Seeking Guidance..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Seeking Guidance

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 25:4-5

When you're facing a decision, whether big or small, it is important to wait upon God for His direction and timing. And though it may sound paradoxical, there are three ways that we can take an active role in the process while we wait.

First, we should examine our heart, asking the Holy Spirit to expose any wrongs. If He brings something to light, it is important to take care of that sin immediately--by confessing, repenting, and doing whatever's needed to correct the situation. At times we push this task aside because the impending decision seems like our main concern. Yet we cannot hear from God or receive His full blessing until we deal with transgression.

Second, when seeking direction, we should listen patiently and attentively for the Lord to give the go-ahead. It can be difficult to wait, especially when emotions or logic lead us to favor one choice.

Third, the answer to our prayer at times requires our involvement. For instance, when people tell me they're out of work and trusting God to provide, I always want to know if they are actively looking for a job. Some are not; they are simply praying. We have responsibility not only to present God with requests and seek His guidance but also to be active in the process. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy.

Prayer is a beautiful privilege that the heavenly Father gives to His children. He desires to lead us into a life of abundance. We should take an active part in seeking His will and listening for His voice. As we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience all that the Lord has for us.

Overcome Evil with Good..... Craig Denison

 Overcome Evil with Good

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

This week we’re going to take a look at seven principles found in Romans 12 that 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:“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Devotional:    

The world is filled with the destruction that sin and separation from God has caused. All around us are signs of the enemy’s hand working tirelessly to keep God’s children from the abundant life our Father longs to give. Even when looking at the state of the church, you see lives still impacted by either their own sin or the sin of others. Reflect for a minute on your own life. What are your struggles? What are the struggles you see in the lives of other believers around you? What about the world around you?

The last command God gives us in the Romans 12 passage we’ve been studying this week says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).The idea of overcoming the world is a consistent concept throughout the entire New Testament. Scripture is clear that through the death of Christ we’ve been given the power and authority to overcome the work of the enemy in our own lives and lead others to freedom. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Conquering the enemy is our destiny as God’s people. In Matthew 10:6-8 Jesus says, “But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”

God gives us an important piece of his battle plan for the war against evil in Romans 12: we are to triumph over our enemy with good as our weapon. God doesn’t fight evil with evil; he fights evil with love. It’s the love of God that will lead you to victory over the enemy in your own life, and it’s God’s love that will be the weapon you use to lead other people to victory as well. God’s goodness will draw you out of pursuing the world and lead you to victory as Revelation 12:11 says, “They loved not their own lives even unto death.” And it is God’s goodness that anoints you to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers” and “cast out demons” as Matthew 10 says. The goodness of God will always be more powerful than the enemy. His love will always triumph over the power of sin.

So, how can you“overcome evil with good” in your own life? James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Because of the authority of your heavenly Father, when you put up a fight with the enemy, you will win. He will flee from you. That’s God’s promise to you. You have victory over the enemy in Christ because “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Greater is the Spirit who lives inside of you than the enemy who wages war against you. Finally, Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Christ has set you free from bondage to the world. But you are free to choose who you submit yourself to. Experiencing consistent victory requires you to submit yourself to God and not to the world. You have to wake up and choose to live every day for God. You have to choose being successful in God’s eyes instead of society’s. You have to choose to live your life in light of eternity. But God promises if you will simply make that choice, he will lead you to victory over sin and its destructive effects and anoint you to help others do the same. In choosing God, you will discover the incredible life he has in store for those “who love God” and “are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Choose God today, and overcome evil with the goodness of restored relationship with your heavenly Father.      

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s promise to you of victory over the enemy.

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

2. Reflect on the areas of your life in which you need to overcome your enemy. Where do you struggle with sin? Where do you need victory today?

3. Now renew your mind to the truth of God’s word while focusing on that area. Use God’s truth as the sword to defeat the lies of your enemy.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Overcoming sin is a daily battle. But it is a battle that’s already won. Experiencing the victory available to you will happen as you spend time with God every day meditating on his word and experiencing his goodness. Choose to place spending time with him above every other priority, and you will walk in victory over your enemy.

Extended Reading: Romans 12

When I Deny Jesus..... LYSA TERKEURST

 When I Deny Jesus

LYSA TERKEURST

“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:72 (NIV)

I don’t doubt God is real and that God is good. But I often pray, “God, give me relief from my unbelief.”

When what He allows into my life does not feel good or seem good to me, this is what I pray. When we assume we know what a good God would do, and He doesn’t do it? That’s when things can start to get a bit complicated. It’s the place where doubts are formed and disappointment grows. The place where we can be tempted to distance ourselves from God with a heart of distrust.

