The Word – John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 (KJB)

John 1:1, like the book of Genesis, opens with the words “In the beginning.” John continues with In the beginning was the Word. The Word is Jesus; He is the Word of God. Jesus was present with God in the beginning before the world was formed. For Jesus wasn’t created; Jesus is God, fully eternal and divine.

The Word (Jesus) was with God, and all things were made by Him. This profound declaration emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. Through Him, not only was the physical universe brought into existence, but also the foundation for faith and salvation for humanity. Jesus was with God and present at creation.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

-John 1:3 (NLT)

Jesus, the Word, is God. Our God is a triune God, existing as 3 distinct forms: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. They stay in perfect unity. Jesus, the Word, reveals to us God’s truth, grace, and glory.

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Our eternal and loving God, we thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. In the beginning was Jesus, the Word, our savior, truth, and hope. Open our hearts and guide us on our path. Let us unite with our triune God, like the three hibiscus flowers gathered together. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Refuge – Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. Psalm 91:4 (CSB)

God will cover us tenderly with His wings, like a bird protects its young. Under God’s wings, we will find refuge, a safe haven, and a place of security, protection, and care. His love and grace offer us shelter from life’s adversities. In this sanctuary, we can find rest for our weary souls.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7 (NLT)

God offers us protection and a refuge, and His faithfulness is a protective shield where we can rest and find peace. It is like a security blanket for us, leaning on God’s unwavering protection in this chaotic world. He will protect and defend us, shielding us when we take our worries and fears to Him. For God is faithful and true, our shelter during life’s storms, our refuge, and our strength.

In God’s presence we have security, guidance, protection, and care. We need to learn to turn over our fears and worries to God and allow Him to lead and steer our lives, accepting God’s love, peace, and protection.

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Our Heavenly Father, how wonderful is Your unfailing love! We thank You for covering us with Your wings, offering us protection and refuge from life’s storms. Help us to give our worries to You and rest in Your peace. Like the beautiful Mandevilla flowers sheltered under the plant’s leaves, let us find shelter and refuge under Your loving wings. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Good Work – Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

– Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

The believers in Philippi had been generous supporters of Paul, and he cared about them deeply. In Philippians 1, he gives thanks and gratitude to them for their help in spreading the Good News about Christ. He also encourages them to continue growing in their faith and to stand firm in the face of challenges.

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. – Philippians 1:3-5 (NLT)

God begins His good work in us at the time of our salvation. God then continues our spiritual growth and knowledge through the lifelong process of sanctification, leading us to become more Christ-like. We are being transformed, directed, and shaped by God to fit our purpose in this world. This transformation strengthens our faith and equips us to positively impact those around us. As we embrace this journey, we become living testimonies of God’s grace and love.

Our spiritual growth continues, finishing with a flourishing conclusion when Jesus returns. Until then, we must remain steadfast in our faith, actively seeking ways to share His love and grace with others.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

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Thank you, our Heavenly Father, for Your love, mercy, and grace. Through your good works, let us continue to grow spiritually, becoming transformed and shaped to become more like Jesus. As the colorful petunias spread and grow toward the sun, let us grow in faith and spread Your love. Amen

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God’s With Us – Psalm 73:23

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

Psalm 73:23 (NIV)

Verse 23 is referring to God; He is always with us. He is at our side, and we are never alone. God is with us during frustrations, hardships, as well as times of joy. We have a divine companion who loves us and holds our hand.

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

We can rest easy knowing God is with us, even in our darkest moments, guiding us and giving us strength and support.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

We can lean on God and not fear or be shaken, for our trust in Him gives us stability. The Lord is looking out for us, giving us the courage and strength we require during times of trouble.

We don’t have to face challenges alone, for God is always with us.

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for always being with us. Guide us and direct us on our path. Teach us to keep our eyes on You, and reach out to You during times of trouble. Like the geranium flowers are gathered together in a bright cluster, let us be bright in our faith and gathered together in love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Holy Calling – 2 Timothy 1:9

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

– 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul is writing to Timothy. He is speaking of the powerful love of God. That through God and the sacrifice of His son Jesus, we have been redeemed, rescued from sin. We are saved by God’s grace to be His people.

We are saved by grace, the grace of God, his unmerited favor, to bring us from sin and brokenness to holiness; a holy calling. Calling us to a life dedicated to Him, not because of our works, but due to God’s grace and purpose. His purpose for us, His chosen people, was established before the beginning of time. Through Jesus, we have been redeemed, called to live lives set apart for God’s purpose, and to pursue righteousness and holiness.

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Titus 2:14 (NLT)

We are to live out the holy life God prepared for us as His holy people, responding with praise, worship, and obedience. We are His people. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be His people, serving Him and doing good works.

