⁹ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy;

Colossians 1:9-11 [NKJV]

Truth is, I have a busy day ahead of me. There are work-related tasks that I haven’t finished yet. And frankly, it seems like I have my work cut out for me. As tempting as it is for me to want to skip my daily bread devotions today, I know that it’s not enough to just talk about doing it as a part of my daily life. I have to actually be doing it. You get what I mean? Part of the major reason why I began this daily bread journals back in 2017 is because I was sick and tired of living a life where I wasn’t actually applying everything that I’ve learned. I had all of these knowledge and understanding inside my head. But until I can apply it into my daily life, it will forever stay there inside my head as knowledge. And it won’t make any impact or change anything about my life or my circumstances.

So, in 2017, I embarked on a personal, spiritual journey to undercover just how to become someone that doesn’t just talk a good talk, but also walk the walk. I had become increasing self-aware that I was calling myself a Christian and believer, but I wasn’t really living the life of a Christian. It was merely a title, a label. With all the talking that I had been doing for years, I actually have nothing to show for it back then.

Still a Work-in-Progress (7 Years Later)

You might think that in seven years since I’ve started this journey, that I would’ve made a lot of progress. That I would have achieved some kind of major change/difference. Well, if I have to totally authentic with you, the answer is not quite. Despite my best intentions and efforts over the years, I still occasionally stumble and make mistakes still. There were days when it felt easier to do the things that I know I should be doing. And then there would be days when it feels like drag and a struggle to live up to my understanding of what I know I ought to be doing. That said, in hindsight, I can see that I did make some progress. Honestly, I am really thankful and pleased with myself for the progress that I have made so far. But I am also constantly reminded every single day that my journey isn’t over yet. Far from it.

After seven years of trials and tribulations, I have been reminded that my journey is only beginning. Yes, it is good that I’ve managed to make some positive progress so far. But I am far from where I ought to be (or can be). And if I want to live up to the potential that God has placed in me, I have to keep try, and to keep making the effort on a daily basis. Sure, I could, and will likely fail on some days. But that doesn’t mean that I will stop trying.

As I continue to focus on my work on this Sunday, I am being reminded that the ultimate form of showing others that we can be trusted, and that we are reliable, is by doing the things that we have said. We have to show them via our actions. It is through our progress and results that they can see who we are and what we are capable of.

Personal Prayers for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to give You thanks for giving me a reminder that I needed more than anything else. Thank You for reminding me that the best way to show my gratitude and appreciation to others, and to You is by actually staying committed and practicing the things I believe in. Words alone are never going to be enough to convince people. It is our consistent actions on a daily basis that speaks volumes to who we are and our character.

As I end my daily bread entry today and go focus on my work, I ask that You will continue to bless me with the creativity and productivity that I need. Please help me to stay focused on what I have to finish today. Help me to become the man that You always wanted me to be.

I vow to give You all of the praise and all the glory. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.