Meditation

06/16/2022

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1^st Peter 3:15)

Christians who expect to be effective witnesses for Christ in a largely secular world must speak with up-to-date knowledge backed by personal experience. A major purpose of the church’s educational function is to prepare and enable believers to articulate their faith wherever you happen to be. Your response should always be compassionate and easy to understand and never condescending at all.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, the lesson from 1^st Peter is a good reminder for us all, that when we share out witness of faith in God through Christ Jesus, that it never should be too wordy or an opportunity to “talk down” to someone; rather, it should be seen as what it is, an opening to share your faith in a way that helps someone else make their decision to also follow Christ. Abba, this prayer is to help us to help others in a friendly and sincere manner, that they decide to accept Jesus as Lord. Give us the right words to say and the manner it should be delivered that it might be received in such a way, that this person/s should decide to accept Jesus into their lives. Today we continue to pray for those who are suffering in body, mind, and/or spirit, with friends, family, for those we don’t know, especially the people in Ukraine, as they are fighting for their very lives and way of life. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“If God never gives up on people, neither should we!”

KNOWING GOD:

“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.” (Proverbs 22:17)

This is an educational discipline. The learner’s self-discipline is more important than externally imposed discipline. The presence of good teaching does not guarantee learning, for learning is an active process in which learners seek truth and apply themselves to the task. Indifference, self-sufficiency, or dullness of mind and heart can close our ears to words of wisdom. We do not acquire knowledge by sitting passively and waiting for it. We must search for it as though it were a hidden treasure, because in truth, that is what it is.

I AM:

“He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31-33)

Here the biblical writer repeatedly emphasized the relationship between learning and the quality of “teachableness.” Just as children can learn from parental discipline, so can we learn from constructive criticism all through our lives, if we have the humility to accept corrective advice. Despite what some people think is being harsh, discipline gives your children essential tools that will contribute to their success in school and life as well.

2ND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a wiling party to his death.” (Proverbs 19-18)

Parents can spare their children great later in life if they will correct and guide them in their young years. He Hebrew worth, “yasser” means both discipline or rebuke and teach or guide. Parental discipline should always be corrective in nature, never vindictive. Laissez-faire (“let them do as they choose”) parenthood can contribute to trouble and unhappiness in the lives of children, and sometimes even to their untimely deaths.