Day #14: The Spirt Filled Life of Adventure
[If you want to know how and why this devotional came into existence feel free to read this]
What you will need:
- A Bible
- This Devotional
- Some Coloring Utensils
- And a print out of this awesome coloring sheet designed by Joel Swick (Instagram and Dribble)
(Here is the week #1 and the week # 2 sheet designed by Nic Mansfield)
Theme: Promise and Blessing
Passage for March 14th 2017: Romans 8:12-17
Bars from “All We Got”
I get my word from the sermon
I do not talk to the serpent
That's the holistic discernment
A Thought:
A few summers ago I took a trip to South Korea. I was nervous about navigating the city once I was there. I have used public transit quite a bit, and I feel comfortable utilizing it to get around. But, when I realized most public transit systems I know of operate in the majority language of the country in which they are located, combined with my inability to speak or read a single word of Korean, it was enough to give me a some concern. Much to my pleasure, my anxiety relaxed when I boarded my first train and saw a display screen informing riders of the upcoming stops. In addition, the digital display shifted between English and Bengal characters as a voice announced the next location. My concern began to dissipate. As I grew in confidence in the voice giving me directions, I was able to relax and enjoy my trip.
Most of the time I identify God’s gifts with something material, but today Romans 8 helped me see this is too narrow. God gives us the Spirit’s presence and voice in our life. It helps inform our journey and remind us of our origins. As we become attentive, learning to listen to the Spirit's direction, we can relax into the the second gift the Lord is giving... an adventure filled life. Following Jesus is never dull, always challenging and a beautiful blessing from our loving God. It truly is the best life possible. God gives many incredible promises when we start to follow him, but one of my favorites is that it is going to be an adventure full of the Spirit’s presence.
I think that Eugene Peterson in the Message's paraphrase of Romans 8:12-17 captures this idea wonderfully:
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!”
- Romans 8:12-17 (The Message)
Here are the questions I am wrestling with this today: Do I believe God’s presence is a gift? What is the adventure filled life God is sending me on? How familiar am I with God’s voice?
Mediation: Psalm 89:8-9
As you read the Psalm today choose one verse that is sticking out to you and commit it memory. Say it to yourself at different times throughout the day. As you color today, ask the Lord to speak to you about the verse you are memorizing.