ESOCS Devotional 6 June 2022
TEXT: JOEL 2: 28 – 32
MEMORY VERSE: “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just, because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5: 30 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
The will of God the Father is whatever He has decreed in His wisdom, knowledge, holiness and grace. His decrees include the decision to create the universe, including humans. His decrees include the plan for salvation, the future roadmap for the creation, and the righteous standard to which we are to conform.
Many things compete for our attention, energy, loyalty, and commitment. Jesus is clear about our first priority being His Kingdom and the will of the Father (Matthew 6:33). He encourages us to hold that posture in the words of the Lord’s Prayer. He calls us to pray to our Father, “May your Kingdom come and your will be done.”
In John 4:34, Jesus explained to His disciples that His food was actually to do the will of His Father. It was His nourishment and pleasure. It should be ours, too.
When we take the posture of a daughter or son who is eager for the Father to lead us and accomplish His will through us, the Lord aligns us to His will. He, in effect, changes our hearts.
When we choose to seek the will of the Father, He will bear witness with us, and His witness is always true (John 5:32, 36-37).
So, seek first — above all other distractions — His Kingdom. Pray that His will comes to pass and not your own. Desire above all else the Father’s will to be done. If you do, all the other things you need will be added. Seek to know Him and His will rather than calling Him Lord but then doing your own will.
- What are those things that are competing for your attention and have not allowed you to seek the will of the Father? Go to God in prayer today.
- Father, my heart’s desire above all is to know you and do your will. Please help me hear your voice, seek your Kingdom and be obedient to your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 9:1–12; I Kings 20:22–43; Revelation 3:14-22
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ESOCS Devotional 6 June 2022
