It’s an interesting week where Day 4 for me is the end of my workweek and tomorrow is a day to get trained up, inspired, and filled up. Our devotional finishes today with Day 4. Let’s be the dads who try to make the most of every day! Let’s be the dads who are reading through this devotional and see what we can learn through the story and life of Jairus as it applies to us and our lives!
Scripture from Today’s Devotional:
‘ Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–’
Ephesians 3:20
‘ But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). [Prov. 3:34.] So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].’
James 4:6-10
God’s Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God’s Word is active and alive! So let’s allow God’s Word to speak into our lives today so that we can live our lives to the full, we can live our lives for our good, and we can live our lives for the glory of God!
Let’s be the dads who have invited Jesus into our hearts and lives! Let’s be the dads who are allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out because we know that from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks! Let’s be the dads who never stop learning, never stop leaning on God, and never stop trusting God! Let’s be the dads who are pursuing God and being sensitive to His Spirit so that we can do the good works He prepared in advance for us to accomplish! Let’s be the dads who are leaning on God because we know from His Word that He is working out His purpose in us that is superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think; infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams! Let’s be the dads who desire what God desires! Let’s be the dads who seek God for wisdom and discernment to make it through our day!
Let’s be the dads who are ready to receive God’s grace! Let’s be the dads who are ready to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully that will come our way! Let’s be the dads who aren’t proud or haughty because we know that God sets Himself against the proud and haughty! Let’s be the dads who are humble and lowly because we know that God gives grace continually to the lowly and those who are humble enough to receive it! Let’s be the dads who are subject to God and resist the devil! Let’s be the dads who stand firm against the devil because we know that when we resist the devil he will flee! Let’s be the dads who choose to draw closer to God because we know He will draw closer to us! Let’s be the dads who realize who we are with and without Jesus, as today’s scripture tells us: “‘Recognize that you are sinners, get your soiled hands clean; realize that you have been disloyal wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts of your spiritual adultery.’ James 4:8“! Let’s be the dads who draw near to God with the right heart and spirit, being deeply penitent and grieving, even weeping over your disloyalty! Let’s be the dads who come humbly before God because we know and can trust Him and that He has a plan and at the right time He will lift us up!
Today’s devotional has been provided to us by Awesome Marriage!
Reading through today’s devotional, here are some takeaways for me: (check out the devotional on your own too to see if you pick up other nuggets, and please share your findings in the comments)
For more information, please visit: https://awesomemarriage.com/
Takeaways from Today’s Devotional:
“Jairus and You“
- Let’s be the dads who are humble, no matter our status!
- Let’s be the dads who trust God, no matter how much we have or lack!
- Let’s be the dads who realize the importance of finding Jesus and trusting Him completely!
- Let’s be the dads who walk and live humbly before God and others!
- Let’s be the dads who know that God is with us, He is never too busy for us, and neither is Jesus, so cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you!
- Let’s be the dads who don’t try to go it alone when faced with problems and challenges but instead humbly bring them to Jesus!
- Let’s be the dads who love our wives and kids and pray for them, knowing that God loves them even more than we do so we can trust or entrust them to Him!
- Let’s be the dads who trust God’s plan, purpose, and timing because we know we only have a glimpse of what is going on whereas He has and sees the full picture!
- Today’s devotional kicks off wanting to share some thoughts about Jairus who like many people in the Bible we only have a brief encounter with and yet can learn so much from:
- “Jairus had status. He was a ruler in the synagogue. Yet, none of that allowed him to heal his daughter.
- Jairus came to Jesus with a desperate and humble spirit. Jesus was his last resort. He fell on his knees in front of Jesus because he believed Jesus could heal his daughter.
- Despite all the commotion in Capernaum, Jairus found Jesus. Often, the chaos and busyness of my life distracts me from Jesus but He is always there. He never leaves. It is only my focus that shifts.
- Jairus humbled himself before Jesus. For me, the times I am humble are the times I feel the closest to Him. It is just me and Him and nothing else gets in the way.
- Jesus is never too busy for us. Never!
- Jairus was passionate about his daughter. Likewise, I love my family and pray for them. I know God loves them more than I do and so I entrust them to Him.
- Jesus sees the big picture that we only have a glimpse of. His timing can be very different from ours. Jesus did not have to choose between helping the woman or the girl. He did both!“
- Let’s be the dads who remember how God has touched our lives!
- Let’s be the dads who remember how God has touched our wives’ lives!
- Let’s be the dads who remember how God has touched our kids’ lives!
- Let’s be the dads who realize and celebrate the transformation Jesus has produced in our families!
- Today’s devotional calls out all the lives being touched through this story of Jairus:
- Today’s devotional concludes with this thought, challenge, and opportunity to go deeper:
- “Jesus changes lives. He changed mine and He wants to change yours. The power of resurrection life is found in Him, and he is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine. Falling humbly at His feet like Jairus did is your first step.“
- “Today’s Challenge: In what ways do you identify with Jairus?“
- “Going Deeper: How has Jesus changed your life? What area of your life needs Jesus today? What changes do you want Him to make? Are you ready to humble yourself before Him today?“
- Today’s devotional also provides us some additional details about the author of this devotional so that we can go and check out his other works:
- “This plan was written by Dr. Kim Kimberling, Christian counselor and President of Awesome Marriage. Dr. Kim sends a “One Thing To Grow Your Marriage” email each weekday with quick and helpful marriage tips. Dr. Kim has been helping couples as a Christian counselor for over 40 years. The One Thing email was born out of a desire to help spouses be intentional about taking simple daily steps toward the marriage God has for them. Learn more and sign up here!
Also, be sure to follow Awesome Marriage on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more great insights on how to build an awesome marriage. We would love to connect with you!”
- “This plan was written by Dr. Kim Kimberling, Christian counselor and President of Awesome Marriage. Dr. Kim sends a “One Thing To Grow Your Marriage” email each weekday with quick and helpful marriage tips. Dr. Kim has been helping couples as a Christian counselor for over 40 years. The One Thing email was born out of a desire to help spouses be intentional about taking simple daily steps toward the marriage God has for them. Learn more and sign up here!
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