Sunday, August 21, 2011

What a gem!

So, I was recently recommended this by a friend, after sharing about the struggles with studying the Bible devotionally as opposed to academically.  This Prayer journal was recommended for me to try, and I have just begun it.  I will be able to give a better review after some time, but for now, I'm really pleased!

It has 3 Bible passages to read each day, usually something from the OT, NT and a Psalm.  It also has group listings, so that each day, you pray through one of your group lists.  Also, each month, you are focussing on a particular theme.  The beauty of it is that you can stick as rigidly or fluidly to the outline as you are led, but it's all written in front of you, if that's what helps!

Maybe it could guide you too!

The Pray! Prayer Journal by Dean Ridings

Monday, August 8, 2011

What I've learnt today!

How easy is it for us to slip from truth in conviction to distortion in reality.  Yes, I know that we are saved by grace alone! Yes, I know that God judges us based on the work of Christ!  Yes, I know that it is only because of what Christ has done, that I might be saved!  Yes, I know that even now, the life I have now is lived through Christ.

And yet, how easy is it for us to take all these sound convictions, and throw them out the window, when it comes to reality.  Oh, if only I obeyed more...if only I glorified God more...if only I reflected Christ more...if only I gave more...if only I...I...I........then, God would bless me more, God would love me more, God would use me more.

Yes, of course all these things are important for me to strive for and to be like, but how could my focus so quickly change between what I believe and how I live.  How easy it is to slip into works salvation, even though I know the truth.  For there is nothing I can do, no sin I can commit, no deed good enough, that would change my position before God.

Because I am justified through Christ and sanctified through Christ!
               
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  (Galatians 2:20)