Jan 08

The Word Of God (Challenge 2024 Wk1.1)

Bible

The Word of God

Daily Passage:

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Devotional Thought

There is no substitute for the Word of God in the Christian life. That’s why it is important for us to make sure that the word of God is a priority in our lives. As we look at today’s passages, we see that all scripture is inspired by God. That means it is special and passed down to us from the Holy Spirit through human writers that God led to write. It also tells us that it is useful for Christians because it prepares us for life.

Let’s look at a few things it says in this passage.

  • Profitable for teaching.

God’s word teaches us new things about His character and how we are to live out the Christian life.

  • Profitable for rebuking

God’s word, through the spirits working in our hearts, has the ability to show us when we are wrong.

  • Correcting

God’s word not only shows us when we are wrong but also puts us on the correct path.

  • Training in righteousness

God’s word trains us in the things of righteousness and helps us know right from wrong.

  • All that leads to us being equipped and ready to do what God has called ALL Christians to do. To live according to his ways and to tell others about the good news of Jesus.

Try singing to listening to a song together. Here is a suggestion. You can use your phone, search YouTube, or pull out an instrument.

Song

Living Word – Jeremy Camp

Prayer

God your Word is living and active. Please let your word change me into the man or woman you want me to be. Help us as a family to listen to your word and be committed to living out what it says.

Dec 11

The Joy of Transformation

joy (Medium Banner (US) (Landscape))

The word of God is a gift. The Word tells us of the good news of salvation, the joy of life, and the hope of heaven. The Word is how we know the way things ought to be and that we are meant for more than this world promises.

This world promises that if you conform you will find success. Society throws out lies and tries to direct you a certain way that is contrary to God's way. To confirm means to fit the mold. A mold that is sure to leave you feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

On the other hand when we seek to understand God and his ways through His Word we are able to see right through the lies. We become aware of God's mercies, the fact that he does not give us what we deserve. This compels us to worship, to leave all other things in pursuit of the one who loved us first.

The joy of transformation is that it is on going. You live ,you learn, you mess up. You change, you grow, you transform. There is an endless cycle on this earth of progress that if you press in and allow God to have His way you will transform into a new creation that only he can create through the power of His Word and spirit.

There is a joy that is unspeakable when you begin to sense the change in yourself. Even more so when those around you see your progress and give God glory because of it. Even though it can be painful there is joy in that pain.

I need to be reminded of that everyday. Especially on the days that I feel like I have taken a step back. God will continue his work of transformation in me and I will receive it with Joy.

Amen.

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Oct 16

Building Blocks of Character

building blocks of character

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Lego! A timeless toy that any kids and adults at any ages can enjoy. I especially love the Star Wars ships although they cost too much!

If someone gives me a new Lego brand new in the box and I have instructions it is no problem for me to knock out this task in a couple of hours. If someone gives me a used set with no instructions, then it becomes more difficult and almost impossible to finish the set as originally intended.

Life is like that too. When expectations are not clear it can be very frustrating to try and meet those expectations. When you start school your teachers give homework assignments and tests to study for. You know the expectation so you can meet them.

There are a set of expectations in the Bible that God has set for us. Some of these expectation are wired into our morality but they can seem hard to attain. But I have good news for you that God has given us instructions for these building blocks of character.

In 1 Timothy Paul, inspired by God is writing to his young friend in ministry. He is writing to encourage him in living the Christian life, which we all need encouragement and support with from time to time.

To keep this brief… are you living TALL are setting examples in these areas to your family, friends, and acquaintances.

  • Talk (Speech) - How you talk about God, family, friends, and your quality of speech
  • Act (Conduct) - How you act are you a light for Jesus? Are you kind and helpful?
  • Live (Faith) - Do you know Jesus, think about Him, talk about him with others?
  • Love (Purity) - Are you seeking to please God and be a good example in moral areas of life.

So ask yourself these questions?

Am I a TALL example for the Lord?

Who can I get to hold be accountable to be a TALL example for the Lord?

Parents are you being a good example of this to your family?

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