Resisting Fleshly Appetites..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Resisting Fleshly Appetites

Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 2:1-7

The Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead.

After the serpent spoke to Eve, she no doubt took a long look at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; 3:3). Whatever she might have thought about the tree before, she now saw it with new eyes—flesh-focused eyes. Genesis 3 tells us that the forbidden tree appealed to Eve in three ways: 1) it was good for food, 2) it was a delight to the eyes, and 3) it was desirable to make one wise.

In other words, the tree could fulfill three legitimate human appetites: the desire for tasty meals, beauty, and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with these God-given yearnings. The Lord created a variety of food and an earth packed with breathtaking sights so that people could enjoy them. He also offers the Holy Spirit as a source of His true wisdom and knowledge. In fact, it is the Spirit who teaches believers to keep fleshly appetites under control and in balance.

Meanwhile, Satan works very hard at corrupting healthy desires. He abhors seeing people's appetites satisfied. What he wants is to watch a person lusting after a good thing until he or she is controlled by the impulse to have it.

The Devil is pleased when people make themselves slaves to a desire that—in the proper context—the Lord intended to be enjoyed freely. A believer walking in the Holy Spirit rejects gluttony, preferring desires that are within God's boundaries instead. That's how we get His very best.

Poor in Spirit..... Craig Denison

 

Poor in Spirit

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

The biblical concept of being poor in spirit is foundational to every aspect of the Christian life. Foundational to salvation is a heart-level acknowledgment of our need for a Savior. Foundational to experiencing God’s love is acknowledging our great need of love. Foundational to heavenly peace and joy is an acknowledgment that this world truly offers us neither. If we want all that God in his grace offers, we must pursue a lifestyle of being poor in spirit. May you experience more of the depth of God’s love this week as you discover God’s heart to minister to those desperate for him.

Scripture:“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Devotional:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Who is this God that he would bless those who are spiritually impoverished with the greatest gift of all: the kingdom of heaven? Our God demonstrated his wealth of grace, help, and love to all who were in need through the words and actions of Jesus. Jesus, who came to reveal the heart of the Father, was undoubtedly drawn to the weak, desperate, and estranged. And in comparison to his affection for the impoverished he was incredibly critical of all those enveloped with mankind’s chief sin: pride.

Jesus’ ministry made clear what thousands of years of religion, sin, and the rule of the law obscured: the necessity of being poor in spirit to have true relationship with God. You see, even today we buy into a false doctrine that our works somehow justify us to God. Even today we believe that we must clean ourselves up, do better, work harder, or love more to have relationship with our heavenly Father. Jesus came to obliterate works-based relationship and to reveal God’s heart of unconditional, grace-filled, unchanging, and system-shattering love.

Jesus powerfully illustrates this truth in Luke 18:9-14. May his words shed light on any part of our hearts that still believe we must do something to deserve the affections of a loving Father:

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Your Father loves you because he loves you. He longs to exalt you. He longs to bless you. He longs to pour out the full extent of his loving-kindness over every possible area of your life. But to reward you for a works-based mentality is to reinforce behavior that will only harm you. It’s only in acknowledging your total and utter dependency on God that you will be able to receive the depth of his love. It’s only in serving him because you are loved, rather than to be loved, that your works will yield heavenly fruit. It’s only in being poor in spirit that you will discover yourself already perfectly and completely loved, liked, and enjoyed. You will then experience the freedom and joy that comes from uninhibited relationship with God’s limitless love.

Take time in guided prayer to search out the true condition of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate any part of your life that is works-based rather than grace-based. Be honest with yourself and God that the fullness of your need would be met with the fullness of his love for you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of being poor in spirit. Allow Scripture to ignite in you a pursuit of consistently acknowledging your need.

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” Isaiah 57:15

“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you think of any ways in which you are living a works-based life instead of a grace-based life. Where are you doing life in your own strength? Where are you working for the affection of God and others? Where are you striving for that which is already yours in Christ?

