Jim Vining Morning Devotions

Ephesians 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Modern Christianity is more concerned with earthly comfort than spiritual challenge. The majority of our religious experience tends to be limited to church activities. There is a general longing and curiosity to experience God’s blessing but not a hunger and thirst to live in the righteousness He commands. We admire the sacrifice of others in the giving of their lives to God and even enjoy a vicarious association by listening to their testimonies – but there is little that compels us to set aside personal ambitions. Our lives are so full of meaningless duties and obligations the challenge to serve becomes burdensome. Church attendance is viewed as a necessary responsibility rather than an opportunity of preparation. Most Christians will periodically give of their time to join others in service – but the daily commitment of unnoticed obedience and faith gets mired in other priorities. The fullness of the stature of Christ will never be realized by part-time disciples. The presence of God and expansion of His kingdom must be our primary purpose. I have not been called to enjoy this world, but to give myself to the work begun on the cross.

Read through the Bible in one year – Feb. 9 – Matt 25:1-30; Lev. 6-7