Faith versus Reason..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Faith versus Reason

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The first battle between faith and human reason took place in the garden of Eden. Spurred on by the lies of the serpent, Eve began to look at her situation from a purely logical perspective and decided she was being cheated by God out of something good. Her faith faltered as "reasonable" thoughts of self-interest filled her mind.

I am not saying that the way of faith is never logical, but by operating only on the basis of reason, a conflict with the Lord is inevitable. The reason is that His instructions and actions don't always appear reasonable from a human perspective. Although Isaiah 55:8-9 describes God's thoughts and ways as higher than man's, many people judge divine ideas to be lower than human intelligence.

Paul emphasizes this when he points out that God's choices are illogical by the world's standards. His message of salvation seems foolish, and His messengers appear weak and unimpressive. In an age that thrives on recognition, admiration, and importance, a person who believes the Bible is considered a weakling in need of a religious crutch to cope with life. While this description is given in derision, it's actually quite accurate. Recognizing their helplessness, believers lean on Christ so He can raise them to stand with Him in righteousness.

That day in Eden, sin and self-importance entered the human heart. But all the worldly wisdom that fuels our pride is nullified by God. He is looking not for great and impressive people but for weak, humble servants who can boast only in Christ. The Savior alone is their strength and wisdom.

Vision for Community..... Craig Denison

 

Vision for Community

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:“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

Devotional:

God didn’t design you to do life on your own. Scripture is filled with exhortations to engage in community with fellow believers. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Psalm 133:1-3 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! . . . For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” And Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says,

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! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Taking time to invest fully and rightly in community takes both vision and boundaries. Without a sense of God’s heart and leadership into fellowship with believers, we’ll pull back and isolate when problems arise. And without healthy boundaries around community, we can either allow others to take life from us or not make enough space to give rightly of ourselves.

Take a moment to think about the people God has given you. Think about your friends and family. Think about those around you at church you feel close to. What would life be like if you were all alone? What would your hardships have been like if you absolutely had no one to endure them with? God loves to use others as instruments of his healing. He loves to speak life and restoration into his people through the words and actions of those around them.

But to experience healing, life, and restoration from others is to have the courage to call upon others and be vulnerable. To be in community is to be willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus yourself. It’s for that reason that God would have us set healthy, life-giving boundaries for community. If we don’t have any margin in our lives to help meet the needs for others, then we’ve overcommitted ourselves out of a chance to be used by God. And if we don’t make time to simply develop friendships and be loved by others, then we miss an opportunity to receive the love and power of God in a real, unique way.

Whether you find yourself overcommitted with community to the level of running on empty, or under-committed to where you feel like you have to do life on your own, there is grace for you today. Today is a new day in which you can make different, life-altering decisions. Today is a day that you can redraw your boundaries and allow God to pour out his Spirit through community.

Take time in guided prayer to receive God’s heart for your community. Allow him to fill you with courage to be vulnerable and receive life from others. And ask him to help you draw healthy boundaries that you might give of yourself freely to see others experience life and restoration through the power of God poured out in you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Take time to meditate on the importance of community. Allow God to re-envision you for doing life with others.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! . . . For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

2. What’s going on in your life that needs healing and restoration? In what ways would God use others to bring about that healing and restoration?From whom can you seek wisdom? What friend would God use to fill your life with joy?

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16

3. Who in your life would God call you to minister to today? Take time to pray for that person and ask God for his heart. Ask him for wisdom and power to love that person well.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

In Acts 2:44-47 we see the power of believers who live in authentic community. Scripture says,

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

When God’s people gather together and do life in his name, he is there (Matthew 18:20). Seek to develop community that is both fun and representative of the kingdom. Look for others whom you can bring into the community that God’s given you. Dwelling in unity with your fellow believers is both a powerful picture of God’s heart and a public declaration of his reality and will. May God pour out his Spirit in mighty and powerful ways as you seek to live in God-honoring community.

Extended Reading: Acts 2

A Yes From the Heart..... CORRIE GERBATZ

 A Yes From the Heart

CORRIE GERBATZ

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

Once the stores begin to deck their aisles with boughs of holly and everything merry and bright, it seems as though the Christmas season explodes like confetti all over everything.

Everywhere we look is Christmas — in the stores, in our homes, on Pinterest, on Instagram and especially on our calendars.

We may feel pressured to say “yes” often as we prepare for the season and its many expectations. We’re expected to say “yes” to buying gifts and charging our credit cards. We’re expected to say “yes” to extra shifts at work to cover the cost of said gifts. Yes to Christmas parties. Yes to family gatherings we’re expected to help coordinate. Yes to school functions, yes to cookie-making, yes to Christmas tree-cutting excursions and even matching family pajamas like we see in holiday TV specials.

I personally am a very jolly “yes” girl when it comes to the holidays and making fun memories. But these expectations can be unrealistic, especially if the holidays are difficult for us mentally, financially or emotionally. Sometimes, late at night, when I’ve collapsed into bed after a full day of festive “yes” activities, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve lost sight of the one yes that matters most. The yes that ushered in the first Christmas ever.

In the New Testament book of Luke, we find ourselves in the small town of Nazareth, where a young woman named Mary lived. Mary was pledged to be married but was not married yet — a virgin. She was visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her she would be with child … but not just any child — the long-awaited Son of the Most High.

Now, aside from a healthy dose of shock and a few reasonable logistical questions, Mary immediately responded: “I am the Lord’s servant … May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38a-b).

She said yes! But this was not an easy yes that guaranteed comfort and predictability for Mary.

This was a yes that guaranteed a potential scandal surrounding the details of her pregnancy. A yes that required a very pregnant Mary to ride on the back of a donkey all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem — roughly 70 miles! A yes that meant Mary would give birth in surroundings far less than ideal. A yes that superseded every other demand or request in her life at the time.

Mary remained focused on the miracle at hand, and through her faithful, obedient yes, our Savior was born into the world.

The truth is, saying “yes” to festive activities isn’t the problem. Full calendars are not a sin. The problem is how we then allow these activities to overshadow and come before our saying “yes” to the Lord.

We need to remember the miracle in the manger is not just a nice story, serving to inspire nativity scenes on coffee tables far and wide. The miracle in the manger then is the reason we can be redeemed today.

Jesus’ birth marked the beginning of the Lord’s rescue plan for us all. A plan that meant Jesus would eventually die on a cross for our sins, trading His blameless life for our broken souls. He didn’t have to, but He chose to so that we might know the grace of His forgiveness and one day have eternal life with Him. Truly a gift beyond measure!

But in order to receive this gift, we must first say “yes” to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And then, in faithful obedience, we continue to say “yes” to Him every day.

Friends, I don’t know where your heart is this Christmas season. Perhaps, like me, you, too, have felt a convicting tug on your soul as all the to-dos and expectations of the season have begun to pile up. If so, fear not. Just as Mary did so many years ago, we can refocus our hearts on the miracle at hand.

The festive parties will come and go, and leftover Christmas cookies will start to get stale. But the saving Truth of our Lord and Savior will remain and will always be worthy of our first yes.

Heavenly Father, we praise You! Keep our hearts in line with Yours this holiday season. Convict us should we begin to go astray, and renew our wonder as we reflect upon the true miracle of Christmas. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Sword of the Spirit...... By Greg Laurie

 The Sword of the Spirit

By Greg Laurie

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. - Ephesians 6:10-12

The one piece of armor that is both offensive and defensive is the sword.  When I go into battle, I don’t beat my enemy with my shield or try to defeat him with my belt or chase him down with my sandal or throw my helmet at him.  I pull my sword out of the sheath and I use it.

Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take up the sword of the Spirit. When we are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given to us as believers is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His temptation in the wilderness. When the devil tried temptation after temptation against Him, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit (see Luke 4:1–13). The devil said, “Why don’t you turn a rock into a piece of bread. I know you are hungry.”

Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’ ”

Then the devil said, “Why don’t you worship me right now?”

Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord God only. Him only you shall serve.’ ”

“Why don’t you cast yourself off of here, and the angels will catch you,” Satan said, quoting Scripture out of context.

Jesus responded, bringing the Scripture back into context, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

The sword of the Spirit works. So draw your sword, Christian.

Heavenly Father, arm us with your Word and with your Holy inspiration. Teach us to stand our ground against the enemy while helping those in distress, and give us the wisdom to know the difference between the two. Amen.

Would You "Friend" the Apostle Paul?..... by Mike Pohlman

 Would You "Friend" the Apostle Paul?

by Mike Pohlman

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me...
2 Timothy 1:16-17

In the church today we need more people like Onesiphorus. He's one of those biblical characters that can be easily overlooked as we tend to focus on the "giants" of Scripture (i.e., Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, etc.).

Consider, for example, what we learn of Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:15-18:

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me--may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!--and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Three things in particular about Onesiphorus stand out:

1. When everyone else abandoned Paul, Onesiphorus went to him. Onesiphorus was not one to just "go along with the crowd." He risked ridicule, mockery and scorn to actually go against the prevailing tide of popular opinion regarding Paul.

