“Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” – Aiden Wilson Tozer.

The life of Joseph, as recounted in the book of Genesis, is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. God used Joseph mightily, but as often is the case, that comes with great suffering. Joseph was mistreated, slandered, and betrayed by his own family. As a result, he had to learn how to forgive others.

 After Joseph was wrongfully sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he was wronged again by his Egyptian master’s wife. Still, through his God-given ability to be blessed in all situations and to interpret dreams, he rose to the second-in-command position over all of Egypt.  In that position, Joseph then had the opportunity to wield power over his food-seeking brothers during a severe famine.  Rather than seeking revenge for being wronged,  Joseph talked about his heart for God and gave us an object lesson in forgiveness. Genesis 41:51  says, “ Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” In that statement, we have the blueprint for forgiveness in 2025.

 God has caused me to forget:  Joseph recognized that true forgiveness comes from God, and does not come naturally to people. God’s action in forgiveness is very specific; it comes through me.  It is not for someone else; I must respond to God, even ask Him, to cause me, as Joseph did, to forget our troubles. And then he forgot: it was gone from Joseph’s mind.

What did God cause Joseph to forget?  Not his brothers, as he instantly recognized them when they came before him for food.  He forgot the difficulties and the consequences – the pain and humiliation – of the wrongs done against him.  Once those are forgotten, which only God can do, the offense can disappear or at least seem less important. His brothers’ jealousy, his father’s favoritism, and his innocent prideful behavior led to his brothers’ hatred of him.  All of those things were taken from his mind.

For a believer, forgiveness is a central tenet of faith, encompassing both receiving and extending forgiveness. It involves letting go of resentment and anger towards others, even those who have wronged them, and also recognizing one’s own need for forgiveness from God. This process is rooted in God’s forgiveness of humanity through Jesus Christ and is a pathway to spiritual, mental, and emotional healing.

Once again, Joseph’s focus was on God and what He could do in the midst of evil and unhappy circumstances. For those who struggle to forgive, entrust it to God. Ask Him to change your heart and trust that He will bring you to a place of peace. The journey may be challenging, but with God, it can be a rule of life.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some key biblical examples of forgiveness that inspire you, and why?
2. How does understanding God’s forgiveness of our own sins impact our ability and motivation to forgive others
3. How can forgiveness be a rule of life?

“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” – Matthew 9:14-17.

It has been almost seven years since Hurricane Michael made its devastating landfall as a Category 5 storm, causing unprecedented destruction in the Florida Panhandle. The hurricane’s impact was immense, and the path to recovery has been long and arduous. In many cases, the first step to recovering from this catastrophic storm was demolition. We can’t slather new mortar over crumbling plaster, because in the end, both will fail to solve the real problem.

Jesus discussed this idea with His disciples in Matthew 9:17, in response to a question about fasting. While the Pharisees imposed strict adherence to the old laws, Jesus offered a new, grace-filled relationship with God. He illustrated this with a comparison between old and new wineskins (Matthew 9:17). Wine was stored in wineskins. New wine needed new wineskins, pliable enough to expand as the wine fermented. It wouldn’t work to put new wine in old wineskins — both the wine and the container would be destroyed. The Pharisees found it impossible to mix their version of religion with the new relationship Jesus came to earth to offer.

As people sorted through the mounds of debris after Michael, they quickly realized their hope for a quick resolution would never come to fruition. The reality is that in many cases, homes needed to be torn down to be rebuilt. In the same vein, spiritually, we sometimes try to pour new wine into an old skin.

It is all about change. When something new enters your life, you often need to release an old way of thinking in order to embrace the new thing fully. God will give you new wine, but you are responsible for supplying the new wineskin. It may require changing your environment, location, job, career, or any other aspect of your life that you are comfortable with. When God leads you to make a change, He is unleashing more of His presence and power into your life. New wine represents the power of the Holy Spirit, and we want His power to overflow into every aspect of our lives, including our finances, jobs, relationships, and all that we do.

A significant part of giving God a new wineskin is letting go of control and moving forward in faith, even when you don’t know where the path is leading. Change, growth, and development all begin with a decision to move toward something new. Holding onto your former patterns of thinking, your past goals, or even your greatest triumphs can keep you from reaching forward to what is ahead. You must surrender your need for control and trust God completely. He will expand your capacity when you let Him carry the weight.

Every actual change in your life begins with an ending. And every new batch of wine needs a new wineskin. Something old must come to an end before something new can begin. Take some time and ask the Lord to help you prepare some new wineskins for the future.

But as difficult as the process is, the joy of restoration is far greater … and so worth it.

Discussion Questions:

1. What “new wine” or fresh move of God are you experiencing or expecting in your life right now? 
2. Where in your life do you notice “old wineskins” (rigid mindsets, past hurts, or outdated practices) that might prevent you from growing or receiving what God has for you? 
3. Are you willing to trust God enough to be open to new wine, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?

Summary: Spiritual formation is the process of growing closer to God and becoming more like Jesus (or your understanding of a higher power) through intentional practices and relationships. It’s about aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions with your spiritual beliefs, leading to a more transformed and Christ-like life.

Though spiritual formation and discipleship both involve a process of growth and change, they begin with the understanding that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Then, once saved, God calls us to change—to allow the Holy Spirit to begin working in our lives so we can become more and more like Him. The essence of spiritual formation is hearing God in His Word, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, and acting on that knowledge

Spiritual formation can occur anytime, anywhere: it can happen while mowing the lawn, driving to work, making the kids’ lunches, reading the Bible, praying, or participating in a small group, among other activities. In other words, spiritual formation is the lifelong process of conforming to the image of Jesus. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit cultivating within the believer a heart and mind that mirrors the heart and mind of Christ.

There are many Scriptures in the Bible that reiterate the truth that our greatest calling in the Christian life is to be like Jesus. Romans 8:29, for example, says, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” But one verse that drives home the invitation and meaning of spiritual formation above the rest, and that’s 2 Corinthians 3:18:” So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

That verse paints a pretty vivid picture of spiritual formation. There is nothing required of the believer that must be achieved or earned. It’s an invitation to behold more of God as we seek after intimacy with our Savior. J. Oswald Chambers says, “intimacy with God is characterized by joy, and is not a destination reached by the passing of years, but by consistent obedience and sacrifice of the ‘natural life’ for God’s will.”  Intimacy with God is also a private, personal experience, often cultivated in secret prayer and solitude, and marked by a sensitive conscience and a willingness to be open to God’s leading.”

Not only do we see that spiritual formation is an invitation into intimacy with God, but it also reveals that a major part of spiritual formation involves bearing spiritual fruit, which are essentially the very characteristics of Jesus that we see in Galatians 5:22-23.

Because the goal of spiritual formation is to commune with God and train in His ways, what better place to start than inviting God Himself into the process? He knows your heart more than anyone else. Ask Him where He would like you to begin. Seek His face and allow him to reveal your sin and areas of weakness, so that you can find spiritual practices to combat them and grow closer to the Father.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you content with your current level of spiritual growth? 
2. What areas of your spiritual life would you like to see growth in? 
3. What is one spiritual discipline you would like to focus on growing in? 

“When we speak with others about our experience in Christ, it sharpens our attentiveness to the voice and will of the Father. Sharing our stories helps us clarify the intentions of our hearts toward the fulfillment of his divine will. A small circle of friends also reminds us of the presence, power and protection of the Holy Spirit. Confiding in one another instills a sense of hope for the future as children who are dearly loved by their Father.”― Stephen A. Macchia, Crafting a Rule of Life: An Invitation to the Well-Ordered Way.

Our complex, hurried, distracted, and increasingly polarized society poses unique challenges to faithfully following Jesus. If we want to apprentice under Jesus, we have to find a way to overcome these challenges by learning how to live every part of our lives as Jesus would live our lives if he were us.

At various times throughout church history, different communities of faith have developed and lived under what is called “a rule of life” to counter some of the unique challenges of becoming more like Jesus. A rule of life is not meant to be limiting, but it is to the follower of Jesus what training is to an athlete or a musician. Put simply, a rule of life is a shared set of practices and habits a community embraces to guide the process of spiritual formation.

A rule of life is not a cage to confine you—it’s a framework to guide your growth. Much like a vine needs structure to grow upward and bear fruit, our spiritual lives flourish best when anchored by intentional rhythms.

In today’s world, freedom often means doing what we want, when we want. But in Christ, true freedom is found in faithful formation—living in step with the Spirit, guided by practices that shape us into Christlikeness. A rule of life is a conscious framework that encompasses rhythms of prayer, scripture, rest, service, hospitality, and simplicity. It’s not about control—it’s about connection and communion.

Jesus Himself lived with intentional patterns: withdrawing to pray, observing Sabbath, serving others, teaching truth, and prioritizing solitude and silence. If our Lord and Savior chose to order His life with purpose, should we not do the same?

Creating and living by a rule of life reminds us daily who we are and whose we are. In a world that pulls us in countless directions, a rule helps us say yes to what matters most—and no to what distracts.

As a community of followers of Jesus, we strive to be a transformed people, transforming the Emerald Coast, Florida, and the world beyond. A rule of life is a set of habits we aim to incorporate both personally and communally into the rhythm of our lives, as an effort to consciously organize the whole of who we are around the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Your Rule of Life should be a living document, meaning it can be adjusted and refined over time as your needs and circumstances change.

Discussion Questions:

1. What rhythms currently shape your daily and weekly life?
2. Where do you feel spiritually scattered or dry?
3. What would it look like to intentionally reorder your life around Jesus?

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15.

If you asked a group of random non-believers to describe church, the word “boring” would probably be used at least a few times. You can understand the response because many people believe the urban myth that Christians are supposed to be pious and solemn; in other words, lackluster, uninteresting, unexciting, and unfun.

It’s easy to find reinforcement for that way of thinking when reading the Bible. 1 Peter 4, for example, portrays the Christian life as one of suffering and seriousness, seemingly leaving no room for laughter and fun.                                                                                       

If you visit a church’s website and navigate to the core values section, you will find things like faith, service, love, worship, discipleship, community, evangelism, and stewardship, among others. You probably will not find a church that lists fun. So what about fun? Is there anything wrong with having fun at church? The short answer is no.

God doesn’t intend for His followers to be somber all the time. Joy is one of the distinguishing marks of a Christian. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While joy is more profound and greater than simple fun, it certainly includes fun.

Some Christians view fun with a wary gaze, unsure of where it might lead. Others view it as an opportunity to honor God and show the world that following Jesus is thrilling and exciting. We should value fun as a tool God has given us for our enjoyment and as a way to draw people into the community of believers.

Since we want our lives to reflect Jesus, the logical question is, did Jesus have fun?  Max Lucado had this to say about the subject: “Jesus was no stranger to joy. He went to weddings. He shared lively meals with His friends. He drank with them. He had so much fun and acted so freely around the dinner table that the uptight religious leaders called Him a glutton and a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). He didn’t worry about what would happen to His reputation when He hung out with people whom others thought were shady. He was always uninhibited in His pursuit of compassion and joy for others.

If you spend a few moments in the Students’ ministry, you will quickly conclude that they get it. They have fun. Yes, they engage in worship, prayer, scripture reading, and reverence. Our students participate in them with smiles on their faces, loud clapping, laughter, and a genuine sense of community. God is honored by their fun.

Having fun that honors God involves engaging in activities that align with Christian values, such as showing kindness, practicing gratitude, and building positive relationships. It’s about finding joy in God.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does “fun” mean to you personally, and what activities typically bring you joy?
2. How does the Bible portray joy and fun? Can you think of specific examples?
3. In what ways does your faith influence how you experience and engage in fun activities?

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.” – Romans 12:19.

What do you do when you’ve been insulted, slandered, or injured? Is your first instinct to seek revenge? The thought of revenge can be tempting and sweet. As strange as it sounds, when we take revenge, we typically make our lives more complicated. What we long for is perfect justice, and this can only be carried out by the righteous judge, God.  We can take comfort in God’s promise: “ I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Paul is telling us in Romans that it is God’s job to repay. He is the great equalizer.  It is God who works on our behalf.  We don’t have to avenge ourselves when someone wrongs us.  We don’t have to repay evil with evil.  We can do our part and make an effort to foster peace in all our relationships.  How?  Why?  Because God will right every wrong.

In 2 Kings 6, there is a great story about the King of Aram trying to kill Elisha because he kept tipping off the King of Israel about his plans.  One day, the army arrived at Elisha’s home. The servant was scared, but Elisha knew the army of the Lord surrounded him.  He prayed that the men might be blinded, and they were.  He led them to the city, and the King of Israel wanted to put them to death.  In verse 22, Elisha replied, “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” Verse 23 adds, “So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel. Elisha showed kindness to those who sought to kill him.  As a result, the people stayed away from Israel.

Charles Spurgeon wrote: “Brethren, the desire to return evil for evil does not succeed, because it injures us much more than it injures the person whom we seek to overcome. It has been said that the worst peace is better than the best war, and I believe almost anything is better than becoming angry. Scarcely any injury which we can ever sustain will so injure us as the injury which must arise to us from becoming angry and revengeful. Our enemies are not worth putting ourselves out about after all, and ten minutes of a palpitating heart, and of a disturbed circulation, causes us greater real damage in body than an enemy could inflict in seven years. Ten minutes of a fiery deluge overflowing the whole soul is a serious catastrophe, not to be often risked.”

It is impossible to go through this life without feeling that someone has wronged you.  Because we are human, our instinct is to get back at that person and to “make it right.” But God wants more from us. He desires for each of us to have a heart filled with grace and to trust Him to enact justice.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your initial, gut reaction when you feel wronged or offended? Do you desire to “get even”? Why or why not?
2. Can you recall a time when you were tempted to seek revenge? What held you back, or what were the consequences of acting on that desire?
3. Have you ever experienced someone extending forgiveness to you when you didn’t deserve it? How did that impact you?

“Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” – Aiden Wilson Tozer.

No spiritual practice or discipline is easier or more accessible to everyone than God’s presence. There are probably a few people reading this who are thinking, “I’m not so sure I agree with that.” Experiencing the presence of God seems like a profound mystery. It sounds like a wonderful yet evasive experience that some people occasionally have, but it is not something concrete to rely on continuously. We tend to associate God’s presence with emotions and worship music as if it were a byproduct of a Hillsong United song.

We know that is not true. One of the greatest gifts we can experience is the presence of God. His presence is essential to experiencing and knowing Him. God has made Himself available to us through all that Jesus accomplished. God’s presence is as simple as being in the presence of a friend or spouse. It’s as simple and concrete as being around a spouse or good friend, except for the fact that God never leaves. We can experience God’s presence just by reminding ourselves that His love redeems us and that the Holy Spirit’s presence is a constant, daily reality for believers. This presence is not a fleeting feeling, but a continuous, indwelling reality that empowers, guides, and comforts believers. No matter where we may turn or which road we follow, He is there. Living in God’s presence isn’t reserved for special moments or specific places.

Psalm 139:7 says, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” His presence is always available. He is there in the chaos of the day, just as much as He is in the serene moments of morning quiet.

Being aware of God’s presence doesn’t require grand gestures or significant time commitments; it simply requires an open heart. It’s about finding Him in the small, everyday moments. By recognizing God’s presence in daily activities, starting your mornings with intention, viewing your work as a calling, practicing gratitude, and incorporating prayer throughout the day, you cultivate a rich, continuous awareness of God. Your ability to meet with God is as simple as turning your attention toward Him and allowing yourself to be known.

There is no checklist of calm or solitude required for God’s presence. He is here now. He is with you, always. No matter what you’re facing. No matter the sorrow, past or present, He is here.

“I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of God. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.”― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you define God’s presence? Is it a feeling, a location, a relationship, or something else?
2. How does the concept of God’s presence influence your daily life and choices?
3. What does it mean to you that God is always present, even when you don’t feel it?

“Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us.” – Bill Bright.

Oh no, not another devotional on fasting. I’m not good at it probably because I don’t like to fast. My stomach doesn’t like it. It makes me cranky. Is it that important to my spiritual well-being? Most people view fasting as the hardest spiritual practice.

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says when you fast, not if you fast: “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Fasting is a practice where believers abstain from food or other physical desires for a specific period to deepen their connection with God. It’s a discipline that involves intentionally abstaining from something regularly enjoyed, like food or other things, to focus on spiritual matters. Fasting is a secret declaration to yourself and God that you want more of the abundant life that can only be found in more of God and less of the world.

There’s something powerful that takes place when we willingly surrender our satisfaction in life and activities to make space for more of God. Whether you’re fasting from food, entertainment, relationships, or anything else to make space for more of God, the intention of God for fasting is to realign your life to position you to receive all He has for you.

We are not trying to make such a significant sacrifice that God will take notice of us. God did not design fasting as a burden to be borne or a rule to be followed in an attempt to earn divine favor; instead, the intent was that in denying ourselves that which usually satisfies our appetites, we might turn instead to God – expressing our dependence on Him, our desire for Him, and our delight in Him. There is nothing we can do to gain God’s favor besides what Jesus did on the cross.

In Psalm 63:1, David writes that his deepest needs can be met only through God: “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” David wrote Psalm 63 to express his longing for God. He craved God’s presence as he craved food and drink. Just as David yearned for God in the wilderness, we too can acknowledge our dependence on God and develop a deep longing for God. By applying spiritual practices, we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, just as David did in Psalm 63.

Fasting is a powerful practice that can help individuals deepen their relationship with God, cultivate spiritual disciplines, and experience personal transformation, even though it can seem challenging to do.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your initial reaction to the idea of fasting? Is it positive, negative, or neutral? Why? 
2. What do you see as the purpose of fasting in the Christian life? 
3. What are the potential benefits of fasting, both for personal spiritual growth and for engaging with God’s work in the world? 

