Daily Devotionals

July 14, 2020

Our Peachtree Church email devotionals this week, July 13–17, will all be written by Peachtree’s Belong Ministry Staff.


 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do.

 

James 1:22–25

It is easy to listen to words in scripture without living out what the words really call for. After all, doing what scripture tells us to do requires something of us, whether it’s our time, our resources, or even our lives. We can read the words, “Love your enemies.” But when we see someone talking about us or treating us poorly, we quickly seek retribution and justice. When we read the words, “Take up your cross daily,” we don’t readily consider putting our lives on the line for the gospel. And when we read, “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well,” we’re not likely to follow through.

 

So, what is it that keeps us from doing what scripture asks of us? I think there are two stumbling blocks for us to consider: fear and busyness. It’s easy to come up with excuses that prevent us from doing what we ought to do. But often — in truth — we’re just talking ourselves out of doing something that scares us. Even in our current COVID-19 world of quarantine and staying home, we are not immune to busyness. Often it is our busyness that prevents us from listening, hearing, and acting on the subtle nudges from the Holy Spirit.

For Reflection


How can you lean on the Holy Spirit when fear begins to creep in?
How can you make listening to the Holy Spirit a lifelong habit?


What activities in your life could you eliminate so that you can become less busy? Make a list of those activities. Then choose two and remove them from your life.

Prayer


Father, we come to You consumed at times with fear and busyness. We unknowingly surrender ourselves to many worldly gods around us. We are desperate in our need to know the touch and power of Your Holy Spirit so that we can face our fears and push beyond them. We need the guidance and wisdom of Your Holy Spirit to lead us toward a life that is less busy. Holy Spirit, fall afresh on us and lead us in ways that will cause us to thirst for righteousness. Guide us to those streams of living water that will fill our hearts with You and quench our thirst. In the name of Jesus our Christ we pray, Amen.

Rev. Cody Jensen
Pastor for Become
404-842-3158