When Faith Wavers..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 When Faith Wavers

Dr. Charles Stanley

James 1:5-8

If we believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised, why do so many of us habitually waver in our prayers? Instead of exercising bold faith, we come to the Lord “hoping” He will hear us and answer our requests, but we’re just not sure He will. With this kind of thinking, we cannot expect to receive anything from Him.

One reason we are so prone to doubt is that we fail to see God at work in our circumstances. We asked, and nothing happened. But the Lord is not some cosmic bellhop who jumps in response to our requests. He sees past, present, and future and knows the right time for every answer. His invisible hand is already at work on our behalf—arranging situations to accomplish His will, opening hearts,
and preparing us to receive what He wants to give.

Another cause for uncertainty is ignorance. If we don’t know God’s ways, we will be disappointed in His response. All too often our prayers are accompanied by expectations of how He will work. When He fails to intervene according to our timetable or anticipated method, we start to doubt. But placing our faith in the Lord and trusting in His good and perfect ways gives us stability as we wait for His answer.

To overcome doubts, spend time in the Word to learn God’s principles and ways. Then you’ll begin to grasp what He wants to achieve in your life and how He goes about it. Examine your past from a biblical perspective—faith will grow as you see the unexpected ways He answered your prayers.

Loving Friends..... Craig Denison

 Loving Friends

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are a messy, broken, needy, and sinful people. We constantly deal with our own wounds and those of others. Because there is no perfect person, the foundation for loving others must be based outside of the merit or worth of others. The foundation for love must come from the God who is love. As believers we must be constantly tapped into the love and grace of our heavenly Father so that we can love others selflessly and powerfully. May you receive the love of your Father and be empowered to love others this week as we look to grow in our obedience of Jesus’ command to love people.

Scripture:“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” >Proverbs 17:17

Devotional:

Good friends are one of God’s greatest gifts. Not one of us is meant to go through life alone and without help. God longs to use you as his hands and feet to those he has placed in your midst. He longs to make you a friend as he is a friend to us, in order to bless others and extend the reach of his kingdom.

1 Samuel 18:1-3 tells of the powerful friendship of David and Jonathan. Scripture says, “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.”

Jonathan was an incredible example of God’s heart for friendship. Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne of Israel. Behind Saul’s pursuit of killing David was his desire to make Jonathan king. But instead of seeking earthly success, Jonathan humbled himself before David and served him, thereby serving his heavenly Father as well. Jonathan chose friendship over worldly power. As a result, David became Israel’s greatest king and ushered in the lineage of Christ.

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” God longs to transform you into a friend who loves others unconditionally. It’s in the hard times that we most need our friends. Yet in the hard times, many friends abandon us for relationships that require less of them. The heart of God is to stick with us through trials, sin, and bad decisions. He never leaves us or forsakes us, and he longs to make us like him. He longs to make us friends that will love through every season of life. He longs to empower us to love, serve, honor, and bless those he has intentionally given us.

God is calling you to love your friends “at all times.” He is calling you to a lifestyle of service and grace. What friend of yours needs your help right now? Who can you choose to serve over yourself? What friend is God calling you to love with the love he has shown you today?

1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” May you exhibit the heart of your heavenly Father to your friends by loving them as he has loved you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire for you to pursue godly friendship. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire to love friends well today.

“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.” >1 Samuel 18:1-3

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” >Proverbs 17:17

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” >Proverbs 18:24

2. How can you be a better friend today? In what ways can you love those God has given you as friends? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways you can better love those around you today.

3. Ask God to empower you to be a friend who loves unconditionally. Ask him to make you like himself. Spend time resting in his presence and allowing his love to fill you and empower you.

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” >1 John 4:16

Living sacrificially without the burden of entitlement and self-satisfaction is absolutely the most peaceful and joyful way to live. You deserve nothing from others. Christ, Lord of all who deserved everything, sacrificed his life to the point of death for the very people who shouted, “Crucify him!” (Luke 23:21).If he pursued love over what was owed him, you are called to do the same. Choose to follow the example of Jesus and love others around you well today. If you do, you will discover a wellspring of abundant life directly connected to the heart of your heavenly Father.

Extended Reading: 1 Samuel 20

How God Comforts Us..... LAURA BAILEY

 How God Comforts Us 

LAURA BAILEY

“If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 (NIV)

I paced the office floor, desperate to contain the volatile mixture of anger and confusion that permeated my thoughts. Consumed with embarrassment, crippled by pride and convinced that I'd suffered enough, I blurted out:

“Why can’t I get over this? Why do I keep dealing with the same issue? Why won’t God remove this burden from me?”

My pastor, without any hint of annoyance at my repeated need for counseling, grabbed his Bible and posed a question: “Have you considered that your struggle forces you to draw closer to the Lord … and enables you to help others in similar situations?”

Wait, what? I was there to find relief for my suffering. Helping someone else? Not on my radar.

Later that day, as I replayed the conversation with my pastor, the words “draw closer to the Lord” pierced my heart. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we learn that God is the Father of all compassion, the ultimate Comforter; He is omnipresent and desires to comfort us in all our struggles. I’d been trying to numb my pain instead of releasing it to the only One who not only walks with me in my struggles but also showers me with grace, love, peace and eternal hope!

