Under Construction
Have you ever visited a construction site, or lived near one?
A construction site is a unique kind of mess. Dirt and mud mingle with piles of wood, shingles, and other building materials. Utility flags poke up from the ground like man-made weeds. Trampled grass and dirty sidewalks give further evidence of the work at hand.
Eventually, what began as an empty field will grow into something more: a business, a medical facility, or a home.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Sometimes, in the midst of building our lives, we look around and see only chaos: Our relationships aren’t as blissful as we hoped. Our career isn’t following the upward path we planned. Our health or finances or life circumstances are a mess, and we wonder why our best laid plans didn’t result in the stable, structured life we wanted.
God does some of his very best work in the midst of our biggest messes, if we invite him in, and step back to let him work in our lives.
Let’s pray.
Lord, what we see as unworthy, undesirable, and impossible — you see as beautiful, loveable, and filled with potential. We invite you to be the master architect for our lives, and to bring a sense of order to our days, and our circumstances. Amen
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See the t-shirt this devotional was inspired by here
God Has Big Plans for You
We all screw up. Fail in some way. We fall short of goals or get embarrassed in some kind of career implosion. It’s easy then to feel like we’ll never win again.
That’s not how God sees you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hope and a future. That’s what’s ahead, not depression and failure. The Bible is full of stories of people God would not allow to slip away. Peter denied Christ, and the Savior forgave him! Sarah mocked the idea that she would ever have a child, but God let her be a mother late in life!
This is the world God created. Not one of misery and losing. Does it make sense that He would create you in very specific ways, uniquely gifted as you are, and then give up on you?
Don’t let that be your story. Your part in it is refusing to believe the enemy when you hear that voice that tells you it’s all over.
He knows the plans He has for you!
Let’s pray.
Lord, thank you that you don’t let us sink out of sight. Thank you for setting us on our feet, and helping us move forward. Amen.
Seek
The story of the Prodigal Son is one we can all relate to. The Bible tells the story of a brash young man who leaves his home after asking for his inheritance. His loving father complies and let’s just say the son learns some valuable lessons on his travels.
Eventually he humbles himself and comes home; he needs his father and his family.
It is really a story of Jesus and us.
Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
We screw up sometimes. Maybe it’s so bad we can’t see a way back.
That’s when Jesus stretches out His arms and welcomes us home. He isn’t as concerned with where we’ve been as He is where we end up. His perfect love and forgiveness are the only real ointment for our self-inflicted wounds. If you think you’ve screwed up too much, or fallen too far, put that out of your mind and simply tell Jesus you need Him.
Let’s pray. Lord, your willingness to welcome us back to fellowship is something to behold. We are grateful for your grace. Amen.
How can we pray for you today? Members of Team Kerusso meet on a regular basis to pray, and we would be honored to pray for you. Visit Kerusso.com/pray to submit a request.
See the t-shirt this devotional was inspired by here
Tripping Over Pride
Have you ever felt a surge of pride because you had it all together? You know, your brain and talent and charm was just dazzling to the whole world?
It sounds funny, but let’s be honest. We’ve all at some point thought quite a lot of our own abilities. Pride—something God hates—trips us up. We are flying high.
Then the crash comes.
Our theme this week is “All Together,” and we explore what Scripture tells us about the Source of our lives.
Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Are you hurting today because you didn’t anticipate some obstacle? Were you a little smug in how you could handle challenges? Then tell God! Just humble yourself and ask Him to make you whole. You might not have it all together, but He does!
Let’s pray. Lord, you are a fortress of strength for each of us, especially when we mess up. We are grateful for your mercy and grace. Amen.
Are you thirsty for more biblical encouragement in your day?
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Stay Humble
In the last century, a 4’10” woman from England answered the call of God to become a missionary in China. Her accomplishments there, especially in saving orphaned children during war and conflict, have made her sort of a legend.
Near the end of her life, Gladys Aylward gave an interview in which she said the most amazing thing -- something that could only have come from the heart of a truly humble servant:
I wasn’t God’s first choice for what I’ve done for China. There was somebody else…I don’t know who it was—God’s first choice. It must have been a man—a wonderful man. A well-educated man. I don’t know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn’t willing…And God looked down…and saw Gladys Aylward.
Ephesians 4: verses 1-3 says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
If you remember who you are in Christ, and remember that only through His strength can you accomplish anything worthy of leaving a legacy, you’ll find contentment that most only dream of.
Let’s pray.
Lord, give us a humble heart in everything we do. Amen.
Our grace & truth “Stay Humble” cap is a reminder to give credit to the Lord as we seek to follow Him. Shop our entire collection of christian hats at Kerusso.com. That’s K-E-R-U-S-S-O dot com.
