Thanksgiving - A devotion by Gaddiel in preparation for the Missions Conference

Thank you Lord for bringing us through month of Jan. Thank you for giving me strength to do the things I need to do.


Micah 6:8 -  He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?


Hebrews 12:1-3 -Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Reflection


Both these verses have many things in common.


Firstly they both tell me that Jesus set for us an example in the way He lived and died. He has shown me what is good. Good doesn't simply mean good. Hebrew word for "good" in Micah 6:8 means "Hesed" which means steadfast love, mercy, loyalty, or covenant faithfulness, going beyond simple kindness to deep, active commitment (courtesy of Google). This is the way God wants us to live.


Second, they both encourage me to focus on God and journey with Him as I go about life. I am called to fix my eyes on Jesus, walk humbly with my God, throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run the race with perseverance. And this is not for me to do by my own strength. 


For if  I do it by my own strength I will grow weary and lose heart. But this is possible only on pure devotion commitment and reliance on God.


Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV- “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.


Reflection verse tells me a few things


1) "Nor consider the things of old"- We are specially instructed to not be preoccupied with the things that have passed. I am stirred to think that I should not call to my mind the effort or sacrifices or the roles or positions I held previously. Maybe not even consider what I think of as my achievements. For if I do that, then I might hinder what God wants to do through me wherever I am and where we are now. 


But instead, just as Paul says in Philippians 3:7-8: But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ


This is the how i should see things. "Behold I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? 


2) Hebrew meaning: Do you not perceive/know (יְדַ עְ תֶּ ם - yeda'tem): This is a deeper knowing, an experiential understanding or awareness, asking if you will recognize and embrace this new work. (Courtesy of Google)


In order for me to recognize and embrace the new work that God will do using us and within us, a complete shift in mindset, needs to take place. I need to continually fix my eyes on Jesus, walk Humbly with God considering and following the ways of Goodness (Hesed) that He has shown me. I need to rely on God and His strength and wisdom and not on my own versions of wisdom and correctness God will do something new. The response to this shouldn’t be how Lord. How will you do this? The response to this work should be “Speak Lord for your servant listens”. Similar approach should be taken in my life and our lives consistently


Prayer


Lord forgive me for the times I choose to allow my thoughts of failure and flesh to hinder the work that you want to do within me and the work you want to use me for. Help me to not consider the things of old but rather, have a steadfast, renewed mind-set, one that is based on your Goodness and not my own version. I want to know deeply the new things you will do within me and using me. Use all of us to accomplish your will and to continually share the gospel to the unreached. While doing so help me to rely more on your strength and

wisdom and not my own. You are Lord and King and we are Your servants our Lord.


In your most precious name we pray and give thanks, Amen

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