Daily Worship (April 19)
Devotional 1: The Source of the Fit
John 15:1–8 (NIV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Devotional Thought
In the sermon "Fit Check," we talked about how a new life has to start with a new birth—the "implanted Word." In John 15, Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches to explain how this works. Imagine a branch trying to produce grapes by its own effort. It can’t do it! It doesn't matter how much it "tries" to look like a grapevine; if it isn't connected to the main vine, it will eventually wither and die. Jesus says that He is the Vine and we are the branches. This is the ultimate "Root" of our identity.
Many of us go through life trying to "perform" our faith. we try to act kind, stay patient, or look "holy" so people think we have a great spiritual "fit." But Jesus reminds us that true fruit—the evidence of a changed heart—only comes from "abiding" or staying connected to Him. When we stay close to Jesus through the Word and prayer, His life starts to flow through us. Our character changes because His "DNA" is moving into our lives. You don’t have to manufacture goodness when you are connected to the Source of goodness. If you find yourself struggling with anger or pride, don’t just try to work harder to fix it. Instead, check your connection. Are you staying in the "Mirror" of His presence? When we abide in Him, our life naturally begins to match the "fit" He has designed for us.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the Vine that gives me life. Forgive me for the times I try to "fake the accent" or produce fruit on my own. Help me to stay connected to You today so that Your love and character can flow through me and show others who You are. Amen.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Devotional Thought
In the sermon "Fit Check," we talked about how a new life has to start with a new birth—the "implanted Word." In John 15, Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches to explain how this works. Imagine a branch trying to produce grapes by its own effort. It can’t do it! It doesn't matter how much it "tries" to look like a grapevine; if it isn't connected to the main vine, it will eventually wither and die. Jesus says that He is the Vine and we are the branches. This is the ultimate "Root" of our identity.
Many of us go through life trying to "perform" our faith. we try to act kind, stay patient, or look "holy" so people think we have a great spiritual "fit." But Jesus reminds us that true fruit—the evidence of a changed heart—only comes from "abiding" or staying connected to Him. When we stay close to Jesus through the Word and prayer, His life starts to flow through us. Our character changes because His "DNA" is moving into our lives. You don’t have to manufacture goodness when you are connected to the Source of goodness. If you find yourself struggling with anger or pride, don’t just try to work harder to fix it. Instead, check your connection. Are you staying in the "Mirror" of His presence? When we abide in Him, our life naturally begins to match the "fit" He has designed for us.
COMMA Questions
- Context: How does Jesus’ statement about being the "True Vine" contrast with the way the world tells us to find our identity and purpose?
- Observation: What are the different things that happen to the branches that bear fruit versus the ones that do not?
- Meaning: What does it mean to "abide" in Christ, and how is that different from just following a set of religious rules?
- Main Idea: How does our connection to Jesus determine the kind of "fruit" or results we see in our daily lives?
- Application: What is one specific way you can "remain" or stay connected to Jesus this week instead of trying to do things on your own strength?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the Vine that gives me life. Forgive me for the times I try to "fake the accent" or produce fruit on my own. Help me to stay connected to You today so that Your love and character can flow through me and show others who You are. Amen.
Devotional 2: The Heart Behind the Mask
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-13 (NIV)
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” . . .
When he arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.
Devotional Thought
The sermon "Fit Check" challenged us with the truth that while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. In 1 Samuel 16, we see this play out in a very famous way. When Samuel goes to find the next king of Israel, he looks at David’s older brothers. They were tall, strong, and looked exactly like what a "king" should look like. Samuel thought for sure one of them was the winner. But God stopped him and said that he was looking at the wrong things. God chose David—the youngest, the one out in the fields—because God saw David’s heart.
This passage is a powerful reminder that we cannot trick God with a "costume." We might show up to church with the right clothes, say the right "Christian" phrases, and look perfectly "stained-free" to the people around us. But God sees the "Identity Amnesia" we struggle with when we aren't at church. He sees the anger, the selfishness, and the pride that we try to hide. The good news of the Gospel is that God doesn't just judge the heart; He offers to change it. He chose David not because David was perfect, but because David was a man after God's own heart. When we stop trying to impress people with our outward "fit" and start being honest with God about our hearts, He begins the work of making us truly new from the inside out.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart today. I confess that I often care more about what people think of me than what You know about me. Help me to stop performing and start being honest with You. Change my heart so that it beats for the things You love. Amen.
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” . . .
When he arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.
