“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Eph. 4: 14-15
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
True faith comes with personal conviction. Faith cannot be handed down like grandmother’s pearls. Although I grew up attending church, I never felt the love of God like I read about in the Bible. In fact, I saw much hypocrisy. As I ventured out into the “real” world, to discover what my heart truly believed (without the influence of my parents), I came across many religions that were much more loving and accepting than I was accustomed to. This made feel good for the moment, but did not give my soul rest. My grandparents were Buddhist, so I explored their faith. Although I got much love and acceptance, I did not get solid answers. According to a Buddhist, all men are on different paths, yet are all headed to the same place. Buddhism claims to be a religion of peace, but, (ironically) it did not give me any. There were no solid answers, just questions to answer my questions. I was also drawn into Orthodox Judaism. Although the culture was beautiful, the “rules” were intense and impossible to keep! I saw no hope for eternal rest there, either. It was time for some real answers and I found them in the Bible. I began to revisit the Bible, but I explored for myself (without any church’s help) who Christ really was. Christ was a perfect man sent by God to save the world from sin. According to the law, there was no good reason for Him to be crucified the way He was. But, in God’s plan, Christ’s death had a purpose. He died for our sins. For your personal sins, for my personal sins, for the latest celebrity’s sins, to the bum you just passed on the street’s sins. God was not a cruel task master expecting perfection and damning those who did not achieve it. He was a loving God that saw the plight of man’s sinful nature and lovingly provided a solution–a part of Himself. His most precious part of Himself: His Son. What a gift! What a relief Are you ready to jump off the hampster wheel of trying to be perfect? Are you ready for a God that will provide the strength to change you from the inside out, plus clarity, direction and peace? Sounds like you are searching for something only God can provide—through Jesus Christ.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I am searching for peace. I have none. When I go to sleep at night, my heart is restless, because I am afraid if I die—I will not end up where I want to go. Deep in my heart I know that there is something missing. I am confused as there are so many paths that seem to be right. God, you are out there. Find me! I am lost. I am confused and my heart is growing cold. In the name of your Son Jesus, show me the way, lead me to the peace that only you can provide. I will promise to search for you with all my heart, and I will start by reading your word. Thank you for the gift and the promise of John 3:16. Amen.”