2. Onesiphorus was not dissuaded by initial difficulties. So many of us have great idealism--until it gets hard. Then, we turn away. Not Onesiphorus. When he arrived in Rome and could not find Paul, the apostle commends Onesiphorus's perseverance: "when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me." Beautiful. What a friend!

3. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul. This is far greater than simply saying "Onesiphorus refreshed me." If that's all Paul had said we might wonder if Onesiphorus did it quietly--perhaps at night when no one could see. Did he sneak over to Paul's cell when no one was looking because he was embarrassed by his association with Paul? Not this friend. Paul, with perhaps the same tears I have welling up in my eyes as I type, wrote that Onesiphorus "was not ashamed of my chains." Onesiphorus did not care what people uttered or murmured--he was proud of Paul's determination to suffer for the sake of Christ.

What enabled Onesiphorus to act like this? What makes someone this counter-cultural, this counter-human? I can only conclude that Onesiphorus was so overwhelmed by his love for Jesus that he was now free from the approval of people; free from the fear of scorn; free from the allure of the world; free from indifference. Onesiphorus, by the power of the Gospel, was free to love.

What I see in Onesiphorus is the embodiment of Galatians 5:6, namely, "faith working through love." Onesiphorus's faith had an impulse--and that impulse was love. And this love was not weak or afraid or self-conscious in any way.

God help me to love like this.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What things might I do this week to demonstrate my love for a dear friend, family member or stranger? How can I practically show my faith working through love this week?

Further Reading

Galatians 5
1 John 3

A Prayer to Stop the Rush and Let Go of the Stress This Christmas..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer to Stop the Rush and Let Go of the Stress This Christmas

By Debbie McDaniel

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

It’s just days before Christmas.

And if you've found yourself struggling with the stress of making it all happen, of making Christmas ultra-special, magical, or perfect in every way - deep breath. It's OK, it's not all up to us.

We may start to carry that pressure, especially during these holiday weeks, though often unintentionally. We long to make wonderful, lasting memories for our kids, we want to have the best Christmas ever, we want everyone to be happy and just get along. There's this pressure all around to see what others are doing, or to buy more, or to busy ourselves more, and we somehow step right into that crazy cycle of spinning…

The most wonderful time of the year can leave many feeling defeated, depleted, and completely overwhelmed by about this time.

But we don't have to stay stuck there. We can move forward out of that trap. And let go of the striving in it all.

So, whether or not the shopping got finished yet, or the Christmas cards were sent out in a timely manner, or the lights were ever hung this year, it doesn't really matter.

Because real life doesn't usually look like a Norman Rockwell painting. It just looks like "us." Ordinary. Kind of messy. Not quite polished and maybe a few steps behind.

And Jesus came. For us. Just common, real, ordinary people.

He chose to enter the world through young Mary, simple, ordinary, unknown to others. His earthly father was Joseph, a quiet, honest, hard-working man who didn't have a lot of money. The first announcement of His birth came to shepherds in the fields. Real, simple, ordinary, maybe kind of smelly, night shift workers.

He's the One who brought the "special moment" to Christmas, that one night years ago.

Miracle wrapped up in a tiny baby.

It's all about Him.

And still today, that truth remains the same. In whatever we get done, and whatever we don't, through the holiday madness or the simple moments that often mean the most, Jesus came, offering peace. Giving grace. Bringing hope. It's what matters most, at Christmas, and all year through. He's the Only One who makes it all amazing and special.

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of Jesus, the One who alone can save us and give us lasting joy. Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give the worried, the hurried, the pressured, and stressed out - rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all. Forgive us for the times we try to, for not taking time to rest. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us again with joy, covering us with a shield of favor and blessing, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who notice the lonely, the hurting. Help us to slow down, to take time, to point others to you, and to remember most of all, what this season is all about.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

A Prayer to Put Jesus First This Christmas Season..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer to Put Jesus First This Christmas Season

 By Debbie McDaniel

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

No room for them. No vacancy. No place. Words that still seem to hang close, even today.

In a world that seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are stirred to focus on other things, it can be hard sometimes to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the whole hurried dash of the holidays, and to give our attention to what seems more urgent. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside.

It takes an active and daily choice to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says you’re too busy to focus there. Or that life is too full. And there’s no more room.

May God help us to choose wisely, what voices we listen to, and where we give our attention today.

He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.

He is the One who brings real peace in this all-too-often hectic season.

He is the only One worthy of our time and attention as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives.

We can know all of this in our heads, but may He help us to really believe it in our hearts...and choose to live it out this season.

Renewed.

Refreshed.

Making room for Him, first.

Dear God, 

Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today…and keep you first in our hearts and lives.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.