Authentic Living in an Artificial World

This week: Real Christianity
Next week: Commitment in Marriage

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Friday, October 19, 2012

Today's Scripture

"He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Most people think of religion as a list of "dos and don'ts." A set of rules. Many see Christianity that way. But real Christianity is a relationship. A relationship of love with God through His son, Jesus Christ.

If you are in a loving marriage relationship, you want to make your spouse happy because of your love, not because that's the rule. If you are a parent, you are devoted to your children's well-being - not because the parenting books say that's how you should feel but because you love them.

And so should our relationship with God be. Yes, we should be devoted to him. We should obey him and serve him. We should want to accomplish his purpose for our life. But not out of a commitment to a set of rules but because of our loving devotion to him.

Consider this …

God sent his only son to suffer and die for us. Why? Certainly not because we deserved it. But because every one of us is born with a sinful nature. The Bible tells us we have all sinned. God is holy, and there can be no sin in his presence. But he loves us and wants us to spend eternity with him, and so he provided a way for that to happen. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. What incredible love!

And when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, he loves us, guides us strengthens us, and comforts us. How can we respond in any way but devotion to him? No longer living for ourselves but for him. That's real Christianity.

Prayer

Father, words are not enough to thank you for all you have done and are doing for me. Help me to live my thanks by no longer living for myself - but for Christ. In his name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Authentic Living in an Artificial World by Dr. Mike Chapman. This 45-minute group study gives understanding about what it means to be real. The facilitator's guide includes reproducible group member study sheets and an audio CD designed to help facilitators prepare for each session. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

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This week: Real Christianity
Next week: Commitment in Marriage

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Today's Scripture

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Any truly loving relationship brings joy. The people in the relationship delight in each other. And so in our relationship to God, we should delight in him. And he delights in us! "The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love" (Psalm 147:11 NLT).

When our hearts are right with God, we will want only what he has for our lives. We will delight in his Word. We will delight in serving him. We will delight in the peace and joy only he can bring. Peace and joy that don't depend on circumstances - only on his love.

Consider this …

Do you delight in your prayer time - or is it a ritual?

Do you delight in praising him - or focus on your problems?

Do you delight in obeying God - or are you reluctant?

Do you delight in God's plan for your life - or do you try to manipulate it?

If you are not enjoying delight in your relationship with the Lord, examine yourself to learn why.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)

Prayer

Father, I praise you for who you are. I thank you for what you've done. Praise you for your love, your mercy, and your grace. Thank you for forgiving me, for comforting me, for loving me. I delight in you for you are my God, my Savior, my Comforter. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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This week: Real Christianity
Next week: Commitment in Marriage

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Today's Scripture

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."John 10:14-16 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Unfortunately, Christians are often seen through caricatures. A caricature is an image rooted in reality but distorted in a way that drastically overemphasizes some features of that reality. "No Fun Nellie." "Ignorant Irving." "Willie the Wimp." Christians are often seen as close-minded, hypocritical, judgmental, or extreme.

Most of these images have to do with the practice of religion. Although Christianity is thought of as a religion, that's not what real Christianity is all about. It's about relationship. A personal relationship with a loving Father (God the Father). A relationship with someone who was willing to give his life for us - Jesus (God the Son). A relationship with the Holy Spirit (God the Holy Spirit), who guides and comforts and helps us in our day-to-day living.

Consider this …

In today's Scripture, Jesus is talking about relationship. He is our Shepherd. Because of his devotion to the Father and his love for us, he died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin. Through that unimaginably great sacrifice, he is offering us a relationship with God. All we have to do is say yes. To choose to be a part of his flock. To receive his love, his forgiveness, and his help throughout our life on earth. Our problems may not disappear, but when we enter this relationship with Jesus and follow him as our Shepherd, we'll never have to face them alone. And we have the promise of eternity with him.

Prayer

God, I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for all the wrong I've done. I choose to follow Jesus and thank you for allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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This week: Real Christianity
Next week: Commitment in Marriage

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Today's Scripture

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Real Christianity is about loving God, which is a different agenda than the rest of the world lives by. One aspect of a loving relationship with God is learning to depend on him.

The world teaches us it's good to be independent. Don't depend on anyone else. Have an "I can do it myself" attitude. But God wants us to rely on him, not ourselves. Why? Because he sees the whole picture. He knows what is best for us. And he is our loving Father. His power, his wisdom, and his strength are so much greater than ours - and he wants to help us.

Consider this …

It's not weakness to depend on God. It's wisdom. He loves us unconditionally. One way we can return that love is to show him we trust him by depending on him for guidance, for strength, for comfort. And what a privilege to be able to do that!

Are you fearful about the future? Are you facing a challenge that seems overwhelming? Are you struggling with financial issues, family conflict, illness . . . or any other problems life brings our way? God didn't promise us a problem-free life. In fact, Jesus said we would have trouble (John 16:33). But he also said to take heart because he overcame the world - and with his help, we can too. Remember, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13 NLT).

Prayer

Father, I thank you I don't have to face life alone. Thank you for loving me and promising to be with me. Help me to be more open to receiving your help. Help me to trust you. To depend on you and not myself. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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This week: Real Christianity
Next week: Commitment in Marriage

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, October 15, 2012

Today's Scripture

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Many people have the perception that church people are well-intentioned but just a shade south of normal - that Christians are not real people. This occasionally presents roadblocks to some who would like to follow Christ.

Many people pass through three milestones before they take the "Christian plunge."

We experience a deep nagging sense that all is not as it should be in our lives.

We begin to question the claims of Christianity. Are they really true?

We consider what it really means to become a Christian What would it be like to be a true follower of Jesus? What kind of person would we become? What kind of people would we be hanging out with?

Consider this …

Perhaps you feel as though you are missing something in your life. You may be considering visiting a church. Or maybe you go to church every Sunday but are wondering . . . Am I a real Christian? Why do I feel so empty inside?

Perhaps you have a relationship with Christ but someone you care about is looking for answers. They are beginning to ask some of these questions.

This week we will discuss what it really means to become a Christian. No matter what your situation is, Jesus tells us in today's scripture that the first step is to seek his kingdom and his righteousness. Are you ready to do that?

Prayer

God, I have so many questions. Are you real? Are the Christians I see real? Can Jesus make a difference in my life? Please help me find answers . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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