The Daily Devotional
Friday, June 21, 2024
Boasting in the Lord
Friday, June 21, 2024
Boasting in the Lord
Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:31
Introduction
In 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul reminds us, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s work in our lives and giving Him the glory for the transformations we experience. Today, let’s reflect on how God used an unlikely servant, James Morris, to draw Augustus Toplady, the author of the hymn Rock of Ages, to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Augustus Toplady's journey to faith is a testament to God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes. Toplady described the pivotal moment of his conversion: “Strange that I...should be brought nigh unto God...amidst a handful of God’s people met together in a barn, and under the ministry of one who could hardly spell his name. Surely this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous.”
James Morris, an uneducated man by worldly standards, was the vessel through which God spoke to Toplady. Despite Morris's lack of formal education and eloquence, his genuine faith and obedience to God’s call had a profound impact. This story reminds us that God often chooses the humble and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His divine purposes. It’s not our abilities that matter, but our availability and willingness to be used by Him.
Application
As we reflect on this story, we can draw several applications for our own lives:
1. Humility and Dependence on God: We should acknowledge that our talents and achievements are gifts from God, and we must use them to glorify Him, not ourselves. Like Morris, we should remain humble and depend on God’s power rather than our own strength.
2. Obedience in Small Things: Sometimes, God calls us to minister in places or ways that seem insignificant or humble. We should be faithful in these small tasks, knowing that God can use them in ways we may not see or understand.
3. Encouragement to Share Our Faith: We may feel inadequate to share our faith due to a lack of eloquence or knowledge. However, God can use our simple words and genuine love for Him to touch the hearts of others, just as He did with Morris.
Conclusion
James Morris’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s ways are higher than our ways. He often uses the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes, so that His power and glory are evident to all. Let us boast not in our own abilities, but in the Lord, who equips and empowers us for His service.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of James Morris and how You used him to bring Augustus Toplady to faith. Help us to remember that it is not our abilities, but our availability that You seek. Keep us humble and dependent on You, willing to serve in whatever capacity You call us. Give us courage to share our faith, trusting that You can use our simple words to accomplish great things. May we always boast in You and give You all the glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
In 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul reminds us, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s work in our lives and giving Him the glory for the transformations we experience. Today, let’s reflect on how God used an unlikely servant, James Morris, to draw Augustus Toplady, the author of the hymn Rock of Ages, to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Augustus Toplady's journey to faith is a testament to God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes. Toplady described the pivotal moment of his conversion: “Strange that I...should be brought nigh unto God...amidst a handful of God’s people met together in a barn, and under the ministry of one who could hardly spell his name. Surely this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous.”
James Morris, an uneducated man by worldly standards, was the vessel through which God spoke to Toplady. Despite Morris's lack of formal education and eloquence, his genuine faith and obedience to God’s call had a profound impact. This story reminds us that God often chooses the humble and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His divine purposes. It’s not our abilities that matter, but our availability and willingness to be used by Him.
Application
As we reflect on this story, we can draw several applications for our own lives:
1. Humility and Dependence on God: We should acknowledge that our talents and achievements are gifts from God, and we must use them to glorify Him, not ourselves. Like Morris, we should remain humble and depend on God’s power rather than our own strength.
2. Obedience in Small Things: Sometimes, God calls us to minister in places or ways that seem insignificant or humble. We should be faithful in these small tasks, knowing that God can use them in ways we may not see or understand.
3. Encouragement to Share Our Faith: We may feel inadequate to share our faith due to a lack of eloquence or knowledge. However, God can use our simple words and genuine love for Him to touch the hearts of others, just as He did with Morris.
Conclusion
James Morris’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s ways are higher than our ways. He often uses the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes, so that His power and glory are evident to all. Let us boast not in our own abilities, but in the Lord, who equips and empowers us for His service.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of James Morris and how You used him to bring Augustus Toplady to faith. Help us to remember that it is not our abilities, but our availability that You seek. Keep us humble and dependent on You, willing to serve in whatever capacity You call us. Give us courage to share our faith, trusting that You can use our simple words to accomplish great things. May we always boast in You and give You all the glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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