Devotional for Wednesday March 23, 2022
Morning Romans 15:5-9
Noon Psalm 15
Evening 1 Corinthians 12:4-12
The diversity of this world speaks to us of the incomparable ingenuity of its Creator. Who hasn't enjoyed a sunrise, the sound of rain or the prevailing romanticism of a sunset by the sea? The differences favor our delight through the senses and imprint dynamics and joy into our lives. It is no different for humans. We are different: tall, short, blonde, brunette, mixed race, slim, robust. Differences are also a source of conflict inherent to socialization that highly affect the mission the Lord has entrusted to us. It is true that we do not all think alike, and instead of being frustrated by this, we should be thankful. The secret to a better coexistence and the only source of harmony lies in the path of mutual acceptance.
Let us remember that, in our poor human condition, the Beloved of heaven accepted us first. May the grace of God flood our hearts and allow us to live according to the example of Jesus. As one body in Christ, we share one spirit and one voice to glorify Him. We can do nothing about our differences, for we are his workmanship but to accept in love is the only way to glorify Him.
Written by Yoandry Jimenez
Translated by C. D. R. Sunza
Morning Romans 15:5-9
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Noon Psalm 15
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Evening 1 Corinthians 12:4-12
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Prayer Guide: [Panamá-Tortí] and [E.U. Diócesis Norte-Camden, NJ]
March's challenge: Do everything possible so that your life can be a visible testimony to all men as Christians living in the likeness of Christ. Everyday, praise your Creator. Keep a constant praise on your lips. Listen to Christian praise and worship music with your family. Go to Church, not only to be a spectator, but a worshiper. Worship as you pray, worship as you read the Bible, worship in your illness, always worship.
Annual Bible reading: 2 Samuel 1, 2, 3
