Today we read about "NAME-BRAND CLOTHING" and how we all judge others by what is on the outside. But God is the one who clothes us and the only true judge. Read on below to see what He uses to clothe us, and how we are all different yet the same.
Blessings,
Jan........... and Corinne
P.S. Tomorrow there will be no devotional posted, as Corinne will be unable to post from where she will be. New devotionals will begin again on Tuesday - stay tuned!
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Today's Devotional
"NAME-BRAND CLOTHING"
written by
Jan Andersen
Most people want to look decent in what they wear. Some are concerned about what colors look best on them, or how the garment is cut, or what materials are used. There are other people who care about whether their clothes are made by artisans where fair labor practices are followed, and others who only want designer labels. Most of us don’t want to wear clothes that are not clean when we first put them on, or that smell badly, or that look bad on us.
What happens when we walk by a park bench and see a middle aged man in rumpled clothing and a 1 week growth of hair on his face, messy hair and dirty hands holding an empty cup or can? Many people divert their eyes and give him wide berth. How about someone who dresses really differently than us? Or when we see someone from a different race or a different country? What about someone from a group that has hurt us?
Regardless of these details, whatever we wear, whatever our skin color, or wherever we are from does not change who we really are inside. When we have automatic reactions to other people’s clothes, country of origin, or skin color, we come to a conclusion that involves a judgment based on our past experiences or what we have heard and learned from others. Sometimes it is hard to admit our own prejudices. And it is hard not to jump to conclusions based on our preconceived notions about others. All of this can lead us to words and actions that are biased.
All of us have blind spots to our own areas of sinfulness. All of us sin in our thoughts, words and deeds every day in some way. Every one of us needs redemption, and we cannot earn it. Jesus died for everyone, no matter what their race or skin color is, or what type of sin they commit. God gives us faith through the power of his Holy Spirit in baptism, and therefore clothes us with His own "name-brand clothing", that of Christ Jesus! May we learn to see others as He sees us - with love and forgiveness.
Galatians 3:26-29 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for giving us the gift of faith through your Holy Spirit at our baptism, and for clothing us in righteousness with Christ Jesus, your Son, your “name-brand clothing” that gives eternal life. Help us not to be judgmental of others and to be unbiased when dealing with them. Forgive us when we fail, and help us to be loving and forgiving like you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Song:
"BLEED THE SAME"
Mandisa
featuring Toby Mac & Kirk Franklin
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Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
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Prayers are lifted up daily you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
Excellent. A very timely article and always helpful! Thank you Jan for another good reminder about life.
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