You are currently browsing the monthly archive for November 2020.
““I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”” John 9:25
There are many people who try to explain away the miracles of Jesus or simply refuse to believe them. Some say that believing in Jesus is nothing more than a psychological crutch. Others think that those who believe in Jesus are believing in a myth. But there is one thing no one can argue about regarding Jesus and that is what he has done in your life.
One day, Jesus healed a man who was born blind. Many accused Jesus of being a sinner for healing on the sabbath. Others refused to believe that it was really the blind man who was healed or that it was really Jesus who healed him. But the blind man had one argument that no one could refute. His words, “All I know is this, once I was blind but now I can see!” stopped the doubters in their tracks.
Others may refute who God is or his existence, but they can’t argue with what he has accomplished in you and through you. Be a reflection of Jesus love, grace and mercy to those around you. It’s an argument that no one can ignore!
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13
A few times every year an event happens that excites every true sports fan. During this event, they may sit glued to their screens in anxious anticipation. Some will leave angry or disappointed. Some will leave excited. All will leave hopeful. This strange event I’m talking about isn’t a football game or baseball game or a hockey game. No one is dressed in team uniforms. There are no officials. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what I’m talking about is the draft. By design, the draft is created to allow teams to add to their rosters players that will best suit their needs. Teams that have bad records get the first choices, teams that have good records get the last choices, unless of course there are trades.
But this devotional isn’t about the draft or athletes. It’s about potential. You see players are drafted with hopes that they will live up to their potential. Sometimes players who are expected to do well, do poorly. Sometimes players who are expected to be average, become superstars. The difference is potential over actual.
In the Christian life it’s no different really. We all have a tremendous amount of potential. Not because of our own abilities, but because of the driving force behind our potential. The difference is that we have God on our side. In fact, the very Spirit of God dwells in us. Think about it. The same power that created the world; the same power that erased Jesus from the dead, lives in you as a Christ-follower.
If we follow him he’ll help us to reach our best potential possible. Relying on him for our strength and our direction will help us each to be a superstar in his eyes. And that’s all that really counts. Potential over actual. God is the difference between being average and reaching your potential. In Jesus you can rise above mediocrity and be awesome.
“We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” Psalms 123:2
Our family loves to camp. When our youngest was very young she was very afraid of the dark so she would sleep with her mom. As long as she was touching her mom she was fine, but if mom made the slightest move it would not be long before a hand or a foot would be touching her. As long as she could touch her mom, she had nothing to worry about. She needed that constant affirmation that mom was there to protect her.
In the same way, we as believers in the Lord God of heaven need constant reminders of his love and mercy. The writer of this song, reminds us of how important it is to always remember that God is near. His mercy is never more than a touch away.
Sometimes that’s easy to forget. Life gets hard. Relationships fail. Our bodies grow old..Voices scream at us with doubts about his presence, his wisdom or even if he cares about what we are going through.
A good servant, knows his master. When life circumstances attack, the trusting servant doesn’t look at the problem. He looks st his master. If the master doesn’t seem concerned, the servant is at peace. He’s ‘in touch’ with the master and things will be okay.
On the other hand, if the master seems alarmed, the servant will also be concerned and spring into action..
The psalmist reminds us to keep our focus off of life circumstances and on the Father. We know his mercy is available. We know his grace is plentiful..we know his power and wisdom are unmatched. Our God is merciful in the big things and the little things. Don’t miss them! Stay in touch. Watch for the sign.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 