Listen to this devotion
How, Lord … can I replace bad habits with good ones?
In the Word
… on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read (Luke 4:16b).
Of the Word
We are creatures of habit. We read a certain section of the newspaper first. We shop at our favorite stores. We patronize our favorite restaurants, and their menus are always appealing. Other habits take more effort or determination. Adopting an exercise routine or starting a weight-loss plan require breaking old habits and substituting new and better ones. How about habits that involve drugs, alcohol, or tobacco? They require the utmost determination, maybe even medical assistance.
Jesus had a habit that was evident to His friends and enemies alike. It was a good habit, that of going to His place of worship, the synagogue. The Gospel writers Mark and Luke both record His habit, one that He would have His people adopt.
Meeting God at your place of worship, hearing His Word, and fellowshipping with His people are habits worth forming. Come. Be blessed. Who knows what other good habits will follow?
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, help me gain control over my bad habits. Replace them with good habits such as regular worship and study of Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 26/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
