Believing God Is for Us..... By Lynette Kittle

 Believing God Is for Us (Romans 8:31)

By Lynette Kittle

Today's Bible Verse: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31

Constantly changing events and breaking headlines can cause us to feel anxious and concerned about how our lives will be affected, worried by what’s taking place in our nation and communities. It can seem like our whole world has been turned upside down, especially if we’ve been faithfully praying for different outcomes, ones we believe are God’s will and in line with biblical truth.

When we see different results happening than what we were praying and hoping for, we may feel like God let us down, dashing our hopes and leaving us disillusioned.

Our disappointment can be difficult to navigate, and it takes time to recover. This is a journey that causes some to spiral down in despair and feel disconnected, unloved, and abandoned by God.

These heartbreaking feelings of defeat can shake a person’s faith to the very core. It can cause much doubt and questioning as to whether or not God really cares about what happens to us.

In times like these, the enemy swoops in to try and turn hearts against God, telling us untruths to doubt His faithfulness and His Word, to lead us to despair and to go off course in our walk with Him.

But we don’t have to follow his devious lead. Psalm 136 reassures us over and over again that God's love never fails.

4 Truths to Tell Yourself for Daily Reassurance

Because God is truly for us, we don’t have to wonder day-by-day whether it’s true or not but can look to His word to daily reassure ourselves. Below are four Scriptures to help us believe God is for us.

1. Remember Who lives within us. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the One who is in the world.”

The enemy tries to tell us we have been forgotten by God but 1 John 4:4 reminds us where we come from and whom we serve.

2. Dwell on God’s faithfulness. Psalm 108:4 explains, “For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Chaotic times urge us to take our eyes off God and look at what’s going on around us. But rather than focus on earthly circumstances, we can dwell on all the ways He has shown His faithfulness to us all throughout our lives.

3. Consider God’s love. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22,23).

Although the world offers a kind of love that fluctuates on people’s up-and-down feelings, here one day and gone the next, God’s love for us remains steadfast.

4. Believe God is with us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Even when the world around us is shaken, God will not abandon us.

Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus..... Denison Ministries

 Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Our heavenly Father has made incredible promises to us, his children. And while our God is completely faithful to deliver on his promises, he does not force them on us. He’s promised his nearness, his affections, and an eternal life spent with him. But we have the power to choose our own way. He doesn’t force himself where there’s no space. God’s word won’t have power in our lives if we don’t read it. We won’t hear God effectively if we’re not listening. And we can’t experience his nearness if we constantly fill our lives with other things. So, this week we’re going to talk about different ways we can experience the promises of God so that they might come to full fruition in our lives. May you encounter God powerfully as you grow in fully experiencing the incredible promises of your heavenly Father.

Scripture:“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Devotional:    

One of the best ways to experience the promises of God is to co-labor with him in his purposes of restoration. It’s incredible that God’s plan is to use us, his church, to see his kingdom come to earth. He’s commissioned us to spread the gospel. He’s chosen us to tell of the good news of restored relationship with our Creator.

Matthew 28:16-20 says, “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Jesus shares with us the authority that’s been given to him. God’s made incredible promises to his people, and he wants us to join him in seeing his promises come to fruition.

We get to share with the world a message like Peter’s in Acts 2:38,“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and bring to fruition the promise of Jesus that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17). How incredible! You have the opportunity to see God’s promise of salvation come to those around you through working with God!

You can also co-labor with God in his desire to meet the felt needs of those around you. God says in Deuteronomy 15:11, “There will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” The church in Acts brought about God’s desire to meet needs. Acts 4:34-35 says, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” God longs to use you like he did his church in Acts. You get to work with God in seeing his longing to provide for people come to pass. You get to be the hands and feet of our Savior and co-labor with Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” As the child of God, you’ve been set apart for the works of your Father. You’ve been entrusted with the incredible “message of reconciliation.” There is no other work in life that will fill you with more joy and purpose than seeing God's promises fulfilled through your own hands. What an incredible God we have, that in all his power and wisdom he would choose to use us as his hands and feet. Your God loves you and empowers you for incredible works that will satisfy the desires of your heart and the needs of others. Spend time in his presence today being fueled by his love. Follow the leading of the Spirit as he shows you where he is working and what he would have you do to see his promises come to fruition through your life.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire to use you to bring about his message of reconciliation.

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

2. Ask the Spirit to show you where and how he would have you minister today. Who do you know that needs God’s love today? What can you do to see God's promises come to pass in the lives of others?

