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Everything that we say or do communicates what we want others to know about us. Sometimes, we do this by the clothes that we wear. When I wear a bright green shirt, the comments that I receive indicate that I am bringing happiness to my friends with an Irish heritage.
Sports fans often wear T-shirts or jerseys with the name and number of their favourite player. With the confusion over COVID-19, some people are showing their support for sound health advice by wearing T-shirts with a picture of their favourite chief medical officer.
Since I live in a residence with older residents, T-shirts with a particular message are not common. However, a new resident sported one with four words that really caught my attention:
- SPIRIT
WISDOM
STRENGTH
BALANCE
With this message, I was led to research the dictionary meanings of these words and look up some of the many biblical references.
Each word has several definitions, but one for spirit is "the seat of emotions and character". This certainly establishes what constitutes me as an individual.
1 Corinthians 2:11 – For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (NIV)
Wisdom is defined as "the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment". As the years go by, we each gain experience, but the challenge is to exercise good judgment. The Bible has much to say about wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6 – For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:15-16 – Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (NIV)
A definition for strength is "the ability to withstand great force or pressure". Whether these forces are internal or external, it is necessary to be constantly on guard.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)
Finally, a definition for balance is "even distribution".
Proverbs 16:11 – Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. (NIV)
This research caused me to wonder seriously what I am communicating by my actions. Am I showing love and helping others in all that I do? Since everything we do affects others, this is a challenge that we must each strive to accomplish in God's strength in the best way possible.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to communicate Your love through us to others. May we be Your light shining in the darkness. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Another good one, Vincent.
Thank you, Vincent for inspiring us today. You write so well.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing these devotional thoughts with us today. Blessings.
Dear Vincent,
I always enjoy and am blessed by your insights. Thank you!
Appreciate this wisely written devotional on what is the foundation of our understanding. Sure helps me today. Love to you, Vincent as you labour in the field especially chosen for you by God.
Thank you so much for your thought-provoking devotional. Your scripture texts are so good and favorites to be memorized. You surely get some wisdom and give some wisdom at your facility. Keep up the good work. Blessings.
Thank you again for the great devotional today. I always look forward to yours. I always feel blessed when I read your devotionals.
Take care, stay safe.
Blessings to you.
Hello
Thank you, this is very informative. Have a great weekend and Happy Canada Day a few days early. We are supposed to come back soon, God willing there will be no problems.
God bless.
I quite enjoyed this writing. It is about walking the talk isn’t it? I have wondered sometimes if people were wearing someone else’s tee shirts.
My thought for today will be what God would want on my shirt. Thank you.
Keep well.
Hi Vince,
I just want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate your message each time you write these memos. It makes a person think about how I can individually make our world a better place to live. Please continue!
Good morning Vincent,
Another excellent devotional which causes us to think about what we are saying to the world. It would also be interesting to know why the person was wearing a T-shirt with those exact words. Thanks for doing the research and for sharing your thoughts.
I am a 90-year-old woman, and I always enjoy your writings.
I start my day reading with the daily devotions and it is ever good when I see that yours is the message for the day.
Bless you for your thoughtfulness.
Wisdom comes from our Lord, and He has blessed you in that area. Thank you.
Hello Vince,
Many thanks for another great devotional. Interesting research you did on each of those words and related them to words of Jesus. You, for sure are a “light” to many people Vince and I’m sure appreciated by many in your residence.
Blessings for your devotion to writing these very meaningful and thoughtful devotionals.
(B.C.)
Every Thursday during this pandemic I have forwarded an email to the ladies in our Group at our church on what we have to be thankful for. This is part of our staying connected strategy.
I am thankful for you Walter. Your Devotionals fill me with such spiritual joy and insight. Thank you, Walter, you truly are a ‘light shining for our Lord and Saviour in the darkness.’
God Bless.
(On)
Dear Vincent,
Thanks for today’s verse.
Many years ago, Isaiah 41:10 was the verse that I was given to get off the bed where I was sitting, praying, and go to Bible College for an interview after a previous Jonah-esc type avoidance of trying somewhere else first.
It was a great affirmation today to read this when I am suffering from back ache feeling a bit sorry for myself being older, and wondering what is next for someone who is not a leader in a traditional sense, but is given a prophetic gift to exercise when appropriate. I need to be ready to get off my backside and go! Not sure where yet though, but it will become apparent as the Lord leads, else maybe I need a Peter/Cornelius type vision and visit.
God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
I pray for wisdom, a lot.
Thanks for sharing yours.