The Heart of the Matter Devotional Guide
Monday: In Revelation 2:2-4, we read about a church that was going through the motions but had lost its love for God and others. They were effective at correcting false doctrine and judging those who were not lifting up the truth of Christ. However, they were not allowing the love of Christ to guide their actions. When Christians are not guided by their love for Christ and others the consequences can be destructive and cause irrevocable damage to people. Can you think of an example in your life or in history when Christians were right in their beliefs but destructive with their actions? Read 1st Corinthians 13. How does that famous text from Paul speak to Christians who are misguided in their zeal for truth and correct doctrine?
Tuesday: When people get to a place where their faith is not working for them anymore, quite often it is because they have neglected their relationship with God. They say and do all the right things, but they are burned out. Everything about their faith feels like an obligation and they don’t feel empowered or fulfilled. They may attend worship every week, but prayer, authentic worship and Bible study are no longer a priority. They are no longer driven by their love for God. I am sure God was speaking to those folks as well in Revelation 2. They had forgotten their love relationship with God and were not enjoying their faith anymore. This saddened God. What advice would you give someone who is described above? How would suggest they get back to their first love?
Wednesday: The message on Sunday reminded us that our love relationship with God gives us the power to change. Wesley spoke to this when he described God’s sanctifying grace that empowers us to grow closer to the likeness of Christ. Can you think of something about you that has changed because of your faith in Christ? An attitude? A behavior? How did that change happen? Is there something about you that you and God are still working on changing? How is that going?
Thursday: Our love relationship with God gives us the power to forgive. In Luke 7 Jesus reminds that those who have been forgiven much love much. Recall a time that you forgave someone who did something against you. What informed your decision to forgive them? Did your faith in Jesus help you to forgive? How? Is there someone else in your life you need to forgive?
Friday: God’s love for us gives us power over fear. Read Romans 8:35-39. What does that text mean to you? How has God helped you with fears in your past? What fears do you have today and how will you allow God to help you manage your fears and overcome them? How would your life be different if you were able to overcome a fear that has held you back?