I can’t help but think about Peter – a man who boldly declared to Jesus, “… Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you,” but then found himself doing the exact opposite (Mark 14:31a, NIV).

Let’s take a closer look at Peter’s story in Mark 14.

While we see Jesus remaining faithful in the midst of the pain and turmoil of a beloved friend’s betrayal (vv. 43-45) and the high priest’s interrogation, (vv. 53-65) we find Peter with faltering faith as he stood waiting in a courtyard. (vv. 66-72)

Afraid. Cold. Forgetful. Peter soon denied the One who loved him most.

Once. Twice. Three times. A rooster’s shrill cry ushered in the shocking realization that the very thing Peter swore he’d never do, he did.

And as much as we might want to shake our heads at Peter, I know I can’t. Because I get it. I know what it’s like to have intentions that are good but follow-through that falls to pieces. It’s easy to say the words – we’re all in for Jesus, and we’ll do anything He asks of us. But then we get rejected or hurt by someone or become afraid we’ll fail, and it becomes difficult to live out those words.

Fear, pain and insecurities can really do a number on our hearts.

They certainly did a number on Peter’s as he watched Jesus, the One he had seen perform miracles, allow Himself to be bound and arrested. Jesus was supposed to be the King who would deliver the Jewish people from the oppression of the Romans. How could this be happening? Peter didn’t realize this was the only way he or anyone else could experience Jesus reigning as King in eternity.

So, in a moment of doubt and disappointment, Peter chose to distance himself from Jesus. Distancing himself to the point of complete denial.

To deny something is to declare it is untrue. To deny Jesus is to say with our words, thoughts or actions that we don’t really believe the truth of who Jesus says He is or what He says He’ll do.

How heartbreaking. For us. For Jesus.

But before we give in to feelings of shame, let’s look at Luke 22:61-62. This passage gives us a slightly different glance at the moments immediately following Peter’s final denial: “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly” (NIV).

The look that passed between Jesus and Peter wasn’t one of condemnation. It wasn’t an “I told you so” moment. I believe Jesus’ eyes were filled with compassion for Peter, the same compassion He has for us today. A look that invites us to trust Him and draw near to Him once again.

Oh, friend. We need to ask ourselves where we’re denying Jesus’ truth in our lives. Where are we denying Jesus’ healing? Or denying Jesus’ forgiveness — for ourselves or others? Where are we denying Jesus’ redemption? Where are we denying Jesus’ hope?

Nothing is beyond the reach of our Jesus. In Him, everything is certain. No matter what we’ve done. No matter what the enemy or our life’s circumstances may say. Nothing is beyond the reach of Jesus. And I know today when we confess where we may be denying Him in our lives, He will look at us with the same compassion He did with Peter.

So when doubts form and disappointments drag us down, we don’t have to give in to the tempting voice of the enemy telling us to distrust God. We draw near to the Lord and pray, “I don’t have to understand this to trust You with this. I will not deny Your power just because I’m afraid and I don’t see evidence of You working now, God. I will kneel in prayer and ask You to help give me relief from any and all unbelief. And then I will rise up again and keep watching for evidence of all You are doing, big and small.”

Dear Lord, please forgive me for ever doubting You. Forgive me for denying You. I turn my eyes to You and proclaim today that You are the Christ. The One my soul longs for. The One who suffered so I wouldn’t have to. Give me relief from my unbelief. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Timothy 2:13, “… if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (NIV)

Luke 1:37, “For no word from God will ever fail.” (NIV)

The Struggle with Self-Condemnation..... By Jennifer Waddle

 The Struggle with Self-Condemnation

By Jennifer Waddle

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23-24 NKJV)

Shame is one of the biggest deterrents of a Christian’s freedom in Christ. Self-condemnation holds people back from living, serving, and enjoying the abundant life Jesus offered. When we mess up, we feel like we are bound by our mistakes and unable to truly move past them.

But the Bible reminds us that when we fall, we are not utterly cast down. The Lord upholds us with His hand. His grace is sufficient, for when we are weak, His power is made perfect. (2 Corinthians 12:9) So, why do we struggle with self-condemnation?

Every chance he gets, the adversary comes in and shoots his arrows deep into our minds so that we are reminded of past shame and regret. In turn, this cycle of condemnation keeps us bound by failure, unable to live in the glorious freedom given us by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Dear fellow believers, this should not be! The Bible reassures us that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive. (1 John 1:9) And again, in Isaiah, chapter 43, the Lord says,

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;

And I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV)

If God, who is all-knowing, can forget our sins, why do we hang on to them and let them condemn us over and over again?

