Devotional - July 29, 2026
Scripture: Proverbs 16: 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
I think most people try to be good citizens most of the time, or at least more than not. But what happens when they are trying to be good, and they end up being the opposite. They make a mistake, with the best of intentions. They usually have their life and their behaviour under control, but things get out of their control and they panic ...and others see it. Why is it when people do things that aggravate us, that is exactly why they did it ...to aggravate us. They are disrespecting us. They want to aggravate us or ruin what we are trying to do. Why do we assume such things? Unfortunately, there are people out there who do such things. I hope you see it as a symptom of one who is lost, rather than something to be considered legitimate for your consideration. There are others who really are not aware of the ramifications of their behavior. One thing I continually remind people about God, is that God knows our hearts. God knows how and why we think the way we do. God knows our motives. Other people may think they do, we may even think we do, but God actually does. Taking some time each day to simply be with God, allowing yourself to meditate in God's presence can be very helpful. When we do, we are not trying to prove or disprove anything, but instead we are allowing the Spirit of God to move in our spirit. In God's loving and supportive presence, we can be honest and authentic about the situation. We can allow our awareness of the situation to expand into a wider understanding of the situation and possibilities found therein. We can remember, and by that I mean re-member (re-assemble) who we are in Christ and how that affects our situation. Then, we are empowered to move forward in a good way. Oftentimes, people comprehend the All-Knowing nature of God as a threat. God, to them, is condemning, judgemental, and angry with them because they fall-short. Quite the opposite, but some think otherwise because they were schooled in an angry God. When we catch ourselves making assumptions about others, God, and even ourselves, seek peace (Hebrews 12:14, Romans 12:18). Re-member who you are in Christ and then seek Christ (Matthew 11: 28-29). Spend some time allowing God to reveal what is in your heart and help you deal with it.
Pray with me..., Holy God, we are thankful that You both understand us and You teach us to be better people in this world. Help us to experience this life with grace and love. Hear us as we pray for our loved ones. We ask Your blessing upon them as we ask Your blessing on our church. Help us, so we can help others in Jesus' name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
