tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12520436493538171302024-02-08T05:11:52.484-08:00Facetime Devotional ResourcesAll Peoples Church resources for Facetime.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-24625019117763947292013-06-09T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-09T00:30:00.983-07:00Day 7: Sun June 9th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Congratulations! Today is the last day of the 7-Day Facetime Challenge!</div>
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<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b></div>
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1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Confession is an important part of our spiritual journey. Today we are going to spend some time confessing our sins to God.</div>
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<b>Worship</b></div>
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Let's begin our worship by focusing on God's Holiness today.</div>
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Song: Chris Tomlin, "Holy is the Lord" - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7J2v2U_hrU">link here</a></div>
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<b><br /></b>Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.</div>
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SELF: Our prayer for ourselves today will be a prayer of confession. Follow the steps below.</div>
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<li>Read Psalm 51 out loud (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51&version=NIV">link here</a>)</li>
<li>Wait on God silently and ask Him to bring sins in your life to mind you need to repent of today.</li>
<li>Repent of these sins verbally, one by one to God.</li>
<li>Thank God for His forgiveness and drawn near to Him in prayer.</li>
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SPHERE:</div>
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Pray for your immediate family to begin our "sphere" prayer today using the Scriptures we previously wrote down.</div>
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Next, spend some time praying for your church family.</div>
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<li>Pray for your church leaders, that God would give them wisdom, protection, and strength</li>
<li>Pray for your friendships at church and ask God to fill those people with His Spirit today.</li>
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As we close this prayer time spend some time waiting on God silently. Ask Him if He has a word or encouragement (1 Cor 14:3) to share with any one in your church family today. Write down what He says and make a note to share it later.</div>
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<li>Today pray for the nation of Brazil. All Peoples is sending 2 families to Brazil long-term this summer to work on college campuses. Ask God that the revival of the north of Brazil would spread to the south of the nation.</li>
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<b>Word:</b></div>
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Read Proverbs 9 today. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+9&version=NIV">Proverbs 9 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-73258091691818778782013-06-08T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-08T00:30:03.972-07:00Day 6: Sat June 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Jude 20: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and xpraying in the Holy Spirit..." Part of what you are doing each day in Facetime is building up yourself in faith so that God can use you the rest of the day. Let today's Facetime be a Faith-Build for you!</div>
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<b>Worship</b></div>
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Today let's worship by declaring some of the attributes of God together as our Father.</div>
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Here is a selection of Scriptures to reflect upon as you worship and thank God for being your Father:</div>
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<li>Psalm 139</li>
<li>Isaiah 49:14-16</li>
<li>Psalm 27:10</li>
<li>Jeremiah 29:11</li>
<li>Isaiah 40:11</li>
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<b><br /></b>Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.</div>
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SELF: A few days ago we prayed the Lord's Prayer. Let's do that again today. Pray Matthew 6:9 over yourself (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/mat.6.niv">link here</a>). Pray that God would..</div>
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<li>Be your Father</li>
<li>Bring His Kingdom into your life today</li>
<li>Provide for your needs</li>
<li>Forgive you sins</li>
<li>Help you forgive others</li>
<li>Lead you not into temptation</li>
<li>Protect you from evil</li>
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Pray for your immediate family and your coworkers using the prayer models we explored on previous days.</div>
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Consider this Scripture: "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live yon all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us..."(Acts 17).</div>
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God knows where you live!</div>
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As you pray for people in your daily life, spend some time praying for your physical neighbors. Ask God for a divine appointment through which you will be able to build relationship with them.</div>
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<li>Today pray for the nation of Mexico, our nearest neighbor. Ask God to make Mexico a prosperous nation.</li>
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If you have been journeying through the Scriptures with us this week then you have FINISHED the book of James!</div>
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For next two days we will be reading the Proverbs.</div>
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Read Proverbs 8 today. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+8&version=NIV">Proverbs 8 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-25375839919547189382013-06-07T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-07T00:30:01.067-07:00Day 5: Fri June 7th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord..." We want to be a people that wait for the Lord. Rather than making decisions in our own strength, it is wise to give God a chance to guide us a speak first.</div>
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<b>Worship:</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGnpWo9SLuk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's a song to ignite your worship time today. Brian Johnson - Onething remains (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGnpWo9SLuk">link here</a>).</div>
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<b><br /></b>Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.</div>
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SELF: Rather than praying verbally out loud for yourself today, write down your schedule for the day. As you write down your schedule today spend some time waiting on the Lord and giving God a chance to speak and guide you for each interaction and appointment. Write down what God is saying.</div>
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SPHERE: Let's continue to be praying for the people in our lives today.</div>
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Continue to pray for those in your immediate family and the "VIP" person that you are believing will encounter God.</div>
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Consider this Scripture: <i>But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities - Luke 5:15</i></div>
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As you continue to pray for your sphere, begin to pray for healing. Pray for the healing of those that you know are sick or injured. Pray that God would lead you to people today who are ready to receive prayer for healing out in the community. Thank God that He is a healer.</div>
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NATIONS: </div>
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<li>Today let's pray for the nation of Peru. Peru has 9 people groups totally unreached by people that follow Jesus. Let's pray that God would send out laborers to go to Peru!</li>
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<b>Word:</b></div>
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As we journey through the Bible this week we are going to be reading the book of James.</div>
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Read James 5 today. (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/jas.5.niv">James 5 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-63033668970253615582013-06-06T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-06T00:30:04.168-07:00Day 4: Thurs June 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Proverbs 18:21 - "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." Although God hears are non-verbal prayers, there is a power to speaking out prayers and declarations over our lives. Get verbal in your Facetime today!</div>
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<b>Worship</b></div>
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Rather than worshipping to music today, spend some time doing the "Alphabet of Praise" exercise that we modeled Sunday at All Peoples. Read each attribute out loud, thanking God for who He is.</div>
