by Victoria Heinecke

God’s Word is our North Star.

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

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 English Standard Version

Change is coming to the mall near our home: one of its anchor stores is being demolished. When we moved to Colorado 30 years ago, it was a thriving department store built on the quality of its brands of tools and appliances. At one time, it was the world’s largest retailer. Today, it is bankrupt.

Analysts have examined the store’s demise, and many reasons point to a particular theme: they lost their focus. They forgot what it was that made them successful. As one analyst put it, they lost sight of their North Star.

From a Christian perspective, it might be like putting the Bible away for a year.

God gave us his Word as a means of communicating with us. Keep the book closed, and it is nearly impossible to hear God. Slowly, we lose our way. We believe the lies of the world, and before long our faith walk is in a shambles.

 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
John 15:6 ESV

With God’s Word in our daily lives, we can keep our focus on him. We remember his commandments and teachings on living a life that is pleasing to him. He loves us, and he wants to be the North Star in our lives, so that when our life here is finished, we will be in eternal fellowship with him in Heaven.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:9-11 New International Version

Stay close to God and abide with Jesus, his Son. Read his Word. Never lose your focus.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado