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Daily Devotionals

July 9, 2021

“Yes, But” vs “Yes, And”

July 9, 2021

DAILY READING

Romans 7:7-20

Psalm 45:10-17

Genesis 27:1-17

Zechariah 2:6-13

Psalm 145:8-14

FIELD NOTES

Paul’s inner conflict is ours, “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” 

Can you say, “I resemble that remark?”  We are full of “YES, we should’s…BUT we cannot!”

Paul then says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  Paraphrasing: “Yes, we are sinners and Jesus is our Savior.”  “Yes, we have inner conflict, and Jesus can give us peace.” 

When we try to be good enough, unconsciously we are trying to save ourselves.  Only Jesus can save us.

Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and I all tried to be good enough for Jesus.  When we accept by faith that we are good enough for Jesus, we stop trying to be good enough for Jesus’s love.  We then let Jesus love us.

So, how about letting Jesus love and guide you through your day?  Yes, you will fail, and Jesus is ready to pick you up when you do.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

  • Is there an attitude, habit, addiction, obsession, or sin that you wish to change but you fail each time?
  • What might happen if you give it to Jesus?
  • What might happen if Jesus gave you a group or a mentor to help you with your inner conflict?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • What are some things with which we as a family struggle for which we need Jesus’ help?
  • What might we do to allow Jesus to help us?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, Jesus, there are so many good things I want to do, but I don’t.  There are so many things I know I should not be doing but I do anyway.  Lord, only you can help.  Lord, I know you can help.  Lord, I know you will help.  I put my trust in you.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen.Lord Jesus, you created this day for all of us.  You are still creating and perfecting this world.  You ask that we be co-creators with you.  Lord, as we go through this day, please show us what needs to be done and please teach us how to do it.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen.

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