Influences from Childhood..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Influences from Childhood

Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 61:1-3

No one's childhood is perfect. What we experienced during those years has a profound impact, even into adulthood. Things we saw, heard, felt, and even things we did not feel can affect us later in life.

As one might expect, external influences do help to shape our personality. However, the result is not always predictable. For example, early years full of painful experiences leave deeps wounds in some, but in others, they contribute to the development of depth and perseverance.

Whether your younger years were joyful or painful, it can be valuable to consider what their impact was, back then as well as in the present. You might start by exploring your responses to key childhood events. Next, identify traits that you appreciated in your parents and others--qualities you'd like to nurture in your own life. Finally, think about people with characteristics that impacted you negatively. Ask God for healing and freedom from the patterns you may have developed in response. Then shift your focus to godly attributes you want to exhibit instead, such as peace, grace, and gentleness.

The heavenly Father wants to free you from any negative trends that took root early in life. He can break any unhealthy pattern and replace it with hope and deep satisfaction in Him.

As you explore the effects of childhood experiences, pray to see through a lens of truth. When you recognize ways that others negatively influenced you, pray for strength to forgive and God's help in mending areas of brokenness--whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or mental.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son..... Craig Denison

 The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by the powerful and captivating stories of Jesus.

Scripture:“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’” Luke 15:21-24

Devotional:     

There isn’t a single passage of Scripture that better illustrates the heart of our heavenly Father than the parable of the prodigal son. So as to not miss any of the details of this life-changing passage, open your heart to the Spirit as you read it in its entirety.

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found’” (Luke 15:11-32).

The life-changing core of the gospel is that when we feel far from God, he is never far from us. The moment we turn back toward him, he runs out to meet us. The moment we lower ourselves in response to our sin, he exalts us, calls us his child, and throws a party in our honor. Sometimes the most important truths are the simple ones. Sometimes the very word we need most is the truth we’ve heard thousands of times. My prayer for you today is that you wouldn’t extend yourself past the foundation of the gospel. God’s desire is that we would linger in the revelation of the aftermath of Jesus’ work, that through his life, death, and resurrection we have been raised to newness of life (Romans 6:4). Get lost today in the profound grace of your loving God. Of no work of your own, you have been set free from the bonds of this earth and brought back into the fold of your loving heavenly Father. Through the sacrifice of King Jesus you have been crowned as a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Take time today to simply rest in the foundational truth of the gospel. Run toward God with all humility and allow your heart to be raised up as he exalts you. Humble yourself in light of his majesty and allow him to pour out a joy over you like you have never felt before. God has every reason to condemn you, but out of his overwhelming love he has chosen to call you his beloved child. Meditate on this life-changing truth and respond to his love with the offering of your life. 

     Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the profound truth of the gospel that you are fully loved only through the grace of your heavenly Father.

  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17

2. Where do you need to turn and run toward your heavenly Father? Acknowledge your total need of his grace and receive the abundant mercy he is waiting to pour over you.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

3. Spend time resting in the knowledge of Jesus’ finished work. Rest in the love of your heavenly Father. Allow his presence and his love to change you from the inside out today. Allow the Spirit to guide you into the heart of God.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

   There is nothing you could do that could separate you from the love of your heavenly Father. The prodigal son sinned against his father in the worst way a son could. And still the father ran out to meet him at first glance of his son’s return. Your heavenly Father runs to meet you anytime you turn toward him. Don’t let the enemy spread lies to you that you are too dirty for God or that you have to fix yourself before you can spend time in his presence. Your relationship with God is based completely on grace, not on works. He loves you because he loves you, not because of what you do. Go out today in the knowledge that you are eternally loved by your heavenly Father, regardless of what you do. And may his love spur you toward a life lived in the abundance of restored relationship.

Extended Reading: Romans 8

Welcoming God’s Mighty Power — In You!..... JEANNIE CUNNION

 Welcoming God’s Mighty Power — In You!

JEANNIE CUNNION

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (ESV)

I don’t tend to watch a lot of TV, unless it’s college football season or a new episode of Fixer Upper is airing. Then I’m all in. So I was thrilled to hear that Fixer Upper would return in 2021. Not only are Chip and Joanna Gaines so enjoyable to watch, but I love getting inspiration for my own home by witnessing the way they transform others.

It’s rare that I finish an episode and don’t move a chair to a different place in my living room, dream of a different paint color in one of our bathrooms or just drive straight to Target for the latest Magnolia merch to refresh my kitchen.

I put a good amount of energy into caring for our home, which is no small feat with five boys and a very large golden retriever. I’ll confess I exercise my desire to control the uncontrollable with things like organizing shoes on the mudroom shelf and fluffing the pillows just right on the couch. But beyond that, I care about creating a welcoming and loving space for our family and friends to enjoy. Shows like Fixer Upper give me inspo for making our home the best it can be and a restful place for my family to dwell in.

Recently, however, while reading our verse for today, I was challenged to consider how much (or how little!) energy I invest into making my heart a welcoming home for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. Our key verse in John 14:16-17 says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” And I had to confess my tendency toward inattention to the Holy Spirit’s home.

