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Together in Christ: 'Strength in Grace, Not Rules' — Hebrews 13:8-9 Sunday, April 14, 2024 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. — Hebrews 13:8-9 NLT KEY THOUGHT Many in today's culture of constant stimulation grow bored with any form of predictability — whether it is mindless routine or God-given stability. While our goal should be spiritual stability, any spiritual lethargy or unwillingness to change should never be a trait of those seeking to be transformed into Jesus' righteous character, gracious compassion, and loving justice. [1] Stability in God is far different from accepting a mundane and mindless routine. On the other hand, an addiction to novelty and change for the sake of change is dangerous. It reveals a lack of fulfillment in the presence of God in our lives. This is why the Holy Spirit warns us in today's verses: So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace... We seek God each day because we want the foundation of our lives to be built upon the presence, power, and promises of God! As we become more secure in the foundation of our relationship with God, it becomes easier for us to live lives of humility and service to others as intended. [2] [1] Romans 8:29, 12:1-2; 1 John 2:6. [2] Matthew 23:11-12. TODAY'S PRAYER Almighty Lord, You are faithful to Your promises, present through the Holy Spirit, and blessing me with Your grace and power. You are my rock and refuge, my source of strength, and my hope for the future. I ask for Your help to continue my journey of transformation as the Holy Spirit molds me to become more like Jesus. Help me discern, O God the Spirit, what is true stability and reject any deceptive lure of mediocrity and routine resulting from spiritual laziness. At the same time, I need Your guidance to reject the addictive itch for constant change and novelty in my life when my true source of sustenance, joy, and life is found in You. I ask this in the name of God the Son. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Galatians 5:1-26