Drawing from the Source..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Drawing from the Source

Dr. Charles Stanley

Jeremiah 2:13

For us as believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. Because Paul had learned this secret, he was able to experience joy and peace in any kind of situation--whether he was surrounded by friends or isolated in a Roman prison; whether he had plenty or was in great need.

The apostle understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him (John 15:1-9; Gal. 5:22-23). He had made a simple but profound faith decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of the Almighty, with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.

I want to challenge you--this week, when something threatens to steal your contentment, choose to draw from God; decide to stop drawing from other sources and trying to be in control. When you find yourself becoming flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, "Lord, You are my source, and I draw from You the capacity to be kind. I draw from You the forgiveness I need to extend right now. I draw from You the love I need to express." This decision is a matter of simple trust.

Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw only from Him as your source. You'll be surprised at your own attitude: when you respond from within--rather than from the flesh--Jesus will give you the ability to respond as He would.

Faith Comes by Hearing..... Craig Denison

 Faith Comes by Hearing

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father.

Scripture:“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” > Romans 10:17

Devotional:

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Scripture offers us every truth we need to live a lifestyle of faith. Within its pages are powerful stories describing the miraculous works of a God who remained faithful to a people who chose pride, selfishness, and rebellion over his perfect, loving ways. And it contains incredible moments where God’s people responded to his faithfulness with faith and were greatly rewarded.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” The desire of God for you and me is to be children filled with his life-giving words. God longs for us to experience the joy, purpose, and peace of faith founded on his word. He longs for us to live our lives with Scripture as a constant source of hope when the world seems to be crashing down around us.

For a long time, the Bible bored me. I knew I should read it so I would try and make some time here and there to read a little bit. But it felt more like an assignment than an encounter with the powerful words of God. It wasn’t until I began to read Scripture as an avenue to connect with God and have my life transformed that I began to enjoy it. As I began to allow God’s word to fill me with faith to live differently, I discovered the power of the Bible. When I used Scripture as a way to learn about and connect to the heart of my heavenly Father, my desire to read it grew to the point of overflowing.

Scripture has the power to lead us to a different way of living: the way of faith. Stories like Abraham and Isaac should guide us to trust the promises of our God. Stories like Israel and the walls of Jericho should lead us to act on God’s word and leadership in faith that he will move in powerful ways to destroy our seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus should guide us to a life of service to our God who would give up everything just to have restored relationship with us.

May your faith be stirred today in the reading of Scripture. May the pages of God’s word guide you to a lifestyle of trust, hope, and surrender. And may you experience the joy of living by faith in response to your God’s amazing acts of faithfulness.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the ability of God’s word to fill you with faith.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” > Romans 10:17

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” > Proverbs 4:20-22

2. Where do you need faith today? What problem or obstacle seems insurmountable before you? Where do you need hope and joy?

3. Meditate on Scripture in reference to your need. Find a story that will fill you with faith for the problem set before you.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” > Proverbs 3:1-5

The story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:28-33 serves as a great example of life lived in faith and in doubt. May we be a people who live in full faith and stand on the unshakable truth of God’s word.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Extended Reading: Romans 5

Understanding the Fear of the Lord..... by Lynette Kittle

 Understanding the Fear of the Lord

by Lynette Kittle

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Proverbs 9:10

Growing up, I had a healthy respect or as some might describe “fear” of my parents. Not that I grew up fearing them but rather knew they deeply loved me and had certain guidelines they wanted me to follow.

As a kid, I didn’t really understand how their standards were for my good, and in my best interest to keep me safe and help me grow up healthy. In my childish thinking, it just seemed like they were trying to keep me from having fun and getting my own way.

Likewise, it’s difficult for many individuals to understand what it means to “fear the Lord.” Scripture may seem like it’s contradicting itself by telling you to fear God ( Proverbs 24:21), yet assuring you that God has not given you a spirit of fear ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

So what does it mean to fear the Lord and how is it different from being fearful of Him? Proverbs 8:13 describes it this way, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”

Hating evil means you detest and stay away from the things God hates, and choose to love and follow after the things He loves.

So how is it possible to distinguish between what God hates and what He loves? Begin by studying Scripture. Through reading it you’ll gain understanding to help you differentiate between the two because if you don’t know what is true, you won’t be able to tell what isn’t true.

Knowing God’s Word is foundational in being able to recognize what is false. Proverbs 16:6 states, ”Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”

Do you know Christians who have seemed to be led astray? If so, it’s probably because they haven’t grown in their knowledge of God’s Word and aren’t able to distinguish between good and evil.

