The Burden of Inadequacy..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Burden of Inadequacy

 Dr. Charles Stanley

Deuteronomy 1:19-36

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

Jesus is the Best Thing..... Craig Denison

 Jesus is the Best Thing

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

As children of God, we have been given a new home and a new hope. May your heart be set aflame by the joy and purpose of living out God’s command to live for heaven this week: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” - Colossians 3:1-4

Scripture:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

Devotional:

Of all the wonders our Creator provides us, boundless and unadulterated relationship with Jesus vastly exceeds them all. Jesus is the best thing we will ever know. His love restores, satisfies, transforms, and heals. His grace empowers and brings transcendent peace. His nearness resolves the great fears of our hearts. And his Kingship calls us to a right lifestyle of living for heaven rather than a pursuit of that which is worldly and fleeting. Colossians 3:1-4 says,

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

You and I have limited space in our hearts. When we choose to fill our lives with the things of the world, we crowd out that which will fill us with pure and abounding relationship with Jesus. It’s for this reason Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to lead different lives than others around us. Instead of looking to others as our standard for what is good or right, we must look to Jesus. Instead of setting the bar for our lives by looking at successful people, even successful Christians, we must set our bar at living like Jesus. Jesus valued relationship with the Father above all else. He valued obedience to the Father’s will above all other pursuits. Every breath he breathed was done to the glory of God the Father and in fulfillment of his plans, and you and I are to do the same.

To live for heaven is to throw off every weight that would hinder us from pursuing the fullness of relationship with Jesus. To live for heaven is to declare with our thoughts, actions, and emotions that Jesus truly is Lord of lords and King of kings and that he is worthy of our lives. To live for heaven is to make as much room in our hearts for Jesus as possible. Live for heaven today and discover the wealth of relationship and satisfaction available to you only through the sole pursuit of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the principle of serving two masters. Allow Scripture to stir up your heart to pursue relationship with Jesus above all else. Renew your mind to what truly has value in this life.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:33-34

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

2. What things of the world have you been pursuing? In what ways has the world crowded out space that was meant solely for the things of God?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

3. Ask the Lord to lead you to a lifestyle of living for heaven. Ask him to give you a vision of what it looks like to pursue relationship with him above all else. Commit to following his leadership to paths of righteousness and relationship and turn away from worldly cares and pursuits.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17

Living with a heavenly perspective takes time spent in God’s presence, studying his word. It’s unnatural to live in the world but not of the world (John 15:19). There are few to no people we encounter in our daily routine who truly live out this command. If we are going to fully pursue the abundant life to which we’ve been called, we must choose to live differently. If we are going to truly live for heaven, we must allow the Lord to daily renew our perspective on what matters. The life available to us through pursuing Jesus alone may be countercultural, but it is filled with adventure, wonder, satisfaction, and purpose. May you be filled with the courage to throw off the burdens of the world and live solely for Jesus today.

Extended Reading: 1 John 

The Simple Secret for Trust..... ALICIA BRUXVOORT

 The Simple Secret for Trust

ALICIA BRUXVOORT

“The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NLV)

I could blame the mishap on a train, but it was really a matter of trust.

When I pulled into the carpool line and scanned the meager crowd of students, the face I sought was missing. I looked for her backpack, her violin case and her deep, dark eyes, but they were missing, too.

We’d opened our home to a young girl who needed a stable place to stay, and we were figuring out how to do life together day by day.

Over breakfast, I’d reminded her of our plan: “I’ll pick you up in front of the double doors after school.”

My morning litany had seemed sufficient until I got stuck at a railroad crossing on my way to school that afternoon. As the minutes ticked by, I found myself wishing I could add a vow to my morning refrain: “No matter what, I’ll always show up.”

It’s a truth my own children know by heart because they know the depths of mine. After years of shared life, they’ve learned my promises are dependable and my pledges are true.

But the young girl who’d gone missing didn’t know that yet.

I stared through a haze of tears at the double doors of the empty school and wondered what to do. Eventually, I abandoned my post and headed home.

When I stopped at a red light at a nearby intersection, I noticed a cluster of kids in the crosswalk. And right in the middle of the crowd was a girl with a black backpack on her shoulder and a violin case in her hand.

I rolled down my window and hollered her name, waggling my arms in a wild wave. She acknowledged me with a shy smile and climbed into the passenger seat with a sigh.

“Where were you going?” I asked, trying to disguise the worried wobble in my voice.

She shrugged her shoulders. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

I told her about the train and apologized for my delay. Then I spoke the words I’d failed to say that morning. “I promise I’ll always show up.”