We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for our salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Lead us in Your eternal purpose/holy calling to a life of holiness and righteousness. Lord, we praise and worship You for Your goodness and grace. Like the colorful oriental lily brightens summer days, let us brighten the world with Your light and love. Amen

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Pure Heart – James 4:7-8

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

– James 4:7-8 (NLT)

James noticed that worldliness was pervading the Christian community in the early church. He urged them to resist the devil and repent from their sinful ways. Telling them to wash their hands, a symbol of repentance, and turn away from being double-minded, serving self and God. For them to turn away from sin and serve God.

We need to obey God, be humble, and come close to God. When we move toward God, He moves closer to us. We need to live according to Jesus’ teaching. Purifying our hearts, letting go of worldly ways, and loving the Lord your God with all our hearts.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

A pure heart characterized by an absence of impurity and contamination. A pure heart has openness and integrity, which are essential for a deep relationship with God.

It is time to quit playing in the worldly field, to repent from sin, purify our hearts, and love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field.

James 4: 7-8 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, help us to realize what is important in life. Guide our steps and teach us to rely on Your guidance. Thank You for Your love, grace, and forgiveness. Help us to turn away from worldliness and sin and have a pure heart. As Dianthus flowers are gathered close together, turning toward the sun, let us draw close to You and follow Your Son, Jesus. Amen

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Majestic – Psalm 8:3-4

3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them?

Psalm 8:3-4 (NET)

David is praising the immense beauty and wonder of God’s creation. God formed the heavens, earth, and the vast universe. Our earth is a wonder of diversity and complexity, with a remarkable interdependence between plants and animals.

God formed the majesty of the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The sun that lights our days.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

In verse 4, David ponders the significance of humanity in the grandeur of the universe. He is humbled that God, in His infinite wisdom, made man in His image and bestowed His love, mercy, and kindness upon us, entrusting us to be stewards of His world, responsibly managing the earth.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?

Psalm 8:3-4 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, like David, we are in awe of You and the wonder and grandeur of creation. When we look at the vastness of the universe, we feel insignificant and are humbled by Your love and care for us. We praise You for Your mercy and grace toward us. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! Like the bright azalea blossoms bring beauty to spring, let us shine brightly with the beauty of Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Resurrection and Life – John 11:25

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 11:25 (NIV)

Jesus had heard His friend Lazarus was sick; he waited two days before heading to Bethany to visit him. When He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Martha, Lazarus’s sister, went out to meet Jesus and said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” For she had faith and knew Jesus could have healed her brother. Jesus replies to her in John 11:25.

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

In verse 26, Jesus continues.

26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Then He asks Martha, do you believe this?

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

When Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life, he was explaining that He was the source of both, clarifying His divine nature. Jesus went to the tomb and called, “Lazarus, come out.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. – John 11:40-44 (NIV)

Lazarus walked out of the grave.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life, a promise of eternal life for believers. Faith in Jesus offers us comfort and hope for the future. Whoever believes in Jesus will be saved; death is not final but a gateway to eternal life.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Through your love for us, you gave us Your only Son, Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life, our hope and salvation. As a poppy grows blooming in the sunlight, let us grow in faith and bloom in Your Son’s light. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Love One Another – Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Romans 12:10 (NET)

In Romans 12, Paul gives guidelines on how Christians should treat one another. He explains the importance of selflessness, love, and respect for others. Our goal is to love one another with mutual love, honor, and respect. Paul emphasized the importance of Christians to build a strong, unified, and loving community that reflects the teachings of Jesus and God’s love. The importance for us to love one another regardless of cultural or ethnic backgrounds, as He has loved us.

In the previous verse (Romans 12:9), Paul urged believers to be sincere in their love for each other. To love and help each other, to hate evil and hold tight to what is good, and to let go of anger and forgive.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NLT)

We need to be patient, love one another, live in peace, focus on what is good, detest evil, forgive, and rejoice in our future.

9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:10 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your unconditional love. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Open our hearts to forgiveness and love for all. Guide us to hate what is evil and embrace what is good. Like the lovely Peace Lily flower is open and upright, let us be open-hearted and upright in our actions. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen

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New Birth – Titus 3:5

4 God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. Titus 3:4-5 (CEV)

We are saved by God’s mercy and compassion. Salvation is a gift of grace from God to all who believe in Jesus, His son. Jesus died on the cross, paying the price for our sins. When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are given eternal life.

Salvation comes only from God; we can’t achieve it through our works or good deeds. He gives us a new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The only condition for salvation is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. Titus 3:5 b (CEV)

When we accept Jesus Christ, our sins – are washed away —a washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Through the washing of regeneration, we are made new, a spiritual cleaning, a new birth, born again. Anyone who belongs to Jesus Christ is a new person; the old life is gone.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

The washing of our sins is an internal cleansing of the soul by the Holy Spirit. Resulting in a new birth in Jesus Christ, bringing a new life and living hope.

3-8 It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3-5 (MSG)

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Our Holy Loving Father, we are in awe of Your goodness, love, and grace. You love us so much that You gave your one and only Son, so whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. We are saved by Your mercy and grace, giving us hope and a new birth. Like water washes the iris flowers, let us believe in Jesus, be washed by the Holy Spirit, and be reborn. Amen

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