The Call to Serve..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Call to Serve

Dr. Charles Stanley

Galatians 5:13

Jesus commanded that we serve one another, but obeying this mandate in humility is not natural for us. Sure, there are times we like to help others. But service that involves self-sacrifice--especially for someone we deem undeserving--much more difficult to do.

What does it mean to serve? Consider Christ's example. He gave up everything in heaven to live among us, subjecting Himself to dishonor and human frailty. And He loved even those who rejected Him. Think about how He humbled Himself and washed the disciples' feet at Passover. This was a disgusting, lowly task that a slave might be assigned--far from anything a king should do. He even knew these men were about to abandon Him but served them anyway.

Ultimately, Christ gave His life for us. And He did so while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Serving others was His lifestyle--part of who He was and what He did. As His followers, we should strive to be like Him.

Therefore, service involves first dying to our selfish attitudes and motives. Only then can we live to glorify Christ. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love others (Matt. 22:37-39). Ironically, it is only when we humbly serve others that we experience God's fullness in our own lives.

Many try to achieve happiness by striving after their own desires. The result? Tired, unsatisfied people. True contentment happens only when we walk closely with Jesus. He shows where we can humble ourselves and take care of others. These actions, done through His strength, will be blessed.

The Power of Faith..... Craig Denison

 The Power of Faith

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:“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30

Devotional:

The Holy Spirit loves to move with power in response to faith. Hebrews 11:30 tells us, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:32-33 says, “For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” As we conclude this week on living by faith, I believe God would fill us with a fresh revelation of his power. Let’s open our hearts and minds to receive all that God would reveal to us about his power and invite him to work in our midst in faith today.

We serve the Creator of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” And throughout Scripture we see God using his power in response to the faith of his people. Whether it be the walls of Jericho tumbling down into rubble or the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful jumping to his feet, God clearly moves in powerful ways when his people live by faith.

Jesus even promises in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” If we have the smallest amount of faith, Jesus says, “Nothing will be impossible” for us. The God who formed every mountain, valley, river, ocean, and person has told you that he will fight on your behalf in response to your faith.

David was an incredible example of a child of God filled with the faith and powerful work of God. David was constantly in need of God’s help. From stepping up to slay Goliath in faith to escaping pursuers, he exemplified what it was to live constantly in the power of faith. David wrote in Psalm 3:1-6, “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” David knew of the power of God when he asked for God’s help. So great was his faith in God’s ability and desire to come to his aid that he found rest and security in the face of thousands of enemies.

You are the child of the Most High, all-powerful God. May your life be marked by the power of your faithful heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the power of faith.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30

“For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” Hebrews 11:32-33

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

2. Where do you need the power of God in your life? Where do you need the help of your heavenly Father?

3. In faith ask God to move in mighty, specific ways. Come before your heavenly Father boldly and ask him to make his reality, power, and love known in your life.

There is no pride in living your life in line with God’s word. It isn’t haughty or selfish for you to have faith for God to work in your midst. God loves you and longs to help you. He has perfect plans to work in and through every circumstance in your life. Have faith in the love, mercy, and power of your God today.

Extended Reading: Psalm 3

Five Questions To Know if We’re Hearing From God..... LYSA TERKEURST

 Five Questions To Know if We’re Hearing From God

LYSA TERKEURST

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Every day, God speaks to us. Sometimes He invites us to draw close and listen as He reveals Himself, His character and His direction. Other times He calls us to participate in His purposes. Still other times He simply whispers, reminding us of His amazing love for us.

I realize this is where some hands might be going up with a few questions. Hearing from God is one of those topics that can easily stir up frustration and confusion. Maybe you’re asking some of these questions today: How do I know if God is speaking to me? How do I discern whether it is His voice speaking or just my own idea? What if I feel God telling me to do something that doesn’t seem to make sense?

The truth is, there’s no magic formula for discerning God’s voice. We learn to recognize His voice the way we recognize voices of those close to us: by knowing Him. And when we know Him, we can tell if what we’re feeling led to do is from Him or not.

I’ve never heard His voice audibly. But I’ve learned I can still feel His direction and sense His presence when I seek Him. I also ask myself five questions to determine if what I’m hearing is from God or not:

1. Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

God will never speak to us or tell us to do something that’s contrary to His Word. But unless we know Scripture, we won’t be able to discern whether what we hear is consistent or not with the Word. We know the will of God when we read and pray the Word of God. I encourage you to get a journal and start recording the verses you study and some of your personal experiences with the things you’re learning as you read God’s Word.

2. Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

God’s Word also provides rich information regarding His character. Just as God always speaks in accordance with His Word, He speaks in accordance with His character. God will not say anything inconsistent with who He is. The longer we know Him and the more we experience Him personally, the more we learn about His character.

3. Is what I’m hearing confirmed through messages at church or in my quiet times?

When God speaks to me about a particular issue, I cannot escape it. Around every corner there’s a sermon or Bible study lesson, a speaker’s topic or conversation with a friend, that’s consistent with what I’ve been hearing from God in my time alone with Him. When we invest in spending time alone with God, He will speak to us. Listen for His voice, and then look for the message to be confirmed.

4. Is what I’m hearing beyond me?

Sometimes God calls us to do something big that we can’t do in our own strength — either it’s beyond our ability or beyond our natural human desire. It’s not something we can strategize and manipulate into being in and of ourselves. It can only happen through God’s divine intervention. Don’t look at your inabilities and dwell in insecurities. Look at the Almighty God. See this call as your opportunity to watch Him work in you and through you. If you answer “yes” to the question — Is this beyond me? — chances are, God is speaking.

5. Is what I’m hearing pleasing to God?

It’s easy to talk ourselves out of thinking we’ve heard from God. I think we’ll pretty much use any excuse to convince ourselves it’s not His voice so we don’t need to act. But there’s one question that takes away our excuses: Would this please God? If what you are doing pleases God, then even if what you thought you heard from Him wasn’t His voice, you still please Him. We should always seek to err on the side of pleasing God.

This five-question filter is a good starting place in our conversations with God. When we live in the expectation of hearing God’s voice, we will. In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I’m so thankful we serve a God who still speaks — to each of us, individually, right where we are.

Father God, thank You for reminding me that You aren’t hiding from me or trying to frustrate me. You still speak, and You speak to me. And when it does feel hard to hear You, I can know that Your Word is You speaking to me in written form — always available and never silent. Help me live with a heart that’s quick to lean into You, ears that are always listening for You, and feet that are ready and willing to follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jesus Is Praying for You..... by Lynette Kittle

 Jesus Is Praying for You

by Lynette Kittle

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” — Romans 8:34

Growing up it was comforting to know my grandparents and parents were praying for me. Many times their prayers were taken for granted but as they have passed away, I’ve become more aware of just how much their prayers meant to me.

Knowing they were daily interceding for me provided me with a strength, security, confidence, and support that God was leading in my life.

Just like their prayers encouraged me through life, I’ve realized there is another who is always praying for me, a risen Savior who is daily interceding on my behalf.

Hebrews 7:23-25 states, “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

If like me, you’ve experienced the loss of loved ones who you knew were interceding for you on a daily basis, or if you’ve felt alone at times thinking no one cares or is praying for you, realize that Jesus is at the right hand of God praying for you.

As 1Timothy 2:5 explains, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

His ascension to Heaven did not stop His ministry to you. Along with paying the price for your sin, He is alive and serving as your advocate before the Father.

And why might you need an advocate? Because as 1 Peter 5:8 describes, you have an adversary, the devil, who is seeking to devour you.

Still you can rest knowing Jesus is pleading your case before the Father. 1 John 2:1 states, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

Furthermore, Hebrews 9:24 describes how, “Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; He entered Heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.”

Jesus has not taken His priestly duties lightly, but rather has carried His love, concern, and ministry to you to the very throne room of God.

A Tale of Two Prodigals..... by Steve Arterburn

 A Tale of Two Prodigals

by Steve Arterburn

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”—Luke 15:31-32

In The Return of the Prodigal Son, one of Rembrandt’s most emotionally-charged paintings, you see a father and his two sons. But if you look more closely, you’ll see a tale of two prodigals./p>

At first glance of the oil painting, you will see the rebellious son who takes center stage. Remember him? He is the wayward son that demands an early inheritance, leaves home to see all that the world has to offer, and comes to his senses in a smelly pigsty. In spite of his sin, he returns home.

When the younger son sees his father, he humbly admits, “‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son,’” (Luke 15:21). The father recognizes that he is truly repentant, forgives him, and celebrates his homecoming.

But if you gaze carefully at Rembrandt’s masterpiece, you will see the older son who lurks in the shadows. He is the son that does everything right and always obeys—at least, on the outside. But deep down inside, bitterness and anger consume him.

