June 25 – July 1, 2017

{Lay It Down: Part Three}

By Elizabeth Miranda

Dan taught today at baptism that the baptism of Jesus was actually the beginning of his ministry, and when we are baptized it’s the beginning for us, too. Grace is a gift, one that keeps on giving. But do I believe that? Do I experience it in my heart?

What does it mean to be baptized, and to live from that place? To truly accept that I am loved, purely, just as much today as I was yesterday—regardless of my mistakes along the way. The painful side of life . . . the past wounds, hurts, broken relationships, and “felt beliefs” that I am unworthy of love, will never measure up, have to be perfect, don’t deserve good things in life. That side can run a movie marathon on a bad day of every mistake I’ve ever made.  A montage better than the best on Baywatch set to cheesy music of all the past mistakes and embarrassments that leave me, leave us, feeling undeserving of this love.

Yet the truth of the Gospel IS that I am loved, forgiven. That because God doesn’t change his love for me, his pride in me, his pursuit of me won’t change either. Grace from the message of Jesus is this:  from now until the day I die I will make millions of mistakes, and even if I do my best I will wound others; yet I am loved and wanted and forgiven perfectly every single time. (It’s truly a miracle! No really, it is.) 

So why is it so hard to accept it? For me, that’s the hardest part. ACCEPTING into my heart and whole being that I am forgiven and loved. There are times a past mistake is coming up because I need to make it right or say I’m sorry. But once I have, why do I tend to continue to pick it up and wear it like a wet blanket that becomes my reality?

Only when I turn towards Christ, and fully accept it . . . again, again, and again . . . that I am loved and pure in Him, can I begin to experience it. Turn towards him again, and again, and again. That’s the journey my friends. Every time I turn towards him I’m amazed at how much He loves me and can heal me.

{sunday 6.25.17}

Read Philippians 1:6

Observe, Reflect, Apply: What past mistakes do you repeatedly remind yourself of on a bad day that keep you from experiencing the grace and love of Christ? If it’s not a current situation or something you feel convicted to change: what would it take to let it go? To truly, forgive yourself as God does?

{personal reflection and bible reading plan}

As you read the verses each day, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.

CLICK HERE to check out our latest video resource from Seth Davidson, The Journey Continues. It gives more context and connects the dots through the chapters we are reading this week in the Bible.

{monday 6.26.17}

Read Galatians 4:17-27

Observe, Reflect, Apply: As you read Paul’s analogy about Hagar and Sarah, what do you observe? What parallels do you see between the examples of freedom vs. slavery to your life and your choices today? What is one concrete thing you could do this week to live more from a place of freedom?

{tuesday 6.27.17}

Read Galatians 4:28-5:6

Observe, Reflect, Apply: In your own life, how do you try to find favor with God? To present yourself as worthy to him? What do these verses teach about our human attempts to get ourselves right before approaching God? What is one take away you have from these passages, and the encouragement toward freedom?

{wednesday 6.28.17}

Read Galatians 5:7-18

Observe, Reflect, Apply: What holds you back from wholeheartedly living in the reality of God’s grace and freedom? What entangles you? Where do you need to find someone to run the race with you, to encourage you or hold you accountable? If you don’t have a friendship you can discuss such things in, what is one step you will take this week to pursue one? We will be praying for you in this!

{thursday 6.29.17}

Read Galatians 5:19-6:5

Observe, Reflect, Apply: In these passages we are reminded of the power the things we allow to distract or control us have over our lives. What is one area that you struggle in, and how can you choose to allow Jesus’ spirit to lead you in another direction? Which "fruit of the spirit" are you most in need of today? Pray for that as you go about this day.

{friday 6.30.17}

Read Galatians 6:6-18

Observe, Reflect, Apply: In his closing remarks, Paul reminds us again that Jesus’ death on the cross and following resurrection are the only thing that can save us in this world. What is one thought, phrase, or concept you can carry with you today that will help to remind you of this truth, and the power in it?

{saturday 7.1.17}

Read Ephesians 1:1-10

Observe, Reflect, Apply: The opening of this letter to the Ephesians is a thank you note to God for all the blessings he has given his people. Take time today to write your own thank you note (or say a prayer) to God for the specifc things he has given you. Naming things anchors them in our mind, and expressing them changes our sense of knowing and living in them.

{group discussion ideas}

We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as an Heartland group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters for The Journey.

• Can you name an ‘takeaway’ or challenge from the Sunday message?
• How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
• What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
• Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
• Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?

{extra journey resources}

CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.

The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.

Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.

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