Tag: Christianity

The Burdens We Carry

1 Chronicles 14-15

Psalm 72

Galatians 6

~ Devotion by Cayce Fletcher (SC)

Cayce Fletcher is a wife and homeschool mom of three. She writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com where she helps women grow in grace, build with purpose, and live beautifully. Read the latest post in the Systematic Theology series here. 

I was recently tasked with an errand by my husband. I was to go to the store and return to silt screens (big tarps with pickets attached to help with run-off on construction sites). When I pulled up to the store, I noticed there were no carts nearby, so I tried – with my three-year-old daughter in tow – to somehow lift the two rolls while she hung onto my shirt. (Any moms reading this probably are nodding their heads. You’ve done something similar.) 

As we walked through the parking lot, I could feel the plastic start to slip down, and white-knuckling it, I tried to maneuver the tarps to the side to lift it back up without stopping in the middle of the road. About that time, a guy walked up with his wife and child, looked over, and immediately said, “Hey, do you need help with that?” Laughing, I responded that help would be great. 

No matter who you are, this truth applies to you: We are all limited by our bodies. As parents with more than two children like to say, you only have two hands. We can only lift so much, and even the strongest person in the world has a limit to their ability. (If you are wondering, that title goes to Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, who deadlifted 1,124 lbs(!).) We can only carry so much. 

Today’s readings dealt with the idea of carrying burdens. In 1 Chronicles 14-15, we read the second part of the ark’s journey back to Jerusalem. After Uzzah died when the men tried to return the ark on a cart, David left the ark at a man’s house. In 1 Chronicles 15, David had done his research, and this time, he brought Levites who would carry the ark in the proper way back to Jerusalem. 

Exodus 25:10-22 describes the way that the ark was meant to be carried – the ark was to be lifted up on poles. According to BibleHub, “The method of carrying the Ark on poles symbolizes the separation between the divine and the human, emphasizing God’s holiness and the need for reverence in worship. It also signifies the role of the Levites as mediators between God and the people, entrusted with the sacred duty of handling holy objects.”

Carrying the ark was the burden of the Israelites – one they could not shirk without dire circumstances. 

In Galatians 6, we read more about burdens, but in this passage, we read about our own burdens as the new royal priesthood. After Paul lays out the freedom we find in Christ in the first half of Galatians, he then moves to encourage the people ‘to not bite and devour one another’ (Gal. 5:15) and instead produce fruit in keeping with the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). 

In Galatians 6, he turns his focus from our own individual spiritual growth to how we can support each other in overcoming sin. In Galatians 6:2, we read, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The Enduring Word Commentary explains it like this, “When Paul brought up the idea [in verse 1] of the one overtaken in any trespass, it painted the picture of a person sagging under a heavy load. Here he expanded the idea to encourage every Christian to bear one another’s burdens.”

We don’t bear the weight as the Levites did of the ark. We are not the mediator between God and the people. But, we can lift each other up – just as the Levites lifted up the ark – towards God. When we come alongside each other and support one another in our spiritual growth, we are doing the good work we are called to do (verse 9-10). 

Interestingly, right after this passage, we have a seeming contradiction in verse 5 when Paul seems to say that each person will have to carry their own load. 

Some commentators say that this is due to the differences in translation. Load, in verse 2, comes from a word that emphasizes the heaviness of the burden. It paints the burden as excessive, something you would stumble under. Whereas in verse 5, load or burden is a word that comes from the word for a backpack a soldier would have. Verse 5 is in reference to loads that other people cannot carry for us (think: calling, marriage, family, etc.). 

Other commentators say that this is actually a counter-example. Verse 2 is the optimal, Spirit-led response to burdens: We should bear each other’s burdens. However, if we want to respond ‘in the flesh’, we may try to think of ourselves as more highly than we ought. We take pride in ourselves alone and are responsible for our own work. Thus, we have to shoulder our own burdens. 

Verse 9-10 sum up our work and should be our motto as we do ministry: “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” Amen!

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you believe the ark had to be carried in this way? What does it symbolize?
  2. What do you think is the most likely interpretation of Galatians 6:2-5? 
  3. What is a burden you could share with others? And, what is a burden someone has that you can help bear?

Prayer

Lord, 

Please help us to be a people who support one another, not bite and devour one another. Help us to lift each other up to you. Let us not grow weary of doing good. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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The Shepherd King of Israel

1Chronicles 10-11 

Psalm 72

Galatians 5

~ Devotion by Cayce Fletcher (SC)

Cayce Fletcher is a wife and homeschool mom of three. She writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com where she helps women grow in grace, build with purpose, and live beautifully. Read the latest post in the Systematic Theology series here. 

I live on family land, and over the years, there have been several different kinds of livestock that we’ve had ‘out to pasture.’ Cows, goats, and chickens all have their challenges, but what they all will do, when given a chance, is escape. 

Several years ago, before we moved back to the Farm (as we call it), we got home after a long week at Southeast Camp only to find that the cows had escaped the fence and were busy eating up the vegetable garden and walking on the flowers in the yard. We had to shepherd them back into the fence. 

Israel often follows the same path. In the story of Israel, we see their propensity for ‘escape’ – or their ability to wander off the good path of God and pursue their own desires. They desperately needed a shepherd to care for them. God was their shepherd king, but in the time of Samuel, they rejected him. David stepped in to care for the people as the kingdom was handed to him. 

What did the shepherd king do for his people? 

The shepherd king guided them to green pastures. 

The shepherd king needed to bring the people to good pastures. That means he needed to guide the people to the place where they would get life – and that place is in God’s presence. David recognized the importance of bringing people to God. 1 Chronicles 13:3, “Then let’s bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of him in Saul’s days.” 

During the time of the judges and Saul, the Israelites did not have a close relationship with God. As king, he could bring the people to God and show them how good God was. This is why bringing the ark back was one of his first actions as king. 

The shepherd king protected them from harm. 

David was a man of war. This was one way that David used his unique abilities in obedience to God. The people had not fully conquered the land in the time of Joshua. David continued this work during his time as king. 

In 1 Samuel 17:34-36, he describes what a shepherd does: “David answered Saul, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. 36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”

The shepherd had to protect his flock from dangerous animals. The shepherd king had to protect his people from the surrounding nations and influences that would harm the people and lead them away from God. 

The shepherd king watched out for the weakest in the flock. 

1 Chronicles 12 describes the people who came to support David when he was on the run from Saul. 1 Samuel 22:2 gives more insight into who they were when it says, “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” 

David looked out for the outcast, the ‘weak links’, the poor. He took them in and led them in such a way that they turned into the mighty men we read about in 1 Chronicles 11-12. They were men of valor with such jaw-dropping military exploits that we can’t really comprehend them today. 

In Psalm 72, we read about a prayer for this shepherd king. Verses 12-14 say, “12 For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor. He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their lives are precious in his sight.”

The shepherd king sees with the people the eyes of God. Each one is precious in his sight. 

Every person who leads someone else has to step into the role of shepherd. That is why we call ‘pastors’ pastors – it is a word derived from the Latin pastor, which means shepherd. When we shepherd others, we don’t do it for our own glory, but to bring people to glorify God. The ultimate example of this type of shepherd is Jesus – the perfect fulfillment of the shepherd king. 

May we humbly follow his example! 

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think that the shepherd imagery is so strong throughout the scriptures? What can we learn from this today? 
  2. Who has been a ‘shepherd’ in your life, leading you to God? 
  3. How can you be a better shepherd to others? 

Prayer

Lord, 

Help me to guide other people to you through my words and deeds. Please bless the shepherds around me. Strengthen them for the task at hand. May we approach all things with humility and dependence on you. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Scriptural Paleontology or the First Church Council

1 Chronicles 4-6

Psalm 70

Galatians 2

-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)

            1 Chronicles has one of the densest “who begats” sections in scripture, and roughly 10% of the entire book is devoted to genealogy.  Let’s talk about the genealogies for a second.  These are admittedly some tough chewing at times, but that’s because they are so nutrient dense.  Every single one of the names that we normally skim over is an entire novel or series of novels in it’s own right, and constitutes an entire lifetime of choices, decisions, and adventures but it’s hard to see that because all we see is a name and then it moves to the next.  I used to completely skip over these as a kid because, well, let’s be honest: not a whole lot was going on that I could see, just a lot of “and Jed begat Bob who begat Bill who begat Frank who begat…”.  I’d considered it as the literary equivalent of Ambien ™ at the time.

            That perception changed for me when I did a deep dive into the genealogy listed in Matt 1, and I started taking genealogies seriously.  Jewish folks take their genealogies very seriously, and for a very good reason, we touched on that just a little bit in yesterday’s devotion.  What I discovered, quite by accident, is that genealogies are fascinating if you start digging.  Think of every genealogy section in scripture as a dinosaur bone.  You don’t always know what it’s going to look like when you start digging it up, but it’s always amazing what you find if you’re a good scriptural paleontologist.  In fact, yesterday’s entire devotion was going to be done out of 1 Chronicles 1-3, but after I read Galatians 1 I rewrote the whole thing because it had such an important message in it. 

            Let me see if I can inspire your inner scriptural paleontologist with some interesting snippets from 1 Chronicles 1-6:

  1. In 1Chron 1:1-4 there is a direct line from Adam to the sons of Noah.  Which one of these men listed didn’t die, and purportedly has a “pseudepigriphal” (apocryphal) book that is quoted later in the New Testament but which is NOT included in the canon of the New Testament? (Hint: Gen 5:24, Jude 14-15.  Also, if you get a chance, read the book in question, it’s interesting.)
  2. In 1Chron 1:19 it states: “…the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided “.  What does that mean?  Is this a confirmation of the scientific theory of “Pangea”, or is it a reference to the tower of Babel? (Hint: Although also noted in Gen 11, it never clearly says why in the Bible, but a few apocryphal books including “The book of Jubilees” seem to imply the latter)
  3. In 1 Chron 2:7, when it mentions “Achar, the troubler of Israel” it seems like there’s a gap in the genealogical listings between Zimri and Carmi, who’s missing, and why is Achar called that? (Hint: he’s also known as Achan, see Joshua 7 for both answers)

            I don’t want to get too sidetracked from our devotion today, but I’ve listed the few snippets above to try and inspire you to dig scripturally every time you come across a genealogy.  You never know what you’re going to find, but there are books and books worth of stories in genealogies that we normally just brush past.  They’re fascinating, dig a little bit.

            Moving on to our Galatians 2 reading today, we see a quick snippet in v1-2 that is pretty important for a number of reasons.  In it, Paul, after being called by a revelation from Jesus, empowered by the holy spirit,  and preaching to the gentiles for 14 years, humbly goes to the “authorities” (namely, some of the original apostles), to make sure he’s acting properly.  Firstly, note that God has at this point in time already been performing miracles through Paul, and also keep in mind that prior to the events in Acts 10, the message was being delivered solely for and to the Jewish people.

            The first “Church Council” is referenced here in Galatians 2, and actually takes place back in Acts 15.  There are a number of very important things to take away from this council.  Firstly, the gospel of salvation is approved to be given to the gentiles, fulfilling many prophecies (See in particular Is 49:6).  This is huge, particularly if you’re a gentile (non-jewish person).  Secondly, the content of the meeting is absolutely screaming down history at us about what it doesn’t say, or even question. 

            Keep in mind, the Jews are fiercely monotheistic ever since the return from the Babylonian exile.  The gospel message of salvation has been being preached to the Jews by Jesus and by the apostles after Jesus was resurrected, and now is going to the gentiles for the first time.  So let’s think for a moment: the content of this first, hugely controversial, church council is (in it’s entirety) this: can the gospel of salvation be preached to the gentiles, and if so, what must they do? The entire reason for the meeting was predominantly to question whether or not gentiles should be circumcised to be considered “of the faith” (A: no, see Acts 15).

            You know what is NOT being questioned at this first church council, nor by any other church council until AD 325, hundreds of years after Jesus’ resurrection, and hundreds of years after converting many pagans and philosophers into Christianity?  “Is Jesus God?”.   It just never came up, because it’s such a foreign concept to the Jews of that time that it would never even be conceived of as a possibility.  The apostles and all of the Jewish followers of Christ at that time wrote, suffered, and often died, to tell the world and to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah prophesied about in numerous scriptures; nothing more, and certainly nothing less.

            The Jews knew  who God was, His name occurs almost 7000 times in scripture;  Yahweh, the creator and sustainer of all life, who revealed Himself to Moses in Ex 3.  The Jews fully understood the concept of “shaliah” (see 1/27 devotion), but they could also quote the Shema (Deut 6:4-5) by heart, and had it written beside their doors, and in boxes they tied to their hands, and in boxes they tied to their foreheads because it was so important to God that he commanded them to do so.  If you have a more “complex” understanding about the nature of God than what is written, I urge you to “stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. “ (Jer 6:16).

            One thing to leave with; as obedient servants and slaves to our king, Gal 2:20 is a really good verse to memorize and keep in your defensive arsenal for when you are tempted: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me “ (LSB).  Remember that we were bought by our God at a price, a very high price indeed, and allow our king, the Christ, to sit upon the throne of our hearts.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. Are you (even slightly) inspired to dig a little next time you see a genealogy?
  2. Why do you think Paul, after 14 years, went to check with the “authorities”?
  3. If the “authorities” had told Paul “No, you can’t preach to the gentiles” do you think he would have listened based on the rest of the chapter?  Either way, would that have been the right or the wrong call, and why?
  4. How can we get off the throne of our hearts, and put Christ there? (It’s different for each of us, your answers will be unique to you)

PRAYER

Father God, forgive me of all sin and teach me to be holy.  Circumcise my heart, father, and let me humbly serve you and bear good fruit to honor you.  Thank you for sending your light to the nations, thank you for the high price which you paid for me, please grant that I can honor you in everything I say, do, or think.  In Jesus name, amen.

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Tingling Ears

*2 Kings 21-22

Psalm 69

2 Corinthians 12

-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)

            Today, we’re going to first examine an inconvenient truth, and then together examine a template for navigating back onto the proper path when we get lost.  First, the inconvenient truth: just because you come from good stock doesn’t mean you’re good.  I can speak for this directly first hand because while my parents were absolutely wonderful, fantastic, God-fearing, loving, and wise people; I took a hard turn off the proper path in my youth and kept running in that direction for most of my life (See 2/6 devotional for details).  So here’s the thing, and I want you to memorize this because it’s really important: there is no corporate entry into the kingdom of God.

            To elaborate on that statement: we are each held accountable for our own actions.  Many of you know Dr. Joe Martin, my father.  Understand well that in the day of judgment, when I am standing before the throne that if my defense of my actions is “But wait…You know Joe? He’s my dad, so…you know, *wink wink* I’ll just go ahead in and pick out one of the rooms…” I’m pretty sure the response would be along the lines of “Joe? Oh yea, we know him well, he’s a great guy.  Let’s talk about YOU for a moment though…“.  When you read that above bit of farce, you’ll probably chuckle a little bit, but stop for a moment and think about it seriously and with some trembling because there is no corporate entry into the kingdom of God. 

