Parenting with Intentionality

Christ’s Mind of Stewardship

The Mind of Christ Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Stewardship Read Genesis 1:26-30, Philippians 2:1-11 Everything that is made has a purpose. Until it fulfils that purpose, it is useless. The same is true for us. You were created for a purpose. And until you discover it and live it, you will feel empty and unfulfilled. So ask yourself: Why am I here? “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28 NIV This week we’ve looked at the mind of Christ: Humility, sacrificial love, obedience, servanthood, and eternal perspective. Today we crown it with stewardship. On the sixth day, God created mankind - male and female - in His own image. And He gave us a purpose: to steward His creation. “Rule over the birds of the air, the fish, and every living creature.” We are God’s eyes, hands, and feet on earth. What makes us unique is that we carry God’s image. And the *mind of Christ is a mind of stewardship.* Because Christ’s mind rests in us, we are called to care for what He has made. Not for our ego. Not for our gain. But to fulfill the purpose of the One who created us. With Christ’s mind in us, we will live the purpose we were made for. Let this be our daily prayer: Lord, let the mind of Christ be in me. Help me to steward well all that You have entrusted to me, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Eternal Perspective

The Mind of Christ Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Eternal Perspective Read Philippians 2:8-11, 1 Peter 5:6 Let me take you back in time to something we heard growing up: “If you want quick money, grow pawpaws. If you want wealth, grow coffee.” Do you connect? Pawpaws are fast. In 6 months you have fruits and money! Coffee takes years. But coffee builds a legacy. And honestly, that’s how we live. We want quick results. Quick money. Quick recognition. Quick platforms. We chase the pawpaw because waiting drains us. But God is calling us to a different mindset. The mind of Christ for eternal perspectives. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! *Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,* to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 NIV Jesus had the coffee mindset. He didn’t rush the process. He didn’t chase after fame. He chose humility. He chose obedience. He chose to wait on the Father’s timing. Now, that’s wealth. That’s legacy. That’s eternal perspective. So here is the challenge for us today: Are we building for today, or for eternity? Are we chasing pawpaw results - quick cash? Or are we planting coffee - serving in hidden places, obeying when no one is watching, and trusting God to lift us in His time? Today, choose eternal rewards over quick fixes. Plant coffee, not pawpaws. Like Jesus, walk in obedience now, and trust God to lift you in His timing. Prayer: Father, Help us to stop chasing what is quick. Teach us Jesus’ heart, and give us patience to build what lasts. Coffe not pawpaw! Lift us in Your time, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Servanthood

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Servanthood Read Philippians 2:7, Mark 10:35-45 Have you noticed that today, people measure greatness by position? If you want to be called “great,” you must have status. You must have power. You must have wealth, affluence, and everything you need. And when you do, people recognize you more for what you have than for who you are. I see it often. When I travel, the way I’m received depends on the vehicle I’m in. If I arrive in a good car, the doors open faster. If I arrive in a boda boda, it’s different. But I am the same person. Nothing about me has changed until I open my mouth, until I serve, or until I make my presentation. “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 NIV In God’s Kingdom, influence is for impact, not image. Christ emptied Himself of status to fill us with grace. Servanthood is leadership in disguise. If we are truly called to serve, then the measure of greatness must be challenged. Are you a President? A Chairman? A Leader? A Signatory? Whatever title you carry - that position only becomes meaningful if you choose the *mind of servanthood*. Title without service is empty. Position without humility is dangerous. Greatness is not in the chair you sit on. It is in the people you lift when you are in that chair. Ponder: 1. How am I using my position, or influence right now? 2. Who can I serve this week without expecting anything in return? Prayer: Lord, empty me of the desire for status. Fill me with a servant’s heart. Show me how to use whatever You’ve given me to lift others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Obedient Submission

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Obedient Submission Read: Philippians 2:8, Matthew 26:36-46 In many African cultures, kneeling before elders is a sign of respect; a virtue we should not lose. I did it myself until Senior 6, when my parents said I was grown and should stop. But outward kneeling can be misleading. I’ve heard people say, ‘I am kneeling, but inside I am standing.’ That is compliance, not sacrifice. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 NIV Now, Sacrificial obedience goes deeper. It’s when your heart, your will, and your comfort are laid down before God and others; the kind that costs you, the kind that bends your will, not just your body.” In Gethsemane we see the heart of Christ most clearly. The task grew heavy, the cup looked bitter, and quitting would have been easier. Yet He chose submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”That is the mind of obedient submission. Ponder: What area of my life am I saying, “My will” instead of “Yours, Lord”? How can I practice daily surrender even in small things? Please remember: You don’t have to understand everything to obey. Obedience flows from trusting the Father completely and yielding to where He leads. Prayer: Father, I surrender my plans to Yours. Give me grace to obey when it’s hard, when it’s unclear, and when it costs me everything. Strengthen my trust in You, and keep my heart submitted. In Christ’s Name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Sacrificial Love – Others First

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Sacrificial Love – Others First Read Philippians 2:4; and Romans 15:1-3 Growing up, we loved playing football. Whenever there was a foul in the penalty box, we would count five strides to take the penalty. But honestly, we would always take six. We would start with ”Kimu Kya ggoolo” - one for the goalkeeper, then count, “One, to five.” Do you see how that attitude follows us into life? It’s natural to put ourselves first. When we are in pain or under pressure, we think, “Me, myself,” before we think about anyone else. God is challenging us, today, to think differently. “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3 NIV In a culture that says, “Put yourself first,” Christ reminds us of a different way. The mind of Christ is not self-centered, but other-centered. He stepped out of comfort, into sacrifice, because He cared more about our need than His own want. If we are truly His followers, that is the standard we are called to keep today. Ponder 1. Whose burden am I ignoring because it’s inconvenient for me? 2. What is one practical way I can put someone else’s need ahead of mine today? It may feel difficult, but our challenge is to take on Christ’s mind, a sacrificial love that considers others before ourselves. Prayer: Jesus, thank You for not pleasing Yourself, but for giving Yourself for me. Make my heart open toward the needs of those around me. Give me eyes to see and hands to help. Amen. Happy New Month - and Happy New Rotary Year By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo