"The Heart and Burden of a Christian"
5 daily devotionals from Pastor John Exum’s Sermon
“Known by Him” | 06/23/2025
Identity is at the core of our Christian walk. It's not about what we do, but who we are in relationship with Jesus. Many people can perform religious acts, even seemingly miraculous ones, but what matters most is whether Jesus truly knows us. This intimate knowledge comes through spending time with Him, allowing Him to shape our hearts, and developing a genuine relationship that goes beyond mere religious activities. When we focus on knowing Jesus rather than just doing things for Him, our actions naturally flow from that relationship rather than from obligation or show.
“A New Nature” | 06/24/2025
When we accept Christ, something profound happens within us. We don't just receive forgiveness; we receive a completely new nature. This isn't about trying harder or gradually becoming better - it's an instant transformation where God's nature becomes our nature. We're not just forgiven sinners struggling to improve; we're new creations with new instincts and desires. Understanding this truth changes how we view ourselves and our daily struggles. We're not fighting to become something new; we're learning to live from the new nature we've already received.
“The Heart of Humility” | 06/25/2025
Jesus revealed something extraordinary about His character - He is gentle and lowly in heart. The King of Kings identifies Himself not by His power or authority, but by His humility and gentleness. This wasn't just a role He played; it was His true nature. As His followers, we're called to embrace this same heart. Humility isn't weakness; it's choosing to serve others regardless of our position or status. It's seeing everyone as valuable and worthy of our service, just as Jesus did.
“The Mind of Christ” | 06/26/2025
As believers, we already possess the mind of Christ. This isn't something we need to achieve; it's something we need to acknowledge and live from. This mind of Christ leads us to view others as more significant than ourselves and to look out for their interests. It's a complete shift from the world's perspective of self-promotion and personal advancement. When we align ourselves with this truth, we find ourselves naturally moving toward serving others, just as Christ did.
“Serving Like Jesus” | 06/27/2025
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of servant leadership when He washed His disciples' feet. This wasn't just about the physical act of foot washing; it was about the King of Kings taking the position of a servant. He showed us that true greatness lies in serving others, regardless of our position or status. When we serve others, we're not just following a command; we're expressing the very nature of Christ within us. Our service becomes a natural expression of who we are in Christ, not just what we do for Him.