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In the World but Not of the World - Swim upstream or run downhill
The songs of the Christian artist Blanca ring in my ears; ‘We march to the beat of a different drum. We do a left, right, left to our own rhythm. And we’ll keep on moving ‘cause we are not afraid to stand up.’ We live in a rapidly degrading world where homosexuality is becoming legal, living together before marriage is seen as a way of life, and abortion is a quick fix. As believers we are in constant danger of compromising our faith and our morals unless we are rooted in God’s word for that is the truth (v17). It is comforting to know that we are indeed capable of living in the world without conforming to its standards. This may not always be easy because it may involve inconveniences, but our hope is in Christ who has overcome the world.
Every year the North American salmon have to swim upstream in order to lay their eggs. In the process of swimming upstream, apart from fighting the raging current, they are in constant danger from hovering birds and starving grizzly bears. They brave these risks just to preserve their posterity. What a beautiful example for us to be willing to break the mold and swim against culture and, if need be, take risks for our God! May we do all we can to stand up and stand out for Christ. We have been called to be in the world but not of it. Let’s swim upstream!
Prayer -
• Holy Spirit, help your church stay steadfast in your convictions
• Grant your people the courage and wisdom when the time comes for the church to stand up for what we believe in
Thanksgiving -
• Thank you, God, for our churches and communities where we can receive correct teaching from the Word, identify your will, and grow in our knowledge of the life you’ve called us to live
The songs of the Christian artist Blanca ring in my ears; ‘We march to the beat of a different drum. We do a left, right, left to our own rhythm. And we’ll keep on moving ‘cause we are not afraid to stand up.’ We live in a rapidly degrading world where homosexuality is becoming legal, living together before marriage is seen as a way of life, and abortion is a quick fix. As believers we are in constant danger of compromising our faith and our morals unless we are rooted in God’s word for that is the truth (v17). It is comforting to know that we are indeed capable of living in the world without conforming to its standards. This may not always be easy because it may involve inconveniences, but our hope is in Christ who has overcome the world.
Every year the North American salmon have to swim upstream in order to lay their eggs. In the process of swimming upstream, apart from fighting the raging current, they are in constant danger from hovering birds and starving grizzly bears. They brave these risks just to preserve their posterity. What a beautiful example for us to be willing to break the mold and swim against culture and, if need be, take risks for our God! May we do all we can to stand up and stand out for Christ. We have been called to be in the world but not of it. Let’s swim upstream!
Prayer -
• Holy Spirit, help your church stay steadfast in your convictions
• Grant your people the courage and wisdom when the time comes for the church to stand up for what we believe in
Thanksgiving -
• Thank you, God, for our churches and communities where we can receive correct teaching from the Word, identify your will, and grow in our knowledge of the life you’ve called us to live
Scripture
About this Plan
This devotional is a 21-day study of John 14-17. These are some of the final teachings Jesus gave his disciples before He was crucified. Some of the greatest life lessons and spiritual truths are found in these passages and we believe they will help you walk closer with Jesus, know His Spirit more, and be effective in the world we are called to love.
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