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“"The Pattern for the Next"”

Thoughts for Today:

My daughter Amanda has recently become really enthusiastic about learning to play the guitar. This last weekend we were working on a worship song by Jesus Culture titled, "One Thing Remains". She had mastered the chords, but was having a little problem with the strumming pattern. I explained that it is an eight count, down strum with extra emphasis on one, four and seven (at least the way I play it). After a few minutes, she had the pattern and timing worked out and it began to sound a lot more like the artist's track.

In somewhat the same way, Paul's concept of everything in Christ is emphasized in all of Paul's writing. And if we stand back a little and listen, we too will recognize the pattern. It's the love, the goodness, the hope, the forgiveness, the joy, the salvation, and in our passage today -- the incomparable riches of His grace and kindness to us -- all are expressed to us in Christ Jesus. The Living Bible translates this verse: "And now God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich his kindness is, as shown in all he has done for us through Jesus Christ." Any of the blessings we have in this life are simply a pattern for the much greater joy and glory to come! And when we see Jesus we see the work of God.

Questions to Ponder:

One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture):

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing...remains...

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me [3x]

On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains.

Amen? Amen!

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.