3. Take time to acknowledge your need before God. Be honest with the condition of your heart. Be honest with your sin and brokenness. Receive the love of God who gives it freely, not because you deserve it, but because he is good.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16

“To be human is to be poor” (Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel). All of us are broken. All of us are in need. The greatest symptom of our brokenness is not acknowledging it. It’s only in pride that our need goes unmet. It’s only in pride that our brokenness is without healing. We serve a good, loving Father who has always loved us. When we stop trying to prove to ourselves, God, and others that we have our lives together, we actually begin to truly live. There is overwhelming freedom, joy, and love in living with the reality that we are wholly accepted and loved just as we are. May you discover the abundant life available to you as you live poor in spirit.

Extended Reading: Psalm 51

Sharing Good News Where I Can, With Whomever I Can..... LYNN COWELL

 Sharing Good News Where I Can, With Whomever I Can

LYNN COWELL

“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 6:7 (ESV)

I’ve never experienced the depth of joy my sister described, but my heart wanted to join with hers just the same.

“I have to share one of the greatest joys I’ve ever had,” she texted me. “I just prayed with my granddaughter for her to begin a relationship with Jesus.”

My sister is such an inspiration to me in how she intentionally makes space in her life to develop strong relationships in her family. Within these relationships, she follows Deuteronomy 6:7, where God instructed His people to share His teachings with the next generation: “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.”

My sister knows that within the context of relationship she will have the greatest opportunity to share what is most important to her: Jesus. To encourage these relationships, she intentionally makes time, especially for her grandchildren — even when it’s inconvenient. As they bake cakes, go for walks and even make YouTube videos, she is looking for and creating space to share Jesus’ great love for each of them. It does come at a cost, for often it means taking time from other things she enjoys as well.

Caring always costs us something.

From what I can see, though, sharing Jesus with others appears to be a natural process for her.

• She spends time with Jesus.
• She spends time with her people.
• She shares Jesus with her people.Â

In these everyday moments, she’s developing a tether of love, identity and joy between the generations of her family — a set of values where both young and old cherish their relationships. My sister lives out the gospel message as she shows her family love both in spending time with them and sharing Jesus with them.

As I texted my sister back to rejoice in this momentous occasion, I thought of how, even though I do not have grandchildren, I want to be like her — eager to share my faith with the next generation. I can start that today. I can share what Jesus has done and is doing in my life with my own children, the children of family members, children in the neighborhood and children in our church.

May each of us be intentional to apply the heart of Deuteronomy 6:7 to our life, sharing Jesus’ Good News and love wherever we find ourselves sitting, walking, lying down and rising.

Jesus, may my love for You spill out every day to those around me, and may I share Your love where I can with whomever I can. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Humility Is the Key to Hearing People..... By Meg Bucher

 Humility Is the Key to Hearing People

By Meg Bucher

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. - John 9:16

Listening to my two daughters disagree over the same side of an argument is one of the more frustrating parental experiences of my mom-life.

“NO, I’m doing my math practice first,” one instructed.

“NO, I’m doing my math practice after you,” came the retort.

“MOM!!!” they both begged for intervention. And intervention is what they need, sometimes.

“You’re both saying the same thing,” I explained.

“Ohhhh…..” giggle, giggle, ha ha…. and I poured myself a gallon of coffee.

I referee hundreds of conversations a day, and most of the time it’s because one is thinking of her response before the other is done talking. They hardly ever fully hear what the other is saying before they react. And neither want to admit to anything. It’s like a piece of crazy I can’t fix.

The Pharisees in today’s verse were no better. They were divided, and probably not fully listening to each other fully. Adults are not always more accomplished in the listening department.

They were debating over what the law said in comparison to what Jesus did. Laws are important, especially God’s laws, but how often to do we mute someone’s story because we’re stuck on a law …a rule …or a judgement. We can’t get past it, and maybe even believe they have what’s coming to them. But we need to remember what should be coming to us for our sins, and what Jesus died to give us in return.

When we struggle to understand another’s perspective, or embrace our own perplexing circumstances, it’s important to look back at the work God has already done in our lives. It’s crucial to remember the cross.

Humility is the key to hearing people.

How much hurt is caused by miscommunication? How much more do we pile on when we dig our heels in instead of apologizing in humility? Or, accepting forgiveness? Receiving a rebuke and making a change?

Jesus died to give us grace, and we are called to extend it to others. Instead of refereeing conversations and trying to change people, let’s love them for who they are …and where they are …right now. The rest is up to God …and He can handle it.

Father,

Praise You for all that You plant in us. Thank You for watering us with Your word so we may bloom in Your love. Forgive us for our lack of extension of love to others. Help us to be compassionate and understanding people, with hearts like His.

 In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

For the Days You Feel Overwhelmed: There's a Rock that Is Higher..... By Debbie McDaniel

 For the Days You Feel Overwhelmed: There's a Rock that Is Higher

By Debbie McDaniel

“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalms

For the times when you feel overwhelmed, there's a Rock that is higher. Stable, sure, faithful, true...a place you can trust, a place you can rest.

We often long for a more simplified life, free of mess or clutter, and struggles. Yet most days we strive just to keep our heads above the demands of work, family responsibilities, and all that calls our name. It’s hard sometimes, feeling like we can never get it all done. Our minds are in a constant mode of “go” from the moment our feet hit the floor in the morning.

This is life.

Real life.

And God longs to be right there in the center of it all. In the mess. In the full days. In the craziness and times when we feel overwhelmed. Because the truth is, the reality that we can ever get everything done we feel like we need to do, is not even a reality for most of us. And that’s not where true success is found anyway. It’s found in spending time with Him.

Our Rock. Our stability. Our hope. Our peace.

Maybe today is the day to rise above. Maybe we’ve been stuck down too long. Maybe we’ve been drowning or fighting the “overwhelm.” All the struggles and stuff won’t ever go away, but they don’t have to defeat us.

He is the One who brings hope in the chaos, the clutter, and demands. Because most days don't look like a Pinterest post or page fresh out of a magazine for Simple Living. Sometimes they're messy and full, and we can hardly keep up. The to-do list doesn't get done, again, and we might be feeling a few steps behind. Pressures cling. We feel hurried and stressed. Battling defeat and discouragement, wondering why we can't just get it together.

Yet still, His Truth shines through.

For though there's a lot that may be left undone at the end of every day, if we're living close to the One who created the day and cares more about us than we could ever imagine, that's where true life is found.

That's where real peace is.

Resting there today.

Hope you are too.

Intersecting Faith & Life: You can be real with God this morning. Tell Him your struggles and what’s concerning you. He already knows, but He longs for that relationship with us, as we sit in His presence, as we pray, and read His words of truth. Ask Him for His peace to cover you, even if you find yourself in circumstances that are anything but peace-filled. He alone has the power to help us rise above the chaos and mess of our days. Let’s choose to fix our eyes on Him and believe that He is with us.

Further Reading: Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 14:33

A Prayer to Remember God’s Past Help..... By Tiffany Thibault

 A Prayer to Remember God’s Past Help

By Tiffany Thibault

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! - Psalm 4:1

There are so many circumstances in our lives that can cause us to feel overwhelmed, uncertain and most definitely fearful. As we purposefully choose to make right decisions in the midst of all the hard choices, we can always find fresh comfort in the Scriptures.

In every single situation in our life, whether it be a good one or a difficult one, we can also turn to the Lord in prayer. He is always alert, always ready to hear our prayers, and whether we can see it or not, He is always at work in our lives.

The amazing thing about walking this life with Jesus, is that each and every time that we turn to Him for guidance and for wisdom, He shows up. As we continue through life, trusting Him, we begin to build a “faith” history with Him. We can remind ourselves of what He has already done, which actually strengthens our faith when we turn to Him again and again to ask for His help in every one of our next steps.

I love to read the stories in the Old Testament where the Israelites set up tangible reminders of moments when God moved in their lives.

The Israelites set up 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan River to remind themselves and future generations that God had shown up and moved on their behalf (Joshua 4:1-11).

Abraham named the mountain top “The Lord will provide” in reference to God providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice instead of his son (Genesis 22).

The Israelites built an ark in accordance with God’s design and in it were placed the tablets of laws given to Moses by God, and it also included Aaron’s staff and a jar of manna that God fed the people with for so many long years. This was a symbol for all to see to remind themselves of God’s continual presence and provision (Exodus 16:34, Numbers 17:10).

