1st May. 2020.Daily Devotion.

I received an invitation from Inverkeithing Primary School on Tuesday to create a poster for a collage which was going to be displayed at a virtual school assembly on Thursday. All the staff and associated workers were asked to create a poster and a motto for the school. At first, I thought, “Oh no, not another thing to think about and create.” Taking part was optional, but I did not think it would be good to decline, especially when others would take up the invitation. As always, the inspiration came to me and I was able to send off a suitable contribution and beside that, I really enjoyed preparing the poster. During these lock down days it can be hard to remain motivated when life and routines are disrupted.

While looking for an idea for this devotion I found the following:

Obey the Lord with great fear. Psalm 2:11

Mary and Mary [Magdalene] knew a task had to be done—Jesus’ body had to be prepared for burial. Peter didn’t offer to do it. Andrew didn’t volunteer … so the two Marys decide to do it …

I wonder if halfway to the tomb they had sat down and reconsidered. What if they’d looked at each other and shrugged, “What’s the use?” What if they had given up? What if one had thrown up her arms in frustration and bemoaned, “I’m tired of being the only one who cares. Let Andrew do something for a change. Let Nathanael show some leadership.”

Whether or not they were tempted to, I am glad they did not quit. That would have been tragic. You see, we know something they did not. We know the Father was watching. Mary and Mary thought they were alone. They were not. They thought their journey was unnoticed. They were wrong. God knew. Max Lucado

Sometimes it can be difficult to fulfil our calling to serve, to remain optimistic and faithful, to undertake the difficult but necessary tasks of life as we are committed to do. This is especially so when we are limited in our circumstances.

The knowledge that God knows what it costs us, the frustrations we feel, the resentments that spring up, the effort to summon energy which we overcome when we have a task to perform, should be enough motivation.

As Paul advises servants in Colossae: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Psalm Fragment

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:
He said to me, ‘You are my son;
today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron[a];
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:7-12

Prayers for motivation

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Oh Lord, I thank You for being the creator of motivation and determination. So, Father, I pray that although it seems hard at times, I will remember that You in Your mercy have made a way for me. Nothing is impossible with You; therefore, I choose not to give up. I choose to not be shaken by what I see or feel in the moment. Lord, I thank You Lord for motivation, determination, compassion and Your divine nature, Amen.

Romans 12:11-12 1Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Father I thank You for who You are. It is Your divine nature that ensures that I will never be lacking in enthusiasm, determination or motivation while I serve You. I rejoice in my confidence and hope in You and I give You thanks because You are good. I will stay patient in my affliction and faithful in my prayers, knowing that You God see me, and You know the bigger picture of my life; thank You Lord, Amen.