The Holy Bible
14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. 15 It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
(Bible Translation and Location: New Living Translation – Galatians 6:15-16)
Thoughts:
I believe that way too often we accept praise for something that only God could have done. Way too often we give credit to a dynamite preacher for miracles that God performed during a worship service. I heard a pastor say at one time that he would not wear a particular suit again, because it appeared like all the people saw was his clothing and not the point he was trying to relay for his Master. Friends, when we are moved to do something godly, please remember that we can only give God credit for that, for in and of our sinful selves we would not give in to the things of God because of a nagging mother, or a simple invitation from a friend. It is only when the Spirit of God begins to work on us, convicting us of our sin and pointing us to the King of all kings and Lord of all lords that our spiritual eyes are opened and we experience a desire to change our life's direction. Also, please never forget that although man can pray for a health issue or a spiritual shortfall, he does not have the power to transform either a person's health or spiritual condition. Just imagine, if this was the case, no friend of a Christian would be lost, for he would miraculously have them all saved out of love for the individual. Paul showed us through his words in this text that we are to boast of nothing except the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that when we place Jesus in His rightful place, or better still, when we place ourselves in the humility of who we are, and allow Jesus to shine through in all that He is, perhaps then we will appreciate all that He does in our everyday lives, and also see how prevalent the need to see Him at work in the lives of our unsaved friends. Christians, we have a responsibility to promote Jesus, not pretend to be Him.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help me to take my place of humility and submission to You in all that I do and say, for I am nothing without Your power and grace. Father, I am convinced that this world can only be changed, and touched through the precious power of Your Son, so I ask that You not only give me grace to submit to You in everything, but also that my readers might be reminded of Your awesome power in every aspect of their lives. Lord, please constantly remind us of our position and to constantly place our faith and trust in You and in all that You are. Please prompt us to always boast on You and allow You to receive the glory for all miracles performed in and through us. You are my King and it's in You that I place my faith and trust daily. Thank You Jesus! I respectfully and humbly ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord, AMEN!
FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day's devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!
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