Devotion for Monday, December 9, 2019

“For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not
receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received
it?  You are already filled, you have
already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that
you had become kings so that we also might reign with you” (1 Corinthians
4:7-8).

Each has what has been given
them.  There really is no cause for
boasting.  An intelligent person did not
create their intelligence.  One who is
artistic and has an eye for form and function did not create the ability.  We can only use what has been given us.  Therefore, use what the lord has given you
and use it for His glory.  He is the Lord
of creation and the One who gives what He gives.

Lord, You know where there are those places of pride in my heart.  Lead me away from these places.  You have given me the gifts I have, so help
me to simply use them for Your glory. 
Guide me according to Your purposes that I may live the life You have prepared
for me to walk in, knowing that only in You is there hope and a future.  May my heart be turned to You always Lord.

Lord Jesus, God in the flesh, You
through whom all things have come into being, in You and through You is all
hope in this sinful world.  Lift me up by
Your Spirit knowing that only in You can I hope and have a being that will go
into eternity with You.  Lead me in the
way I need to go that I may live according to Your grace and mercy.  Help me always to abide in You as You abide
in me.  Amen.