            Even if you go to an awesome church that not only feeds the homeless regularly but gives  solid scriptural truths that are deeply insightful and applicable, even if your pastor is spirit filled and heals the sick with a touch and a prayer, even if there’s a lady in your church who you KNOW is an active and living prophet of the Most High God: what does that have to do with you?  There is no corporate entry into the kingdom of God, you’re not going to slide into the kingdom on their coat tails.  Some of the ancient Jewish folks were thinking exactly in that manner, when John the baptist explained to them in Matt 3:9  “and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.” (LSB).  We will each be judged according to our own actions: by our faith, by our love, and by our fruit.  I pray to God that each of our names is found in the book of Life but understand fully that if it is, it’s not because of who you’re related to or which church you went to.  There is no corporate entry into the kingdom of God.

            For a good case in point of this very topic, let’s take a hard look at Manasseh and check off some of the boxes.  Manasseh was not only a Jewish lad (check), but the son of Hezekiah (check) who is probably the most attested biblical figure in history (counting not only scripture but extra-biblical accounts of his reign).  We know that God loved Hezekiah, just go back and read 2Ki 18-20, he’s blessed and highly favored.  So Manasseh should have been an easy pick for being awesome, but that’s not at all what happened.  We see in 2Ki 21:1-3 that Manasseh became king when he was 12, ruled for 55 years, and “did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh” (LSB).  Keep in mind that dad (Hezekiah), did a lot of really good stuff: he tore down the false gods and altars, redirected the people to worship God, and humbly sought after and clung to the God who had rescued his fathers.

            Manasseh, conversely, sounds like a bit of a jerk.  All of the good things his father had done, he undid.  In 2Ki 21:5-9 it gives an excruciatingly painful laundry list of offenses that Manasseh did, including setting up false idols in the actual temple, sacrificing his own son to a pagan deity, and then leading the entire nation astray to do more evil than the nations before.  In v16 it says that in addition to all of this, he “shed very much innocent blood”. 

            At this point, God has had enough, and I’d like you to listen to the wording of 2 Ki 21:12: “therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.’ ” (LSB).  This should be terrifying, these are not the words of one who is ‘a little upset’, but a potential extinction level event of anger from the Most High God.  We can see from this example that it doesn’t matter who you’re related to or what group you belong to, but rather your own path, in the eyes of God.

            Now let’s look at how to navigate back onto the proper path, if we ever get lost or go astray.  Enter Josiah (2 Ki 22).  Keep in mind that he’s the third generation in a line of truly terrible and evil kings, who “did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh” (see 2Ki 21 for details on Manasseh and Amon, grandpa and dad respectively).  He’s just a kid when he takes office, 8 years old, but right away he starts back toward the right path.  He sends Shaphan to the temple and makes arrangements for it’s restoration (2 Ki 22 3-7).  Remember that wild idolatry and debauchery has been going on for two full generations, the temple itself has been defiled, and the people have been going in the wrong direction for 57 years.

            Now it came about as the temple was being cleaned out and restored, that Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law.  It had been lost for a long time.  Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and Shaphan took the book back and read it to King Josiah (2 Ki 22:8-10).  Pay close attention here, because this is the turning point: “Now it happened that when the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes” (2Ki 22:11, LSB).  In ancient Israel, this is how people exhibited deep regret or sorrow publicly.  He sent people to “inquire of Yahweh” and seek what might be done (2Ki 22:12-20).  He basically humbled himself, and sought the will of God.

            God’s response to this honest sorrow and humility defines our template for returning: “because your heart was soft and you humbled yourself before Yahweh when you heard what I spoke against this place and against it’s inhabitants that they should become an object of horror, and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I truly have heard you“, declares Yahweh.” (2Ki22:18), and He then relents.

            According to the above template, I would suggest the following if your path has led you astray:  First, find the book of the law (the Bible), and read it.  Then, when you have realized how far off path you have become, inquire of God.  Repent,  soften you heart, and weep before God.  Clean out the temple (you are the temple 1 Cor 3:16), remove the idols (anything can be an idol) you’ve placed there, and do the work to restore God’s temple.  Clean it out, purify it, and rededicate it to God.  If you do this with honesty and dedication, God will truly hear you (See Jer 29:13 for verification).

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Examine yourself deeply and honestly, because we all probably have some:  What idols have you built inside the temple of your heart, and why?

Considering the above question, what is the best way to remove them? Being honest, do you want to remove them?  Why or why not?

How often do we honestly inquire of God His will, as opposed to handing him a list of our demands when we pray?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for all of the blessings you’ve given to us.  Thank you for sending your son to instruct us.  Please forgive us of the many times we fall short, and help us to become servants who please their master.  Lead us and guide us, Father, and teach us the way you would have us go.  In Jesus name, amen.

