Real Transformation

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

Our culture is obsessed with instant gratification. You don’t have to look far to see signs of it everywhere: from providers vying for the fastest high-speed internet, same-day or within-the-hour delivery services, fast-food drive-throughs, on-demand streaming services... the list goes on!

Our culture of the “fast” and “now” ignores that there are repercussions beyond our immediate results. A society that experiences fewer waits will possess less patience, become distracted from meaningful pursuits, and reap harmful social outcomes. The truth, especially in our spiritual lives, is that there’s no way around slow and prolonged periods of growth. Real transformation doesn’t happen overnight!

The good news is that God has given us everything we need for an abundant life in Him. While instant gratification can feel good in the moment, it isn’t lasting. A lifestyle of instant gratification seeks to destroy our need for God. When Jesus came to redeem us, He came to give us a new nature, not one of self-gratification, self-satisfaction, or self-reliance.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

God desires to work in and through our lives, but we must wait, grow, and learn what His perfect will is for each of us. The end result will be worth it—even if it takes time.

Listen to the sermon series: Real Transformation

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Ministry Update from Mark

I want to give a big shout-out to Dr. George and Hilda Sweeting for recently celebrating their 76th wedding anniversary! My friend and predecessor, George Sweeting, has been a great example and an ongoing source of encouragement to me personally. He has been an evangelist, pastor, and Moody Bible Institute president, but what I respect the most is his heart for God and love for his wife, Hilda. If you want to know more about his life and ministry, pick up his book Full Circle that tells their story. Dr. Sweeting prays for me and Dee daily. I’m deeply grateful for his influence and mentorship.