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Here's a sample:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> A - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Awesome, Alive, Almighty, Alpha, All in All, All-knowing, Amazing, Advocate, Author, Anchor,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">B </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Bread of Life, Beautiful, Bright Morning Star, Breath of Life, Bridegroom, Beloved,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Comforter, Caring, Creator, Counselor, Chief Cornerstone,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Deliverer, Delightful, Divine, Door,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">E </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Everlasting, Eternal, Excellent,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">F</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Forgiving, Father, Faithful, Fortress, Fair, Friend,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">G</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Gracious, Giving, Glorious, Good, Gospel, Gate,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">H </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Holy, Helper, Hope, Honorable, Holy One, Head of the Church, High Priest,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I AM, Incredible, Irresistible, Immanuel,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">J</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Just, Jesus, Jealous, Judge,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">K </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Kind, King of Kings,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">L</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Lord or Lords, Loving, Lamb, Light, Life, Living Water, Lion of Judah,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">M </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Merciful, Magnificent, Marvelous, Maker, Mighty, Mediator, Messiah, Master, Majesty,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">N</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Nice, Never fails,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Overcomer, Omnipotent, Omniscient (these were big words for our 5 yr. old :) ), Omega, Omnipresent,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">P </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Precious, Perfect, Prince of Peace, Praiseworthy, Patient, Pursuing, Powerful,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Q</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - (this one stumped us) ideas??</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">R</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Redeemer, Refuge, Rock, Resurrection and the Life, Ruler, Reason, Restorer,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">S </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Savior, Strength, Sustainer, Stronghold, Servant, Shepherd, Son of Man, Selfless,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Trustworthy, Tower, Truth, Teacher,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">U</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Unchanging,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">V </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Victor, Valiant, The Vine,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Wonderful, Warrior, Worthy, Wise, The Way,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">X </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- X-traordinaire,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Yahweh,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Z </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Zealous</span></div>
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<b>Prayer:</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.</div>
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SELF: Today Pray Psalm 23 over yourself (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=NIV">link here</a>). As you pray, picture Jesus leading you as the Good Shepherd. Read the words aloud. After praying, spend some time silently waiting on God and asking Him to lead you today.</div>
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SPHERE: Let's continue to be praying for the people in our lives today.</div>
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First, pray the words and promises that you received yesterday pertaining to your immediate family.</div>
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Second, yesterday we began praying for a VIP person in our life that we are believing to know Jesus. Here are some things you can be praying for that person:</div>
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<li>Conviction of Sin (Acts 2:37-38)</li>
<li>An open heart (Acts 16:14)</li>
<li>For God to draw them (John 6:44)</li>
<li>For miracles and the power of God (John 14, Acts 3)</li>
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NATIONS: </div>
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<li>Pray for the nation of America today. Ask God to bless churches all over our nation and to empower believers to share the Gospel.</li>
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<b>Word:</b></div>
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As we journey through the Bible this week we are going to be reading the book of James.</div>
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Read James 4 today. (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/jas.4.niv">James 4 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-23443834230313439892013-06-05T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-05T00:30:00.873-07:00Day 3: Weds June 5th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's Day Three of our Week-Long Facetime Challenge! Keep going! God is building a spiritual momentum in your life!</div>
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<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>2 Samuel 6:14: "Daniel danced before the Lord with all his might." Living a life of extravagant worship before God sometimes draws us into forms of expression that can feel uncomfortable. We see in Scripture many examples of God's people who, enraptured in worship, gave God some kind of physical response. As we worship to a more exuberant song this morning, don't be afraid to get a little rowdy in your expression of love to God!</div>
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<b>Worship</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/R-WOneEXr00?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Song: God's Great Dance Floor with Chris Tomlin - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-WOneEXr00">Link Here</a></div>
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<b>Prayer:</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.</div>
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SELF: Today, Pray the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9 over yourself (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/mat.6.niv">link here</a>). Pray that God would..</div>
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<li>Be your Father</li>
<li>Bring His Kingdom into your life today</li>
<li>Provide for your needs</li>
<li>Forgive you sins</li>
<li>Help you forgive others</li>
<li>Lead you not into temptation</li>
<li>Protect you from evil</li>
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SPHERE: Let's continue to be praying for the people in our lives today.</div>
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First, pray the words and promises that you received yesterday pertaining to your immediate family.</div>
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Next, it's time to decide who your V-I-P person will be in prayer. Many Christians have a V-I-P in their life that they are praying for to know Christ. Ask God who in your life you can be praying for that doesn't walk with Jesus yet and spend some time praying for that person.</div>
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<li>Pray for the teams leaving All Peoples this summer that still need finances. Pray for the Brazil Team, the Mexico Team, and the Uganda Team. Ask God to provide on their behalf.</li>
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As we journey through the Bible this week we are going to be reading the book of James.</div>
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Read James 3 today. (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/jas.3.niv">James 3 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-30002847160061429992013-06-04T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-04T00:30:00.817-07:00Day 2: Tuesday June 4th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's Day Two of our Week-Long Facetime Challenge! Let's jump in and get some time with God!<br />
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<b>Today's FaceTime Tip:</b><br />
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Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."<br />
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Sometimes it can be helpful to get up and leave your home to pray if you do not have a solitary place at your house. Some people pray in their yard, in their car, or in their garage. Help yourself focus today by finding a quiet and solitary place to seek God.<br />
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<b>Worship</b><br />
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Let's begin our worship time together today by worshipping to the song "Holy Spirit." Begin your worship time by welcoming the Holy Spirit into your life today.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IUs8X9EPR78?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBifjXFA-W4">Holy Spirit with Kim Walker</a><br />
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<b>Prayer:</b><br />
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Each day this week we will be praying for our SELF, our SPHERE, and the NATIONS of the world.<br />
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SELF: Start today by praying for yourself.<br />
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Read Psalm 103 over your life today (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=NIV">link here</a>). As you read, pause after each phrase. Command your soul to bless the Lord. Remind yourself of all the benefits of walking with Jesus. Thank God for forgiveness, healing, redemption, and renewal.<br />
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SPHERE: Today we are going to pray for our immediate family. Follow the guide below.<br />
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<li>Write the name of the family member down in your journal</li>
<li>As you wait on God, as the Holy Spirit for a Scripture or promise to pray for that each family member.</li>
<li>Write down that promise and pray this word over that person for the next few dasys.</li>
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NATIONS: </div>
