Burning Question:
Was there a moment when reading the Bible changed your mind or your direction in life?
Morning Devotional:
It was a big day yesterday at the Crosby household. My puppy, Abbie, got to get rid of her “cone of shame.”
After Abbie’s surgery a couple of weeks ago, that cone was a very necessary tool to make sure she healed properly, but she hated it. To see her finally shake her head and run around without the cumbersome headgear was pure joy!
In the midst of the celebration, though, I quickly noticed how scruffy and dirty Abbie had become. The very thing that protected her had also kept her from getting properly cleaned. Once we got home from the vet’s office, she got a bath and a good brushing, which she did not appreciate.
The parallel between Abbie’s new-found freedom and our walk with God was unmistakable. Jesus saves us and frees us from the penalty of sin. It’s a chain that is broken at the cross. But that new freedom exposes the spiritual grime we couldn’t see before. We become new creations who still need a lot of cleaning up. But there is good news: the God who started the healing process is also the master groomer. Philippians 1:6 gives us this promise: “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” He doesn’t just set us free; He lovingly commits to the entire process of making us new.
– Beth
Bible Quiz:
Question: Which gospel opens with John the Baptist preaching in the desert?
Answer: Mark (Mark 1:1-4)
Storytime: Oh we know about flooded Basements…