Saturday Devotion and Prayer. July 8, 2023
                                               “Submit to God’s Will”

“I will praise thee with uprightness of heart when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.” – Psalm 119:7

As the Psalmist says, we need to acknowledge that He fashioned us and our loved ones and that we need His understanding to navigate this well and in a God-honoring way.

Thankfully, when we reach out to God for help, He always gives us the truth in love. He promises to give us wisdom generously if we ask Him for it, and He never becomes frustrated that we are anxious and don’t know what to do (James 1:5). He never tires of us needing His help. Today, maybe you are wondering if someone can help you with your struggling loved one too. There is One who made you and will give you understanding. Will you submit to His will?

Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you fashioned us together with attention and care. You know every day of our lives. You know the struggles we would face and the ways we would be desperate for your wisdom and understanding. And you know the ways our loved ones are struggling too. Lord, I pray that you would forgive us when we try to help them in our own strength and lean on our own limited understanding.

Lord, I pray right now that you would help us to see the ways you want to change us through this hardship. Change our reactions, Lord. Change our unbelief. Change our hearts. Protect us from bitterness, Lord. Help us remember who the real enemy is, Lord. But also help us to acknowledge that you are the Lord of Hosts. You have angel armies at your disposal, and you long for us to ask for Your power in our situations with our loved ones. You also are our Good Shepherd, who protects us and shields us from trouble when things get messy and chaotic as they often do in this life, Lord. I pray we would trust You like little children because You are our Heavenly Father. We can submit to Your will and praise You through this storm because Your steadfast Love endures forever! Thank you. In Your son Jesus, I pray, Amen.

                               Wednesday Devotion and Prayer. July 5, 2023
                                                   “Watch How We Live”

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” – 1 Timothy 4:16.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do?” Those in authority shouldn’t only talk the talk; they have the high responsibility and honor of walking the walk. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he provides these words of wisdom: “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16).” In the letter, Paul offered numerous warnings about false teachers, gave Timothy instructions on dealing with people in the church, and provided general advice. But, here we see that Paul called Timothy to hold himself to a standard of godliness, that no matter what is going around him, Timothy must pay close attention to how he lived out his faith.

Why was this important then, and why is the way we live so important now? Because Timothy was responsible for teaching and leading the church, his actions could quickly draw or deter people from Christ.

How we live matters.
As Christians and representatives of Jesus Christ, we are responsible for taking stock of our actions and heart motivations. Especially those of us who teach the Scriptures, lead, pastor, disciple, or mentor other believers. While only God can offer the free gift of salvation, how we live can influence others to draw closer or turn away from the gospel.

There will undoubtedly be times that we falter, make mistakes, and choose the things of this world over God; Paul does not imply we lead perfect lives. Instead, Paul is encouraging Timothy, as well as us today, to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5), to “live not as the unwise but wise” (Ephesians 5:15-17) and “live a life worthy of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27-30) And when we fall short, may we quickly confess our sins privately and perhaps publicly, when necessary, seeking forgiveness and redemption.

As God’s chosen people, we are called to bring Him glory in all we say and do. Instead of saying do as I say, not as I do, may we be people who say what Paul said, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). May we live in such a way that people can’t help to ask about the Lord? Let our lives be living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1), choosing to think more about others than ourselves, giving God alone the glory.

Heavenly Father, words can never express our deep gratitude that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8).

We are so undeserving of your grace and mercy, not just for salvation, but every day. Lord, we ask that you soften our hearts to think more of others than we do ourselves. Oh, how difficult it is sometimes to lay down our selfish desires, to sacrifice for others, and forgo certain things, but we ask that we do whatever it takes to draw people closer to You.

Help us be the salt of the earth, light in the dark places. Convict us when our actions and words of our mouths don’t match our faith. For those who teach, strengthen them, and guide them to share the Scriptures with spirit and truth, Lord. Abba, Father, we plead with you to open the hearts of friends, family members, children, and all those who don’t know you as Lord and Savior. We desire that none should perish, but all would come to you. Guide our conversations, and lead us in our work and everyday lives.

We love you, Lord, and desire to be your workmanship, to share the Good News, by living in a way that points to Christ. You alone are worthy of worship and glory; forgive us when we put other things ahead of You and Your will. In Your son Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.