Devotion for Saturday, August 28, 2021

“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews” (1 Thessalonians 2:14)

Being an imitator is, in many ways, how things are done.  We imitate others and call it being fashionable.  We imitate others and call it being contemporary.  In this case, they imitated the church and received the same persecution.  Do we not begin our years of growing by imitating what we see in adults?  Come then and join in imitating Christ that you may be conformed to Him.

Lord, this is not a foreign concept.  I do it all the time.  Help me to see that I indeed need do this.  Guide me so that I may learn to put You on and become more like You each day.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I need to be led.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may learn to follow.  In all things, help me to conform to what is right and good.  Keep me from being conformed to those things which are neither profitable, nor good.

Lord Jesus, You must lead the way.  Guide me, Lord, in order that I may follow wherever You lead.  Help me through the obstacles that will come in my way.  In and through all things, may I be found wholly in You, living into the life to which You have called me through grace and given by faith.  Regardless of what will come, continue always being my help and stay throughout each day. Amen.