Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Most mornings, I sit in my backyard and read the daily devotional on the CedarCreek app. Then I contemplate how it relates to me and how I’m going to apply it to my life. Sometimes I post comments, pose questions, or share thoughts. I lift up the prayer requests of others and ask for prayers in return.
When I find extra time throughout my week, I enjoy the Bible reading plans on the YouVersion Bible app, like the one I’m currently doing—BibleProject: “One Story That Leads to Jesus.” I've also signed up for several interactive group studies, which I have found enlightening.
I do these things not to earn points with God but to honor him and love his people.
Titus 3:8
This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
Before I developed these habits, I drifted along and filled my heart and mind with the news, social media feeds, and followed whatever happened to be the current trend. The definition of “good” changed every day, and it wasn’t motivating or beneficial. The more I learn and study God’s Word, the more I understand how reliable and instructive it can be. It may be an old book, but humanity hasn’t changed much, and God’s truths don’t waver.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Scripture offers us an opportunity to reflect on other’s decisions and learn from their mistakes. The people in the Bible struggled with the same issues we face everyday—greed, lies, hate, destruction, and chaos—to name a few. We also learn of God’s response and his love for us.
The stories found in Scripture point to a gracious God who loves us all so much that he gave us Jesus. Jesus teaches us to be humble, to help others, to share, and to love. These are good qualities worth studying and implementing in our lives—not for us to become haughty religious people—so that we share the message of Christ in a world that desperately needs his love.
Questions:
What exercises do you do each day to strengthen your spiritual muscles?
Next Steps:
Spend time each day reading God’s Word, check out The Daily on the CedarCreek app.
Continue to participate in the Titus Reading Plan.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your gracious goodness and love. You provide the Word that brings peace and life. Help me to meet you each day to gain strength and direction and to be a light in the darkness. I yield to your will in my life, now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
Today's post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.