Monthly Devotional

What do you do well?

August, 2007

This is what the lord says:

“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me, that I am the lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”   declares the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

When seven-year-old Tim filled out an elementary questionnaire, What does your mom do well? He wrote, “God.”

His mom was surprised and just a little tickled that he felt that way about her. After all, it was much more complimentary than his answer about what she smelled like (A tin can!).

What would others say you do well? What would you like to do well? With the last lingering days of summer, my thoughts turn to the changes I will make in my fall schedule. The verses from Jeremiah remind me to place a priority on my relationship with God. All the other things I might boast about fall short of knowing Him.

The apostle Paul reiterates the importance of these words from the Old Testament by repeating them in the New. But Paul adds more. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul explains that God chose the foolish, weak, lowly, and despised so that no one may boast. He explains that Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, redemption, and the wisdom and power of God. He concludes: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthian 1:31).

As you turn the calendar page to September, if you need a focus, make your priority knowing and understanding the God of kindness, justice and righteousness. God says He delights in these!

Lord, I want to know You more. I long to understand what delights You. Teach me about Your kindness, justice, and righteousness. Help me remember that when I am weak, then in You I can be strong. Help me to boast only in You and Your power and wisdom.

Copyright © 2007 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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