PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
09
09
Graduate Level Courses
Tim Savage
Scripture
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Observation
This passage convicted me this morning. Paul says that we should able to move on from Christianity 101 and start to pursue the more advanced things of God. So why am I still dealing with some of the same things, the same issues? Why can't I finally put some things behind me and progress to the graduate-level Christian classes? I think there are some things we need to understand and never forget, like His existence in our lives. We need to know and believe with all of our hearts that He exists. In each of our lives God has shown us that He is real, He's proven it in my life and I'm sure He's done the same for you.
But there are sins in my life that keep coming up, that I have to deal with over and over. Pride for one, is a constant battle that I have to fight time and again and there are other weaknesses that are on going. Thankfully, I think that, while there are concepts that we must believe without question, like faith and repentance, dealing with sin isn't something that we win and move on from. We must discipline ourselves to resist temptation and fight, but we will never be free from sin.
But there are sins in my life that keep coming up, that I have to deal with over and over. Pride for one, is a constant battle that I have to fight time and again and there are other weaknesses that are on going. Thankfully, I think that, while there are concepts that we must believe without question, like faith and repentance, dealing with sin isn't something that we win and move on from. We must discipline ourselves to resist temptation and fight, but we will never be free from sin.
Application
I must never be complacent in my sin, I must continually come to the Father for help and forgiveness, but I can't let my sin keep me from trying to please Him. We all deal with falling, but the tragedy would be to give up. God can deliver us from our sin, but more importantly He's there when we fall with mercy and forgiveness.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your abundant grace. Please forgive me for all the times I've come up well short of Your glory. I want to serve You even in my imperfection. I love You Lord.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Thank You for your abundant grace. Please forgive me for all the times I've come up well short of Your glory. I want to serve You even in my imperfection. I love You Lord.
In Jesus name,
Amen