Sick of Religion? Week 2: Devotional Day 6

DAY 6 – Saturday

Daily devotional

Read

Mark 2:8-12, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ask

Do you have any areas of conflict right now in your life where you need God’s wisdom in how to respond?

What are three scriptures that speak truth and power into your life and heart today?

Reflect

If emojis were in the Bible, we’d see a cringing face emoji by Mark 2:8. Having someone read your thoughts and call you out on it in a crowded room is awkward exposure of the highest degree. However, any time Jesus calls anyone out, rest assured it’s to bring his creation from darkness into light; to turn unbelief into truth. Why do you question these things in your hearts?” he asked knowing full well why they were questioning his authority to forgive sins, and thus act as God. Blasphemy was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16) and these scribes were hearing a carpenter from Nazareth speaking as if he were God. We can read on in confidence knowing that anytime Jesus engages conflict he comes out the victor, and his truth prevails.

Do you have areas in your life right now where you need God’s present and perfect wisdom? Have you experienced circumstances recently where a cringing emoji would best fit the situation because you’ve been questioning God’s faithfulness or authority in your life? Are you replaying any awkward or crucial conversations in your mind where God’s Word can bring healing and love?

Begin by holding up your situation under the light of God’s Word and see where he can reveal truth in your life: Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:13-14, Proverbs 15:18, and James 3:16-17 are great places to begin. The love and power of Christ isn’t seen in cutting arguments or clever comebacks, and it isn’t in his ability to shame or ridicule anyone’s mistakes or shortcomings. It’s in his complete and divine authority to crush sin. In Christ, we have the power, love, and self-control necessary to respond like Jesus in every situation we face.