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Generosity of Heart

  

2 Kings 13-14 

Psalm 67            

2 Corinthians 8

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

The Corinthian church was composed of a majority of Gentiles.  Corinth had been a Greek city and now was a Roman city. All the administration and customs there were Roman, and the culture was Greek and Roman combined.  The city was a very rich place by all accounts of that time because of the trade and transportation that went through it from both sides of the peninsula that it was located on.  The culture of that time was very religious, and it was not a question of believing in god, but what gods and when were the questions.  Also the city was full of the Greek philosophers such as the Stoics, Epicurians, Cynics, and others.  Giving and sacrifice was part of all these systems of pagan worship and thought.

Paul had advised the Corinthians about giving and its importance and position in the worship of daily life towards God.  We see evidence of what he taught them in Romans 16:1-4.  The flow of money and help was from the Gentile churches who had received the Word of Truth from the apostles and prophets of the early church, to the work that was centered in Jerusalem.  The church leaders there were James the brother of Jesus, as well as Peter and John.  Paul and Barnabas meeting with them is recorded in the book of Acts chapter 15 where the questions of the law and circumcision for the Gentiles were discussed and then settled with the apostles there.

Giving is a simple and at the same time complex question that we need to understand and teach.  The tithes of the law do not apply to us now in the same way as in the Old Testament so there is no direct formula to follow.  We need to see that true Christian generosity comes from the heart of the believer.  First we are fully committed to Christ, and then our heart needs to change to be fully committed to the care of others both inside the church and outside of it.  Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 16 the “how” of our giving, and in 2 Corinthians 8-9 the “why” of our giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4(NLT) Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Great advice about the “how” to do it part of the commitment to give.  We say “give to God” but there really isn’t any way that we can do that.  We can give out of our finances, resources and time to people and organizations but not directly to God.  God has no need of anything that we could possibly have or give to Him.  Everything that we have or possess is because of His grace and love.  Our finances, talents and abilities are all tools that can be utilized in our walk.  What he does ask us to do is to be conscious and generous about how we treat others in Christ, and those in need.  

What is your first reaction when you see a need in the church?

What is your first reaction when you see a need in another believer’s life?  

How about the unbeliever?

This gets difficult to figure out at times.  Giving to my direct church body in Blanchard is easy to figure out.  Giving to the General Conference is another easy choice.  Then there are direct gifts of money or time for those in need that we are directly related or connected with.  Then there are organizations outside the COGGC that may merit our help or financial support.  Paul once again gives us great advice on “why” of our giving in 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.  

2 Corinthians 8:8-12(NLT) I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

Paul once again puts financial giving into perspective for us.  We should be eager and willing to walk in truth, knowledge, faith and love.  And to this also Paul shows that our Christian giving is important.  It is not an obligation but rather a choice that we should make about our priorities and directions.  

2 Corinthians 8:13-15(NLT) Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,

“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,

and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

See also the record from Romans where Paul talks about the gifts and the direction of the flow of support to Jerusalem that is recorded in Acts 15. 

Romans 15:25-27(NLT) But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially

We don’t have a law of giving to follow, but the promise from God that those who sow generously will reap generously.  Recognition of the riches of our life that God has given us will change our perspective on our life, family, job, and church body.  This new godly perspective of our position and responsibilities will change us to be able to give with a generous heart and mind.  We will be able to do the good works that God has prepared for us to do in this life.

Reflection Questions

Can we truly do any good work that does not involve God?

If God calls us to do something won’t He give us the resources to do it?

Prayer

Father God, we put our hearts and hands into Yours.  Thank you for your great love to give us the bread of our need this day, and the resources to help others.  Bless the work of our hands, and the responses of our heart.  Be with us this day and help us to do the works You have called us to do.  In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

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The Meditation of Our Hearts

2 Kings 7-8         

Psalm 65            

2 Corinthians 5

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Welcome to another wonderful day with God as our Father and Christ as lord in our lives.  God’s Word gives us comfort, strength, confidence and grace every time we read and meditate on it.  Our readings today are full of all these attributes of our God who loves us so much.

Psalms 65:5-8(NLT) 

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,

O God our savior.

You are the hope of everyone on earth,

even those who sail on distant seas.

6 You formed the mountains by your power

and armed yourself with mighty strength.

7 You quieted the raging oceans

with their pounding waves

and silenced the shouting of the nations.

8 Those who live at the ends of the earth

stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

you inspire shouts of joy.

Father, thank you for your answers to our heart’s prayers and needs.  Help us to remember your great love and care of us and all the earth.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15(NLT)  Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Father, we thank you for giving us new life in Christ, that our old nature is replaced with this new life of relationship and fellowship with You and Your Son

2 Corinthians 5:16-17(NLT) So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Father God, help us to see what Christ has done for us.  Then help us to see what Christ has done for all who hear Your voice.  Your love for us is overwhelming. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-21(NLT) And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

To become an ambassador is to become the representative of the king or ruler whom you represent.  In the Eastern culture of that time there was no telephone, texting or internet to communicate to the ambassador in real time what the ruler desired for him to do.  So, the ambassador would act in the name of the king or ruler to make decisions, treaties or other relationships with the people he or she was talking to.  In the same way we have been given the position of a trusted ambassador by our God, and He is sending us to those that we meet with a message of salvation and grace.  We are confident of our position because God has forgiven our sins and shortcomings making us His treasured family and trusted representatives. Our lives should be the living proof of what God has done for mankind.