As I meditated on these truths, I began to understand what my pastor meant by helping someone else experiencing similar pain and hardship. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can provide comfort for others because we have received comfort from God.

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to affliction and hardship, having endured stonings, whippings and shipwrecks. He spent roughly three years imprisoned in Rome. Yet, there in prison, surrounded by misery, he was able to comfort distressed fellow inmates because he intimately knew the ultimate Comforter, God.

During his imprisonments, he also wrote four letters to newly formed churches, encouraging them to remain faithful under persecution. He actually told the Philippians to look for joy while suffering, to rejoice in the Lord always. To the Colossians, he wrote, “Whatever you do, work … for the Lord …” (Colossians 3:23, NIV), and to those in Ephesus, “mak[e] the most of every opportunity …” (Ephesians 5:16, NIV). “Every opportunity” included trials and tribulations.

In our key verse, Paul writes to the church of Corinth, saying, “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:6-7).

The Greek word for “comfort” is paraclete, which means “one who comes alongside to help.” Paul's life demonstrates how the Holy Spirit, who lives in the children of God, strengthens and supports us during troubling times, even before we cry out for help. (Romans 8:26) Paul reminds the Corinthians that only the triune God is the source of abiding consolation. Throughout the book of Corinthians, Paul — in light of the comfort he received from God — admonishes the Corinthians and us to remain faithful, share the gospel and continue to trust the Lord in all circumstances.

Despite what Paul knew about suffering, he was able to rejoice and remain hopeful because suffering produced godly patience and endurance. As with Paul, the Lord uses hardship and affliction to sanctify us. Come what may, when we believe God is faithful and true, the Lord lifts us up and sets our feet on solid, sure ground, moving us from a state of faltering self-sufficiency to steadfast security in His all-sufficient grace.

With hope, we can persevere, reminding ourselves that our troubles are temporary, not eternal. We can remain steadfast and confident because our faith and hope stands firm on Christ, the solid rock. The Son of God, who underwent immense suffering to give His life as a ransom for our sins, will one day roll back the effects of the curse and wipe away all our tears. Jesus, our long-awaited, serpent-crushing King, will rescue us and restore all things, for He has already triumphed over sin and death.

Lord, thank You for being the God of all comfort. Please help me to call on Your name and seek You when I’m hurting. Give me strength and encouragement as I share in the struggles of others, pointing them to the hope that is found in You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Only God Gives the Growth ..... By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Only God Gives the Growth (1 Corinthians 3:5-8)

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today's Bible Verse: What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. - 1 Corinthians 3:5-8 (ESV)

I love this passage written by Paul in 1 Corinthians. He very plainly states some truths that the church in Corinth desperately needed to hear. Contextually, Paul was addressing them because they were starting to argue amongst themselves about “who they followed”. Paul was quick to bring them back to reality by pointing out “who cares—we all follow Christ.” (I paraphrase!) He reminded them that the men who brought them the message of the Gospel were just men. The only thing that provided real growth was God.

These facts are comforting in two entirely opposite ways.

First, for the Christian struggling with pride, it’s a fantastic reminder that they, themselves, aren’t saving anyone. They have zero effectiveness with the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not about them, it’s about Christ. They are a tool being used to share the Gospel, but they don’t deserve or get the glory. Only God does! So, whether they’re planting or watering, it’s for naught without the involvement of the Lord.

Secondly, for the Christian struggling with feeling like a failure, this fact brings great joy. It takes the pressure off—because it’s not about how eloquent they are when spreading the gospel, or about gimmicks they create, or about finding the right word or nailing the perfect timing. They can’t manipulate heart change and salvation—only the Holy Spirit can. So, whether they’re planting or watering, it’s for naught without the involvement of the Lord.

This truth should encourage Christians everywhere to be bold in spreading the Gospel. We should throw out those seeds and pick up the watering can, so to speak, and spread the Gospel to those in our daily lives and circle of influence. We can do so without fear of failure and without pride—trusting the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. If growth—salvation—doesn’t occur after our attempts to plant and water, it’s not on us. We were obedient to the Great Commission and did our part. But it’s hard sometimes to continue to plant and water when we feel like we never see the fruit of our labor, isn’t it?

It’s crucial in times like these to think about a garden—growth happens secretly. For a long time, that budding seed isn’t seen from the surface. It’s growing in the dark, via a miracle of the Lord’s hand. Eventually, finally, leaves can be seen straining through the dirt. Vines develop, flowers bloom, and fruit blossoms. Sometimes, we’re blessed to be able to see the entire project from start to finish. Other times, we’re called to plant and water elsewhere and don’t get the privilege of watching the fruit develop.

But don’t grow weary—the harvest is coming. It’s not up to you to create growth, simply to water and plant despite all your imperfections in your labor. The Lord will do the rest—and He’ll do it perfectly.

