Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 6, 2016
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3
One thing I love about God’s Word is that it’s filled with treasures. A few months ago, I found a jewel. As I read Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, the following phrase grabbed me, “. . . and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by faith.” I immediately thought about my purpose of sharing God-words through written and spoken communication.
I began my calling with faith but later allowed fear and pride to take over. So I tightened my hands on the reigns of my life, and I tried to control outcomes. Instead of trusting God for the results as I worked, I trusted in myself. I forgot that it was my job to act “by faith” but God’s job to fulfill those actions by “his power.” Indeed, we fulfill all of our “good purposes” by His power, and every act prompted by our faith is fulfilled by God. We take the first steps but the fulfillment and completion of those steps belong to Him. The good works assigned to us originated with Him (Ephesians 2:10) and they will be completed by Him.
“. . .being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
We get into trouble when we start a purpose or some other good work in faith but we try to “finish” our God-given assignment in the flesh. We push. We press. We demand. We leave God out and try to act independently of Him. All of this leads to panic, but the fruit of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5:22-23).
During this fearful and self-serving season, if I could have had a conversation with God, perhaps He would have said the following words to me: Am I not the One who started the work in you? Haven’t I caused amazing things to happen to bring you to this place in which you now stand? Why is it that you now feel you must complete this work in your own strength? You must continue to abide in Me. I will give you the resources and the strength you need to complete the works I have prepared for you to finish (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:10). Your job is to obey Me, to keep your heart free from unbelief and hardening, and to depend on Me. I will do this. It’s My work. I am the Potter; you are the clay.
Isn’t it a refreshing reminder that we can trust God to complete the works He has given us? How will this truth change how you work for Him today?
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Prayer: “Lord, how awesome it is that I don’t have to fulfill the works you have assigned to me on my own. You have given them to me and I will complete them through you. What freedom there is in knowing these truths. ”
Application: Get out some crayons or a marker and draw a picture or doodle a design that describes how you feel knowing that God will help you complete the works He has given you by His power.
Related Readings: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Thessalonians 2:12
Post/Tweet this today: Your good works were assigned by God and you will complete them through His power. #WisdomHunters #NoMoreStriving
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Good morning,
I want to tell you I have been reading Boyd’s devotional for years, it ALWAYS speaks to me. Further, I have loved both Shana and Tripps devotionals. All of you, please keep writing. You’re all so anointed to do that and you help me every single day.
May God bless you all,
Deb
Hi, I have recently signed up for Wisdom Hunter on two different email accounts: Michael.champlin@grainger.com & Michael.champlin@ymail.com but I am receiving two different titles each day. For example Jan 6 is titled “God’s Answer for Striving”(first email above) and “Prayer & Action”(second email above. I’d prefer to receive he same one each day. Thank you
Dear Deb,
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words for Boyd, Tripp and Shana. Please know that I will be happy to pass along your comments to all three of them. I know that they will be blessed by your words.
We are grateful that you took the time to reach out to us. We love to hear from our Wisdom Hunter’s family and look forward to hearing from you again.
We give God all the glory when hearts are touched by HIS words in these devotionals.
Blessings to you and yours,
Gwynne
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
“Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!”
Psalm 66:1-2
Dear Michael,
I am sending you an email today with some suggestions. You will receive an email from gwynne@wisdomhunters.com. in your inbox.
We are thankful for you and look forward to straightening this out.
May God bless you,
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18