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Day 1: The Most Important Decision

Devotional: We make countless decisions every day, from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to a challenging situation at work. However, the most important decision we will ever make is the decision about Christ. This decision not only determines our eternity but also shapes our daily lives. When we choose to follow Christ, we are called to die to our old selves and embrace a new life in Him. This transformation is not always easy, but it is essential for living a Christ-centered life.

Bible Verse: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1

Reflection Question: Have you made the decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly? How does this decision impact your daily life?

Quote: "The most important decision that we will ever make is the decision that we make in this life about Christ." - Pastor Mike 

Prayer: Lord, help me to make the most important decision of my life—to follow You wholeheartedly. Guide me as I die to my old self and embrace the new life You offer. Amen.

Day 2: Dying to the Old Self

Devotional: When Christ calls us to Himself, He bids us to come and die. This means we must desire the old in us to die when we trust Christ as our Savior. There comes a time when we realize that we cannot follow Christ and continue doing the things we used to do. This realization is a crucial step in our spiritual journey. It requires us to let go of our old habits, desires, and ways of thinking, and to embrace the new life that Christ offers.

Bible Verse: For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3

Reflection Question: What old habits or ways of thinking do you need to let go of in order to fully embrace your new life in Christ?

Quote: "We have to desire the old in us to die when we trust Christ as savior." - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to let go of my old self and embrace the new life You offer. Give me the strength to overcome old habits and ways of thinking that hinder my walk with You. Amen.

Day 3: Seeking Accountability

Devotional: Sometimes, we need help from others to walk with Jesus. We must declare to them our desire to follow Christ and acknowledge that certain things in our lives need to go. This declaration is a step towards accountability, which is essential for our spiritual growth. By seeking accountability, we invite others to support us, pray for us, and hold us accountable as we strive to live a Christ-centered life.

Bible Verse: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

Reflection Question: Who can you seek out for accountability in your walk with Christ? How can they support you in your spiritual journey?

Quote: "Sometimes we need some help from others and we have to declare to them, I want this. If I'm gonna walk with Jesus, this has gotta go, and it's not gonna go on its own."
- Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek accountability in my walk with You. Surround me with people who will support, pray for, and hold me accountable as I strive to live a Christ-centered life. Amen.

Day 4: Living a Christ-Centered Life

Devotional: Our life is with Christ, and He is our life. Anything that is life-giving comes from Him. As we live for Him and honor Him, He gives us life. This means that our daily actions, decisions, and relationships should reflect our commitment to Christ. By setting our minds on things above and living a Christ-centered life, we demonstrate His love and truth to those around us.

Bible Verse: When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. - Colossians 3:4

Reflection Question: How can you demonstrate your commitment to Christ in your daily actions, decisions, and relationships?

Quote: "Our life is with Christ. Our life is with Christ." -Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a Christ-centered life. Guide my actions, decisions, and relationships so that they reflect my commitment to You. Amen.

Day 5: Embracing God's Life

Devotional: Embracing God's life means recognizing that Christ is all and in all. Our life is in His hands, and He is in control. When we choose to live apart from Christ, we only find death. But when we live for Him, we find true life. This week, focus on demonstrating Christ's love in your relationships and reflect on the decisions you make. Seek accountability and set your mind on things above, knowing that Christ is your life.

Bible Verse: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14

Reflection Question: How can you demonstrate Christ's love in your relationships this week?

Quote: "Christ is all and Christ is in all, all those who believe." - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace Your life and recognize that You are in control. Guide me as I demonstrate Your love in my relationships and seek to live a Christ-centered life. Amen.

Day 1. Desiring Change
Devotional: In our journey with Christ, the first step towards transformation is desiring change. Recognizing the need to let go of past behaviors that hinder our relationship with God is crucial. This desire is not just a fleeting thought but a deep yearning to be more like Christ. Reflect on the areas in your life that need change. What old habits or sinful behaviors are holding you back? Remember, the first step is to want the old you to die.

As we desire this change, we must also understand that it is a process. It won't happen overnight, but with a sincere heart and God's guidance, we can begin to see transformation. Embrace this desire and let it fuel your journey towards a new life in Christ.

Verse: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

Question: What specific areas in your life do you need to desire change and let go of past behaviors?

Quote: You got to want for the old way, for the old you to die, you not only have to desire it dead, you have to decide that it's dead. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to desire change in my life. Show me the areas that need transformation and give me the strength to let go of my old ways. I want to be more like You. Amen.

Day 2. Deciding to Change
Devotional: Once we desire change, the next step is to decide to change. This involves making a conscious choice to turn away from sin and embrace a new life in Christ. It's not enough to just want change; we must actively decide to pursue it. This decision should be supported by a plan and accountability. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and hold you accountable in your journey.

Deciding to change is a daily commitment. Each day, choose to follow Christ and turn away from sinful behaviors. Trust that God will give you the strength and guidance you need to make these changes.

Verse: Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.' - Luke 9:23

Question: What steps can you take today to actively decide to turn away from sin and embrace a new life in Christ?

Quote: We have to declare to ourselves, that's not acceptable for me as a Christian anymore. I'm not going to do that. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I choose to follow You today. Help me to turn away from sin and embrace the new life You have for me. Surround me with people who will support and encourage me in this journey. Amen.

Day 3. Declaring the Old Ways Dead
Devotional: After deciding to change, we must declare our old ways dead. This means reinforcing our commitment through the power of words. Speak life and truth over yourself. Declare that the old sinful behaviors no longer have a hold on you. This declaration is a powerful step in solidifying your commitment to change.

Remember, our words have power. Use them to affirm your new identity in Christ. Declare that you are a new creation, and the old has gone. Let this declaration be a daily reminder of your commitment to live a new life in Christ.

Verse: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

Question: What declarations can you make today to affirm your commitment to living a new life in Christ?

Quote: We got to give it up. We got to deliver it dead. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I declare that my old ways are dead. I am a new creation in You. Help me to speak life and truth over myself every day. Amen.

Day 4. Delivering It Dead
Devotional: The final step in this process is delivering our old sinful ways as dead. This means surrendering our past to God and trusting in His power to transform us. It's not enough to just desire, decide, and declare; we must also deliver. Lay your past at the feet of Jesus and trust that He will take it and make you new.

This step requires faith and trust in God's power. Believe that He can and will transform you. Surrender your old ways and embrace the new life He has for you. Remember, true transformation comes from God, and He is faithful to complete the work He has started in you.

Verse: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4

Question: What past behaviors or sinful ways do you need to surrender to God today?

Quote: Maybe the reality is, is that what you need to do is just in this moment, in time to come to this altar and lay those things at the feet of Jesus and deliver them over to him.
-Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my past to You. Take my old ways and transform me into a new creation. I trust in Your power to make me new. Amen.

Day 5. Embracing Suffering
Devotional: As we journey with Christ, we are called to embrace suffering as a means of growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ. Suffering is not something we naturally desire, but it is through these difficult times that we learn to rely on God and experience true spiritual growth. Embrace the challenges and trust that God is using them to shape you into the person He wants you to be.

Remember, God loves you enough to call you to suffer. He uses these times to draw you closer to Him and to help you grow in your faith. Trust in His plan and know that He is with you every step of the way.

Verse: Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.' - Matthew 16:24

Question: How can you embrace the challenges and suffering in your life as opportunities for spiritual growth?

Quote: He loves you enough to call you to suffer, to cause you to put obstacles in your way so that you have to struggle, that God loves you enough because it's only going through those times that we walk with him and begin to know him and rely on him. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace the challenges and suffering in my life. Use these times to draw me closer to You and to help me grow in my faith. I trust in Your plan and know that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

Day 1: Encountering Jesus
Devotional
When we come into contact with Jesus, our lives are transformed. Everyone who met Jesus in the Bible left changed. This transformation is not just a historical fact but a present reality. Jesus invites us to experience a new life, filled with purpose and hope. As we begin this devotional journey, let's open our hearts to the possibility of change and renewal through Christ. Key Quote: 'Everybody that came into contact with
Jesus left different. Nobody that came into his presence stayed the same.'

Bible Verse: John 1:11-12: 'He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.'

Reflection Question: How has your life changed since you first encountered Jesus, and what areas do you still need His transformative touch?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I open my heart to You today. Transform me and make me new. Help me to experience Your presence in a way that changes my life forever. Amen.

Day 2: The Call to Follow
Devotional
Following Jesus is a call to a new way of life. It requires us to take up our cross and follow Him daily. This means surrendering our own desires and ambitions to embrace His will for our lives. It's a challenging path, but it's also the path to true fulfillment and joy. Key Quote: 'If you're going to follow me, Jesus said, take up your cross. Follow me.'

Bible Verse: Matthew 16:24: 'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”'

Reflection Question: What does taking up your cross look like in your daily life, and how can you better align your actions with Jesus' call to follow Him?

Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength and courage to take up my cross and follow You. Help me to surrender my will to Yours and to trust in Your plan for my life. Amen.

Day 3: Seeking Things Above
Devotional
Our focus should be on the things above, where Christ is seated. This means setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. When we seek the things above, we find life, joy, and peace. It's a conscious choice we must make every day. Key Quote: 'Set your mind on things above, not on the things of this earth.'

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:2: 'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

Reflection Question: What earthly distractions are keeping you from focusing on the things above, and how can you shift your focus to align more with Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to set my mind on things above. Guide my thoughts and actions to reflect Your kingdom and Your will. Amen.

Day 4: The Power of Choice
Devotional
Desiring a closer relationship with Jesus is not enough; we must also choose to pursue it actively. This involves making intentional decisions to prioritize our spiritual growth and to live out our faith daily. Our choices reflect our true desires and commitment. Key Quote: 'You got to want it. You got to choose it. But even in that, if you stop with two, okay, that's what I. This is what I want, and this is what I'm going to choose. I'm going to make this the priority of my life. But if you don't do anything about it, did you really want it?'

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33: 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Reflection Question: What specific choices can you make today to prioritize your relationship with Jesus and seek His kingdom first?

Prayer: Lord, help me to make choices that reflect my desire to follow You. Give me the wisdom and strength to prioritize my relationship with You above all else. Amen.

Day 5: Living for Christ
Devotional
Living for Christ means applying His teachings in our hearts and minds and helping others by being a living example of His love. It's about listening to, believing, and acting on God's word. This not only transforms our lives but also impacts those around us. Key Quote: 'Help yourself by listening to what God has to say. Help yourself by believing what God has to say. Help yourself by applying in your heart and your mind what God has to say and help others by living for Christ.'

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8-9: 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.'

Reflection Question: How can you apply God's teachings in your daily life to not only transform yourself but also to positively impact those around you?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to live for You every day. Let my life be a reflection of Your love and grace. Guide me to be a light to others and to share Your truth with those around me. Amen.

September Edition of the Advent Newsletter:

Day 1: Embracing True Freedom in Christ

Devotional: Embracing the ultimate freedom found in Christ means recognizing that we are free from guilt and condemnation. When we fully accept this freedom, it transforms our lives, allowing us to live with joy and confidence, unburdened by past mistakes or others' judgments.

Verse: Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Question: How would your life change if you truly believed that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace the freedom You have given me in Christ. Free me from the fear of judgment and the weight of others' opinions. Let me live authentically in Your love. Amen.


Day 2: Living Without Fear of Judgment

Devotional: True freedom in Christ also means letting go of fear concerning others' judgments. By focusing on God's view of us rather than people’s opinions, we can live boldly and faithfully, knowing that we are fully accepted in Christ.

Verse: Colossians 2:16 - Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

Question: What steps can you take today to focus more on God's opinion of you rather than the opinions of others?

Prayer: Father, help me to focus on Your opinion of me rather than the opinions of others. Give me the courage to live boldly and authentically in Your truth. Amen.


Day 3: The Source of True Security

Devotional: Our ultimate security comes from being connected to Christ, the head of the Church. When we trust in Him as our source of strength and stability, we grow and find true security, regardless of life's uncertainties.

Verse: Colossians 2:19 - They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Question: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus more as your source of security?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the source of my security. Help me to trust in You fully and not be swayed by the uncertainties of this world. Amen.


Day 4: Keeping Our Focus on Christ

Devotional: To run the race of faith effectively, we must keep our focus on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Removing distractions and entanglements is crucial for maintaining a clear and steadfast path in our spiritual journey.

Verse: Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Question: What distractions are keeping you from focusing on Christ, and how can you remove them?

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my focus on You. Remove any distractions that hinder my walk with You and help me to run the race with perseverance. Amen.


Day 5: Resting in Christ’s Sovereignty

Devotional: Trusting in Christ’s sovereignty means surrendering our worries and anxieties to Him. Recognizing that He holds all things together allows us to rest in His peace and assurance, knowing that He governs every aspect of our lives.

Verse: Colossians 2:20 - Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?

Question: What worries and anxieties do you need to surrender to Jesus today, trusting that He holds all things together?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for holding all things together. Help me to surrender my worries and anxieties to You and trust in Your sovereignty. Amen.

The August edition of the Advent Newsletter

July Edition of the Advent Newsletter

June Edition of the Advent Newsletter

April Edition of the Advent Newsletter

January 2024 Advent

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