It’s week two of our Timberlake Church One Million Reasons Daily (weekday) Devotional. We hope you get a little inspiration and insight into God’s Word each day. Enjoy and be blessed, the Devotional Volunteer Team
Daily Bible Reading: Acts 6
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:22-24
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! ~ Galatians 2:20-21
Pastor Ben challenged us to “Commit to Grow”. As a long time follower of Jesus, I was reminded of how difficult of a request that has felt at times. Throughout my life, I have tried to do things that were supposed to help me grow into a better Christian; to be more like Christ. My efforts vacillated and my growth seemed stunted. I read the Bible daily, hosted Bible studies, attended church services; and there have been times that I didn’t do any of those. I often wondered if I would ever be a “Mature Christian”, if I had grown enough. Though my faith in Jesus didn’t waiver, my commitment to growth certainly did.
Despite my wavering efforts, Jesus continued to grow me, to mature me, to love me! It is through His grace and faithfulness that my focus has shifted from growing into a better Christian, to a commitment to trusting in Him and His plan for my life. It is our job to seek Him and it His job to do the growing. He knows what we need in order to be best used for His purpose. As we grow in our faith by learning about Jesus and how we can be used in the church body, He will mature us (change us) in ways that we can’t imagine.
What is God asking of you today? Where is He asking you to trust Him? Consider how you can step towards change, trusting that God will be at your side. Look for ways that Jesus has already changed you, despite your efforts … or lack thereof.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Please help me to continue to grow and mature so that I can be used to glorify your kingdom. Thank you Lord, for loving me and never fluctuating—you are steadfast and worthy of our trust. Empty me of my old self, so that the light of the Holy Spirit will shine through me and I can be a light for your Glory. Amen