Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

in Lent

Belong & Become, Week 3, Day 19

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JOHN 14:14 | 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

The unlimited promise that Jesus will fulfill our request has two qualifiers. Our projects must glorify God and be done “in his name.” The name is not just an arbitrary sign of identification in the Bible, it conveys someone’s character and values. Our work thus has not only a proper motivation, but a built-in direction and focus.

Athletes and movie stars lend their names to all manner of products and projects. Jesus, by contrast, is not invested in a fat payday or strengthening his brand identification and loyalty. He wants human beings fully alive, men and women who have become sons and daughters of God, bearers of his image, witnesses to his goodness and grace. Projects that do not aim at this cannot authentically carry his name, nor command his help.

What are you asking God for?

Does it glorify him and bear the stamp of his name?

 

Posted by David Joynt with
Tags: ask, request
in Lent

Belong & Become, Week 3, Day 18

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JOHN 14:13 | 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

“I’ll do,” Jesus says, "whatever you ask in my name so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” All the work we do must glorify God. This simple sentence has profound implications. Our motivation cannot be to outperform others, to garner attention, or to impress God. We must not be in the business of glorifying our church, our denomination, or our brand. The result of our labors, our plans, our investments, must be that people want to praise God, thank God, and follow God.

Our glory is always reflected glory, just as our strength and gifts and resources are always borrowed.

What motivates you?

Pray for pure motivation and a life that glorifies God.

 

Posted by David Joynt with
Tags: praise, give, works, work

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