|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Bringing In The Sheaves"1 (Lyrics) |
For many years, I went down the path of setting worldly goals and making New Year's resolutions, some of which were short-lived and left me feeling defeated when I inevitably failed. There were goals that I reached, but these achievements didn't result in any meaningful fruit and were empty in hindsight.
As I turned to God's Word, the Christ story, His love letter to me, I learned to lean in a more meaningful direction.
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
Realizing and re-realizing every day that the love of God is unconditional, I learned to surrender my plans and seek His — to inquire.
Psalm 27:4 – One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (ESV)
As I continue to grow in Christ and seek Him, I find myself celebrating both His love and His loving correction in my life. When I am in step with God, I am fulfilled. When I fall short and feel His loving re-direction, I am still fulfilled because He is walking with me, gently squeezing my hand and leading me forward in love.
Psalm 32:8 – The Lord says, "I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide. (ERV)
When I decided to trust the Lord, I had to make the personal choice that each of us is called to make: Will I follow the world or follow Christ?
Looking back and taking stock, it is clear to me. The world promises the world: everything that exists outside of our self. How sad and empty to have everything outside of our self, but never to know or to have a true sense of who we are. In my experience, the Lord reveals our true selves to us, our unique purpose and plan as children of Christ, as we walk alongside Him. In my experience, it is fulfilling and meaningful.
What is your experience? Is it outside of you or within you?
Ephesians 3:20-21 – Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace, compassion and forgiveness. Help us to turn our hearts and minds to You and Your divine plan for each of us in Christ. Take our hands, Lord, and lead us forward in a fulfilling and godly direction. In Jesus' powerful name, we give thanks and pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Friday, April 19, 2024 – In Middle East — Thank you for praying for our Bible Study. We are having great times of fellowship and growing in His Word. Pray for God to make disciples who will be sensitive to His leading to share with others who will also trust in Him and share Him.
Prayers for Tom: "April 18, 2024: Update on Prayers for Tom posted on Sunday, August 6, 2023: Tom is still undergoing..." 
Thanks for sharing Lisa. Have a Happy New Year.
Funny how I felt compelled to read your Devotional early in the morning not even knowing it was yours until I reached the end. It was inspiring and I felt connected to the words.
Thanks, Lisa, for these inspiring words as we draw close to another new year of new opportunities to be all that God has created us to be.
All the best to you and yours in 2015!
What a lovely devotion, Lisa! And an excellent reminder that we should trust God totally in our lives for HE does love us unconditionally!
May you have a wonderful 2015 and do continue to write.
God bless!
A rich meditation, Lisa. It encourages us to see what is within us through our union in Christ. In Him we can find complete fulfillment.
I agree that New Years Resolutions are essentially a means of seeking fulfillment apart from Christ. This becomes a load on our conscience, which makes us weary and heavy laden, weighted down with guilt and failure. Christ gives us rest in Him, whose yoke is easy.
Your reading is refreshing because it invites us to be freed from the heavy burdens put on us by the world, and instead look to Christ.
Thank you!
Thank you Lisa.
All the Best for 2015 to you and your loved ones.
I had girls — they are in their 40’s now. Boys are my added Joy as they come as grandchildren or just friends. I can only say Amen, amen, amen to your devotional.
Happy holidays, dear friend in Christ,
I have enjoyed this very much. As I am reading my heart is filled with a sense of peace and joy.
May the dear Lord blesses you richly.
Have a blessed and Happy New Year.
Amen. Thank you for a great message of love and hope! Blessings in the New Year!
Good Evening Lisa:
Your testimony about growing in Christ and being fulfilled is such a heart warming assurance for me and I know others who love the Lord and know He is always there guiding our footsteps and preparing us for the wonderful day when we shall meet Him face to face.
Thank you for your lovely message, I know your Lord will continue to walk with you daily.