Karen's Devotions

This is a selected collection of my devotions e-published on Daily Devotions, Journey Christian Church, Irvine, California; George Bragg, Editor. To join the mailing list, email George, gbragg@cox.net.

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As a 25+ year homeschooling vet, post-cancer, math prof, mother of five, master's track and field athlete, and certificated private pilot, I have a lot to share about what God has done in my life. In 2000 I began writing devotions as something to try when it seemed like accoustic pianists were becoming an endangered species at church. I have since found great blessings from writing and sharing. God is good.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Complete Set

First Published August 23, 2010

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-
This is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1

When Jeff and I married, I had registered for a very nice Nortake © china set. Since most of our friends were also poor “starving students,” we received two pieces of the pattern. This was a very incomplete set.

Years later Jeff purchased me a Mikasa © set called Dresden Rose for 12 places. We could use more serving pieces, so over the Internet, little by little, we created a fuller set. Once in a while a piece would break, so we would look for a replacement. Sometimes we would find something new such as dessert bowls.

After reading today’s verse you may be asking, “How do I present myself to God?” From the time we are born into Christ we strive to enrich our spiritual life. We accept Him as our Lord and Savior and receive the Holy Spirit, like a beginner’s set of fine china. As we grow and mature through triumphs and trials, we add to our set. This now is a finer, richer set.

Different areas of our life may be out of balance (temptation, lying, slothfulness, etc.) and we may have more teacups than saucers! But we have the assurance that we may lean on God through His Son to provide a way to Christ likeness, hence closer to Him. We present ourselves to Him via attributes as listed in Galatians 5:22, the Fruit of the Spirit.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your “china” is incomplete, today confess your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you are a child of the Lord, then meditate on broadening your beautiful china set. Pray that He may lead you to a more fulfilled life pleasing to Him!

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Almighty God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit I received upon accepting Jesus as my Savior. Through him, may my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. I praise your Name. Amen

Copyright 2010 by Karen Vaughn

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