5 Ways to Spend Time with God When Life Gets Busy..... By Courtnaye Richard

 5 Ways to Spend Time with God When Life Gets Busy

By Courtnaye Richard

“And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we faint not.” -  Galatians 6:9

Life gets busy! Trust me. I know it. Some of us have kids, housework, errands to run, dinner to cook, extracurricular activities to drive our kids to, ministry responsibilities, and tasks that need our immediate attention. For some, there may be school work that needs to get done (college or online courses for seminary) or deadlines from work that need to be met on time. Nevertheless, in the midst of all of our busyness, we have got to make time to spend with our heavenly Father. He longs for us to spend time with Him…no matter how busy life gets!

Are you busy today? Meaning, do you have a lot to do? Is your To-Do-List full to capacity? Let me ask you two more questions. Do you sense that God is calling you to a deeper walk with Him? Or are things great with you? If you’ve already created balance in this area, that’s great! But if not, or if you wouldn’t mind grabbing a few extra tips, here is a helpful list of 5 Ways to Spend Time with God When Life Gets Busy…

Create a place in your home that is nice and peaceful, where you can sit down with a hot cup of coffee or tea to pray, talk to God, journal your thoughts or fresh insight from the Lord. Make sure to have your Bible, pen, and notebook ready to gain new revelation and encouragement from His word.

Change scenes by visiting a local coffee shop or bookstore. Bring your Bible, books, a journal, and do your devotion there! Be open to share what you’re reading with someone who may just happen to walk up to you to ask what you’re studying or reading (this is a great way to be a light in the place, too).

Simply be still in His presence. This can take place when you first sit up in bed in the morning or at some point in your day. It’s a moment when you purposefully stop what you’re doing and take a moment to just be still in His presence. It can even happen in your parked car, before rushing out of it to start the work day or errands. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” He owns everything…including time. So spend it with Him. Take time to breathe and sit in His presence.

Grab a Christian film from Wal-Mart, your local Christian bookstore, the Redbox, Netflix (they have a Faith and Spirituality movie section), from your video collection at home or go to your local theater and take a load off. Get some popcorn and just relax to a great wholesome film that will pour life into you. It’s a great way to escape your world of busyness and grow in your faith at the same time.

Take a long ride. Get away for a little while. Get away from the housework, kids, hubby, fiancé, school work, assignments, To-Do-List, and take a ride. It’s a great way to talk to God, have a good cry, and/or a moment to just break away from the normal routine and regroup. Personally, I do all of the above!

And don’t forget to rest. The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we faint not.” But it also tells us that Jesus is right there willing and ready to give us a time of rest in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” So yes, we have work to do, and we do need to do what needs to be done. Quite naturally, life does get busy. BUT Jesus comforts us by reminding and nudging us that He will give us rest. Yesssssssssssss!

There is nothing like His supernatural rest. It just feels so good. But He also gives us wisdom to know when we need to slow down enough to spend time with our heavenly Father. Think about it. Even in all the work that Jesus did when He was here on earth, He still found time to rest and spend time with His Father in prayer. He knew that He could do nothing without being connected to Him. What a great example for us. We need to spend time with our Lord, even when life gets busy.

Receiving God’s Word through Action..... Denison Ministries

 Receiving God’s Word through Action

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

You and I have been given the invaluable gift of communication with God. Last week we learned about the process of making the soil of our hearts soft and receptive to God. This week we’ll learn some different ways to receive the seed of his word. May your communion with God flourish as you engage in continual conversation with your loving, present heavenly Father.

Scripture:“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:23-25

Devotional:   

Faith and action go together. Understanding and works are tethered—joined together at salvation through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. James 2:14-17 asks us,

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

The poor, orphaned, widowed, and lost don’t just need a word from God. They need us to act on our beliefs and love and serve selflessly with the help of the Holy Spirit. Gathering together as believers to worship is just a part of what God intends for us as his children. If we are to receive all that God has for us, if we are to walk in the abundant life God intends, we must resolve to be doers of the word.

James 1:23-25 gives us a window into the life of a believer who never puts action to his faith. Scripture says,

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Your identity as a disciple of Christ undoubtedly comes from relationship with God, but it is meant to be lived out in your deeds. God longs for you to live a life of good works in response to the unconditional love you’ve been given. He longs for you to live in selfless humility sharing with others what he’s done in you.

We’ve separated Christianity from the world. We’ve separated Sunday from Monday, the sacred and secular. Jesus lived in line with God’s love every minute he was here. He broke the rules in healing on the Sabbath. He ministered almost completely outside of the walls of the synagogue. He brought the good news of God’s grace to all who would believe everywhere he went. His life was in no way segregated. Jesus’s turning the water into wine at a party was just as holy and spiritual as his reading of Isaiah in the temple, proclaiming his fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the Messiah. His love was put into perfect action through every word, miracle, step, glance, and prayer.

With Jesus as our perfect example, let’s live in accordance with God’s will. Let’s blur the line of faith and works until the two become one. Let’s regard meals, conversations, rest, family time, and parties as important and holy as worshipping inside the walls of our churches. Let’s live as Jesus did and make love an action instead of just an idea we talk about on Sunday.          

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire for your faith to produce good works.

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”James 2:14-17

2. Ask God where he would have you put faith into action. It could be buying flowers for your wife, finding a new way to honor your husband, taking your children on a special trip, or offering encouragement to someone around you at work or school. Ask the Spirit to give you specific ways in which he desires you live out the love you have received.

3. Ask God for the strength and courage to live out his word. Follow the leadership of the Spirit into the good works he has prepared for you today.

The Spirit has an incredible ability and power to guide a willing heart into action for God. Receiving the knowledge of God’s love for the people around you will open up doors in your own life to better know the fullness of God’s heart. You will be more deeply blessed by serving others than you could ever be blessed in being served. God pours his love and grace out on those who minister in line with the leading of the Spirit. It’s truly an honor to be used by God to further the advance of his kingdom in the earth. You were made to live out the truth of the gospel. So choose today to act upon the leading of the Spirit. Choose to be a doer of the word.

Extended Reading: James 1

Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 5:6-11

Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.

How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!

God's commitment to us has absolutely no conditions or restrictions and isn't based on whether we love Him back. Nor does He have more love for "good" people who may strike us as more worthy. He loves us even in our sin, even when we don't repent. Does that give us license to disobey? No. It gives us power to live holy lives, walk obediently with Him, and learn to love Him the way He deserves. To follow Him is to receive the love He has been offering all along.

Every single moment, whether awake or asleep, we all live under the canopy of the Lord's wondrous, absolute love for us. But to fully experience that love, you must receive it. Say yes to this amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.

Fighting for Holy Joy When Divorce Drains You..... TRACIE MILES

 Fighting for Holy Joy When Divorce Drains You

TRACIE MILES 

“You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” John 16:20b (NLT)

The woman I once was seemed to be a thing of the past.

Months of emotional trauma following separation and divorce — tangled with more insurmountable problems and fears than one could handle — had finally taken their toll.

At times, it felt like merely breathing was work. On some days, just forcing myself to get out of bed was a challenge. All I really wanted to do was stay buried in the dark and not deal with my new reality.

My spirit was crushed.
My hope was failing.
My prayers seemed unheard.

Although people would often comment about how strong I was, I was weak and dying inside. I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders while battling stress, giant insecurities, hurt and depression. My brain couldn’t even entertain the thought of ever being happy again.

But I so desperately longed to be.

When life is hard, tragedy strikes, rejection stings, marriages end or joy-robbing problems seem hopeless with no end in sight, true happiness and peace can become nothing more than a memory. We can gradually lose our will to fight for joy.

But in John 15 and 16, Jesus encourages us that, no matter our situation, God can turn our sorrow to joy.

