Devotion for Sunday, August 15, 2021

“Knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).

You are beloved of the Lord.  These are not just words to comfort you, but the truth of the reality which the wicked cannot understand.  Live into the full conviction that these things are most certainly true.  Know that in the Lord, there is true hope.  The world may be filled with wickedness, but You have been called through your baptism to life—the life of one who has been redeemed by the Savior.

Lord, You know the state of all things.  You know the particularity of every circumstance.  Guide me in the way You know is needed that I may live into the life You have given me by grace and through faith.  Let me prove worthy of the calling You have given me by living this life of faith which is mine through You.  Let Your conviction shine forth through my life for others to see.

Lord Jesus, You know where I need help.  Help me in the way to live life so that Your presence is always in me and showing.  Guide me with each step to do what You give me to do.  Strip me of worldly ways which hinder my walk with You.  Guide me into all goodness by Your mercy.  Help me now and always to live into the life to which I have been called.  Teach me how to do all things for Your sake.  Amen.