As we prepare for today, let’s ensure we’re energized and spirit-filled rather than attempting to face it with an empty tank or solely relying on our capabilities. Do you realize what’s coming our way? We must ensure our current status is good before charging into it. Can you imagine running into a fire without the right preparation or equipment? Imagine not being spirit-filled and full of faith and what would have happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Let’s be the dads who do a checkup before we step out by putting on the full armor of God so we can be prepared and filled up to live our lives for the glory of God and the good of our wives, kids, and world.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
TOPIC: SPIRITUALLY FRESH
VERSE: Judges 16:20
'She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as I have time after time and shake myself free.” For Samson did not know that the Lord had departed from him. '
Go out there Spirit-Filled
Let’s be the dads who aren’t caught half-asleep when it is time to be the men God created us to be, our wives want us to be, and our kids need us to be. Let’s turn to God first rather than assuming we can do it like we had every other time in our ways. Today, let’s be filled with God’s Spirit rather than trying to go in our strength.
Spirit-filled and full of life, freshness, and color
Today’s Reading starts by providing a visual to consider as we prepare to move forward spirit-filled. It uses the analogy of “purchasing flowers to cheer up a loved one” and “it’s important that the flowers be fresh and colorful, rather than withered and brown.” It expresses how “showing love and support” requires “blooms and freshness”. As we head into today, let’s be the dads who make today count, “not something stale and wilted.”
Spirit-filled today, not coasting on the past
Today’s Reading reminds us that “when we rely on the spiritual accomplishment of our past, we risk becoming spiritually wilted.” It points to Samson in today’s verse, how “Samson thought he could live on his past victories.” We need to avoid falling into this same trap because we remember or lean on the victories of the past just like Samson did like “slaying the lion, defeating thousands of Philistines, and carried away the gates of Gaza.” We need to stay connected and in alignment with God so that we don’t step out of His path and find ourselves drained of God’s spiritual strength.
Today’s Devotional closes with the following challenge:
“How can we stay fresh in our Christian life?”
- “Start each day dependent on the Lord in every part of your life”
- including your marriage, your family, “your workplace, your home, your church, and your neighborhood.”
- “Ask Him each day for a fresh perspective and a new start” filled with His Spirit to give us the wisdom, direction, and courage we need to live our lives to the full.
- “Seek out believers who share what they’re learning and how it applies to their lives.” (check out From 2005 to Eternity if you need a place to get started)
Let’s be the dads who choose today to follow and pursue these steps to keep our spiritual lives vibrant.
“Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”
A. W. TOZER
