Our Best Friend Is Jesus..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Best Friend Is Jesus

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 15:9-17

Years ago the Sunday School teachers in my church would teach preschoolers a little chorus that included the line, “My best friend is Jesus.” As those children grew into adulthood, they naturally put aside juvenile songs like this one. But sadly, they also frequently seemed to grow out of the idea of Jesus being a friend.

As believers learn more about God, they rightly elevate Him to be the Lord of their lives and acknowledge Him as sovereign ruler over all the earth. It is easier to think of One so high and mighty as Creator, Savior, and Lord than to “lower” Him to the position of Friend. But Jesus makes a point of telling His disciples that He is both a transcendent deity—the Son of God—and their companion (John 15:15).

The offer of friendship extends to modern disciples as well. Like the original twelve followers, we are privileged to say that Christ laid down His life for us in a supreme act of love and devotion (v. 13). What is more, His Spirit reveals the truth of Scripture to our hearts so that we can learn more about God and His ways. In other words, Jesus has made known to us the things He heard from His Father. A man doesn’t tell secrets to slaves; he tells them to his friends (v. 15).

Teaching children to sing of their friendship with Jesus is a wise idea. But I wonder when some grown believers will learn to sing of that special relationship again? May we never become so religious, so pious, or so full of our own maturity that we will not say, “My best friend is Jesus Christ.”

Vision for Others..... Craig Denison

 

Vision for Others

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

We serve a God of boundaries. In his limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence he still chose to create boundaries. He still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect. And as children made in his image, we are to live, think, and create as he does. In a world marked by busyness from seemingly infinite opportunities, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries. May you find freedom and joy this week as you receive vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Devotional:

One of the greatest joys in life is the gift of serving others. Often in the busyness of work, family, and society we draw boundaries around ourselves so tightly that we don’t make room to love others well. God’s desire is to shepherd us to a place of inward abundance, not only that we might live in the fullness of life, but also that we would be empowered to give of ourselves to others. Philippians 2:4-8 says,

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

In his humble, loving sacrifice, Jesus set before us the perfect example of loving others. God might not call all of us to physically die for the sakes of others, but he absolutely leads us to a lifestyle of dying to self that we might live for the kingdom of God. Loving others always requires sacrifice. The gift of love is never free. But in pursuing a lifestyle of looking to the interests of others we’ll discover an eternal purpose more fulfilling than any fruit selfishness could produce.

Often, in reading or hearing exhortations centered around serving others, I find myself feeling more and more weighed down. I know that I’m called to love people. I know that I’m called to give of myself. And in response to these emotions I typically engage in a few more activities, find myself empty and burnt out, and subsequently give up on the notion of living sacrificially. But after years of going through this cycle I realized that I was giving, not from a place of love, but out of coercion. I was giving, not as a response to receiving the unconditional love of my heavenly father, but to earn the affection of a Christian community that often admires actions over motives.

But we serve a God who looks at the heart. The call of God on our lives to love others well is designed to flow from a place of fullness and satisfaction. God doesn’t ask us to give what we don’t have. If you’re not in a place of health and abundance, the first step is to ask for the leadership of the Holy Spirit in how he wants to shepherd you to a place of restoration and rejuvenation. The world doesn’t need burnt-out givers. God doesn’t ask us to die to ourselves if we don’t have life to begin with.

God has amazing plans to use you to further his kingdom today. And those plans are filled with acts of love and sacrifice. But before you can love others, you need to know that you are loved. Before you can sacrifice for others, you need to know that Jesus sacrificed for you to a far greater measure than you could ever hope to reciprocate. And in response to God’s love and sacrifice, ask him for ways you can love others well. Create boundaries in your life in which you can consistently give of yourself. Seek to look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

May you find profound joy and purpose in loving others today in response to God’s great love for you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s unconditional love and overwhelming sacrifice.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

2. Reflect on God’s call for you to love and sacrifice for others as a response to his example.

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:4-8

3. In what ways can you love someone well today? Who is God calling you to sacrifice for? In what ways can you give of yourself for the sakes of others? Journal any people or actions who come to mind and commit to the Lord to see them through in his grace.

Inward abundance and rest aren’t always necessarily marked by the emotions of happiness or a feeling of energy. Sometimes God asks us to give even when we’re weary. Just as Paul walked back into Lystra after being stoned to continue sharing the gospel, we have to get up after being knocked down. Inward abundance is living with an unshakable and unbroken sense of God’s love. It’s experiencing transcendent joy that can only come from a God whose goodness surpasses the quality of our circumstances. If you will seek to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit you will know when it’s time to rest and time to act. You will know when it’s time to retreat with him and time to go out. His leadership will not fail you and his grace will always sustain you. Inquire of the Lord today and discover both restoration and purpose in his steadfast love.

