The Priority of Obedience..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Priority of Obedience

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 14:23-26

The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.

The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.

By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.

Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.

A Lifestyle of Continual Forgiveness..... Craig Denison

 A Lifestyle of Continual Forgiveness

Craig Denison

Week 33 Overview:

Offering forgiveness to others is one of the most difficult and important aspects of the Christian life. The Bible clearly commands us to forgive others. God longs to fashion us into his likeness that we might model the love we’ve been shown to a world with no concept of mercy. He longs for us to offer grace and forgiveness to the undeserving as we have been offered grace and forgiveness when we were undeserving. May you be filled with courage and boldness to offer forgiveness to those in desperate need of grace. And may God’s love shine through as you enter into your calling as a minister of reconciliation.

Scripture:“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” - Ephesians 4:26-27

Devotional:

Ephesians 4:26-27 offers revelation on an important and often unknown spiritual principle. Scripture says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” When we allow anger to fester within us for days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, we allow the enemy to gain a foothold in our lives that robs us of the abundant life provided in Christ. In Ephesians, Paul is clear that anger in itself is not a sin; it’s when we allow anger to remain instead of choosing grace and forgiveness that we break God’s command.

When people wrong us the natural response is to be angry, and that is all right! Jesus himself was often angry. Matthew 21:12 tells us, “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.” Jesus was consistently angry with those who claimed to know God and took advantage of others. Nothing made him more angry than pharisaical people. But Jesus also modeled forgiveness of the highest form. Rather than being filled with anger and allowing it to fester inside of him, he offered his life out of his love for the very people who shouted, “Crucify him!” and “Free Barabbas!”

The truth is that our anger is often a symptom of our brokenness rather than the result of the wrongs of others. Often, anger is rooted in our own insecurities and pride rather than a righteous anger for justice. It’s for this reason the Bible tells us over and over again to be slow to anger. James 1:19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” >Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” And Proverbs 29:11 says,“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

The Lord desires to make us a people filled with his grace and compassion over our own anger and prideful sense of justice. God, who was deserving of everything, gave it all up to show us grace. Jesus is the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords. But rather than claiming what was rightfully his own, he humbled himself before a Roman prefect and a rebellious people and gave up his own life. And now he asks you to do the same. Jesus is asking you to lay down your rights and pride to pursue a higher calling of unconditional love. He’s asking you to show grace where none is deserved. He’s asking you to offer mercy where there should rightfully be none. And he’s asking you to forgive others so that heaven might come to earth through your actions. Commit to living a lifestyle of continual forgiveness today, and allow God to work through you to bring salvation and restored relationship to a world in desperate need of a Savior.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s command to live a lifestyle of continual forgiveness. Allow his word to fill you with a desire to be slow to anger and quick to forgive and offer grace.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” >Ephesians 4:26-27

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” >Proverbs 16:32

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” >Ephesians 4:32

2. Who do you need to offer forgiveness to today? What anger have you allowed to fester in your heart?

3. Forgive that person or those people in your heart right now. Offer grace to them in your heart that you might receive healing in the place of bitterness.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” >James 1:19-20

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” >Mark 11:25

1 Peter 2:23 says, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” May we become like Jesus and offer grace and forgiveness to others who are undeserving. May we be reflections of his love by being slow to anger and quick to offer mercy. May his light shine through us today into a world wrought with darkness and pain.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 4

Jesus Makes Time for You..... SHALA W. GRAHAM

 Jesus Makes Time for You

SHALA W. GRAHAM

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” ‭‭John‬ ‭9:4-5 (NLT)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

One evening earlier this spring, around 7 p.m., I got a text from a dear friend. Though we don’t talk much, she’s still like family to me.

I got a classic ask: “I’m getting headshots taken tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Any chance you’re still a makeup pro and can help me in the morning?”

As a night owl, the only reason I was trying to wake up early was to go to the gym to bust these pandemic pounds. But just like family, I love my friend, and I am for her. And I knew I was being sent to her, even though she was far from on my schedule. So I met up with her at 8 a.m. and gave her a natural, fresh makeup look, and off she went feeling brand-new.

Jesus was also sent to someone in John chapter 9 — not to do a quick makeup job but to heal a blind man.

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’ 

‘It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,’ Jesus answered. ‘This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.’” (John 9:1-5, NLT)

Jesus was just walking along when He saw this man. The Scriptures don’t tell us where Jesus was going or what He was planning to do that day. He was just walking by when His crew asked a question, and so Jesus made time to heal a man born blind by putting mud on his eyes and sending him to wash in the pool of Siloam.

Even though this task may not have been on His official schedule for the day, Jesus knew He was sent to this man to be a light in his life … and to literally let this man see the light for the first time in his entire life.

After my friend’s photo shoot, I checked in with her to see how it went. She was obsessed with how her makeup had looked and wanted to treat me to a fajita dinner the following week (good food is most definitely the way to my heart!).

That evening, we reconnected in a beautiful and needed way. As we caught up, she shared that she believes Jesus is an incredible historical figure who did some amazing things but not much else. I got to listen to her and communicate about my passion for reaching people who have been hurt by religion. I told her that I want to introduce them to Jesus without all the extra man-made stuff that’s been added to Him over the years. Now that was a Jesus she was curious about!

That’s when I knew why God had prompted her to text me about makeup. He was sending me to her. While I am definitely for her, Jesus is for her even more. Jesus makes time to meet those in need by sending His people.

The next time something comes up — unscheduled and maybe even inconvenient — perhaps it is something God is sending you to for His glory.

Father, thank You for all the people You have sent to serve me in the past. Help me keep my eyes open for the tasks You have assigned me to do, and may I do them quickly for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Why Two Are Better Than One..... By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Why Two Are Better Than One 

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today's Bible Verse: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

Sometimes in my Camp Gladiator workouts, our trainer has us partner into two-person teams. I love when we do that because it’s incredibly motivating! The other day when we did so, Partner 1 was to perform ten reps of a particular exercise, such as alternating snatches, “man-makers”, burpees, etc. while Partner 2 held a difficult pose, such as a high plank or a deep squat. The pressure was on Partner 1 to hurry and finish their reps, sprint to a certain spot and back, and relieve Partner 2 from their hold. Then we swapped and Partner 1 went into the hold move and waited their turn while Partner 2 performed the exercises and sprint.

Halfway through the workout, I started losing steam. It was hot and muggy, and I was exhausted. Everything in me was screaming to slow down, slack off, give up. But in the back of my mind, louder than the weary protests, was the (dramatic, I admit) thought “must…keep…going….must…save…Robyn…” Ha! But you know what? It worked. I knew she wouldn’t have relief until I made it back. And that kept me going running through the pain.

Our trainer recognized that we would be more motivated to push through this incredibly difficult workout when we were confronted with the reality of helping someone else. This is a Biblical principle at its root! The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that two are better than one. Teammates and helpmates make a world of difference when it comes to spurring each other on in the Christian faith. Think about the times in your spiritual walk where you felt burned out and weary and worn, and fellowship with another believer helped refuel your tank. We need each other—the Christian journey was never meant to be walked alone.

The Bible is full of examples of how the church in Acts banded together and helped each other financially, spiritually, and emotionally. And of course, there were twelve disciples and a group of apostles for a reason—no one is meant to do hard things by themselves.

You know the best part of the workout that day? Was sprinting toward that trash can, feeling like I was going to collapse, and hearing my partner yell after me from her plank hold “Go Betsy!”

If you’re feeling alone on the journey right now, partner up with other believers. Go to church. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who understand the urgency, who want to help spur you on in your “sprint”. And remember, even during seasons of loneliness or lack of fellowship, you’re never truly alone. Jesus promised He would never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6) If you’re a believer, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit with you at all times!

So, press on. Keep running. You got this!

Patient Words (and Actions)..... by Debbie Holloway

 Patient Words (and Actions)

by Debbie Holloway

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalms 86:15

I have a small wooden square (modeled after a scrabble tile) inscribed with the mantra “Patient Words.” But before I tell you about that, let me tell you a story about someone who probably doesn’t have one.

One morning a few weeks back I was driving to work on the ever-bustling 95 South. At one particular point I found myself in the middle lane behind a big truck about the size of a fed-ex truck. The driver was going a little slow, as large trucks tend to. However, enter the sedan in the left lane, which was driving around the same speed . About five over the limit, but decidedly too slow for the bustling left lane during morning rush hour.

Enter second sedan in the left lane, who found himself stuck behind the slower car. I watched with disappointment (but interest, nonetheless) as this driver made the conscious decision to tailgate the slower car, and it was almost a little surreal. He zoomed up behind the slower car, getting so close that he had to apply his brakes two separate times.

I often forget to pay attention to things. “Noticing” is not a strong point of mine. I know tailgating is something that happens, especially in big cities full of impatient drivers. But this was the first time I’d ever noticed it happen. It was kind of appalling.

Meanwhile, back to the story. The big truck in the middle lane was watching too, and he eventually got the drift: people were unable to pass. So he decided to move over to another lane, allowing the tailgating car to pass into the middle lane and race ahead. Through his patience, observance, and understanding, this truck driver made allowances for both the aggression of the tailgater and the carelessness of the slow-moving car.

It was an odd exchange to watch. It made me think about a few things. Mostly about how impatient we are all of the time.

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalms 86:15

It can be hard to assume the compassion and grace of God. They are intrinsic aspects of his nature. But sin has made our patience a much more difficult thing to master!

I was recently in a play with a small group made up of young adults. Most of us have been together for a long time; we’ve grown to learn patience with each other’s quirks. It’s not always easy, though, especially during the harrowing “Tech” experience, which happens the week before Friday night’s opening performance.

During this particular Tech week I kept my small wooden tile with me which I had picked up at church. It has “Patient Words” written on it with sharpie. I made the tile for myself in an exercise during the sermon because I wanted patient words for my life. Little did I know how handy of a reminder it would be for me during Tech! I often found myself running to grab the tile out of my bag to clutch it in my more frustrated, weary moments. Sometimes we even passed it around, recognizing that we all desperately need reminders for patience and grace.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you more like that speeding, tailgating car? Or have you found a way to remind yourself to have patience? If you are prone to impatience with others, find a way today to make a reminder for yourself. Patience is not something which magically develops because we pray for it. It must be practiced.

For Further Reading

1 Corinthians 13

Galatians 5:22-23

A Prayer to Parent with Wisdom..... By Betsy de Cruz

 A Prayer to Parent with Wisdom

By Betsy de Cruz

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Before my kids were born, I read every parenting book I could get my hands on, but they left me totally unprepared. What I read on paper never seemed to match my real-life situation.

While parenting methods gave me some ideas to try out, God’s Word gave me the strength, wisdom, and encouragement I needed to survive as a parent. Scripture reminded me I was called to love and serve my children. Parenting strategies fall short, but God’s Word provides timeless wisdom.

1. Love and serve your kids. We can reflect God’s unconditional love to our kids when we love them no matter what. Even when they act downright unlovable and drive us crazy, God calls us to love and serve them. Ephesians 5:1-2 reminds us: “Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

2. Teach them to love God. Of course, we want to train our kids to obey and become responsible adults, but it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that ultimately our biggest goal is to teach our children to love God first. We can model love for God by seeking to live out His Word ourselves. Taking our kids to church, reading Scripture, praying together, and discussing faith issues build a family culture of loving Him.

3. Lead by example. If I want to teach self-control, loving behavior, and respect for others, I have to model them so my kids can learn them too. If I want to show my kids what it means to love God, I need to live that out myself with behavior, attitudes and words that honor Him. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity” ( Titus 2:7).

4. Train them diligently. To learn how to act like a civilized, considerate, and responsible human being, every child needs consistent limits, and consequences for misbehavior. Some children learn more easily than others, but God’s Word reminds us that diligence plays a key role: “He who loves [his son] is diligent to discipline him” ( Proverbs 13:24).

5. Pray for them. Perhaps the most effective parenting strategy the books don’t mention is to pray for our children. Parenting isn’t a formula where you put in certain variables and get sure outcomes. We depend on God to show His grace and intervene in our kids’ lives, so we need to pray for them.

Parenting strategies may not work, but God’s Word offers wisdom and life principles for families.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, I need You. Give me grace each day to love my children and see them with your eyes. Help me to find in Your Word the wisdom I need to lead my kids well and to train them diligently. I am so thankful I don't have to rely on my own wisdom to parent my children. Thank you for the guidance, discernment and truth your Spirit provides. Help me live in utter dependence on you in all things, particularly today in my parenting.