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Daily Devotionals

April 8, 2021

Embracing God through Spiritual Disciplines

April 8, 2021

DAILY READING

Colossians 4:2-5

FIELD NOTES

In Colossians, Paul seems to be responding to some incorrect teachings that are spreading through the church.  In response to these false teachings, he celebrates that we are Easter people, people who find their full identity in the Risen Christ.  He says “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is first over all creation” (1:15). Paul celebrates the new life we have in the Risen Christ and the identity we find in Christ.  

However, Paul cautions us against being Christians who think in Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s Kingdom has come in full.  Though Christ has conquered death, there is still work to be done as disciples of Christ.  In his letter, Paul lays out different spiritual disciplines that will ultimately bring us and the world closer to Christ.  John Wesley was a huge advocate for spiritual disciplines like reading Scripture, praying, serving others, and participating in communion.  In fact, the name “Methodists” was largely influenced by Wesley’s commitment to these “methods” of connecting with God.

As we celebrate God’s glory like the author of Song of Solomon, let us remember there is still work to be done so that Jesus’ Easter story can become a reality for all people.  Jesus’ resurrection doesn’t give an excuse to not care.  It gives us the hope and inspiration to build God’s Kingdom here on earth.  So let us “devote [ourselves] to prayer” and declare the mystery of Christ that Paul so vigorously proclaimed.

PRAYER GUIDE

Loving God, I thank you that you are a resurrecting God who triumphs over pain and darkness.  I pray that you work within me, teaching me how I can connect more deeply with you.  Teach me how the Easter story can become a reality for me and how I can make it a reality for all people.  Give me the discipline to study your Word, be in intentional prayer, worship you, and serve you.  Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

  • What spiritual disciplines do you practice?  How do you think you can incorporate more spiritual disciplines in your life?
  • Do you think you practice spiritual disciplines just because you think they are the right thing to do or because you truly desire to be in a deeper relationship with Christ?  

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • What are some spiritual disciplines we practice as a family?  What are some that we can start practicing?
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