I’d been following Jesus for more than 35 years before the magnificence of the Holy Spirit living in me became beautiful to me. I knew that when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the free gift of eternal life. What I didn’t appreciate is that when we put our trust in Jesus, God puts His mighty Spirit in us. Our hearts become the home of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 3:14)

How wild to think that belief in Jesus is the only prerequisite to receiving the powerful Holy Spirit inside us. Do we know the many benefits of this?

Just as Jesus was home to the Holy Spirit during His earthly ministry, so too are you home to the Holy Spirit now if you’ve put your trust in Jesus. We have the same power Jesus had when He was tempted to sin by Satan and didn’t succumb. We have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. We have the same supernatural power of God inside us today!

When I reflect on how our gracious God chose to place His precious Spirit inside my heart, and I reflect on all that He longs to do in me and for me and through me, I am energized to pray like David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, ESV). I receive a renewed desire to walk in obedience to God and not grieve the priceless gift of His Spirit with my intentional sin or a heart of unrepentance or bitterness.

This isn’t about being perfect for Christ. This is about being in pursuit of Christ! When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the Spirit settles ungrieved in our hearts, and His power is unleashed in our lives!

What will make a dramatic difference in how we live is knowing that God Almighty dwells inside us by His Spirit and then believing that everything that is His is ours. His power and wisdom. His strength and joy. His peace and comfort. His love and hope. God manifests all of Himself in His people through His Spirit.

Where there are strongholds of sin that need to be broken. Where there is bitterness that needs to be released. Where there is toxic thinking that needs to be replaced with life-giving Truth. This is where the Spirit of God in us can do more than we ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) Our role is to make our hearts a welcoming home for Him to dwell in.

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Empower us to walk according to Your Truth so that we might live empowered by Your Spirit. We don’t want to settle for less than everything You want to do in us and through us, for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, ‘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.’” (ESV)

Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (ESV)

What God Chooses to Accomplish His Will..... By: Amanda Idleman

 What God Chooses to Accomplish His Will

By: Amanda Idleman

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. - 1 Corinthians 1:27

Have you ever felt the nudge to do something, say something, or try something that felt outside your ability? As soon as the thought came into your head another did as well, discrediting your qualifications. Yet, the idea brought a quickening in your heart. The undeniable feeling this could be great./p>

These are the moments when God wants to step in to do something bigger than what we believe is possible with our seemingly unqualified lives. The amazing truth is that we are not left to ourselves in these moments! When God lays something on our heart to do or brings on a challenge for us to conquer for Him, then HE is the one who is going to be sufficient to see us through! He pushes us into uncomfortable places so that we are able to recognize His power at work.

If God only called us to what we felt capable to do, then would we even recognize God’s hand at work in our lives? When we feel like we have it all together, when things make sense in our own minds then we stop seeking God for his help. Our pride so easily steals our need for a Savior.

It is for this reason that God allows us to face obstacles that feel insurmountable at the moment. In these moments we must be faithful to take a step of faith. God will meet us and miraculously provide so that His glory can be seen in our lives. God enables his people to accomplish what He desires them to do with their lives.

God’s plan for humanity is not one that we can make sense of on our own. God came in a form that no one expected, died a criminal's death, and yet used these lowly circumstances as the tool to free humanity from the chains of sin and death.

If we are to be ones who accomplish God’s plan for our lives or even to be those who are able to accept the truth of the cross, we have to be willing to lay aside our expectation, known limitations, and step out in faith that God will meet us where we are. He uses a foolish cross to redeem our lives.

He gives us the strength we need to minister to those who need His love in our daily lives. God will carry us through dark days. He will provide for our families when we see no way forward. God is able and uses our powerlessness to show His great ability to carry us through whatever it is that He calls us to.

Pause to consider in what ways you need to invite God to show His mighty hand at work in your life? Are you only relying on what “makes sense” to you or is there an area in your life in which God is nudging you to step out in faith so He can do something great? God only gave the Israelites in the desert the manna they needed each day so they would have to learn to trust in God as their provider. How is God teaching you to trust in him as your daily provider?

Sweet Frog..... by Ryan Duncan

 Sweet Frog

by Ryan Duncan

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

One Presidents Day weekend, my father and sister drove from Illinois to visit me in Virginia. It was a great weekend, one of the best I'd had in a while. We toured Richmond city, ate at some of the best local restaurants, saw two movies, and spent our time as a family.

On their last day in Richmond, the three of us traveled to a small part of the city known as Carytown where we stopped for frozen yogurt in a neon-colored shop named "Sweet Frog." That's when it happened. I should have known, should have seen it coming. The brightly colored walls, quaint setup, even the concept -- frozen yogurt -- how could I have missed it? But no, I was totally blindsided when my dad leaned over to me and said,

"You know, Ryan, this would be the perfect place to take a girl on a date."

To be fair, I love my Dad and giving good advice is what Dads do, but I am more than aware of how painfully single I am.

Jon Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like, once wrote an article about what happens when young, twenty-something guys are asked if they're dating.

