Devotion for Saturday, July 23, 2022

“Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom: (James 4:9).

What do you live for?  What drives you?  Behind this is the objective to no longer be led by the world and its constant demands or to be conformed to what it thinks right (in the ever-changing unreality of this age). (Romans 12:2)  Instead, come willingly and be conformed to the image of Jesus.  In Him is true and everlasting life.  In Him is joy and peace.  In Him is understanding and goodness.  Come unto Him and be saved.

This world encourages us to eat, drink, and make merry.  The world entices us; but it is driven by hedonism and gets us nowhere.  What do you accomplish in  trying to be happy and joyful if you are not in the Lord?  True life does not demand self-harm but recognizes that all things of this world are not good for us.  We are in a battle between good and evil.  Come then and live into the life to which You have been invited by grace.

Lord Jesus, You have given me faith.  You have given me the ability to walk into eternal life when I walk with You.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the way of everlasting life so that I may now and forever abide in You.  You are the way of life and in You is truth.  In You is true hope, joy, and peace.  Lead me, my Lord, so that I may take Your yoke upon me and learn from You how to live life.  Amen.