Category Archives: Folders
January 17: “Christ the Center” (Colossians 1:15-18 and Colossians 2:6, 11-12)
Becoming a Christian can be compared to a Copernican revolution. Before baptism, the universe revolved around us, but after baptism, we see that the universe revolves around Christ. Christian life is following Jesus as our Lord. It means submitting to his rule in all areas of our life. Who or what is at the center […]
Continue readingJanuary 10: “The Practice of Service” (Luke 6:12-13, 17-19)
The context for spiritual growth is solitude, community, and service. We need all three contexts in order to grow. Our motivation for serving others is that Jesus came to serve us. He even gave his life for us for the joy set before him. When we serve and give ourselves, we grow to be like […]
Continue readingJanuary 3: “Seeking God in Solitude” (Luke 5:15-16 and 6:12)
Jesus lived an extremely busy life, and yet it was his habit to withdraw to a lonely place and pray to the Father in the morning and in the evening. The cornerstone of Jesus’ ministry was his prayer life. God’s power was released in Jesus as he sought intimacy with his father and depended on […]
Continue readingDecember 27: “A Heart of Worship” (Habakkuk:1-2, 16-19)
Habakkuk is afraid because he knows that destruction is coming to Judah. But when he hears of God’s plan, he responds in worship. Habakkuk starts his worship with adoration, prays for God’s kingdom, confesses his fears, and rejoices in the Lord. Those who live by faith worship God in all circumstances.
Continue readingDecember 20: “The Suffering & Triumph of the Servant” (Isaiah 52:13 and Isaiah 53)
How is the faithless Jerusalem to become the faithful city? The heart of Isaiah’s answer is that it can only be done through the suffering and triumph of God’s anointed servant. To justify the ungodly, Jesus bore our sins and died in our place as our substitute. That’s when he was exalted above all. It […]
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