We can be rather full of ourselves. We can be, quite naturally, focused on our needs, our accomplishments, our lives. “Self-care” is a buzz word these days and for good reason. It is important to take care of ourselves—physically, emotionally and spiritually—just as it is to care for our families and friends.
But amid all that self-focus, we must remember that we are called to another and higher way of living and loving that Christ modeled for us. Though he was God, he emptied himself of that divinity. Though King, he denied himself to more fully enter into and accept “even death” so that we might live. If Jesus had died after a long life of ministry and teaching, we might remember him today as we do prophets or holy men. But the Cross changed everything, and we must be changed by it.
We must be willing to empty ourselves and use that space to change the world around us.
"Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love." St. Clare of Assisi. If we follow this advice, we cn more easily empty ourselves & then fill that space!!
Vicky G...I just read yesterday's posts, thank you for Garrett's update. Praying for Garrett's steady recovery and, your strength & health to be fortified by our prayers and God's healing love.
Pray with me... Salina BSF Prayer Request 11/05/24 * Students – Pray that the Holy Spirit prepares and speaks to the hearts of the students the gift of Salvation when the question is asked of them, “Have you trusted Jesus to save you from your sins?” The BSF “Am I sure?” booklet will be available for the students in Acts 2:38, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Amen! * Salina – Pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven is my focus over every little details in my head...as I prepare for the BSF student lesson tomorrow and the trip to Hong Kong with my daugthers (11/13-11/27) in the midst of the visit from Jessi’s classmate family staying with us for a weekend right before I leave, the details for kenneling Penny, stopping the mail, and whatever else I should be doing before leaving town while Matt takes his second hunting trip down to SC the same day I leave! John 14:27, “I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid!” Amen!
Thank you Steve for today’s word: “We must be willing to empty ourselves and use that space to change the world around us.” I call on the Spirit of Jesus to fill me and use me as His ambassador of love, kindness, mercy, generosity and forgiveness. On my own I often fail but “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Well said Anne, the more we empty ourselves of the clutter much sought after by our prideful ego, the more space we create for the gifts of The Holy Spirit. As we use those gifts in Jesus name, the more they are replenished. Great devotional Steve
May the Lord guide our votes today.....to change the world around us. Prayers to all LF family.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Don’t fret, have faith and trust in the One Who holds it all! Amen ❤️✝️❤️
*** John the Baptist declaration of the first step in the emptying process in John 3:30, "He (Jesus) must become greater and greater, and I (JTB) must become less and less!" *** It looks like this for me as the process progresses in Philippians 2:10-11, "that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!" *** Only one Person and none other to go to in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me (Jesus), all you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become My servants and learn from Me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving Me is easy, and My load is light.” ******* Do you have the rightoeus clothing from Lord Jesus for the wedding feast in heaven? Matthew 22:8-14, "Then the King said to His slaves, ‘The wedding dinner is ready. But those I invited were not fit to come. So go to the street corners. Invite to the dinner anyone you can find.’ So the slaves went out into the streets. They gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good. Soon the wedding hall was filled with guests. “The King came in to see the guests. He noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ He asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man couldn’t think of anything to say. “Then the King told His slaves, ‘Tie up his hands and feet. Throw him outside into the darkness. Out there people will weep and grind their teeth.’ “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”
What a beautiful reminder Steven. You have done just that for many years through your writing. Thank you for your many years of service to Living Faith.
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jane Respond to comment November 4, 2024 at 07:24 AM Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen