Daily Devotional

"⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1:9-11

This is a beautiful prayer made by the apostle Paul to the Philippians; indirectly, it has also reached each of us. In it, he asks for love to increase in two fundamental things:

1. knowledge
2. perception

An increase in love is fundamental nowadays. But it's not something nominal or superficial. Love implies knowledge and all perception (discernment, being attentive). This means that we need to know more about the object of our love: God in the first place, and our neighbor as ourselves.

In addition, we also need to be attentive, with all perceptions, to love more and better. This means no longer being insensitive and alienated, but paying attention to others and their needs. Remember, you were and are loved by the greatest Love in the world. That's why you can also show greater love for God and others.

Love in Action!

• Being loved and loving changes our understanding of living, it should change our attitude towards everything and everyone.
• Look for ways to get to know God better, through a personal relationship with Him. Also, try to get to know the reality of other people. Get involved, participate, and find ways to love more.
• Pray more and get to know the Bible better - reading, preaching, Bible studies, and courses are good ways.
• Look around you, like the "good Samaritan". See what you can do for others today.
• Ask God to increase your love (and that of the whole church), to love with knowledge and a good understanding and sensitivity.

Pray:

Lord our God, help me to love more.
Teach me to love you faithfully above all things, and also to love those who are the object of your love.
May I notice those who suffer along the way and extend my arms to the afflicted.
Increase knowledge and a good understanding of life, so that Your love is reflected in me and reaches out to others around me. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for everything.
Amen!

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸ and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."

- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Many people have had to show evidence that they are alive. It may sound strange, but it's actually quite common that some people need to prove to financial or social security institutions that they are alive in order to access money/documentation. Doing this is quite simple, the person just has to go in person to the specified location and show themselves in the flesh.

Do you have proof that our Savior is alive? For Christians and non-believers alike, it is a historical fact that Jesus really existed. Non-Christian historians have also recorded the Lord's death and resurrection. The Bible tells us that after he was resurrected, Jesus not only appeared to his 12 disciples but beyond them to more than 500 people who could easily testify to this fact.

Hold on to this hope: Jesus, the living savior! Our faith is not based on a dead God. The cross and the tomb are empty to prove it. Jesus Christ lives! This is the reason for our hope and what drives the Christian faith every day.

What greater proof of Life?

• Believe it! Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are historical facts attested to and confirmed by countless witnesses.
• Seek the Lord with all your heart - Taste and prove the Lord's life.
• Pray, andask God to reveal the full life of Jesus to your heart.
• Thomas said he needed to see to believe and, like him, many also doubt. Jesus not only showed himself to Thomas, but he also offered to let Thomas touch his wounds. Don't doubt like Thomas, but truly believe!
• Read, listen, meditate, and study the Bible. Faith grows as we understand the Word of God.

Pray:

Lord God, I believe that Jesus is alive! I believe that He came to bring us eternal Life and, even though He died in my place, He rose again for Your Glory and praise. I thank you for the countless proofs of life that Christ gives us in the Bible and daily as He walks beside us. Praise be to you for thousands of reasons to trust in the Lord and in your love. Thank you for life in Christ Jesus. Amen!