Devotions 6/9/14 - iDisciple

Entrance by Cleansing by R.C. Sproul

Read Hebrews 9:13 and 10:22. Now find Numbers 19. Note the relationship between death and resurrection, unclean and clean, and old covenant baptism. What does this chapter teach you about your new covenant baptism? How many times do you need to be baptized with “pure” water?

It teaches me that my new covenant baptism is "once for all" while the Old Testament cleansing had to be done every time you became unclean. It would seem you only need to be baptized with "pure" water once.

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Follow His Vision for You by Jeff and Beth Jones = https://www.idisciple.org/post/follow-his-vision-for-you?rid=140332

Treasure in Earthen Vessels by Ed Young Sr. = https://www.idisciple.org/post/treasure-in-earthen-vessels?rid=140332

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #148: Yuuki o Dashite!

Today's Video: "Pray For Me - Courage"

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I have decided to stop using this app. I am no longer attending Miles's church (for reasons I won't go into). So this will be the last post like this. I will continue to record my devotions here, however.

Discuss/Describe a situation you need courage to get started today.

I need courage to take a risk and actively look for another job, rather than stay where I am comfortable but unhappy. I need that little nudge to actually do something about it.

Lord, it says in Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Give me the courage to obey YOU regarding looking for a new job. I ask for the strength to trust and wait patiently as YOU move in my circumstance. In Jesus name, Amen.

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #147: Not What Was Advertised

Today's Video: "Door"

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Discuss/Describe the last time you were disappointed by a decision. Talk about how you were expecting something to be on one side of an opportunity or decision, and discovered it was not as advertised.

When I got my current job I thought it was going to be great. After all, it was union, had health benefits, and most of all, had come around after I and others had been praying for me to get a job, ANY job. So I figured God wanted me there, since things had worked out so well.

But the job hasn't been great. Sure, it was union and had great health benefits and was close to my house. But I took a bit of a pay cut from my previous job at first, it's been stressful, I've been moved around to different stores, and I am way overqualified for the job. And now I am in a rut, where I feel like I should move on but I can't push myself to do it, mainly cause I'm not sure where to go from here. Other than that I want a more career-like job (I'm out of college now, after all) and one I actually like (after 10 years of paying my dues, I think I've earned that...although knowing me, even at a job I like I'll find something to complain about...I did working at a bookstore, for goodness sake, and I love books...although to be honest I didn't complain nearly as much as I do now. My main issue was with this one strict manager I had who I didn't always get along with). Maybe something in an office? I am qualified for that. (As long as it's not like The Office ha ha). I have considered being a publishing assistant, and the idea of technical writing has come up, although I have no training in that regard. (They had a class in it at Cal State, but I took a different class in that category instead). It's something I need to think about.

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #146: The Opinion of Man

Today's Video: "Bobbleheads"

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Discuss/Describe one situation that your fear of man and their opinion of you, is preventing you from obeying God. Include this in your prayer below.

It's keeping me from being open about my faith and witnessing. That's the biggest one.

Dear Lord, I know that I need to witness for you and share the Gospel but my fear of not knowing how to say it is getting in the way. I fear that they might ask me questions I can't answer or that I might offend them. I know that Mark 10:28 says, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Please give me the courage and another opportunity to do what you are asking me to do. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #145: On the Wall

Today's Video: "Miami Heat - Championship Alley"

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Discuss/Describe one spiritual accomplishment that you think would make it on the wall of God’s championship alley, if God had one.  Explain why you think it was significant.

To be honest, I haven't accomplished much spiritually. Maybe for myself but not for others. The only thing I can think of is praying, along with others, that the daughter of one of my junior high volunteers at church would get well and she did. But that's not that impressive really.

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #144: Armor Up

Today's Video: "Novocain - Dentist"

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Discuss/Describe ways that you can ensure that your spiritual armor is in place as you face the challenges of the world this week.  Endeavor to spend time in the word this week to help you prepare to wield your shield of faith as you face the world.

I can try not to think negatively. I can "capture every thought and take it captive" and think on what is good and praiseworthy, etc. That won't be easy. It's hard for me not to be negative. It will take time. But I can try to work on it this week.

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #143 (catchup): Junk in The Mind

Today's Video: "Junk Food"

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Discuss/Describe one type of 'junk food' that you are feeding your heart or mind. Describe how it has poisoned your thoughts actions or words.

Definitely gossip. I shouldn't listen to it but I do. It has turned me into a gossip and that's not good. 

Also while I try to avoid "junk media" I do occasionally fill my brain with that.

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #142: Faith Shortcuts

Today's Video: "Shortcut"

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Discuss/Describe one shortcut you are taking in your spiritual growth process and ask yourself if it is working.

I suppose my legalism, trying to follow all the "rules" of being a Christian perfectly and beating myself up when I fail. I used to be hard on myself for yawning in chapel! It hasn't helped me really at all. It's just shown me that that way doesn't work. :(

Miles-a-Minute Challenge #141: Letting God Contribute

Today's Video: "Pray for Me - Increase"

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Discuss/Describe an area of life where you make all the decisions and continually neglect to let God contribute?

I try to control everything in my life. My life is all compartmentalized, and I only let God control a little bit. The "Christian"/church part. I'm too afraid to take the risk of letting him control all of it, because I'm afraid of where it will lead. Even though I know it's what I should do. 

*sigh*

Help me release my personal “authority” over well, everything in my life. Lord as it says in Jon 3:30 “He must increase, I must decrease”. Let my words be your words, my thoughts be your thoughts, and my desires come from You. In Jesus name, Amen.