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. is an example of a player who exhibited a deep love and obsession for the game from a young age. He didn’t just like baseball; he lived, breathed, and ate baseball.   When you love something, no one has to tell you to engage in activities that cultivate your passion. I’m sure Ken Griffey never said, “I should work on my swing” or “I should read a book on hitting from one of the great hitters before me.”

If we love God, what activities, or maybe we should say, what spiritual practices do we love engaging in to cultivate our passion for God? If we sat and thought about it, we would probably come up with a list of “shoulds.” “ I should pray more,” and “I should probably spend more time in scripture.” Another one of us may say, “ I need to spend more time in solitude.” Still another person may pause for a second and say,”I should fast… well, maybe I should try the other ones first because that whole fasting thing seems complicated.”  A lot of us can point to at least one “should” when it comes to spiritual practices.

But rather than ask yourself not what you should do, ask yourself what spiritual practices will bring you closer to God. What practices cultivate your experience of intimacy with God? What helps you feel God is near? What practices fill you with a sense of His peace?

Jesus was committed to spiritual practices. He had a regular practice of spending time with His Father in prayer. As He prepared for a significant season of ministry, Jesus engaged in the spiritual practice of fasting. No doubt, Jesus engaged regularly in the practice of serving others. While Jesus engaged in spiritual practices, the relationship with His Father was the source of His strength, the foundation of His life, and the purpose of those practices.

This is what the practices are intended for us and why they are so important. They are conduits through which we can experience intimacy with God. The challenge for every believer is to identify the practices that nourish intimacy with God, regardless of the season of life or the circumstances we face. These exercises aren’t a quick fix for your spirituality. However, as you develop a habit of incorporating these practices, you will find yourself closer to God and more spiritually empowered.

Like Ken Griffey Jr., who trained himself to hone his baseball skills, spiritual practices enable us to do what we’re unable to do by our own effort. As we invest our energy into developing spiritual practices, we partner with God in our growth and transformation.

And that is so important.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you to “train for godliness” as mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:7-8? What specific habits or practices can you implement to grow in this area?
2. How do you currently incorporate practices like prayer, fasting, simplicity, silence, solitude, service, giving, or scripture study into your life?
   

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:11.

If someone asked you to define your relationship with sin, what would be your answer? Do you see it as an ongoing battle: a battle that involves a struggle against temptation, evil desires, and the influence of opposing forces, both internal and external? You may see it, for example, in the story of David and Goliath. Sin is Goliath, and you’re David, and you have to defeat sin using nothing but a smooth rock to fight with. Or maybe it is something more dramatic, like an out-of-control train heading toward a canyon? Sin is the engine, and you’re the passenger car desperately trying to unhitch yourself from it before it takes you over the edge.

However you define it, the Bible is clear: all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard. This truth, while uncomfortable, is the starting point for understanding our need for a Savior, Jesus Christ.

Paul, in his letter to a church in Rome instructs believers to “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (6:11). Being “dead to sin and alive in Jesus” means recognizing that through Christ’s sacrifice, believers have died to their old life of sin and are now empowered to live a new life in fellowship with God. The good news is that sin no longer has power over us. At the moment of conversion, God works to change our motives, goals, and desires one by one. God reveals what we were and points us toward the person we are meant to become.

Being dead to sin and alive in Christ is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality for believers. It means recognizing the freedom from sin’s dominion and actively choosing to live a life of righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit. This shift from old to new means that we have a different life ahead of us, one marked by a love for God and others, repentance, mercy, grace, benevolence, humility, generosity, forgiveness, justice, and faithfulness.

Ephesians 2:5 says, “that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”  Being alive in Christ does not mean that you must have your life together. Being alive in Christ does not mean that you are happy all the time. It does not mean that your life is as beautiful and put-together as our Facebook posts. Being alive in Christ means the opposite. Ephesians 2:5 states that even though we were dead in our sins, God made us alive together with Christ. It is in imperfection that grace appears. God is at work in the mundane and the everyday messiness of life..

Being alive in Christ does not mean we will always be in a state of constant smiles and joy. Being alive in Christ means our foundation is so strong that even when storms come, we can weather them. Even when we were dead in our sins, God gave us life through Christ.

Take a moment right now to remember that Christ invites you to live a life in Him. Know that, in Christ, your feet are firmly planted on an unshakable foundation: Christ’s unconditional love for you. In both ordinary and extraordinary ways, Christ invites us to live free from sin and free from guilt.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we practically apply the concept of being “dead to sin” in our daily lives? 
2. What does it mean to “consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus?”
3. How does this understanding of our identity in Christ affect our daily choices and actions?