Devotional Thought
The sermon "Fit Check" challenged us with the truth that while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. In 1 Samuel 16, we see this play out in a very famous way. When Samuel goes to find the next king of Israel, he looks at David’s older brothers. They were tall, strong, and looked exactly like what a "king" should look like. Samuel thought for sure one of them was the winner. But God stopped him and said that he was looking at the wrong things. God chose David—the youngest, the one out in the fields—because God saw David’s heart.
This passage is a powerful reminder that we cannot trick God with a "costume." We might show up to church with the right clothes, say the right "Christian" phrases, and look perfectly "stained-free" to the people around us. But God sees the "Identity Amnesia" we struggle with when we aren't at church. He sees the anger, the selfishness, and the pride that we try to hide. The good news of the Gospel is that God doesn't just judge the heart; He offers to change it. He chose David not because David was perfect, but because David was a man after God's own heart. When we stop trying to impress people with our outward "fit" and start being honest with God about our hearts, He begins the work of making us truly new from the inside out.
COMMA Questions
- Context: Based on the earlier chapters of 1 Samuel, why might the people of Israel have been so focused on picking a king who looked impressive on the outside?
- Observation: What specific physical traits did Samuel notice about Jesse’s sons, and what was God’s response to those traits?
- Meaning: What does it mean for God to "look at the heart," and how is His "vision" different from ours?
- Main Idea: Why is God more concerned with our internal character and devotion than our external status or appearance?
- Application: In what area of your life are you currently trying to "look good" on the outside while neglecting the condition of your heart?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart today. I confess that I often care more about what people think of me than what You know about me. Help me to stop performing and start being honest with You. Change my heart so that it beats for the things You love. Amen.
Devotional 3: Living the Reflection
Colossians 3:1-14 (NIV)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Devotional Thought
In James 1, we are told to look into the "Perfect Law of Liberty" and not forget who we are. Paul takes this idea even further in Colossians 3 by telling us to "set our minds on things above." He explains that if we have been raised with Christ, our old "outfit"—the old self with its anger, lies, and dirty language—doesn't fit us anymore. It’s like trying to wear clothes that are five sizes too small and covered in mud. Paul tells us to "put to death" those old habits and instead "clothe ourselves" with things like compassion, kindness, and love.
When we realize our identity is hidden with Christ in God, our behavior starts to change. We aren't just "doing chores" to please God; we are putting on the "Family Resemblance." If God is kind, and we are His children, then it makes sense for us to be kind! If God has forgiven us, then we must forgive others. This isn't about "faking an accent"; it's about speaking our new native language. The "Fit Check" isn't about being perfect; it's about daily choosing to take off the "world's dirt" and putting on the character of Jesus. When we do this, the world gets to see a clear reflection of the Savior in our lives.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a new identity and a new "fit." Help me to leave my old, sinful habits behind today. Teach me to clothe myself in Your kindness and love so that when people look at me, they see a beautiful reflection of You. Amen.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Devotional Thought
In James 1, we are told to look into the "Perfect Law of Liberty" and not forget who we are. Paul takes this idea even further in Colossians 3 by telling us to "set our minds on things above." He explains that if we have been raised with Christ, our old "outfit"—the old self with its anger, lies, and dirty language—doesn't fit us anymore. It’s like trying to wear clothes that are five sizes too small and covered in mud. Paul tells us to "put to death" those old habits and instead "clothe ourselves" with things like compassion, kindness, and love.
When we realize our identity is hidden with Christ in God, our behavior starts to change. We aren't just "doing chores" to please God; we are putting on the "Family Resemblance." If God is kind, and we are His children, then it makes sense for us to be kind! If God has forgiven us, then we must forgive others. This isn't about "faking an accent"; it's about speaking our new native language. The "Fit Check" isn't about being perfect; it's about daily choosing to take off the "world's dirt" and putting on the character of Jesus. When we do this, the world gets to see a clear reflection of the Savior in our lives.
COMMA Questions
- Context: Paul tells the Colossians to "set their hearts on things above" because they have been "raised with Christ"—how does our future hope change how we live today?
- Observation: What are some of the specific "old clothes" (vices) Paul tells us to take off, and what are the "new clothes" (virtues) he tells us to put on?
- Meaning: What does Paul mean when he says our life is now "hidden with Christ in God"?
- Main Idea: How does understanding our new identity in Christ motivate us to change our behavior and treat others differently?
- Application: Which "new garment" mentioned in verses 12-14 (like patience or forgiveness) do you need to intentionally "put on" this morning?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a new identity and a new "fit." Help me to leave my old, sinful habits behind today. Teach me to clothe myself in Your kindness and love so that when people look at me, they see a beautiful reflection of You. Amen.
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