Devotion for Saturday, June 22, 2024

“The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs.  Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood” (Matthew 8:33-24).

Would the reaction be any different in our day?  Probably not.  Many people are skeptical of the spiritual realm.  But what does not belong to the realm of God?  Rather than seeking to be left to your own devices – something that is truly not possible – the answer is to come to the realization that we all are created beings and that the Lord is the Lord of all.  Yes, we fear, but why?  God is always good and He is gracious to those who believe.

Lord, You even showed grace to the demons by allowing them to go into the pigs.  Your common grace is given even to the wicked of this world.  But that is not what You are doing; for You have come so that we may have true life.  You have said that You are making all things new.  Lead my thinking from those places where I do not see the simple truth that You have come to form me into Your image.

Holy Spirit, You know me from the inside out.  Guide me this day according to all that You know needs to happen so that I look to You and not my clouded thinking for direction.  Do not let me run off in fear from those things which I need to do, but instead, embrace whatever challenges this day may bring.  Be my guide today and help me see that You are the One who is leading me.  Amen.