.
It reminds us that even the smallest acts of compassion can have a significant impact on someone’s life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be instruments of His love and mercy in the world.
Matthew 25:35 serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that our faith is not merely about beliefs or rituals, but about actively living out the love of Christ in tangible ways.
30 years ago this week, I had an encounter that irrevocably altered the trajectory of my life.
In an old hot, barn type building, I reluctantly sat listening to a preacher man tell of the need for a Savior.
I wanted so bad to run out of there that night! As the preacher man started his closing comments, I began looking for my escape!
To my left sat my 2 children, David and Shelly; next to them was Rev David Archer, hands folded and praying for me!
As I turned to my right, looking for my wife, Sherri, I noticed she was gone, and was now down at the front of that old building, kneeling in prayer! My little sister Jenniferwas down there too!
I felt like I would explode, anxiety was building and I decided to leave the building . . . I needed air or I thought I would die.
When I reached the aisle, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder; the next thing I knew, I was on my knees at the front of that old church building.
Some say weak men go to Jesus as an out; I wasn’t weak, I was broken, I did NOT want to be there, yet there I was!
Jesus came looking for me, and He gently cornered me that night, and looked into my heart. When my eyes met His, and with tears flowing, I said to Him: ” I got nothing to give you, nothing”
With compassion and grace He replied: “I’ll take it.”
30 years later I still love Him, the oddest thing . . . He still loves me!
Some of my dearest friends think Jesus is a joke, a fallacy propagated for over 2 millennia.
My earnest prayer today, is that the same Jesus that looked into my heart, would be pleased to look into yours!
In our endeavor to reach people for Jesus, we must become people of compassion. For some of us this does not come easy. God will grant compassion to those who earnestly seek it!
When we watch people constantly struggle and fall, sometimes we get into the “just get over it” mindset. That is NOT compassion! It is actually judgment. What we are really saying is; “I am frustrated, and not able to know how to help you, I got over it, so should you.”
These kinds of statements place shame on the individual you are speaking to. They will begin to avoid you at all costs!
Gently and compassionately lead them to Jesus; He is the ONLY one who can truly set them free!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16
