I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God has called you. Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other.
Ephesians 4:1-2 GW
Sometimes I forget that we’re all on different journeys to the same place. I forget that others haven’t walked in my shoes for the last 50 years.
I have a perspective on life that’s been molded by the experiences I’ve endured. I could tell you of my suffering, but we all suffer in our own ways.
I thank God for my suffering. It has taught me compassion. I’ve seen the love of God in action as I wandered as a homeless vagabond for years. The Lord provided. The Lord saved. The Lord delivered. The Lord healed. The Lord redeemed. The Lord protected. The Lord taught me that He will take care of me even when I have nothing and nowhere to go.
The important part is what I learned. I learned to have faith no matter what. Don’t tell me God can’t do anything He wants to. Just ask Him what He’s going to do and walk in agreement.
Leaders, teach your men to make disciples in their own homes. Start with their wives and children.
This is our first and most important ministry of service. Loving others as ourselves.
Father in Heaven, You are Faithful. You never break covenant. Teach us to be men and women who covenant with You. Restore our hearts and heal our homes. Teach our hearts to joyfully obey Your instructions because You are the Good Father. Amen.
Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16 GW
For more wisdom: Read Ephesians 4 every day for a month.
Igniter Ministries 