Thursday, August 29, 2024

When I was younger, I would sit in church, listening to all the things I was not allowed to do. I battled with the idea that God was really trying to ruin my fun. On one hand, I loved God, but on the other, I really wanted to break all of those rules.

Revelation 3:16-17
¹⁶ “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! ¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

I loved God, but I was lukewarm when it came to faithfully serving him and following Jesus. As the years went by, I quickly learned that life is full of many unexpected events. After experiencing a few deep wounds, I realized doing things my own way was only leading to an empty and painful existence.

Jesus wants to walk with us through the fires of our life, refining us in the process. Rather than falling victim to the ways of this world, we will become rich in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). We are covered in the blood of Jesus, and all the shame we once carried is accounted for (Ephesians 1:7). Finally, our eyes can be opened to see and understand the goodness of our great God.

Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Make following Jesus the priority of your life, and keep your eyes on the prize that will be yours when Jesus returns.

Questions:
What area of your life needs to be realigned with God’s word?

What are some steps you can take to turn away from a habit that is not serving you or Jesus?

Next Steps:
Discuss the above questions with a trusted friend. Ask them to help hold you accountable to making a change.

21 Days of Prayer - Day 18

Focus: My Enemies (Matthew 5:43-44)

Prayer:
Lord, I pray for my enemies who have hurt me or wronged me in any way. I ask you to forgive them and to bless them with your grace and mercy. I pray that you would soften their hearts and open their eyes to see the truth of your love. I pray that you will heal the wounds and bitterness that have been caused by our conflict. I pray that you would help me to forgive them as you have forgiven me, and to love them as you have loved me. Lord, I pray that you would make us both instruments of your peace and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 3:14
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

This post was written by April Willer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.