Today’s Scripture
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Romans 1:16-17
Big Idea
God is working in your life today, and He will be working in your life tomorrow.
Today’s Thought
OK, time for a case of good news/bad news. Let’s start with the bad news: You’re human and you will never be perfect — even if you follow Jesus for 100 years. Sorry. Hate to be so blunt, but it’s true.
So, what’s the good news? Even the greatest Christians in history were imperfect — people like Billy Graham, the Apostle Paul, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther. God was still working in their lives, helping them mature and become more like Jesus until the day they died.
Most of us wish we could just push a button and suddenly achieve Jesus-like status. But it’s reassuring to realize that generations of Christ-followers have traveled this same journey of spiritual growth — the journey of growing closer to God.
Think back to the day you decided to follow Jesus. Maybe it was a week ago, or a year ago, or five years ago. How are you different today? How has God helped you with anger or lust or greed or impatience? What are some ways you’re more like Jesus today than you were on that day you became a Christian? (And hey, if you haven’t yet made the decision to follow Jesus but you want to know more, check out page 87 here in this devotional. CLICK HERE)
Right now, pause and think of three ways you’re different because of your relationship with Jesus. Write them down in the blank space at the end of today’s devotional.
And then take time today to thank God for the ways you’ve changed during your spiritual journey. If it’s a huge change, that’s awesome! If it’s a bunch of small, tiny changes, that’s awesome too! Every change is a reminder that God has worked in your life and is continuing to work in your life — and an encouragement to keep trusting God to change and transform you as an r12 Christian.
Prayer
God, thanks for all the ways You’ve worked in my life and how You’re helping me today to become a more authentic, committed follower of Jesus. On the days I get discouraged because I don’t see the evidence of change in my life, remind me of the person I used to be and how I’m no longer that person. Thanks for Your love, forgiveness, and patience. Amen.
1) I used to allow people to control my life and not think about what God would have for me to do
ReplyDelete2) I used to be insecure about myself, until i realized that God loves me and created me and his own image which has to be beautiful
3) I used to not pray or think about the consequences of my actions, i still do reckless and awful things sometimes but i repent and try my hardest to avoid doing the same thing a second time.
Thank you for posting KawaiiCupcake :) Your comments are very encouraging! I think we have all dealt with those three things and I am sure some of us still do. Keep up the good work! BTW your off for the weekend. There are only devotions Mon - Fri
ReplyDelete1. I used to be afraid to be who I really am, but God made me in his image so I must be beautiful and I shouldn't be afraid because I'd be afraid of God
ReplyDelete2. I used to not pray a lot but then things started to happen and I prayed to God everyday and now I pray a lot more and sometimes I just sit in my room and talk to him.
3. I used to not like going to church because it was boring to me, but now since I have been going to youth group alot it makes it easier to understand.