Tag: Devotional

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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

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Think of something you would love to be able to do but aren’t currently able to do it? For example, perhaps you hear somebody sing or play an instrument really well. You may think to yourself, I wish I could sing or play the piano like that! Or maybe you see an athlete spin around his opponents and score a touchdown. You may think, Wow, I wish I had that kind of athletic ability. 

These kinds of thoughts occur in Christian circles as well. I wish I knew the Bible as well as that person. Or, I wish I could pray like she does. Or, I wish I could teach as well as they do.

These kinds of thoughts all have one thing in common – shame. You see what others can do that you’re unable to do and you feel “less than” or “not good enough.” But shame is not a virtue. It’s a death sentence for the soul. 

You may not become a Bible scholar, a prayer warrior, or a great teacher overnight, but spending time with God and experiencing His presence will help you grow. The question is, what activities lead you to know and experience God well? What small steps can you begin to practice on a consistent basis so that you can experience a life of union with God?  

READING & PRAYERS:

     JOHN 15:1-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What do you think it means to live in union with God? What are some practices you can begin to implement so you more fully experience a life of union with God? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Asking a trusted counselor or mentor to help you in your spiritual formation is a big step. Consider the possibility of seeking out a counselor or mentor who can help you on your journey. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I’m simply grateful for the reminder that feelings of shame are not healthy for my own spiritual and emotional growth. Today, may I come to you all throughout the day as a reminder to myself and my soul that many things are outside of my control. Instead, I give them to You and humbly choose to live in union with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:23 These rules may seem wise…But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

A person can be confused reading and studying the Scriptures. On the one hand, Jesus, Paul, and others refute others’ teachings that favor with God can be gained by doing certain things. On the other hand, Jesus, Paul, and others share the importance of doing certain things. Some may question, isn’t this contradictory? The answer, of course, is no. 

Think of it this way: imagine you plant a garden in the same soil every year. Over time, the quality of the crops diminish. You buy higher quality seeds, but the crops continue to fail. Why? Because the nutrients in the soil have been used up. More most be added to the soil in order for the crops to grow. 

God made people in such a way that we truly can grow closer to Him and live in union with Him. It won’t come from a lifestyle of obeying certain rules. But there are healthy practices that can keep the soil of your soul rich for growth. For example, accepting Sabbath as a gift to be received is different than requiring Sabbath as a law to be obeyed. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 13:1-9  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What might be one “nutrient” which need to be added to the soil of your soul? In what ways will adding it help you to grow? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Consider the possibility of registering for the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course at SRC. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I think about my life, how I spend my time, energy, and money, I can easily discover areas of my life that are not helping me grow closer to You. Continue to help me discover the many ways in which I numb or seek “relief.” Even more, help me to discover what it is I’m trying to numb. May I bring all of these things to Your feet, and find rest and peace in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 3:18a Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial…

In yesterday’s reading we focused on what it looks like to be a false peacemaker. Today, we’ll turn this around and focus on what it looks like to be a real peacemaker. 

Through all of his letters, we see the Apostle Paul respond to those who were teaching false principles or creating tension. He didn’t ignore it in order to be a “peacemaker.” Nor did he respond with a pious attitude. Instead, in grace and truth, he responded in a way that revealed his desire for real peace.

There are valuable lessons to be learned from his example. To use some examples from yesterday’s reading, when somebody shares an offensive joke, being a peacemaker means that it’s good to respond. You can confidently share your value that all people are of equal value and no one should be criticized in an offensive manner. Similarly, when you learn somebody has gossiped about you behind your back, it’s good to respond. You can – in grace and truth – confront those involved, being sure to indicate that talking about others in a derogatory manner doesn’t lead to a healthy life for anybody involved. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:16-23  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Who is somebody you know who manages tension really well? What, specifically, have you observed that shows they’re able to do it so well? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Think over the previous two to three days. Was there situation with some tension in which you opted not to respond? How could you have responded in a healthy so that you would be true to your values?

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I simply pray that You will continue to help me recognize the deepest values of my soul, and provide me clarity on when and how to communicate these values in a way that helps me grow into a real peacemaker. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Matthew 5:9 may be one of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses by followers of Jesus in our culture today. This is because too many people think that being a “peacemaker” means that they cannot verbally disagree with others as this may create tension in the relationship. The logic goes something like this: “If there’s ever any tension in a relationship, I must be failing at being a ‘peacemaker.’” 

The result can be disastrous. Somebody shares an offensive joke but you don’t say anything because you want to be a “peacemaker.” Somebody is upset because you can’t make it to an event they’re hosting, so your change all of your plans in order to be a “peacemaker.” You discover a colleague has gossiped behind your back saying you must either be lazy or really ignorant. You choose not to confront them because you want to be a “peacemaker.” 

In each of these situations, peace is not attained. Why? Because lying to yourself and/or others doesn’t attain peace. Instead, it leads to being a false peacemaker.  

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:16-23  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How regularly would say you choose not to respond to conflict or tension in order to be a “peacemaker?” How regularly does this lead you to be peace?

DIGGING DEEPER: What do you think about the conclusion in today’s reading; that being a false peacemaker is the same as lying to yourself and/or others?

