“Beloved , I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health , just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NKJV
Welcome to the fifth devotional recap of the year. This week we received a strong call to prioritise Christ and spiritual fervour above life’s distractions. We focused on the necessity of cultivating diligence, healthy relationships, and physical health, culminating in the charge to take brave, intentional action on God’s word.
We began with the story of Martha and Mary, where Jesus corrected Martha for being worried about many things, stating that only one thing is needed: sitting at His feet and listening to His Word (Luke 10:41-42). We are cautioned not to be so carried away by the pursuit of money and comfort that we neglect the privilege of spending time with Christ, who lives in our hearts (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Monday’s article encouraged us to embrace good work ethics and be defined by diligence in all we do (Colossians 3:23). We looked at Joseph, whose consistent excellence was evident to his master and later to the prison warden, regardless of his circumstances (Genesis 39:3, 22-23). His diligence was a constant, whether in the palace or in prison. This is a challenge to believers to do away with excuses, be productive, and establish solid patterns of hard work.
We were reminded on Tuesday that as parts of the body of Christ, we are not meant to be alone; we need corporate fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). Intentional fellowship strengthens us, holds us accountable, and spurs us towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). We are encouraged to regularly attend church, join service units, and be that friend who actively encourages and strengthens others in the Lord.
Wednesday’s message emphasized that God cares for our physical health just as much as our spiritual health (3 John 1:2). Since our bodies house the spirit man and are given to us by God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), we must be good stewards. While prayer is key, we must follow practical principles: regular checkups, good diet, sleep, and exercise. A weak body impairs spiritual effectiveness, making it difficult to pray, fast, or evangelise. Intentionality about our health is crucial to avoid limiting ourselves in ministry.
On Thursday, we addressed the challenge of losing enthusiasm in devotion, urging us to be steadfast and fervent at all times (1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 4:2). Consistency is built through having a plan: setting a specific, consecrated time and place for daily devotion, as Jesus and the apostles did (Luke 22:39; Acts 3:1). We must create systems to prevent skipping devotion and establish structures for accountability, resting in God’s ability to sustain us (Jude 1:24).
The week concluded with the charge to take brave action and put God’s word and prophecies to work, as they do not happen automatically (Philippians 4:13). This requires seeing ourselves as God sees us, rejecting limiting labels like Jeremiah did (Jeremiah 1:7). We must also envision the magnitude of God’s plan, picturing the promises He has given (Genesis 13:14-15). We must pray for the boldness and strength needed to step out of our comfort zone and fulfill God’s assignment (Luke 22:43).
Dear believer, choose today to be diligent, seek godly fellowship, care for your health, maintain fervent devotion, and bravely put every word God has given you to work!
Have a great weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 25-26, Matthew 22:1-22