For the next few weeks, about 30 days, we have returned to the devotional, “Awaken” by Priscilla Shirer.

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“He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” (Mark 6:38)

During these last few months, I have taken up making homemade bread. It has proven to bring me great joy as I watch my family enjoying something so simple and yet hearty.

This crisis has made so many grumble about what they are missing or not able to do. As we look to Jesus, we discover all that we do have.

Priscilla Shirer brings these wise words:

“Don’t discount the little things. They can become blessed things if you’ll go back and look at them through the lens of divine possibility.” (from page 124)

Go and look again at the areas of your life where you tend to feel the most unsatisfied and discontent. Make a list of what the Lord has given you, express gratitude, and ask Him to shift your perspective.

“In ANY and ALL circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” (Philippians 4:12)

So what little thing can you thank God for today?

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“So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:8, NLT)

The topic? Forgiveness.

In this verse we see Paul encouraging the Corinthians tell a church member that he was loved. They were to be sure the man, who had now repented, was assured of their love for him.

“Forgiveness is the medicine that helps to heal broken hearts.”
(Wiersbe Study Bible)

We often think unforgiveness offers us protection from further hurt and pain. Instead, it seals the hurt and pain inside of ourselves to do further damage the longer it remains.

Paul encouraged the believers to forgive not only verbally but actively – doing something to be certain unforgiveness was no longer lingering. The devotional worded it this way: “Forgive – internally and also actively.”

Is there someone you need to forgive? Ask the Lord to show you how to thwart Satan’s designs by extending kindness to one another.

Forgiveness – it moves us to greater freedom.

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We all have parts of our personalities we may not particularly like. These can be personality quirks we wish were different, or weak areas we possess.

In writing about Saul/Paul, the devotional brings this powerful thought:

“You – all of who you are – is capable of achieving some astounding and God-glorifying triumphs. Submit it all to Him – the good and the bad – and watch Him use it in ways you could never have imagined.” (from page 140)

What are some of the weaknesses, in yourself or someone you love, that you’ve discounted as possible tools that God can use for His glory? How can you see Him transforming them into truly effective strengths?

We can submit to the hands of God, the Potter, and let Him shape and mold our quirks and weaknesses into what is usable for His glory.

“You see, a potter can only mold the clay when it lies completely in his hand. It requires complete surrender.” (Corrie ten Boom)

May we lie still in His hands!

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As we submit to the hands of God –
thanking Him for the little things and forgiving those who have hurt us –
He will bring us into God-glorifying triumphs.

 

Photo 1 (fish pond): by David Tommasino
Photo 2: by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Ana Krach from Pixabay

Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Purposeful Faith and InstaEncouragements .