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I avoid confrontation, and today’s reading has led me to begin considering whether I’m more of a real peacemaker or a false one. As I remain rooted in You, continue to help me see the many ways You helped bring real peace into the lives of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Colossians 2:16-17 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

In the Apostle Paul’s day, Christianity was spreading between a Jewish population and a Gentile population. As such, some of the Jewish population were looking down upon others who were not observing the holy days, other ceremonies, or the Sabbath as they were. Paul graciously informed the Colossians that they ought not allow others to condemn them. 

Sadly, this practice of judgment and condemnation continues today, but in other forms. Some in the Christian faith may look down upon others who may not attend certain church events, or those who may celebrate Holidays a little bit differently. 

Others may be even more blunt, teaching and preaching that God wants certain things from you and that you must do those certain things to be in God’s favor. But the message of the Gospel is not that God wants something from you. Instead, it’s God with outstretched arms saying, “All I really want, is you.” 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: In what ways have you been living with the mindset that God wants something specific from you? What would it look like to be free from that burden, and to simply rest in Him today? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Sit in silence for at least 15 minutes, perhaps 30. Consider having your hands turned with palms up in a posture of receiving from God. Utilize this time to listen to His heart. A heart that is with you and for you. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I spend more of my time pondering what You may want from me and what I can do for You instead of meditating on the truth that the main thing you want from me, is me. Today I simply pray that I can rest in this truth today, and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:13 You were dead because of your sins…then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

You’re probably used to being asked, “How are you doing today?” But how would you respond to hearing, “How is your soul today?” 

I’ll be honest, I (Pastor Justin) have been known to ask this question of greeting from time to time. In the vast majority of situations, the person asked pauses for a moment to consider a response. There isn’t a typical, “I’m doing well, and you?” Instead, there’s a longer pause. A more deliberate discerning.

One of the most significant, fundamental truths all Christians need to recognize is this: You have a soul. Thanks to Christ, your soul is alive. Your soul is speaking. Are you listening to it? 

If you’re somebody who would need to pause and reflect before answering the question, How is your soul today?, don’t worry, you’re in good company. But perhaps this is an indicator we’re all doing and thinking about too much. Perhaps it would be helpful if each of us would truly listen to the language of our souls; rediscovering what is most life-giving to us. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What is something that is truly life-giving to your soul? What could you do to incorporate it into your daily life? Be specific.

DIGGING DEEPER: Imagine your soul wrote you a letter. What would it say? Would it be grateful for the time, patience, and presence you offer it each day? Would it provide details on what it most needs to thrive? Write it out, and then consider any life-giving changes you may need to make. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, deep down I recognize that I have a soul and that my soul is speaking. But whether it is speaking that it is tired, worn out, at peace, or anxious, I honestly do not know. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not just OK, to listen to my soul, but that it’s good to do so. You have done what needs to be done for me to be fully Alive! May I take the steps necessary to experience Real Life in You. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

The period of time referred to as The Enlightenment was the beginning of a significant cultural shift. Though it took place a few hundred years ago, the impact continues in all areas of Western Civililation today. “Reason”, it was argued,is more important than “blind faith.” The Sciences are all that is needed for humankind to understand everything we need to know. If there is no scientific formula to discover something, it must not exist. 

Sadly, the impact from this period of time continues throughout our culture. Thousands of teachers and professors teach students the notion if that if something cannot be identified with one of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch) then it must not be “real.” Yet Christ was real. The Apostle Paul and thousands of others experienced his presence and teaching. He is personally known by billions of people today, and can still be more deeply known by you.

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Think of a moment in your life which was a real “God-moment.” A time when you experienced God in a very powerful way. What did you learn about God from that experience? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Write out the experience you had from the above question. Take the time to write out at least five things you learned about God and about yourself from that experience. (This exercise can be used often, helping you discover ways you can regularly experience the presence of God within and around you.)

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I’m grateful for the reminder that a “God-moment” isn’t something that needs to be a rare event, but that I can experience it each and every day. May I recognize and experience Your presence today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong…

Anybody who has ever tended a grassy yard or a garden understands roots. If a weed is choped up by a lawnmower, there’s a good chance it will grow back because the roots are still embedded in the soil. If a large oak tree is chopped down it may not grow back, but the roots of the tree will take years, perhaps decades to fully decay. The roots are what kept the tree standing. The roots provided water and nutrients from the soil. The roots were essential to give the tree life. But if one of the roots sucked up just a little bit of poison, the entire tree would suffer and die. 

If many of us were to take the time to fully reflect on our roots (e.g., how we spend our time, energy, and money) we may be shocked at the result. We may discover we are more rooted in Fox News or CNN than in Christ. Or that we are more rooted in our work or a hobby than in Christ and our families. Worst-Case Scenario: We may discover our roots are bringing in things which are ultimately causing us more suffering than they are brining in that which is life-giving. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

PRACTICE: Today, take at least 3 opportunities to Pause what you’re doing and focus on Christ. If you’d find it helpful, utilize the One Minute Pause app to draw nearer to Him.

DIGGING DEEPER: Take 10-15 minutes to consider how you spend you time, energy, and money. Where are your roots? In what ways are you spending your time, energy, on money on things that are life-draining? What changes might you need to make to add more life-giving activities to your life? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that not all news, media, and entertainment may be “bad” or “sinful,” but I also recognize that the vast majority of media and entertainment communicates subtle messages which are opposite of the gospel. Over time, these messages can add up and are life-draining – even though I may not recognize it! Help me to more fully recognize what gives me real life and to more fully engage with You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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