The Fall 3
The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.
“When we think we have it all, we are still beggars, in need of grace. When we think we have nothing, we are still beloved, in whom God is well pleased.”
- Rev. Matthew Nickoloff
The reality of our personal sinful nature is not meant to fill us with guilt and shame. As Paul says in his letter to the Roman church, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, our sinfulness is the great equalizer.
We must acknowledge our sin because it is not God’s hope for the world or our lives, but we must never allow this truth to pull us into thinking that we are any less than God’s beloved children. Our mistakes do not define us, God is the one who gives us our identity as loved and forgiven children.
Rather than being pulled into feelings of shame and guilt, taking the time to humbly admit our sinfulness has the power to pull us deeper into an understanding of God’s great love for us. Despite these mistakes we’ve made, God is still willing to forgive. When we allow the beauty of this truth and the incredible depths of God’s love to meet us in our broken, sinful state it is almost always transformative.
The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.
“When we think we have it all, we are still beggars, in need of grace. When we think we have nothing, we are still beloved, in whom God is well pleased.”
- Rev. Matthew Nickoloff
The reality of our personal sinful nature is not meant to fill us with guilt and shame. As Paul says in his letter to the Roman church, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, our sinfulness is the great equalizer.
We must acknowledge our sin because it is not God’s hope for the world or our lives, but we must never allow this truth to pull us into thinking that we are any less than God’s beloved children. Our mistakes do not define us, God is the one who gives us our identity as loved and forgiven children.
Rather than being pulled into feelings of shame and guilt, taking the time to humbly admit our sinfulness has the power to pull us deeper into an understanding of God’s great love for us. Despite these mistakes we’ve made, God is still willing to forgive. When we allow the beauty of this truth and the incredible depths of God’s love to meet us in our broken, sinful state it is almost always transformative.
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Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
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April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken WordGood Friday Spoken WordThe Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and DivisionHoly Saturday Spoken WordSing - Practice ResurrectionClean - Practice ResurrectionDo a Good Deed - Practice ResurrectionGrieve - Practice ResurrectionGive Thanks - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of Romans - The Saving Work of GodLive BoldlyPlant - Practice ResurrectionForgive Yourself - Practice ResurrectionCare for a friend - Practice Resurrection
May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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