Beach Reach Devotional | Sunday
For many of us the nerves are still unsettled, almost like a plane sitting on a runway waiting for the final approval to take off. Passengers and luggage are loaded, the engines are inspected, fueled and humming. You just need air traffic control to give you final clearance before you throttle up and barrel down the runway. Others of us know that Sunday can be the calm before the storm. The moment of peace before the winds gradually blow in only increasing with intensity as the schedule plays itself out. However you may be feeling, my encouragement to you is to not fall into the trap of using Sunday simply as a day to look to what is ahead, but instead use today to focus on the savior, Jesus. Today will be the day with the least distractions, let's take advantage of that and attend to the need of our hearts to give our attention and affections towards Jesus. Do not let your attention be about what will fill the days ahead, let your attention today be on the one who came to you, drew you to himself, stirred your heart for his holiness and brought you into his salvation. Let us remember the joy that is our very own salvation. Take a moment and read Philippians 2:6-11. Notice how Jesus came to humanity: he made himself nothing, he became a servant, became human, was obedient to his death.
Stop and dwell on that reality for a moment. Jesus came to you. A broken rebel who was in need of being restored to their maker. Consider what love he expressed in his coming to us. Consider what grace and mercies he has poured out over us as we welcomed his invitation to confess him as Lord. Consider the joy he has imparted to you as you remember that you will dwell with him for all eternity (John 15:11). Remember that he, who could have counted us as enemies, has instead chosen to call us friends (John 15:14).
Pause and consider these things.
What moments of your walk with Jesus come to mind when you remember the grace and mercies he has poured over us?
What moments of your walk with Jesus come to mind when you consider the joy of your salvation?
What moments of your walk with Jesus come to mind when you meditate on him counting us as friends instead of enemies?
Spend some time praying simply thanking God for his move toward us, for our gain. Thank him for the moments of your life where his grace and mercy were evident. Thank him for the times where your joy was wrapped up in knowing you are eternally safe in him. Tell him thank you for the moments when your friendship led you to know that you were fully known and fully loved.