Joni And Friends 25 January 2024 Devotional Message
Joni and Friends 25 January 2024 Devotional Thursday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Never Alone
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” – Hebrews 12:1
We behave differently when we know people are watching. We bite our tongues, hold our tempers, help meet a need, say the encouraging word, and even pray more circumspectly. This is why today’s verse is a great follow-up to yesterday’s lesson—if the departed saints are able to observe our actions, our talk quickly becomes our walk.
I know the Lord Jesus is always watching (and that fact alone is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow), but a different slant is added when I consider that my earthly father, who is now in heaven, may also be watching. It’s something I remember when I’m alone. When I’m tempted to blurt out malicious remarks or do something over which I’d be embarrassed if I were found out, I stop. I’m surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. A host of departed Old and New Testament saints, as well as Christian friends and family, are watching (and cheering me toward obedience). They are my witnesses, and this fact inoculates me against the temptation of foolish, private sins.
When you’re driving by yourself, how do you respond when someone cuts you off? What do you do when you’re in a hotel room with an array of cable channels at your fingertips? Perhaps no fact better deters us from sins done in secret than Hebrews 12:1. “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime” (Rom. 13:12-13).
When I honor you in public today, Lord, help me to also remember to honor you in private. More than a great cloud of witnesses, I have you one day to answer to!
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY