Re-Member Devotions: Week 2, Day 1

Re-Member: “Growing” (September 30 – October 6)

Day One:

We expect growth. We expect growth in the economy. We expect growth when we plant a garden. We expect growth physically. We also should expect spiritual growth.

Stagnation and decline / death are the alternatives to growth. Therefore, we expect growth. I am so grateful for the imagery of the body that scriptures use to help us better understand this thing called the church. The body needs every member to grow...otherwise, stagnation and decline shows sickness, disease, and the whole body struggles. As members of the body of Christ, we seek continual growth individually. As each of us seek spiritual growth, the whole body is healthier!

In addition, when we seek to give to others for their benefit, the body thrives in health and vitality!

This week, meditate on and memorize I Corinthians 12:7:

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

We are not only given the Holy Spirit for our own growth, but for the common good. Seek the Spirit, yield to the Spirit, expect growth. In turn, seek to encourage and build up others with the growth you experience for the common good.

 - Pastor David

Re-Member Devotions: Week 1, Day 3

Day Three: Membership Mark #1- Transformed Life

Read: I Corinthians 5:1-13

Reflect:

1)     In these 13 verses, Paul lays out clearly that people who claim to be “members” of the body yet do not live transformed lives are, in fact, not members at all. What are the specific words Paul uses to describe these people? What specific habitual sins does he mention?

2)     What does Paul say about “outsiders”? What does he say about “insiders”? Someone may say that Paul is giving loving advice to the church and the “insider” who is living in sin. How can this be?

3)     In light of this, how should we reflect transformed lives in Christ as members of the local church?

To Memorize:

“So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.  For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

I Peter 1:14-16 (NLT)

Personal Examination

I hate having to go to my family doctor! I know, I know, I’m weird. Seriously though, how does this process benefit me? The doctor comes into the examination room, asks for my symptoms, and then prescribes some medication that will hopefully solve my problem. Oh, and don’t forget the, “if you don’t feel better in 10 days, come back and see me” comment. “Yeah, I’ll be sure to do that, thanks.  And, oh yeah, here’s your $75.” 

God is different though, right? We sit, we listen, we reflect, and we grow. These times can come in various forms...through reading the Word, through accountability, or through tools such as our Spiritual Life Inventory. This week, we all have the opportunity for growth through personal examination. How? By using our Spiritual Life Inventory tool provided at the link below. Why take this short survey? As I mentioned, it should be treated as a time of self-reflection. We can take a good look at who we are and who God might intend for us to be. The philosopher, Socrates stated, “Know thyself”. It could be suggested that this inventory allows for us to know ourselves through thoughtful communication with God. So please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous survey. I trust that it will benefit you much more than a visit to your family doctor does. You may either fill out a paper version (available at the church), or the online version. All surveys are due by the end of the day on Sunday, September 29th. Thank you and may God bless you.

Chuck Pickering,

Elder of Spiritual Life 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OrangeFriends