Trinity Daily Devotion

Built for More
Rev. Dr. Kim Shelton
Ephesians 3:14-17 NIV

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love. . .

Many skyscrapers are being built lately in Chicago, and as I admire the beauty of the buildings, I imagine workers spending several months laying a deep foundation that no one ever sees. That's because what stands tall above the ground, I believe, depends on what anchors beneath it.

In Ephesians 3:14–17, Paul bows in prayer, asking God to strengthen believers with power through His Spirit so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. Paul understood that before God builds our purpose, He strengthens our inner person, not on popularity, possessions, or people's opinions, but on Christ.

I believe we are built to stand when life's storms come because our foundation is secure. We are built to love because Christ's love lives within us and flows through us to others. And we are built for more than simply survival. God has designed us to grow, serve, lead, and reflect His glory in every season. So don't allow today's challenges to make you forget tomorrow's promise. God is still building us. Every test strengthens your foundation, and every prayer prepares you for what comes next. Beloved, know we are built for more, not just for today but for our future selves.

PRAYER:
God, thank You for strengthening me from the inside out. Root my life in Christ so I can stand firm, love deeply, and walk boldly in the purpose You have prepared for me. Continue building me into the person You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Stop measuring yourself by what you see today. Measure yourself by what God is building in you for tomorrow.

"Just Passing Through"
Rev. Jasmin Taylor
(Repost)
Scripture: Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

This passage of scripture seemed to show up constantly during one of the most difficult times in my life. I was at a job that I hated, and it felt like I was in prison. To gain strength, a co-worker and I would do daily devotions before beginning our workday. We would draw scripture from a deck of cards, approximately 52 cards, and let the chosen scripture be our guide for discussion. We would always shuffle the cards well to mix them up. The first week we started our devotions, this scripture was pulled from the deck twice, and then it began making regular appearances for us on our morning devotions. I believe that it showed up as a reminder to us that we were not going to be overtaken by the difficulties that we were experiencing.

I was reminded that I was “passing through.” The text says, “When you pass through,” it did not say “if” you pass through. This led me to understand that I was most assuredly going to experience some problems in my life, but that I would make it through stronger and better, and that God would be with me.

Though we do not literally pass through waters or fire in real life, in the spiritual realm, there are many forces that try to devour us, and they work against our spiritual walk. Fire and water are often used in the Scriptures to denote calamity - the water because it overwhelms and fire because it consumes. Whenever and wherever you experience difficulties in your life, God will protect you, God will be with you, and you will not be consumed.

PRAYER:
Lord, lead me, guide me and order my steps. When I am experiencing difficulties, remind me that I am “Just Passing Through.” I know that with you leading and guiding me that I will not be consumed by the things that happen to me. Lord I know that with you I can do and get through anything. Thank you for being with me. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When you go through things, grow through them. “Grow Through Things”