Daily Devotional

When the wine had run out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine.

Jesus replied, "What do we have in common, woman? My hour has not yet come.

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you".

John 2:3-5

The hosts were facing a crisis: the party had started, the guests were present, the bride and groom and their families were celebrating, but they had run out of wine. Wine at wedding parties in those days was like cake at our birthday parties: it was essential. Wine symbolized joy, and not having any to offer your guests could appear incredibly disrespectful.

In this story, we read that Mary reacted to this dilemma by turning to Jesus. He responded to her with words of authority as someone might when they know they aren't subject to another person's instructions. He would act at the right time and only according to his Heavenly Father's will. Mary goes on to give the servants the best possible advice, advice that we too should follow: "Do whatever he tells you". The servants obeyed Jesus and witnessed a great miracle: water turned into the finest wine.

Navigate life's challenges by obeying Jesus

• Identify your problem. That's the first step you need to take to solve it.
• Pray to God! Whenever you face a problem, large or small, offer it up to Jesus.
• Trust and wait on him. Submit to God's will and timing. He wants to help you.
• Pursue the Word of the Lord (read it, meditate on it and apply it to your life).
• Obey! Do what He says and you will see Him act in your favour.

Pray:

Lord God, thank you for always helping me through my daily dilemmas... Help me to place all my problems in your hands, trusting that you will do your will in my life, in your own precious time. You are a God of miracles. Teach me to listen to and obey your word, so that I may follow every commandment and instruction that you give. In the name of Jesus, I ask you. Amen!

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:1-3

Life is full of changes. In childhood, we have tastes that change as we enter adolescence. As adults, we no longer have the same perceptions as when we were young. We grow up and our minds change.

When we are born again (2 Corinthians 5:17), we die to the world and our worldly mind is also buried. We see beyond what our eyes can see, we see with the eyes of the spirit. We no longer cling to the desires of the world, but seek the things above (Colossians 3:2).

Transforming the mind is also part of being "born again". This transformation is daily and continuous, moving away from old habits and things that limit our mind. When we live God's Word, our mind is enlarged and we experience the real meaning of life, God's love.

Renewing the mind through Christ

• Becoming a new creation is an active process. Give up old habits and everything that distances you from God.
• The Bible is a manual for the renewal of our minds. Read it daily.
• Seek the company of those who are also seeking to renew their minds. Grow in communion.

Pray:

Lord God, I no longer have the same mind I had before. You teach me more every day. Help me to transform my mind, I want to think more about the things above, and I want to help more minds to be transformed by you. Amen.