Tag: openness

April 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Ready for Transformation

Opening Verse

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14, KJV)

Introduction

Listening to a challenging sermon in church can stir emotions, especially when it confronts us with truths we might not be ready to hear. It’s like going to a waterpark dressed inappropriately and then being surprised by the inevitable.

Devotional Story

Imagine heading to a water-park dressed in your everyday clothes instead of a swimsuit. You decide to ride a water slide, fully aware of the splash at the end. When you reach the bottom and emerge soaked, you get mad. Why? You knew what to expect but weren’t properly prepared. This scenario mirrors our experiences in church when the Holy Spirit, through the pastor’s words, aims to cleanse and renew us. If we arrive unprepared or resistant, the message can feel uncomfortable, even though it’s exactly what we need.

What This Means

The Holy Spirit’s guidance through a sermon is meant to refresh and renew our spirits, much like water on a slide. However, if we are not ‘dressed’ in humility and openness, we might find ourselves reacting poorly to the splash of truth we encounter.

Think About This

Reflect on how you prepare your heart before attending church. Are you open and ready to receive whatever message God has prepared for you, or are you guarding yourself against potential challenges to your comfort zone?

Prayer

Lord, help me to approach Your word with readiness, dressed in the spirit of openness and humility. May I not resist the refreshing splash of truth, but welcome it, knowing it brings growth and deeper communion with You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Corinthians 2:15, KJV)

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)