Daily Bible Reading
To prevent the frustration of falling behind, which most of us tend to do when following a Bible reading plan, each month of this plan gives you only twenty-five readings. Today we start a few “free days” . We encourage you to catch up on any readings you may have missed this month.
If you have finished the month’s readings, you can use these final days of the month to study the passages that challenged or intrigued you.
The Bible reading plan we are following can be found here: https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/navigators-bible-reading-plan.pdf
Daily Devotion
Catalyst
When I was thinking of a topic to write on, I heard the Lord say “Catalyst”. The first thing that came to my mind was the catalyst chemicals that I had used in my chemistry lab experiments. It didn’t sound like a Biblical term and I couldn’t relate it to devotion writing. So, I asked Him, “Catalyst?”. He responded immediately and said, “Yes. Catalyst. Go look it up”. It was an interesting read when I started exploring the word ‘catalyst’. The result of my search brought in articles that defined it from different perspectives: chemistry, a person as a catalyst, a catalyst’s impact on others’ lives, catalyst leadership, and even catalytic Bible characters. Below are a few nuggets from my reading.
Meaning of catalyst:
- Chemical: a substance that can speed up a reaction, without being consumed in the process.
- Catalytic person/event: a person or event that quickly causes change or action; a person or thing that precipitates (triggers, causes, hastens, advances) an event.
- Synonyms: impetus, incentive, motivation, stimulant, adjuvant, and agitator.
Impact of a catalyst: A catalyst is a person who by his actions selflessly helps, mentors, influences, and guides other people – professionally and /or personally in their lives. In the process, he/she inspires them to enjoy their life journey and makes their lives fulfilling and better.
Catalyst leaders bring out the best in people. They do that by encouraging people to try new things, look for the potential in others that they cannot see themselves; give them the confidence to spread their wings and get out of their comfort zone.
Important characteristics/features of catalyst:
- Initiates the reaction.
- Alters the rate of the reaction.
- Tends to react with reactants to form intermediates and, at the same time, facilitate the production of the final reaction product. After the whole process, a catalyst can regenerate (restore, renew, restart, revive, revitalize).
- Is not consumed in the reaction; remains unchanged at the end of the reaction.
The characteristic that impressed me the most is the catalyst’s ability to remain unchanged during the entire course of the reaction. Paul instructs us to restore the weak, but also to be watchful not to give into temptation, during the restoration process.
Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
The Lord instructs Ezekiel to speak His words to the children of Israel. But knowing the response of the Israelites to his corrections and warning, He promised Ezekiel that He will make him to be persistent, determined, and obstinate.
Ezekiel 3:8-9 “But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint.”
As children of God, it is important for us to stay consistent and steadfast in obedience to the Word, amidst the chaos that life brings. When we trust in the Lord, have our confidence in Him and are rooted in His Word, we will be like the tree planted by the water. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought. It never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7,8)
Jesus’s ministry was all about His Father’s business despite false accusations, betrayal, rejection, and suffering. They did not deter Him from fulfilling the purpose of His earthly ministry and plan of salvation. I pray that the Lord helps us to be positive catalysts that influence others’ lives. To be a triggering force that initiates passion and zeal in others, for the work of the Lord. To be a stimulant that accelerates and furthers the Kingdom of God. And most of all, to be relentless and tenacious in our walk with God despite commotion and turmoil.
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
~ Yoga Raj