Harmony – 1 Peter 3:8

Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. 1 Peter 3:8 (GWT)

Peter wrote this letter to the Christians in Asia Minor, explaining how all Christians should act. We should live in harmony, be courteous and accept each other’s differences, listen, compromise, respect, love one another, and live in peace and unity.

Peter reminds them that if they are to be faithful, obedient followers of Christ. They need to exhibit inner qualities by being kind and sympathetic, showing compassion, and caring for each other.

Believers should reflect Jesus’ actions by being humble, forgiving, and loving one another.

^8-12Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9 (MSG)

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The words of Peter are still viable today; are you living in harmony and showing compassion to others?

Our Heavenly Father, help us to live in harmony with each other. Guide us to be more Christlike in our actions, showing compassion, forgiveness, and respect to all we meet. Teach us to learn to listen and be respectful to each other. Like the flowers of the bleeding heart plant are open and gathered together, let us be open-hearted and gather together in harmony. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Christ Lives in Me – Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

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What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? It means Christ paid for our sins; they were crucified with Him on the cross. When we believe in Christ, we become a new creation; our old sinful life is dead and gone, replaced with faith, faith in Christ, our Savior. Christ lives in us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

We trust in His plans for us; we strive to grow like Christ, and our thoughts and actions are transformed.
Instead of living in selfishness and worldly passions, we change priorities and behaviors, surrender control, and strive to live in a way that pleases God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 34:16 (NIV)

Why did Jesus die for us? He died on the cross for us because He loves us.

Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Galatians 2:20 (MSG)

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Lord Jesus, you are our hope and salvation. We thank You for Your grace and love toward us, dying for our sins, and for living in us. Guide us on Your path, and teach us to follow You. Like the Magnolia tree has beautiful purple flowers in the spring, its blossoms opening in the sunlight; let us grow in faith and flower in Your light and love. Amen

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Everything I Need – Psalm 23:1

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. – Psalm 23:1 (NET)

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. – Psalm 23:1 (GNT)

Psalm 23 is about God’s protection; David is confident that the Lord is his shepherd, providing everything he needs. It is a psalm of gratitude for God’s guidance and love. David trusts in God, considering Him a good “Shepherd.” When we believe in the Lord and stay in close fellowship with Him, He provides His unlimited resources.

David has faith in God’s promises and goodness. God is with him; he has nothing to fear. God is with us; we are precious to the Lord.

We might not have everything we desire, but God will provide what we need. God is with us always, watching our steps, guiding us, and blessing us with everything we need.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love and provision. Help us to grow in trust and faith and realize that You will take care of us. Lord, let us trust in You, knowing we have nothing to fear, for You are with us. Like the crocus blooms in spring, let us believe, follow Christ, and bloom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Living Water – John 7:38

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”

– John 7:38 (BSB)

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrates God’s provision during the Israelites’ wilderness journey of providing water from a rock. During the festival, Jesus announces, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”

Then Jesus declares the scripture from Isaiah fulfilled, that those who believe in him will have streams of living water flowing within them.

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)

What is the living water? The Holy Spirit, Jesus explains that believers would receive the Holy Spirit soon after He has been crucified and glorified. Jesus, our Savior, offers His believers living water.

When we accept Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, the living water, which transforms our lives, bringing spiritual renewal. The living water flows through us, nourishing and refreshing us, a stream of peace, joy, and love, giving life to everything around us.

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Jesus, our Lord, we praise and worship You for all You have done for us. You are our hope and salvation. As Your followers, we receive living water, the Holy Spirit, our counselor and guide. Teach us to follow you, spreading the gospel and sharing Your love. Like a stream flows, watering plants along the way, let the living water flow through us and spread peace, joy, and love to the world around us. Amen