Freedom is a beautiful thing, and when we experience freedom because of God’s grace, it compels us to respond in turn to the needs of others. Each of us, a child of our Father who is the light of the world, can also be a light in a dark world.
To fast is to abstain from a personal appetite to further a greater good, a higher purpose. When we choose to give aid to someone suffering from injustice, oppression, hunger, or poverty, we are choosing to abstain from serving ourselves in order to further someone else’s wellbeing.
We don’t do these things to make ourselves feel better; God’s love propels us to reach out because of his love for us. God longs for us to walk in freedom. He longs for us to respond and unleash compassion on those in our communities who are hurting and in need.
Pray
When you watch the news, what situations rouse your anger and sorrow most? Stories of prejudice or bigotry? Poverty? Victimization of children or the elderly? Human trafficking? Share with God about what issues awaken the Defender or Advocate within you and most importantly, why.
Pray about how you might serve your community. Ask God to show you where you are needed. Explore with God opportunities around you on our local compassion page, praying for the ones that seem to evoke the strongest response within you.
Here in Isaiah, we see that God desires for his people carry out his love by being actively compassionate to others. Have you seen compassion produce action in your own life? Or is it hard for you to act on the compassion you have? Pray about these things with God, taking time to speak and listen.
| No. | Subject | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 71 |
Week 3 - Day 21 (Take a Break).
 | 2019.09.08 |
| 70 |
Week 3 - Day 20
| 2019.09.07 |
| 69 |
Week 3 - Day 19
| 2019.09.07 |
| 68 |
Week 3 - Day 18
| 2019.09.07 |
| » |
Week 3 - Day 17
| 2019.09.07 |
| 66 |
Week 2 - Day 16
| 2019.09.07 |
| 65 |
Week 2 - Day 15 ( Unleash Compassion )
| 2019.09.07 |
| 64 |
Week 2 - Day 14
| 2019.09.07 |
| 63 |
Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 13
| 2019.09.01 |
| 62 |
Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 12
| 2019.09.01 |
| 61 |
Week 2 - Day 11
| 2019.08.29 |
| 60 |
Week 2 - Day 10
| 2019.08.28 |
| 59 |
Week 2 - Day 9
| 2019.08.27 |
| 58 | Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 8: Peace Sign | 2019.08.27 |
| 57 |
Week 1 - Day 7
| 2019.08.25 |
| 56 |
Week 1 - Day 6
| 2019.08.24 |
| 55 |
Week 1 - Day 5
| 2019.08.23 |
| 54 |
Week 1 - Day 4
| 2019.08.22 |
| 53 |
Week 1 - Day 3
| 2019.08.21 |
| 52 |
Week 1 - Day 2
| 2019.08.20 |
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1 ~ 3)
God A holy (without sin), spiritual being, all-knowing, everywhere present, eternally existent in three distinct personalities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – one God (Exodus 3:14-15, John 4:24, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-2).Jesus Christ Jesus became “God in the flesh.” He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died a physical death as atonement for our sins, and was physically resurrected from the grave. (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8) He will return in bodily form as Lord of the universe, to gather his followers and judge those who have rejected him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).
The Holy Spirit Lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ as Comforter and Advocate, and helps us become more like Jesus in thought, word, actions, and character (John 16:5-15).
Sin Men and women were created in the image of God but are now separated from God by sin (Romans 5:12-21).
Salvation Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn’t do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift at any time (John 3:16-18). Faith requires repentance (conforming our lifestyle to Christ’s), and results in obedience. Baptism by immersion demonstrates a pledge of our willingness to live for Him (Acts 8:26-38, Romans 6:1-4).
The Bible The Bible is inspired by God and is therefore without error or contradiction, and is the sole authority for faith and practice. All our beliefs come from the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 3:15-16).
The Church The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for the redemption of their sins. Eastside is therefore but one part of the greater Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).