"If you answer ‘yes', I imagine fireworks go off, confetti cannons fire and you get a ribbon that says "1st place" but when you answer ‘no,' three things happen:

My friend's mom brings up my last High School girlfriend, a prom date, or "that one girl your mom was telling me about at school" and proceeds to ask, "what happened with ‘that'?" Then I awkwardly explain why those relationships didn't wind up with me being on one knee, pledging my life to that female. A generic cliché like, "Life was just taking us in different directions" usually gets the job done.

My friend's dad hears I am single, which causes him to give me an abundance of "Dad's trying to be cool" fist pounds and references to me being a single man and "free." Once the high fives stop, he gives me a ten-step action plan on how to meet women based on what he did to meet his wife.

But the worst, no question, is the little old ladies at church. Being 22 and single is something they absolutely cannot fathom. They often explain how they had been married for 5 years at this point in their life and had two kids and one on the way. Nothing you say to justify your state in life appeases their grief that you are not married."- (Stuff Christians Like # 955)

Funny as this is, in all honesty, I was worried. Since college, three of my best friends had gotten engaged. Two others were in serious relationships. I was just, well, single. I am not good at dating; I never have been. What if I never meet someone? What if I never start my own family? What if God's plan for my life is to stay single?

As I sat there, stewing in my own anger and self-pity, my sister pointed toward the wall. "Hey, look at the acronym they made." I turned my head. The store had decorated the walls with shirts bearing their name and logo. On one shirt, beneath the Frog in "Sweet Frog" someone had printed the words, "Fully. Rely. On. God." It's strange to think that God would speak to someone in a neon-pink frozen yogurt store, but honestly, I think he did.

God does have a plan for our lives. We can spend our time worrying about what the future holds, or we can trust him, and take each day as the gift it was made to be. It doesn't mean life is going to be easy, far from it, but we can be reassured with the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows what he is doing.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you single and worried about your future? Get involved with openings at your church, and give some of your time to God.

Further Reading

Proverbs 3:5

A Prayer to Turn Our Eyes from Worthless Things..... By: Victoria Riollano

 A Prayer to Turn Our Eyes from Worthless Things

By: Victoria Riollano

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. - Psalm 119:37

Years ago, I suffered from paralyzing nightmares. While others rested peacefully, I would toss and turn and imagine what could be lurking through the house. There were nights when I would wake my husband up three times or more to see who was breaking in or what the creepy sound was in the hall. No matter how hard I tried to shake the terror or pray my way through it, it seemed I never quite got relief. Each day I would be restless from the long nights and anxiously dreading the evening to come.

Then one day, I prayed to the Lord, “Please show me how to be free from this fear, reveal what I can do to make it go away.” After this prayer, I turned on the television and was immediately convicted. The Lord started to reveal to me that my evening routine of watching scary movies, daytime indulgence of the local news, and surfing the internet about unsolved mysteries were the culprit for my constant fear.

In many ways, I was constantly feeding my spirit things that were “worthless” and that didn’t lead to life. When I made the choice to be intentional about no longer watching these things, I was instantly set free from the years of bondage. I finally found rest.

In Psalm 119, David shares the heart of one who desperately wants to follow the Lord. In verse 10, he states that he will seek the Lord with all his heart and asks the Lord to help him not to stray. In the longest chapter of the Bible, David cries out to the Lord to help him to carry His testimony, precepts, and laws all the days of his life. We can’t help but hear David’s intense desire as speaks to the Lord:

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. - Psalm 119:147-148

David was a man who had enemies and hard times. From jealous brothers, to the death of his infant son, and a lifelong battle with Saul, it seemed David had his fair share of troubles. Yet, God had also blessed David with victory over Absalom, Saul, and Goliath. In all this, David learned that it was imperative that he sought the Lord in all things. He recognized that his focus on God’s words is what preserved him.

Quite frankly, David did not have time for useless things and worthless conversations. His life was on the line so many times that he knew without God’s protection, he would surely die. His focus had to be immersed in who God was and following His standards in order to continue to walk in victory.

In this hour, we have a great opportunity to pause and consider where we have placed our focus. Have we used our time on things that lead toward life or death? In my life, I spent years pouring into things that were useless for my spirit. As a result, I lived a life of feeling anxious, aggravated and fearful.

I am certain that if I had the prayer of David to “turn my eyes from worthless things” I would have walked in freedom much earlier. You see, David gives us a great example of how we can be amid turmoil but make a choice to allow God’s word to be the center of our focus. When we inundate our lives with other things that don’t bring glory to God, we find ourselves never in a state of peace.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I pray today that You would turn my eyes from worthless things. Preserve my life according to Your Word. Would You reveal anything that is hindering me from walking in victory?

I pray I would have eyes to see worldly distractions for what they are. I pray for eyes that see with an eternal perspective. Align my heart and your will, O Lord! Give me freedom over the temptations and distractions that threaten my close relationship with you. Grow my love for you over all things.

May your Word be the center of my attention. In Jesus’ name, Amen!