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34-35

3. Commit yourself to do what the Lord shows you. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to accomplish the works he’s set before you. Receive his presence and let God’s love fuel you toward all that he has in store for you.

God’s intention is not to burden you with the work he’s set before you. His intention is actually to lead you to a better and more fulfilling life. He knows that you will only be truly satisfied when you partner with him to see his kingdom come to earth. You are meant for good works. You are meant to co-labor with your heavenly Father. Any time you feel burdened, simply cast your cares on God. Ask him to share his heart with you. Minister from his anointing and not your own strength. May you find today a lifestyle of good works that leads you to joy, peace, and purpose in the Spirit.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 5

You Don’t Have To Be Perfect.....CRYSTAL PAINE

 You Don’t Have To Be Perfect

CRYSTAL PAINE

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV)

“I’m scared, Mom.”

I saw the text message pop up on my phone at 11:30 p.m. My teenage daughter was away on a school trip in Florida.

My husband and I had just gotten a late-night phone call from a foster care worker asking if we could take in a sweet little 7-month-old boy with medical complexities who needed to be placed in a foster home that night.

After discussion and prayer, my husband and I felt we were supposed to step out in faith and say yes. So we did … even though we had zero experience with Down syndrome, cleft lip/palate or feeding a baby through a g-tube.

I read the rest of the text from my daughter. She was sharing honestly how she felt overwhelmed by how hard it might be to take on the task of caring for this tiny boy. She was worried that all of the doctor appointments, potential surgeries and therapies ahead might be too much to take on — especially since we already had a baby of our own.

Crafting a reply, I typed the truest words I knew to say to her: “I’m scared, too.”

Because I was. The doorbell was about to ring, and the DCS worker would be standing there with a little boy who needed a lot of care, love and nurturing. If I played out all of the unknowns of what saying “yes” to him might mean, it felt overwhelming to me.

Then I sent a second text to my daughter: “Both Dad and I feel strongly that God has called us to say yes. So we are going to trust God to help us one day at a time. I don’t know what five years from now holds, but I’m just going to trust God for today. Can you do that with me?”

We texted back and forth for a few more minutes, and by the end of the conversation, I sensed the heaviness and fear had lifted. My girl felt seen. She felt heard. She knew she was not alone. And we were in this together — trusting God together in spite of our fears.

My kids don’t need a perfect parent who can preach persuasive sermons. They need a mom who loves them, listens to them and points them to Jesus.

Think about it: If I were perfect, I wouldn’t need Jesus. The whole reason Jesus came to earth and died for me is because I am not able to achieve perfection.

As Colossians 2:13-14 says, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

When I read this verse, I feel such deep gratitude. Christ’s finished work on the cross has canceled the record of our debt. He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved for our sins.

He paid our debt in full. Not because of who we are or what we have done but because of who He is and how much He loves us. Because of this, when God looks at us, He sees Jesus. This is the gospel. This is the Good News!

His death on my behalf allows me to live with freedom and joy — free from having to live life chasing after pleasing other people, being perfect or managing my reputation.

Whether it’s parenting, marriage, working at our job or just living life with others, we will never do it all right. And that’s not the goal. Let’s be people who are honest enough to admit our mistakes and imperfections and our need for Jesus each and every minute of the day!

Lord, help me to release my burdens and stresses to You today. Give me strength when I feel overwhelmed, clarity when I don’t know what to do, and grace to face whatever discouragements or difficulties today holds. Thank You that You are my perfect Father and I can rest in You today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Controlling Our Appetites..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Controlling Our Appetites

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined--these are just a few. We're also a "have it now" culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.

Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they're God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we're in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives.

That's exactly how we're called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we'll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16).

Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven.

When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we're forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.

Born Blind.....by Ryan Duncan

 Born Blind

by Ryan Duncan

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” – John 9:3

One of my favorite Bible stories appears in John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. Take a moment to read the following:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam"(this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. – John 9:1-8

Every time I read this, I can’t help but wonder what went through the mind of the blind man when he heard Jesus. All his life people have been telling him he’s cursed, that his blindness is punishment for some sin his family committed. Then, in a single moment, Christ turns his world around. Not only does he absolve him of guilt in front of the disciples, he announces that God is going to display his glory through a blind man’s life. Many people read this story and think it’s all about how Jesus healed his sight, but I believe it’s more about how Christ restored his soul.3

Too often we Christians are like the Pharisees of old. We look at people, find something in their life that isn’t quite perfect, and make a note of how much they "need God." What we’re really saying is, "Look at how messed up this person is, you know it’s because they’ve turned away from God." Just like the disciples did. If you ever find yourself tempted to think that, beware. While the story of John 9 ends with one man receiving sight, it also ends with some who are still blind.

“Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." – John 9:35-39

Intersecting Faith and Life: “The gospel declares that no matter how dutiful or prayerful we are, we can't save ourselves. What Jesus did was sufficient.” ~Brennan Manning

Further Reading

John 13:34-35

A Prayer to Fear God and Serve Him Faithfully..... By: Tiffany Thibault

 A Prayer to Fear God and Serve Him Faithfully

By: Tiffany Thibault

Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. - 1 Samuel 12:24

Be sure to. Those three words are often given to us as a parting reminder for something of extreme importance, something we must make every effort to do. Be sure to follow these directions prior to surgery. Be sure to file your taxes on time. Be sure to pay that bill. Those words are a reminder of what we must not forget.

Samuel the prophet used those three words in his farewell speech to the people of Israel. Be sure to. He wanted his listeners to remember, to never forget, to purposely determine what he considered to be the two most important things that we can ever do. “Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart.”

What does that look like for us? That word fear can be, well, a bit confusing. In this verse, the word fear has two meanings. The first is what we would expect - to be afraid of. We are to fear the Lord and, in that fear, we are to take Him seriously. We should know that He means what His Word says, and that He will do what He has said He will do. He is not a God to be trifled with. In that word “fear,” we see that it also demands that we regard Him with respect.

But the word fear also has another meaning, which is to revere, to regard as worthy of great honor. We are to hold the Lord in great awe, understanding that He deserves ALL the honor and that He is worthy of all our respect, adoration, and worship. Fearing the Lord means that we take our relationship with Him very seriously, and in doing so we can serve Him faithfully with all our heart.

So as we go through our days, fearing the Lord and serving Him faithfully, it becomes easier to do when we remember, consider, contemplate, and ponder the great things that He has done for us. Many people keep track of the things that they are grateful for each day, but how life-changing it would be if we were to make the effort every single day to remind ourselves of all the great things that God has done! He has redeemed us, saved us, sanctified us, welcomed us, forgiven, healed, and provided for us. I challenge you to start putting down on paper, every single day, something that God has done for you that day. The more we look, the more we will begin to see how God works in so many ways in our lives, because He loves us. As our hearts fill with gratitude, serving Him will become easier. As we see Him moving in our lives, our fear (both respect and awe) for Him will greatly increase.

How different our lives, attitudes, and relationships would be if we were to “be sure to” put God first. Will you do this with me and see everything change for eternity as we draw closer to the Lord?

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for all the things that you have done in my life. Thank you for always being there, guiding, and protecting me. Help me to learn how to fear you - in both respect and honor. Help me to serve you with all my heart, faithfully. Lord, help me to recognize and worship you for all the things that you have done and are continuing to do every single day of my life. 

In your name I pray, 

Amen

Why Didn't Jesus Defend Himself?.....By Rick Warren

 Why Didn't Jesus Defend Himself?

By Rick Warren

“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’” (Mark 14:61 NIV)

What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and he came to Earth to save us.

Three events occurred in dramatic succession on that Easter weekend: the trial of Jesus, then the death of Jesus, and finally the Resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus actually went through six trials. In that one night, he was brought before Annas (the father-in-law of Caiaphas), Caiaphas (the high priest), the Sanhedrin (the religious Supreme Court), Pilate (the governor of Jerusalem), Herod (the governor of Galilee), and then Pilate again.

At the end of those six trials, what did they find to accuse him of? Nothing. He had done nothing wrong. They brought in people to make up phony charges, but those didn’t stick. Finally they convicted him on one count: claiming to be the Son of God. That’s the sole reason Jesus went to the cross.

Everyone who has ever been introduced to Jesus has already made some kind of decision about who he is. You either believe he’s a liar or you believe he’s a lunatic or you believe he’s the Lord. It can’t just be, “I believe he was a good teacher.” He couldn’t be just a good teacher, because a good teacher would not say, “I’m God, and I’m the only way to Heaven.” A good person would not say that unless it was the truth.

Jesus claimed to be the Savior of the world. In John 12:47, he is recorded as saying: “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world” (NIV). He allowed himself to be put on trial so there would be no doubt about who he was. He could have stopped the trial at any moment; he knew he would be proven guilty and put on the cross. But he allowed it to happen. It was all part of the plan.