Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Has the word of God changed you? Has what Jesus taught and did for us gone from your head to your heart?

I grew up involved in church since I was born. My parents made sure of that. We went every Sunday and Wednesday. I was involved in all the children's programs, Christmas programs, Bible drill teams, and youth events. I carried that consistent church-going mindset into my adulthood but it wasn’t enough. I would live the way I wanted to Monday - Saturday and go to church on Sunday and think I was good. It was an “I’ll sin today and ask for forgiveness later” mentality, which is not who Christ called us to be nor how we should handle His grace. I had the head knowledge of what Jesus did for me but it wasn't shown in my daily walk because it had not gone to my heart.

As a guy who stayed single until he was 41, I can tell you I have experienced a lot!! As a huge Kenny Chesney fan, I love the lyric from his "Living in Fast Forward" song: “The bodies a temple - that's what we are taught, BUT I have treated this one like an old honky tonk”. With the freedom of singleness, there come opportunities to travel and hang out with who I want to when I want to and experience the world. I have taken advantage of plenty of those opportunities and made a lot of memories, but I always knew something was missing. I was not living out who God created me to be. As verse 21 says, “What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?

Sometimes in life, we need an event to happen to shake us up so God can use us for his glory. The event can be a negative one like a death in the family, a sickness, or an arrest. Or it could be a positive one like getting a new job in a new city or a new friend that comes into your life. The event is different for each of us, but we have to recognize it and change when it occurs. For me, getting married at 41 and the birth of my son at 42 were the events that changed me for the better. As verse 6 says, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” I knew I had a responsibility now to live daily in a Christ-like way. It has made me a better husband, father, teacher, coach, and friend. Although I still sin daily in other ways, as we all do, now I'm not a slave to it.

The song "New Creation" by Mac Powell is full of powerful lyrics that reflect Romans 6 and the change that needs to be made in all our lives. Although I have made a ton of memories and have had lots of good times living in the world, none of it compares to the joy I have now. As I wake up daily and seek God’s will for my life, I find joy in being obedient to His calling on my life. As verse 11 says, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” I am thankful that I am a “New Creation” because of God's gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take a moment to think about places you go, people you hang around, and things you do that keep you as a slave to sin and take away from who God designed you to be.
• What changes can you make to not obey evil desires and do things you might be ashamed of later?
• Look for or remember the “event” that occurred for you to move God’s teachings and love from your head to your heart so he can make you into who He created you to be.
  
  

  Family Devos: Romans 6

By: Paige Russum

Head

You may remember from our previous readings that when we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, something amazing happens. What was it?

That’s right! We become free from sin! Before we knew Jesus, we may have done things that were wrong and hurtful to ourselves and others. But, when we trust in Jesus, He forgives our sins and gives us a fresh start.

We do have to be careful because being free from sin doesn't mean we can do whatever we want. In fact, God wants us to live a certain way and show His love to others. We should say no to sin and yes to doing what is right. Thankfully, just like our parents love us even if we make mistakes, so does God. What a blessing!

Heart

Can you think of a time you had to make a choice between doing right and wrong? What were the things that guided your decision? Have others been able to see God through the decision you made?

Hands

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for setting us free from sin through Jesus. Help us to live in a way that pleases You and brings You joy. Fill us with Your love and help us to show Your love to others. Amen.