Our True Identity..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our True Identity

Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 1:3-8

When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (Matt. 28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ.

Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God’s Word doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve the Lord’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.

New Beginnings..... Craig Denison

 

New Beginnings

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

As this year comes to a close, it’s vital that we take time to both reflect on what God has done and allow him to prepare us for what’s to come. A new year marks a fresh opportunity to center our lives around the goodness of God. I pray that as you begin looking toward what is to come you will make space to gain God’s perspective, ground your hopes and pursuits on his grace, and celebrate all that God has done and is doing. May your time with God this week be filled with the loving presence of your heavenly Father.

Scripture:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24

Devotional:

A new year marks a new beginning: a time for the children of God to reground themselves in the love of the Father. God loves to use new seasons to remind us of his desire to continually make us new. From winter to spring we see that which appeared dead burst forth into beautiful arrays of God’s glorious work. And God longs for the same fresh start in our lives as he does for his creation. He longs to make things new as the new year begins.

Lamentations 3:22-24 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” We have hope in the steadfast love of God. His powerful love can make new all that needs restoration. God’s heart is to free you from that which weighs you down and robs you of the abundant life Jesus came to bring you.

With this year coming to a close and a new year fast approaching, it’s time for us to gain perspective on that which needs rebirth. Whatever sin has entangled you this year does not have to gain victory over you in the next. Whatever lie you’ve believed that’s wrecked your emotions, thoughts, and actions does not have to win the battle over your mind next year. Whatever wound or disappointment that has hurt you can be healed and reborn to empower you for that which is to come.

God’s heart is to meet you where you are today. He longs to meet you at your greatest point of weakness and pain and wrap you up in his love. He longs for you to know he is with you, for you, and will walk with you into newness of life. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God has limitless, powerful grace for you today. Run to him with your sin. Run to him with your failures and struggles. Run to him with the pain of others’ words that he might speak his healing truth over you.

Your heavenly Father loves you and is for you. He has new beginnings in store for you. But just as a tree needs fresh sunlight, warmth, and rain to bear fruit again, you need the refreshing rain of God’s grace and the warmth of his steadfast love to be made new. You can’t do it on your own. You weren't made to do it on your own. All you need for a new beginning is wholly available in the arms of your loving Father. Open up your heart to him today and receive the newness of life he paid the highest price to give.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire and ability to lead you to a new beginning. Reflect on his power over sin, his heart to comfort, and his ability to shepherd.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17

2. Where do you need a new beginning? What sin do you need freedom from? What wound do you need healed? Where do you need new life?

3. Run to God with your sin, pain, failures, and frustrations and open your heart to receive his powerful presence. Ask him to show you the path to victory over sin. Ask him to reveal his plan for healing your wounds. Rest in his loving arms today and allow his presence to be enough.

“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

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Oftentimes the road to a new beginning is wrought with a host of mistakes and defeats. But know that to continue on the path side by side with the Holy Spirit is a victory in itself. Don’t give up on new life. Seek the fullness of God’s goodness with all your might. Allow him to help you, forgive you, and strengthen you along the way. He will be faithful to shepherd you into all his wonderful plans. All you have to do is follow his leadership and enjoy his nearness. May you find comfort and hope in the powerful presence of your loving Father today.

Extended Reading: Psalm 23

A Strength Beyond Ourselves..... JOEL MUDDAMALLE

 A Strength Beyond Ourselves

JOEL MUDDAMALLE 

“He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.” Isaiah 59:16 (ESV) 

Have you ever stood on the sidelines of a sporting event?

Whether you’re at a Little League game or in the stands at a collegiate or professional match, there is nothing like being in the environment of an exciting, competitive event.

I’m in the season of life where all of my children want to try every single sport: winter, spring, summer and fall. Which basically tells you I’m a full-time theologian but also a full-time taxi driver.

I remember when my oldest son, Liam, got his first chance to start on his flag football team. There were so many good players that he had to work hard to get his opportunity as a starter. The competition was fierce!

Ever since Liam started playing flag football at 5 years old, I had been coaching his team. I’d always been with him on the field and on the sidelines. So when the day came for him to start, he looked at me and said, “Dad … you’re going to be with me, right?”

I said, “Of course, son. I’ll be with all the other parents cheering you on from the stands.”

He said, “No, Dad, I need you to be with me. Like, with me on the sidelines.”