Take heart today. Your sins, once the color of scarlet, have been washed clean—white as snow. There is now no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus. Put on the full armor of God so that when the arrows of the enemy come, (and they will), you will be ready to deflect them straight back at him. It is time to rise up and say “no” to Satan’s lies. And, it is time to begin living the amazing, abundant life Jesus offered.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Dear Friend Who Is Battling Lies: Hold on to Truth..... By Debbie McDaniel

 Dear Friend Who Is Battling Lies: Hold on to Truth

By Debbie McDaniel

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

Often, we can be our own worst enemy. We struggle with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, in parenting, in our marriages, in work, from the past to our present. We “instant replay” all of our mistakes in our hearts, in our minds. We feel like we’re not enough, we can’t get it all done. And the world can be really great at reminding us most days where we fall short. The enemy whispers his lies of defeat. He’s done it since the beginning of time. He’s a manipulator and deceiver. He’ll attack when we’re already down. He watches for our every weakness.

Comparison seeps in.

Feelings of being overwhelmed.

We sink right into that downward spiral of defeat and despair.

And, you may know the story well.

I do too.

But we don’t have to stay stuck there.

Dear friends in Christ, who work so hard, serve faithfully, love well, and make endless sacrifices for those you care about...

For those who don't always feel like you get it right, who struggle with guilt, insecurity, or deep feelings of failure...

God sees you.

He knows the burdens you carry.

He's aware of how you've tried so hard to be strong for those you love.He understands the pain you've faced and even without uttering a word, He knows.

He gets it, and you, and me too.

In our weakness, He is strong.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

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

Come to Him, bring all that's on your heart and mind. He promises to give rest and peace. He's never asked us to carry it all. He doesn't expect us to be perfect and strong through our own strength.

But right smack in the middle of our weakness, He shows up Strong, Mighty, Powerful, True.

We can let go of the guilt, the defeat, the feelings that we're not enough, or the lies the enemy has whispered our way.

God gives us hope and a purpose, He renews our strength like the eagles, and He invites us to bring every care, every burden to Him.

And to leave it there.

Not in ourselves. In our own efforts or striving. Not in our image, our families, the way we look, or what we own. Not in what we do, or how many titles are behind our name.

Rest for the weary and strength for the overwhelmed are found only through Christ.

In the arms of Jesus.

Peace.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Choose today to come to Christ with every burden and care you’re holding onto today. He loves you more than you could ever know. Leave your cares, every concern, your struggles with guilt or defeat in His hands. He is faithful to carry our loads. He promises rest and peace.

Further Reading:
Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 40:31
Psalms 46:10
Proverbs 4:23

A Prayer for Wives to Pray for Their Husbands..... By: Alisha Headley

 A Prayer for Wives to Pray for Their Husbands

By: Alisha Headley

“Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.” -  I Peter 3:1

Words come easily to me. I have a love for talking and that talking has spilled out into my love for writing. As women, we tend to want to help and nurture others. Oftentimes, that is done through talking. But sometimes, our husbands can interpret our talking as us trying to change or nag them.

What if we as women, began to start praying more and talking less? What if your spouse could be won without saying a single word?

In today’s verse, where words come easy to us as women, Paul is saying we will have more of an impact by winning our husbands without words. Our impact will come when we talk less, and they begin to “observe our chaste conduct accompanied by fear (of the Lord)” (v 2). Paul then goes on to say in verses 3 and 4, that it’s not about how well we portray ourselves from our outside appearance, but that “it’s the hidden person of the heart…with the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” that will win our husbands.

Rather than focus on winning our husbands over with our words, let's put on a gentle spirit and love for the Lord. Let’s begin to walk in this wisdom. Proverbs 10:19 echoes this when it says, “in the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

Let’s pray these verses over our lives now:

Dear God,

Thank you for your Word, Lord. Thank you that your Word is the source of all wisdom. Thank you for revealing new and fresh truths to us so we can navigate through this world.

We give our spouses to you today. We surrender them to you for they are not ours to hold onto, they are a gift from you. Thank you that you have our spouses in the palm of your hands, and what we may think is best for them and what we may think they need to win them, you are the one who knows best. For “your thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and your ways are higher than our ways.” (Isaiah 55:9) Thank you that even when we feel nothing is working, that when we come to you in prayer, that you hear us, and you are working.

Father, please help us to restrain our lips. Please help us to take everything to the throne of Cross as our first resort, and not our last resort. Holy Spirit, please prompt us this day reminding us to be “swift to hear, and slow to speak” (James 1:19) in our interactions with our spouse. May our spouse begin to see our gentle and quiet spirit as we begin to cultivate a house of peace and less words.

We can only do this through your power, not our own. Please give us the strength in these moments, and may we win our husbands without a word by our obedient behavior to you. We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen