real life. real relationships. real purpose. in writing.
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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
In what ways have you seen God at work within you this week? Within your family? Within others you may interact with?
In what ways have you resisted God’s word within you this week?
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1 Peter 2:9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Author Howard Thurman writes “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
There are some Christian principles which cannot be overstated or over communicated. One is that you are deeply, profoundly loved by God, and nothing can ever separate you from that (Romans 8:38-39). Another is that God has given you a purpose as well as spiritual gifts to fulfill that purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-11.)
Howard Thermun’s quote above speaks into both of these principles. The love of God is something which should make you feel fully alive. As such, taking opportunities to experience His love is a gift not just for you, but for the whole world. Similarly, fulfilling God’s purpose is also helps you come alive. Doing so, you can live knowing that God Himself has provided you something to contribute to the world around you.
READING & PRAYERS:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11, EPHESIANS 4:11-16 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Consider what makes you feel fully alive.In what ways has God specifically wired you to minister to others?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Don’t just volunteer to volunteer. Serve others by utilizing the gifts God has provided you. The church functions best when people know their spiritual gifts and serve within those gifts to their fullest potential.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that in my mind I often believe that You have a purpose for me, but there are still times when I question what that purpose is. Continue to reveal the purpose You have for me life. As it becomes more and more clear, may I live laser focused on living out the purpose You have instilled in me, and not live trying to fulfill the purpose others think I should fulfill. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Philippians 3:8-9a Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else…so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.
The Apostle Paul had a very religious upbringing. He regularly attended community worship services and was a student of the Old Testament law. He likely had the first five books of the Old Testament completely memorized!
Yet after coming to believe in Jesus for his personal salvation, Paul considered much of his previous lifestyle as “worthless” or “rubbish.” To be clear, Paul didn’t view the Old Testament as worthless, but he did consider his previous understanding of it as flawed and incorrect. He now saw it through a very different lens.
Like Paul, we would do well to identify any aspects of our religious heritage which may fall outside of real gospel principles. Our commitment to God and His word needs to outweigh our commitment to culture, legalism or other unhealthy religious practices.
READING & PRAYERS:
PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11, MATTHEW 22:37-40 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What may be some religious practices in your life that could fall outside of firm gospel principles?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Jesus doesn’t demand people follow Him, He invites them to do so. Consider how you may invite people to better know you and see Jesus in you.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s easy for me to get caught up in daily rhythms, even religious ones, yet I can still miss out on experiencing the deepness of Your love and grace. Today, I pray that I set aside religion and instead focus on living in complete and total union with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Everybody lives with a certain set of beliefs, but not everybody believes the same things. The has the potential to create many challenges because someone may think that what they believe is right and because it’s right the world would be a better place if everybody else believed what they do!
At SRC, we do our best to major on the majors and minor on the minors. We do this by separating biblical doctrines into four different categories (or “Jars”): Jar 1: What is essential for salvation. Jar 2: Core Teachings of the Scriptures. Jar 3: Denominational views. Jar 4: Individual views.
As an example, core teachings of the scriptures include the importance of baptism and communion (Jar 2). Every denomination will agree these are core teachings of the Scriptures. But each denomination may have a different perspective on how and when these practices take place (Jar 3). As followers of Jesus, we recognize that judging or criticizing those who may see things a little differently is outside of God’s desires. We believe followers of Jesus can remain united in love by prioritizing the Gospel principles which are in Jars 1 & 2.
READING & PRAYERS:
EPHESIANS 4:3, MATTHEW 7:1-5 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What do you find yourself talking with others about most? Is it Jar 3 or 4 topics (or topics that don’t fall into any category, such as politics)? What core teachings of the Scriptures can you make a more regular part of your vocabulary (e.g., love for others)?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Judging or criticizing others who are not in sin goes against God’s desires. Pay close attention to how often you have a judgmental or critical thought toward somebody else today. Ask God to remove those thoughts, and then consider something you appreciate about this person.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as Richard Foster wrote, I pray that I recognize that it is You who provides deep transformation in others, not me. May this truth transform how I see others and communicate with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Ephesians 3:19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
With the beginning of a New Year often comes moments of personal reflection. You may be considering questions such as:
The unfortunate reality is that when it comes to “New Years Resolutions” many will give it a good effort for at least a week or two. But then old habits and rhythms come back, and thoughts of “Maybe next year,” begin to surface.
There are many reasons this pattern occurs, but one of the primary reasons is that people rely on their own willpower to experience life change. But real life change, real transformation occurs when we allow Jesus Christ to root out what’s deep beneath the surface in our lives. The fulness of life comes from recognizing His love and grace for us.
READING & PRAYERS:
EPHESIANS 3:19, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17, HEBREWS 4:16 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What changes do you need to make in your daily schedule so that you can reflect on and experience the love and grace of God each day this week?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Repeating breath prayers for a few minutes each day is one way to slow down and connect with God. Consider repeating a brief prayer for 2 minutes at the beginning and end of each devotional reading this week. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Take a few minutes to practice one of the breath prayers noted above.
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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
In what ways have you seen God at work within you this week? Within your family? Within others you may interact with?
In what ways have you resisted God’s word within you this week?
