Tag: learning

March 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

New Path, Open Heart

Opening Verse

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)

Introduction

In our journey with God, He often calls us to step into the unknown, to embrace new experiences, learning, and growth. This journey is not just about moving from one place to another but about transforming our hearts and minds.

Devotional Story

Imagine a path in the woods you’ve walked a hundred times. Every twist and turn is familiar, every tree a silent companion. Then, one day, a new path appears. It’s narrow, barely a whisper among the underbrush, leading to the unknown. You feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

This is much like our spiritual journey. God invites us to explore new paths in our faith, areas we haven’t dared to tread. These paths might be new opportunities to serve, to learn, or simply to grow more deeply in our relationship with Him. Like the first disciples, called to follow Jesus into the unknown, we are asked to trust and step forward in faith.

What This Means

Openness to new experiences means being willing to be led by the Spirit, even when the destination is unclear. It means trusting that God’s plans for us are for our good, even when we cannot see the path ahead. This openness is a key to spiritual growth and deeper understanding.

Think About This

What new path is God inviting you to explore? How can you approach this journey with curiosity and faith, trusting in His guidance?

Prayer

Lord, help me to be open to the new things You are doing in my life. Give me the courage to step out in faith, trusting that You will lead me through the unknown. Help me to grow in my understanding of You and deepen my faith as I walk this new path. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

March 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Patience of Jesus

Opening Verse

“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” – Mark 1:17 (KJV)

Introduction

In the journey of faith, it’s easy to look at the disciples of Jesus with a mix of wonder and frustration. These men, who walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teachings, often seemed to miss the point entirely. They doubted, forgot, betrayed, and misunderstood. Yet, the story of the disciples is not just a historical account; it’s a mirror reflecting our own spiritual journey.

Devotional Story

Imagine the scene: the disciples, in a boat, panicking as a storm rages around them. Jesus, asleep, seems unaware of their plight. When they wake Him, it’s with a tone of accusation, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38). Yet, Jesus calms the storm and then questions their faith. This pattern repeats in various forms throughout the Gospels: the disciples question, Jesus responds with patience and teaching.

This behavior might seem perplexing. Why didn’t they understand? Why did they doubt? But before we judge too harshly, we must look inward. Like the disciples, we too have moments of doubt, fear, and misunderstanding. We forget God’s promises, question His care, and stumble in our faith, even though we have His Word and countless testimonies of His faithfulness.

What This Means

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ shortcomings provides profound insight into God’s character. He is patient, compassionate, and willing to teach and reteach, guide and reguide. The Lord does not condemn us in our weakness; instead, He meets us there, offering His Word, His presence, and His guidance.

Think About This

How often do we find ourselves echoing the disciples’ doubts and fears? How frequently do we forget the miracles we’ve witnessed in our lives or the prayers that have been answered? Reflecting on these moments, let us recognize God’s enduring patience and love, encouraging us to return to Him, learn, and grow.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your patience and unfailing love. Like the disciples, I often falter in my faith, forgetting Your power and doubting Your care. Teach me to trust in You more deeply and to remember Your faithfulness in every storm. Guide me back to You each time I stray and help me to grow in understanding and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 (KJV)

December 14, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Generational Teaching

Opening Verse:

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” – Deuteronomy 32:7 (KJV)

Introduction:

In tour busy daily lives, it’s easy to forget the wisdom of our past. The Bible reminds us of the importance of remembering and learning from the experiences of those who came before us.

Devotional Story:

Once, in a small town, there lived a young boy named Ethan. Ethan was always curious, asking endless questions. His grandfather, a man of deep faith and experience, was his favorite source of wisdom. One day, Ethan asked about faith. His grandfather took him on a walk through the village, pointing to various landmarks, each with a story of faith, struggle, and God’s guidance. This walk became a cherished memory for Ethan, teaching him the value of wisdom passed down through generations.

What This Means:

Our spiritual journey is enriched by the experiences and insights of those who have walked the path before us. Their stories are not just tales of the past but guiding lights for our own journey.

Think About This:

1. Have you taken the time to listen to the stories of faith from your elders?
2. How can their experiences strengthen your own faith and understanding?
3. Are there ways you can preserve these stories for future generations?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom of the ages, passed down through generations. Help us to value and learn from the experiences of our elders. Give us the humility to listen and the wisdom to apply these lessons in our own lives. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” – Psalm 119:111 (KJV)