Holy and Dearly Loved People

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12

We are God's chosen people.

He loves us.

He makes us holy through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

God calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion.

And to put on kindness.

He commands us to be humble. 

He humbles us when we start to get proud.

The Lord shows us gentleness and mercy.

And He calls us to be gentle and merciful to others.

God is patient with me and asks me to be patient with those around me.

Humility That Comes From Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13 

What does wisdom mean in the eyes of the Lord?

Solomon had wisdom, yet even He was not wise when it came to marrying wives who worshiped other Gods.

As a result, they led him away from the Lord.

So how do I get wisdom and understanding?

Especially when it seems nearly impossible to live a good life.

And it's especially difficult to live in humility.

James 1:5 reminds me that "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Only God is truly wise.

So when I ask Him before I take action instead of afterward, He can help me live a good life, do deeds in humility, repent when I miss the mark daily, and turn back to Him.

Do Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. — Philippians 2:3-4 

Do nothing out of vain conceit.

Value others above yourselves.

Look to the interests of others.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition.

Another birthday dessert for Abby's 25th!

Humility That Comes From Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13 

Who is wise among us?

Who is understanding?

Let them show it by their good life.

And let them show their wisdom by deeds done in humility.

Their humility that comes from God's wisdom.

Holy and Dearly Loved

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12 

I am chosen by God.

As one of His chosen people, I am dearly loved.

God wants me to become holy.

He shows me how to clothe myself with compassion.

And to put on humility, gentleness, patience, and kindness.

Help me, Lord.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12

Today we think of wearing green.

Clothing ourselves with shamrocks and rainbows.

But God calls us to clothe ourselves in compassion.

To be kind to others.

To practice humility.

Act with gentleness.

Show patience.

A tall order when we face difficulties and stresses of life.

Put on Love

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. — Colossians 3:14 The Message

God asks us to put on love every day, just as we put on clothes for the day ahead.

When we put on His Fruit of the Spirit, He helps us get through the day with contentment.

God chose us for this new life of love.

He gives us the wardrobe we need to succeed at life.

Kindness, quiet strength, self-disciplines, humility.

These are not easy to come by.

It is only with God's help that we can get dressed and ready to face the day ahead.

God's Chosen People

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12

We are chosen by God, His chosen people.

He loves us dearly.

He calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness.

We are to put on humility and gentleness.

And we are to practice patience.

This is the sunset I saw on the way home Monday night.

The clouds were amazing.

Beautiful.

Who Is Understanding?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13

From Abby's alma mater, Whitworth University, we received this beautiful prayer.

Thanksgiving:
Lord, you call us to follow; to turn away from our own selfish interests, and to be disciples and follow after You, even if the path is difficult to see. We are grateful that you lead us, even when it is in a direction that we would never have chosen for ourselves. Help us not to be so hesitant to follow, and to see with the eyes of faith.

Teach us to follow without fear, knowing that You are always with us, leading the way.
Amen.

I have my 12th radiation treatment today and will meet with my radiation doctor to make sure everything is going as planned.

So far no discomfort. I'm expecting some fatigue to kick in at the end of the week.

We are so thankful for the prayers that have sustained me well over the past nine months since my cancer diagnosis.

This prayer was such a perfect synopsis of our lives over this period and God's mercy.

I am grateful.