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Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
In yesterday’s reading we focused on the topic of personal transformation and the need for each person to prioritize his or her relationship with God. But if we prioritize our relationship with God, does that mean we can’t have any fun? Won’t that take the joy out of everything?
According to the Scriptures, the answer to these kinds of questions is a strong “no!” Psalm 34:8 speaks of the joy we experience by prioritizing a close relationship with God. Similarly, Galatians 5 notes that the fruit of the Spirit, that is, the results of a lifestyle lived in close union with God, includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…and so on.
Take some time today to consider: What is currently robbing you of experiencing a life of love? Joy? Peace? Patience? Kindness? Goodness? Faithfulness? Gentleness? Self-Control?
Hint: Your answer will never be “a close relationship with God is robbing me of experiencing real love, joy, and peace in my life.” It’s quite the opposite. Prioritize a life of union with God.
READING & PRAYERS:
GALATIANS 5:19-23, PSALM 34 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: The main priority of the Christian life is to live in union with God. What would it look like for you to live in complete and total union with Him today?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As 2022 comes to a close, consider doing an in-depth evaluation of your life. What are the things that are actually robbing you of experiencing a life of love? Joy? Peace? Patience? Kindness? Goodness? Faithfulness? Gentleness? Self-Control? What steps can you take to eliminate these things from your life and begin living a life of closer union with God?
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Today, take the opportunity to write out your own prayer to God.
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James 4:8 Come close to God, and he will come close to you.
How do you connect with God?
There are a number of false or unhealthy beliefs out there that advocate how to grow closer in your relationship with God. Some may say, “If you go to church, you will grow closer in your relationship with God.” Others may say, “If you join a Small Group, or Bible Study, you will grow closer in your relationship with God.” Others still may say, “If you read your Bible, you will grow.”
The simple truth is that spending time in the Scriptures, prayer, and in community with other believers is likely to help you grow in your relationship with God. But it isn’t a guarantee. Sometimes, a good worship service or Bible Study will inspire you. But inspiration only goes so far. Transformation begins to occur when we prioritize being in the presence of God and allow Him to root out what’s deep beneath the surface in our lives. Not once a week, but daily.
Jesus came so God could be with us. Today, take time to consider how you can prioritize a lifestyle of being with Him.
READING & PRAYERS:
JAMES 4:8, MATTHEW 1:23, PSALM 139:7 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: How do you connect with God? Be honest: Are you intentional in planning out your time so that connecting with God is a priority for you?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Today, take a little extra time to be with God. Remember, what you do for God comes from your being with God.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes I don’t prioritize being with You because I’m still not sure exactly what that looks like. I rely too much on what others say helps them connect with God and don’t do the deep reflection to better understand how I can connect with You. Help me grow into a person who recognizes how I best connect with You. Amen.
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Luke 1:50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
The Scriptures regularly talk about the importance of fearing God, but this can lead to some level of confusion for those who follow Jesus. In a society which often defines fear as being afraid of someone or something, what exactly does it mean to fear God? Are we really supposed to be afraid of God?
In a biblical sense, God is loving, kind, merciful, and welcoming. If you read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you’ll discover that people weren’t afraid to come into the presence of Jesus. Instead, people felt welcome, safe, and loved in His presence.
At the same time, there are many accounts of people who are in complete awe of God. This makes sense. The love of God is the most powerful force in the universe. His power is beyond our imagination. Therefore, it makes complete sense that when we attempt to comprehend the majesty and might of His power we will be left in awe. And we will see that He shows mercy to all who have placed their faith in Him.
READING & PRAYERS:
LUKE 1:46-56 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways will you help others to feel welcome, safe, and loved in your presence today?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Today, be intentional in thought, words, and actions to help others feel welcome, safe, like they belong, and loved as they interact with you.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that no matter what mistakes I’ve made throughout my life, You continue to reveal that I am welcome, safe, I belong, and I’m loved in Your presence. No matter what I may do or say, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate me from Your love. May this truth continue to permeate my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Luke 1:46-47 “Oh, how my soul praises (magnifies, glorifies) the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”
Luke 1:46-56 is what is traditionally known as the Magnificat as this is the first word in the Latin translation of this passage. It’s Mary’s song of praise after learning that she will be the mother of the Christ.
Mary begins her song by praising, magnifying, and/or glorifying God. In ancient Greek, the phrase literally means to “Make great” the name of the LORD. But what does it mean to make great the name of the LORD?
Take a moment to think about how you’ve spent your time, energy, and money over the previous week. How you spend your time, energy, money will reveal what’s most important to you.
What have you written on social media? How have you spend your time? What have you purchased? The answers may reveal a little bit about what you’re “making great” of in life.
In what ways will you make great the name of the LORD as you spend time with family and friends this Christmas Season?
READING & PRAYERS:
LUKE 1:46-56 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways will you make great the name of the LORD as you spend time with family and friends this Christmas Season?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Today, take the opportunity to think of at least one way God’s love has impacted your life and then share that with at least three other people. This is one practical way you can make great the name of the LORD.
Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that if I really took the opportunity to think it through, I would come up with a list of hundreds of ways Your love has impacted my life. Continue to help me grow into a person who shares Your love with the rest of the world. May Your name be made great! Amen.
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