Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and thus is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so no one can boast.
I have a hard time relaxing. For me, it feels selfish, unproductive, wasteful. The irony is that I would tell everyone else about the importance of relaxing and nourishing your soul, but somehow that advice doesn’t apply to me. I truly don’t think it has always been that way.
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy….
It occurred to me yesterday that perhaps I have tied my own worth to my productivity. Therefore, if I am not being productive, I have no value, no worth. The controller in me can totally see that scenario as it is one more way for me to take control. If I am working, producing, doing, then I have value. Help me, Jesus.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for opening my eyes to yet one more stronghold of control I have built. Thank You that my value, my worth comes from You and not from anything I could ever do. Help me to take an honest look at my inability to relax. Help me to see my worth, always, lies in the fact that I am Your deeply loved child and not in anything that I could ever do or produce. Draw me closer. Amen.
Romans 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
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.
Spreading the Good News…. (devo reflection)
Phil 1:12 And I want you to know…that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
Perspective can make a significant difference in a situation. Unfortunately, when bad things happen, my first response is often, “Why me? Why this? Why now?” One of my readings today asked: “Are you willing for God to use your circumstances to demonstrate His saving power to those around you?” Jesus, Help shift my focus so that, no matter my circumstances, I seek to show others Your saving power through my reaction.
Gen 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good….
That shift in focus feels revolutionary. With it, my question shifts from “Why me?” to “How can I use this to shine Your light?” And that is truly what I want more than anything—to show others the fierce love and unfathomable grace of my Savior. Help me, Jesus.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this reminder. Thank You for the difference made by a slight change in perspective. Help me to view my circumstances through the lens of “How can I use this situation to shine Your light for others?” Draw me closer. Give me strength. Amen.
Luke 21:13 This will be your chance to tell the Good News.
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.