Devotion for Friday, January 24, 2020

“However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to
the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their
conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are
neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat” (1 Corinthians
8:7-8).

It is not what we do on the
outside that means anything. Some stumble because their piety seems more
important than what is driving that piety. Do not be driven by what you think
or your actions, but by the One who has created you. Yes, when you do good this
is right, but doing right is from what has happened because of grace. Live in
the freedom the Lord gives in faith.

Lord, there is a time and place to think and do, but help me see that no
matter what I do it is You alone who enables me to do good. Help me to mature
so that I am not caught up in the elemental things without realizing that it
must be You above all things. Lead me in faith to come to that place where I
look to You as the source of all that I am. Guide me in this upward call now
and forever.

Lord Jesus, You have given us the
example of the godly life. Lead me to be faithful knowing that faith itself is
a gift You give. Guide me according to Your goodness to know that in You alone
is the hope that I may not become caught up in some kind of works-righteousness
way of living. You have freed me by grace to be forever Yours. Lead me in this
call You have given me. Amen.