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unchanging: Made in God's Image
Daily Devotions for Feb. 25-29
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"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
"This is what God the LORD says-he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles..." Isaiah 42:5-6
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MONDAY, Feb. 25
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Do you ever stop just to soak in God's creation? It seems like I witness something in nature that makes me think of my Creator almost every day. Something I don't see every day, but love, are the mountains. I don't get there often, but I savor the times I do. I love to snow ski, raft and play golf in the Rockies. My most breathtaking mountain moments have come on airplanes. The snow-capped Canadian Rockies were amazing. Flying over the Andes in Peru is something I will never forget. Seeing the mountains from the ground is grand, but the view from above was absolutely majestic.
This week, we are going to take a look at another one of God's unchanging truths. He created us in His image. I would like to invite you to see yourself the way God sees you. We will look at some passages that will give us a glorious view from above. Let's begin by reading Psalm 139:1-6. According to these verses, what does God know about you?
There are no secrets with God. He knows everything about us and He cares deeply about everything He knows. However, we often forget this truth. If you lived in light of these verses today, how would your view of God change?
Read theses verses once again, but replace the words me, my and I with your name. Pray today that you would see yourself the way God sees you.
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TUESDAY, Feb. 26
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Have you ever been lost? Maybe you took a wrong turn or were simply trying to find your way around in a new place. Maybe you got lost in a crowd of people. It is a horrible feeling to be lost. A few months ago, our family took a vacation to Disney World. As much as I loved the parks, I had this inherent fear that one of my kids would get lost. As parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents, we kept our hands on the kids at all times. There is something amazingly comforting about being within arms reach. In a similar way, God cares for those He created. Read Psalm 139:7-16. What do these verses tell us about God?
Can you describe a time when you felt beyond God's reach?
Describe a time when you felt a strong sense of His presence.
We cannot escape the presence of God. In many circumstances, this unchangeable truth serves to encourage us. There are other times this truth convicts us. We can't hide from God either. As you pray today, thank God for His presence in your life. Also, take time to confess moments you have wanted to hide sin from God. Memorizing Psalms 139:13-14 would also serve as a great reminder of this unchanging truth.
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WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27
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So far this week, we have seen that God knows everything about us and is everywhere with us. He is an awesome Creator. Psalm 139 turns a bit today as it focuses on our response to our great Creator. We should delight in loving Him. Read Psalm 139:17-24.
According to verses 17 and 18, what should dominate our thoughts?
Verses 19-22 speak of enemies and adversaries. Who are they truly against?
Verses 23 and 24 seem to restate verse 1, but their intent is a bit different. These verses are an invitation for God to reveal the inmost truth about us. The Psalmist wants to see himself the way God sees him. What would you want to change in your life if you could truly see yourself the way God sees you?
Use verses 23 and 24 as a prayer guide today. Pray these verses and then listen as God reveals Himself to you.
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THURSDAY, Feb. 28
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It stands to reason that God would deeply love His creation. After creating the heavens and the earth, Genesis 1:10 tells us God deemed it good. He loved it. How much more then must He love us--for we are created in His image. When my wife was pregnant with our second son, I doubted my capacity to love another child as much as our first. However, I was amazed at the instantaneous depth of love I felt for him at his birth. The same was true for our third son. No words can describe my love for my sons. Frequently, I am reminded that God loves me even more than that. His love for us is perfect and never ending.
Read Romans 8:31-39. What has God done because of His great love for us? According to verse 34, what is Jesus doing right now?
List the things that are not able to separate us from God's love.
Take heart. Be encouraged. God loves you! As you pray today, thank God for loving you. Meditate on verses 37-39.
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FRIDAY, Feb. 29
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We have been reminded this week that God created us and loves us deeply. Not only did He create us for His glory, He created us to bring Him glory. We have an amazing purpose in life. The prophet Isaiah was called by God to represent Him to the people of Israel. They were not unlike us in that one moment they were for God, and the next against Him. In today's passage, Isaiah reminds Israel of God's purpose for them. Read Isaiah 42:5-7. What does verse 5 remind the Israelites of?
What was their purpose according to verses 6 and 7?
God is speaking to us today through these words. He is the Creator and has purposely created each one of us. What steps can you take today to fulfill God's purpose for you?
Sunday, we are celebrating our Local MissionsFest. Pastor Rob will encourage us toward compassion expressed through service. There is great need around us. Pray today that God's love for you would flow out of you as you live a life of purpose.
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Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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