Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus..... Craig Denison

 Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Our heavenly Father has made incredible promises to us, his children. And while our God is completely faithful to deliver on his promises, he does not force them on us. He’s promised his nearness, his affections, and an eternal life spent with him. But we have the power to choose our own way. He doesn’t force himself where there’s no space. God’s word won’t have power in our lives if we don’t read it. We won’t hear God effectively if we’re not listening. And we can’t experience his nearness if we constantly fill our lives with other things. So, this week we’re going to talk about different ways we can experience the promises of God so that they might come to full fruition in our lives. May you encounter God powerfully as you grow in fully experiencing the incredible promises of your heavenly Father.

Scripture:“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Devotional:    

One of the best ways to experience the promises of God is to co-labor with him in his purposes of restoration. It’s incredible that God’s plan is to use us, his church, to see his kingdom come to earth. He’s commissioned us to spread the gospel. He’s chosen us to tell of the good news of restored relationship with our Creator.

Matthew 28:16-20 says, “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Jesus shares with us the authority that’s been given to him. God’s made incredible promises to his people, and he wants us to join him in seeing his promises come to fruition.

We get to share with the world a message like Peter’s in Acts 2:38,“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and bring to fruition the promise of Jesus that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17). How incredible! You have the opportunity to see God’s promise of salvation come to those around you through working with God!

You can also co-labor with God in his desire to meet the felt needs of those around you. God says in Deuteronomy 15:11, “There will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” The church in Acts brought about God’s desire to meet needs. Acts 4:34-35 says, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” God longs to use you like he did his church in Acts. You get to work with God in seeing his longing to provide for people come to pass. You get to be the hands and feet of our Savior and co-labor with Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” As the child of God, you’ve been set apart for the works of your Father. You’ve been entrusted with the incredible “message of reconciliation.” There is no other work in life that will fill you with more joy and purpose than seeing God's promises fulfilled through your own hands. What an incredible God we have, that in all his power and wisdom he would choose to use us as his hands and feet. Your God loves you and empowers you for incredible works that will satisfy the desires of your heart and the needs of others. Spend time in his presence today being fueled by his love. Follow the leading of the Spirit as he shows you where he is working and what he would have you do to see his promises come to fruition through your life.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire to use you to bring about his message of reconciliation.

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

2. Ask the Spirit to show you where and how he would have you minister today. Who do you know that needs God’s love today? What can you do to see God's promises come to pass in the lives of others?

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34-35

3. Commit yourself to do what the Lord shows you. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to accomplish the works he’s set before you. Receive his presence and let God’s love fuel you toward all that he has in store for you.

God’s intention is not to burden you with the work he’s set before you. His intention is actually to lead you to a better and more fulfilling life. He knows that you will only be truly satisfied when you partner with him to see his kingdom come to earth. You are meant for good works. You are meant to co-labor with your heavenly Father. Any time you feel burdened, simply cast your cares on God. Ask him to share his heart with you. Minister from his anointing and not your own strength. May you find today a lifestyle of good works that leads you to joy, peace, and purpose in the Spirit.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 5

Our Awesome God..... Dr. Charles Stanley

Our Awesome God

Dr. Charles Stanley

Revelation 4:9-11

In our culture, God’s name is oftentimes mentioned with little reverence. In fact, many people actually use it as a curse. Even among those who love Him, it is far too common to use His name casually, without taking time to ponder who He is. When you say a blessing at mealtimes, for instance, do you realize that you are talking to the almighty Creator God who rules over all things?

Our view of the Lord impacts three areas of life. First, it affects our prayers. As we come to know Him better and better, our desires will start to look like His goals for us, and our petitions will align more closely with His purposes. Furthermore, as we recognize His greatness and power, we’ll become more confident that He can accomplish mighty things—and we will venture to “pray big.”

Second, our understanding of His righteousness and goodness influences our behavior. If God has these attributes, surely it is in our best interest to obey gladly. We will desire righteousness and be quick to repent of sin.

Third, our faith is impacted. Grasping that Jesus is holy, good, and powerful grows our trust in Him. Knowing our awesome God and remembering His great works will further build our confidence in Him.

Do you personally know our loving and holy heavenly Father? He invites you into an intimate relationship with Him. But, as with any good friendship, time and intentionality are necessary to understand Him and learn His ways. The more you do that, the more your prayers, behavior, and faith will be impacted.

When Your Fear Reignites..... CINDY BULTEMA

 When Your Fear Reignites

CINDY BULTEMA

“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

Seven suspicious garage fires within a span of weeks ignited fear in our quiet neighborhood. We practiced fire drills with our children, put safety ladders in position and triple checked our smoke alarms. We were mentally and physically exhausted. Sleep doesn’t come easy when your bedroom is above a garage!

Just when we started to relax — with no fire for 17 days — fire trucks, police cars and soul-splitting sirens filled our street. It was 2:30 a.m. when new flames, only five doors down, reignited old fears.