Listen to what the brooding brother says: “‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders…But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’” (Luke 15:29-30).

Out of these two prodigals, which one do you identify with the most? Perhaps you’re like the wayward son who acted out; yet, believe it or not, you might actually relate more to the envious son who acted in.

And let’s face it. Whether we’re rebelling outwardly or inwardly, we are all prodigals.

Intersecting Faith & Life: It’s not too late to stop reacting and start responding appropriately to the circumstances that you are facing. No matter what you’ve been through or what you’ve done, God wants you to take your life back so that you can live with Him and for Him.

So, what are you waiting for? Go home to your Father. After all, He is waiting to welcome you home with open arms.

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m a prodigal and have wandered far from home. Today, I realize that I need to take responsibility for allowing my past and my pain to control me. Give me courage to step out of the shadows, and help me to lean into your grace-filled embrace.

For Further Study:
Luke 15

A Prayer for a New Home..... by Bethany Pyle

 A Prayer for a New Home

by Bethany Pyle

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” - 2 Corinthians 5:1

In the midst of organizing everything for a move to a new city, I did what most people my age do in stressful situations: I called my mom. She listened to my worries and reminded me of the time she, my dad and their new baby (not me) hopped a plane to South Korea. They’d been ordered there for the next three years, and my mother was furious.

The language was unfamiliar, the food was beyond strange, and all of her friends and family were on the other side of the world, literally. It made my own move within the state seem so insignificant.

But whether God is leading you to the next town or across the world, moving is stressful. Everything is new and unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It’s hard to feel “at home” in this new environment, at least for a while. Scrambling for something familiar, perhaps you rush to have the house set up as soon as possible, or spend all your time on the phone or online with old friends. We are creatures of comfort, and we long for something familiar and homey.

But in the midst of so much change, one thing in our lives never will change: our salvation in Christ. He is the same today, tomorrow and forever, no matter where you find yourself calling home. You may have left a favorite restaurant, friends or belongings behind, but God will follow you no matter where you go, and He has an incredible plan for this new home of yours.

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave the land he had lived in his whole life – over 70 years – and he does it without a second thought! Along the way he stops periodically to build altars to God and praise Him for providing. Because of his faithfulness, God promises to make Abram’s descendants more numerous than the stars.

He wants to be the center of your new home too. Commit to taking some time out of the craziness to spend time with Him, and He will guide you through this new season. Whatever brought you to your new home, and however you feel about it, God has it all planned out. Take a deep breath, and trust.

He blessed Abram in a strange land. He guided my mother through Korea as she eventually fell in love with the people and culture. He will help you settle in wherever you find yourself.

Dear God,

I thank you for bringing me and my family safely to this new home, and for all the new opportunities that it brings. I pray for peace in this time of transition, when everything feels new and unfamiliar. Lord, I trust that you will lead me into community that will help me to grow, and that you will use me to shine your light to my new neighbors and coworkers. Help me to remember to set aside time to spend with you, even when it feels like the tasks are piling up. God I pray that you would bless this home and bring joy to these rooms. Help us to be welcoming and hospitable to all who enter, showing them your love in all seasons. Thank you that you are always in control and that you never change, even when everything in my life feels unfamiliar. Help me to draw nearer to you in this new chapter of life. 

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave the land he had lived in his whole life – over 70 years – and he does it without a second thought! Along the way he stops periodically to build altars to God and praise Him for providing. Because of his faithfulness, God promises to make Abram’s descendants more numerous than the stars.

He wants to be the center of your new home too. Commit to taking some time out of the craziness to spend time with Him, and He will guide you through this new season. Whatever brought you to your new home, and however you feel about it, God has it all planned out. Take a deep breath, and trust.

He blessed Abram in a strange land. He guided my mother through Korea as she eventually fell in love with the people and culture. He will help you settle in wherever you find yourself.

Dear God,

I thank you for bringing me and my family safely to this new home, and for all the new opportunities that it brings. I pray for peace in this time of transition, when everything feels new and unfamiliar. Lord, I trust that you will lead me into community that will help me to grow, and that you will use me to shine your light to my new neighbors and coworkers. Help me to remember to set aside time to spend with you, even when it feels like the tasks are piling up. God I pray that you would bless this home and bring joy to these rooms. Help us to be welcoming and hospitable to all who enter, showing them your love in all seasons. Thank you that you are always in control and that you never change, even when everything in my life feels unfamiliar. Help me to draw nearer to you in this new chapter of life.