While I spent the week in Vegas (more on that to come!), the devotionals I got to write were populating the worship page on my faith community's web site. I wanted Day 1 to set the tone, to force some introspection at the beginning of what would likely be a challenging week in the approach to several challenging weeks of sermons (on things like lust and sex, ACK!!) ... so, for your reading pleasure and digging deeper inclinations:
SCRIPTURE.
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. — 1 John 2:15-17 (The Message)
THOUGHT.
Our adoption into the family of Christ changes everything about our lives. From what we do, to how we think ... our worldview is permanently and perpetually altered. Still, the pull of the fallen world in which we live is strong. Its allure can be subtle and its influence gradual.
Before we launch into a new series of sermons on temptation and cultural strongholds, we might do well do to see where our hearts are at. Christian author, A. W. Tozer, suggested seven check points for self-discovery .... take a look at the list below and then into your own heart. Is there space for God to do some renovation in the following areas?
1. What we want most;
2. What we think about most;
3. How we use our money;
4. What we do with our leisure time;
5. The company we enjoy;
6. Who and what we admire;
7. What we laugh at.
PRAYER.
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
(William Cowper)
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