Today’s Devotional Theme
Seems to Be the Opposite
Daily Scripture
Mark 8:34-38
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.””
Encouragement
It amazes me how God has such a different perspective on the way things should be, rather than what my carnal flesh thinks, or how it wants to act. As Spirit-filled Christians we are taught not to follow the ways of the world; and not to walk, talk or act in the ways of sinners. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a transformed mind. So, when we wonder how we should react to things that happen to us, the best thing we can do is seek God through His word to understand the best way to handle it. Don't be too surprised to find that it wasn't at all what you had expected and that the answer may not be the easiest to do, but the end result will cause you to be blessed and will give glory to God! Remember that we are supposed to see things differently through the eyes of Christ. An unbeliever who can not understand spiritual things would possibly call us weak, a push-over, a door mat... or think we are crazy to do the things that we do in the manner that we do them. But we know the God that we serve, and He has placed His Holy Spirit within us as a navigational guide through life. We can do all things as we are strengthened through Christ (Philippians 4: 13) and given revelation through His spirit within us to accomplish His desires for us.
Apply God’s Word
God is faithful, and His ways are the best ways! When you follow His guidance, and are obedient to His word, things turn out better than you could have expected by trying to do it your way. When God's ways are applied to a situation, the way that you conduct yourself may be noticed, and when His blessings begin to flow, God receives the glory through your example of living a righteous lifestyle. Even unbelievers (though they don't understand now) would want to know how you could do what you do and everything seems to turn out for the best. Be prepared to share what you know to be true!
Come into His Presence
Help us, Lord God, to read, understand, and apply Your word and Your will as we go through life living to be more like You. We want our lives to be a reflection of who You are, and our purpose to give You glory. Our desire is to hear You say, “well done faithful servant you will live with me in eternity”. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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