Acquiring Wisdom..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Acquiring Wisdom

Dr. Charles Stanley

Proverbs 4:20-27

The most obvious source of godly wisdom is the Bible. You cannot think of a question or life circumstance about which God’s Word is silent. His principles for right character, conduct, and conversation apply to every situation and decision confronting human beings.

We’re all able to recall times when we didn’t respond wisely. Those incidents can be traced back to one of two possibilities—either we didn’t know a certain biblical principle or we knew the principle that applied but chose to ignore or violate it. To ensure that we’ are familiar with God’s standards and the importance of following them, we’ve got to dig into His Word.

For example, suppose that you walk into the office and a coworker verbally assaults you with undeserved blame for a costly mistake. Your flesh and the world would have you respond in kind with anger and malice. But Luke 6:27-29 offers a different approach, that might go something like this: “Is there anything else? Thank you for telling me how you feel” (spoken gently). 

Knowledge comes from learning biblical principles; wisdom has to do with applying them. The Lord cautions us to keep His Word in our heart and in our heads so that we will heed His instructions (Ps. 119:11; Prov. 8:33).

Wisdom is acquired as we pursue the Christian life—absorbing Scripture, doing what it says, and observing the result, which is for our good even when consequences appear less than favorable. Special classes aren’t required; God simply wants obedient hearts and a willing spirit.

Live in Harmony..... Craig Denison

 Live in Harmony

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

This week we’re going to take a look at seven principles found in Romans 12 which describe the marks of a true Christian. The intent of studying this passage is not to condemn or lead you to comparison. Instead, let Paul’s teaching fill you with a deep, transformative longing to wholeheartedly pursue the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you, to see the grace he’s placed upon your life by the blood of Jesus so that you might walk more fully in the power and anointing of the Spirit. Open your heart to God, and let him do a mighty work in you. He is near to you, ready to mold and shape you into a disciple filled with and fueled by his incredible love. May you discover God’s grace and perspective this week as you examine your life in light of this powerful passage of Scripture.

Scripture:“Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16

Devotional:    

Harmony in music is this beautiful, fleeting occurrence that most singers and musicians work their entire lives to continuously experience. It requires diligence, patience, humility, and unity between people pursuing the same goal of making beautiful music. And when musical harmony is achieved, it touches not only those singing or playing, but everyone listening as well. Living in harmony with one another in everyday life isn’t too different than musical harmony. For most of us it’s a target just as elusive and fleeting. But like musical harmony, it’s worth fighting for. Like musical harmony, it produces joy and life in those who pursue it and touches those around them. All throughout the New Testament, we find exhortations to live life in unified, harmonious community. Scripture is clear that unity in the body is foundational to the Christian life. So, let’s look more deeply today at how we can grow in unity and open our hearts to the Spirit’s work to fill us with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with one another. Romans 12:16-20 says:

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Not only does Paul offer us the important exhortation to live in harmony, but he also provides practical ways to achieve harmony. Romans 12 teaches us that harmony requires humility, grace, the pursuit of peace, not fighting for our own justice, and blessing those who hurt us. What would our communities, churches, and families look like if we all committed ourselves to these virtues? What would your relationships look like if you strived to obey these commands? God doesn’t ask you and me to pursue these virtues; he commands us. It is a command because God knows that pursuing a life lived in harmony with one another will lead us to the abundance of joy, peace, and purpose we are created to experience. As our good Father, he wants his children to experience the peace that can only come from living in harmony with one another.

Not only do unity and harmony provide a better life for all involved, but they also glorify Jesus. Romans 15:5-6 says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we love each other well and offer grace and forgiveness, we demonstrate Christ's power to change hearts to the world. When we live in harmony together, we worship with our lives in one beautiful, unified voice. The power of the gospel is that God will always love us in our pride and transgressions, but he doesn’t intend to leave us there. God works in the hearts of his people, knitting them together in harmony like a beautiful tapestry of transformed lives. You and I are written into the pages of God’s beautiful narrative. We have an important place in his eternal story of redemption. Spend time in God’s presence today allowing him to fill you with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with others. Pursue unity with the people God’s placed in your life. And experience transformation in your relationships as God works through you to produce unity and joy.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s command to live in harmony with others.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Romans 12:16-20

“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

2. Humble yourself and ask the Spirit to mold and shape you into a person who lives out the virtues of Romans 12.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8

3. Now ask the Spirit for specific ways you can pursue harmony with others. Whom could you invite over for a meal to hear their story? Whom can you bless who has hurt you in the past? Whom could you associate yourself with that the world deems "lowly?" How can you honor that person you always seem to disagree with?

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

When you remove from yourself the burden of appearances, you will experience a joy and peace that cannot be found in any other lifestyle than humility. Caring what people think is exhausting! Climbing the ladder in your work, society, or relationships will never lead you to more satisfaction. There will always be another step to take, always another person to surpass. Choose to pursue harmony, unity, and love with those around you. Count them as more significant than yourself. If you will live your life in the pursuit of glorifying God instead of yourself, you will gain more satisfaction in this life than 10,000 lifetimes lived selfishly could produce.

Extended Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Feel Like You’ve Messed Up Recently?..... CRYSTAL PAINE

 Feel Like You’ve Messed Up Recently?

CRYSTAL PAINE

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

“It doesn’t matter how you played. It matters that you did your best.”

This is what I told my then 7-year-old son, Silas, as we walked to the car after a baseball game. He was feeling discouraged that he had made multiple errors in the outfield, which allowed the other team to get a few runs and ultimately win.

“Did you do your best?” I asked him.

“Yes, I did,” he replied confidently.

“Well, then you have nothing to be ashamed of or frustrated about. And regardless of how you played out there, I am and will always be proud of you.”

Parenting often reminds me of how much I am loved by my heavenly Father. On those days when I stumble at life and make some big mistakes, He isn’t standing there angry, frustrated and upset that I failed. He isn’t mad at me when I don’t have a home-run day.

His love and favor aren’t based upon my performance — or even any action of mine at all. “… while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV).

I am loved. Period. Not because of who I am (or am not) or what I’ve done (or haven’t done), but because of who He is and what He’s done.

It’s my natural tendency as a parent to spend a lot of time worrying about my kids. I’ve lain awake at night worrying: Am I spending enough time with them? Are they eating healthfully enough? Did I ask her the right questions in our conversation? Does she feel loved enough? Should I have responded to him like that?

These worries can turn into full-blown anxiety, and I can quickly spiral into a place of beating myself up and feeling so much shame and guilt as a mom. Thankfully Jesus doesn’t turn His back on me when I mess up. Instead He invites me near:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Jesus is whispering to me, “You are free. When I died on that cross, it was for you. It was for your mistakes and your mess-ups. It was so you don’t have to carry around the weight of guilt and shame and feelings of ‘not doing enough.’ Rest in Me. Let Me be adequate where you feel inadequate. Trust Me in the messy, broken spaces. Look to Me when you don’t know how to respond or what the next step is. Lean on Me when you feel overwhelmed with this job I’ve given you to raise these humans. Stop stressing, worrying, striving and trying so hard. I came to give you life and hope and joy. Rest in Me. You are free!”

This freedom ‒ and truly understanding it and living out of it – has completely changed my life. I don’t have to parent (or live!) out of shame, guilt or the desire to impress others.

I don’t know where you are at today or what you might be struggling with. But I know this: Jesus is offering this freedom to you as well.

You don’t have to carry around the weight of trying to be enough or do enough. You don’t have to try harder, be more, do more or prove your worth to attain God’s love.

In Christ, you are redeemed, chosen, forgiven and loved. You can rest in Christ’s amazing love for you ‒ even on those days when you fail, fall and make mistakes.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me ‒ even when I mess up and make mistakes. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I don’t have to carry around the weight of feeling like I am not enough. Let me rest in Your love, and let me be so filled up by Your love that it spills out to everyone who bumps into me today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 John 3:1a, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (ESV)

Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus …” (KJV)

Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm..... By Christina Patterson

 Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm

By Christina Patterson

“LORD, you are the God who saves me.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

One of the most difficult seasons we can endure is when we feel God is silent, especially if we're already going through challenging situations. When it seems everything is going wrong and your Help seems to be nowhere in sight, it leaves a person feeling forgotten, in disparity, and simply rejected.

Our major frustrations from these seasons come not from simply being in this pit but thinking that God's silence means His absence.

If this is you, you're not alone. The author of Psalm 88 has not only been through this type of heartbreaking situation, he wrote about. Psalm 88 appears to be one of the saddest and most dismal chapters in the Bible. Check it out and I'm sure you'll agree.

The writer expresses feelings of being overwhelmed, cut off, forgotten, grieved, rejected, terrified, and despaired. Worst of all, he is crying out to God wondering where God is in all his suffering. The Psalm ends saying, "darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18 NIV).

However, the hope this Psalm offers is not in its ending, but in its beginning.

“LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

Before his laundry list of everything that's going wrong, the Psalmist acknowledges that there is hope for salvation in the Lord, even when God appears silent. We learn that just because God is silent does not mean He is absent, and it certainly does not mean He is not working behind the scenes on our behalf. Do not be deceived by the darkness in your life, it is never greater than where your help comes from.

Even when you feel you are in a pit, as the writer of Psalm 88 describes, God is there with you. Four times in this Psalm the writer calls out to God. His plea reminds me of Jesus on the cross crying out in his darkest moment to the Father.

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? - Matthew 27:46 NIV

I want to ask, do you think God stopped loving Jesus because He was on the cross? Was Jesus’ suffering a sign God dismissed His Son?

Absolutely not!

If God didn't stop loving Jesus on the cross then no matter what dark season you are in He has not, and will not stop loving you. And if He's promised to never leave you for forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) please trust He's right in the darkness with you friend. He walks through the valley of the show of death with us (Psa 23:4). We may not always feel or hear God but we can always believe His promise is greater than our darkness.

This dark season pushed the writer of Psalm 88 closer to God. He was not calling out to another person or thing for help. He called out to the One he knew could save. This Psalm reminds us that our dark seasons don't serve to show us that God is absent but how desperately we need His presence.

The Psalmist felt his life was near death so he cries out to the very One who raises the dead. He does not look for salvation from people or things. When you're near death you cry out to the One who overcame death.

There is purpose in your pain and hope in you dark season to push you to the light. I encourage you to do just as the writer of Psalm 88. Call out to God and wait for Him to show Himself greater. In my own experience, I've learned that sometimes God empties us so He can fill us back up. Sometimes He's silent so we can learn to listen. Sometimes He allows darkness so we can see that He is the true light of our life.

What the Enemy Intends for Evil, God Will Use for Good..... By Debbie McDaniel

 What the Enemy Intends for Evil, God Will Use for Good

By Debbie McDaniel

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20

What The Enemy Meant for Evil

At just 16 yrs. of age, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and taken from his British homeland to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He worked in the fields as a shepherd for 6 years under terribly harsh conditions, until God miraculously provided a way of escape for him to flee. As difficult as that time must have been, it was during those lonely years of enslavement, where he faced hunger, freezing temperatures, and pain, that he met with God, and found deep closeness in His Presence through prayer and meditation.

Who would have ever dreamed of how God would turn around this tragedy for good?

After months back at home, recuperating and seeking direction for his future plans, St. Patrick felt strongly led to go back to Ireland. He knew God had brought him there for a purpose and he was burdened to share Christ with a lost nation.

History tells us that thousands were saved. Revival broke out among this pagan people, lives were changed, as many came to know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Though God is not the author of evil in our world, and though often He does choose to shelter and protect us from the evil attacks of the enemy on our lives, sometimes…He takes us straight through dark seasons. And it’s never to leave us there for no purpose. He will always have a purpose and hope through what we may experience, however difficult it may be. He will always be faithful to bring greater good.

Both the lives of St. Patrick and Joseph in the Bible remind us of this truth. Sold into slavery, held captive, and imprisoned, yet set free for the “saving of many lives.”

God Will Turn It For Good

If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. Somehow. He is faithful to His Word, and He is crazy about you. He will see you through, don’t ever doubt it. You will step out to the other side of the darkness. And who knows, but that many lives may be affected for the kingdom’s sake, because of your difficult season of struggle.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Sometimes the most difficult times we walk through can feel like captivity to our hearts and minds. If you find yourself there today, be assured that God is with you and leading you through. Even if you can’t see how the whole story will unfold, His plans for us are good, He gives hope and purpose. Choose to thank Him today that He will turn your struggle around for good. Pray that He will use it as a blessing in your life and for many others to know of His power and great love.

Further Reading:
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
Psalms 84:11

A Prayer of Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer of Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day

By Debbie McDaniel

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Ps. 84:11

In 433 A.D., history tells us that St. Patrick was praying for God’s divine protection in his work and ministry in Ireland while facing powerful enemies. He wrote this prayer called St. Patrick’s Breastplate, which is still widely known and recited today.

God soon opened the door for him to share Christ with the Irish King Laoghaire and his subjects, and allowed him to be a part of bringing them out paganism’s dark hold to the saving power of Jesus Christ. St. Patrick was a man who knew much about darkness, hardship, and enemy territory. He had spent years in slavery after being kidnapped by pirates at age 16. And it was in those years that he later tells how he learned about the Mighty power of God’s Presence and prayer.

The life of St. Patrick is such an example to us still today, that even in the darkest of times, God’s Sovereignty shines over His people. He can’t help but to come to our aid. He can’t help but to bless us and let His favor surround our lives. Because He’s a good and loving God. And nothing escapes His notice. He watches over all, and we can trust that our lives and circumstances are held securely in His hands.

"As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen."

We thank you that your presence is powerful and real even today. We thank that your Word reminds us over and over again, that you are always with us. Thank you that you go before us, and that you cover us from behind. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, that you live within us, bringing life and peace. Thank you for your protection over us, that you surround our lives as a shield. Thank you for your grace and favor, for your blessings and love that you so graciously shine over your people. We look to you today, our Lord and Savior, our Rock and Redeemer. Our trust and security are in you alone. Though things may often feel uncertain around us, though struggles may mount up and we feel like we’re facing enemy ground, though darkness tries hard to steal our joy away, we choose to rest in you. Thank you Lord that you are our firm foundation. We walk in your strength and victory, as you pave out our paths, and lead our way. We praise you that you bless us and keep us, that you make your face shine over us. We love you Lord. We hold on to your truth, and rely on your presence in us, and around us.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

6 Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ..... By Jim Burns

 6 Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

By Jim Burns

If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. —1 Corinthians 15:17

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead, your faith is in vain. But you can be assured that the good news is true. Jesus Christ “was buried [and] he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Throughout the ages, skeptics have tried to disprove the Resurrection experience, but it stands the test of time. Here are six proofs that Jesus actually rose from the dead:

First Proof— The Resurrection was foretold by Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. —Matthew 16:21

Second Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for His empty tomb.

Joseph brought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. —Mark 15:46

Third Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the appearance of Jesus Christ to his disciples.

He was buried…raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and…appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to…me also, as to one abnormally born. —1 Corinthians 15:4-8

Fourth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the beginning of the Christian Church.

This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. —Acts 2:23-24

Fifth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the transformation of the disciples. The disciples went into hiding in an upper room “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). After seeing and talking with Jesus for approximately six weeks, they went out to “turn the world upside down” (see Acts 17:6), fearlessly proclaiming Jesus Christ (also see Acts 3:12-26; 4:1-33; 8:4; 17:6).

Sixth Proof— The witness of the apostle Paul and the transformation of his life, can be reasonably explained only because of the resurrection of Christ. “Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 9:22).

GOING DEEPER:

1. Reread 1 Corinthians 15:17. Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead?
2. Why are these six proofs important to your faith and life?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 4:25; 5:6-8

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