In Chapter 15, Jesus was teaching the disciples the importance of standing firm in their faith and finding joy in Him alone. (John 15:11) He knew life was about to get overwhelmingly sorrowful for them because of His impending suffering and crucifixion. Difficulties often usher in doubts of God’s goodness, so He also gave a warning in John 16:1 — “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith” (NLT).

Then, in today’s key verse, Jesus gave His disciples great hope: “You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy” (John 16:20b).

The disciples didn’t fully understand. But what Jesus knew was that, while His death would bring utter heartbreak and sadness, after He was risen their mourning would turn to a joy that could never be taken away from them.

Jesus didn’t tell them they wouldn’t have any more troubles in life. In fact, He said exactly the opposite in John 16:33. But He did promise that, in due time, their weeping would convert to celebration, and their faith would become the ultimate source of their happiness despite their circumstances.

We are all going to have struggles, disappointments and heartbreak. But holy joy gives us courage to smile when our hearts are broken, strengthens us to persevere when we feel like giving up, fuels us to stand strong in faith when hope wavers, and equips us to trust that Jesus can always bring beauty out of brokenness. Joy from Christ is life-giving.

Let’s fast-forward two years from the morning I didn’t want to get out of bed, to the day I went outside early one morning to go for a walk. The sun was shining brightly, causing the dew on the grass to shimmer and sparkle. The air was crisp and smelled of sweet honeysuckles and gardenias. Birds were chirping. Two baby bunnies were munching on clovers in the yard. A neighbor waved and smiled as she passed by with her dog.

Then, out of nowhere, an unexpected sense of happiness welled up in my spirit. I felt lighthearted, giddy and full of peace as the sun’s warmth kissed my cheeks. All these emotions, which I had thought I’d never feel again, totally caught me off guard. Tears came to my eyes as I realized I was no longer where I used to be. And the joyful woman I once was? She was making a comeback.

The struggle had ended. Not the daily struggles of life — those still existed and always would. But the struggle for happiness and the ability to love myself and my life as it was — that fight was over. Joy had returned. Redemption had won.

My grief had been so suffocatingly heavy, but over time, just as He promises, God truly turned my sorrow into joy.

Faith is the key to having the willpower to fight for joy even when we feel as if we have no fight left in us. Trust that God will give you the joy of Christ, which no one can take away!

Dear Lord, I am weak. Please give me supernatural strength to endure my circumstances, and fill my heart with joy in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer for a Titus 2 Mentor..... By: Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer for a Titus 2 Mentor

By: Emily Rose Massey

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” - Titus 2:3-5, ESV

I am the only born-again Christian in my immediate family. Although we did have a Bible in our home, it was more of a centerpiece on the coffee table than a book to be read. It was occasionally wiped down when dust collected on it, never opened or read. I don’t have memories of my family praying before meals or hearing about Jesus from any of my relatives or grandparents. Sadly, I didn’t have a “praying grandma” who lead me in the faith.

So, when I became a follower of Christ at age 22, the road was a lonely one for me. I felt very misunderstood and different from the rest of my family members for a very long time, and still do, to be frank. I’m so thankful for the Christian friends the Lord placed in my life who encouraged me and prayed for me on my journey with Christ, but I have always longed for someone older in the faith to mentor me.

I read Titus 2 with a longing in my heart, wondering if I could ever have a mentor relationship with a woman like this.

You can hit Google, YouTube, and social media to find older women in the faith, of course, but I want to move beyond online connections. I desire a one-on-one personal mentor with whom I can enjoy conversations about Jesus and the Bible. I wonder if you feel the same. Where are the Titus 2 women? I find myself asking.

Instead of being tempted to complain about this lack in my life, I am reminded I must go to God in prayer, especially when it seems so out of reach for me to find a mentor who can come alongside of me and teach me to love my husband and children and love Jesus and His Word even more.

We are living in a very isolated time all over the world. So many of us are lonely and looking for connection. We were created to be in relationship with one another, especially in the Body of Christ. The “metaverse” will never replace the real-life universe where we are there for one another to bear one another’s burdens, pray for each other, and spur each other on in the faith, face-to-face. The call for women in Titus 2 is one that is important within the church and one that our society desperately needs. We need godly women strong in the faith to raise strong, godly children with strong, godly marriages. Families like this could change the world for Christ!

