The Pathway of Spiritual Growth..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Pathway of Spiritual Growth

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 8:29

God predestined us to grow into His likeness, but this doesn't happen at the moment we are saved. While we are redeemed by the Savior's precious blood and immediately have a new heart, our transformation is a lifelong process.

The Holy Spirit enables this journey. Growth is impossible without Him, regardless of our efforts. Yet we can welcome or hinder His transforming hand.

One way we give God willing access to our lives is by obeying this mandate in Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Everyone chooses either a biblical or worldly philosophy as his or her source of truth--and that choice shapes the mind and spirit. Therefore, the Lord tells us to immerse our mind in Scripture, allowing Him to mold us into His beautiful image.

The Bible story about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness illustrates this principle. After saving them from Pharaoh's abuse, God did not bring them immediately to the Promised Land. The Lord knew doing so would bring sinful ways with them. Instead, He led them to the wilderness and gave the Ten Commandments. Only after they learned to obey and turn to almighty God were they ready for the next step.

The process of sanctification isn't always pleasant. In fact, it's often painful for us, just as it was for the Israelites. In God's amazing wisdom and love, however, He knows what we need to leave our old ways that lead to death. And He builds new character in us--full of life and joy.

Seeking God through Fasting..... Craig Denison

 Seeking God through Fasting

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Learning to seek the face of God is the foundation for experiencing the amazing life Jesus died to give us. We have available to us through Christ all the wonders, excellencies, and satisfaction we can fathom. God has granted us grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, affection upon affection, and love upon love. When we pursue him through all the avenues available to us, a door is opened in which we discover all our heavenly Father longs to give us. May you grow in your pursuit of God this week as we study various ways we’ve been given to seek his face.

Scripture:“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

Devotional:   

In his book, A Hunger for God, John Piper writes, “If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” Fasting is a powerful tool for placing anything that entangles us to the depravity and longings of this world in proper perspective. It builds for us a seat at the table of God where we can drink deeply of the wonders and satisfaction found in restored relationship with our heavenly Father. May the Lord reveal to you the places in your heart which need to be realigned as we look at all God longs to do in us through the gift of fasting.

Matthew 6:16-18 says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Fasting is a secret declaration to yourself and your heavenly Father that you want more of what he has to give you. It’s a private plea for the abundant life that can only be found in more of God and less of the world. And God responds to our pleas with his glory and grace causing the cares of this world to pale in comparison to the abundance of God’s love.

There’s something powerful that takes place when we willingly surrender satisfaction in the world to make space for more of God. God loves to respond to our hunger. In his patience he waits for us to cry out to him to bring us into the fullness of what he has for us. But in his pursuit of us he constantly whispers from his Spirit to ours, beckoning us to give up the rags of this world for the riches that come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Whether you’re fasting food, entertainment, relationships, or anything else to make space for more of God, the intention of God for fasting is to fill you up to overflow. It’s his intention to realign your life to position you to consistently receive all he has for you. It's his intention to transform the pangs of separation from whatever you're fasting into deep prayers for more of his goodness. May you be honest with yourself and be filled with the desire to fast from that which stands in the way of you fully living the abundant life.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire for fasting. Allow truth to form your perspective on this age-old discipline.

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

“If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” — John Piper, A Hunger For God

2. What do you need to fast? What’s holding you back from the fullness God longs to give you? What could you give up to create more space for relationship with him? Be honest with yourself and God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal places in your life that need the transformation that comes through fasting.

3. Commit to fasting whatever you feel would be beneficial for you. You don’t have to start with too much! This isn’t meant to be a religious exercise but rather an action performed out of a longing for more of God. Ask the Spirit to see you through this process. Ask him to strengthen you as you become weak.

Nineteenth-century author Andrew Murray once said, "Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." May you discover the wealth of goodness that accompanies letting go of the weight of this world through fasting. And may your resolve to experience all that God has for you increase, as the cares of the world slip away.

Extended Reading: Acts 13

Pleasing God, Not Them..... KAREN EHMAN

 Pleasing God, Not Them

KAREN EHMAN

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

My friend and her husband were embarking on quite an adventure. They sensed God calling them to become a foster family, taking in children from difficult home situations and providing them with a safe place to grow and thrive.

