Friday, May 9, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 15 

Galatians 5:24 
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 

There's something powerful about writing down your struggles on paper and nailing it to the cross. And it's the very image of that action Paul uses to describe what happens when we surrender our struggles to Jesus. 

The things we've wrestled with, like shame, jealousy, pride, or control, no longer own us. When we gave our lives to Jesus and began following him, he didn't just forgive us; he invited us into freedom. 

When we live a life devoted to following Jesus, but some of the struggles we've been carrying are still showing up, it's important to remember that freedom doesn't always come easy or quickly. It's something we learn to walk in and, sometimes, a daily practice of letting go and re-nailing it to the cross. 

Don't get discouraged, and don't forget this simple truth: 

We don't have to carry what Jesus has already crucified. 

Each day, Jesus invites us to take another step into the new life he designed for us, not by trying harder but by trusting deeper. 

Questions:  
Is there an area of your life that stands out when you ask: If I choose _____, will _____ draw me closer to God or pull me away from him? 

Next Steps:  
Take a quiet moment with God and ask him to show you one area where he's inviting you to grow, release, and heal. Then, in prayer, picture yourself nailing that struggle to the cross, leaving it behind, and remembering Jesus already paid for it.  

Prayer:  
Jesus, thank you for the cross. Thank you for taking on every burden, every struggle, and every part of me that I've tried to carry alone. Today, I bring you things that weigh heavy on my heart. I choose to nail them to your cross, trusting that they no longer define me or have power over me. Teach me to walk in the freedom you died to give me. Help me release control and lean into your freedom, one day at a time. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.