Our position as God’s ambassadors is to tell the God-story (gospel) to all that we meet. Our message is one of new life in Christ, a changed life today and a future life to come.  Our message is one of love and grace not condemnation and fear.  The goodness of God brings people to repentance and new life.  What have we ever done for God that is so good that we deserve a reward for it?  Rather see that God has everything that we need for us and for others.  Life will change when we approach it with this confidence and grace for others.  Be the ambassadors for our God that He has called us to be!

Reflection Questions

How do you meditate on God’s Word?  What can you do to improve?

Who has God sent you to to represent Him?

How can we see this role bigger in our lives?

Prayer

Father God, be with us today as we come to You thanking You for your grace and love.  We are overwhelmed by Your love for us in Christ.  Help us to become the people that You have given us the opportunity to be.  Be with us as we speak Your Word to a fallen world around us.  We thank you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ our lord and Messiah.

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Who Speaks For Your God?

2 Kings 5-6       

Psalm 65            

2 Corinthians 4

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

The records of scripture we are reading today include the story of Naaman and his leprosy.  This record is familiar to many, but never loses relevance for us as we read.  The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and is able to separate the physical world we live in from the spiritual truth that surrounds this world.  

What is important to you?  Then what is important to God?

2 Kings 5:1-8(NLT) The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.” 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.” 8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

A prophet is one who speaks for God.  He or she speaks out the truths that God shows them to say to the people in that moment of time and place.  These truths are seldom predictions of the future, which is the popular viewpoint of many.  But rather most of prophecy is speaking the firmly established truths of the Word of God applied at the right place, right time.  

There are also many people that think that there are no more prophets today.  This is a reaction I think to the claims of religions such as Mormonism or Islam, for example, that base their authority on the speaking of a self-proclaimed prophet.  It is easier to just say that there are no prophets today after the 1st century of the church then to see that there were many false prophets then and many false prophets now.  

It is not for the prophet’s own power or position that words of knowledge and wisdom are given to the prophet, but for the building up of the body of Christ.  The words spoken by representatives of God in a true relationship with our Father God will be the words that are rightly spoken.  This will be in a way that builds confidence in God and Christ, not tearing people down from condemnation. There may be a firm correction given by the prophet to the people but it will build up, not tear down.

Proverbs 25:11(NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

2 Kings 5 :9-15(NLT) So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed! 15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. 

The words of a true prophet are established to be true and faithful to our God.  God gives us the words of truth and when we speak on His behalf to the powers of this world God will give those words the power to do His good and intent.  We are not responsible for the content of God’s Word, but we are responsible for the telling of it to others.  God’s message, our speech.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2(NLT) Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

What are the truths that God has given you to speak and reveal to others?

When you speak for God are you fulfilling the ministry of a prophet? (Hmmm…)

2 Corinthians 4:5-7(NLT) You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Whose power are you empowered with today?  

What is the light (knowledge) that you can shine into the darkness of this world?

Why did God choose you?

Our message is not about ourselves but about the God who has saved us.  What is the purpose of the saving grace of God for your life if not to serve Him and speak for Him?  It isn’t religious rules and statues that God calls us to speak but the message of that saving grace of God which you have received. 

2 Corinthians 4:13-18(NLT) But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory…..18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever

Fix your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim….

Reflect On Questions above in bold font.

Prayer

Father God, we pray to You today to empower our lives with Your Word and wisdom.  The power that we have is from You alone, and we can only speak truth with Your words.  Give us the confidence to speak for You, and Your love to see others as You do.  Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ for all Your care and help in our time of need.  

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Mystery Revealed

2 Kings 1-2       

Psalm 64            

2 Corinthians 2

-devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Paul had the standing and education to be a powerful teacher and preacher as he traveled Asia Minor in the first century.  It is so striking to see how Paul goes right to the most important part of our message to others.  It is that proclamation that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, dead for 3 days and was then raised again from the dead.  There were over 500 witnesses that saw him in his resurrected body and could tell the story from firsthand knowledge.  Paul proclaimed to them this truth knowing that if people do not believe and accept this truth, then all the other convincing arguments that can be made for Christianity are not going anywhere.   Read 1 Corinthians 2 with us today and see how Paul approaches the people in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5(NLT) When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Our witness to the proclamation of Christ that he is risen from the dead is the central theme of our faith.  Read this story about the simple witness of a shoe salesman named Edward Kimble.

From: X Harvest (https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-impact-of-one/)

When it comes to contemporary heroes of the Christian faith, we are familiar with names like Billy Graham. But what about Edward Kimble or Mordecai Ham?

Edward Kimble was a shoe salesman who worked alongside a guy named Dwight. Edward shared the gospel with Dwight, and Dwight accepted Christ. It was 1858, and Dwight’s last name was Moody. We know him as D. L. Moody, who was one of the greatest evangelists in history.

