YOUR DAILY DOSE OF GOD

Good morning Scripture reading: Colossians 3:23-24 Worship song: My Help   Meditation:      In the competitive job market, we focus on creating an impressive resume to showcase our achievements that will qualify us as the ideal candidate. Unlike an earthly boss, who is impressed by achievements and skills, God values inner character and a repentant heart. Our professional skills and accomplishments, while important to employers, are insignificant to God, who already knows our every strength, weakness, and imperfection. Our genuine worth to God is rooted not in self-promotion but in our commitment and faith in Jesus Christ.       This clear distinction shows that human validation does not relate to divine approval. Consider the testimony of the Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:7-9, who viewed his worldly achievements as insignificant after his true encounter with Christ. King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 1, describes the profound emptiness, fut...

Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 3:14-21 Praise song: If that isn't love   Meditation:      Love, expressed appropriately, can significantly impact our behavior, well-being, and ability to connect with others. Love is the most powerful gift to humans, which is much deeper than emotional or physical attraction. Love is patient, compassionate, and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud. Love does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; and keeps no record of wrongs. Love endures and overcomes challenge and grows stronger through adversity.       The true power of love was demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who expressed His unlimited, matchless love for humanity by sacrificing His life for us. Jesus' love is greater than any you can find. He came to earth in the form of flesh, walked among sinful men, and expressed his love through healing miracles and deliverance. He was ridiculed ...

Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 22 Worship song: I Was Broken but Now Restored   Meditation:      The Apostle Paul, previously known as Saul, a once ruthless persecutor responsible for arresting and imprisoning Christian men and women, had a life-altering experience that transformed his ways after having a divine encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. After the encounter, he became an influential missionary, dedicating his life to spreading what he once sought to destroy. His fervent commitment to spreading the gospel established him as a crucial and influential figure in early Christianity.       The conversion of Paul demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive plan. It is a powerful example of God's grace and the potential for change in everyone, as God's mercy is available to all, regardless of their past sins. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace nor his anyone too sinful that the mercy...

Good morning Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 Worship Song: This Poor Man Cried   Meditation:      In accordance with the Gospel's mandate, we are called to deepen our understanding of the needs of the poor, accepting that their presence among us is constant. Poverty is a condition where an individual lacks the financial resources to meet a certain standard of living. This societal problem has different categories, including absolute poverty, the most severe form. Those listed in the category of absolute poverty find it challenging to provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus' teachings about ministering to the needs of the poor are vital and should not be overlooked. Jesus' advice to the rich man highlights a core principle of following Christ, illustrating that active generosity and charity are necessary for those who seek to fully live by his teachings.       While it is common practice t...

Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Praise song: Lift Your Countenance   Meditation:      The English idiom 'Never Judge a Book by Its Cover' implies that one should not make a final judgment on anything based only on outward appearance. The story narrated in the above scripture gives a clear insight into what it means to judge by outer appearance. The prophet Samuel gazed upon seven of Jesse's sons and was satisfied with their masculinity and countenance, thinking they fit the profile of a king. Still, the Lord made it known to Samuel that the qualities He seeks are internal and not external. The Lord looks at the heart and not the outward physique.       Following the Lord's command, Samuel sent for David, who was out in the field tending to the flock, anointed him with oil, and appointed him as the King of Israel. Look not upon another man's countenance because redeeming love has set apart the worst of mankind to be rewar...

Good morning Scripture reading: Mark 14: 40-46 Worship song: Man of Sorrows   Meditation:      Greet or salute one another with a "holy kiss," mentioned in the New Testament, was embraced among early believers, signifying acceptance, unity, and brotherly love. It was a way to show they were part of the same spiritual family and that God's love was present among them. However, the Bible also portrays kisses used in deceit and treachery, like Judas's kiss of betrayal. Judas was handpicked by Jesus as one of His twelve disciples at the beginning of his ministry. Judas witnessed Jesus perform miracles and listened to His teachings, but his mind was not transformed. Judas's focus shifted to his desire for material wealth, demonstrating his hunger for earthly gain over spiritual wealth.       Judas had arranged with the soldiers that the man he would kiss was the one to be arrested. His betrayal highlights that being a loyal bel...

Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 26: 47-50 Worship song: Man of Sorrows   Topic: Betrayed By a Friend      The story of Judas' betrayal is a stark reminder that not every individual close to us is loyal and genuine. Judas was chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles, but his actions demonstrated a lack of faith and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Many people come into our circle, but their motives are self-interest. They eat, drink, and communicate with us, but their desire is for our downfall. Judas's actions show that someone can appear to be a devoted friend while inwardly harboring deceitful intentions. They can easily conceal their true character by hiding their agenda behind seemingly harmless actions.       Be aware that persons who appear to be deeply concerned about your problem may do so for personal purposes. Once they gain your trust and get what they want, the genuine care ceases. Judas's ability to hide his...

Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 37:4-6 Worship song: I Lay It Down   Meditation:      True commitment is more than just mere words. The depth of our commitment is established when we can actively put aside our own desires, ambitions, and self-interest to prioritize God's will as highlighted in St.   Luke 9:23. Commitment is the unwavering dedication to a goal, activity, or something you are determined to accomplish without getting weary. Genuine commitment is measured by our willingness to live a life that reflects God's character and values, rather than conforming to worldly pressures. An individual committed to God makes it a priority to genuine love the Lord God sincerely and wholeheartedly as expressed in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.       We are called to align our hearts and actions with the perfect will of God, and walk in his statutes, and keep his commandments, allowing our lives to be a true reflection of his ...