I want to become better able to preach the gospel to myself. Seriously. On those days, when I need a word and no one is around, I want to speak to my own soul. Maybe you do as well …

We begin with Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 40; and Romans 3:15-26.

In the Genesis portion, we discover that in the midst of giving curses, God breathes hope. He brings the promise Jesus will come, He will bruise the serpent’s head, and bring victory once and for all.

In Isaiah 40:10, we find that He will come with might, and with His arm ruling. In those words, we see the strength and power of our Lord Jesus.

But then …

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom. He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (verse 11, NASB)

It is in this verse we see the compassion and gentleness of our Lord as He tends to each of us.

“By grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
This is the Gospel.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 14)

The study asks: What is the relationship between the gospel and the way that we live today?

While we see the discipline of God in the garden upon mankind and we also see the hope of our coming Savior, we presently live with Him in our lives, our Shepherd – tending to us, gathering us in His arms, and leading us all the way.

This is the Gospel at work in us presently.

Reading Isaiah 40:11 brought to mind this song:

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Let’s look at John 15:1-17 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. These Scriptures discuss bearing fruit and having lives which glorify God. Let’s first define God’s glory:

“God’s glory is all of His attributes on display.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 23)

So what does it mean for our lives to bring Him glory? The study explains it this way:

“We simply reflect Him in such a way to show others who He is.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 23)

Upon reading the sentence, the fruit of the Spirit came to mind. As we grow in Him, bearing fruit, especially the fruit of the Spirit, we reflect Him to those around us.

So simply explained and yet … some days not so easy, as it requires obedience from us.

The study asks: We can glorify God by bearing good fruit. What does it look like to bear good fruit in the Christian life?

“In the ordinary routines of our lives, we can show the world His glory by bending low, serving, and loving with joy and true humility, mirroring Christ.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 24)

“In the ordinary routines” … perhaps we need to begin right in our own homes, in our workplaces, in our churches, or right in our neighborhoods.

Where can you begin today?

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In reading Romans 6 and Titus 2:11-14, we are looking at the topic of spiritual health. The portions quickly brought one thought:

The Gospel –> spiritual life + spiritual growth.

The study reminds us of the importance of spiritual disciplines in our lives, emphasizing that:

“… the two most important ones in the life of the believer are Bible study and prayer.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 31)

Bible study and the reading of God’s Word is the means by which we are changed each day. Part of our time should include meditating on what we have read so our minds are filled and retain the truths we read.

But meditating is more than that. It also means application, otherwise what we read remains information.

The other discipline, prayer, aligns our hearts with God’s will. While we can pray at any time and in any place, it’s good to set aside time each day to pray. The study reminds us to make this

“an intentional, disciplined action.”

(from Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 32)

The study asks: How does the Gospel transform the way we approach Bible study and prayer? How have you found it to change the way you do these two disciplines?

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Jesus leads us by His grace alone,
so our lives bear fruit and bring the Father glory,
as He changes our lives through His Word and prayer.

 

Photo 1: Image by J_Blueberry from Pixabay
Photo 2: Image by Sharon Kehl Califano from Pixabay
Photo 3: Image by Dorothe from Pixabay

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .