Video Bible Lesson - Should I Fight or be Still? by Debbie Holloway

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

02/24/2020

Should I Fight or be Still?
by Debbie Holloway

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! (Psalms 119:4)
Do you often find yourself confused, unsure of how to best live according to God’s will? This is a struggle for me. Should I speak or stay silent? Will this action offend or edify? Is this a time for action or inaction? Should I fight? Or should I stay still?
Though every situation is different and every person unique, the Bible paints both stillness and action as pleasing to the LORD, depending on the variables at hand.
One example is when the Israelites were fleeing from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The LORD had fought for them in Egypt by displaying horrors and miracles through Aaron and Moses. Finally their oppressors relented and the Israelites were free – but not for long. Pharaoh changed his mind, and Exodus tells the account of their suspenseful chase after the newly freed slaves. “What have you done to us?” the people cried to Moses (Exodus 14:11). They knew there was nothing they could do to protect themselves from the mighty King of Egypt.
But then God made his will known through Moses. No, the Israelites would not be able to defeat Pharaoh.
But the LORD did not ask them to.
“The LORD will fight for you,” Moses proclaimed. “You need only to be still.”
But there are other times, are there not? Times when we have the choice to stretch out our hands to either right or wrong, and there is no in-between. Paul writes to Timothy,
“But you, man of God…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Sometimes we must fight. And make no mistake; this is not a direct call to fist-fights or military service. It is a direct command to use the Ephesians 6:10. We must fight to keep righteousness in our own lives, refusing choices which lead to sin and death. We must fight for love, which means making really hard choices and overcoming our natural selfish inclinations. We must fight for endurance, keeping promises, covenants, and our integrity in a way worthy of Christ Jesus.
Sometimes God calls us to fight, and sometimes he tells us to be still. How can we decipher it?
Sometimes it will be hard. But from these passages, I would risk saying that God knows when we are facing a foe that’s too big for us. Sometimes we ache and long to fight, but we know the battle is beyond us, out of our hands. It is those times we must remember that God is a God of the weak, the poor, and the broken. The LORD will fight for you. You need only to be still.
Other times we can and must fight. When we are faced with injustice, and we have some measure of control, we must fight for the small ones. When we are faced with personal crises, we must fight for our children, parents, marriages, relationships, churches – not against them. We must use every weapon in our spiritual arsenals to build the Kingdom of God and protect it from the ever-watchful forces of darkness. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance. Fight the good fight.
Intersecting Faith and Life: What are you struggling with now in your life, or your walk with the LORD? Spend some time in prayer to see whether God wants you to fight, or lay down your weapons and give the battle to him.
Futher Reading:
Ephesians 6:10
Exodus 14:1
Hebrews 12:3

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert

Many came to him and began to say, “John performed no miraculous sign, but everything John said about this man was true!” (John 10:41)

You may be very discontented with yourself. You are no genius, have no brilliant gifts, and are inconspicuous for any special faculty. Mediocrity is the law of your existence. Your days are remarkable for nothing but sameness and insipidity. Yet you may live a great life.

John did no miracle, but Jesus said that among those born of women there had not appeared a greater than he.

John’s main business was to bear witness to the Light, and this may be yours and mine. John was content to be only a voice, if men would think of Christ.

Be willing to be only a voice, heard but not seen; a mirror whose surface is lost to view, because it reflects the dazzling glory of the sun; a breeze that springs up just before daylight, and says, “The dawn! the dawn!” and then dies away.

Do the commonest and smallest things as beneath His eye. If you must live with uncongenial people, set to their conquest by love. If you have made a great mistake in your life, do not let it becloud all of it; but, locking the secret in your breast, compel it to yield strength and sweetness.

We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him; and, of my part, I shall be satisfied if no great mausoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls shall gather there when I am gone, and say,

“He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself.”
—George Matheson

“God calls many of His most valued workers from the unknown multitude” (Luke 14:23).

A True Servant.........Dr. Charles Stanley

A True Servant

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 13:1-15

Do you equate success with wealth, acclaim, and power? If we measured by these standards, then Jesus, who was rejected by His community and didn't even have a house of His own, was a failure. But, of course, we know that's not the case. So God must use something other than these worldly goals to define success. In fact, Scripture is clear that Jesus Christ is our example--we should strive to be like Him.

So, what exactly was our Savior's mission? In today's passage, we see the answer through His actions: He came to serve. The disciples, wanting recognition and reward, were arguing about who'd be the greatest in heaven. In contrast, Jesus took off His outer garment and performed the task of the lowliest servant: He washed the dirty feet of His followers. The next day, Almighty God was crucified by His own creation. In allowing this, He offered salvation to all--even those who nailed Him to a cross.

Jesus deserved glory but chose sacrifice and pain. And He asks that we follow His example of service. With the exception of Judas, His disciples obeyed. In fact, they all faced great difficulty and most died brutal deaths because of their faith. But they willingly walked the path of humility because of what Jesus had taught them: "The last shall be first, and the first last" (Matt. 20:16).

How do you spend your resources and time? And which topics dominate your thoughts and conversation? These are a few indicators of the driving goals in your life. You may long for worldly recognition, but God has a higher calling for His children. Ask Him to foster a servant's attitude in your heart.

The Courage to Proceed

The Courage to Proceed
TRACIE BRAYLOCK

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

The traffic patterns were changing daily as construction continued on our local expressway.

Traffic was moving freely on both sides, so it was odd to see a long line of vehicles on the on-ramp waiting to enter the traffic flow.

From my passenger seat, I searched for a reason for the backup.

A woman was slowly driving her car down the ramp. She then got to the end of the ramp where her lane opened onto the expressway, and she came to a complete stop.

There didn’t appear to be anything wrong with her car. And it seemed as though she didn’t notice the blaring horns from the vehicles behind her.

She was paralyzed, unable to proceed with this new traffic pattern in front of her.

As we continued on our journey, I wondered how many people were impacted by her fear and hesitation and who would miss important moments because she refused to move forward. I also wondered how long it took her to gather the courage to move into the flow of traffic.

Seeing her unwillingness to proceed because of the confusing construction illustrated an important point: Second-guessing your decisions because of how a situation appears not only halts your progress, but causes a ripple effect on the community around you.

The path she was on was surrounded by construction trucks, barrels and repositioned lines so she decided to stop, delaying everyone from reaching their destinations.

As God says in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

It’s such a relief to know that because God is right there with you, you can proceed with confidence toward your goals and destinations, even when life’s circumstances change.

Yes, the job loss, divorce papers or strong-willed children may be unexpected and bring a bit of chaos into your journey, but they aren’t meant to completely stop you in your tracks.

No matter what things look like, you can courageously face stressful situations and life’s alternative traffic patterns knowing that God is right beside you.

So don’t dread the changes, doubt your decisions or fear the future. Instead, proceed courageously.

She was paralyzed, unable to proceed with this new traffic pattern in front of her.

As we continued on our journey, I wondered how many people were impacted by her fear and hesitation and who would miss important moments because she refused to move forward. I also wondered how long it took her to gather the courage to move into the flow of traffic.

Seeing her unwillingness to proceed because of the confusing construction illustrated an important point: Second-guessing your decisions because of how a situation appears not only halts your progress, but causes a ripple effect on the community around you.

The path she was on was surrounded by construction trucks, barrels and repositioned lines so she decided to stop, delaying everyone from reaching their destinations.

As God says in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

It’s such a relief to know that because God is right there with you, you can proceed with confidence toward your goals and destinations, even when life’s circumstances change.

Yes, the job loss, divorce papers or strong-willed children may be unexpected and bring a bit of chaos into your journey, but they aren’t meant to completely stop you in your tracks.

No matter what things look like, you can courageously face stressful situations and life’s alternative traffic patterns knowing that God is right beside you.

So don’t dread the changes, doubt your decisions or fear the future. Instead, proceed courageously.

God’s with you in the rumble, relationships and risks, always ready to navigate any route you take.

Dear God, guide my steps and nudge me forward when I drag my feet, doubt my ability or decide to stop along the way. Help me to courageously face each of life’s circumstances today, knowing that You’re with me wherever I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (ESV)

Psalm 118:5-6, “Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (ESV)

A Prayer for Serving Others With Joy

A Prayer for Serving Others With JoyBy Greg Laurie

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139:14

When I started going to church, it was a whole new world to me. I had no knowledge of the Bible or church in general. I wasn’t raised in the church as a child, although I had been to church a few times. I was unfamiliar with the way Christians thought and reasoned. And I was certainly mystified by the rather cryptic language they used with one another. They spoke of blessing and conviction and burdens and discernment. I wanted to learn the language. I wanted to learn more about the Lord. And, most importantly, I wanted to have this relationship with God. I just couldn’t get enough.

Then there were my old friends. I wanted to be a Christian, I wanted to learn the Bible, and I wanted to know God, but I still wanted to fit in with my friends. To be thought of as a fanatic was the one thing I dreaded above all things. For a short time, I tried desperately to live in both worlds. But I quickly found out that just didn’t work.

