Encouragement 2-20-04





February 20, 2004
Encouragement for Today

Never Be the Same

Leigh Gray – Proverbs 31 certified speaker

Key Verse:

 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

 


Devotion: 

 

A few weeks ago we had some van trouble…again!  Thinking that it would be in the shop for just a few hours, we belted our three big car seats into my husband’s van (yes - we are a two minivan family) which happens to be much smaller than mine.  The kids were crammed together and probably not very safe, but after all, it was only for a few hours. 

 

Since my husband uses his van for work only, it had never had three children grace its presence at one time.  After three long days, my van was finally repaired and ready to go! Transferring the car seats from my husband’s van back into mine was quite an experience.  Crumbs were everywhere – not to mention coke spills running down the walls, creases in the seat, and of course the unmentionables as well as the unidentifiable.  Clay just sort of bit his tongue and wore a strained smile that clearly said, "My poor van.” To say the least, his van will "never be the same". 

 

Over 2000 years ago a baby was born and the world was completely changed forever.  What a baby He was - growing into a child who never threw tantrums, never grew impatient and never told a lie.  This child became a man who never hated but instead loved unconditionally, and the list goes on.  God - come to earth as a baby - Jesus Christ.  He came in love to change lives through love.  

 

Do you know God?  Are you ready to live in His power and by His plan?  Are you willing to give Him first place in your life?  Today is the day to invite Him in, allowing His presence to transform and change your life forever.  


My prayer for today:

 

Jesus, help me to know that living for you is the only way worth living.  Show me how to celebrate your love.  I want those around me to see You and be drawn to your love.  May I live a life that is pleasing to you and contagious to others. Today I celebrate your love and forgiveness in my life.  Amen.
 

 

Application Steps:

 

Begin today by recommitting your love and time to Him and being aware of any changes, big or small, that He leads you to make.
 


Reflection points:

 

Can you spend an extra ten minutes with Him today?

 

Can you think of changes that you have seen in your life as a result of Jesus living in you?

 

What kind of things need to be addressed before having a more consistent walk with him?


Can you think of a person in your life that has not been the same since they met Jesus?  How is that person different?
 

Power Verses:

 

Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her.  "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you."  And the woman was healed from that moment.  (NIV)

 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me.  (NIV)

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  (NIV)

 

Romans 12:2a Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  (NIV)

 


Additional Resources:

 

Coming Out of the Dark by Mary Southerland 

http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/outofdark.html

 

Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed by Lysa TerKeurst

http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/radical.html

 

The Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes

http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/makeover.html

 

Originally published Friday, 20 February 2004.

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