Has anything ever shaken or reignited fears you thought were in your past? Maybe it’s another affair or an addiction relapse. Or perhaps you received a devastating report from a child’s teacher or your doctor after you hoped a permanent corner had been turned. Maybe what has you shaking with fear isn’t what’s within your home but in today’s headlines. The pandemic and political tension re-escalated your anxiety and wound you tight to new levels of worry.

Fear can breathe down our necks, bind to our looping worrisome thoughts and boss us around. The main thing that will break us free from fear is truth! And the truth is …

We need not fear when God is near.

That was King David’s story. In the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, we see what shook David. He knew the fear of facing lions, bears and a giant named Goliath who wanted to feed David to the wild animals for lunch. David knew what it was to run for his life from the people who should have been for him — including his father-in-law and his very own son. In the shakes and quakes, David discovered truth.

You see, sometimes God shakes us to wake us.

David was shaken wide awake to God’s presence. In Psalm 16:8, David wrote, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (NIV).

David’s focus became his unshakeable foundation. His perspective became his peace. He lost his fear when his focal point shifted from those who were against him to the One who was with him. He saw that God was near!

After the eighth fire in our neighborhood, I struggled to see through my tears and fears. A mentor lovingly said, “Cindy, you have a choice. You can choose to stay stuck or choose to see God’s hand.”

It wasn’t easy, but slowly, this reminder changed everything. Instead of concentrating on my fear-filled circumstances, I looked for God’s hand. I saw God’s presence in those who prioritized nightly prayer walks. I saw God’s kindness and love as people encouraged and looked out for one another, and though property was destroyed, every life was spared. Wow.

To this day, I clasp a bracelet on my right wrist as a reminder of God’s unbreakable promise: The world may shake, but I will not. God is with me, He is for me, and I am loved.

Friend, so are you! Our world will always quake, and fear will always be a liar. But you can stand certain in all the uncertainties and unshakeable in our shaking world as you remember truth. You need not fear when you choose to see that God is near. With Him at your right hand, you will not be shaken!

Lord God, help us to sense Your nearness even in the midst of our most painful days. Thank You that because Your promises are unbreakable, we can stand unshakeable. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 41:10a, "So do not fear, for I am with you …” (NIV)

Psalm 118:6a, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.” (NIV)

Hebrews 12:28, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (NIV)

Believing God Is for Us (Romans 8:31)..... By Lynette Kittle

 Believing God Is for Us (Romans 8:31)

By Lynette Kittle

Today's Bible Verse: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31

Constantly changing events and breaking headlines can cause us to feel anxious and concerned about how our lives will be affected, worried by what’s taking place in our nation and communities. It can seem like our whole world has been turned upside down, especially if we’ve been faithfully praying for different outcomes, ones we believe are God’s will and in line with biblical truth.

When we see different results happening than what we were praying and hoping for, we may feel like God let us down, dashing our hopes and leaving us disillusioned.

Our disappointment can be difficult to navigate, and it takes time to recover. This is a journey that causes some to spiral down in despair and feel disconnected, unloved, and abandoned by God.

These heartbreaking feelings of defeat can shake a person’s faith to the very core. It can cause much doubt and questioning as to whether or not God really cares about what happens to us.

In times like these, the enemy swoops in to try and turn hearts against God, telling us untruths to doubt His faithfulness and His Word, to lead us to despair and to go off course in our walk with Him.

But we don’t have to follow his devious lead. Psalm 136 reassures us over and over again that God's love never fails.

4 Truths to Tell Yourself for Daily Reassurance

Because God is truly for us, we don’t have to wonder day-by-day whether it’s true or not but can look to His word to daily reassure ourselves. Below are four Scriptures to help us believe God is for us.

1. Remember Who lives within us. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the One who is in the world.”

The enemy tries to tell us we have been forgotten by God but 1 John 4:4 reminds us where we come from and whom we serve.

2. Dwell on God’s faithfulness. Psalm 108:4 explains, “For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Chaotic times urge us to take our eyes off God and look at what’s going on around us. But rather than focus on earthly circumstances, we can dwell on all the ways He has shown His faithfulness to us all throughout our lives.

3. Consider God’s love. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22,23).

Although the world offers a kind of love that fluctuates on people’s up-and-down feelings, here one day and gone the next, God’s love for us remains steadfast.

4. Believe God is with us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Even when the world around us is shaken, God will not abandon us.

Born Blind..... by Ryan Duncan

 Born Blind

by Ryan Duncan

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” – John 9:3

One of my favorite Bible stories appears in John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. Take a moment to read the following:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam"(this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. – John 9:1-8

Every time I read this, I can’t help but wonder what went through the mind of the blind man when he heard Jesus. All his life people have been telling him he’s cursed, that his blindness is punishment for some sin his family committed. Then, in a single moment, Christ turns his world around. Not only does he absolve him of guilt in front of the disciples, he announces that God is going to display his glory through a blind man’s life. Many people read this story and think it’s all about how Jesus healed his sight, but I believe it’s more about how Christ restored his soul.

Too often we Christians are like the Pharisees of old. We look at people, find something in their life that isn’t quite perfect, and make a note of how much they "need God." What we’re really saying is, "Look at how messed up this person is, you know it’s because they’ve turned away from God." Just like the disciples did. If you ever find yourself tempted to think that, beware. While the story of John 9 ends with one man receiving sight, it also ends with some who are still blind.

“Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." – John 9:35-39

Intersecting Faith and Life: “The gospel declares that no matter how dutiful or prayerful we are, we can't save ourselves. What Jesus did was sufficient.” ~Brennan Manning

Further Reading

John 13:34-35

A Prayer for the Mom Who Is Weary..... By Christina Fox

 A Prayer for the Mom Who Is Weary

By Christina Fox

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

My life over the past twelve months has been like a roller coaster ride and at my age, I don't do roller coasters anymore. I sit on the bench next to the ride and wait for my kids to go through the tortuous up and down, inside out, upside down, and sometimes backward journey until they disembark and come to tell me how awesome it was. Though I stay off the rides at the theme park, my own life has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. These many months have been a time of change, loss, answered prayer, heartache, joy, and fear. There have been new experiences, unexpected opportunities, and dreams come true. I never knew what to expect from one day to the next; all I could do what hold on tight.

I feel the same way about motherhood. Life as a mom often feels like a roller coaster ride. Just when I get used to a new stage in my children's development, they change. The unexpected twists and turns in the daily life of motherhood is exhausting. I always feel inadequate and unprepared. Like going on a new ride at the theme park, I never know when the next big drop will come. I wake up wondering: Will they get along today? Will anyone get hurt and have to go to the emergency room? Will we have to cancel our plans because of an unexpected virus they caught from another child? Will homeschool go smoothly or be a long, drawn-out ordeal? Will I have the patience I need? What craziness will the day hold?

Scripture says that those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength (Isa 40:31). I need my strength renewed, don't you? One of the ways we can practically trust the Lord and receive his mercy, grace, and strength, is through prayer.

If you are a weary mom, this prayer is for you:

Dear Father in Heaven,

I come before you weary and beat down by this long day. Being a mother can be so hard! I often feel helpless and inadequate. I never know what to expect. I often don't know what to do. The constant change leaves me reeling. The twists and turns of each day is a glaring reminder of how needy and dependent I am.

The book of Hebrews tells me I can come to you in confidence and find the grace and mercy I need. And so I come to you now to lay all these burdens at your feet. I feel so overwhelmed by the details of life. It seems like I can never get ahead. Just when I clean up one mess, another one pops up somewhere else. Just when I think I know what I am doing as a mom, my child enters a new age and stage. Just when I think I have a steady routine in place, someone gets sick or hurt. Some days I wonder if I’m really cut out for motherhood.

I know I failed to glorify you today. I failed to love as you love me. I failed to extend the grace you’ve given me to my children. Forgive me for striving in my own strength. Forgive me for my fears over all the unknowns of motherhood. Forgive me for putting my hope in things, circumstances, or in my own strength rather than in you. Forgive me for my impatience and for wanting life to go my way. Each of these sins and failures reminds me of just how much I need a Savior. Today reminds me that I need Jesus more than I did yesterday and that tomorrow I will need him even more.

I pray that tomorrow you would be with me in all ups and downs of my day. Help me to find my joy in you and not in my circumstances. Help me not to fear whatever twists and turns may come. Help me to love my children and serve them well. Help me to enjoy each moment with them and not spend my time worrying about the next moment to come. May I remember that even when it feels otherwise, you are always with me and will never leave me or forsake me. Tonight, may I sleep in peace knowing that even when I lose my grip, you never let go of me. And may I open my eyes in the morning to find mercy, fresh and new, ready for the taking.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Your Dead Will Live..... by Debbie Holloway

 Your Dead Will Live

by Debbie Holloway

“Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy” (Isaiah 26:19).

In Luke’s account of Christ’s resurrection, angels proclaimed to the women: "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (24:5-6). This joyous news must have taken them off guard. After all, they came to Jesus’ tomb bearing burial spices with which to anoint the lifeless body of their Lord. Instead, they find dazzling angels standing watch next to an empty tomb, and hear news that they will never find Christ in a place of death and darkness.

As Easter draws closer, have you considered which aspects of your life God wants to breathe life into?

Family

Many of us have strained familial relationships that seem only to worsen when we get together for meals and services around the holidays. Do you pray for the members of your family regularly? Are you willing to open up your heart to start loving them the way God loves each and every one of them? Remember,

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Friendships

If Christ’s work on the cross teaches us anything about friendships, it’s that forgiveness and grace trumps all. After all, mere hours before his gruesome death, Jesus was ignored, abandoned, denied, and betrayed by his closest friends. He could have equally been speaking of Peter, a man in his inner circle, when he begged on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Yet, even after being left alone and misunderstood, Christ still made the ultimate act of love for his friends (and the world).

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Work

Often our “good” side is saved for our friends and loved ones, while our places of work get the short (or grumpy) end of the stick. As you ponder the work Christ did on the cross, and the glory of his resurrection, remember that our work can be a beautiful echo of his perfect work, holy and pleasing to God.

“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:10-12).

Intersecting Faith and Life: What area of your life needs to come alive in honor of Easter? How can you seek Christ daily in your relationships and duties?