Devotion for Thursday, January 16, 2025

“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18).

When we walk in the love of our Lord, we do what He gives us to do.  This is not about some special power, but it is for the sake of bringing about repentance in one who is not repenting.  If they will not, then leave them to the Lord.  If they will repent, you will have had your part in the redemption of another.  No one will enter heaven who is unwilling to repent, for repentance is where it begins.

Lord, teach me to be cautious in the things I do.  You are asking that I take a step in maturity to care for others as You care for them.  Let me never take this responsibility lightly but lean wholly upon Your guidance in this and for all things.  You must be the One who leads.  You are the judge, but You have called for me to steward the mysteries of the faith.  Help me to be faithful.

Lord Jesus, in Your wisdom, guide me this day to do what You give me to do.  Take me ever deeper into the prayer life You have called me to so that I may do what needs doing with Your guidance.  Keep me from being a sinner who seeks to control and instead, help me to be a steward who seeks what is right for Your kingdom.  You are the author and finisher of faith for all of us.  Help me to be a part of what You are doing.  Amen