Finding Satisfaction..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Finding Satisfaction

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:11-13

God has provided us with many things to enjoy. But too often our lives are filled with turmoil instead of contentment. Four practices that create dissatisfaction are . . .

Busyness. We live in a hurry-up society, dashing from one activity to another. Jesus did not rush anywhere, yet He accomplished whatever God gave Him to do. Not once did He tell His followers to move faster. He even praised Mary for choosing to stop her work and spend time with Him (Luke 10:39, 42).

Earthly perspective. Too often we live focused on our circumstances. Our minds think about what happened earlier in the week, what’s on today’s agenda, and the activities occurring next week, month, or year. No wonder enjoyment of life remains elusive. The solution is to have an eternal perspective, which acknowledges that God is in charge and our goal is to please Him.

Self-imposed pressure. We have all experienced the unavoidable burdens of schoolwork, employment, and relationships. But we bring needless pressure on ourselves when we allow unnecessary “musts” and “shoulds” to rule us. The remedy is to turn to God, acknowledge His right to order our days, and ask for His plan.

Unhealthy attitudes. Perfectionism, false guilt, and apathy all undermine our enjoyment of life.

Satisfaction is found in a life that reflects God’s priorities—and time with Him comes first. Reading His Word, we become mindful of the Father’s great love, learn what He views as important, and experience the joy of belonging to Him. When contentment is elusive, it’s time to examine our priorities.

The Importance of Drawing Near..... Craig Denison

 

The Importance of Drawing Near

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence.

Scripture:

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

Devotional:

James 4:8 contains a profound promise of God. Scripture says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” For a while I thought this verse seemed backwards. Doesn’t God do the drawing? Isn’t God the one who’s constantly pursuing us?

After diving deeper into the meaning of James 4:8 I discovered an important truth that’s foundational to living in communion with God: the door of God’s heart is always open to us. His love is always for us. His presence is always available. The Father turned away from Jesus as ours sins rested squarely on his shoulders ensuring he would never have to turn away from us.

To draw near to God is to simply open our hearts to what was always available. It’s not that God ever withholds his presence from us. It’s that he never forces us to abide in him. If we want to go our own way, he willingly and patiently waits for us. And the moment that we turn our hearts back to him, he is there to fill us with a revelation of his loving nearness and unwavering devotion.

In his book, The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer describes two veils. The first veil was the veil between the Holy of Holies and the world that was torn at the death of Jesus, signifying the availability of God’s manifest presence to all. The second veil is the veil of our own hearts that’s our decision to tear by God’s grace.

Whether it’s the effects of sin and shame or a lack of understanding what’s available to us in Christ, all of us have the ability to veil places in our hearts. All of us can shield our beliefs about our identity, our possessions, or our relationships from the abiding presence of Jesus and live apart from communion with him. We all have the ability at any given moment to go our own way and miss out on abundant life.

But the truth is that the Christian life isn’t about our ability to abide in God perfectly, but about God’s grace to draw near to us in response to repentance. God has no expectation that we would live this life perfectly. He remembers our frame and knows we are dust (Psalm 103:14). What he desires from us is to allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate any parts of our lives that aren’t his that we would be quick to repent and enjoy his grace-filled presence once again. God is not angry with you for veiling your heart. He knows better than you do the reasons you aren’t letting him fully in. His heart is filled with the fullness of compassion for you that you might live to experience his grace rather than strive and condemn yourself for your imperfection.

Take time today to rend the veil of your own heart, draw near to God, and experience the glory of his manifest presence.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s promise to draw near to you if you will draw near to him. Allow the truth of God’s word to fill you with faith to encounter God.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

2. What parts of your heart seem veiled today? Where are you going your own way? Where in your life are you not experiencing abundant life in God synonymous with communion with him?

3. Rend the veil over your own heart today and allow God to flood those places with his forgiveness and grace. Take time to allow him to fill you with a revelation of his love.

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20

May Hebrews 10:19-22 provide joy and hope to your heart as you seek to draw near to your heavenly Father:

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Extended Reading: Hebrews 10

Pondering, Not Posting, From the Stable..... DAWN REED

 Pondering, Not Posting, From the Stable

DAWN REED, COMPEL Training Member

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)

This morning, a day close to Christmas, I’m thinking of young Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her mind must have been ready to explode!

Standing in the stable — no phone, no internet, no “likes” or comments of encouragement — it was just her and Jesus … and it was enough.

So she pondered. When a thousand words were begging to be yelled or posted from the rooftops, she inwardly reflected.

It’s almost impossible to do at times! When something exciting happens, we automatically grab the phone — definitely a post-worthy moment! Or we call a friend or close family member. “Guess what just happened?” we shriek.

But there are days and times when we just can't express our feelings. We simply don't have the words or enough words. It's an "us and God" moment that no one else could ever understand.

You know what I mean. It’s the moment you realize God has spoken to you, acted for you and inhabited your space, working His love, His Word, His heart into something so unexpected it can't be spelled out. That's what I call a time to ponder.

The angel Gabriel told Mary she would have a child. The Son of God, even! (Luke 1:26-38) Then there was the devastating conversation with Joseph when he didn't believe a word she said. (Matthew 1:18-19) Significantly, no interactions with Mary’s mother or father are written in the New Testament. She had finally gotten a smidge of peace and refreshment when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-56)

Now, months later, Mary stood in a stable. Hours ago, she had delivered a baby in a barn! Up to her knees in hay, she had just bidden farewell to some excited and very dirty shepherds.

Luke 2:19 gives us behind-the-scenes insight into a quiet moment Mary experienced: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

There was so much to tell! Realistically, who could have understood? Mary knew what God had done. When no one else saw the bizarre puzzle pieces and ancient prophecies falling into place, she did. When Joseph returned to mend their broken betrothal, when Elizabeth was pregnant also, when unexpected shepherds came looking for the newborn Messiah, Mary saw the hand of God at work. So she pondered and treasured it all.

I need to do more pondering like Mary. Everything exciting doesn’t need to be posted, texted or tweeted. It can just be a “God and me” moment in my heart. A moment like Zephaniah 3:17b describes where my heavenly Father is singing over me: “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (NIV). A moment when I realize He has poured out something special on me that cannot be articulated.

Maybe you’ve had a moment like that recently. Mine happened today, and I'm not telling anyone! Of course we should testify to God’s redeeming work in our lives so that others may know Him — but sometimes God touches our hearts in deeply personal ways that don’t demand immediate sharing. No one could truly understand my “God moment” except maybe Mary or my mom, who is now in heaven. So I’m just relishing every unspoken detail.

I can put my hand on my heart, look up to my heavenly Father, smile and say, “I see what You did!” It’s a time to ponder.

Oh, Father, thank You for seeing me and loving me. Thank You for working for me and for my good. Please help me to relish Your presence in my life, taking time to ponder and appreciate before sharing it with the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When Work is a Nightmare .... By: RJ Thesman

 When Work is a Nightmare (Colossians 3:23)

By: RJ Thesman

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Working in a dream environment is a goal for most of us. But when the dream turns into a toxic nightmare, how do we climb out of bed every morning and make ourselves go to work? What are some practical tools we can use in the workforce? And what is the Christian’s responsibility when dealing with difficult co-workers?

First, try to understand what's happening.

The Native American proverb is still a good principle, “Don’t judge people until you’ve walked a mile in their moccasins.”

In today’s work environment, everyone is dealing with some type of stress. A co-worker whose fibromyalgia flares every morning will not be a cheery person. The same goes for a mother whose son is facing prison time or a wife who is struggling to keep her marriage together. A deadly prognosis from the doctor. Depression, mounting debt, a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. All these issues and more can be festering in a nearby cubicle. Try to understand what’s at the root of the difficult relationship.

Next, Remember: Humility wins.

The balance between standing up for ourselves and showing humility is a delicate line. But in the long run, we need to ask ourselves, “How can I sleep tonight if I respond to this co-worker with the same bad attitude? What does God require of me in this situation?”

The biblical example is Joseph, who was mistreated, betrayed, and misunderstood. Yet he humbly continued to serve even while imprisoned. “God granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21) and eventually Joseph was released and promoted.

Joseph also knew when to set a boundary and stand up for his rights. “Remember me,” Joseph said to Pharaoh’s cupbearer, “and show me kindness. Mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison” (Genesis 40:14).

Finally - Pray for them.

Even if your prayers don’t release you from the situation, they can strengthen your resolve “to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

A whispered prayer after an unkind remark can release resentment that might have festered into bitterness. An honest petition to the Holy Spirit to comfort the hardened places in difficult co-workers might become the salve of their salvation. We rarely understand the full scope and power of prayer. What it can accomplish is a mystery. Sometimes just repeating the name, “Jesus,” has helped me past the struggle of the moment.

As one of my encouraging friends says, “Do your best and surrender the rest.”

Where is Your Joy?..... by Debbie Holloway

 Where is Your Joy?

 by Debbie Holloway

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

The winter season can be bleak for many. Students are preoccupied with their work. Others become easily stressed with the pressure to plan (and cook for) family gatherings associated with the various winter holidays. Some of us even struggle with S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder), a medical condition where melancholy and sorrow creep up, due in part to the lack of sunshine.

