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FORTheCity Devotion Day 1 – The Starting Blocks Of Heart Change

By Jeff Brodie, Lead Pastor at Connexus Church

READ Luke 10:25-37, 1 John 1:8-9

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:29

REFLECT

I’m so excited for Connexus as we begin this journey of pursuing what it means to be FOR Barrie and FOR Orillia. Specifically, I’m excited for us to learn more of what it means to be FOR people.

In Luke 10:25-27, we see an expert in religious law who is trying to justify his lack of compassion for certain people around him. Jesus uses the story of the Good Samaritan to point out that his neighbour is every person who he meets along the journey of life. He is pointing out the expert’s lack of compassion for people outside of his comfort zone. A tough thing for the ruler to swallow.

Every heart journey begins with confession – admitting that something needs to change, or that you’ve been wrong. In your past, perhaps you’ve had to confess to yourself, to someone else, or to God that you made mistakes – as a dad, a wife, a child, or a friend.

That’s where change begins.

The good news is that God promises to forgive those sins. But He also calls us to something else; repentance. Repentance is the act of turning from that sin and making a change, a 180 degree turn.

As we begin this journey, we realize God’s call to be FOR the people of our city, who need the hope of Christ. As you join us on this journey, I’d encourage you to reflect on whether there are areas of your life where you haven’t been FOR people. Times or places where you’ve chosen the easy or safe option, over reaching out to someone with the love of Jesus.

Church isn’t just something we do or attend, but it’s who we are every day of the week. We are the body of Christ in our cities. Where have you missed the opportunities to reach out to friends, coworkers, or neighbours with the love of Christ?

Here’s the great news, once we confess to God, He promises to forgives us, and we can jump out of the starting blocks of repentance and begin a new journey.

I truly believe that as you choose to confess to God, and turn towards being FOR the people of our city, that God will begin a story in your heart and in your life!

BOTTOM LINE

Every heart journey begins at the the starting line of repentance.

LIVE

As you confess to God, know that the journey has begun as He leads and guides you. Ask Him to prompt you every day as you look to be FOR the people around you who need the hope of Christ. Ready to start joining Connexus in being FOR our cities by being FOR four families? Learn more and sign up here.

PRAY

As you pray today, confess to God the times or places where you’ve chosen to stay in your comfort zone instead of being FOR the people around you who need the hope of Jesus. Thank Him for his forgiveness, and ask Him to inspire you and walk with you as you choose a new journey.

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Written By

Jeff Brodie

Jeff is the lead pastor at Connexus Church and he brings oversight and leadership to Connexus’ campuses. After seven years of full-time ministry experience at a multi-site church in Oakville, Jeff joined the team at Connexus in the fall of 2008 as our Executive Director, overseeing Family Ministry and organizational operations. Jeff is passionate about creating churches that unchurched people love to attend, expanding the vision, mission, and visibility of Connexus throughout Ontario, and serving the local communities that surround our campuses.

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