Devotionals
Week of November 23rd
From Blasphemer to Believer
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Devotional: Paul never forgot who he was before Christ found him—a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. Yet he also never stopped marveling at the grace that transformed him. This is the foundation of an eternal perspective: remembering both our desperate need and God's abundant provision. Today, resist the temptation to sanitize your past or minimize God's grace. Your transformation story isn't about making yourself look good; it's about making Christ look glorious. When you remember where you came from, gratitude flows naturally. The grace that saved you wasn't just sufficient—it was "more than abundant." Let that reality wash over you afresh today. Your past doesn't disqualify you; it magnifies the power of God's transforming love. Reflection: What aspects of your past do you tend to forget when thinking about God's grace? How might remembering increase your gratitude?
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Devotional: Paul never forgot who he was before Christ found him—a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. Yet he also never stopped marveling at the grace that transformed him. This is the foundation of an eternal perspective: remembering both our desperate need and God's abundant provision. Today, resist the temptation to sanitize your past or minimize God's grace. Your transformation story isn't about making yourself look good; it's about making Christ look glorious. When you remember where you came from, gratitude flows naturally. The grace that saved you wasn't just sufficient—it was "more than abundant." Let that reality wash over you afresh today. Your past doesn't disqualify you; it magnifies the power of God's transforming love. Reflection: What aspects of your past do you tend to forget when thinking about God's grace? How might remembering increase your gratitude?
The Worst Sinner Saved
1 Timothy 1:15-16; Luke 15:1-7
Devotional: Paul declared himself the "foremost" of sinners—not with false humility, but with genuine awareness. He understood something profound: if Christ could save him, no one was beyond hope. This wasn't self-deprecation; it was strategic encouragement. Paul's testimony became a beacon for everyone who felt too far gone. Perhaps you struggle to believe God could truly forgive you. Maybe shame whispers that your sins are too great. Paul's testimony shatters that lie. Christ didn't come for the righteous but for sinners. The very fact that you recognize your need proves you're exactly who Jesus came to save. Your brokenness isn't a barrier to grace—it's the doorway. Stop measuring your worthiness and start marveling at His mercy. Reflection: Do you ever feel like you're beyond God's forgiveness? How does Paul's testimony challenge that belief?
1 Timothy 1:15-16; Luke 15:1-7
Devotional: Paul declared himself the "foremost" of sinners—not with false humility, but with genuine awareness. He understood something profound: if Christ could save him, no one was beyond hope. This wasn't self-deprecation; it was strategic encouragement. Paul's testimony became a beacon for everyone who felt too far gone. Perhaps you struggle to believe God could truly forgive you. Maybe shame whispers that your sins are too great. Paul's testimony shatters that lie. Christ didn't come for the righteous but for sinners. The very fact that you recognize your need proves you're exactly who Jesus came to save. Your brokenness isn't a barrier to grace—it's the doorway. Stop measuring your worthiness and start marveling at His mercy. Reflection: Do you ever feel like you're beyond God's forgiveness? How does Paul's testimony challenge that belief?
Living Like It's All About God
Philippians 1:20-26; Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: Paul's radical statement—"to live is Christ and to die is gain"—reveals a man completely recalibrated to eternal values. He wasn't indifferent to life or death; rather, he saw purpose in both because neither was ultimately about him. This is the eternal perspective: living life like it's all about God. The world teaches us to build kingdoms here—accumulate, achieve, be recognized. But these pursuits feel hollow at life's end. The temporal perspective disappoints because it promises what it cannot deliver. Today, examine where you're investing your energy. Are you building something that lasts beyond the dot of earthly life into the vast expanse of eternity? Recalibrate your focus from the seen to the unseen, from the temporary to the eternal. Reflection: What would change in your daily decisions if you truly lived like it's all about God rather than about you?
Philippians 1:20-26; Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: Paul's radical statement—"to live is Christ and to die is gain"—reveals a man completely recalibrated to eternal values. He wasn't indifferent to life or death; rather, he saw purpose in both because neither was ultimately about him. This is the eternal perspective: living life like it's all about God. The world teaches us to build kingdoms here—accumulate, achieve, be recognized. But these pursuits feel hollow at life's end. The temporal perspective disappoints because it promises what it cannot deliver. Today, examine where you're investing your energy. Are you building something that lasts beyond the dot of earthly life into the vast expanse of eternity? Recalibrate your focus from the seen to the unseen, from the temporary to the eternal. Reflection: What would change in your daily decisions if you truly lived like it's all about God rather than about you?
Strengthened by Grace to Serve
1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: Paul thanked Christ for strengthening him and counting him faithful—not because Paul deserved it, but because grace made him capable. Notice Paul's humility: Christ considered him faithful; Christ put him into service. Paul never claimed credit for his transformation or effectiveness. It was all grace. God doesn't need you, yet He chooses to use you. This should simultaneously humble and embolden you. You're not serving in your own strength, earning God's approval, or proving your worth. You're simply a vessel through which God's grace flows. This liberates you from performance anxiety and pride alike. When you succeed in ministry or service, it's Christ's strength. When you fail, His grace remains sufficient. Count it a blessing that God would use someone like you to display His glory. Reflection: Where are you trying to serve God in your own strength rather than relying on His grace?
1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: Paul thanked Christ for strengthening him and counting him faithful—not because Paul deserved it, but because grace made him capable. Notice Paul's humility: Christ considered him faithful; Christ put him into service. Paul never claimed credit for his transformation or effectiveness. It was all grace. God doesn't need you, yet He chooses to use you. This should simultaneously humble and embolden you. You're not serving in your own strength, earning God's approval, or proving your worth. You're simply a vessel through which God's grace flows. This liberates you from performance anxiety and pride alike. When you succeed in ministry or service, it's Christ's strength. When you fail, His grace remains sufficient. Count it a blessing that God would use someone like you to display His glory. Reflection: Where are you trying to serve God in your own strength rather than relying on His grace?
A Doxology of Amazement
1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33-36
Devotional: Paul couldn't contain himself. After reflecting on God's grace, mercy, and salvation, he erupted in worship: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." This wasn't planned liturgy; it was spontaneous overflow. When was the last time thinking about God made you burst into praise? If it's been a while, perhaps you've lost your amazement. God is still eternal, still immortal, still worthy of all honor. The problem isn't that God has become less glorious—it's that we've become distracted by the temporal. Today, slow down and meditate on God's character. He has no beginning or end. He never weakens or decays. He alone is God. Let these truths penetrate your heart until praise becomes inevitable. An eternal perspective isn't just thinking differently; it's being so captivated by God that worship becomes your natural response. Reflection: Does God still blow you away? What specific attribute of God can you meditate on today until it moves you to worship?
1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33-36
Devotional: Paul couldn't contain himself. After reflecting on God's grace, mercy, and salvation, he erupted in worship: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." This wasn't planned liturgy; it was spontaneous overflow. When was the last time thinking about God made you burst into praise? If it's been a while, perhaps you've lost your amazement. God is still eternal, still immortal, still worthy of all honor. The problem isn't that God has become less glorious—it's that we've become distracted by the temporal. Today, slow down and meditate on God's character. He has no beginning or end. He never weakens or decays. He alone is God. Let these truths penetrate your heart until praise becomes inevitable. An eternal perspective isn't just thinking differently; it's being so captivated by God that worship becomes your natural response. Reflection: Does God still blow you away? What specific attribute of God can you meditate on today until it moves you to worship?