Jacob set up a stone altar and named it Bethel, for God had met him there (Genesis 28:18-22).

We too can set up spiritual reminders of our faith journey with the Lord. Here are a few easy ways that we can do that: It can be a date and notes next to a verse in our Bibles, it can be a set of stones with moments inscribed on them in the garden. It can be a plaque on the wall with the dates and events where God showed up, or it can be a list of answered prayers written in the back of your Bible.

We keep photo books of our families growing up, so that we can remember all the good times. When I look at photo books of my family, I crave even more family time. When I look back on how God showed up and worked in my life, my faith grows and I am able to find the strength to get through my next season.

However it may look in your life, you too need a tangible reminder of what God has already done in your life. Then when the moments seem long, and the struggles are hard, you can turn to them and find strength from your history with God so you can take your next steps. There is never a moment when God has not been there with you. Let’s remind ourselves of how He gave us relief when we were in distress, and let us walk boldly in faith knowing that He will hear our prayers this time as well.

O Lord,

You have been so good to me in the past. You have heard my prayers, you have seen my tears. When I called out to you while I was in distress, You have answered me. Over and over again you have shown yourself to be true, to be strong. Lord, today I come to you once again. My burdens are so heavy, and I need you to help me through this new trouble. Be gracious to me Lord. Hear my prayer. Please move today in my hard situations. Please move in my heart so that I might praise you through this storm. 

In your Name I pray, Amen.

The Sacrifice of Thanks-sharing..... Glynnis Whitwer

 The Sacrifice of Thanks-sharing

Glynnis Whitwer

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16 (NASB)

Enough. That's what I have. Really, more than enough.

More than enough clothes in my closet. Food in my fridge. Shoes spread on the floor. Cans in the cupboard.

My children have books, warm jackets, tennis shoes, pencils, and opportunities for more. I have clean sheets, soft pillows, a kitchen table, and indoor plumbing.

My husband and I have never taken our provisions for granted. Every day we are thankful for the blessings of our home and family. Yet eight years ago we were increasingly aware of what Luke 12:48b tells us, "When someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (NLT) We felt an obligation to do something more with our blessings.

So in 2005 our family of five put a plan in place to share what we had. We had enough home, enough time, and enough love. Our gratitude to God for His blessings couldn't be kept to ourselves any more. We started with some rearranging. Two of our three sons moved furniture around so they could share a room, Then we bought two little white beds, pink curtains, and some dolls. I bought matching calico comforters and guessed at sizes of dresses.

After months of planning to share what we had, two little orphaned sisters stepped off a plane gripping the hands of their new daddy and walked into our hearts and homes.

They wore "African suits" bought from the place of their birth, brightly colored dresses that hung on tiny bodies. So proud they were to own their first new pieces of clothing, wanting to greet their new family in their best. As we wrapped our arms around these little girls, our family of five became seven.

As weeks turned into months, and typical family issues mingled with trauma from our daughters' pasts, we learned God's call to share isn't always easy. Oh, at first it was great, before the first blush of excitement wore off. But the magnitude of sharing our lives with two wounded little girls was harder than we ever imagined.

When worry about the future threatened to overwhelm me, God quietly reminded me that He didn't ask me to have the answers. That's His job. My job is just to share what He has given me–my love, my home, my life–with two not-so-little girls now who call me Mama. With a heart of thankfulness, and an open hand of generosity. That's all He's asking me. That's what blesses Him.

God's Word confirms what pleases Him. Hebrews 13:15-16 teaches us that we must link thanksgiving with sharing. But it also says it will be a sacrifice: "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (NASB)

As we walk together as a family, we continue to learn that showing thanks to God involves sharing, and sharing involves sacrifice. God still calls us to share out of our abundance, and it still involves sacrifice. But when we share our lives, our homes, our money, our hearts, our skills, and our time as an outpouring of thanksgiving, God is pleased.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your generosity with me. I don't deserve Your favor, and my heart overflows with thanksgiving. Help me to show my gratitude through words and actions that are pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.