Oct 08
Posted by YFN on Thursday Oct 8, 2009 Under Devotionals
2 Cor. 3:14-18–(14) But their minds were hardened for to this day when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted. (15) Yes to this day whenever Moses read a veil lies over their hearts. (16) But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. (17) Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. (18) And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same glory form one degree to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
-The other day I was just reading my Bible and I was drawn to this passage. But I couldn’t help but think, “What the heck is a veil?” I moved on but kept it in the back of mind, and finally today, I believe God gave me the answer. I believe that the veil represents the old self-who you were before you accepted Christ-because it says in verse 16 that when we turn to God that the veil is lifted. See, Moses and the people of the old covenant still had the veil covering them, but when Jesus came into the picture, by Him we are under a new covenant, which means that the veil has been lifted from us, and we can have intimacy with God. Under the old covenant, the people had to give animal sacrifices because blood must be given for their sins, and yet, they still had no real intimacy with God. But, we have the joy of being able to know God personally. Because the old self left when the veil was lifted, then we are brand new creations and we should live our lives as that brand new person. The amazing things is, now that the veil has been lifted we are completely set free of all our sin and bondage, and now He is making us in His image. That’s incredible. Take this gift that Jesus has given you; put on the new self, and forget the past and allow God to transform you into His image. Though we don’t always feel intimate with Him or feel completely free and new, we have this promise in scripture to hold fast, too. Never forget the One that saved you and set you free.
-Kara Turner
Asst. Core Leader
Oct 01
Posted by YFN on Thursday Oct 1, 2009 Under Devotionals
Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.Romans 6:6-10
How many times have you heard your friends say, “I just can’t do it! I just can’t let go of this stuff! I know it’s wrong, I just can NOT control myself!” Maybe those words have come out of your own mouth; maybe you feel like that stuff you know is gnawing at you on the inside has just too strong of a hold on you. Hold on my friends, because I have some insane news for you: Jesus has a completely different opinion of you and the strength that’s inside of you.
I can’t tell you how many years I spent in bondage to sin. I allowed it to rule my life, my relationships, my time. Yes, I know, it seems absolutely absurd, but there are ACTUALLY Christians walking around who are still in bondage to sin and addictions! But then I read this passage, and my entire world came crashing down around me. “I don’t have to be a slave to this stuff? I’ve been made free? I live with Christ?” Once I read that and prayed to receive that freedom and actually BELIEVED it in faith, my life was never the same.
What do you need freedom from today? What are you allowing to rule you? Know that you God has a different idea of how your life should look like, and He has given you the tools to be free. Spend some time with the Lord today and receive the freedom from that stuff you think you can’t shake off… and I promise you… He WILL set you free!
-Jared Ellis
YFN 2010 Head Dorm Counselor
Sep 21
Alrighty… check out Ephesians 2:1-10, and then I will download you my thoughts. How does that sound!?
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful naturea]”>[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Here goes…
(v1) Without Christ we are dead in sin. We are not sinful because we sin, we sin because we are naturally sinful.
(v4) Verse four starts with “but God…” this is my favorite part of the scripture because this is the changing point from the way we use to be, dead in sin to how merciful, loving and good, God is to us. We don’t deserve anything good but God looks at our heart and he loves us regardless of our sin.
(v8-9) Salvation is a gift from God. It is not something that we can earn with good works.
(v10) We become prideful by comparing ourselves to other people and thinking we are better than them. But we have to humble ourselves by comparing ourselves to God and realize that He is above all and without Him we are nothing.
Good works should come as a result of knowing how majestic God really is and having the desire to lay down your life for Him.
Do you remind yourself daily how majestic God is and if so what are you willing to lay down for him?
–Cody Byrne
–Core Leader
Sep 02
Posted by YFN on Wednesday Sep 2, 2009 Under Devotionals
Climbing to the peak of a mountain is something that many in life wish they could consummate, but in the end only few get to obtain that serine accomplishment within their lives. Our lives should be constant challenges in which we need to work towards.
Even though many set goals in their midst, we actually need to wake up and realize that we are on earth with a perfect plan and purpose in which it is to love on others.
As in Ephesians 4:29, we have to build up each other as to the needs that are needed.
We must live a life of blessing others so; in conclusion, we must pursue our neighbors wellness instead of our own agendas. And as we help others we will grow towards Him, for there is such a deep reward in obeying His word and letting His love transcend in our lives. We must love all for He first loved us! So good!!
So ask yourself… what goal can you accomplish that will edify and build the body of Christ…?
-Danielle Birkbeck
-Merchandise Director
