Jun 04 2021

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Relationships can be complicated. We often spend more time thinking about how we are being treated than how we are treating others. Why? Because we're human, and as humans, we are selfish by nature. It's one of the areas of our hearts that we continuously have to offer to God and allow Him to help us. But this also provides an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and with others.

In this afternoon's verse, the apostle Paul shares a key to successful relationships: submission. Culturally, being submissive is often viewed as a sign of weakness. But Jesus set the ultimate example when He submitted His will to the Father and died on the cross.

Submitting to someone means that we serve that person, rather than ourselves. And that begins with serving God.

God had such great love for us that He sacrificed His Son. In return, we serve God with all of our hearts—not out of obligation, but because we are grateful. The love we have received from God compels us to share that love with others.

And if we truly love God, we will love each other. When we submit to each other, we are reflecting the love God has shown us.

Dear God, thank you for demonstrating love to me when I didn't deserve it. Jesus, thank you for serving the world. There are people in my life who can be difficult to serve, but I realize that I'm also far from perfect. Help me show the same grace and love to others that you have shown to me. I want to honor you in how I treat those you love. In Jesus' name, amen.

Jun 03 2021

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. :

Over the past twenty years, automotive navigation has completely transformed the way we travel. We have transitioned from foldable maps from the gas station to GPS systems and a variety of voice navigation systems in multiple languages.

As we follow the directions we are given, we trust that they are leading us toward our desired destination. However, if we enter the wrong address or don't adequately pay attention, we may arrive someplace where we never intended to be.

As followers of Jesus, we should listen for God's voice to direct our lives. He will not only tell us where to go but also how to get there. It can be far too easy to look for a shortcut or attempt to navigate our own way, but that is not God's plan for us.

There are times when a different way sounds more appealing and desirable but is in conflict with what God has said. Often the easier path takes us far from God... but by looking to His Word, we can judge whether we are following His voice or the voice of the enemy who wants to lead us astray.

We can trust God to lead us even when we don't understand how He is navigating us. Be careful to follow His voice and not the path that leads away from Him.

Heavenly Father, I am often tempted to plan my own way instead of letting you lead me. Thank you for patiently guiding me down the path that leads to you. Help me discern your voice from any others that may try to lead me astray. I place my complete trust in your plan for my life. When I encounter doubt, remind me of the ways you have been faithful throughout my life. Pull me close to you so I can hear and understand your voice. In Jesus' name, amen.
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