Title: The Glue That Keeps God's People Connected to Him
Text:
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
5b For he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Observation:
When I think about all of the things that separate us from God and from His creation, it can be a discouraging and disappointing scene. It's enough to make even the strongest among us weak, and especially if our constant focus is on the circumstances instead of our Christ.
A cursory examination of the history of God's people reveals that His people often turned their backs on Him. However, we know from that same history that God never turned His back on them.
What does that mean for us today? First, we have to acknowledge that we are in the same boat as those who went before us. We all fail to measure up; we all falter and fail in our relationship with God, and with others. There is none of us that is perfect.
I find three things that will help us to persevere when we go through the season of trouble, trial, and temptations; the season of unhappiness, and loss of joy and celebration.
- Remember - Take time to recall the faithfulness of God.
- Return - Turn around, and go back to the season when you were close to God.
- Rejoice - Believe that God will turn your ashes into beauty.
The answer to our brokenness and bitterness lies in putting first things first. It will amaze you what an infusion of love, forgiveness, and respect will do to create, restore, and renew our relationship with God, and with others.
Prayer:
Father, I ask that You would work in Holy Spirit power to turn Your people back to You. Lord, help us to put first things first.
Matthew 22:36-39 (ESV)
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?"
37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Father, we come as beggars, as empty pitchers before a full fountain. Father, stir our hearts with conviction and courage to love You, and others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
No comments:
Post a Comment