Devotions 2nd week of january

January 8 -Jesus commanded baptism, but he was baptized by john. Jesus would not have needed cleansing from sin. It certainly marked a turn in his life, for only after baptism in the synoptic gospels does he begin his public ministry from what we can learn. Baptism fits a new year as that it constantly works on us in making us a new creation. it nurtures our spiritual growth day by day. Most of all, it marks us as members of the family of God.

Monday-Calvin deservedly is seen as a tough customer. Still, his notions of human depravity may lead to some good attitudes. For instance, since we are all sinners in his view, that means no one can harshly judge another. Since we are all sinners, we cannot move out of our pay grade and judge who is in and who is out in salvation, for that is god’s job. How do you try to keep from being judgmental.

Tuesday-It’s isn’t obvious what supporting someone means. When someone has endured a setback , what is one to do? Hearing them out seems important.Giving advice doesn’t seem to be helpful, nor does I told you so.Lending a helping hand can be helpful, if they want or need it. Please recall prayer, both for the person needing special support and for oneself. Prayer doesn’t merely kick the problem upstairs but it opens us up to the paths to take that may be more helpful, for them and even ourselves.

Wednesday-Part of being a parent is worrying.It doesn’t stop even when children are grown. Sure, we know that their lives are their own, but that can only make it worse. Jesus is right of course that worry adds not an inch to our lifespan.worry even clouds our cognition.Worrying may be a sign that we miss control. Worrying is a sign of how much we care for another as well, but worry is not the same as caring. If god doesn’t worry, how does God view our lives would you speculate?

Thursday-Expectations are trouble.I was looking forward to a meal recently, and the person turned a light event into a difficult one by bringing in a cloud of gloom. I was expecting pleasant conversation and instead was faced with annoyance and touchiness. How have you learned to manage your expectations in social situations? When do they get in your way?What expectations do you carry with you when you walk into a Bible Study? How about worship?

Friday-Excellence is a rare commodity in life. That is one reason I so enjoy the NFL playoffs this weekend. I have said that the NFL is one of the few things that seems to get better over time. I admire the power, the poise, and precision of so many plays. I think of the practice it takes to arrive at such a point. In our time we speak of spiritual practices so that they become habitual in thought and action. consider working on a spiritual practice for a week or two and then chart if you notice any differences.

Saturday-Spiritual arrogance is annoying. We an see it in the sneers of people who are convinced that only their slice of life will be saved. We see it in people who cannot conceive that someone could disagree with them. Why do we find it so annoying? In what instances, do you find it troublesome? When do you feel spiritual hubris rising up in yourself?