Your Identity in Christ
• We are reconciled to our Heavenly Father by Jesus’ death and resurrection, making us without blemish and free from accusation; I know that I live holy in His sight in Jesus’ name.
Pondering Point
Wednesday is thought to be the day Judas agrees with the chief priests to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The arrest happens later, but this sets the betrayal in motion. In our devotions, Wednesdays are about identity in Christ; sadly for Judas, he found his identity outside of Jesus. It is astonishing that a disciple who spent countless hours with Jesus doesn’t seem to capture His heart – or at the least Judas chose against Jesus’ heart. It’s not that he didn’t love Jesus; he was quite remorseful later. But Judas loved something else more – in this case money (see John 12:6). He had a higher master than Jesus. That master made him prone to the devil’s plans. Scriptures tell us that we cannot have two masters; Judas is a prime example. Of course, God has long known the heart of man and often we see God use even evil intent to work for His good. Judas chose his own path, but God used those choices to bring blessings for our paths.
John 12:6
He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
Prayer
Check in with God about any rivals that exist in your life as potential masters. Don’t cheat yourself of this opportunity. With the Holy Spirit’s help, make a list and clearly rebuke any other potential masters in prayer.
Micro-Group Connections:
A Disciple’s Lifestyle
Micro-Group Moment:
Considering a life of VIGILANCE as
a case for participating in Micro-Groups:
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Pondering Point
Vigilance
The quality of being alert and watchful
As a Micro-Group participant, you are going to have a significant impact in a micro-group in multiple ways – some healthy and, if we are honest, sometimes unhealthy. Pray for more – much more – of the healthy kind.
Prayer Prompt
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”
~ Psalm 39:1
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 51:13-19
- Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you. - Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed,
O God, you who are God my Savior
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. - Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise. - You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
- My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, O God, will not despise.
- May it please you to prosper Zion,
to build up the walls of Jerusalem. - Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Teaching or Command of God:
Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
1 Peter 2:9b-10a
[You are a chosen people] that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.
Pondering Point
Ponder what has come out of your mouth today or yesterday; consider what has been tugging at your heart. Is it God-pleasing? Praiseworthy?