Bible Study & Devotional (January 4, 2021)
Guiding Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
🔴 THE PERFECT CURE FOR LONELINESS
What is loneliness– empty nests – children grown and gone, retirement, death of a loved one – anyone of which could cause isolation and a sense of emptiness that transmits a deep void.
Our human tendency entices us to fill that emptiness with something to lessen the pain, the depression, and the confidence we have in ourselves. There are a lot of temporary fixes that will gratify and satisfy temporarily. But that’s just it. It’s only for a short time. More problematic, what we choose to conceal our loneliness might result in addictions or even worse outcomes. Besides, let’s face it whatever we choose to fulfill the loneliness is not always accessible, affordable, or practical for your situation.
Jesus is the perfect cure for loneliness and all our ills.
The more time we spend with Him and focus on Him and who He is, and build on having a relationship with Him, the less lonely, empty, and insecure we will be. The more His Word gets into us, we just can’t keep His excellent news to ourselves and need to share with others. As we share with others, we are less focused on our selfish pleasures and ourselves. The principal advantage is that Jesus is always available. He awaits your company, there is no need for an appointment, and you can spend as much time and stay with Him as long as you wish or need.
Let us Pray: Lord, thank you for the time spent with you and how special and filling it is. The hope we have after having been with you gives us the strength to endure challenges and longings. The warmth, the compassion you give us is so comforting. We are grateful for your love, and the time we spend with you in prayer, worship, and praise more than we deserve. We love you. Amen
This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Monday, January 4, 2021
Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 1:20-23
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Bible In A Year (Day 4)
Wait- To expectantly look forward.
Repent- To turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.
“Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.” (Psalm 27:14) Noah and his family were floating on an ark for over a year. (Genesis 8:18)Jesus waited until he was 30 before beginning his ministry. (Luke 3:23)
My ‘God shot’ for today’s reading is to respectfully proclaim our Lord’s message and be bold in faith. I have much to do while I wait for God’s confirmation.
Matthew 4:17 Jesus began his public ministry by continuing God’s message of repentance. He taught that we are to live a life that proves repentance and seek God’s purpose. We remain committed to reflecting on our activities by turning away from selfish desires to walk with God in all His ways.
The feeling of shame and regret accompanies our efforts toward renewal.
Why? It is the tension we wrestle with to obtain a greater understanding of our purpose.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
While we wait, we can do our work by becoming emotionally balanced and training our minds to take every thought captive to obey Christ. The purpose of waiting becomes directly related to the incredible ways our Lord can uniquely use us to be His ambassadors.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing us to ask for signs. We can be prepared to step out into the world carrying your word in our hearts.