It is amazing to me how quickly these weeks roll by. We started the week with reading Genesis 15:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:18; and Ephesians 2:8-9.
The topic: Our Covenant Making – Covenant Keeping God.
I think at times I forget how seriously our God takes His covenant with His people.
The devotional brings this definition of covenant: “it is a visible statement of undying loyalty to the other party.”
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT)
Some days we truly need to sit still and quiet and let that sink down into the depths of our soul.
While we were living in sin, asleep spiritually, Jesus Christ assumed the full responsibility for our redemption. On the Cross He made the visible statement to the world of undying loyalty to each of us.
The devotional suggests: Spend some time in worship today, praising the One who took your place.
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There is something about Wednesday mornings that speaks to my heart all the time. It’s like Wednesdays remind me that I made it this far, and that means I can make it to the end. It breathes of hope. Hope in the hard weeks, and hope in the good times. Hope that things will pass just as the Lord has ordained.
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.”
(1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT)
Paul reminds us that just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.
We need to ask ourselves, “What will we gain or benefit from doing a particular thing?”
“One of the key secrets to a life that is well lived, a race that is well run: a willingness to determine and discard any interferences that are weighing you down in the journey.” (from Awaken, page 299)
The devotional asks: How have you sensed God nudging you to give up something for the sake of your spiritual progress? Even if it’s something you really enjoy and can easily justify, ask the Lord to give you His courage and boldness to walk in obedience.
God is looking to prune and purify His people, His bride, so that we can one day be pure and spotless.
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We closed out the week with reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:1; Isaiah 56:7; and Hebrews 13:17.
Today these scriptures, and Priscilla, are reminding us of the importance of prayer and praying for our pastors.
“These courageous souls who have answered the calling of God to lead us, serve us, and walk beside us have offered their shoulders to a broad task. They are helping conform us to the image of Christ. We should help commit them to the keeping and empowering of His Spirit.” (from Awaken, page 308)
She asks: Have you ever asked your church leaders how you could pray for them? When you do, record what they say to help you stay faithful in praying for them.
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May we keep one another, and especially pastors, in prayer in the coming days.
Photo 1: by Nathalie Désirée Mottet on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Ben White on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I love that you are reading through “Awaken.” I have that book and began it a year or so ago but put it aside. I think I need to pull it back out again.
Awaken has brought words of encouragement over this past year. It was a book in season for our group 🙂
Amen, Joanne. Yes, let’s be faithful in praying for our pastors and ministry leaders. May they not be overwhelmed or discouraged by the continued changes that impact how they do ministry.
May Christ’s joy be theirs …
Amen, Linda. So many changes in how they do ministry yet one thing has not changed, and that is how greatly people need Jesus. May we faithfully hold them up in prayer.
So much excellent truth here. Thank you.
I love that definition of “covenant” and the takeaways you share from the study are great. This is a good way to remember them.