God was changing me, and I wanted to reach out to other people with the message of the gospel. I wanted to be used by Him. And as I have often said, next to being a Christian, the greatest joy that I know in this life is serving the Lord. It’s having God direct your steps. It may be preaching, or it may be a one-on-one conversation where the Lord is guiding and directing.

But it amazes me that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God, would condescend to work in our lives and say, “I want to direct you to go over here and do thus and so.” It is the highest privilege conceivable that God would want to use us.

Lord, thank you for letting us work with you to share your joy with the world. Help us not take for granted the gift it is to share you gospel to the nations, and to our neighbors. Help us have eyes to see the needs around us and to respond to those needs in joy and hope. Thank you so much Lord for your love and care over us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Can We Still Worship God if We Aren’t Musical?

Can We Still Worship God if We Aren’t Musical?
By Jennifer Waddle

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23

A few years ago, my youngest son said one of the most impacting things I’ve ever heard.

We were talking about being musical, and he insisted he didn’t want to sing or play an instrument–-or take music lessons of any kind! 

Reluctantly, I realized his interests and talents were different than mine, and in the end, I accepted his decision. But then, in the same conversation, he added something so profound, I still think about it all these years later.

He said, “Mom, I don’t like to sing or play an instrument, but I love worship.”

His statement took me by surprise and really challenged me. Can we really love worship without singing or playing an instrument? Perhaps, Jesus answered this question best the day He sat down by a well and began a conversation with a Samaritan woman.

The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:19-24 NKJV)

With or without music, it is God’s desire that we worship in spirit and in truth. Although singing songs of praise, to the King of Kings, is a beautiful act of worship, so is giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty or choosing to forgive someone in Jesus’ name.

Worship is more than music.

Romans 12:1 reminds us,“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Our entire beings, from head to toe, are presented to God holy and acceptable through the blood of Jesus Christ. And because we are holy and acceptable through Him, we present ourselves back to Him as living sacrifices. Our spiritual acts of worship, which include prayer, Bible reading, and communion with the Lord, may or may not include singing or instruments.

I learned a valuable lesson that day, from a little boy who didn’t want to take music lessons of any kind, but who loved worship just the same! And, more importantly, I’ve learned beautiful lessons from Jesus, the Messiah, who revealed Himself to me, just as He revealed who He was to the woman at the well.

For the woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Starved for Faith and Vision

Starved for Faith and Vision
by John UpChurch

"Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled.” Ezekiel 12:22-23 

For me, Dave was that boss. The guy could make every triumph into misery, every completed project into a diatribe for what didn’t go right. Not chewing you out was his way of complimenting a job well done. And, no, I’m not joking. The guy would fire someone I worked with and then come to me the next day to say, “I fired your little friend.”

And yet, for some reason I never understood, Dave liked me from the beginning. He would never have said that, of course, never admitted to not hating someone. But he did. Even as a lackey intern, he put me in charge of projects way above my pay grade. Even as the newbie, he’d let me in on the big stuff we’d be working on in a few months. My position was only supposed to last 30 days, but Dave kept me there for months by making excuses to his bosses about why I should stay.

To be honest, I hated the work. Here I was an English major who was supposed to be editing and writing and changing the world through prose. But I was afraid of trying for that world-changing job. Instead, I got pushed into IT project management for hospitals, which is really just a nice way of saying that I moved computers and loaded software. Over and over.

But it’s funny what happens between a boss and a peon when you’re wearing scrubs and snatching computers from the ICU. For Dave, those moments brought clarity. In a place where alarms signal dying, he’d tell me about his one-time plans to be an architect and the reasons why it couldn’t happen. His rage would disappear with the code blues and rushing nurses. He dreamed for just a moment.

And then we’d be pushing our carts of equipment to a new wing of the hospital, and the sarcasm flooded in to cover the regret. He’d snap back to the snappiness as if the ICU never happened.

Maybe that’s why Dave liked me. He knew I didn’t want to be in those sterile halls either. He knew this detour felt more like a dead end. I was his earlier self.

When I finally quit, Dave didn’t say goodbye. In fact, he avoided me for much of my two-week notice period. His only words about me were to berate the rest of the team with how the “only competent worker” was leaving.

With him, that meant he approved.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Dave was that boss—a curmudgeon God used to show me how important vision is, how necessary risk can be to following where God leads. He’d stayed in the safety of a career he despised because excuses were easier than fear and faith.

Part of what it means for Christians to let our lights shine is for us to live by faith. We know God can build bridges over chasms—even if we have no idea how. (Sometimes it’s as if He purposefully waits until we’re right on the edge.)

Vision and faith refresh and refill and renew. Those who have lost both need you to show them how to get them back once again.

For Further Reading
Ezekiel 37:1
Hebrews 11:1