By Denise Trio “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV) In this devotional series, we’re talking about “the good life.” In today’s verse, we’ll be taking a look at the power of community. In the verses that precede verse 16, James writes about the prayer of faith. He encourages believers to pray if they’re in trouble. He instructs those who are happy to praise. He tells those who are sick to be anointed and prayed over. He promises that those who have sinned will be forgiven. Again, in today’s Scripture, in the context of community, we can see that confession is designed to happen. While some don't practice the discipline of confession as formally as others in the faith, there’s something powerful that happens when we confess our sins with other people in order to be made right with God. There is mutual accountability and responsibility when we pray for each other. As the apostle Peter writes, we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession . . .” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). So, we can see there’s also authority in the act of confession. Finally, James tells us to confess so that we may be healed. Wow, there is healing and freedom in confession! It’s like the release valve is depressed and the pressure and weight of sin that we’ve carried is removed. In the second part of today’s verse, we see that righteous people have powerful and effective prayers, which begs the question, “Who are righteous people?” On first thought, they might be giants of the faith like Noah, Abraham, Moses, or Elijah. But, they could also be our pastors and ministry leaders. For more context, let’s look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV), which says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus, whom God sent, came and exchanged our sin for His righteousness on the cross. This is the beautiful exchange! This is the gospel.

By Danny Saavedra “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (HCSB) I’m what you call a “gym rat.” One thing I’ve found in my years of working out is there’s a kinship at the gym. If someone sees you struggling to get that last rep up, they’ll walk over and spot you; they’ll help you carry the weight. I remember one time I was doing shoulder presses and the weight was too much on the last rep. A kind fellow came over and helped me finish my set. When I was done, he said, “I’m here when you need me; my strength is yours, brother!” I think about that moment a lot, and every time I do, it makes me think of the Church. Every time I recall the way he rushed over to carry the weight with me, to make his strength my strength, I see what we as disciples are commanded to do for one another. The way he so quickly, without hesitation, dropped what he was doing and rushed to my side . . . that’s what we should do for one another. Seriously, there should be no hesitation, no second thoughts or questioning. We shouldn’t have to check our schedules or “pray about it” to see whether or not God wants us to help our brethren carry their burdens . . . because He always does! How do I know? Because it’s how we fulfill the law of Christ! The word here is nomon, which means, “Divine law; a force or influence driving or propelling one to action.” This law of Christ demands we love one another (John 13:34) and carry one another’s burdens the way He carried and bore our cross. It’s the new commandment He gave us, the distinguishing law of our Redeemer. And there’s truly no better way to fulfill it than to carry one another’s burdens, to be your brother’s or sister’s spotter, to make their burden your burden, to make your strength their strength as you draw strength from Christ. The law of Christ doesn’t leave room for us to spot others at our own convenience or to sit back and “pray about it.” This law calls for action; for us to share in the load of others trials, suffering, illnesses, financial hardships, grief, loss, rejection, persecution, insecurity, instability, and everything in between. It calls us to counsel, exhort, pray, and cry along with others.

Hey ladies and gents! 📖 I have uploaded PDF devotionals for you guys to read daily: - Soul Society's WOMAN OF GOD CHALLENGE 12-Week Devotional - Crucible's MAN OF GOD BOOTCAMP 12-Week Devotional 👩🏻‍💻 HOW TO ACCESS: Just click the "Classroom" tab > "Resources Library" > Download the PDF to your phone and it will prompt you daily on a devotional reading with journal & prayer prompts! ✍🏻 DAILY DEVO CHALLENGE: After completing Week 1 Day 1, select your favorite journal prompt and share it in the "DOD" section. Include your personal reflection and key takeaways to inspire accountability and encourage daily engagement with the Word. Be sure to respond to another member’s reflection as well, fostering spiritual connection and community! Then rinse & repeat every day so it becomes a natural rhythm for you 🙏🏻

I made a post about what the haters have been saying since opening our Christian Gym & need your help sharing the TRUTH about what it looks like to invite Jesus into our gym & what this community has done for you! Please like this post once you see it & respond a testimony in the reels comments 👇🏻 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHHIl-XR9qy/?igsh=YzRlNnFlNDZ0djZh