NINETY-NINE AND THE ONE
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NLT)
Do you remember playing a game either at school or in the neighborhood? We would line up in the hopes of being chosen for a team. Most of the time, the ones chosen first were based on their abilities to perform in whatever game is being played. I can remember being the one waiting to be chosen, pick after pick, I saw others chosen until, most of the time, I was chosen last because I was all that was left. I was the smallest, least sports-inclined, but I knew the sport being played, and I was not taught how to carry it out because of my appearance. Maybe you’re reading this and say yes, I was that kid chosen last, or I was that kid making assumptions about another.
As we look at today’s Scripture, let’s meditate on how our view of others and their abilities can help aid in our spiritual renewal or hold us back from the growth God has intended for us. God used the most unlikely people in the Old Testament to carry out His plan and grow that individual spiritually through it. David took down Goliath (thought to be too small), Noah built the ark (thought to be out of his mind), Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt (a murderer and a rebel), the list goes on and on. Is the ninety-nine defining how God can use you or how He can grow you? Take a stand today and say, God, renew me and use me wherever You lead. God, I want to be the one. Here I am!
APPLICATION: What in your past is holding you back from allowing God to renew you? Make that list and pray that healing can begin. Replace that lie with a truth you know God says about you today. Others may try to define you, but only God can refine you!
PRAYER: Father, I want You to renew me from within, begin with my mind and how I view others today. Reveal to me those I need to forgive so I can truly experience the renewal You desire for me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?