Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 21:29-38
1 Corinthians 4
Old Testament -
Psalms 76
Joshua 10-12
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 4:1-5
1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Insight:
The motives of our hearts are open before God. He knows them and he can expose them and bring them to light. Those who are humble and serious about sin look to God for the understanding, guidance, and strength they need to confront sin in their own lives. This same humility and seriousness should extend to the life of their Christian community.
Response & Action:
I want to please God. Only God can truly understand my actions and the motivation for those actions. When I seek God with all my heart, I gain a deeper and truer understanding of who I am. I want God to show me who I am, and how I need to change in order to be the person he has made me to be. I will seek to draw near to God and be sensitive to the leading of his Spirit through the Scriptures, through prayer, and through my Christian community. Honoring God and bringing him praise should be the deepest motivation for all that I do.
O God, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. You have blessed me in many ways; help me to live faithfully for you. Do not let me be tempted or influenced by a need to receive the praise of people, but instead, give me a heart that is motivated by a desire to receive your commendation. Help me to be honest and humble about weaknesses and failings in my life, and give me the courage and the strength of your Spirit to turn away from sin. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Resources:
Desiring God's Will: Aligning Our Hearts With The Heart Of God
by David G. Benner