They’d filled out the necessary paperwork and been approved. When I met my friend for coffee one afternoon, I was expecting her to gush with excitement and maybe a little apprehension. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the tale she told me through her tears.

She had told her parents what her family was about to do. She knew they would likely ask a few questions because foster care was something no one in her extended family had ever done. But what she wasn’t anticipating was outright discouragement. Her concerned parents brought up everything that could go wrong, conveying a great lack of support toward the decision despite God’s clear calling. She was told to rethink the decision because her relatives were certain it was the wrong one.

I was heartbroken for my friend. She and her husband were going to need support, not only tangibly, with meals brought in and help buying items for the children, but also emotionally. How devastating for them to discover they might not receive support from some of their extended family.

Hugging her, I promised that our family would be there to help. When we finished our time together, however, her spirits were still dashed. But surprisingly, when we met later that month, her countenance and confidence had shifted. I curiously asked what had happened.

While wrestling with her disappointment, she had diligently sought the Lord. After a few days of praying and reading God’s Word, she’d discovered a new perspective, a conclusion she could sum up in one simple sentence. She looked at me and assuredly declared, “I finally realized I don’t need their permission to do God’s will.”

Wow. What a powerful pronouncement!

Her priorities had been misplaced. She cared more about what her parents thought of her family’s decision than she did about what she’d discerned was God’s plan. When she stopped putting these people in the place of God, she was more willing to deal with any unpleasant outcome.

Today’s key verse poses an important question, one the Apostle Paul asked in the book of Galatians but that’s still relevant for us today: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Hold up! Wait — what?! People in Bible times struggled with people-pleasing? Yes, they did.

The Greek word for “please” is transliterated to English as areskó. At its core, it means “to agree to satisfy another in order to win their approval, affection, or attention; to meet their expectations; to willingly serve.” Knowing this comprehensive definition causes the verse to pop much more than it does when reading it in English.

I hate to admit it, but there are so many times I give myself up to someone else’s will rather than boldly and bravely choose to do what would most please God. Now, of course, if what someone else desires is in line with God’s will, that’s altogether different. However, when we feel that twinge of tension, we must choose to prioritize pleasing God above pleasing people. We can determine to daringly speak truth while being careful to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

Let’s commit to seeking the Lord’s plan rather than pursuing the approval of others. It won’t always be easy, but God is continually faithful. He can teach us how to confidently live our lives despite the expectations and opinions of others.

Father, teach me that I am not solely responsible for the feelings of others. But I am responsible before You for my actions. Grant me boldness when I need it, and tender, direct words when they are necessary. May I learn to manage the tension between pleasing You and relating to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Abide: Where to Stay When Nothing Lasts..... By Jeanne Doyon

 Abide: Where to Stay When Nothing Lasts

By Jeanne Doyon

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. - John 15:4-6

Abide. This word has been on my heart lately as I study John chapter 15. We don’t use the word abide much anymore—maybe never—because nothing seems to last.

Marriages fail.
Riches flee.
Cars break down.
Health deteriorates.
Friends fail.

Churches split.
Relationships cool.
Possessions break.
Quality erodes.
Nothing lasts.

But, Jesus says:

Abide. Stay. Remain. Trust that I AM your constant. I will never turn my back on you. I AM the one you can trust. When all else is falling apart, I will remain. I will be your rock and shield.

Psalm 91:1 says, Abide in the shadow of the Almighty. To me this means:

Not running ahead or lagging behind.

Under His protection
Surrounded by His presence
Shielded from my enemies
Covered with His hand

Resting in His power and sovereignty
Sure of His knowledge and leading
Trusting in His timing and care

God Covers You – Good News for Us

So when we face shattered pieces and people around us, know that God is covering you with His shadow. This is news our world needs. It is the hope that anchors us. It is the message He wants you to carry and proclaim…

God says:

I will abide. My love will remain. My grace and mercy will be poured out. Forgiveness will be found because I AM is faithful. Abide in me, and I in you (John 15).