Extended Reading: 1 John 3

When the Fear of Being Misunderstood Upsets Our Peace..... BRENDA BRADFORD OTTINGER

 When the Fear of Being Misunderstood Upsets Our Peace

BRENDA BRADFORD OTTINGER 

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord …’” Luke 1:46 (ESV)

Through a blur of tears, I studied the message, confused by the words it contained.

I’d served in a lovely women’s group for years, and sadly, a newer member of the group had mistaken something I’d said and filed a complaint. Instantly, the angst of misunderstanding upset my peace as I realized I’d been inaccurately accused.

In hindsight, I should have recognized the potential for misunderstanding, yet I hadn’t considered how my words might come across as critical.

Feeling discouraged, I called a trusted friend, who prayed with me and listened to my heart pour out in tears. Afterward, I did my best to resolve the misunderstanding, and everyone moved on. Yet a restless tension lingered heavily in my spirit.

You see, one of my greatest fears is of being misunderstood. All my life, I’ve longed for others to assume the best of me, not the worst. And I’m painfully aware that I make my share of inaccurate assumptions, as well.

This misunderstanding happened years ago, and I wish I could say I’m currently cured of my fear of being misunderstood. But all too often, I’m still fighting for freedom in this struggle … still laying this fear at the feet of Jesus again and again.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ mother, Mary, and how she must have felt when the angel Gabriel told her that she, a seemingly ordinary young virgin, would be the mother of the Savior. (Luke 1:26-38)

As the awe of this message sank in, I wonder what concerns Mary may have had about being misunderstood. An engaged young woman, now supernaturally pregnant?

As her community anticipated the Messiah’s arrival in unmistakable grandeur, Mary held the promise of the Savior in her womb. Despite how she might have explained her growing belly, if I were Mary the fear of being misunderstood would have made my shortlist of concerns.

Yet I’m touched by Mary’s ultimate acceptance: “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said (Luke 1:38a, NIV). Though her situation might have appeared amiss to others, Mary knew she was understood by God, and she made herself available to Him.

After receiving this news from the angel, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with a son — John the Baptist. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth, suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit, enthusiastically blessed Mary, affirming her as the mother of the Savior. (Luke 1:39-44)

What a gift it must have been for Mary to feel understood. Yet Mary’s response wasn’t to brainstorm with Elizabeth about how she might explain her situation to others. Rather, her response was one of worship: “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she declared (Luke 1:46).

Mary’s peace didn’t rest in the perceptions of others. Rather than focusing on the outward appearance of her situation, Mary focused on the inward presence of her Savior.

Oh, to follow Mary’s example — to be so focused on God that our worship of the Lord replaces our longing for understanding from the world.

Lasting peace can’t be found in the perceptions of others. Most days, we’re all just doing the best we can in this messy thing called life, and misunderstandings are a natural part of our humanity. But may this be cause for extending grace, not for purging peace.

The expense of our peace is too high a price to set up on automatic withdrawal every time we feel misunderstood.

Instead, may we quiet our souls in worship and rest in the calm of being wholly understood by God.

For true peace comes not from managing the perceptions of the world but from magnifying the presence of the Lord.

Dear God, thank You for intimately understanding me and for being my very peace in life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Why We Need Forgiveness..... By Sue Schlesman

 Why We Need Forgiveness

By Sue Schlesman

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

How do you know when your spiritual slate has been wiped clean? What if you haven’t said the right words? What if you’re not truly convinced you needed to ask for forgiveness in the first place? And how do you even know if forgiveness works?

Thankfully, the Bible fully explains the importance of forgiveness and the process for gaining forgiveness from God.

Forgiveness from God is essential for relationship with God.

Because God is holy, He cannot be in relationship with sin. When we live with unconfessed and unforgiven sin, we are unholy. But when we confess and turn from our sin ( 1 John 1:9), God forgives us. Jesus’ death on the cross made Him the substitute for the punishment we deserve ( 1 Peter 2:24). Therefore, God sees Jesus instead of our sin ( 2 Corinthians 5:21) when we repent. Until we confess our sins to God and ask Jesus to be our Savior, we will never fully experience God’s forgiveness ( Romans 10:13).

Forgiveness of others is essential for forgiveness from God.

Admitting our sins before God and getting His forgiveness might be easier than from people with whom we have conflicts. But God says that forgiving others is mandatory if we want forgiveness from Him ( Matthew 6:14-15). If we won’t forgive other people, God won’t hear our prayers ( Psalm 66:18).

Forgiveness from God doesn’t require anybody else doing anything for you.

Salvation by Jesus Christ gives every believer direct access to God. Jesus taught His disciples to pray directly to God in Matthew 6:9-15. You don’t need to be anywhere special or do anything special. It doesn’t even matter if the person you apologize to apologizes back. Forgiveness is a personal transaction between you and God Almighty.

So how do you ask God to forgive you? Is there anything too horrible for God to forgive? Well, King David was called “a man after God’s own heart,” and he stole a man’s wife, got her pregnant, and killed her husband. We’re talking adultery at best (and rape at the worst), plus murder. Paul killed and tortured Christians before repenting and becoming the world’s greatest missionary. You can be forgiven, also. Read David’s prayers of confession and notice his confidence in God’s forgiveness in Psalm 32 and Psalm 51.

Nothing feels better than rebuilding a severed relationship with God or another person. Confession and forgiveness can erase anger, despondency, hurt, bitterness, depression, vengeance, and anxiety. All it takes is a little humility and courage.

The Real Santa Claus..... by Sarah Phillips

 The Real Santa Claus

by Sarah Phillips

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. - Romans 1:16 NIV

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
~ "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)

My dad used to take my sisters and me down to Miller & Rhodes for a visit with the "Real Santa Claus." The trip made for some of my favorite childhood memories. This Santa wasn't some ordinary mall Santa. The "Real Santa" arrived via reindeer-pulled sleigh and -- you bet – slid down a chimney. His full, white beard was genuine, and his beautiful friend, the Snow Queen, glittered as she greeted each awe-struck child.

But the real clincher occurred when, after waiting for hours in a sea of overexcited children, Santa called my siblings and me by name to join him on his big, comfy lap.

Of course, come adulthood, I discovered the beloved "Real Santa" was actually a local man with a local legacy -- a kind-hearted, Christian grandfather who delighted in bringing joy to children like me. (And, if you're wondering, the friendly Snow Queen was wired so "Santa" could hear our names as we approached).

I suppose we all have to step off the Polar Express at some point and accept that Santa is just a mythological figure. Or is he? As it turns out, there really was a Santa Claus. He went by the less marketable title Bishop Nicholas of Myra. While he never wore a red suit, smoked a pipe, or slid down chimneys, his story actually has a lot to do with the true meaning of Christmas.

Stories of the Real St. Nick

Researching the life of St. Nicholas presents a challenge – he seems destined to be obscured by legend, even in the history books. But even if the facts are a bit murky, there are some things we know with relative certainty.

We first encounter Nicholas as a compassionate young man in 4th century Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Both of his parents had passed away, leaving the grief-stricken youth a substantial inheritance. Nicholas decided the money would go to charity.

It wasn't long after this decision that he encountered a family in need. The father had lost his daughters' dowries, and in those days this meant the three women had no hope for marriage. As a last resort, the father decided to sell them into prostitution.

When Nicholas heard of the family's plight, and the father's horrific solution, he did something very much in the spirit of Santa Claus: He secretly visited their home by night, throwing a bag of gold coins through the family's window. He repeated his covert act of charity three times, resulting in the marriages of all three sisters. During his third visit, the father discovered his identity and expressed deep gratitude for his kindness.

St. Nicholas went on to assist many others, often anonymously. His generous and creative commitment to the needy gave rise to many unconfirmed legends and miracles over the centuries, but one fact is known for certain: his virtue resulted in his appointment as Bishop of Myra.

Defender of the Faith

Though less magical sounding, Nicholas' role as Bishop gives us even greater reason to associate this Saint with Christmas.

That's because Nicholas' life unfolded during a pivotal era of Christendom. After years of terrible persecution, the rise of Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 A.D. brought legal acceptance of Christianity. Legend has it that Bishop Nicholas was among the many Christians who endured imprisonment and torture for the faith until Constantine freed him.

But the joys of freedom were short-lived because the Church faced a threat from within: A heresy called Arianism was spreading confusion among the faithful.

Arianism, named after its promoter Arius, denied Christianity's central doctrine of the Trinity by claiming that while Jesus was the Son of God, the Son was not one (united in essence, nature, or substance) with the Father. In other words, Arius claimed Jesus Christ was not the eternal Word made flesh (John 1: 14), relegating Him to a lesser status -- a sort of "secondary god."

