Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 15, 2009
“After leaving them, he [Jesus] went up on a mountainside to pray.” Mark 6:46
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).
Stillness positions us to see the Lord with eyes of faith. He longs to love His children with unlimited and unconditional love. A heart loved by heaven, cannot help but love others on earth. When your heavenly Father holds you in His warm embrace, you are able to serve others with care and compassion. God’s grace infuses a hungry heart for Him.
Indeed, loving relationships happen in the margin of life. It requires trust to disconnect from important activities and then meaningfully connect with Christ and people. Faith facilitates intimacy. For example, let go of uncertainties at work or home and let God bear that burden. Thus, you avoid burn out and have the emotional energy to give at home. Your family needs your full attention, so that they feel like you understand their needs.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
One real temptation is to substitute sitting at the feet of Jesus in silent contemplation with overly active service for Jesus. What is your motivation for doing good deeds? If it is to stroke your ego or relieve past guilt then this self-focused service sets you up to be seen instead of God’s glory. Seek selfless service—then Jesus gets the attention He deserves.
Its service for the Lord that flows out of intimacy with the Lord that gains great rewards in heaven and is the most effective on earth. This grace pace of putting prayer before potential opportunities protects us from running ahead of God in sincere, but unsustainable activity. Slow down, let you soul catch up and then serve with grace filled faith. Jesus is looking for disciples determined to love out of the overflow of His love.
“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:39, 41-42).
How can I make sure my service for the Lord is motivated by my love for the Lord?
Related Readings: Psalm 28:7; 37:4-6; Matthew 4:1-17; Acts 14:23
Additional Resource: Look this week for the free e-book, Wisdom for Dads: Eleven Daddy/Daughter dates in 2011.
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I appreciated this devotional. I just wrote a post a month ago “Unplugging to Charge Up”. It is so important to take some quiet time with God.