“For he that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Three years ago, these passages would have done anything but excite or motivate me. For many years, my days centered around what felt good for me in the moment. Thinking beyond instant gratification was not in the scope of what I cared to trouble myself with. Life was to be lived—enjoyed, relished and gorged upon. Eternal life seemed a bit too somber and “far off” for me to give it much weight.
I rebelled against my parents, against my own moral convictions and against what society expected from me. But, over time this lifestyle lost it’s excitement. It was not only empty and unfulfilling, but it gave me no hope for the future. When I started to search for deeper meaning in life, I set out to find God. In that quest, I began reading His book, the Bible. The more emersed myself it it, the more enlightened I became. It was obvious to me that much of my pain and angst was self-inflicted. I was only miserable because of my own rebellious behavior.
So many people (unknowingly, I am sure) tried to discourage my investment in the things of God. It made no sense to them. Many of them would ask, why would I want or need God when I seemed to have (according to their standards) so much going for me? I was popular, healthy and wealthy. It was sad to realize that most of my friends preferred me better when I was working in an industry that celebrated the dark and lustful desires of both man and woman. I was hungry for more, and I would not stop searching until the ache in my soul was satisfied. This could not be all that life had to offer.
When I reached out and really grabbed a hold of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, I turned my back from my “old life”. I lost all but one of my friends. Many mocked at my decision to live a life that was worthy of the God who saved me. Why would I give up so much to serve a God that I could not see?
Although I cannot say that I have seen Him with my natural eye, I have felt the impact of His miracle working power completely change my heart. I am no longer the same selfish, egocentric, attention seeking, money-hungry person that I once was.
After I witnessed for myself that God was beyond good, merciful, kind and forgiving; I had no desire to go back to a life that spit in the face of the Christ who saved me. I cannot. I WILL not. God help me to fulfill that promise.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Your mercy has humbled me. It has provided all the motivation that I need to keep pressing forward and showing all those who don’t know you, how wonderful and good you are. I vow today to keep your commandments to the best of my ability through the power of Christ that now lives within me. I know that my flesh will not ever achieve perfection, but my heart is pure in it’s desire to do your will.
Your law was sent not to chastise, but to provide a life that will bring health, prosperity and happiness to my family and I. All of your statutes are built to protect your children, not to “overpower” them. God, help the blind ones to see that your law was a gift of love. To a world that loves darkness and enjoys “getting away” with as much sin (destruction) as they can, show the ones that despise their lives how wise the words of the Bible are. Show them the love that I see in the book you sent to protect us. In Jesus’ precious name, thank you for the power of the word of God, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan