By: Kelly Fonteijn Originally published: November 30, 2021
Begin with 2 minutes of silence
Scripture
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Devotional Thoughts
Look at the list of adjectives in this verse.
True
Noble
Right
Pure
Lovely
Admirable
Excellent
Praiseworthy
I don’t know about you, but these qualities seem to describe God’s character pretty well to me!
SO – where we notice these qualities in “ordinary” places, in the natural world and in people around us, we are seeing God’s fingerprints all over creation. We may even be seeing “extraordinary” reflections of God’s character carried out because the Holy Spirit is working in people in spite of their brokenness.
For example, I love watching my two little nieces play with each other. They run around and giggle, delighting in life. They are not conscious of it, but they are glorifying God by doing those ordinary lovely things they have been designed to do at that developmental stage. OR, extraordinarily, I have seen friends make great personal sacrifices for people they do not know because they are obeying God. It’s admirable and praiseworthy!
Question for Reflection
List three times in the last 24 hours when you either noticed God’s fingerprints in ordinary creation, or witnessed someone’s extraordinary decision to look like Jesus in their words or actions.
Prayer
God, please help me notice all those little things around me today that point to you, your character, and your love. Please allow reflection on those things to fill my thoughts, to heal me, encourage me, and create a space for wonder, awe, and worship. Amen.
End with 2 minutes of silence