by Elizabeth Haarberg

Redeemed for amazing works.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9

God can work through anyone, including a donkey (Numbers 22:28), to bring His word and message to life. This includes believers and non-believers. The difference in the two is the relationship. The person who is going deeper, and on the adventure with God, has the benefit of a friend and confidant. The other is being used by God, but doesn’t have the advantage of a friendship. After the good that God does through him, or her, they are left empty.

The cavernous space in us is meant to be a dwelling only the Holy Spirit can fill. Temporarily it can be filled by friends, spouses, children, good works, and jobs. At the end of all the attempts to put something in the large space that only God can fill, however, is the loneliness that existed before the attempt.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Out of this filling of the Holy Spirit comes works and wonderful displays which God performs. It says in the verse above that our bodies are not our own. We are His. We should dance with joy that we are His finest creation on Earth, and He wants to display Himself through us.

We are beautiful, and wonderful, masterpieces that have been created for amazing miracles. He is just waiting to work through us. All we need to say is “Yes!”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado