It’s the Gospel That’s Important
Today’s Verses:
1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
Recently, I haven’t had many days like Sunday. After waking up, I felt drained. A disturbing dream followed by over an hour of trying to recall why I had such a bizarre dream left me exhausted. Later that morning, I arrived at church and walked for an hour before preparing for service, hoping the exercise would give me a boost, but the early morning fatigue had already taken its toll. I was completely wiped out.
I understand the question you may have: why not have a cup of coffee and let caffeine do its magic? Well, at one point, from the age of 14 until December 20, 2024, caffeine was my sole source of stimulation. I consumed more coffee and tea than I can admit, and my caffeine intake throughout the day significantly impacted my sleeping habits. Despite this, I still drank way too much coffee. On that fateful December day, I made a conscious decision to go cold turkey - no more caffeine. Instead, I switched to drinking water, hoping that I wouldn’t feel as groggy as I did on Sunday morning, when a caffeine boost would have been a lifesaver.
Following Sunday’s church services, I returned home and settled down, trying to stay awake. As I sat, I pondered the verse for today’s devotional thought. Saint Paul emphasizes the significance of nothing outside his faith in Jesus Christ dominating his life. Paul’s primary directive was to serve the God who redeemed him while proclaiming this salvation to everyone. His ultimate goal was never to be influenced by external forces that would divert his focus from the importance of the Gospel message.
While I may have felt a bit exhausted on Sunday, Paul’s verse to the church at Corinth reminded me that the sole guiding principle should be living my faith in Jesus Christ, the world’s only Savior. While caffeine might have been beneficial earlier in the day, focusing on how I can best serve God as a pastor, preacher, and child of God is more crucial. As you go about your daily responsibilities, ensure that the world does not overshadow your life. Let the Gospel serve as your guiding light and keep you motivated this Monday.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Heavenly Father, on this Monday, I pray the Gospel of Your Son, Jesus Christ, be my only motivation to serve You and others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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