Do you find yourself longing for a mentor who has walked with Jesus for a long time, maybe decades longer than yourself? Does it seem impossible to meet someone like this? Well, let me remind you that nothing is impossible for God! The Father knows the desires of our heart, especially desires that line up with His Word, and He wants those desires to become reality for you. Instead of growing discouraged and tempted to complain, let us run to the Father and pray that we would see this relationship of a mentor fulfilled in our life, not just for us but to ultimately, give Him glory and see the Gospel advanced.

Father God,

I am finding myself lonely on my walk with Christ. I look for others to encourage, evangelize, and disciple who may be younger in the faith, but I long for a mentor who can come alongside me and teach me more about You and how to be a godly woman, one who loves her husband and children so deeply. It may feel impossible to find, but I trust that nothing is impossible for You, God.

Thank You for hearing my prayer and I believe I will see this desire of my heart fulfilled because it is something that you call women to do for each other. I pray You would raise up women who reflect those found in Titus 2 all for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

St. Polycarp: Christian Hero..... by Sarah Phillips

 St. Polycarp: Christian Hero

by Sarah Phillips

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12

Christian. When you hear the word, what images come to mind? It's too easy for me to approach the faith only in a modern context.

But there is so much more to professing faith in Christ than what we see today. Whenever I need a little dose of context, I read about heroic Christians from other eras. This week, I came across a Christian in a unique position: he was among the first generation of Church leaders after the apostles passed away.

St. Polycarp, a 2nd-century bishop of what is now part of Turkey, was a disciple of John the Apostle. St. John, often known as the "beloved disciple," was privileged to stand at the foot of the Cross. He knew and cared for Mary, Jesus' mother. He was in the upper room after the Resurrection and was a member of the original twelve.

St. Polycarp was one of the first Church leaders who did not get to do any of these things. Perhaps this seems like an easy position to be in. After all, Polycarp knew those who witnessed Christ's life with their own eyes. But being a second-generation Church leader wasn't a comfortable position. It meant you were entering unknown territory - territory filled with disputes and heresies that threatened to destroy Christianity in its infancy. These leaders had to place incredible faith in the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Not only did Polycarp and his peers face disagreements within the Church, but they also faced pagan persecution from the outside. During this time, Christians were called "atheists" because they rejected the predominant polytheistic beliefs of their culture. In these early days, pagans would burn Christian "atheists" or feed them to wild animals.

Polycarp stayed grounded by keeping his focus on Christ. He was known for being very tough on heresy but gentle on fellow believers who disagreed with him on non-essential details of the faith. When the eastern and western churches could not agree on how and when to celebrate Passover and Easter, Polycarp did not force the issue with other leaders when it became apparent that both approaches were true to the gospel.

St. Polycarp also relied heavily on a deep prayer life. He prayed specifically for people he encountered and the needs of his particular era. He was committed to leading his fellow Christians effectively and never sought glory for himself.

Although Polycarp was well-loved and respected by both pagans and Christians, he was keenly aware that one day he may face martyrdom. When his time finally came, he was already eighty-six years old, and he went willingly. He could have pledged his allegiance to Caesar to save himself, but instead, Polycarp told his captors, "If you imagine that I will swear by Caesar, you do not know who I am. Let me tell you plainly, I am a Christian."

After his death, Christians kept his bones in his memory and as a reminder of the persecution the early Christians faced.

In some ways, Polycarp faced situations unfamiliar to us and yet in other ways, his story reminds us that the trials we face today are not as unique as they may appear. If we keep our focus on Christ and our days filled with prayer, we can continue the legacy the faithful left to us almost 2,000 years ago.

Intersecting Faith & Life:  Do you find yourself distracted from the love of Christ because of bickering in your local church or challenges from those who don't believe? Take a lesson from Polycarp. Spend additional time in prayer this week to refocus, refuel and discern the best way to proceed.