Tag: new creation

September 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Master’s Touch

Opening Verse

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Introduction

Paper on its own may seem ordinary and insignificant. But in the hands of a child, it becomes a soaring paper airplane. In the hands of an artist, it can be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece. What makes the difference? It’s not the paper itself but the one who shapes it. Likewise, we may feel ordinary, but when placed in the hands of Jesus, our lives can be transformed in unimaginable ways.

Devotional Story

Imagine someone handing you a plain piece of paper. You might not think much of it at first—it’s just paper. But give that same piece of paper to a creative mind, and it can be folded into an intricate origami shape or painted into a stunning portrait. It is still the same paper, but now it serves a higher purpose because of what was done with it.

We are like that paper. Without Christ, we may feel ordinary, unsure of our purpose. But once we place our lives in His hands, He shapes us into something beautiful. Just like an artist or an engineer sees potential in a simple sheet of paper, Jesus sees potential in each of us. He can take what seems small or insignificant and turn it into something that glorifies God.

What This Means

Jesus doesn’t need us to be perfect or extraordinary when we come to Him. He just needs us to be willing to be shaped by His hands. The same way a paper airplane can take flight or a blank canvas can become a masterpiece, our lives can soar and become beautiful when we surrender them to Christ. He sees the potential that we might not see in ourselves.

Think About This

Have you ever felt like you’re just “paper,” unsure of your purpose or value? Remember that Jesus is the Master who can transform you. All you need to do is trust Him and allow Him to guide your steps. Just as a simple piece of paper can be turned into something amazing, so can your life when Jesus is the one holding it.

Prayer

Lord, I know that without You, I am like a plain sheet of paper. I ask that You take my life into Your hands and transform me into who You want me to be. Help me trust You as You shape and mold me for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

October 30, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Two Villages

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In our daily walk, the struggle between genuine essence and the allure of societal approval confronts us. We often feel a tension between the world’s definition of success and the intrinsic worth that God sees within us.

Key Point Summary:

The journey from superficiality to authenticity, guided by the fruit of the Spirit, is one of embracing God’s true vision for us over the world’s fleeting validations.

Devotional Story:

In a realm where two villages stood side by side, the village of Maskara was a place of outward appearances. Every villager wore intricate masks, representing their status, achievements, and societal approvals. The masks were adorned with jewels for every applause and grew larger with each new adornment.

“For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

Across the river was Lumina. Here, no masks were worn. Instead, villagers carried lanterns that emanated varying intensities of light. The light wasn’t derived from wealth or societal nods, but from the authenticity and purity of one’s heart.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Yearly, a grand marketplace was erected between the two settlements. The Maskarans flaunted their ornate masks, while Luminans proudly displayed their lanterns, radiating pure, undulating light.

Young Eli of Maskara, his neck aching under his mask, ventured to Lumina’s stalls. He encountered Lila, whose lantern shone so brilliantly it dimmed the jewels on Eli’s mask.

“Why doesn’t such brightness weigh you down?” Eli pondered aloud.

Lila, her eyes mirroring her lantern’s glow, replied, “The true light comes from within, reflecting our connection with God, our love for others, and our genuine selves.”

“…God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5 (NKJV)

Moved, Eli shed his mask, feeling an unfamiliar lightness. Handing him a modest lantern, Lila whispered, “Nurture this with truth, love, and faith.”

As days turned to years, Eli’s lantern glowed ever brighter. Maskarans, inspired by his transformation, began to exchange their masks for lanterns. The once stark division between the villages blurred, becoming a unified haven where outward accolades paled before the radiant glow of genuine hearts.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV)

Contextual Insight:

Historically, cultures have often emphasized outward achievements and symbols of status. However, biblical teachings consistently advocate for the inner character and heart’s condition as God’s primary concern.

Personal Reflection:

1. Are there “masks” you wear to fit into societal norms?
2. How can you cultivate and demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in your life?
3. What steps can you take to prioritize authenticity over superficiality?

Practical Application:

1. Dedicate time daily for self-reflection and prayer, seeking God’s guidance to nurture your authentic self.
2. Engage in acts of kindness and service, allowing the fruits of the Spirit to manifest in your actions.
3. Seek fellowship with believers who encourage genuine growth and authenticity.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, guide me on my journey from superficiality to authenticity. Let the fruits of Your Spirit flourish within me, overshadowing worldly validations. May my heart and actions reflect Your true purpose for me. Amen.

Conclusion:

While the world may pull us towards fleeting validations, God calls us towards genuine essence and character. By embracing and nurturing the fruits of the Spirit, we can shine with a light that’s true, undimmed by the masks society offers.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

1. James 1:22-25 (NKJV)
2. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
3. “The Authentic Christian Life” by Richard J. Foster

Faith Notes:

The fruits of the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians, aren’t just virtues but evidence of God’s transformative work within us, guiding us to lead a life in tune with His purpose.

Reader Participation:

Have you experienced a shift from superficiality to authenticity in your faith journey? Share your story with us and inspire fellow believers.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)