Jesus the Source of Peace..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Jesus the Source of Peace

Dr. Charles Stanley

Colossians 1:15-20

Before we knew Jesus Christ, our life was full of godlessness and wickedness—we had self-seeking ways and stubborn, unrepentant hearts (Rom. 1:18; 2:5, 8). Like our strife-filled world, we clamored for peace and tried to find it, but our efforts failed.

When we came to faith in the Savior, all of that changed. We were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into Christ’s kingdom (Col 1:13). Every one of our sins—past, present, and future—was forgiven. Divine justice was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice, and God’s wrath upon us was removed. We became a new creation, washed clean by Jesus’ blood (2 Cor. 5:17).

Now that sin’s power over us has been broken, we can live in accord with God. He sent His Holy Spirit to be our personal guide in this new life, helping each of us experience Christ’s peace (Rom. 8:6). We also can look forward to an eternity spent in heaven, where righteousness, tranquility, and joy abound (Rom. 14:17).

The story of the prodigal son’s return is a picture of our reconciliation with the Lord (Luke 15:11-24). The son had chosen to leave his father, living instead to please himself. Repentant, he eventually returned home; his father joyfully greeted him and forgave him, and there was harmony between them. God has done all this for us.

Our unity with the heavenly Father came at a great price—the sacrifice of His only Son. Christ gave His life for us so that we could be reconciled to God (Col. 1:20). Christian lives are to testify that Jesus is the source of our peace. Does your life communicate this message?

Lifestyle of Grace..... Craig Denison

 

Lifestyle of Grace

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: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Devotional:

When we live poor in spirit we position ourselves to receive the limitless grace of our heavenly Father. To be poor in spirit is by definition to acknowledge our immense, total need of God’s help. And throughout Scripture, God declares that his heart is for those who acknowledge their need of him. Isaiah 66:2 says, “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.” God’s grace is for those poor in spirit.

Paul demonstrated this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And exhibiting the proper response to God’s truth, Paul says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” I long for the power of Christ in my life. I long to live entirely by his perfect grace. And Scripture declares to you and me today that the way we access the fullness of God’s grace is by living poor in spirit. We must open our eyes to see the true state of our spiritual health, not in comparison to others, but in comparison to Jesus. And we must allow a revelation of our spiritual depravity to lead us to a continual acknowledgement of our need of God’s grace.

The truth is that to be anything but poor in spirit is to live under false pretense, to live a lie. Our humanity screams of our depravity. Our weaknesses are vast and plainly visible. But society tells us we need to work to cover up our mess. Even the church often values appearance above reality. Rather than being a hospital to the weak, needy, and spiritually depraved, church is often a club where only those who speak the lingo, dress accordingly, smell nice, and never speak of their problems feel welcome.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Fitting in to the cliques of this world is nothing in comparison to an abundant life filled with the limitless grace of God. Getting a slap on the back from the world for looking like I have it all together is nothing in comparison to the freedom of coming before God openly and honestly.

James 4:6 simply declares, “God gives grace to the humble.” May we be those who have the courage to live honestly. May we have the courage to look at ourselves for who we truly are with all our faults, weaknesses, sin, pride, and immense need of help. And may we discover the wealth of life available only in the grace of an all-loving, sinner-accepting, and help-giving God.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of being poor in spirit in receiving God’s grace.

“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

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

“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.” Luke 18:13-14

2. Take an honest look at yourself. Take account of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Compare the state of your life to the call of God to look like Jesus.

“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” Psalm 40:17

3. Come before your loving heavenly Father openly and honestly declaring your need of his grace. Rest in his loving presence and let him reveal to you how deeply he enjoys you just as you are. Discover that his grace meets you at every point of need, sin, and weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In 1 Corinthians 15:10 Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” To be poor in spirit is to accomplish far more than you ever could in your own strength. Being poor in spirit should never result in sluggishness or a lack of good works. Rather, it positions you to receive the grace of God whereby your works are of an eternal nature and filled with the anointing and power of your loving, near, heavenly Father. May you live today entirely by the grace of God and find the help of the Holy Spirit to be constant and tangible.

Extended Reading: Psalm 40

How to Be Content in All Things..... By John Nelson Darby

 How to Be Content in All Things

By John Nelson Darby

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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

It is evident that he had been in need; but it was the occasion of more entire trust in God. We can easily gather this from his language; but, he delicately adds, he would not, by saying that [the church at Philippi's] care of him had now at last flourished again, imply that they had forgotten him. The care for him was in their hearts; but they had not had the opportunity of giving expression to their love.

Neither did he speak in regard of want; he had learnt-for it is practical experience and its blessed result we find here-to be content under all circumstances, and thus to depend on no one. He knew how to be abased: he knew how to abound; in every way he was instructed both to be full and to be hungry, to be in abundance and to suffer want. He could do all things through Him who strengthened him. Sweet and precious experience! not only because it gives ability to meet all circumstances, which is of great price, but because the Lord is known, the constant, faithful, mighty friend of the heart.

