Theme: As the SENT ONE, Jesus intentionally comes and immerses Himself in relationship with God and us…
to bring salvation
New Series: last year's IMMERSION devotions focused on Being in the Word.
This year we continue in the Word while adding a focus on prayer and living under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Our theme verse for the year is Luke 11:1:
Luke 11:1
One of His disciples said to him, '"Lord, Teach us to pray…"
Mondays draw from bible verses slated for the coming weekend’s worship experience. It will not be the Gospel reading, reserved for Tuesdays. Plan to open your bible to catch the scriptures in context. IMMERSION material often quotes only a portion of the given readings.
Pondering Point
Mondays also introduce the Identity in Christ piece included to counteract the world’s influence in our daily lives and personal outlook. This identity language is based on 2 Corinthians 5:17:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
The Identity in Christ is also acknowledged in the worship service just before the benediction, where we identify ourselves as blessed in order to be a blessing.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people… [it is] Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem
us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
~ Apostle Paul
• In Christ, I am redeemed from all wickedness and purified to be His own, eager to do what is good as I live a self-controlled, upright and godly life while awaiting His second coming.
Pondering Point
The Gospel’s core is this: The God-man Jesus coming to purify for Himself a people to be His own. Let’s celebrate our loving Savior who comes for us – and be eager to do good for Him.
I heard a friend put it this way: Jesus, the incorruptible seed of grace was planted in the sinful, muddy mess of mankind to reap a harvest. That harvest is being gathered and I rejoice that I am a part of it – as both harvest and harvester!!!
Prayer
Father God, I am grateful to be redeemed from all wickedness in and around me. I rejoice that I am purified through Jesus, and I pray that Your Holy Spirit leads me to eagerly do what is good in Your eyes, living a self-controlled, upright and godly life. Until Jesus comes, show me how I can be a blessing in this world You are redeeming in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Proverbs with God's Wisdom
We will use a biblical proverb to remind ourselves to consider and submit to God’s wisdom over against the supposed wisdom of the world.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.