Years later when Moody was preaching, a pastor named Frederick D. Meyer was deeply stirred, and as a result, he went into his own nationwide preaching ministry. On one occasion when Meyer was preaching, a college student named J. Wilbur Chapman heard him and accepted Christ. He went out and began to share the gospel, and he employed a young baseball player named Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday ended up being the greatest evangelist of his generation.

When Billy Sunday preached the gospel in Charlotte, North Carolina, it was such a great meeting that he was invited back. But when he couldn’t be there, Sunday recommended a preacher named Mordecai Ham. Ham went to Charlotte and preached, but not many people responded to his invitation to accept Christ. But on one of the last nights, a tall, lanky boy who worked on the local dairy farm walked forward. Everyone knew him as Billy Frank, and we know him today as Billy Graham.

So Edward Kimble reached D. L. Moody, who touched Frederick Meyer, who reached Wilbur Chapman, who helped Billy Sunday, who reached businessmen in Charlotte, who invited Mordecai Ham, who ultimately reached Billy Graham. And it all began with the simple witness of Edward Kimble.

Every one of us can make a difference for the kingdom of God. What is He calling you to do?

Billy Graham preached and evangelized to over 200 million people across the world during his life. We may not completely agree with the message he taught or the follow up that was lacking, but the power of God is evident in the chain of witness that faithful believers presented.

1 Corinthians 2:6-10(NLT) Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets

The mystery revealed to us is the hidden decision by God to open the whole world of both Jew and Gentile to become one church of the body of Christ.  The hidden decision that God made was that the life of His Son would be able to become the payment for all the sin and sins of the world.  Jesus was faithful to all that God asked him to do, and because of his faithfulness God is able to find him righteous and raise him from the dead.  Death could not hold Christ and God gives him a new resurrected body and then gives him authority over all of creation. God does all this because He judged him righteous.  Paul tells us that if the powers of this world had known God’s plan, they would not have crucified Christ.  The powers of this world would have let him live as he was alone as the Son of God, but now there are millions of children of God all who are witnesses of the plan and story of God and Christ.

When we accept the sacrifice of Christ for us, we become new creations in the pattern of Christ.  We get a new heart and the way to become a child of God.  The gift of holy spirit that we have received in Christ gives us a mind that will see and understand the God-story, the gospel plan that God has made for us and all the creation. 

1 Corinthians 2:12-13(NLT) And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.

The wisdom that we have is knowledge that can change our minds and hearts.  It’s not the wisdom of philosophy and man’s knowledge, but spiritual words revealed to spiritual minds.  It even is considered to be foolishness by the academia of this world. We hear with our minds those thoughts and understandings that come from God and are revealed to us in His Word.  Every time I spend time with Him and His Word more of His truth becomes real to me.  The knowledge of God is inexhaustible and infinite because He is infinite.  Our minds can approach the understanding of His Word, but it is a lifetime journey of faith which continues to expand before us. This mystery of godliness is revealed to us today and it is the story that we must tell others.  Paul does this with the Corinthians, and it is the pattern for us to follow in our own ministries. 

Reflection Questions

What is the witness that changed your life to come to God?

What witness can you give today to others that will give them this new life also?

How can we keep our faith and walk of believing simple and pure in purpose?

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, we pray this day for understanding hearts and minds.  Thank you for Your great love that gave us Christ.  Help us to meditate on Your Word both day and night.   Give us this day the boldness to speak Your Word to this fallen world, telling this story of grace and truth.  God, we praise You for all Your works and love.  Praying this day in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

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A House for God

1 Kings 5-6

Psalm 59

1 Corinthians 9

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

Solomon began building the temple.

For generations, Israel had worshiped in the tabernacle — a movable tent that reminded the people that God traveled with them through the wilderness. But now the kingdom was established, the enemies were subdued, and Solomon prepared to build a permanent house dedicated to the LORD.

1 Kings describes enormous effort, careful planning, costly materials, and incredible craftsmanship. Cedar from Lebanon. Gold overlays. Carved cherubim. Skilled laborers. Massive stones carefully prepared before they ever arrived at the building site.

One detail stands out powerfully:

“No hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
— 1 Kings 6:7

The stones were shaped beforehand.

Quietly.
Carefully.
Intentionally.

That image says something profound about how God works.

Most of God’s shaping happens long before anyone sees the finished result.

We often want instant transformation.
Immediate answers.
Quick spiritual growth.

But God usually builds people the same way the temple was built — through quiet preparation over time.

Difficult seasons shape us.
Disappointments shape us.
Waiting shapes us.
Faithfulness in ordinary moments shapes us.

And much of that shaping happens where nobody else can see it.

But there is an even bigger lesson in these chapters.

As glorious as the temple was, Solomon himself understood that no building could fully contain God. Later, he would openly admit that “the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain” Him.

The temple was never supposed to reduce God to a location. It was meant to remind people of His presence, holiness, and covenant.

Sadly, many people still confuse religious structures with genuine faith.

A beautiful church building is not the same thing as obedience.
Religious activity is not the same thing as a transformed heart.

God has always wanted more than ceremonies.
He wants faithful people.

The temple also pointed forward to something greater.

