Ministry / Women's Weekly Devotion / The Rippling Effect

Weekly Devotion for First Week of August

The Rippling Effect

There I sat on a beautiful summer morning next to Lake Dillon only a few weeks ago. I was amazed at the beauty and especially the very still lake right before my eyes. There were no waves, no disruption in what appeared like a sea of glass. Soon a speed boat began its journey into the center of the lake and soon beyond the bend. It cut the still lake like a knife and soon the ripples began to appear. What surprised me were the continuous ripples that soon penetrated the entire lake. Even after the boat was out of sight the ripples continued. In fact, the ripples didn't even hit the edge of the waters until the boater was completely out of sight.

Our life is just like that speed boat on the sea of life's waters. Many times our actions, good or bad, become like ripples that affect those around us. Many times, it is not until we are far beyond the bend and even out of sight that some of our 'ripples' hit landfall in the hearts and lives of those we love the most. The ripples from our actions are
completely unavoidable and unstoppable. There is no stopping the rippling effects of our actions once they begin to penetrate the sea of lives of those around us.

We can be so thrilled that the positive things from our life ripple along continuously. These are the things that the Lord does through us when we are surrendered and obedient to Him. These are the things that He accomplishes through us because we are surrendered and obedient to His direction in our life.

If you are like me, however, you will not be so thrilled when the ripples from our, not so good, actions begin their rippling effect. These are the things done from our disobedient and self-legislative hearts. Those actions have their effects as well and the lasting effects will probably continue well after we find ourselves around the bend.

Even now - surrender and obey the Lord - right where you sit. Today, let God produce in you and through you ripples that will positively affect those in your life - those you know and those you don't know. I promise you, your actions WILL produce ripples and these ripples eventually WILL touch the lives around you - even after you are well beyond the bend.

Ephesians 4:1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Note: Are you a mom struggling to bring your children to obedience? How about getting your children to obey from the heart? You won't want to miss the next R&R Women's Ministry event, "Reaping your Reward - Discipline the Heart of your Child." Don't miss the great opportunity to learn more about parenting on Saturday, August 26th from 9:00 to 11:00am. This will be part 1 of a 2 part series. Come and be encouraged - you will be glad you did. See you then!

Giving My All To Him,

Jackie McKelvin
Women's R&R Ministry
303-430-0505
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Proverbs 91:1 (NIV)

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