OUR GOAL IS TO BE LIKE JESUS
Devotional for August 9, 2021
Morning: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Noon: Psalm 97
Evening: 2 Corinthians 3:18
All humans, because of the first fall, have a certain defense mechanism that resists everything that can bring change to our lives. We adapt to a particular lifestyle, certain ways, and even certain sins, and when we feel pressured by God to advance — in order for us to change — we immediately activate that defense mechanism.
God has put a goal before us that we are to try to reach: to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. That goal emerges in the Scriptures in various ways: going forth in a way that is worthy of the Gospel, living in a way that is pleasant before the eyes of God, behaving in a way that is worthy of that vocation with which we were called, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in our lives, etc. However, all this is the same goal, just from different angles: being like Jesus, going forth in the way He did, imitating His character, responding the way He did in the various situations that were presented to Him. We must change. We cannot keep the same conduct that we had when we were in darkness.
— Antonio Corrales
Piety is a gift from God, but us believers are responsible for entering into it.
Morning: 1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Noon: Psalm 97
1 The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O Lord.
9 For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Evening: 2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
PRAYER GUIDE: U.S. Diocese West-Sacramento] and [Costa Rica-Río Banano]
BIBLE ANNUAL READING: Isaías 46, 47, 48
