Anchor Devotional

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The Hibiscus Message

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

I was struck by the beauty of our hibiscus flowers. They didn’t bloom until late summer, but when they did, they shined brilliantly and were gorgeous. Yet despite their beauty, they opened for just one day. After that, the petals began to fold up and wither. They added tremendous beauty to God’s creation, but I wondered, “Why would God design such a marvelous flower to bloom brightly for just one day? Why not share the beauty longer?”

Like the hibiscus and many other flowers that bloom for only a day, we have today to shine. James used a different metaphor, saying we are but “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (4:14). Tomorrow is not promised to us. So when the new day dawns, open yourself up to Christ’s light and let His beauty shine through. You yourself can bring splendor to His creation today.

“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,/ All his wonderful passion and purity,/ O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,/ Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me” (Albert W.T. Orsborn and Tom Jones, 1934).

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
James 4:13-17

INSIGHT
How will you shine today? Perhaps there are good deeds you will do that reflect God’s beauty. He’s created you for His glory!

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 31-32
Psalm 119:1-64
1 Corinthians 11

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