Depreciating the Life

06 / Sun  | Read 1 John 1:8-10

Overview: Lots of things pull at us, telling us that this is the life—success, popularity, power. Yet they can be gone in a flash. Only by resting in the truth of God’s perfect love engulfing us can we find real life.

07 / Mon – Check your motivation  |  Read Jonah 1:1-3 / Jonah 3:10 / Jonah 4:1-4

Sin is always an intentional choice; mistakes are not. You may have heard the term an honest mistake. Sin is knowing the right thing but not doing it. Jonah is a good example. He chose to go in the opposite direction, and what was his motive? Some think it was fear of his cruel enemies, but his words in ch4 reveal the true reason. Have you experienced this internal conflict? When you realize God has a bigger plan, you will make the right choice to trust Him and obey.

08 / Tue – Be honest with yourself  |  Read Genesis 3:11-13 / Luke 18:9-14

Jonah was honest about his sinful choice. Others were not. ‘The devil made me do it.’ ‘I was tempted and couldn’t stop myself.’ ‘If he or she hadn’t done_____, I wouldn’t have______.’ It started in the garden and has continued since that time. Children are especially good at deflecting responsibility, but have you found yourself doing that also? According to this story Jesus told, what is the solution? It can be difficult to see ourselves objectively. That is why we depend on the Holy Spirit to show us the truth. Then the choice is ours. Are you open to what God wants to show you?

09 / Wed – Following intentionally  |  Read 1 Corinthians 11:1

Following people on social media is easy. Click the button, and you have access to everything they post. And if you get offended, just ‘unfriend’ them and stop following. That happens in the spiritual realm, too. Following Jesus means living as he did. When he walked on earth, that is what people did, literally. They walked behind, going where he went, listening to what he said, watching what he did. When he was no longer present, they still followed him. How are you doing as a follower?

10 / Thu – Excuses, excuses  |  Read Luke 9:57-62

When Jesus called people to follow him, what were some reasons they said prevented them? In the present day, what are other excuses you might hear? When the Lord first called you, did you have reservations? Do you still have them when he asks you to do something that might cost you? Do those things seem too difficult? Does your flesh resist and, if so, do you recognize it? Remember, you still have a choice? What helps you do the hard things he asks you to do?

11 / Fri – Don’t be the stumbling block  |  Read Matthew 23:13-32  (The 7 Woes)

One of the reasons people give today for not following Jesus is the hypocrisy they see in those who claim to be Christians. Maybe you’ve seen that too, and it rightly embarrassed you. Hypocrisy was true in Jesus’ time, as well. He boldly challenged the religious people because they had become a stumbling block to those who wanted to know God. Will you allow the bad example of other Christians to motivate you to reflect Jesus more accurately? The Lord will honor your daily commitment and will give you all you need to follow through, as you depend on him.

12 / Sat – Learning and practicing  |  Read Exodus 16:4 / 1 John 4:1-3

God’s instructions are often a test. The stranger they are, the more tempting it is to question if it is really God speaking. In Exodus, the newly-freed slaves were just learning how to make their own choices, and they didn’t always choose wisely. He was teaching them to recognize and obey Him. You live in a different time, but the Lord still wants you to be discerning. Your enemy is so cunningly deceptive. Will you listen carefully and learn to differentiate between his and the Lord’s voice? It can save you unnecessary grief if you practice not rushing into anything without thought and prayer.