A series of daily devotionals on becoming like Jesus together!
GROW (Colossians 2:1-19)
God wants us to grow! In Colossians 2:1-19, we learn that in order to grow like God wants us to, we must be connected to Jesus and to one another.Christ is Your Life (Colossians 2:20-3:4)
Once we start living for Jesus, we can't keep living by the world's rules. In Colossians 2:20-3:4, we see how Christ shouldn't just be "part" or even "the most important part" of a Christian's life: Christ IS your life.Off and On (Colossians 3:5-14)
There are things a Christian must not do, but the Christian life is also more than that. In Colossians 3:5-14, we learn what we must put off, what we must put on, and why there is always room to grow.Whatever You Do (Colossians 3:15-17)
Could you use more peace and thankfulness in your life? In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul gives three practical steps we can take to experience just that as we grow.Real Life (in Christ) (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
You're pretty busy, and it can be hard to fit "spiritual life" in with the pressures of "real life". Yet in Colossians 3:18-4:1, we see how "all growth is spiritual growth", as Jesus brings life into all that we are.Set Free (John 8:31-47)
It's not just about believing in Jesus. In John 8:31-47, He tells us Himself that we must truly be His disciples for the truth to set us free.Hearing and Doing (James 1:19-27)
God's word can change our lives in very real and practical ways...but we have to both hear and do it, as we see in James 1:19-27.Equipped (2 Timothy 3:10-17)
The Bible is unlike any other book. Because it is God's word, it equips us to live the lives He meant for us...if we let it, as we see in 2 Timothy 3:10-17.Healthy Teaching (Titus 2:1-15)
The healthy teaching of Jesus changes our lives and helps us to grow, as we see in Titus 2:1-15.God Gives the Growth (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)
You are meant to grow! In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, we see how God produces beautiful growth in our lives when we work with Him and each other.Grow Every Day (Acts 2:42-47)
Two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, something started that changed the world. If we will follow the every day examples we see in Acts 2:42-47, our lives and our world will change, too.Active for Growth (1 Peter 4:1-11)
Life changes when you follow Jesus. In 1 Peter 4:1-11, we are challenged to get active and grow.Make Every Effort (2 Peter 1:3-11)
With so many demands on us, sometimes we just do what's required. In 2 Peter 1:1-15, we are reminded to make every effort when it comes to our faith: you will never become too much like Jesus.Time to Grow (Luke 13:6-9)
Sometimes we go through difficult seasons in our lives and relationships. While other people might give up on us, God gives us time and opportunity to grow. Yet as we see in Luke 13:6-9, we have to work with Him.Abide in Jesus (John 15:1-11)
God created us to live fruitful, abundant, joyful lives...but even as Christians, we often don't. In John 15:1-11, Jesus tells us how that can change: we need to stop making excuses and truly abide in Him.Growing Pains (Acts 4:32-5:16, 6:1-7)
Everyone wants to grow, but we aren't always willing to go through the growing pains. In Acts 4:32-5:16, we see true Christ-like growth requires sacrifice...and sometimes confrontation.Discipline (Hebrews 12:1-11)
We respect the results of a disciplined lifestyle, but we aren’t always willing to endure the pain of it ourselves. In Hebrews 12:1-11, we see that is simply part of following Jesus…and He makes it so worth it.Share in Suffering (2 Timothy 2:1-13)
The Christian life is the most abundant life you can possibly live…but sometimes it is hard. In 2 Timothy 2:1-13, we learn how to share in suffering with Jesus and see how He will redeem our pain.Cause and Effect (2 Thessalonians 3:1-15)
Sometimes we get into habits that keep us from growing more Christ-like. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-15, we see why extreme steps might be needed in order for us to change.Tough Love (Revelation 3:14-22)
As loving and gracious as Jesus is, there is a way many of us behave that makes Him sick! In Revelation 3:14-22, He gives us some tough love. If we’ll receive it, our lives for Him will become so much better.Growing through Pain (Acts 11:19-30)
Some of the most significant growth in Christianity’s history came through pain, but it’s not that suffering is good. As we see in Acts 11:19-30, it is that God meets us in the middle of dark situations and does good.Who Sinned? (John 9:1-7)
When we are hurting, we often wonder who is to blame. Jesus sees things differently. In John 9, He challenges us to see the opportunity to give God glory and to work with Him in bringing light into the darkness.More than You Can Handle (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
Sometimes what you are dealing with IS more than you can handle. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, we see how those times can teach us to rely on Christ and to help others.The Secret (Philippians 4:10-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
The Apostle Paul faced terrible suffering yet still had incredible joy and indescribable peace. What was his secret? In Philippians 4:10-13 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, he teaches us how to be content in all circumstances.All Things Work Together for Good (Romans 8:26-39)
