Devotion for Sunday, August 25, 2024

“Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent” (Matthew 11:20).

How many hear of the Lord, know of (but not) Jesus, and continue on without any other change in life?  Just going to the church is not being a Christian, but receiving the Word made flesh and walking the narrow path He sets before all disciples.  As it was then, so it is now.  The way of Jesus is being in relationship with Him and walking in His ways.  Many will say that they called upon the name of the Lord on the final day.

In Your word, You said there would be many who called upon Your name, but You did not know them.  Your power comes to us by mercy through grace.  Many go through the motions but their hearts are unrepentant and far from You.  You desire repentance and a sincere heart.  You have called us to move forward and leave behind our unrepentant heart.  You bid us come with You from where we are to where You are leading us.

Come Lord Jesus and lead me this day.  Where my heart is cold and unrepentant, slay it.  Where I am unwilling to carry my cross, rebuke me.  Lead me my Lord and Savior in all of Your ways.  Guide me as only You can to humbly submit to You, my Lord and God to walk in the way You set before me.  You know all that I need and I thank You that You have offered me grace and mercy and through them, salvation.  Amen.