You see, there was something comfortable about Dad being on the sideline with him. Having that familiar voice to provide instruction, direction and encouragement in an environment filled with the perfect recipe of adrenaline, stress and fun brought comfort to Liam. Regardless of his performance, he knew his dad was going to be on the sideline with words of praise, a hug and a fist bump after every play.

But all of that would not be possible if Dad was not with him. Isn’t it true that someone’s presence makes us feel secure and safe? Confident and strong?

This got me thinking about my relationship with God. The assurance of God’s presence brings me comfort. It makes me feel secure and safe. His strength makes me feel confident and strong. But like Liam, many of us struggle when it feels like we’re on the field and God is in the stands. I can find myself thinking, No, God, I need You to be with me. Like, with me on the sidelines.

If that’s you today, here’s something that has encouraged me when I find myself looking for God.

We are reminded of the power, presence and authority of God when we see the phrase “his own arm” in Isaiah 59:16. This reminds us God is not distant from the sidelines but present with us. And for the people in the Old Testament who would have heard this in real time, their minds would have instantly been drawn to a Warrior King who leads His armies into battle. This is the type of King who doesn’t hide in the back and watch. This is the type of King who is on the front lines, personally leading His army into battle.

This tells us something pretty incredible about God: He cares. He cares so much that He would use His power and strength on behalf of the people He loves and cherishes — you and me.

When we think about God in this way, we are reminded of the confidence we can have in God because of the protection He provides for us. Even when we can’t physically see God or even understand what He’s doing, His character has always been to provide for His people. To provide strength. To provide freedom. And not just to provide it but to literally embody it Himself. He is strength. He is freedom.

And because God’s character never changes, the assurance of Him providing for us will never change. Jesus wants us to see Him as the solution and to experience His presence and His kindness even in the middle of all we’re experiencing right now. He has never caused evil or the hurt that comes with it, but He will be so very present with us in the middle of all of it.

So what does this mean to you and me?

When we feel weak, we can take comfort in God’s never-ending, never-ceasing strength.

When our feet feel like they’re slipping, we can hold on to Jesus. He is our stability. He never loses His grip on us.

And when we feel disoriented and alone in a heartbreaking situation we’re facing, we can take hold of the arm of Jesus, who is forever our strength and protection.

God, thank You for Your strength that never fails. Thank You that, even when I feel weak, Your always-present strength is working on my behalf. I trust You in everything I’m facing right now. Continue to reveal Yourself to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives..... By Lynette Kittle

 4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives

By Lynette Kittle

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”- Luke 2:10

Growing up I loved singing the song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” and shouting “where” after each stanza. It was a favorite song choice in Sunday school and Wednesday night services because it’s just fun to sing.

Psalm 100:1 encourages us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” and singing it really did bring joy to my heart. Although just a simple child’s song, it conveys the kind of deep joy that comes from the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Below are 4 ways this joy enriches our lives 

1. Joy Overtakes Sorrow

Joy has the power to overtake mourning and groaning as written in Isaiah 35:1, “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighting will flee away.”

The Bible is full of stories of individuals who faced hardships, suffering, and loss. Yet Scripture tells us how God gives everlasting joy to crown our heads and wipe away grief and sadness (Isaiah 51:11). And Psalm 126:5 assures that, “those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

The joy God brings is able to take away the deepest sorrow.

2. Joy Gives Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As we rejoice before God, joy comes (Psalm 68:3) strengthening, uplifting, and refreshing us.

Scripture describes, too, how God takes great delight in us, how He shouts for joy and rejoices with singing over us (Zephaniah 3:17).

3. Joy Cultivates Growth

James 1:1-2 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we encounter various trials.

However, like me, I’m guessing most individuals don’t look at dealing with difficulties as a source of joy. Still, God urges us to take on a joyful attitude in facing challenges because when we do, we will grow in perseverance, which will lead us to maturity, completeness, and a confidence of being complete in Christ (James 1:3,4).

Choosing joy during trying times produces benefits far more valuable than the wear and tear experienced.

4. Joy Produces Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:2 describes how in the midst of a very severe trial, the churches in Macedonia experienced “overflowing joy.” Scriptures describes how even in an atmosphere of extreme poverty, this joy produced a rich generosity among them.

The theme of many Christmas movies is the story of a hardened, stingy heart being softened and changed to a generous heart.

