– Scripture:

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.
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.

                           Romans 8:3–8 MSG

– Reflection:

              The Solution Is Life On God’s Terms

I know you remember your younger selves as I do, thinking that our way was the best way. Then realizing that our parents had also made mistakes and were trying to guide us in the right direction. This is similar to the experience of becoming a Christian. It feels like all the information is being revealed to you, information that you already knew but didn’t fully listen to. It can be overwhelming and make you want to cry, but it’s important to seek understanding and follow the guidance of the spirit. There’s no time for crying now; it’s time to take action and do whatever work needs to be done.

Where do we go from here?

“When we live according to GOD’s terms, everything is plain and simple; not complex in any way. If people need help and you are able to help, then help them. If someone needs prayer, pray with them. If an elderly person’s yard needs cutting, cut the yard – it’s that simple. There isn’t a lot to living GOD’s way. Cut out all the overthinking about what it looks like to others, and who may see you helping someone who may be considered lower than you. If they have an issue with that, then you shouldn’t be around them anyway.”

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for waking us this morning to continue on the paths you have laid before us. We know that despite the simplicity of our paths, there will be resistance, but we trust that you will remove those obstacles for us. Thank you. Amen.”

– Scripture:

After several days of visiting, a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see us. He went right up to Paul, took Paul’s belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers.” When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. But Paul wouldn’t budge: “Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You’re looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?” We saw that we weren’t making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. “It’s in God’s hands now,” we said. “Master, you handle it.”

                            Acts 21:10–14 MSG

– Reflection:

                  Ready to Go? Let’s Go.

Remember this:

When we follow Jesus, God will eventually ask us to do something we don’t want to do, or go somewhere we don’t want to go. This request may come as a nudge during prayer, a thought while reading the Bible, or through the words of a friend. However it comes, it will come. To become the men we were created to be, and to become the men the world needs us to be, we must act with the same boldness and confidence that Paul used. These requests lead us into the adventures for which we were created.

Where do we go from here?

“What do you think God might be asking of you right now, at this very minute? Is there anything you feel he’s prompting you quietly to do? If so, trust him and take a practical and measurable step towards that thing today.”

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for always being prepared to go at a moment’s notice. It is your grace that allows us to honor others as you intend. When we are unable to assist those we come to help, we need to recognize when it’s time to leave. Thank you for guiding us in all things, Jesus. Amen.”

– Scripture:

He said, “What has happened?” They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.” Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.

                                Luke 24:19–27 MSG

– Reflection:

                 Who’s Walking with You

On the Sunday after Jesus was crucified, two of His disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were so discouraged and sorrowful that Jesus was gone; their hopes and dreams were shattered. They were so focused on their great disappointment that they didn’t recognize the risen Jesus who suddenly joined them in their journey and conversation. In that incredible moment, He began to explain to them all that the Scripture had predicted about Him, how He would be crucified and rise from the dead on the third day. It wasn’t until later that day that they realized their seven-mile walk had been in the presence of the risen Savior.

Where do we go from here?

How often do we fail to recognize what God is doing during our daily journey? We become so preoccupied with addressing problems, attempting to improve our finances, managing our family, or coping with an illness that we overlook all the positive things that God is doing in the present moment. Let’s not be so fixated on what’s wrong that we fail to acknowledge that Jesus is accompanying us through it all.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for walking with us and working in our lives every day. Help us to not be so focused on today’s challenges that we miss the good things that you’re doing in this present moment. Open our eyes as you did with these two disciples so that we can see too. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

– Scripture:

Still, I want it made clear that I’ve never gotten anything out of this for myself, and that I’m not writing now to get something. I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or impugn my motives. If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t! If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I’d expect some pay. But since it’s not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don’t even have to pay my expenses!

                           1 Corinthians 9:15–18 MSG

– Reflection:

              Freedom with Responsibility

The passage from First Corinthians 9 prompts us to consider the joy of sharing the gospel without expecting anything in return. We could focus on the potential rewards mentioned in the text, but the main point is to avoid becoming entangled with expectations. By setting aside the possibility of a pay-off, Paul is able to operate freely and without the mindset of “if you give me this, then I will do this.”

Where do we go from here?

Even when we think we have cast those aside, it’s never that easy. What would it look like for you to be able to witness Christ without any sense of expectation? Right there is where I think the Bible is taken out of context. Yes, you need a wage — we all do, but not for telling the Word to the masses.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, free us from mindsets of expectations. Free us from entanglements and resentment. Help us to share the gospel freely. For what is given with the greatest of price cannot be traded or sold. Amen.

– Scripture:

Be good to me, God and now! I’ve run to you for dear life. I’m hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me, he humiliates those who kick me around. God delivers generous love, he makes good on his word.

                            Psalm 57:1–3 MSG

– Reflection:

               Too Good To Miss

A lot of us struggle with what we consider to be “adventure.” We often associate adventure with extreme activities like mountain climbing, skydiving, or deep wilderness hikes. But what about when God calls us to do something that challenges our pride, risks a friendship, or pushes us out of our comfort zone? Are these experiences not also worthy of being called adventures?

Where do we go from here?

The issue is that we often mistakenly see God’s unexpected events as unwelcome disruptions, unpleasant obstacles, or unnecessary risks to the secure lives we’ve worked hard to build for ourselves and our families, instead of recognizing them as the mythical experiences they truly are. As a result, we overlook the wonderful days, moments, and stories that God wants to share with us, which he dreamt of long ago. When faced with interruptions, procrastination, or opportunities for risk, take a moment to consider whether these may have been intentionally placed in our path by a loving Father God.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for the many things we are called to do that break us out of our comfort zones. It is in those moments where we really find out who we are. When we are stretched, something happens for the betterment of us. God, you step in and begin to show us some pretty cool things. With you watching our backs and your son watching the front of us, we can will be okay on any adventure you send us on. Amen.