There is something special, then, about the coming of spring. About seeing daffodils peek their yellow heads above the ground for the first time.

I imagine the Jews of Jesus’ day longed for the spring of the Lord’s favor. No word from the Lord had come for a long time. Jews were living under a powerful, pagan Roman government. While the people were not necessarily miserable or oppressed, their joy perhaps had worn a little thin. They no doubt pined for something better.

Imagine, next, the Shepherds who were visited by Angels on the night of Christ’s birth. The hum-drum of their evening duties, perhaps even their sleep, was interrupted in a big way.

And the glory of the Lord shone around them.

And they were terrified.

But the terror was short-lived, of course. What terror can stand against such amazing, incredible, joy?

A savior has been born to you.

 "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about"  they exclaimed (Luke 2:15).

Is it any wonder that the third candle of Advent, the Joy candle, is called The Shepherd’s Candle? Perhaps no other figure in the nativity story was blessed to receive such unblemished, unmitigated joy as the shepherds were. There they were, pegging away like every other day, when – for no reason other than God’s favor – they were given the gift of joy. They were shown the Messiah, their looked-for Messiah, and had glimpsed into that eagerly-awaited spring of the Lord’s favor.

This season, as Christmas edges ever closer, let us remember this joy. We too await another awakening: the Lord’s second coming. We continue to fight through the pangs and groaning of a world which continually gives birth to sin. But, in this season, let us remember the Incarnation with as much joy as did those first witnesses.

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” – John 16:21-22

Intersecting Faith and Life: Is your joy in Christ such that no one can take it away? If not, take some time to meditate on God’s gift of an incarnated Christ to the world.

Further Reading:

Luke 2
Psalms 16
1 Peter 4:13

A Prayer for Putting on Your New Self..... By: Alisha Headley

 A Prayer for Putting on Your New Self

By: Alisha Headley

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and…be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and…put on your new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness .” - Ephesians 4:22-24

I’m a tidy person most of the time, but when it comes to my closet, I never throw anything out. My hope is that they will come back in style one day, and I’ll be ready to throw on the most recent fashion trend. Some of them are just so old and worn, that I have no business wearing them any longer. Yet I struggle to get rid of them because they fit me so comfortably, they feel so natural.

Sometimes lifestyle habits and choices are the same.

You may have indulged in a habit for so long that it becomes a part of who you are. It’s become a comfortable outfit for you. Perhaps you are an angry person or struggle with comparing yourself to every person you meet. Or maybe you are impatient with your kids, and you react to stress poorly. You’ve always handled yourself this way. You don’t know any other way. You’ve just accepted it’s ‘who you are’, as it tends to be your most natural outfit.

These sinful habits actually have the potential to become part of your old life when you become a Christian. The beauty of becoming a believer, is you don’t have to be wearing the same outdated, out-of-style outfits you once did. Putting off old habits especially ones that you are used to wearing won’t be easy, but by the Holy Spirit, it can be done.

In today’s Scripture, Paul spoke to the believers in the Ephesian culture. In their day, part of the initiation process for a person involved in their pagan religion was to remove and discard their old clothing, signifying a total break with any previous association. So, when Paul implored the Christians to “put off their old clothing”, he wasn’t just talking about their actual clothing each day. He was emphasizing the action of rejecting behaviors that were indicative of their old self, those that did not align with walking with the Lord.

To continue and take steps towards obedience and walking with God, we need to daily rid ourselves of those pieces of clothing that are no longer serving us. Whether it’s habits, lusts, friendships, or associations we are involved in, Paul encourages us to then “put on” our new self. Put on attributes that align with the heart of Christ and watch the Holy Spirit as He works in removing what was always a comfortable yet old outfit for you.

Allow the Holy Spirit’s power to help you begin to let out with the old, and in with the new.

Dear God,

Thank you that you want us to live in freedom. That just because we have lived a certain way with a certain habit or sin our entire life, that it doesn’t define us forever. Thank you that when we become believers and followers of you, that we can “put off the old man,” the old lustful things of our flesh, and “put on the new man,” pursuing a lifestyle of holiness and righteousness.

Through the Holy Spirit’s empowering, we are able to renew our minds day by day and clothe ourselves in purity. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the power you have given us. We ask that you renew our mind and prompt us of anything that we are hanging onto in our former life that is hindering us from walking closely with you in our new life. We love you Lord and we thank you for freeing us of all our old. We gladly invite the new in through you. 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen