Less of me, More of You

January 22, 2014

My devotion for today comes from Genesis 11. This chapter tells the story of 'The Tower of Babel'. I was unfamiliar with this Bible story. Here's an abbreviated version:

The whole world had one common speech in which they communicated. They pioneered new land and came up with the idea to build a huge tower that stretched to the heavens. It was their way of "making a name for themselves." They basically desired to build a personal monument showcasing their craftsmanship and intelligence. God came down and saw how this unified language had created a monster. They were no longer praising Him but moreso themselves. God scattered them all over the Earth and confused their language. They no longer understood one another.  Needless to say, construction on tower was ceased...

It's very easy to act like the people of Babel and get caught up in elevating our possessions or accomplishments. We often forget that "everything - including ourselves - has been created by GOD for God. That accomplishment you achieved was not your own doing. The song reference for today is Earnest Pugh's "I Need Your Glory." In the song he says:

"I need your glory
I want your glory
Less of me and more of You
Is what I need"

As Christians, we should humble ourselves before God. It needs to be less about our "towers" and more about Him. Fight against the desire to elevate your accomplishments and possessions. "Humble yourself before God, knowing that He will exalt you at the proper time."

Lord, teach me how to humble myself. I desire less of me and more of You each day.

Amen.

Here's a link to the song: "I Need Your Glory" by Earnest Pugh

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Today's devotion comes from Genesis 9:13-15. These verses are from the familiar story of Noah's Ark. After God sent floods to destroy the earth, He sent a rainbow as a covenant. It was a symbolic promise that God would never send floods to destroy life on earth again. However, "God doesn’t always seal His promises with a visual sign; sometimes we see God’s promises reflected in other ways."

Today's song reference is a traditional hymn that has spanned over many generations. The lyrics say:

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been,Thou forever wilt be.

Then the chorus proclaims:

"Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

This devotion challenges you to find what rainbows you see? Where do you witness God’s faithfulness to you? Maybe it was some last minute cash you needed, a ride to work when your car broke down, or a free meal. Look for "rainbows" in the small needs He meets at just the right time. Credit His goodness when good fortune comes your way...not luck.

God, I thank you...

Amen.

Here's a link to 'Great is Thy Faithfulness' performed by Israel Houghton

He Wants It All

Today's devotion comes from Genesis 4:4-5. The song reference for this devotion is Forever Jones' beautiful ballad "He Wants It All." The song says:

"There's a voice that cries out in the silence
Searching for a heart that will love Him
Longing for a child that will give Him their all
Give it all, He wants it all
And there's a God that walks over the earth
He's searching for a heart that is desperate
And longing for a child
That will give Him their all
Give it all, He wants it all

And He says love me, love me with your whole heart
He wants it all today
Serve me, serve me with your life now
He wants it all today
Bow down, let go of your idols
He wants it all today
He wants it all"

The song urges us to give God our all because that's exactly what He wants. This is evident in today's text. Genesis 4:4-5 is a snippet from the story of Cain and Abel. Two brothers, one a shepherd (Abel) and the other a farmer (Cain). While taking sacrifices to God, Cain took a couple things from his crops...you know, what ever was left. Abel took his fattest most succulent first born lamb. Needless to say, the Lord looked at Cain like "Really?!?" We are guilty of this in our everyday lives too. "I'm 
tired, I'll go to church next week" or "I want a new pair of shoes. I'll tithe next month."

Today's devotion reminds us that we should ALWAYS give God our best. As the song says, He wants it all; not a portion, not half, not what's left, but all. Today we don't sacrifice animals on the altar but we still have a duty to give to God. Romans 12:1 says, "Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship." We can give God our tithes, time, talents, service, or etc. "The offering God wants most is the offering of our hearts, dedicated and fully turned toward Him in a lifestyle of continual worship." God gives us His best 100% of the time... He deserves the same.

God, I give you my gifts, talents and abilities. Please help me to see the sacrifice you want from me.

Amen.

Here's a link to the song:
He Wants It All (Live) by Forever Jones

Somebody Bigger Than You and I

Today's devotion reminds me of Whitney Houston's hit featuring Faith Evans, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill and Monica, "Somebody Bigger Than You and I". This song is featured on the motion picture soundtrack, "The Preacher's Wife." The songs asks:

"Who made the mountains
Who made the trees
Who made the rivers that flow out to the seas
And who hung the moon in the starry, starry, starry sky"

And answers:

"Somebody bigger
I know I know he's bigger than you and I
My God is bigger
Somebody bigger
He's bigger, he's bigger than you
He's bigger than you
My God is, my God is..."

The scripture for today's devotion comes from Genesis 1. This is a familiar text from the first page of the Bible that describes God's creation of Heaven and Earth. More specifically, verse 31 describes God's description of His magnificent work as "very good"." This devotion reminds me of all the beauty in nature and the world in general. It's a reminder of how amazing God is and how thankful we should be for His works. Last September, my husband and I traveled to Niagara Falls for the first time. We couldn't help but be in complete awe at God's creation. It was breathtaking. I am blessed to 
know I too am God's creation and although I am not perfect, it's comforting to know I was created in His image.

God, please give me a new perspective on your creation. Thank you for your awesome works. Each day is a reminder that He is "somebody bigger than you and I."

Amen.

Here's a link to the song:
Somebody Bigger Than You and I by Whitney Houston f. Various Artist