January 22 – Devotional
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Key Verses: From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things; all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. – Philippians 4:8-9a, CEB
The acronym GIGO is often used in computer science. Garbage In, Garbage Out.A program can be perfectly written, but if the data entered into it is incorrect, the program will produce incorrect results. Likewise, one of the ways we keep our bodies healthy is to eat healthy foods. A regular diet of lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is more likely to keep us healthy than a regular diet of triple cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. Our thoughts and actions work in a similar manner. If we think about positive and good things, we are more likely to have a positive attitude and do good things; and if we think about negative and bad things, we are more likely to have a bad attitude and do bad things. For that reason, Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to think about and practice things that were true, holy, just, lovely, and worthy of praise. The Bible is full of values that we as Christians are called to practice. One hundred of them are listed in Appendix A. Think about how these words relate to First Houston United Methodist Church today and how they influence our vision as we move into God’s best future for our church.
Pray:
- Which 15 of these 100 values most apply to our church as we move into God’s best future?
- Which 5 of the 15 are non-negotiable?
- Why are these 5 non-negotiable?
| Appendix A | |||
| Biblical Values | |||
| Abundance | Discipline | Honesty | Repentance |
| Acceptance | Diversity | Honor | Respect |
| Accountability | Empathy | Hope | Responsibility |
| Authenticity | Encouragement | Hospitality | Restoration |
| Belief | Endurance | Humility | Reverence |
| Belonging | Equality | Integrity | Righteousness |
| Boldness | Ethical | Joyfulness | Sacrifice |
| Caring | Evangelism | Justice | Self-Control |
| Celebration | Faith | Kindness | Selflessness |
| Character | Family | Knowledge | Self-Respect |
| Charity | Fearlessness | Leadership | Service |
| Cheerfulness | Fidelity | Love | Spirituality |
| Commitment | Forbearance | Meekness | Stewardship |
| Community | Forgiveness | Mercy | Strength |
| Compassion | Freedom | Mission | Thankfulness |
| Confession | Friendship | Obedience | Tithing |
| Connection | Generosity | Patience | Transformation |
| Consecration | Gentleness | Peace | Trustworthiness |
| Contentment | Giving | Perseverence | Truthfulness |
| Courage | Godliness | Power | Understanding |
| Dedication | Goodness | Prayerfulness | Unity |
| Dependability | Grace | Purpose | Vision |
| Determination | Gratitude | Reconciliation | Welcoming |
| Discernment | Growth | Relationship | Wisdom |
| Discipleship | Holiness | Renewal | Worship |
Listen: With open eyes, ears, and heart, listen for God to speak to you now and throughout the day.
Share: You can share your thoughts where you feel best. You can share your thoughts in your printed devotional booklet, you can share below in the comments, you can share a comment on our Facebook page, or you can share a comment on the First Houston United Methodist Church App by following the Daily Devotionals Channel.
