Tag: God’sPurpose

December 11, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Faithful Service in Our Golden Years

Opening Verse

“Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.”
— 2 Samuel 19:32 (KJV)

Introduction

No matter our age or stage in life, God has a purpose for us. Barzillai, an 80-year-old man, demonstrated this truth when he supported King David during a time of crisis. His story reminds us that faithful service to God is not limited by age, ability, or resources.

Devotional Story

Barzillai lived during a turbulent time in King David’s life. When David was fleeing from Absalom, Barzillai offered food, shelter, and support, providing the sustenance the king and his followers desperately needed. Despite his advanced age, Barzillai’s generosity and commitment to doing good were unwavering.

Imagine the scene: an elderly man, aware of his limitations, yet stepping forward with what he had to meet the needs of God’s anointed king. Barzillai’s actions weren’t grandiose, but they were meaningful. He didn’t lead armies or stand on the battlefield; instead, he gave what he could—a testimony that even simple acts of service can be significant in God’s eyes.

What This Means

Barzillai’s story teaches us that faithful service is about availability, not ability. God doesn’t require perfection; He desires a willing heart. Whether young or old, wealthy or poor, each of us has something to offer. Barzillai’s faithfulness encourages us to use whatever we have—be it time, skills, or resources—to serve others for God’s glory.

Think About This

  • Are you willing to serve God, no matter your limitations?
  • What resources or talents has God given you that could bless others?
  • How can you support someone going through a difficult season, as Barzillai supported David?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Barzillai, who served You faithfully even in his old age. Help us to see opportunities to serve others, no matter our limitations. Give us generous hearts, willing spirits, and the courage to act when You call. May our lives reflect Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
— Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

November 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

“Mud Out Your Eyes” – Seeing Through God’s Truth

Opening Verse

“And he said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”
(John 9:7, KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes, our spiritual vision is clouded by the “mud” of life—distractions, doubts, and sin. But as Jesus demonstrated with the blind man, even mud can be part of a divine process for bringing clarity and sight. What does it mean to let God “mud out” our eyes so we can truly see?

Devotional Story

There was a man named Greg who prided himself on being rational and self-reliant. He saw faith as a crutch for the weak. But when his life took an unexpected turn—a failed business, broken relationships, and depression—Greg felt blind and lost.

One day, an old friend invited him to a church service. Reluctantly, Greg went. The sermon was on John 9, where Jesus healed the man born blind by applying mud to his eyes. The preacher explained, “Sometimes God uses the mess in our lives to open our eyes to His truth.”

Those words hit Greg’s heart like a hammer. For the first time, he understood that his struggles weren’t punishments but invitations to see life from God’s perspective. Greg prayed that day, asking Jesus to “wash his eyes” so he could see clearly.

Slowly, Greg’s life changed. He stopped relying on his strength and began trusting God’s direction. What had once been “mud” became the foundation for his spiritual awakening.

What This Means

The “mud” in your life—failures, struggles, or even sin—doesn’t have to keep you blind. Just as Jesus instructed the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam, He invites us to let Him cleanse our hearts and minds so we can see life with His clarity and purpose.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you feel “blind” or stuck?
  • Have you asked God to help you see His truth through your current challenges?
  • How might the “mud” in your life be part of God’s plan to draw you closer to Him?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I confess that there are times when my vision is clouded by doubt, fear, and sin. Use even the muddy moments in my life to open my eyes to Your truth. Wash me clean, and help me see the world through Your eyes of grace, love, and purpose. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
(Psalm 119:18, KJV)

September 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Opening Verse

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
— Galatians 6:9, KJV

Introduction

There are times in life when you may feel stuck, overlooked, or even out of place. You might wonder why you are where you are. But God often plants us in places we don’t expect, intending for us to grow and be fruitful, even in difficult or uncomfortable situations.

Devotional Story

A young woman named Emily had recently moved to a new city, far from her family and friends. She struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment and felt like she didn’t belong. Everything seemed harder—her job, making friends, and even finding a church to attend. She often asked God why He had placed her there.

One day, as Emily walked through a park, she noticed a small flower blooming in a crack in the sidewalk. It wasn’t in a garden or a flowerbed but in a place that seemed unlikely for anything to grow. Yet, it was flourishing. Emily felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit, reminding her that just like that flower, she too could thrive where God had placed her. The circumstances didn’t have to be ideal; she only needed to trust in God’s plan.

Inspired, Emily began to look at her surroundings with new eyes. She joined a local Bible study, reached out to her coworkers, and even volunteered at a nearby shelter. Slowly but surely, she started to see God’s purpose in her being planted in that city.

What This Means

God sometimes places us in situations that challenge us, not to harm us but to make us grow. Like a flower that blooms even in the cracks of a sidewalk, we can flourish in unexpected places when we lean on His strength. You may not understand why God has you where you are right now, but trust that He has a purpose for it. You are called to bloom where you are planted, regardless of the circumstances.

Think About This

  • Are you resisting where God has planted you? How can you embrace it and trust Him?
  • In what ways can you “bloom” in your current situation, no matter how difficult it may seem?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for planting me where I am. Help me to trust Your plan and to bloom even when the soil around me feels rocky or dry. Give me the strength and grace to grow where You have placed me, knowing that Your purpose will be fulfilled in Your time. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV