Only One Object, Only One Center
Light for the next step, a quiet picture of letting God’s word guide the day.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace, Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ephesians 1:17 reminds us that the Father gladly gives a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we may know His Son. Bob Hoekstra helps us slow down and notice what the heart truly seeks. Relief for a guilty conscience is precious, but it is not the finish line. The Lord Jesus Himself is the finish line. When He is the focus, the heart keeps coming back to Him with love and trust.
David shows us this way. He trusted God and he praised God’s word. He said that the Lord has magnified His word above all His name. That is a stunning gift. The Scriptures carry God’s character to us and shape our days from the inside. The law of the Lord is perfect and converts the soul. His testimony is sure and makes the simple wise. His statutes are right and bring joy. His commandment is pure and brings light to the eyes.
Grace does not push us into rule keeping to look spiritual. Grace draws us to the Lord Jesus and feeds us with the word of His grace. When the heart is occupied with Him, books and sermons become windows, not replacements. The love of Jesus begins to move us, and life simplifies around a single center.
So here is the invitation for today. Let the Bible sit open as a meeting place, not a box to check. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the Lord real to you as you read. Trust that He will build you up and set your steps with wisdom and joy. When Jesus is the Object, devotion grows naturally.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I turn your gaze to My Son. I give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I set your confidence in God and I teach you to praise His word. I have magnified My word and I use it to build you up and to hand you your inheritance among the saints.
My word is perfect and I convert the soul. My testimony is sure and I make the simple wise. My statutes are right and I rejoice your heart. My commandment is pure and I enlighten your eyes. I breathe life through what I have written. I make you mature and complete for every good work.
You are crucified with Christ and you live by faith in the Son of God. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Him. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you walk by the Spirit. I work in you to will and to act for My good pleasure. I am faithful to complete the good work I began in you.
When distractions pull, return to the simplicity of knowing Jesus. Hold fast to the word of life. I take what belongs to Him and declare it to you. I strengthen you with grace. I give you light for the next step and peace that guards heart and mind.
Scripture references: Ephesians 1:17, Psalm 56:4, Psalm 56:10 to 11, Psalm 138:2, Psalm 19:7 to 8, Acts 20:32, 2 Timothy 3:16 to 17, Colossians 3:16, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 2:13, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:16, John 16:14, Hebrews 13:9, Psalm 119:105, Philippians 4:7.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of using your phone’s flashlight in a dark hallway. The light does not show the whole house at once. It gives you the next safe step, then the next. Walking with the Lord through His word works like that. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, brings a verse to mind or opens a line on the page, and the next step becomes clear without strain.
Try this today. Before opening your inbox, read a short portion like Psalm 19:7 to 8 or Philippians 2:13. Sit with it for one minute. Then say, Lord, I trust You to bring this word to the surface in me as I answer messages and make choices. Step into the task expecting the Spirit of Jesus to express patience, clarity, and steady kindness through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for giving me Your Son as the center of my life. Thank You that Your word is perfect, sure, right, and pure. I receive the Scriptures today as Your gracious provision to build me up and steady my way. I rejoice that I am alive to You in Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Lord, I trust You to anchor my mind in Your word and to express Your wisdom and love through me in every conversation and decision.