Blessed with work beyond measure; time management on it’ highest scale for the three areas of my life. The feeling I can’t ever slow down for the pressures of one of the three areas in my life have a “to do” list commanding my attention. This time of year is always this way, but it was only divided in two. Now with my responsibilities at Lakehaven, it is divided into thirds. I could go down many roads, but this one is of encouragement. I have been struggling the last couple of weeks with getting up at my typical 430am. I have been sleeping in to around 530-600 just from the long hours and demands on my old body. Even when I don’t get time for quality time, I have been trying to read my favorite devotional most mornings; today it spoke to me greatly. You cannot spend daily time with God and remain the same person; He will transform you into the image of his Son. My heart lies in that simple sentence. If you know the Gospel, are you seeking Him daily in His Word and prayer? These last few weeks I must confess have been hard for me, but today’s devo from Henry Blackaby is a great reminder.
A Noticeable Difference
Daily Devotional for Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
There is no mistaking a life transformed by God! The disciples had been vain and fearful when Jesus enlisted them. James and John sought to outmaneuver their fellow disciples in order to gain the places of greatest honor next to Jesus (Mark 10:37). Over and over the disciples’ actions showed that they did not truly understand who Jesus was (John 6:7-9; Mark 6:49). Even after three years with Jesus, Peter was afraid to confess Christ before a young servant girl (Matt. 26:69-75). Anyone who knew these men would realize they were not the kind of people on which you build a worldwide kingdom. Yet something happened to them as they were with Jesus. The Holy Spirit transformed them, giving them new boldness and wisdom. Now they could perform miracles and preach fearlessly and persuasively to multitudes. Even their enemies noticed in their changed lives the same power they had witnessed in Jesus. Sometimes we desperately want others to believe that we have changed, that we are more godly, more devoted, more Spirit-controlled. It is not necessary, however, for those who have been truly transformed by Christ to convince others of the difference; the change will be obvious. Don’t become too introspective, always focusing on yourself and the small changes you see happening over time. As you walk with Jesus daily, let the witness of the changes taking place in you come from others and not from you. If you have to prove to someone that God has really changed you, He has not. Those around you will surely notice when your life has been transformed by your relationship with Jesus.
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