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<li>Pray for the All Peoples team in Peru today. Ask God that He would connect them to leaders and influential people that could lead a new church upon the team's departure. Pray for protection and energy for the team. Pray for unity.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Word:</b></div>
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As we journey through the Bible this week we are going to be reading the book of James.</div>
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Read James 2 today. (<a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/jas.2.niv">James 2 - Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:</div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
</ol>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-47653961512073652842013-06-02T07:35:00.003-07:002013-06-03T15:23:40.618-07:00Day 1: Monday June 3rd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Way to go!<br />
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You have joined us this morning to spend time with God for the first day of the seven day Facetime challenge.</div>
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We pray that as you spend consistent time with God this week that a new <i>spiritual momentum</i> will take shape in your life, increasing your faith and your connection with God throughout the day.<br />
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Our time each day will consist of three elements: Worship, Prayer, and Word.<br />
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<b>Worship</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fiBn6mPjvG0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b><br /></b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiBn6mPjvG0&feature=player_embedded">Link for worship song</a><br />
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Spend some time worshipping to the song above, "Whom Shall I fear."<br />
As you begin to worship <u>Read Psalm 27 out loud</u> and pray it back to God in your own words today.<br />
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Psalm 27 - <a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/psa.27.niv">Click Here</a><br />
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<b>Prayer</b><br />
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Spend some time in prayer today for Your SELF, Your SPHERE, and the WORLD.<br />
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<li>Self - Pray Psalm 51:12 over yourself today - That God would "Restore the joy of your salvation." Thank God for salvation and for what He's done in your life through Jesus.</li>
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<li>Sphere - Pray for the needs that you know about in your family, workplace, and neighborhood.</li>
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<li>World- Pray for the nation of Syria today. Matthew 4:24 says "news of HIM spread all throughout Syria." Syria is in the midst of a revolution today. Pray for that nation and that news of Jesus would spread all over that country,</li>
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<b>Word</b></div>
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As we journey through the Bible this week we are going to be reading the book of James.</div>
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Read James 1 today. (James 1 - <a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/jas.1.niv">Click Here</a>)</div>
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Answer these questions while you are reading:<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>What does this passage teach me about God</li>
<li>What does this teach me about myself and my world today?</li>
<li>How do I need to obey this Scripture today?</li>
</ol>
</div>
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Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-79123307986727647612013-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:002013-06-01T21:15:54.441-07:00The 7 Day Facetime Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Welcome to the home of the 7 Day Facetime Challenge.</b><br />
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Our first post will start Monday June 2nd! Stay tuned!<br />
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Until then, you can read and browse through our "Facetime" booklet online <a href="http://allpeopleschurch.org/mobile-app/BETTERfacetime.pdf">here</a>.</div>
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-5623801250469119162012-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-02T05:00:03.323-07:00Day 30: The Grace Zone<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 15:14-33</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>We all receive a different grace from God to accomplish His specific will for our lives. When we stay in the grace God gives us, life is fruitful. That's what today's devotional calls "The Grace Zone."<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Paul writes in Romans 15:15, "because of the GRACE God gave me..." In the Bible we see several definitions of the word <em>grace</em>. Sometimes the word grace refers to the unmerited favor of God. This is the grace by which we are saved - we don't deserve God's favor or blessing, but He gives it to us anyway. See Ephesians 2:8 for an example of this kind of grace.<br />
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Every believer has received the SAME grace for salvation.<br />
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Other times, grace refers to as the operational power of God. Grace not only saves us, but also empowers us to do the will of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3, "according to the grace of God given," he built the church. This is grace to do the specific will of God for our lives.<br />
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Because we all have different callings, we receive DIFFERENT graces to do the will of God. When we remain in the grace God gives us for our calling, we live in the <strong>Grace Zone</strong>.<br />
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Paul received a specific grace for his specific calling as an apostle. Because he stayed in his Grace Zone, life was fruitful and even joyful in the midst of the hard work of his calling.<br />
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<strong>What Life in the Grace Zone is Like</strong><br />
Paul demonstrates for modern day believers a life inside of God's Grace Zone. Here are some classic characteristics of a life in the Grace Zone:<br />
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<ul><li>Boldness (v15): Paul could be bold because he knew he was in the will of God.</li>
<li>Knowing who to minister to (v16): Paul knew that he was a minister to the Gentiles. Knowing what people you are called to reach in your community or workplace is a big part of staying in the Grace Zone. Otherwise, you will feel overwhelmed by the need around you.</li>
<li>Knowing your specific role (v16): Paul states that he was observing his 'priestly duty.' When we know our specific role, we are in the Grace Zone. This makes it easier to focus on the task God has given us rather than comparing ourselves to others.</li>
<li>Knowing your service is to God (v17): Paul mentions his 'service to God.' When we focus on serving God, rather than pleasing people, we can be in the Grace Zone.</li>
<li>Living from our testimony (v19): Paul says that he will not 'venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished' through him. He does not rely on the grace of others but knows that he has a unique testimony and a unique ministry in the grace of God. Our testimony is our primary source of ministry because it reveals the grace God has given us!</li>
<li>The Power of God (v19): When our ministry is based on God's power and not our own wise and persuasive words, we are able to fully rely on God rather than our own performance. This keeps us in the Grace Zone.</li>
<li>Full Proclamation (v19): When we are in the Grace Zone, we know our boundaries. We know our role and who we are to minister to. As a result, we have the time and resources to fully proclaim the Gospel to those in our sphere of influence.</li>
<li>Godly, not selfish ambition (v20): Paul's ambition is to make God famous, not himself. When we desire to build our own kingdom rather than God's, we force ourselves out of grace.</li>
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Paul ends today's reading with some practical notes to the church regarding his plans to visit Rome. <br />
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Remember, regardless of your plans, plan to be in the Grace Zone today.<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Do you feel that you are in living in the "Grace Zone?" Where do you fall short of the lifestyle Paul describes above? What practical changes can you make?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-12010241112719887622012-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:002012-10-01T05:30:03.980-07:00Day 29: Hope-Full<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 15:1-13</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Is there an area where you need a hope-filling today? Sometimes it can be uncomfortable to discover we are lacking in an area - but God has something good in store for our lack.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
God is a God of hope!<br />
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Paul ends our current section of Romans with this prayer:<br />
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<blockquote>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (15:13).</blockquote><br />
The God of HOPE wants to fill you with HOPE. We wants you to overflow with HOPE as you encounter of the Holy Spirit. One author says this:<br />
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<blockquote>every area of your life that doesn't glisten with hope is an area where you're believing a lie - Francis Frangipagne</blockquote><br />
If there is an area of your life that feels hopeless, that doesn't glisten with the faith and hope of Jesus, then today you might need a hope-filling.<br />
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How do we get a hope-filling? Paul tells us earlier in Romans 12:12...<br />
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<blockquote>Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.</blockquote><br />
<ul><li>Rejoice in hope - in the areas of your life what do not glisten in hope, it's important to find things to thank God about. Thanking God transforms our way of thinking and allows us to be filled with what we need. It's also important to joyfully DECLARE God's purpose in this area of your life. Feeling hopeless in finances? Declare abundance. Feeling lost in your career? Declare purpose.</li>
<li>Be Patient in tribulation - Patience cannot be imparted, gifted, or transferred by prayer. It is a fruit of the Spirit that grows in our hearts as the result of careful diligence. Patience is more of an attitude than an action. When we feel our heart getting impatient, we must be quick to declare God's goodness so that we don't leave hope by the wayside.</li>
<li>Be constant in prayer - In the most difficult times of life, it is essential to worship and pray continually. Steal time away with God. Spend time God with each morning. Put reminders in your life. Do what it takes to keep God's hopeful perspective before your eyes.</li></ul><br />
<h1>Application</h1>Which of the above three areas is a growth area for you? Ask a friend to hold you accountable.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-57574078164058114812012-09-30T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-30T08:50:18.583-07:00Day 28: Classic "Love Killers" #3<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 14:11-23</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>There is no room for selfishness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to serve!<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
<strong>Love Killer #3: Selfishness</strong>:<br />
In the midst of his discussion on doctrinal gray areas, Paul shifts the discourse to the topic of selfishness.<br />
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The context of Paul's comments the clean-ness of food. Because the Roman Church consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers, disputes about the diets required by Jewish law were prevalent.<br />
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In the midst of his commentary, Paul says "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall" (14:21).<br />
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When we as Christians take privilege in the gray areas of life we must be careful that our own decisions are not damaging the faith of others. We do not live in a vacuum - our own areas of license have the ability to cause our Christian brothers and sisters to sin.<br />
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At the root of these issues are selfishness. Selfishness says "I can do what I want - deal with it." This attitude is outside of love.<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Are the gray areas of your life under submission to God?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-2226508527862482592012-09-29T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-29T05:30:02.320-07:00Day 27: Classic "Love Killers" # 1&2<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 14:1-10</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Comparison and judgment are sins because they rob us of our ability to love.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Yesterday we learned that it is Christ's command that we love God and love others. As we endeavor to obey God in this way, over the next few days we will explore some classic "Love Killers" that rob us of our ability to love one another.<br />
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<strong>Love Killer #1: Judgment</strong>:<br />
Paul begins a discourse today on disputable matters of doctrine. In general, these disputable matters could be described as "gray areas." There are some gray areas in the Christian life that different believers address differently due to their consciences, life experiences, and levels of faith.<br />
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Paul warns believers not to judge one another when exploring the gray areas of life, specifically referring to style of worship and diet. He reminds us that we will ALL stand before God's judgment seat (14:10).<br />
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Practically, judgment occurs when we assume the motive of another. Avoiding judgment does not mean avoiding conflict. Healthy Christians are caused to explore gray areas together in the context of relationship.<br />
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When we set into judgment, however, we cease to love. Where there is a lack of love, there is sin... because we no longer fulfill Christ's law.<br />
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<strong>Love Killer #2: Comparison</strong>:<br />
Comparison is a relative of judgment. <br />
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Paul says, "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (14:8).<br />
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When we live to please men, rather than God, it is easy to fall into comparison. It is hard to truly love others when we are focused on impressing them rather than getting God's heart for them. Comparison robs us of the love of God.<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal issues of judgment and comparison in your life.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-35444836958731367102012-09-28T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-28T05:30:00.656-07:00Day 26: One Impossible Rule<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 13:8-14</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Christ's standard is not lower, but higher than the Old Testament Law.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
In the Old Testament, God gave the Hebrew people a list of rules. The law was "It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins" (Galatians 3:19, NLT). The law was EXTERNAL. It dealt with actions, not attitudes. It brought no personal transformation but instead served as tutor, teaching people through punishment the right and wrong way to live.<br />
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When Jesus arrived on the scene, He said something interesting. "I have not come to abolish the law but fulfill it" (Matthew 5:17). Today, in the New Covenant, we live under a different standard, Jesus' standard.<br />
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Jesus removed the EXTERNAL standards of the Law after He fulfilled it. Acts 15 describes the Council of Jerusalem, in which the early church decided that all the law but some key points were no longer relevant to Christians. Today, we live by a different law. The law of love.<br />
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Jesus flipped the law upside down and challenged people on their way of living. Rather than focusing on actions, He focused on intention, on attitude, on motive, on the thoughts and meditations of the heart. He said that to lust was the same as adultery and that to be angry was the same as murder. <br />
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Jesus' impossible rule was this: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Sounds easy right? Think again.<br />
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The call to love is impossible to accomplish without Christ. We no longer have permission to fake spiritual maturity and produce a counterfeit holiness. Instead, now God judges our every intention.<br />
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Thankfully, the Bible says that we are able to "clothe ourselves with Christ" (13:14). Just as Adam and Eve were clothed of their nakedness by sacrifice in Genesis 3, today we too are clothed by the sacrifice of Christ. His sacrifice is the way of love. Accepting His gift of salvation is the way to achieve this impossible standard.<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Are you clothing yourself in Christ daily? What can you do to better connect with Jesus so that you can walk in love towards God and others?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-81378444653948765292012-09-27T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-27T05:30:00.486-07:00Day 25: Christians & Government<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 13:1</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>The call to honor our authorities can be an inconvenient way to live.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Paul begin's today's reading with the following quote:<br />
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<blockquote>Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God</blockquote><br />
There's a common complaint in our culture today heard on television and radio, "You can't legislate morality!" There's a problem with this statement, however.<br />
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All laws are morals! Laws, by definition, define what is right or wrong for society. Although men have the law written on their hearts (Romans 2), they often ignore it and willfully do wrong. Because of the sinfulness of men (a theme previously explored in Romans), God established earthly governments to help enforce His universal moral code.<br />
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The Roman Church lived in the midst of a very wicked political system. However, Paul tells them to honor God's authorities. Christians are called to live in the tension between honoring authority and speaking truth to unrighteous rulers.<br />
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Obviously, when authorities call us to violate God's laws, Christians are also called to take a stand. Many times Paul himself violated the law of the land by the illegal preaching of the Gospel. Daniel violated the Emperor's law by praying to God. Esther violated the Persian law of genocide by standing up to the King. Notice that the aforementioned examples concern spiritual issues and issues of justice.<br />
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The Bible says when the kings of the earth oppose God, He laughs (Psalm 2). He has a way of dealing with unrighteous governments... but dishonoring officials because of our own pet political issues is not an option for followers of Jesus.<br />
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Paul gives two practical ways Christians can honor authority: pay taxes and honor. To honor means to "put value upon." When we pay taxes and also honor our government with our speech, we create an atmosphere of honor in society.<br />
