Thursday Devotional - Advantages Appreciated?

Sarah is much better at entertaining herself than James. When she thinks to play with a particular toy, then sometimes James decides that’s the toy he wants to use, too! Funny how that works, no matter how many other toys are available!

 

As adults, we sometimes don’t appreciate and use the advantages and blessings we have. In fact, can you think of someone who has received numerous blessings and lots of advantages but doesn’t recognize, appreciate or use them? Paul could.

Paul wrote the book of Romans to primarily Gentile believers in Rome. God had appointed him to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 15:16). Yet, in the following passage Paul grieves over the Jews’ lack of belief, despite all their advantages.

Romans 9:1-5          I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, ⁴ the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. ⁵ Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

The Jews had so many advantages, but didn’t recognize, appreciate or respond appropriately.

What advantages has God given to you and me? How are (or will) you and I appropriately use them for God’s purposes in our own lives and the lives of those around us?

Let’s take time to recognize the advantages He has provided and give Him thanks!

Alice

Finished

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”  A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

“Are we done yet,” asks my daughter as we go down the path of her impending punishment. This is the conversation we seemingly have over and over again.  We discuss something along the lines of, “You need to take responsibility for your own actions,” or, “It’s not about what you want.  It’s about what we expect from you.”  We try to be careful realizing one day this strong-willed child will be a force for good.  But yesterday, I simply wanted the little girl who tried to please her Dad with little tears running down her face.  So, we get to her punishment, and then, we are finished.  She storms upstairs frustrated that I have been harsh (in her eyesight), and I am hopeful she understands the right things to do in the future.  While we are finished with the conversation, it is part of the bigger picture of helping one young girl become a young woman.  My wife and me understand one of our purposes is to help her make that transition from young girl to a God-fearing woman, and we pray she will one day appreciate that.

Trusting God is key to ensure His purpose for our lives is fulfilled. This past week, I kept reflecting on today’s verses on Jesus’ crucifixion.  Why did He say, “It is finished,” when He knew He would rise from the grave?  Jesus had done all that He needed to do on earth.  He showed He was the Messiah through teachings and miracles.  He gave the hope of the Good News to come.  He took on all that the world could offer, and most important of all, He gave His life in sacrifice for us.  He submitted His free spirit to God.  There was nothing left for Him to do.  So, His work here on earth was … finished.  But we know it was not the end.  How often do we continue to fight and claw through a situation without an end in sight?  Perhaps now is the time to focus both intently and with clarity what God’s next move is for your life.  Our work or efforts in a situation may be indeed ‘finished,’ but we must remember that just because our work is finished does not mean it is the end.  Only God makes that determination for as written in the book of Isaiah, “When He opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.” (22:22b)

God has a purpose for everyone.  Sure, the journey may seem endless, and sometimes, we may not even feel like we know where we are going.  But if we trust in God, we know there is a bigger plan.  So let us focus on continuing to both seek and fulfill our purpose such that when the end is truly in sight, we can speak as Paul wrote:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

What Godly purpose do you have left unfulfilled?  How can you make steps toward finding God’s purpose for your life?  My prayer is that we continue to follow God unconditionally until we can say to Him, “It is finished.”  Amen.

Honoring your Mother

Proverbs 23:25

May your father and mother rejoice;
    may she who gave you birth be joyful!

I know it is the day after but to all of you Mother’s out there, Happy Mother’s Day.  For those who are not Mother’s, maybe don’t even have any children or you’re a guy, you might not think all too much about Mother’s Day any more.  I have been guilty of not doing much more than sending my mom something and a quick phone call. 

This year was different.  My mom, sisters and I took a weekend trip.  We didn’t get home until rather late last night so we did not get to spend much time with our own kids however it was a complete joy to spend the weekend celebrating our mom and watching her be filled with joy.  She wasn’t showered with lavish gifts at all.  We just spent a great weekend together. 

We often think about the commandment to honor our father and mother.  While that does mean to obey them, that is not all.  Honoring them is so much more.  It brings them joy when you honor them. 

How can you honor your mother, whether she is near you, miles away or even no longer with us?