SWHW Bible Reading Plan: October 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Jessica Hottle:

We live in a culture that says search within yourself to find the answers on how to act. Be your true self. However, Paul counters that by saying to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7, "Train yourself for godliness."

The word godliness comes from the old English word Godlikeness; it means to have the character and attitude of God.

We can not know our identity (or the nature and character of God) without ever opening our Bibles. Our past can teach us how or why we are the way we are, but our past or feelings don't get the final say. 

John 6:63 says, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing." Therefore, looking within ourselves won't help us find the answers our souls desperately want.

Training ourselves for godliness helps us to become more like Christ and less like the world. We don't have our old nature anymore; we have been given a new one. 

That means we aren't looking within to find the answers, but training ourselves to become more like Christ based on His character and nature. We won't have all the answers, and yet, we know the One who does. 

How are you training yourself for godliness? In what ways are you becoming more like Christ? 

Father, thank You for loving us the way You do with continual grace and mercy. Show us how to become more like You with our words, actions, and in our healing. Help us to look different from the world and not fear the difference. We love You, Amen!