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The government has been called to legislate God's universal moral code. Let's pray for our government, get involved in our government, vote for righteous rulers, honor our rulers with our speech, and speak truth to power when necessary.<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Do you honor our government with your speech? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can grow in this area.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-25598087824162750442012-09-26T09:27:00.000-07:002012-09-26T09:27:40.695-07:00Day 24: New Testament Commands<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 12:9-21</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>The idea that there are standards in God's kingdom can be uncomfortable to those that misunderstand grace.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1>There are those that read the Bible erroneously and claim that the New Testament never tells believers to "do" anything. These false teachers claim that because of <em>grace</em> that Christians are free from any commands and may simply do what they want and enjoy the benefits of salvation.<br />
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Of course, this is a partial truth. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Not only that...God really loves us AND He likes us! He is totally pleased with us despite our performance. We are totally accepted by the love of God.<br />
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God's family is a place of total acceptance. But have you ever seen a family without rules? Some parents, in the name of "love," let their children do whatever they want. Things rarely turn out well for children left to their own devices without proper God-ordained boundaries and leadership.<br />
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In the same way, God set up His family with some simple rules of how to act. Most simply, it is the law of love - we are to love our neighbor as ourselves because we are totally loved by God. When we fail, there is grace for the journey... but God's grace does not change God's standard. <br />
<br />
Grace, then, does not simply mean God accepts us... but it also means God empowers us to obey His will, not by OUR works but HIS.<br />
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What are some of the standards in God's family? We see them in Romans 12:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Love must be sincere</li>
<li>Hate evil</li>
<li>Hold fast to what is good</li>
<li>Honor others</li>
<li>Never be lacking in zeal</li>
<li>Be joyful</li>
<li>Be patient</li>
<li>Pray</li>
<li>Share with the needy</li>
<li>Be hospitable</li>
<li>Love your enemies</li>
<li>Rejoice and mourn with others</li>
<li>Live in harmony</li>
<li>Be humble</li>
<li>Don't take revenge</li>
<li>Overcome evil with good</li>
</ul><br />
This is the law of love. This is what grace empowers us to do.<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1>Which of these areas of obedience is a growth area for you currently? Ask the Holy Spirit how you can obey today.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-59560860451677284092012-09-25T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-25T05:30:01.487-07:00Day 23: Relentless Mind Renewal<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 12:1-8</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>It can be uncomfortable to discover we have believed a lie.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Earlier in the book of Romans we discussed <em>sanctification.</em> Sanctification is the process through which the Holy Spirit works out salvation in believers, making them holy like Jesus.<br />
<br />
As we discovered in Romans 8, "the mind set on the spirit is life and peace." The main battle for sanctification occurs in the mind of the believer. The Bible describes satan as the "father of lies" (John 8:11). When satan causes a Christian to believe a lie, he has effectively stolen the power of the gospel in that Christian's daily life. Although we are saved by grace, many of us are still living under the power of darkness because we believe satan's lies.<br />
<br />
Romans 12 says this:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.</blockquote><br />
As followers of Jesus, we must commit to relentless mind renewal. Many of us need to break off the old patterns of our former lives - old ways of thinking, behaving, believing, and acting - and embrace the new life we have as new creations in Christ!<br />
<br />
Romans 12 gives us a great template for mind renewal:<br />
<ul><li>Do not conform to the patterns of the world - We must actively choose to resist worldliness in our lives. 1 John 1 says that we are tempted by the lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life. The draw we have to lust, sinful desires, and pride must be fought by living differently than the way our culture presents.</li>
<li>Be transformed by the renewing of your mind - The way to renew your mind is to begin thinking like God. I've got good news for you... God wrote a book! If you read it with faith, it will transform your mind to think like His. All Scripture is God-Breathed and profitable for all things (2 Tim 3:16). The Bible is our tool for mind renewal.</li>
<li>Live in God's will - We are to test our lives to insure that we are in God's will. We are also to display God's will to the world. Our exploits of preaching and healing, the transformation we bring society, the joy and health of our families - these things prove and display God's will to the culture around us.</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1>There are many Bible resources that have been helpful to believers in the past desiring to renew their minds. One powerful tool, the "Who I Am in Christ" sheet has helpful thousands combat lies and discover God's truth about themselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://deeper.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/handout.pdf">Download the sheet here and declare it aloud in a time of prayer.</a><br />
<br />
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-52923966228222649202012-09-24T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-24T21:26:22.498-07:00Day 22: Oh, the Depths!<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 11:1-32</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>In the midst of understanding theological tension, we are called to pause, worship, and reflect upon the goodness of God.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Romans is a pretty heavy doctrinal text. Paul lays out explanations for salvation by grace, the role of Israel, the nature of judgment, etc...<br />
<br />
In the midst of discovering new insights about God it is important that we also take time to nurture our simple relationship with God through prayer.<br />
<br />
Today, Paul writes:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! <br />
How unsearchable his judgments, <br />
and his paths beyond tracing out! <br />
<br />
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? <br />
Or who has been his counselor?” <br />
<br />
“Who has ever given to God, <br />
that God should repay him?” <br />
<br />
For from him and through him and to him are all things. <br />
To him be the glory forever! Amen.<br />
</blockquote><br />
Paul, in writing about God, was so overcome with God's goodness that he had to speak TO God. Today, too, we want to develop our personal relationship with God, rather than simply learning His principles.<br />
<br />
Today's devotional is about application. Read below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1><br />
Read today's passage, out-loud, three times. Do it in a private place, where you can pray and reflect on God's nature. After reading the passage, begin to pray and start to share your own heart with God.<br />
<br />
Just as Paul paused to pray, this morning we pause as well. <br />
<br />
Oh, the depths!<br />
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-67720427719689325842012-09-23T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-24T16:42:44.601-07:00Day 21: Irrevocable Blessing<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 11:1-32</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>The mystery of God's call upon Israel is a challenge to Bible students across the generations.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
The key passage of today's reading is found in Romans 11:29. God's gifts and callings are "irrevocable." When God gives us good things, He entrusts these things to us to manage. We see this reality in how God gave Adam the earth to manage and take dominion over.<br />
<br />
God gave Israel a special blessing and trusted them to manage it. Paul reiterates in today's reading the special blessing on the Hebrew people.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the amazing statements Paul makes regarding Israel in today's reading:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>God "foreknew" them (11:2). Before the foundation of the world He knew everything that would happen with Israel and He chose them anyway.</li>
<li>A "remnant" remains (11:5). Even at the present time a small number of the Hebrew people are saved by Grace and entrusted with the message of the Gospel.</li>
<li>God allowed Israel to be in a "stupor" and "darkened" their spiritual understanding because of their unbelief (11:8-10).</li>
<li>Because of Israel's sin, salvation came to the Gentiles (11:11).</li>
<li>God's grace amongst the Gentiles should make the Hebrew people envious.</li>
<li>All the nations of the Gentiles must be reached before God will deal with Israel (11:25).</li>
</ul><br />
Isn't it amazing how the gifts and calls are God are irrevocable? God trusts us with amazing blessing. Our goal is the manage and steward what God gives us.<br />
<br />
Because God is good, He will accomplish the promises He gave Israel, but because of Israel's unbelief, discipline came upon their nation. This Bible mystery can be hard to grasp but one thing is sure: He gives us gifts and callings freely, through grace.<br />
<br />
Because our gifts and callings are given through grace we cannot lose them through performance. Love never fails. God never gives up. There are always second chances.<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1><br />
Is there a blessing or calling in your life that you believe you have "lost?" How could you live differently today in light of today's passage?<br />
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-81210434666892616412012-09-22T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-24T16:42:44.602-07:00Day 20: Go and Tell<h1>Today's Reading: <a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/rom.10.niv84">Romans 10:14-21<</a>/h1><br />
<br />
<h1>What Might Make You Uncomfortable</h1>The responsibility we have as Christians to tell people about the love of Jesus is rarely comfortable or convenient.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional</h1><br />
Christians today have a plethora of resources available to them to grow in their understanding of God: podcasts, videos, websites, books, E-books, etc. inform us of current applications of Biblical teaching and encourage them to live out God's Word.<br />
<br />
It can be tempting, in the midsts of all of this helpful information, to confuse our mission as Christians. Sometimes we confuse "Come and Learn" with "Go and Tell."<br />
<br />
Consider some of Jesus' last words on the earth, recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>GO and make the disciples (Matthew 28:19)</blockquote><br />
<blockquote>PREACH the Gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15)</blockquote><br />
<blockquote>you will be my WITNESSES in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ENDS OF THE EARTH (Acts 1:8)</blockquote><br />
<blockquote>As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21)</blockquote><br />
Jesus gave us the command to GO and TELL.<br />
<br />
Paul, after exploring the simple Gospel message in Romans 10:1-13, now pivots to explain to the Roman church their role in bringing this message to the nations.<br />
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It's interesting that Paul follows up his previous passage in Romans 9 about God's sovereign choice and ability to distribute justice and mercy according to His own will with this passage regarding the personal responsibility of Christians to preach the Gospel.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?<br />
<br />
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (10:14-15)</blockquote><br />
True, God is sovereign and yet He has mysteriously chosen to entrust His message of mercy to us, the church. How will the world know this simple yet miraculous message unless we will them?<br />
<br />
The message of the Gospel can create so many questions. What about people who die without hearing the message? What about those who don't respond? What is our role in the process? Paul speaks to us today saying, "how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" We must go and tell.<br />
<br />
We have a responsibility to preach the good news. It's good to come and learn - but our goal must be to go and tell.<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1>The value of telling people about Jesus and His message starts in prayer. Today, adopt an individual in your life to pray for who does not know Christ.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-14808344925440793632012-09-21T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-24T16:42:44.595-07:00Day 19: Keep it Simple, Saint<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 10:1-13</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>The message of Jesus is simple and powerful. Sometimes we have a tendency to make it complicated. Have you?<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
<blockquote>“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - da Vinci</blockquote><br />
Have you ever noticed that people have a tendency to well...complicate things? Life just gets more complex over time. More experiences and disappointments create more questions. Sometimes we can suffer from "analysis paralysis." Our desire to understand something from every angle can keep us from enjoying its simple and powerful truth.<br />
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Oftentimes we do this with the message of the Bible.<br />
<br />
Our desire to understand Greek and Hebrew, coupled with the complexities of modern life, can sometimes cause us to read things into the text that aren't there. At times we have been guilty of editing God's message so it is more convenient for us and more advantageous to growing our churches and stroking our egos.<br />
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In the midst of complexity, Romans 10 stands as a powerful example of the simplicity of God's word. Romans 10 simplifies the message of the Gospel for us and reminds us of the basic truths of Christ's simple message.<br />
<br />
In today's reading, Paul takes complex theological issues and simplifies them so we can all understand. Consider the following:<br />
<br />
<strong>The Fate of Israel:</strong> <br />
Many Bible students have asked questions about Israel. Because the Hebrews were God's chosen people, how do they stand in relationship with God today? Paul's answer is simple: He is praying that they would be saved, like the rest of us (10:1).<br />
<br />
<strong>The State of the Law:</strong><br />
Do New Testament believers need to keep the laws and ordinances of the Old Testament? How are we to grapple with the special laws that God gave Israel?<br />
<br />
Again, Paul's answer is simple: No. Christ is the end of the law (10:4).<br />
<br />
<strong>The Requirements for Salvation</strong>:<br />
Much of Romans describes the process of being saved through faith by grace. But how does someone actually receive grace? Must they join the church? Do they need to be baptized? Do they need to read a book or attend a special class?<br />
<br />
Salvation is actually very simple. Paul tells us to 1) Believe with our hearts and 2) Confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. <br />
<br />
Those simple instructions have eternal consequences!<br />
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Sometimes in our desire for theological sophistication, we forget the simplicity of God's message. Don't forget to Keep it Simple, Saint!<br />
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<h1>Application</h1><br />
Is there a way you have put a barrier between yourself and God by making your relationship with Him complicated? Remember, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."<br />
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-63626075435432502992012-09-20T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-20T05:30:00.821-07:00Day 18: Uncomfortable Tension<h1>Today's Reading: Romans 9:5-33</h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Knowing God intimately means grappling with truths that stand in tension due to our limited human understanding. How we embrace God in this mystery can be a test or indicator of our Christian maturity.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1>Two powerful truth's about God's nature are explored in today's reading in Romans: the <em>mercy</em> of God and the <em>judgment</em> of God.<br />
<br />
Both of these attributes teach us something powerful about the God we serve. At the same time, at times these truths stand in tension before us. Sometimes our circumstances or personalities cause us to identify with the mercy of God. Other times we are drawn towards God's judgment. Occasionally, life events cause us to be offended with God's sovereign mercy or justice. In some ways, our spiritual maturity is tested as we learn to live in this tension.<br />
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<h3>Uncomfortable Mercy</h3><br />
The Epistle to the Romans stands as one of the most through and powerful theological explanations of the grace of God, but it's not until here in Romans 9 that Paul explores the mercy of God.<br />
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Grace is the "the free and unmerited favor of God...as manifested in the bestowal of blessings" (New Oxford American Dictionary). Essentially, when we experience grace, we receive something good when we don't deserve it.<br />
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Mercy is the "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm" (New Oxford American Dictionary). We receive mercy when we deserve punishment but are forgiven without merit.<br />
<br />
Grace is blessing without merit. Mercy is forgiveness without merit. Mercy is a powerful attribute of God's character. Moses himself heard God said "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy" (Exodus 33:19).<br />
<br />
As Romans 9 explains, God in His sovereignty chose to show mercy to Israel. Israel was adopted by God, given the glory and covenants of God, chosen to establish temple worship, led by patriarchs, and entrusted with the ancestry of Christ (9:4-5). What did Israel do to earn this awesome responsibility? <strong>Nothing.</strong><br />
<br />
This is exactly Paul's point. God shows us mercy apart from our works. Paul goes forward to demonstrate how the patriarchs of the Hebrews, Abraham (9:8), Isaac, (9:9), and Jacob (9:13) were all unequally deserving of mercy but received it anyway.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy (9:16)</blockquote><br />
Mercy is given by God according to His choice, not ours.<br />
<br />
<h3>Uncomfortable Judgment</h3><br />
God distributes mercy according to His will and His sovereign grace. In the same way, God delivers judgment according to His will. Justice is not given according to human logic or reason but according to the will of God.<br />
<br />
As Paul appealed to the Hebrew patriarchs in regards to mercy, he also explains the concept of God's judgment through the example of Pharaoh, another important historical person to the Hebrew People.<br />
<br />
We know from Exodus that God gave Pharaoh many chances to repent and release Israel from slavery. Two times Moses pleads with Pharaoh. Scripture says that in response to Moses, Pharaoh "hardened his heart" (Exodus 8:15, 8:31).<br />
<br />
Pharaoh hardened his heart and chose not to respond to God. In response, God exercised His right to judge Pharaoh. As a result, God Himself hardens Pharaoh's heart. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is attributed to God in Exodus 9:12; 10:20,27; 11:10; and 14:8. <br />
<br />
