Shaped By The Potter
Sunday, September 7
Jeremiah 18:1-6
This week we look at what it takes to follow Jesus in the choices we make. We begin with the familiar story of Jeremiah at the potter’s house, which at the macro level is all about God’s sovereignty—that God being the potter can do whatever he chooses to do with us, the clay.
If, however, our focus at the micro level is about Israel and what God will do if they don’t repent, we miss the point entirely. The good news is revealed in what the Potter did with the clay when he found it to be marred. He didn’t throw it away and start all over again. Instead, he simply “formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him” (v. 4, NIV). There is no getting around the fact that we are all marred (Romans 3:23), but God in his mercy takes us as we are and shapes us into what seems best to him.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me (“Spirit of the Living God,” The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, #276). In your name I pray, Amen.
A Life Rooted In God’s Wisdom
Monday, September 8
Psalm 1
Life is full of choices—big ones, little ones, the kind that seem harmless at first but end up shaping who we become. Psalm 1 lays it out like a crossroads: one path leads to flourishing, deep-rooted like a tree by a river; while the other crumbles like dry leaves in the wind. This psalm is not just a poetic opener to the Book of Psalms; it is a road map for life. It asks, “Where are you walking?” “Who are you listening to?” and, “What is filling your mind?” It paints a vivid contrast between two ways of living—one grounded in God’s wisdom, the other drifting with the latest trends. It is a reminder that the people we surround ourselves with, the voices we listen to, and the foundation we build our lives on will ultimately determine our direction.
So which path are you walking today?
Lord, when we walk with you in the light of your Word, what a glory you shed on our way. While we do your good will, you abide with us still, and with all who will trust and obey (“When We Walk with the Lord,” The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, #276). Amen.
The Source Of True Life
Tuesday, September 9
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
We live in an era of unlimited choices and every day we are confronted with so many decisions; however, there is one decision we face that is greater than any other. More important than choosing a vocation, a location, or even a marriage partner is the choice between life and death. God has already made his choice, but what about us? What will you we do with God’s offer of life? Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).
There is only one place, or source, where life can be found and that is in Jesus Christ. “In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:4, NRSVUE). When we choose life, all other decisions will be shaped by him, helping us to cease the worship of gods that lead to death.
Lord, I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow Jesus. You set the stars to give light to the world; the star of my life is Jesus (“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, #367). Amen.
Placing Christ Above All
Wednesday, September 10
Luke 14:25-33
“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself cannot be my disciple” (v. 26, NRSVUE).
The language in today’s passage may seem very strange to our ears. These words are a Semitic idiom of expressing preference, meaning that if someone prefers one thing or one person over another, they are said to love the one and hate the other. Jesus, who said, “Love your enemies,” is not asking us to hate our own flesh and blood. He is calling for a level of allegiance that takes priority over the most cherished of human allegiances. He is to be the primary love in our lives. It does not mean we will love others less; it simply means that when the Lord is our first love, we will be empowered to love others in the way he loves them.
Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow Thee; destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be. Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known; yet how rich is my condition: God and heaven are still my own (“Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken”). Amen.
When Love Pays The Debt
Thursday, September 11
Philemon 1-21
Have you ever wanted to do something, while recognizing that it would cost you to make it happen? Paul writes to implore Philemon to accept Onesimus, who had run away. Paul speaks of the great benefit he has received from Onesimus, and he tells Philemon that he will not only have a better worker, but he will also be welcoming back a brother in Christ.
The choice Paul makes in writing to Philemon is a costly one. “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me” (v. 18, NIV). Paul is saying that if it is a matter of not accepting Onesimus back because of monetary loss, Philemon should charge the loss to Paul’s account, and he would make good on the debt. Is that something I would do as a Christ follower?
Father, like Onesimus, I was once a fugitive and deserved death. But in choosing Jesus, who interceded on my behalf and paid the price for my sins, I found life, making it possible to return to you. Amen.
God, The Refuge Of Our Inheritance
Friday, September 12
Psalm 16:1-6
David makes his choice clear. In God he will take refuge. He will not worship other gods or even mention their names because God alone is his portion. A brief look at these six verses reveals what David discovered in the choice he made: God is his refuge (v. 1). God is sovereign (v. 2). He finds joy in God’s people (v. 3). He rejects idolatry (v. 4), and he embraces God as his inheritance (vv. 5-6). As we apply these lessons to our daily lives, we draw closer to God and reflect his character to those around us. Seeking refuge in God gives us peace and stability amid life’s storms. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty fosters gratitude and humility, helping us to see his hand in every blessing. Valuing a godly community strengthens our faith and encourages us to live righteously. Rejecting idolatry keeps our hearts aligned with God’s purposes, preventing anything from taking his place. Embracing God as our inheritance reminds us where our true joy comes from.
Father God, open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth you have for me. Place in my hands the wonderful key that will unclasp and set me free (“Open My Eyes, That I May See,” The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, #368). Amen.
Secure Inheritance
Saturday, September 13
Psalm 16:7-11
As this week’s theme of costly choices comes to an end, we see in the closing verses of today’s psalm David’s commitment to his choice—a commitment to praise the Lord, to keep his eyes always on the Lord, and not to be shaken—even to the point of letting his body rest secure. Why? Because he knows that God will not abandon him, that God will make known to him the path of life and fill him with joy.
We may be tempted to think only of ourselves when making a choice, but earlier this week the writer of Deuteronomy challenged us to consider those who will follow us by saying, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (30:19, NLT).
Lord, I want to stand on the promises of you, my King. Through eternal ages may your praises ring. Glory in the highest let me shout and sing, standing on the promises of God (“Standing on the Promises”). Amen.