What does Abide mean to you, and how do you need His close presence today?

Will you remain under the covering of His shadow?

"Just Keep Swimming!"..... by Katherine Britton

 "Just Keep Swimming!"

by Katherine Britton

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  - Hebrews 12:1

On Saturday night, I let myself go limp in front of the TV. The blur of activity, newness, and ridiculously hot weather the week before had exhausted me, so a complete mind/body check-out seemed in order. I don’t have cable and I didn’t bother to turn on instant streaming, so my viewing selection was pretty limited. I soon found myself watching Finding Nemo.

Remember the part where the all-important scuba mask slips down, down, down into the dark gorge? Marlin panics and goes after it, only to swim frantically back out of the darkness. Then the crazy blue fish with a short term memory problem frolics her way into that same blackness with nary a care. A moment later Dory comes back to encourage Marlin. “Hey, Mr. Grumpy Gills,” she says, “When life gets you down, you know whatcha gotta do?” “No, I don’t want to know watcha gotta do.” “Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!”

Not that I’m taking lessons from a digitized blue fish, but Dory’s attitude reminded me what perseverance should look like. It’s not that sitting on the couch and taking a break was evil in itself, but my can’t-go-any-farther attitude was. That attitude indicated that I was slogging away in my own strength and had run out of energy without looking to the Lord for supernatural help. At points like that, even though I know the answer, “I don’t want to know watcha gotta do” to keep pursuing what God has called me to do. Wallowing in my exhaustion seems so much easier.

Sunday evening, someone reminded me that, “when life gets you down” and you’re exhausted, God’s faithfulness has the chance to shine through. The end of my rope is the beginning of grace made evident in my life, providing the strength to “keep swimming” even though I’m exhausted. And He gets the praise, because I know that strength is no longer something in me. His mercies are “new every morning” (Lam. 3:23) and enough to keep me moving in the direction that He encourages me to go. My responsibilities are just one more way to bring me to my knees and let the Lord refresh me with His grace. After that, I can keep going in His mercy, and even sing while I’m at it. His faithfulness never ends.

Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible is full of reminders of God’s faithfulness to believers, and the stories all end with God being glorified for their reliance on Him. In the end, it’s when we are weak that He makes us strong (2 Cor. 12:10).

Further Reading:
Philippians 1:4-6
1 Corinthians 9:24

A Prayer to Help Your Kids Love God’s Word..... By Dr. David Jeremiah

 A Prayer to Help Your Kids Love God’s Word

By Dr. David Jeremiah

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.“  Deuteronomy 6:6-7(NKJV)

Our biggest failures as parents can become the greatest opportunities to illustrate genuine faith to our kids. When we admit our wrongs and allow our kids to see our humanity, to see how we mess up just like anyone else, it catches their attention. It allows us to set a biblical example of humility, love and forgiveness for them to follow.

My own dad taught me how to admit my mistakes, ask for forgiveness and have the humility to reveal my human weaknesses to my kids. His willingness to admit his wrongs impressed me when I was young. I realized he had faults just like me. And he let me see him seeking God and praying through those weaknesses. It impacted me for life.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 offers a roadmap for how we are to live out our faith in front of our children. What we believe must make its way into our daily attitudes, conversations and routines.

We can teach our kids what the Bible says, but if we want them to live according to its truth, we need to live it. If we want our kids to have a growing faith and love God’s Word, we need to demonstrate its importance in our lives. A “Do as I say, not as I do” approach to parenting will fall flat.

We can’t fake it as parents. If we don’t model a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, there is little chance our children will grow up to possess what we lack. Even if we didn’t get it right when our kids were young, we can start now. How?

Begin by seeking the Lord today. Read His Word daily. Connect with your church. Make God’s Word a necessary part of your daily life and watch Him renew a hunger and thirst for Him today. Allow your kids to be a part of that process. Allow them to see the importance and joy of God’s Word in your life. By the grace of God, may they learn to lean on God and develop a growing love for Him and His Word.

Lord, help me embrace Your Word. But most of all, help me to live it. Help me be the kind of parent who will inspire my children to please You, because that’s what they see being lived out in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.