Romans 1:21 states how easy it is for individuals to be led astray stating, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Hebrews 5:12 explains how many by now ought to be able to teach the Word to others, but instead they need someone to teach the elementary truths of it all over again to them. To grow in understanding, Hebrews 5:14 describes how “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

If you’re looking to grow in your knowledge and relationship with God, don’t be afraid of the Lord but fear Him. When you do, you will bring wisdom and understanding to your life ( Proverbs 9:10).

Maybe Those Words Mattered...... by Debbie Holloway

 Maybe Those Words Mattered

by Debbie Holloway

"Maybe those words never really mattered at all
 But lately those words run with me wherever I go…"

Those lyrics are from a Keane song that I’m currently listening to as I write. Do you ever reflect on the power of words? Words have so much influence, even when we don’t intend for them to. I’m currently dealing with a rocky relationship, and words have played a key role in the hurt and confusion. “Rocky” probably isn’t the best description… frayed, torn, broken, sporadic, and unraveling might be more accurate – but you get the idea.

The worst part honestly just might be that I have no idea how to deal with it.

I don’t envy people who’ve always had to deal with crazy drama, but I envy their preparation and their ability to keep it together after years of practice. I don’t have a background in Dealing With Crazy. I don’t think I’ve ever had a heated, angry, yelling-type fight with anyone outside my immediate family. And in dealing with family, all arguments have always ended with jam sessions or forgiveness or just a resolve to move on.

So when a relationship I thought was secure starts pumping venom in my direction, I sort of lose it. I’m an ugly crier, too. And my times of panic are bewildered, because I’m not usually a panicked person. To boot, I was often told growing up “you should be a lawyer” because of my passion for rightness and justice. So when my sense of “how the world is meant to work” gets thrown back at me in a situation I can’t control…. well… it’s hard. I have a soft and fierce heart.

This season has helped me grow in ways, though. It’s helped me think twice about judgments I make on people when I don’t know their story. It’s helped me remember to measure my own words. It’s helped me realize that I have no control over what someone will do with my words once they leave my lips. It’s helped me remember that love and loyalty must be kept up like a well-trimmed garden. Leaving relationships to take care of themselves sometimes results in a beautiful, out-of-control wisteria vine… but too often, it results in chaos, decay, and weeds choking out the flowers.

James writes,

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8).

No human can tame the tongue. But God can. Give your words over to God before they pass through your lips, and let God reign in taming your tongue. It’s a daily struggle for me, but even in my weakness, he is perfectly strong.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Do rash words get you in trouble? Start meditating on the Word, and give your impulses to God. Are rash words from others hurting your heart? Remember, you are only master of your own tongue. Behave as one bearing the standard of Christ.

Further Reading

James 3

A Prayer for Restored Faith..... By: Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for Restored Faith

By: Kristine Brown

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12 ESV

There are many things that can trigger a faith-struggle in our lives. Tragedy, extended seasons of suffering, and hopelessness hit without warning. In those desperate times we may wrestle with where God is, or if He hears us. Thankfully, when the difficulties of life pile on us, we have this truth from our faithful Father.

Hardships may cause our faith to wane, but God is ready to restore that faith when we ask.

Restoration can be defined as the act of returning something to its former condition. The Bible has a lot to say about restoration. God loves to restore us— and His restoration promises apply to our physical bodies, our minds, and even our faith.

King David knew the precious gift of God’s restoration. After his infidelity with Bathsheba, David cried out to God with these words recorded in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

David knew only One could cleanse him from unrighteousness, restore his spirit, and renew his hope. Only God - the Master Restorer.

So whatever hard season you're going through that has caused you to lose faith, take heart. God is faithful, and He will provide the restoration you need. Let’s begin with this prayer for restored faith.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lately, I’ve felt my faith weakening. So much is going on in the world that has caused me to question where you are in all of this. Yet I know in my heart you hear our cries for help. You are always with us, ready to offer restored hope when we ask.

Your Word reminds us you are a God of restoration. You love making things new. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Lord, renew my faith right now, just as you have done before. Help me trust in your steadfast Word instead of what I see happening all around me. Your promises are powerful, even when circumstances seem hopeless. I know you desire to restore my spirit and my faith. You are my Healer, Provider, and Deliverer. I put my trust in you alone.

Thank you, God for forgiving me for letting my faith wane instead of holding onto you. You are forever faithful, and I give you praise today. Even as I call out to you in prayer, I sense my faith being fully restored.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.