Connections that Count |March 01, 2021
Read
Daniel 1:8 & 11
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way…
11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Reflect
During this week of our devotional we will focus on fostering life-giving habits/rhythms with God and others. Today we think more deeply about practicing a “habit of resistance1”. This is a habit which will remind us of our identity in Christ and prevent us from being swept away by the culture of commercialism, busyness and spiritual compromise.
- Where do you feel the biggest “tug” taking you away from Christ and who you are in him?
- What is one or two habits/rhythms you can begin today that will help you pay attention to both how you are influenced and your identity in Christ?
- Consider having one of these patterns relate to technology and media. What would be a meaningful “fast” with your phone/computer/TV/social media?
Apply
Put your habit into practice today! Message a friend about what habit you will take on (feel free to let me know if you aren’t sure who to tell, jeff@tupcsa.org). The key here is to start this habit during lent (not to simply read about it in a devotional). At the very least, do this for ten days.
Pray
Lord, I recognize there are so many things competing for my attention! I am sorry for how I have been drawn away from you. Empower me to establish life-giving rhythms. I want to follow you each day! Help me notice what pulls me away from you and listen to the amazing news of what you say about who I am.
Song
Who You Say I Am by Song by Hillsong Worship
