Committing to Each Other
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
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Today’s guest devotional is provided by Jon Walker –
Truth teaches that the quality of our friendships is more important than the quantity. We don’t need a lot of friends in this life, but we do need a few good ones.
By moving beyond superficial acquaintance with specific Jesus-ones, we become friends who are closer than family (Proverbs 18:24).
This requires considerably more commitment than our standard “to each his own” approach to getting along. Instead, we agree …
Jesus Prays for You
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message . . .” John 17:20 (NIV)
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Today’s guest devotional is provided by Jon Walker –
During the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for himself and then he prayed for the disciples. And then, with the hour of his death approaching, he took time to pray for you. He prayed for all those who would believe through the ministry of the disciples, and that means you.
This is what he told God:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for …
A Better Place to Be
Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
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Today’s guest devotional is provided by Jon Walker –
Have you ever been somewhere you didn’t want to be? Maybe it was a job, a town, or a marriage. Maybe it was a stage in life, like singlehood, or a state in life, like a disability. It’s very possible that as you read this, you’re wishing you were somewhere else – anywhere else – living a …
Movie Review: The X-Files – I Want to Believe
Squeezed in the middle of a summer full of superheroes (with superhype!), 20th Century Fox decided to try and put a hammock up before all the summer comedies come out (“Pineapple Express”, “The Rocker”, and “Tropic Thunder” are all on deck), and lazily threw in a movie that will certainly have Xphiles lined up…but what about the rest of the moviegoing public? Unfortunately, I think they’ll be less than impressed, because this movie may put you to sleep.
I am an admitted “X-Files” slave. I first caught eyes to it several months before its airing in 1993, seeing that guy from …
Trusting the Father's Goodness
Isn’t it wonderful when our children teach us about Jesus? Not that it is always fun, but the Holy Spirit doesn’t waste a moment if you’re just willing to listen.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17 (ESV)
Tonight Stephanie is working so I’ve been home with …
Becoming Like Jesus Is a Slow Process
This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)
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Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.
Referring to this process, Paul said, “This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him” (Ephesians 4:13 CEV).
You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus …
Blocking Sled
When I was in 7th grade, I was a bit overweight so when it came to playing football, they put me on the offensive line. Actually, I was a left guard.
I really didn’t think I belonged there. I hated blocking and playing “bit parts” in the success of the team.
I also hated the blocking sled.
Most people know what a blocking sled is, but if you don’t, its just a bunch of metal that is on a “skid” platform that lineman “hit” and push in order to practice their skill. (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YL0o-kjEGA)
Notice I said skill because that’s all I had. Blocking.
The …
Molded into Godly Character
Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
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As I mentioned yesterday, your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says, “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to …
God’s Spirit Is Working in You
God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
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It is the Holy Spirit’s job to produce Christlike character in you.
The Bible says, “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). This process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.
You cannot reproduce the character of Jesus on your own strength. New Year’s resolutions, willpower, and best intentions are not enough. Only the …
A God-Fashioned Life
Take on an entirely new way of life – a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)
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Many religions and New Age philosophies promote the old lie that we are divine or can become gods. Let me be absolutely clear: you will never become God, or even a god.
That prideful lie is Satan’s oldest temptation. Satan promised Adam and Eve that if they followed his advice, “you shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5 KJV).
This desire to be a god shows …
