Page 24 - Grace150 Devotional

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Mommy: “Okay let’s do ‘Jesus Book’ (what my kids call the Bible), prayers, and bed.”
Simera: “Mommy! I got the demotion for us!”
Mommy:“The what?”
Simera: “The DE-MO-SHUN!” (Holds up the kids’ devotional).

Out of the mouth of babes! While she was not aware of it, this cute little slip
of my daughter’s tongue in pronouncing the word devotion is rather profound.
How often do we find ourselves truly demoting our desires to be less than what
the Lord is calling us to do? Are my “rights” as a wife, mother, employee, and
friend more important than showing the grace I have been given? Are the words
I speak “truth in love,” or products of self-preservation, bitterness, and fear? In a
culture that tells us to fight for what we deserve, demoting yourself before anyone
is a challenge!
There is great purpose in our devotion to God involving the demotion of our
desires. It’s not just for His glory, it’s for our protection. If I am truly honest with
myself, my trials and anxieties are usually products of me elevating my thoughts
and plans above the Lord’s. In the end, it’s not our devotion that is going to reach
our children, revive our marriages, rejuvenate our faith, and restore our nation...
It’s our “DE-MO-SHUN!”
Heavenly Father, allow us to fully accept our DE-MO-SHUN before Your holy,
righteous ways and lift Your plans for us above our own. Amen!
– Kristin & Simera Rickey

DAY 17 grace 150