St. Nicholas was one of the defenders of the true Gospel, clarifying Jesus' identity against Arius' confusing teachings. Some stories even claim Bishop Nicholas boldly confronted Arius at the historic Council of Nicea (although there are no official records of Nicholas' presence at the Council.)

Thanks to the devotion of Christians like St. Nicholas, St. Athanasius, and St. Gregory of Nyssa, Arianism eventually died out. But had it prevailed, we could not celebrate the true miracle of Christmas: the Incarnation, the Word made Flesh, realized in the birth of Jesus Christ. And without fully understanding Christmas we ultimately would have lost the meaning of the Cross, too.

When Did St. Nick become "Santa Claus"?

When did St. Nick trade in the Bishop's miter for a fuzzy, red hat? Not for a long time. Bishop Nicholas' generosity and devotion endeared him to the masses. After his death, churches were named after him, and artists portrayed him in their works, spreading his popularity throughout the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia. Over time, St. Nick's legacy was associated with love of children and gift-giving, but the widespread lore kept much of the original Christian context for centuries.

"Santa Claus" is actually a very modern and very American version of the Saint. It wasn't until Dutch and German settlers brought their magical tales of Sankt Niklaus (German) and Sinterklaas (Dutch) to the New World that St. Nick began to look a little like Santa. From there, St. Nicholas still didn't take on his plump, elfin appearance or slide down chimney's until the early 1800's thanks to a satirical work called Knickerbocker's History of New York by Washington Irving.

In 1823, the red-suited image of an elf transported by flying reindeer finally solidified thanks to the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (later renamed "'Twas the Night Before Christmas") penned by New Yorker, Clement Clark Moore. Popular culture and marketing by companies like Coca-Cola further ingrained the icon into American tradition.

While 4th century Christians would not recognize the modern Santa, it's hard to imagine a better candidate for the job than a man who helped preserve the real meaning of Christmas. Bishop Nicholas exemplified the Christian life by giving his all to Christ and to those in need. Hopefully, in the midst of all the glittery commercialism surrounding our modern holiday celebrations, we'll be able to prepare for Christmas '16 in a way that genuinely reflects the spirit of (the real) St. Nick.

Intersecting Faith & Life: : St. Nicholas' legacy demonstrates a balance often difficult to achieve: a life steeped in both truth and love. What ways can you show the love of Christ more effectively during the holidays? What ways can you stand up for the truth of the Gospel more effectively?

Further Reading

Is 40:1-5, 9-11
Ps 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
2 Pt 3:8-14

A Prayer for When You Need God’s Comfort and Encouragement..... By Betsy de Cruz

 A Prayer for When You Need God’s Comfort and Encouragement

By Betsy de Cruz

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, ESV

“Your test result is abnormal,” read the text, and what began as a routine health screening took a scary turn. Trying not to let my mind go towards worst-case scenarios, I took deep breaths as I made phone calls to schedule more testing. 

“I can trust God with this,” I thought, but my confidence broke down when I got another text from my daughter the same day: “The doctor thinks I might have cancer, so they’re doing some tests,” it read. I could barely believe it, and that night sleep eluded me until I got up to read my Bible.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). As I said the words and made them into my own personal prayer of praise, I felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit strengthening my heart.

Friend, I imagine you have also lived through those “one-thing-after-another” seasons when you felt your faith breaking down. Losing your health, your job, or a loved one can bring on deep discouragement where you don’t know what to do next, much less how to make it through the day.

If you are in a discouraging season or have lost your way and can’t make sense of life, maybe your first step is to simply turn your heart to the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. His Word brings encouragement, and His Holy Spirit works as a healing balm in our hearts.

Maybe you don’t know how to pray for your situation, or you’re not even sure you have faith to believe God will answer you. He knows your innermost thoughts and loves you anyway.

What if you take a few minutes to sit before God, read a favorite Bible verse and invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your heart? Sing a simple song of praise or just sit quietly and let God’s Spirit touch you.  Let Him comfort you as only He can. Open the doors of your heart today and invite God to come in. 

Pray with me:

Father of mercies, comfort and strengthen my heart today. You know my affliction. Thank you for the peace that comes from knowing you are intimately acquainted with my deepest struggles and doubts. Thank you for your healing presence.

You are the God of all comfort. Help me keep my heart open to your Holy Spirit today. Bring your peace and love into my life. Remind me of the joy of my salvation and give me the strength to keep trusting you. Even in my difficult circumstances, you are in control, and you are working for my good. Comfort me today.

Lord, thank you for the comfort I find in the knowledge that you know all my troubles. Make me aware of the affliction and trouble of those around me, that I might serve to bring encouragement to them today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.