It is not 'I can do all things,' but "I can do all through him who strengtheneth me." It is a strength which continually flows from a relationship with Christ, a connection with Him maintained in the heart. Neither is it only 'One can do all things.' This is true; but Paul had learnt it practically. He knew what he could be assured of and reckon on-what ground he stood on. Christ had always been faithful to him, had brought him through so many difficulties and through so many seasons of prosperity, that he had learnt to trust in Him, and not in circumstances. And Christ was the same ever.

A Thought to Keep

Christ gives us the strength to be content in any and every circumstance. This isn't carte blanche power to conquer every problem the world throws our way, but a gentle promise of God's sustaining presence no matter those problems.

Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day..... By Debbie McDaniel

 Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day

By Debbie McDaniel

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11

We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We just have to decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we're going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don't make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap.

If you're a believer who is living like salt and light in a dark world, you won't go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks the enemy will hurl your direction. He's real and fierce, and he will stop at nothing to try to bring you down.

Don't let him win.

If you find yourself there today, know that you're not alone. Neither are you left to fight on your own. Many of us are in the battle with you, and God is the One who fights on your behalf, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when you're unaware. He's given us His words that are true and powerful, so that we'll have the wisdom to stand against the enemy.

Focusing here today, putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying, that God will equip believers everywhere to "stand strong." Remember, our battle today may be more about what is unseen than what we see before us. And when we resist the enemy, God’s word says he has to flee. Stand strong friends. God has the final victory over our lives. And He is surely with us.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Intersecting Faith & Life:  If the enemy seems to be hot on your trail, or you find yourself facing huge obstacles this week, God whispers these words down deep into your soul. "I'm fighting for you, I'm with you, stand firm, be still." Peace.

Further Reading: Ephesians 6, Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 3:22, Isaiah 41:10

A Prayer of Lament from Habakkuk..... By Christina Fox

 A Prayer of Lament from Habakkuk

By Christina Fox

There are some seasons in our Christian life where we wonder where God is. We call out to God and wonder if he even hears us. We plead and cry for his help but nothing changes in our circumstances.

There's a place in Scripture where the writer wonders where God is: the book of Habakkuk.

HABAKKUK'S LAMENT

Unlike the laments in the Psalms, this one shows us God's response. In his lament, Habakkuk cries out to God. He asks for God's help, intervention, and justice. Like most other laments, Habakkuk responds with trust in God.

The book begins with the prophet looking at the sin and idolatry around him and asking, "O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise" (1:2-3).

God responded to Habakkuk's question but not in the way he expected. God told Habakkuk that he would deal with the sin and idolatry. He would deal with it by sending Babylon to exact his justice. God would judge not only Judah, but their enemies as well. "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own" (1:5-7).

This was hard for Habakkuk to hear. Babylon was an evil nation. Yet Habakkuk responded and affirmed God's sovereignty, holiness, and power, "Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof." (1:12).

But he still wanted to know, why? (vs.13).

It may seem that evil is winning the day, but one day, God's glory will cover the earth, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" 2:14). For those of us who watch the evil around us in the world or in our own lives and wonder when God will move, this is a good reminder. As our Savior said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Habakkuk placed his trust and hope in the God who was faithful to his people in the past and trusted in his promises for the future. Jesus came as the answer to those promises. He is the answer to the suffering, injustice, and evil in the world. He is the One to whom all the stories of redemption and deliverance in the Old Testament point to. On this side of the cross, we can trust in God's perfect plan. We too can "quietly wait." We can rejoice even in the midst of our anxieties (vs. 16). Christ has come and is with us in the darkest days. And he will come again and make all things new.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, my joy is found in you. You are my salvation and my strength. Whatever my circumstances, whatever fears or anxieties I have, whatever darkness lurks on the horizon, whatever is happening in the world around me, you are my salvation and my joy. When the world around me seems confusing and hopeless, I pray that you would fill me with incredible hope in your goodness, grace and sovereignty over all things. Help me fix my gaze on you all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free..... By Debbie McDaniel

 Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free

By Debbie McDaniel

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalms 28:7

We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like he’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.

But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.

No matter what our current situation, or the struggles we may be facing, here’s what choosing to be thankful does:

• It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
• It reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
• It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for. It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on the goodness of His many blessings.
• It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
• A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
• It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
• It opens the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Maybe you’re in a hard place right now. Maybe you feel like God has left you on your own, to fend for yourself, or the battle seems too hard. Maybe there’s never enough money left at the end of the month and you can’t figure out how to make things work. No matter what, in it all, be assured that God is with you and He cares. Choose a heart of gratefulness today. Make a list of all that God has blessed and filled your life with, that it’s been easy to take for granted at times. Trust He knows what concerns you and is at work even now, to bring you through this uncertain season. Thank Him for providing all you need.

Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalms 136, Psalms 103:1-5