When we are hurting, God helps us. Without needing to pretend the bad things we go through are actually okay, Romans 8:26-39 shows us how God works with us through our suffering to help us grow more like Jesus.Gathered Together (Acts 12:1-17)
Want to be amazed? Gather with the church and pray earnestly the way we see in Acts 12:1-17. You will not believe what God does.Part of the Family (Mark 3:31-35, 10:28-31)
Jesus wants us to experience real family in the church. In Mark 3:31-35 and 10:28-31, we see the hundredfold blessings we receive when we are part of God's family.Built Together (Ephesians 2:11-22)
”Church” as Jesus defines it isn’t a building or a business. In Ephesians 2:11-22, we see what it is really supposed to be: a family, built together by the Spirit.Household of Faith (Galatians 6:1-10)
Christians are members of God’s family, and belonging to a family carries responsibilities, as we see in Galatians 6:1-10.Let Love Be Genuine (Romans 12:9-21)
Growing closer to God changes every other relationship, too. Romans 12:9-21 provides practical steps for changing our thoughts, feelings, and actions that we too often neglect. To grow, we must all work on them together.Spirit Led (Acts 18:18-19:10)
Sometimes things don't work out the way we planned. When we follow the Spirit's lead through it all like we see in Acts 18:18-19:10, we will grow like crazy along the way.The Word Increased (Acts 19:11-20)
There is power in Jesus' name, but it isn't to be used loosely. In Acts 19:11-20, we can see the dramatic change that is possible when the word of Christ increases.Church is Calling (Ephesians 4:1-6)
God intends church to be so much more than a place you should go. In Ephesians 4:1-6, we see how through the church God helps us become more like Jesus.God-Given Gifts (Ephesians 4:7-14)
This world doesn’t make it easy to be like Jesus. He knows that, and He’s given us gifts to help. Yet as Paul describes them in Ephesians 4:7-14, they might not be the kind of gifts you were expecting.Growing Up into Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16)
God has a clear goal for the church: to help us become more like Jesus. As we see that in Ephesians 4:11-16, we are challenged: are we growing up into Christ?Right Where You Belong (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
God has a place for you in Christ's body, the church. Even when people make it messy, Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 how it really is right where you belong.God's Varied Grace (1 Peter 4:7-11)
You might not believe it, but God has given you a gift. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, we are challenged to recognize it and use it for God’s glory.What's Your Motivation? (Philippians 2:1-11)
Following Jesus means learning a completely different way of thinking from Him. In Philippians 2:1-11, we see how having the mind of Christ changes how we relate to others - especially in the church.Building Up (Ephesians 4:29)
Jesus teaches us a different way of speaking to each other. In Ephesians 4:29, we see how becoming like Him challenges us to build one another up with the words we say.Why Go to Church? (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Why go to church? It’s a question many ask, and those who do go should ask it, too. In Hebrews 10:19-25, God not only explains His why, but He also tells us specifically how to approach it so that we can grow.True Worship (John 4:16-26)
Sometimes we treat worship like a debate topic, distracting from the real issues we need to deal with. In John 4:16-26, Jesus reveals true worship that will change us…if we worship the Father in spirit and truth.Unshakeable (Hebrews 12:18-29)
What do you see when you go to worship? We as people often focus on the wrong things. In Hebrews 12:18-29, we learn to see the unshakeable as we worship God with reverence and awe.Glimpsing Heaven (Revelation 4-5)
Would you like to glimpse heaven? John did in Revelation 4-5. When we really consider what he saw, we will recognize our opportunity to experience a preview of heaven in worship.Worship as a Verb (Matthew)
Worship is not some place you go: it is an action you do. We learn a lot about Christian worship from how Jesus is worshipped in Matthew’s gospel account.The Heart of Worship (Ephesians 5:15-21, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
How we worship comes from the commands and examples in Scripture. Yet, passages like Ephesians 5:15-21 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 don’t just tell us how: they also tell us why. As we get that heart of worship, we will grow.Elders in Every City (Acts 14:21-23, Titus 1:5-16)
In order to grow, we need mature mentors to teach, set an example, and look out for us. In Acts 14:21-23 and Titus 1:5-16, we learn the way Christ provides that for His church is through having elders in every city.Overseers of the Flock (Acts 20:28-38, 1 Peter 5:1-5)
"Church oversight" sounds like something that would be all about managing budgets, buildings, and complaints. Not to Jesus. In Acts 20:28-38 and 1 Peter 5:1-5, we see His intention that the church's elders care for His people.Here to Help (James 5:13-16, Ephesians 4:11-16, Revelation 7:9-17)
Being a church elder is about more than signing checks and sitting in meetings. As we see in James 5, Ephesians 4, and Revelation 7, elders are a gift to the church from Christ Himself. They are here to help: are you receiving it?Honoring Elders (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Timothy 5:17-21)