Just like described in our devotional on Romans 1, there are times when God exercises judgment by leaving us to our own devices. He allows people to be turned over to the lust of the flesh and removes His leadership from their lives. He opposes them as a result of their pride, leaving them in a state of spiritual darkness.<br />
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<h3>Addressing Objections</h3><br />
Paul often wrote in a style known as "diatribe." Imagine if Paul were reading this letter aloud and being interrupted by a heckler. Paul anticipates the voice of this heckler and uses rhetorical questions to address arguments against God's word.<br />
<br />
Two objections addressed by Paul in Romans 9:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>The Objection to Mercy:<strong>God is not just</strong>. Paul uses the diatribe style to state this objection in 9:15. "Is God unjust?," Paul asks.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>The Objection to Judgment:<strong>God is not fair</strong>. "Why does God blame us?," Paul demands.<br />
</li>
</ol><br />
In the style of the Book of Job, rather that specifically addressing the question, Paul attacks the pride behind the question itself. Paul reminds readers that...<br />
<br />
<ul><li>God has a sovereign choice to distribute mercy and wrath as He wishes (9:18).</li>
<li>We are not in a position to question God's choice (9:21).</li>
<li>Without wrath, Israel would not have been rescued from Egypt.</li>
<li>God used wrath against Israel's enemies to prepare the nations to receive mercy (9:22-24).</li>
<li>Without mercy, Israel would not know God (9:25-26).</li>
</ul><br />
Truly, we do not want God to be just. It was not perfectly just to Jesus to take on our punishment. But because God suspended justice, we now have mercy.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, we do not want God to be fair. God chooses to not treat everyone equally not out of favoritism, but out of love. He custom crafts a plan for each of us to know Him better. He is intentional with each one of us. In God's Kingdom, we all get special treatment like Jacob.<br />
<br />
<h3>Living in Tension</h3><br />
For some, God's sovereign choice can be a "stumbling block" (9:32). We can feel angry and afraid of God for being a judge, but also confused regarding mercy. Paul closes today's reading with this:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.”</blockquote><br />
Without the mercy of God we are all subject to God's judgment. We cannot work out way out of wrath nor can we earn our way into blessing. We are totally dependent on God for righteousness and live by faith.<br />
<br />
Don't let God's sovereign wrath and mercy be a stumbling stone. Instead, chose to celebrate in His grace. The tension is simply beyond our comprehension.<br />
<br />
A God we can't question simply isn't comfortable. What if He does something we don't understand..or worse...what if He does something we disagree with?<br />
<br />
A God like that certainly isn't like us. But who wants a God like that?<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1><br />
What is harder for your to grapple with emotionally, the mercy or the wrath of God? Explore the reason for that emotion in prayer. <br />
<br />
Finally, relinquish your right to understand God's ways. It is often in our admission of powerlessness that God supplies the most revelation.<br />
Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-28136793957016536942012-09-19T05:30:00.001-07:002012-09-19T05:30:01.030-07:00Day 17: Uncomfortable Compassion<h1><a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/rom.8.niv84">Romans 9:1-8</a></h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Paul wishes himself cursed so that others could be blessed. His compassion for the people of Israel should strike our hearts with conviction for our own peoples and nations.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Romans 9-11 begins another section of the book of Romans pertaining to Israel and God's plans for the Hebrew people. Paul grapples with some very uncomfortable theological questions about "election" (choices God makes) and justice (God's privilege to make the choice He wants). Readers won't find many easy answers in Romans 9-11. This challenging section of Romans confronts us with our pride and puts us face to face with God's sovereignty.<br />
<br />
Paul begins this section in Romans with an interesting statement. Read it below:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>I speak the truth in Christ–I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit– I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. <strong>For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers</strong>, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises..."<br />
</blockquote><br />
Did you catch that? Paul wishes himself CURSED so that His own people could be blessed. He even goes so far as to say that he wishes himself "cut off from Christ" for the sake of his brothers in Israel.<br />
<br />
We end Romans 8 with joy and thanksgiving as Paul writes that "nothing can separate" him from the love of God. What a stark contrast Romans 9:1-4 presents us.<br />
<br />
Our enjoyment of the benefits of salvation can never overshadow our compassion for those that do not know Jesus. Instead, followers of Jesus are called to live in the tension of rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Sometimes our compassion for others will even cause us demonstrate a lifestyle of sacrifice before others as a mean of proving God's love for them (Colossians 1:24).<br />
<br />
What we see in Paul's life is that as he dives into tough questions about God's justice and fairness, he frames these questions with compassion. His heart is broken for a dying world. Is yours?<br />
<br />
<h1>Application</h1>Is there a way you have been avoiding suffering your life? Could God be calling you to suffer so that others could live and meet Jesus? Ask yourself this uncomfortable question today throughout your day.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-44469931420085477502012-09-18T05:30:00.002-07:002012-09-18T05:30:00.394-07:00Day 16: The World's Greatest Prayer Meeting<h1><a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/rom.8.niv84">Romans 8</a></h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Have you ever discovered that something incredible was going on right before your eyes, yet you were completely unaware? Although it's uncomfortable to think about the spiritual realm, it's also comforting to know God is working on our behalf.<br />
<br />
<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1><br />
Perhaps you are reading this devotional in the morning.<br />
<br />
You've woken up, grabbed some coffee or tea, and are now sitting in front of your computer or phone to begin a time of study and prayer.<br />
<br />
I've got great news for you: you are not beginning a prayer time this morning. You are joining into a prayer meeting that is already in existence. All morning and all last night, prayer was happening on your behalf. God was working. Prayers were in the process of being answered.<br />
<br />
Let me explain. Romans 8 introduces readers into life in and through the Holy Spirit. It teaches and demonstrates to us how we are to walk in accordance with God's Spirit, receive God's peace through the day, and bear fruit for God.<br />
<br />
The primary way we connect with the Holy Spirit is through prayer and worship, our response to an acute awareness of His Presence. Romans 8 says that the mind set on the "flesh is death" but the mind set on the Spirit is "life and peace" (8:6). If we walk in the Spirit, in communion with God, we will have the peace we need.<br />
<br />
The Good News that Romans 8 gives us today is that this life in the Spirit cannot be attained by works. We can't force our way into God's presence. Instead, God has been working on our behalf, preparing the <em>spirit realm</em> and setting up our lives for breakthrough and blessing.<br />
<br />
Every morning when we rise, we are joining the greatest prayer meeting that ever existed. Who is praying? What is God doing? Romans 8 gives us some clues:<br />
<br />
<h3>The Holy Spirit is Praying for Us</h3>The Holy Spirit is already living in us and is... giving us physical life (8:11), helping control our actions (8:9), praying for us when we don't know what to pray (8:26-27).<br />
<br />
<blockquote>the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will (Romans 8:27).</blockquote></li><br />
<br />
<h3>Creation is Groaning on our behalf</h3>Paul writes, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed (8:19). In some supernatural way, God's creation is praying and waiting for the people of God to released into their fullness.<br />
<br />
Just like Jesus said,<br />
<br />
<blockquote>if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out! (Luke 19:40).</blockquote></li><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>Jesus is praying for us</h3>Hebrews says that Jesus lives in heaven to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Today, Jesus stands at the right hand of the Father, praying and crying out on our behalf - that we would spread the Good News and live the abundant life He died for.<br />
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<blockquote>Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (8:34).</blockquote><br />
Jesus' prayers get answered! Have confidence today that Jesus is interceding for you!</li><br />
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<h3>Praying from Heaven to Earth</h3>Whenever we rise to pray, we are entering into the greatest prayer meeting that ever existed. We can be confident that God is with us, for His word never returns void (Isaiah 55).<br />
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When we pray, rather than coming with our own agenda, it can be wise to listen to God and ask Him how He desires for us to pray. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation are already praying. If we want to live "on earth as it is in heaven" the first step may be to PRAY what is already being decreed in Heaven!<br />
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Be encouraged. Someone is always praying for you... and you always having something to pray!<br />
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<h1>Application</h1>Pray that God's Kingdom would come from heaven to earth today.<br />