Throughout Scripture, the ultimate hope is not merely access to a building, but restored fellowship with God Himself through His appointed King and the coming Kingdom of God.

One day, according to the prophets and the teachings of Jesus, God’s presence will fully dwell with redeemed humanity in a restored earth where death itself is defeated.

That is the destination toward which the temple pointed.

Not just architecture.
Not just ritual.
But restoration.

Three Things to Remember

  1. God often shapes us quietly.

Much of the Lord’s work happens in hidden seasons before the final result is visible.

  1. Religious structures are not enough.

God desires obedient hearts, not merely outward ceremonies.

  1. The temple pointed toward a greater future.

The Bible’s story moves toward resurrection, restoration, and God dwelling with His people forever.

Sometimes we become discouraged because we do not yet see what God is building in our lives.

But the stones of the temple probably did not understand the blueprint either.

Still, the Builder did.

And He still does.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have you seen pieces of God’s plan for you prepared beforehand? What pieces might God be molding right now for future presentation?
  2. What sort of boxes/buildings/separate activities do people sometimes try to keep God in? Why is this not God’s desire? What does He deserve instead?
  3. Take a step back and look not at your schedule today but God’s Big Picture Plan. What are you most excited about the Coming Kingdom and pieces building up to that? What still needs to be done? How can you mold your schedule today better in anticipation of what God is planning for the future?

Prayer

Dear God – You are an awesome God with an awesome plan. Thank You for including me in Your plans. Help me build only what You want me to build with the days that You have given to me. May I see You at work and do what is pleasing to You.

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Wisdom is More than Intelligence

1 Kings 3–4

Psalm 59

1 Corinthians 8

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

When Solomon became king, God gave him an incredible opportunity.

He could ask for anything.

Power.
Riches.
Military victory.
Long life.

Instead, Solomon asked for wisdom.

That request pleased God because Solomon recognized something many people never do: leadership without wisdom is dangerous.

1 Kings chapter 3 shows a young king who understood his own limitations. Solomon did not pretend to know everything. He admitted that he needed God’s help to govern rightly.

And that humility mattered.

One of the most famous moments in Solomon’s life came shortly afterward when two women came before him, both claiming the same baby as their own. Solomon’s shocking proposal revealed the true mother because real love was willing to sacrifice personal rights to preserve life.

True wisdom does more than impress people.
It reveals the heart.

That is still true today.

Our world often confuses wisdom with education, confidence, or internet knowledge. But biblical wisdom is deeper than information. Wisdom is the ability to see situations through God’s perspective and respond in ways that reflect His character.

A person can be highly educated and still make foolish decisions.
A person can speak confidently and still be spiritually blind.

Wisdom begins with recognizing our dependence upon God.

But there is also a warning quietly woven into these chapters.

Even while Solomon loved God, cracks were already forming beneath the surface. The text mentions that he married Pharaoh’s daughter and that the people were still sacrificing at the high places.

At first glance, those details may seem minor. But small compromises often become major disasters later.

Very few people wake up one morning and decide to destroy their lives. Usually, hearts drift slowly.

One tolerated compromise at a time.
One rationalization at a time.
One neglected prayer at a time.

That is why wisdom is not merely knowing what is right. Wisdom is continually choosing what is right.

Solomon’s kingdom experienced peace, prosperity, and influence unlike almost anything Israel had ever seen. Yet even the greatest earthly kingdom could not fully satisfy the human heart or permanently solve the problem of sin and death.

Like David before him, Solomon’s story ultimately points beyond himself.

The Bible’s hope is not merely that humanity would someday produce a wise king. The hope is that God would provide the perfect King — one greater than Solomon — who would rule with complete righteousness forever.

And that future kingdom still lies ahead.

Three Things to Remember

  1. Wisdom begins with humility.

Solomon became wise when he admitted he needed God’s help.

  1. Small compromises matter.

The seeds of future failure are often planted long before anyone notices them.

  1. Earthly success is never the final answer.

Even Solomon’s glorious kingdom could not replace humanity’s need for resurrection, restoration, and God’s coming Kingdom.

We live in a world overflowing with information but starving for wisdom.

So before asking God for more influence, more money, or more success, perhaps we should begin where Solomon did:

“Lord, give me wisdom.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you humble enough to seek and ask for wisdom?
  2. Consider this definition – “Wisdom is the ability to see situations through God’s perspective and respond in ways that reflect His character.” Choose a situation you have been in recently. What might wisdom see? How might wisdom respond?
  3. How can we learn more about God’s perspective and His character so we can more often follow in God’s wise way rather than our own often foolish way?
  4. What should we do, where should we be, who should we be with, while asking God for wisdom?
  5. What do you think is a wise judgment/decision/action you made? What is a foolish one ? What made it foolish? Were there any small compromises that led up to this foolishness?

Prayer

Dear God – I pray for wisdom. You are the wise and all-knowing, always righteous God and I need You. Help me see Your perspective and reflect Your character in both big and small decisions, judgments and actions in my life. Show me what is right and what is wrong and give me perseverance to do, think, say, choose what is right. Show me where small compromises are leading me astray.

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