Leadership is a big responsibility, and it’s easy to criticize. In Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Timothy 5:17-21, Christians are challenged to honor our elders: their hard work is helping us grow!A Noble Aspiration (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
One of the noblest aspirations a Christian man could have is to serve as a church elder. Unlike any worldly leadership position, we see in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 the Christ-like character one must grow into in order to lead God’s family.The Office of Servant (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
What does it say about the church that one of its leadership offices is literally titled “servant”? In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, we see how deacons help the church to grow - and why brothers should want to be one.Giving and Serving (Acts 4:32-35, 6:1-7)
Becoming more like Jesus means learning to care about others. In Acts 4:32-35 and 6:1-7, we see the role that the church’s servant leaders have in helping us all grow in giving and serving.Leading Growth (Philippians 1:1-11)
Some important church leadership roles aren’t actually mentioned all that often in the New Testament. Yet in Philippians 1:1-11, we do see what good overseers and deacons accomplish: they lead us to grow.Excel in Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)
Giving generously comes more easily to some of us than others. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, we learn that if we really want to grow more like Jesus, excelling in giving will be a big part of it.Make Me a Servant (2 Timothy 2:20-26)
Not all of us will serve as elders, deacons, or ministers…but we should all serve! In 2 Timothy 2:20-26, we see that God has a use for all of us, if we will only be ready for every good work.Preaching the Good News (Acts 8)
Strong gospel preaching - whether in large crowds or 1-on-1 studies - can change lives and bring joy. Seeing Philip’s growth as an evangelist in Acts 8 can help us see the people like him we know.Call. Believe. Hear. Preach. Send. (Romans 10:1-21)
The Apostle Paul was passionate about preaching the gospel. In Romans 10:1-21, he lays out how God uses preaching to save us.The Work of an Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:1-5, Colossians 1:21-2:5)
Evangelists are among the gifts Christ has given to His church, but not to work in our place. When he’s following what Paul taught in 2 Timothy 4 and Colossians 1-2, his ministry will help us all be more like Jesus in what we do.Practice What You Preach (1 Corinthians 9:19-27, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
While preaching the gospel requires stating things accurately, it also requires embodying God’s word in a way people can understand it. As Paul describes his own ministry in 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Thessalonians 3, and 1 Timothy 1, he challenges us to see how our good - and sometimes bad - examples can be used by Jesus.Watch Yourself and Your Teaching (1 Timothy 4:1-16, Titus 2:7-8)
Preaching is a big responsibility, and it requires keeping a close watch on yourself as well as what you teach. Yet, as Paul teaches his ministry proteges in 1 Timothy 4 and Titus 2, those who do help themselves and their hearers.Who Do You Trust? (Luke 18:9-17)
Even if we’re doing “all the right things”, we won’t grow if our hearts aren’t in the right place. In order to grow, Jesus challenges us in Luke 18:9-17 to see how much we really need God.Barriers to Growth (James 4:1-10)
What keeps us from growing? We do. That can change, though, when we humble ourselves before God like James 4:1-10 teaches us.Ask (Luke 11:5-13)
There is so much good God can and will do in our lives if we would only ask, as Jesus teaches in Luke 11:5-13.The Heart of the Matter (Mark 7:14-23)
You have issues. We all do. As we see in Mark 7:14-23, real change is possible if we will let Jesus get to the heart of the matter.Seeking Growth (1 Thessalonians 3:8-13, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
We face different challenges on our way to growing as Christians. As we see in 1 Thessalonians 3 and 2 Corinthians 10, God will supply what we need and tear down what is in the way when we’re truly seeking growth.The Secret to Abundance (Matthew 13:10-17)
Lots of people hear Jesus teach…but then nothing changes. In Matthew 13:10-17, we learn the secret to experiencing abundance, and it has everything to do with having our eyes, ears, and heart open.Bearing Fruit (Matthew 13:18-23)
There is the potential in God’s word to completely change our lives. When we really want to understand what Jesus is telling us, we see in Matthew 13:18-23 the choices we have to make to truly be fruitful.Sowing and Reaping (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
”You reap what you sow.” The opportunity of that truth, as Paul explains it in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, is that whatever heartfelt effort we make to grow closer to God will lead to blessing for us and everyone around.Working with God (John 4:31-38)
No matter your situation, you can feel joy today. In John 4:31-38, Jesus shows us a change in perspective that will allow us to start rejoicing right now.The Fruit You Get (Romans 6:20-23)
God created us to live fruitful lives: what fruit did you get this week? In Romans 6:20-23, we see how growing more like Jesus bears fruit that changes things now and forever.
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