Finding Your Creative Bones® 365-Day Devotional © 2023
What does it mean to you to boast in the Lord? Do you boast for the Lord?
For we will not make comparison of ourselves with some of those who say good things about themselves: but these, measuring themselves by themselves, and making comparison of themselves with themselves, are not wise.
We will not give glory to ourselves in over-great measure, but after the measure of the rule which God has given us, a measure which comes even to you.
For we have no need to make ourselves seem more than we are, as if our authority did not come as far as to you: for we came even as far as you with the good news of Christ:
Not taking credit to ourselves for what is not our business, that is, for the work of others; but having hope that, with the growth of your faith, we may get the credit for an increase which is the effect of our work, (2 Corinthians 10.12-15 Bible in Basic English (BBE))
Paul writes to the Corinthians that words are their weapon to bring new members to Christ. He fears they feel he is arrogant and boastful about his beliefs. He wants them to understand they are not boastful. They were truths spoken to win others for Christ.
What does it mean to you to boast in the Lord? Do you? Do you know people who do? What confidence do you have when you speak of God or Jesus Christ? Are you meek, proud, or influencing? We are all called to be influencers and bring others to the Lord. It is our mission. We do this through action and word.
It is not boastful to speak in awe of God. Do you, can you, will you? If you feel unable, keep studying, learning, and praying to gain the knowledge you need to be comfortable. Knowledge is strengthening. The Lord will give you confidence and words. When words fail you, praise is always a beautiful expression.
When we praise God, we will never falter, for his glory is incomparable to any other thing. Helping others realize God's beauty is lovely, boasting for the Lord.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me learn how to boast for you. I see your magnificence and desire to speak of your beauty and wonder compellingly so that others are curious and desirous of knowing you better. Please make me an influencer for you in the very best of ways. I want to help others find your love, whether they are friends, strangers, or family. Use my actions as a lamp to guide others to you and your beautiful son. May your light shine from me in beautiful, influencing ways, and may my tongue boast for you each day. Amen.
a tangle originated by Zentangle, Inc.
Word of the Day
BOAST
Read the Scripture in context on the Bible in Basic English (BBE) website.
Boasting was something that I always tried to avoid doing because it seemed to be too self absorbed. And my faith seemed like something private and deeply personal. This is a different way of looking at it and is certainly something to think about.
Boast was a never-do word as I grew up because it was in context to me, my gifts, my intelligence, etc. That has changed in context, thank goodness.
Your prayer has become my new definition of boast, requesting to the Lord that His light shine from me shine in beautiful, influencing ways, and may my tongue boast for Him each day.
I love that you include zentangles in your posts - and links to instructions too! I find drawing these is a wonderful way to connect with the Divine.