Wednesday February 23, 2011
Theme: Loving Like Jesus Loves Me
Weekend Music links on iTunes: God Is With Us - Michael Olson, Today Is the Day - Lincoln Brewster, None But Jesus - Hillsong, Attention - Know Hope Collective
Read: 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:7, John 17:18
Think: Do you ever think you are meant for bigger things? This reminds me of the children’s book “Scuffy and the Tugboat.” Scuffy’s home was in the bathtub but he felt like he was meant for bigger things so he went on an adventure which led him to a stream, then a river, and ultimately to the ocean – where there is no beginning and no end.
I remember thinking that someday I would really be something in the kingdom of God. I’ve read a few books about great missionaries and mighty workers for the Lord. The plan was that I would practice as much as possible here in my little world and then one day, I’d be sent into the mission field to do the real work of the Lord. Thinking about a conversation I had with a homeless woman, I thought to myself that this was good practice. Immediately, my spirit heard God say to me “it’s not practice.”
Wow. My ego had me ambitioned towards foreign missions, as though I were useless here and perhaps, unrecognized. But God rewarded me with the knowledge that I am doing His work here and now, and at the same time revealed my pride. We are valuable to him just as and right where we are. We don’t have to go to India to be useful to God.
Do: Remember you are a vessel of the Holy Spirit and He’s given you His power. You may be destined for an exotic locale but don’t spend your time waiting or pining for the real work. “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today….” (Hebrews 3:13) and quit minding your own business when there are opportunities all around to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Pray: Draw me into your presence, Lord. Help me hear and recognize your voice. Speak into my life the direction you are leading me. Bring me daily opportunities to encourage and bless others and give me boldness to follow through.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.