Today's Godly Reminder - John 13:35

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

God is the Author of Love. So, love starts with Him. If you have love and unselfish concern for one another, everyone will know that we are God's disciples. It is because we are reflecting His love to everyone, too.

Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other (v. 34-35). This Love Month, show your love to everyone so that others will feel His love, too.

The Daily Grace - Character or Reputation?

In the book of Revelation, we find the words of the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia. To the church in Sardis, Jesus said, "I know your works, that you have a name [reputation] that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev. 3:1). The Lord knew the truth about them, and no doubt deep down they knew it too. Jesus told them to wake up and strengthen the spiritual life inside them that was about to die (v. 2). He urged them to remember the truth they have received, obey it, then turn around and start moving in a new direction (v. 3).

When the Lord shows us what's wrong in our lives, He always provides a remedy for change. When we turn from our sins, He forgives and strengthens us to start over. How liberating to exchange a false spiritual reputation for the true, life-giving character that comes from knowing Christ our Lord! The true test of our character is what we do when no one is watching.

Today We Pray

Dear God, as I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Your care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to Your ways, mold me completely into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay.

May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Your praise. Let those around see me living by Your Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clothed in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, and hands.

Let me not forget you as I go forth into the world this day, blessed Lord. May my every word be a prayer, and my every act be testimony to your love and truth. And, may I know your presence every second of this day.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Corinthians 15:33

This verse is also related to the famous quotes: "Tell me who your friends are and I tell you who you are" and "Birds of the same feather, flock together".

 All of us should be careful in choosing our friends, who will help us and accompany us in our daily lives. Their attitudes and character will also reflect your companionship. Like minds will really stick together.

Also, pray for your friends. A praying friend will last and a good keep. Be that good friend to someone in your entire life!

The Daily Grace - Send the Light

The contrast between darkness and light is a prominent image in the Bible's presentation of Jesus the Messiah. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined" (Isaiah 9:2). "In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (John 1:4-5).

It's our privilege as followers of Jesus to be His light-bearers today. Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to become "blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). Instead of being afraid or oppressed by the spiritual darkness around us, we can rely on the grace that God gives His children to shine for Him.

Today We Pray

Dear Jesus, You are the First and the Last, and the Living One; You were dead, but You are alive forevermore, and You have the keys of death and of Hades. You are the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David and the Overcomer; You are the Lamb who was slain and whose blood purchased for God people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You are worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.

I beseech you to deliver me, and all of your children, from the fear of the unknown future; from fear of failure; from fear of poverty; from fear of bereavement; from fear of loneliness; from fear of sickness and pain; from fear of age; from fear of death. Help us, O Father, by your grace to love and fear only you. And fill our hearts with cheerful courage and loving trust in you.

As I travel through the week ahead, may the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope. The kingdom of the world has become Your kingdom, and You will reign forever and ever. This is all we ask, through Christ our Lord and Savior.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 2:15

"...prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world."

This world is harsh. There are evil thoughts and acts rising. But inspite of these things, make a difference. Shine the light. Radiate joy everywhere and be the light in this dark world.

Prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God. Without blemish in the midst of a morally crooked and spiritually perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights. You are beacons, shining out clearly in the world of darkness. So, carry the light-giving Message into the night. It will have a good cause in the end.