Devotionals for March 31, 2023
Our next Newcomers' Dinner will be on April 23 at 5:30pm! SIGN UP HERE if you've never been to Newcomers' Dinner before!
READ
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
REFLECT
This has been a tough week in our devotions. I love donuts.
Donuts are mostly carbs. Sugar, starches, etc. Sugars are addictive and damaging when that’s all you get. The same is true for our spiritual growth. Is it time to break the cycle of limiting the Spirit to small bite sized sweet chunks that are easy to swallow? Complacency and comfort set in and becomes addictive thinking that makes us feel that one or two hours a week of light obedience is all we need. Not getting the spiritual nourishment we need saps our strength, our resolve, our dedication just as much as too much sugar over time kills our metabolism and energy and causes real health issues.
Breaking this cycle takes time, discipline, and a healthy consumption of what is good and nourishing for body, mind, and spirit. It takes personal action, not just wishful thinking. As you journey towards a healthy discipleship path, it will be tempting to give in to easy habits and empty complacency, just like my lifelong, off again, on again love affair with Little Debbie.
As you choose the harder road, you will grow stronger, healthier, feel cleaner and those empty delights will begin to turn sour when you think about how they actually made you feel compared to the joy, hope, and closeness to Christ obedience brings.
Also know, you are not alone. I and many other brothers and sisters in Christ are on the same journey. We face the same setbacks and struggles as well as the same victories and joys. If you’re feeling alone on your journey, talk to someone on Sunday, join a community, let someone know and be discipled and comforted.
APPLY
Q: Where else can this command from Christ be found in God’s Word? (Hint: read the first chapter of Acts)
Q: What is the discipline part of being a disciple?
Q: How does this last command inspire you to disciple or teach others?
SING
“God So Loved” - We the Kingdom
PRAY
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Father God, let me lean into your strength when temptation tries to convince me that a little of You is enough. Help me to see through Satan’s lies and persevere in obedience to you.
READ
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
REFLECT
This has been a tough week in our devotions. I love donuts.
Donuts are mostly carbs. Sugar, starches, etc. Sugars are addictive and damaging when that’s all you get. The same is true for our spiritual growth. Is it time to break the cycle of limiting the Spirit to small bite sized sweet chunks that are easy to swallow? Complacency and comfort set in and becomes addictive thinking that makes us feel that one or two hours a week of light obedience is all we need. Not getting the spiritual nourishment we need saps our strength, our resolve, our dedication just as much as too much sugar over time kills our metabolism and energy and causes real health issues.
Breaking this cycle takes time, discipline, and a healthy consumption of what is good and nourishing for body, mind, and spirit. It takes personal action, not just wishful thinking. As you journey towards a healthy discipleship path, it will be tempting to give in to easy habits and empty complacency, just like my lifelong, off again, on again love affair with Little Debbie.
As you choose the harder road, you will grow stronger, healthier, feel cleaner and those empty delights will begin to turn sour when you think about how they actually made you feel compared to the joy, hope, and closeness to Christ obedience brings.
Also know, you are not alone. I and many other brothers and sisters in Christ are on the same journey. We face the same setbacks and struggles as well as the same victories and joys. If you’re feeling alone on your journey, talk to someone on Sunday, join a community, let someone know and be discipled and comforted.
APPLY
Q: Where else can this command from Christ be found in God’s Word? (Hint: read the first chapter of Acts)
Q: What is the discipline part of being a disciple?
Q: How does this last command inspire you to disciple or teach others?
SING
“God So Loved” - We the Kingdom
PRAY
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Father God, let me lean into your strength when temptation tries to convince me that a little of You is enough. Help me to see through Satan’s lies and persevere in obedience to you.