What's it to You?...... by Kelly Givens

 What's it to You?

by Kelly Givens

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at the table close to him… When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” John 21:20-22

Have you ever wondered why God allows some Christians to suffer so much, and others seem to glide through life relatively pain-free? I know many godly men and women who seem to suffer without end. Their pain is more than I have ever experienced; they’ve faced more trials in a year than I’ve faced in my entire life. Why is that? Am I loved by God more than these people? Are they glorifying God more through their suffering than I can in my blessings? The comparisons go in all directions.

Comparison was Peter’s go-to when Jesus told him this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God). Then he said to him, “Follow me!”  (John 21:18-19).

Jesus was foretelling that Peter, just like himself, would be led to his death, arms stretched out in his own crucifixion. Tradition points to Peter being crucified upside down during Nero’s persecution, not wanting to be crucified in the same manner as his

his Lord.

I’m not sure if Peter knew then by what kind of death he would die, but no doubt he got the gist of what Jesus was saying. So it’s no surprise that he quickly disregarded Christ’s instruction to “follow me!” Instead, he looked around at the other disciples, spotted John, and exclaimed “Lord, what about this man?” I wonder if Peter was thinking, “I get what you're trying to tell me, but what about that guy? Why should I go through this trial and not him? Do you love him more than me?”

Comparison is hard-wired in our sinful nature. When others seem to get ahead or are seemingly more blessed than us, we grow envious. When the tables are turned and we are the ones being blessed, we might fight the urge to brag or think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Both kinds of comparison are fatal to our faith, and Jesus knows it. So when Peter bluntly asked, “what about this man?” Jesus’ response was clear. “What is that to you? You follow me!”

Peter died a horrible, agonizing death. Most historians agree that most of the other apostles met similar, violent ends. Except for John. John died, presumably peacefully, in his old age. Why? Because that was how each “was to glorify God.” When God bestows on us blessings we should proclaim his glory joyfully and humbly. But when he allows us to suffer, we have the opportunity to proclaim him King through our hopefulness and faith. God’s glory is what's important, not our circumstances.

“You follow me.” Fixing ourselves on Jesus is the key to fruitful ministry, the key to humility, the key to joy regardless of our circumstances. It’s the key to glorifying God - the true purpose of our lives and ministry.

Intersecting Faith & Life: How quick are you to compare your joys and sufferings to those around you? Comparing our circumstances to others is fruitless. Jesus desires us to follow him, and have faith in the plan he has for our lives.

Further Reading:
1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 8:37, Philippians 3:13-14

“The only glory which Jesus ever sought for himself or offered to his disciples was to be caught up in God’s redemptive purpose.” - George Caird

 Lord.

A Prayer for Scripture to Comfort Us..... By Betsy de Cruz

 A Prayer for Scripture to Comfort Us

By Betsy de Cruz

“Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.” – Psalm 119:54

Nothing prepared me for the loss and grief I faced when our family returned to America after 16 years on the mission field. Supposedly we had come back “home,” but we had to leave 16 years of friends, ministry, and community to do it. I’d lost the life I knew, and I was standing on shaky ground.

Maybe your world has suddenly altered due to a move, a new job, loss, or illness. You may feel upended and unsteady.

Life changes constantly, yet God remains the same. His Word is our constant companion. As long as we remain on this earth, God’s Word can speak strength and hope into any situation we face. Even in times of trial, His Word can awaken songs of gratitude and trust in our hearts.

However, sometimes the very trials that should drive us closer to our Heavenly Father interrupt our daily habits of Bible reading and prayer.

What transitions or challenges are you facing right now? How about renewing your commitment to reading the Scriptures? If you’re going through difficulty, search the Scriptures for words that speak encouragement to your situation. Look for promises you can pray over and affirmations of God’s love for you. 

Psalm 119 reminds us of the comfort, guidance, and hope we find in Scripture.

The Bible provides comfort when we are hurting. Consider Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” God’s promises soothe our hearts by reminding us of His faithfulness.

Scripture provides guidance when we feel confused about our next steps. Meditate on Psalm 119:105 the next time you need direction: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ask God to guide you as you open His Word each day. 

The pages of our Bibles speak hope when we feel discouraged. Ponder Psalm 119:114: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Spend a few quiet moments reading Scripture today and see if you don’t feel more hopeful.

Let’s resolve not to let any trial separate us from God’s Word. We’ll find the comfort, guidance, and hope we need when we open the pages of Scripture.

Let’s pray:

Father, 

I thank you for the great treasure you have given me through the Bible. Renew my love for your Word. Pour your Holy Spirit into my heart and speak to me when I read it. Help me to see you and hear your voice through your Word. 

Forgive me for taking this treasure for granted. Forgive me for my lack of desire and commitment to read and study Scripture. Have mercy on me and convict me by your Holy Spirit when I’d rather sleep in or watch television than read your Word. Revive my heart and rekindle in me a desire for Scripture. Give me a renewed hunger for you.

Lord, when I face trouble and trial, teach me to turn to prayer and the Scriptures as my first response. Bring the Bible to life when I read it. Help me find comfort, guidance, and hope for each day through reading the Holy Scriptures and use me to share your Word with others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.