Devotion for Thursday, September 23, 2021

“Not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you” (1 Thessalonians 4:5-6).

Do your passions rule you?  Our culture accentuates feelings and passion, but they can quickly become mindless emotions.  Do not be ruled by how you feel, but by what is right and fitting.  Do not go the way of the world which tells you to always do what feels good.  Go the way of the Lord which directs you to be good.  This is a clear and distinctive way in which others can know you belong to the Lord.

Lord, guide me in the better and eternal way of life.  I can easily follow my heart, my feelings, my passions, but it is not as easy to do what is right.  Lead me, Lord, in order that I may walk humbly with You, my Maker.  Guide me in the right way of living so that I may learn and practice all that You command.  O Lord, You know all that is needed.  Provide all I need so that I may walk with You.

Lord Jesus, I know this is not optional, but a part of what You have come to accomplish in this thing we call salvation.  Yet, I have my part.  Let me not follow the constant noise of this world, joining in their ideas of the pursuit of happiness.  Instead, lead me today and every day to take seriously the admonition You give to humbly walk in Your example and way.  Help me to begin again this day.  Amen.