John 10:10 …I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Last night I went to see the Christian band Big Daddy Weave in concert. It is the second time I’ve been able to see them, the second time in a smaller, church venue, and the second time I had the distinct impression that their music comes from a place of deep love for their Savior. It was a humbling, powerful experience.
Rom 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
I was reminded during the concert that God, the Creator of the universe, the Savior of the world, loves us so deeply, so completely, that He refuses to force us into relationship with Him. He will go to the ends of the earth to find us, to save us, He sent His Son in exchange for our sins, but He will not force us into relationship. He lets us choose Him, which is both humbling and powerful.
Rom 2:4 …Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because He wants you to turn to Him?
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, Your deep and abiding love for us. Thank You for the heartfelt music and message from last night’s concert. Thank You for loving us so deeply, so fiercely, so completely. Thank You for going to the ends of the earth to find us, for leaving the 99 to save us, for allowing us to choose You, for the inherent beauty of that choice. Draw us closer. Amen.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Have a blessed day.
That God may be glorified…. (devo reflection)
Romans 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had….
The commentary I read this morning about this scripture, specifically verse 7, contained the following gem: “The great end in all our actions must be that God may be glorified; nothing more….” What a simple yet profound statement. If we have the same mind toward each other that Christ had toward us, how different would our actions and interactions be? If we focus on His will, not our own, how different would our results be?
Romans 15:6 …so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, I know I am guilty of putting my wants, needs, and attitudes before Your will, but what I want most in my life is to glorify You—in my thoughts, my actions, my words, and my attitudes. Help me to keep that goal—glorifying You, shining Your light—at the forefront of all I do. Before I think, act, speak, help me to ask how my thoughts, actions, and words will glorify Your name.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, and for Your will for my life. My selfish streak can be quite wide and stubborn, Lord, but I want to glorify You more than anything. Root out all that is selfish and self-serving within me, Lord, so that in all things I can earnestly and honestly say, “Thy will be done.” Draw me closer, Lord. Amen.
John 17:21 May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us….
Have a blessed day.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do…. (devo reflection)
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. (NLT)
I find various translations of bible verses fascinating, perhaps because of my teaching background. I will often go to BibleHub to see the different translations as I’m deciding which most closely matches what God has placed on my heart each morning. Usually, the difference is so slight, most any translation will work. This verse, however, really struck me.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. (NIV)
I’m currently working through some online professional development in preparation for the new school year. One of the motifs I’m noticing is the idea of living and teaching boldly, which also means being prepared, at times, to fail boldly. I sincerely believe that just because the LORD has established my steps does not guarantee I will meet my own definition of success in the venture. Sometimes He needs me to fail spectacularly so that I can learn the lessons He needs me to learn.
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for leading me to ponder the idea of success when it comes to Your will for my life. I sincerely believe that if I lay my plans at Your feet each day, asking for Your guidance, that You will direct my path. I also believe that if my path brings me closer to You and helps me to shine Your light in this world, then I will indeed achieve overwhelming eternal victory, even if I do not achieve my personal definition of success. Draw me closer, LORD. Amen.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Have a blessed day.