Daily Devotionals
Monday, August 26, 2024 (Mary Ann)
All things through Christ
I had just started reading a book by Max Lucado and was stopped by this story. Max is in church and a stranger sits down behind him. Turns out this guy’s a famous opera singer. Now comes time to stand and sing and oh wow, can this guy S I N G!
Max writes: “His vibrato made dentures rattle and rafters shake. He tried to contain himself. But how can a tuba hide in a room of piccolos?
“For a moment I was startled. But within a verse, I was inspired. Emboldened by his volume, I lifted mine. Did I sing better? Not even I could hear me. My warbles were lost in his talent. But did I try harder? No doubt. His power brought out the best in me.”
It’s a cute story but I think we can dredge out encouragement for all us piccolos.
We often go about our believer lives with the best intentions. We sincerely want to live our lives pleasing to God. We want to love others as ourselves, just as we are commanded. We want to be witnesses to those who don’t know the saving grace of Jesus as we do.
But when we try to do any of this powered solely by our own strength, our own personalities, our own talents — even though they’re gifts from our Creator — we can be the most out of tune of all the piccolos.
Here’s the thing, Sisters, this side of eternity we are engaged in a good vs evil battle. And while it sounds like a contradiction, we live our strongest, most effective lives only when we realize our desperate need of God to lead and empower us. So buckle up and remember:
He goes before us. “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
He is in us. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
He equips us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
He empowers us. “Now may the God of peace … equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” Hebrews 13:20-21.
Tune in and tune up, Piccolo Sisters, but we know we can’t go solo! Let’s ask God to use his power to bring out our best for the building of his Kingdom.
Mary Ann
I had just started reading a book by Max Lucado and was stopped by this story. Max is in church and a stranger sits down behind him. Turns out this guy’s a famous opera singer. Now comes time to stand and sing and oh wow, can this guy S I N G!
Max writes: “His vibrato made dentures rattle and rafters shake. He tried to contain himself. But how can a tuba hide in a room of piccolos?
“For a moment I was startled. But within a verse, I was inspired. Emboldened by his volume, I lifted mine. Did I sing better? Not even I could hear me. My warbles were lost in his talent. But did I try harder? No doubt. His power brought out the best in me.”
It’s a cute story but I think we can dredge out encouragement for all us piccolos.
We often go about our believer lives with the best intentions. We sincerely want to live our lives pleasing to God. We want to love others as ourselves, just as we are commanded. We want to be witnesses to those who don’t know the saving grace of Jesus as we do.
But when we try to do any of this powered solely by our own strength, our own personalities, our own talents — even though they’re gifts from our Creator — we can be the most out of tune of all the piccolos.
Here’s the thing, Sisters, this side of eternity we are engaged in a good vs evil battle. And while it sounds like a contradiction, we live our strongest, most effective lives only when we realize our desperate need of God to lead and empower us. So buckle up and remember:
He goes before us. “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
He is in us. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
He equips us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
He empowers us. “Now may the God of peace … equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” Hebrews 13:20-21.
Tune in and tune up, Piccolo Sisters, but we know we can’t go solo! Let’s ask God to use his power to bring out our best for the building of his Kingdom.
Mary Ann