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Ask God what is on His heart today in regards to prayer. What are Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation crying out for regarding your life, your family and your city?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-55382745560500642982012-09-17T05:30:00.011-07:002012-09-17T05:30:00.239-07:00Day 15: Life in the Spirit - A New Message<h1><a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/rom.7.niv84">Romans 8:1-39</a></h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>Could the good news really be this good? Some readers will have trouble believing in the goodness of God after pondering today's devotional. Stop analyzing and start receiving. His goodness is amazing!<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1>There is a devotional translation of the Bible called "The Message" developed by theologian Eugene Peterson. Millions of Christians have found it encouraging and enlightening to read The Message because it puts the Bible in modern language. It re-phrases the Bible in contemporary language.<br />
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For today's devotional, we have simply reposted Romans 8 in "The Message." Enjoy! Make sure you read Romans 8 in your own translation first to grasp the full theological meaning of the text.<br />
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<blockquote> With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.<br />
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3-4 God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that. <br />
The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.<br />
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5-8 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.<br />
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9-11 But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's!<br />
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12-14 So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!<br />
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15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!<br />
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18-21 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.<br />
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22-25 All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.<br />
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26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.<br />
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29-30 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.<br />
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31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: <br />
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They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.</blockquote><br />
<em>Author's Note: Most Bible translations were developed by teams of hundreds of scholars to insure theological accuracy and a balanced perspective. So, a drawback of "The Message" as an academic translation is that it just reflects one man's perspective. Never the less, many believers find it encouraging! I suggest reading "The Message" for devotional encouragement, but not as a the primary source of one's Bible doctrine.</em><br />
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<h1>Application</h1>More than anything, today's reading reminds us that we are called not to a religion but to a VIBRANT relationship with God.<br />
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What can you do today that will creatively bring your heart into the presence of God?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252043649353817130.post-44968669013774954952012-09-16T05:30:00.045-07:002012-09-16T05:30:01.672-07:00Day 14: The Struggle of Sanctification<h1><a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/rom.7.niv84">Romans 7:7-25</a></h1><br />
<h1>What might make you uncomfortable:</h1>There is no "quick fix" to gain personal holiness or easy excuse out of the battle for sin.<br />
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<h1>Today's Devotional:</h1>In today's devotional Paul tackles an important situation, our struggle for sanctification.<br />
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Remember, to "sanctify" means to "set apart or declare holy" (New Oxford American Dictionary). When we become followers of Jesus we are immediately justified (made righteous before God) but not sanctified (made immediately perfect and sinless).<br />
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<h3>The Purpose of the Old Covenant: to REVEAL sin</h3>First, in today's reading Paul addresses the purpose of the Old Covenant made with Israel. Remember yesterday's devotional? God made a covenant with Israel and we read about it through the Old Testament.<br />
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Paul says that the Old Covenant was established so that "that sin might be recognized as sin" (7:13). Without knowing God's standard for holiness men would not be aware of sin and therefore not recognize the need for salvation.<br />
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Paul moves forward to answer some objections to this thought. Even though the law revealed sin, the law was holy (7:12) because God gave it. Furthermore, the law produced spiritual death (7:13), that being the result of sin. BUT it's not the law's fault that people are separated from God - sin is produced from our "covetous desires" (7:8). The law didn't make us sin - it was a mirror revealed a condition that was already there.<br />
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To reiterate, the law was God's diagnostic tool to show us our disease... a virus called sin. It's a fatal virus.<br />
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Jesus came with the cure for that virus!<br />
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<h3>The Purpose of the New Covenant: to REMOVE sin</h3>As an aside, the reader should know that the purpose of the New Covenant between God and man is to remove our sin. The removal of sin sets us right with God and allows us into relationship with Him.<br />
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<h3>Explaining our Struggle With Sin</h3>Here's the rub: The Old Covenant revealed sin. The New Covenant through Jesus removes sin.... so why do we still struggle with sin today?<br />
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To finish our devotional today, <u>let us explore three possible answers:</u><br />
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<ol><li><strong>Christians can't sin</strong>: If Jesus came to destroy sin and we are part of the "Grateful Dead"... dead to sin and alive to obeying God...I guess we can't sin, right?<br />
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Wrong. Nearly every letter Paul wrote to New Testament Churches addressed some kind of sin (He was writing to Christians). Paul himself wrote to believers to teach them how to repent of sin (2 Corinthians). In another passage, the Apostle John warned Christians about sin (1 John 1:8).<br />
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The Bible says that "if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8). <br />
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If you are a Christian, God has called you to holiness... but you are still going to sin. How you respond to that sin will effect the ongoing transformation in your life by the Holy Spirit.<br />
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<li><strong>Christians can't have victory over sin:</strong> A reader may say, "Well... if Christians can sin, then I guess I can't win. I am doomed to struggle and sin."<br />
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Wrong. This is also an unbiblical approach to this passage and to sin in general.<br />
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The Bible teaches that we can confess our sins and be healed (James 5:16). Jesus told a woman to "go and sin no more" (John 8:11). There are clear pictures in the Bible of totally transformed people, who after experiencing an encounter with God had huge victories over sin... the Apostle Paul being one such a person!<br />
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<li><strong>Christians live in a war against sin but can be victorious</strong>:We will sin, but we can also fight against the struggle of sin. Beyond fighting, we can also have victory!<br />
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Consider the following Scripture:<br />
<blockquote>Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)</blockquote><br />
Paul writes to one church and mentions their previous sins, saying "some of you WERE" sexually immoral, idolaters, prostitutes, homosexuals, etc..." (1 Corinthians 6:11). We CAN be changed. Jesus IS powerful.<br />
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</ol>Today, we live in a war against sin.<br />
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<h3>Winning the War</h3>How do we win the war against sin? The Bible gives us a great recipe:<br />
<ul><li>RECEIVE: Receive and understand your new identity in Christ... The past few chapters of Romans Paul has been teaching us that we are dead to sin. The first step to winning the war is knowing we already have the victory in Jesus!</li>
<li>REBUKE: Rebuke the devil and his demons... Be active in prayer, knowing you are in a spiritual battle.</li>
<li>REPAIR: Repair your brokenness through inner healing... Many of us are predisposed towards sin because of deep wounds in our heart. Jesus can heal these wounds!<br />
<li>RESIST: Resist your sinful passions... We all have unhealthy desires that lead us into sin. It is our job to fast, get accountability, and fight these weaknesses with the power of the Spirit.</li><li>RENEW: Renew your mind through the reading of Scripture.</li><li>REPLACE: We are to replace our old life with a new life in Christ... Develop new and Godly behaviors by obeying what God is telling you to do.</li><li>REJOICE: Rejoice that you have victory in God...He is bringing transformation into your life!</li></ul><h1>Application</h1>The list above is a great way to practically think about your struggle against sin. What areas are missing from your own life?Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13014096125155766020noreply@blogger.com0