NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

Day 273 – The Month of September at a glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. Job 12:10 NLT

it is God who works in you (me) to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

This month we considered all the ways God works in us. We examined the fruit of the Spirit, and reminded ourselves that it is by our fruit that we are truly known. We talked about how this fruit isn’t something we can will ourselves to produce, but it is a sign of who we’re living for. If August’s studies were a bit of a drag, thinking about the symptoms produced in the life of someone trying to get their own way all the time, then September was a breath of fresh air. But it wasn’t without its own urgent warnings. We concluded the month challenging ourselves to PAY ATTENTION.

The bottom line in all these matters: live life God’s way.

Get up and start walking.

No one said it would be easy.

Begin.

For me, I’ve had to keep this walking simplified. I can’t entertain dreams of climbing the highest peaks without getting distracted and falling off a cliff! Instead, each day, I am trying to follow the Master. This week that meant treating an unkind stranger with gentleness and patience. Last week a stranger was kind to me! More than anything, I find that my daily walking is most enjoyable when I look at those around me with affection. You remember that word, don’t you? Just in case you’ve forgotten….“Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold this object or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation. Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the object or person he is beholding that he is compelled to love it. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible.” (July 23rd, Sparkling Gems from the Greek)

May we gaze upon those around us – including ourselves – with the affection that God has planted within us. Where there is trouble, may we see opportunity. Where there is bad behaving, may we hope for promising potential. Where there is strife, may we find peace. Anywhere the enemy steals, kills and destroys, may we be the kind of people who are ready, willing and able to provide evidence of the abundant life. Not because we ourselves are able, but because we are following hard after the one who makes us able!

You’ve completed the two hundred and seventy fourth day of this devotional series.



Recommended reading: Isaiah 60 and 61 in the morning; Isaiah 62 and Philippians 2 in the evening

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