And it’s true! The joy God brings through His Good News changes hearts and lives during the holiday season and all year long.

God and Treadmills..... By Ryan Duncan

 God and Treadmills

By Ryan Duncan

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. - 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Ever since I moved to Richmond I’ve acquired a taste for working out. There’s just something addicting about going to the gym after a long day at the office and pounding a treadmill until you feel the moisture on your forehead. If I don’t get my usual workouts, I tend to go stir crazy. That’s why I can’t stand January. After every New Year’s celebration, like clockwork, the gyms become crowded with people who have resolved to become healthier.

Because of the crowds, it becomes harder to get equipment, find parking spaces, or do any of my usual exercises. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m glad people are trying to get healthier and I encourage anyone who wants to start working out to give it a try, but I still get frustrated because I know that within a month most of these people will be gone. Exercise requires a lot of commitment and perseverance, and while a lot of people have resolved to live better, when the hard part comes they give up. You could say the same thing applies to faith. I cannot tell you how many times God has revealed himself in my life through his grace, his power, or even his sense of humor. But despite all these moments, it’s still so easy for me to doubt, to get angry with God and wonder if he has a plan, or if he’s even there at all.

The book of James is useful in moments like this, and even offers some encouragement for when we’re tempted to doubt.    

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” – James 1:2-8

Spiritual workouts are no different from our physical ones. If you want to run a marathon, you first have to run a mile, and if you want to become a tool for Christ, you have to trust him first. So don’t be afraid of trials and challenges, but instead embrace them as opportunities to mature in your faith. It won’t be easy, and odds are you’ll probably have to endure some difficult and painful experiences, but in the end you’ll look back and know you’re stronger because of it.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Apply God to your daily life through the exercise of prayer and service.

Further Reading

 Hebrews 12:1

A Prayer for Forgiving What We Can’t Forget..... By: Alisha Headley

 A Prayer for Forgiving What We Can’t Forget

By: Alisha Headley

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sing against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:22

We have all had someone in our life who has hurt us. It could be someone who hurt us as a child and the pain still follows us today, or perhaps it's someone we face daily, whether it’s our spouse or someone with whom we work. Sometimes, these wounds are easy to heal. But what if the offense is so painful, you can’t forget it?

We are taught in the Bible the basis for believers forgiving others is the fact that we ourselves, have been graciously forgiven by God. (Ephesians 4:32) God never says we are to forget an offense, but simply forgive it. But for most of us, forgiving what we can’t forget is not so simple.

In today’s Scripture, Peter felt the same way. Jesus responds to Peter’s question with an inexact number – probably not what Peter was looking for.

Jesus was not saying we keep a tally of times we forgive and then stop after seventy times seven times. Jesus was implying a number that can’t be counted. A continual forgiveness. What this means is it will take daily practice, daily obedience, daily forgiveness, and it’s ongoing, never-ending.

So how do we walk in continual forgiveness? We do this by prayer. We are to “pray and bless our enemies and those who have hurt us.” (Matthew 5:44) And day after day, prayer after prayer, the Lord will begin to chip away the pain and soften our hearts. We may never forget the offense, but we can certainly replace that pain with a love and perspective that God plants on our hearts through our prayers.

We don’t always forget the hurt, but we can allow God to change our hearts as we forgive the hurt. Let us become more like Jesus day by day and choose to forgive just as He forgave us.

Dear God,

Oh, how we don’t deserve your forgiveness. Day after day, we sin, and we fall short of what you have for us. We are unworthy of your mercy, but you offer it to us new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23)

Thank you, Lord, that when we repent and ask for forgiveness, that you remember our sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12) Lord, although we still remember and may not forget hurt, you have given us the greatest example of forgiveness. You sent your son to walk the same earth we walk to experience the same hurt and betrayal we do, and yet He chose to forgive.

Help us to follow in Jesus’s example. Remind us that prayer is one of our greatest weapons and through continual prayer, praying for our enemies, you will begin to soften our hearts and give us the strength to forgive them.

Help us see those who have hurt us the same way you see them. Help us to have compassion for them.

Father, bless those who have wronged us. Show us where we are still holding back forgiveness, so that we can begin the obedient steps of forgiving.

And when we still remember, as it’s hard to forget, open our eyes to love that person, replacing the hurt with love. We thank you for forgiving us this day and every day and commit to striving to do the same.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.