Back to School Kickoff 2024 Devotion

Introduction:

Thank you for coming!

Back to school

Different emotions:

Excitement

Sad

Indifferent (Meh)

Different emotions, same reality

What do?

What does God want?

Main point: Pursue intentionality

Body:

Colossians 3:23–24 NLT

23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Main point: Pursue intentionality

Have a willing spirit

Q. What does it mean to have a willing spirit or attitude?

Going beyond just doing something because you have to

Lots of us do stuff just because we have to

Appointments, practice, etc.

School is at top of list

Moving from obligation to duty

From “have to” to “get to”

Doesn’t mean you need to be excited every morning;

Just means that you should change your perspective

Less complaining

Need to vent sometimes

But overall willing attitude

Seeing the glass as half full

What’s it gonna take?

Main point: Pursue intentionality

Have a willing spirit

Make it about God

Q. Why do you have to go back to school?

Parents, government, etc.

Ultimately ordained by God

From obligation to opportunity

An opportunity to worship

Your time and commitment = an offering

Multiple examples:

Sharing the Gospel

Trusting God amidst the mess (He’s got it!)

Working hard bc He deserves it

Not legalism; offereing

Main point: Pursue intentionality

Have a willing spirit

Make it about God

Keep your eye on the prize

One day, no more school

The prize = Heaven

We don’t earn it

We anticipate it

Might as well put your all into it

E.G. getting tired at the end of a marathon, but pushing through it

Heaven = awesome

Look forward to it by living intentionally

Final Takeaways/Challenges

Lean into your faith like never before this school year

If haven’t accept Christ

If have, grow in your faith

Here at EBC: Spiritual Gains series

Grayson Ephesians Inductive Bible Study

Let’s make the most of it!

PRAY