Devotional for Wednesday June 1, 2022
As old as existence itself, is the concern of some for their image or personal appearance. Throughout history, the way we dress, the image we project has conveyed a consistent message to our position. Nobody dares to deny the importance of the appearance we show to the world.
Slow talk, a melodious voice, and eloquent speech may offer you some credentials as an ambassador of men, but you cannot speak life if you are dead, nor transmit light, unless you abide in it. It is often difficult to live with a costume or to be convincing after a while. Although there are actors who have managed to deceive for a long time, it is impossible to surpass the scrutiny of those who look at the heart.
In Sardis, as in our times, there was a dead church among the living, and the words of the Lord reach our days as one of the greatest messages of love: I know your works, be vigilant, remember what you have received.
No matter how long you have been dead, repent and live. It is useless to pretend that our image and actions testify of the Christ who lives in our hearts.
Written by Yoandry Jimenez
Translated by Nelson Baires
Morning Revelation 3:1-5
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Noon Psalm 68:1-10
1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
Evening Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Prayer Guide: [E.U. Diócesis Sur - Montgomery] and [Cuba-Las Tunas]
This month's challenge is: Think before you judge or act.
Ask yourself at all times: how would I want to be treated if I were in that condition? Always remember Jesus' advice: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged: condemn not, and you will not be condemned: forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:36,37
Annual Bible reading: Psalms 20, 21, 22
