Hey Clawson Family!

Song:

Scripture: 

Romans 12:9-18

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e]and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Devotion:

If we want be the people that are advancing God’s church and not stopping it from working like it should we have to align ourselves with God, follow his guidance and calling, love instead of judge, and give our lives fully to Christ. When we do that we will have a church that is pushing back the gates of Hell, you will have a church where lives are being changed and transformed, you will have a church that is impacting the world for the glory of Christ.

But in order for that to happen I have to be like Jesus. I have to love and serve like Jesus

Jesus is the only perfect human being who ever lived. He was God in human form and lived a perfect life. Jesus showed us exactly what it means to be fully human.  

God wants you to learn to think like Jesus, act like Jesus, and value what Jesus does. God wants you to grow up and become more like Jesus.

The fruits of the Spirit are the perfect picture of who Jesus is and how he acts: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

So how does God produce this kind of fruit in your life? He puts you in situations that are opposite of the fruit he’s growing in you. It’s easy to love people who are lovely; God will teach you love by putting you around unlovely people, so you have to learn love. During periods of grief, you’ll learn joy. You’ll learn patience when it’s tested.

Remember that growing up spiritually is a lifelong journey. Be patient. 

The Bible says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

You can count on that promise!

Love others like Jesus 

Serve others like Jesus

Live out what you say that you believe like Jesus

Be Jesus … And as he transforms you… He will use you to transform others.

Journal:

In your journal today write down what comes to your mind when you think “Be like Jesus.” The fruits of the spirit show who he is and how he acts. Which fruits do you struggle with? Why? Ask God to help you produce those fruits in your life.

Training:

This week follow the simple childhood acronym. WWJD! What would Jesus do? He would love instead of judge, be the truth, serve instead of be selfish. He would embody the fruits of the spirit. Lord help me to be more like you and less like me!