First15 Devotional - First15

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Living Without Offense May 22, 2023

Show notes

Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are a messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our own wounds and the wounds of others. But if we can learn to love others well; rich, life-giving relationship will be our reward. May you receive the love of your Father given you by his grace, and be empowered to love others this week as we look to grow in our obedience of Jesus’ command to love others.

Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 19:11, and today's worship is Forgiveness by Jason Upton.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

Our latest book, The Path to Purpose delves into the timeless wisdom of Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. St Augustine described the sermon as “a perfect standard for the Christian life.”

While we may doubt ourselves from ever achieving such “a perfect standard,” Jesus’ central message in his Sermon on the Mount helps us see that standard not as a burden but rather as a source of freedom, purpose, and a guide for living beautifully.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

The Simplicity of Grace May 21, 2023

Show notes

As we wrap up this week of simple Christianity, today we look at grace. Many of us are so hard on ourselves and struggle to allow ourselves to taste the grace the Father has for us. We look to earn love and acceptance in this world, but God’s way of grace couldn’t be more different from the world who tells us we are what we do. May today be a breath of fresh air as you encounter the grace of God that requires nothing in return.

Our Scripture for today comes from 1 Corinthians 15:10. Today's worship is By The Grace of God (Official Lyric Video) by Bethel Music & Brian Johnson.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

The Simple Truth of Freedom May 20, 2023

Show notes

As we near the end of our week on simple Christianity, we look today at the simple truth of our freedom in Christ. Our sin and bondage often feels like a convoluted web that entangles us. Satan would like nothing more than to keep us foggy and confused about the freedom and righteousness bought for us through the precious blood of Jesus. Today I’m praying that chains are broken in God’s presence. May we gain clarity and deep understanding of the freedom afforded to us as children of God. May we adopt the simple truth of our freedom and truly be set free.

Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Corinthians 3:17, and today's worship is Seasons Change by Michael Ketterer.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

The Discipline of Simplicity May 19, 2023

Show notes

Today we are going to explore the actual discipline of simplicity by answering questions like, What does it mean to simplify life? How would Jesus have us actually simplify our lives? How can embracing simplicity enrich our day to day experience? May your heart and mind be open to all the wisdom and goodness God has for you today. And may you find comfort in making Jesus your one necessary thing.

Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Corinthians 1:12, and today's worship is

Sweet Simplicity by Brother Isaiah.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

Rest in God May 18, 2023

Show notes

As we continue our week on simple Christianity, we have the joy today of discovering what it means to truly rest in God. In all the stress and hurry of life, don’t we all need to find even just a few moments of rest today? May God reorient the way you see him today, and show you his purpose and pleasure over his children taking time for true rest in him.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 11:28-30, and today's worship is Stillness by The Autumn.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

A Life of Sacrifice May 17, 2023

Show notes

On the third day of our series on pursuing simple Christianity, we’re looking at what it means to live a life of sacrifice to God. May we discover what it means for our hearts, minds and will to be fully surrendered to Jesus, and in return may we find the abundant joy he has promised. He is trustworthy and true. And we will find the life God has planned for us when we surrender all to him.

Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 9:23, and today's worship is How Glorious You Are by Vineyard Community.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

Love People May 16, 2023

Show notes

As we continue our week exploring the simple principles of the Christian faith, today let’s look at what it means to love people. Many of us know that God asks us to love others, but often loving people is easier said than done. God knows our weaknesses, and any command he gives, he has a plan to empower us and give us grace to be obedient. As you explore how God may want you to love people today, may your heart be opened to his profound grace.

Our Scripture for today comes from 1 John 4:7, and today's worship is Love Them Like Jesus by Casting Crowns.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

Love God: It’s All about Relationship May 15, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re going to focus on the simplicity the Christian life is meant to be marked by. Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. But in our humanity we have made complex what God designed to be peaceful, purposeful, and simple. A. W. Tozer remarks in The Pursuit of God,

“Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all. If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity.”

May we discover the peace and joy that come from pursuing a simple Christianity this week.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 22:37-38, and today's worship is You're The Only One by Chris Renzema. .

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

Love-based Simplicity May 14, 2023

Show notes

As we wrap up our week on the simplicity of love, today we’ll look at the concept of simplicity itself and what it means to have a solitary pursuit. As you fix your eyes on Jesus today, may you find that the weight of the world falls away. And may you choose the path of simplicity and love going forward living out in joy and peace.

Our Scripture for today comes from Colossians 3:14. Today's worship is Just Jesus by Hillsong.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

Love-based Obedience May 13, 2023

Show notes

God is the perfect parent. He is unlike anyone we’ve ever known, and his love is unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Imagine knowing your parent loved you perfectly, and that their intentions and motives behind giving you direction was literally perfectly loving? That’s how God is with us. His wisdom and direction is something we can trust implicitly because he can trust his heart toward us, and that truth makes obedience a joy. As we explore love-based obedience today, may your heart be open to the goodness of your loving Father.

Our Scripture for today comes from John 14:21, and today's worship is Authority by Elevation Worship.

When you trust Christ as your savior and Lord, you begin a relationship that extends into eternity.

However, eternity doesn’t start in heaven, and you don’t have to wait until then to experience a full life in Christ.

The truth is that we as Christians are called to invest in our relationship with God in this life as well as in the life to come.

And that means becoming more like Christ every single day.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provided a systematic ethic for how to be his disciples.

It was a relatively short sermon, but God’s truth in that message has never stopped reverberating throughout the world.

To know more about God’s calling on your life, request your copy today of The Path to Purpose: Christ’s Vision for Your Life in the Sermon on the Mount, at supportfirst15.org.

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