And as we headed toward home, I hoped one day the young girl beside me wouldn’t just hear my words, but she would believe them, too.

I think our heavenly Father holds the same hope for you and me.

As God’s children, we are invited to take Him at His word; that’s the crux of faith.

But even though faith may be simple, it’s not always easy.

Believing God’s promises and tethering our confidence to His Truth can feel risky and vulnerable. It may seem effortless to trust God to call out the stars each night, but it can feel daunting to trust Him with our messy situations and our personal expectations.

We wonder if what He says is really true. We worry we’ll be disappointed if He doesn’t follow through. Skepticism and self-protection can stir our doubt and strangle our confidence.

When I’m standing in that place between faith and fear, I remember what I learned from a girl who once went missing. Trust doesn’t grow in the absence of uncertainty; it develops in the presence of intimacy.

It took hours of shared life — laughing and talking, listening and lingering — before the girl who lived beneath my roof knew me well enough to trust me. But as she became familiar with my faithfulness, she began to put faith in my word.

Perhaps that’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds us God’s promises are completely trustworthy because He is completely trustworthy: “The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.”

Our confidence in God’s Word is rooted in our understanding of God’s character.

So, next time your trust goes missing, don’t worry about chasing away your doubts.

Choose to chase after God instead. Spend time getting to know Him on the pages of His Word. Listen for His voice. Pay attention to His presence.

As you do, I think you’ll discover bold faith blooms best in the rich soil of relationship. And the more fully we know our Father’s heart, the more wholly we trust His Word.

Dear Jesus, sometimes I struggle to trust what You say, but I want to put my faith in Your Word. Please reveal more of Your heart to me today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair..... By Mark Altrogge

 Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair

By Mark Altrogge

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

There is a word in the Bible that I’m so glad is there. I’ve come back to it again and again over the years. I have said many times, “Yeah! That’s the word for it. That’s what I’m feeling right now.”

What is the word? “Perplexed.”

Perplexed, but not driven to despair!

Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, was perplexed at times. The brilliant theologian Paul didn’t know what the heck was going on at times. He didn’t understand why certain things were happening to him. There were things in his life that didn’t make sense. Outcomes that shouldn’t have happened. Friends that shouldn’t have betrayed him. Unexpected twists and turns. And he was perplexed.

Like when he was being a servant, gathering sticks for a fire and a poisonous viper latched on to him. Ever had that experience? You were just trying to serve and you wind up getting bit.

So many things in our lives are perplexing. We try to do the right thing and someone gets angry at us. We do all we know to do as parents and a child rebels. We help someone financially and they go around slandering us. We give someone godly counsel then they blame us for the problems their sins have caused. Perplexing. Confusing. Mind-boggling. Head-scratching.

Why does God allow us to be perplexed? To display his power. To remind us that we are jars of clay and all our strength is from God.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed” – When life beats us down and we rise up out of the ashes praising God, it displays his incredible power.

“Perplexed, but not driven to despair” – When we go through confusing circumstances that would drive others to despair, yet we continue to hope in God, that displays his might.

“Persecuted, but not forsaken” – Others hurt us, yet we find again and again that God is with us.

“Struck down, but not destroyed” – We just keep getting back up again. Why? Why don’t we just stay down? Why don’t we just give up? Why do we keep coming back to God’s word, and to church? Why do we lift up our hands in praise when we should just quit? Because of God’s power!

“Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” When we “die” in any way – when we’re disappointed, betrayed, confused, perplexed, hurt, persecuted, disrespected, abused – it’s then that the life of Jesus shines most brightly through us. All our afflictions are intended to reveal the power and glory of God in our lives.

Are you perplexed? Are you down? Get back up. Keep going. Keep seeking Jesus for strength. Keep asking him for answers. Don’t despair. Jesus is about to display his glorious power through you.

Unfulfilled Desire..... By: Sarah Phillips

 Unfulfilled Desire

By: Sarah Phillips

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13

"For a long time I have not belonged to myself since I delivered myself totally to Jesus, and He is therefore free to do with me as He pleases." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux

Do you have unrealized desires? They have a way of burning up our insides, don't they? Perhaps you wish to be married, but year after year remain single. Or you wish for children, but remain childless. Or maybe you want to write books, but never make any headway.

Confusion and despair over unrealized desires feel the most intense when they seem natural and God-honoring. Doesn't the Lord want me to be married? Didn't He place in me this desire to be a pastor? Didn't God give me these gifts? So why do all the doors remain closed?

I've been noticing a theme lately in the stories of revered Christian heroes. Most of them had personal desires that were put on hold or even went completely unfulfilled - at least from the outside observer's perspective. Some of these desires seemed especially holy.

Take St. Martin of Tours for example. From an early age, this Christian convert's sole desire was to be a monk. But the laws in 4th century Rome required him be a soldier - an occupation that did not suite him well. Even after the military finally released Martin, his plan to dedicate his life to solitary prayer never played out as he hoped. Martin's unique spiritual wisdom drew crowds to him and ultimately, the beloved monk was ordained a Bishop against his wishes.

St. Therese of Lisieux is another example. This French beauty from the 19th century longed to be a Carmelite nun and a missionary. While Therese's first desire came true at the early age of 15, her second never did. At 22, tuberculosis limited her to her French convent.

Why does God allow some desires to go unfulfilled? There's no simple answer to that question, however, I think it's fair to say that when good desires lay dormant, God does important work through us that might not otherwise have been possible. Paul articulates this when he is torn between two holy desires: a desire for heaven and a desire to continue to build up the Church on earth. Through eyes of faith, he sees how God can work through both outcomes.

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith Philippians 1:23-25

The same peace we see in Paul can be found in the stories of countless Christians who set their personal preferences aside.

In her autobiography Story of a Soul, St. Therese reflected, "God cannot inspire unrealizable desires. I can, then, in spite of my littleness aspire to holiness." Therese recognized that her earthly desires really boiled down to a desire for God, and while her personal limitations frustrated her, they did not limit God's work in her life. Therese spent her remaining two years on earth "in the mission fields" by praying for and corresponding with missionary priests who drew much strength from her support.

St. Martin of Tours also accepted God's calling with peace in his heart. He made an excellent Bishop in spite of his introverted ways. The key to his contentment? His love for God enabled him to love needy souls more than his solitary lifestyle.

While it's hard to accept that our personal desires sometimes have to be put on hold, it's also incredibly freeing. I think if you had a chance to speak with Paul, Therese, or Martin they'd all agree that life is much more fulfilling when the Creator of the Universe is in control instead of our little selves. What desires can you hand over to Him today?

Intersecting Faith & Life: What dreams have been put on hold in your life? Think of ways God has worked for good in your waiting. Write down one (or more) blessings you may not have received had your original dreams come true.

Further Reading
James 4:1
Psalm 37:4
Realizing Your Dreams

A Psalm 121 Prayer..... By Tiffany Thibault

 A Psalm 121 Prayer

By Tiffany Thibault

I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2

I lived in a house for ten years that had a large window, facing east. Directly in my view, centered in that window, was a very tall hill. Every day I was blessed to be able to look out that window and to remind myself of Psalm: “I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?”

During the busy season of raising my daughters to the brink of their teenage years, I needed that reminder often. It was during those years that we faced a host of struggles common to many. One year in particular though, was almost more than we could handle. During that year we dealt with the loss of a child, our dog, a friend and a family member all within 4 months. Then thrown on top of that, we received the diagnosis of an illness that would take all of our strength to overcome.

There is no life on this earth that escapes trouble. Moments of despair, seasons of illness, relationship struggles, unexpected bills, and job losses. We can do what we can to prepare, or to even limit them, but there is no secret from preventing or stopping trouble from coming into our lives.

However, the truth in Psalm 121 is that we do have someone who can help us get through the tough times! We simply must look up! In Jerusalem, the place of worship was up on the hill. The writer of this verse was reminding himself and telling us that God is always there! Looking up to the hill is a visual reminder, a deliberate action of faith, that allows us to believe, and to tell us that God waits for us to worship Him, to speak with Him, to cling to Him.

As I would look up to the hill each morning as I opened the shutters, I reminded myself that my help comes from the Lord. This is true in my life as well as yours!

We like to use the phrase “things are looking up!” Well of course they are! Not only did God create both heaven and earth, but He cares about every situation that happens in your life!

As you intentionally “look up” to the Lord and seek Him for the help and strength to get through each day, He will move, He will act and He will help you to overcome every single difficulty you are facing in your life today!

Let’s Pray:

Thank you Lord, that you are good. Thank you for the truth of this Bible verse, that my help comes from you. Thank you Father, that you are always there. I lift my eyes up to you. I thank you that I can turn to you at any moment. Today Lord, I bring you all of my situations. Where does my help come from? It comes from you – the maker of heaven and earth!

Please guide me as I work with the people whom you have brought across my path today. Help me to respond in a way that reflects my trust in you. In all my difficult stuff today, Lord, please help me. Give me wisdom and understanding for each situation. I trust you Lord, to be with me through each and every moment of my day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.