Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm.....By Christina Patterson

 Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm

By Christina Patterson

“LORD, you are the God who saves me.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

One of the most difficult seasons we can endure is when we feel God is silent, especially if we're already going through challenging situations. When it seems everything is going wrong and your Help seems to be nowhere in sight, it leaves a person feeling forgotten, in disparity, and simply rejected.

Our major frustrations from these seasons come not from simply being in this pit but thinking that God's silence means His absence.

If this is you, you're not alone. The author of Psalm 88 has not only been through this type of heartbreaking situation, he wrote about. Psalm 88 appears to be one of the saddest and most dismal chapters in the Bible. Check it out and I'm sure you'll agree.

The writer expresses feelings of being overwhelmed, cut off, forgotten, grieved, rejected, terrified, and despaired. Worst of all, he is crying out to God wondering where God is in all his suffering. The Psalm ends saying, "darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18 NIV).

However, the hope this Psalm offers is not in its ending, but in its beginning.

“LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

Before his laundry list of everything that's going wrong, the Psalmist acknowledges that there is hope for salvation in the Lord, even when God appears silent. We learn that just because God is silent does not mean He is absent, and it certainly does not mean He is not working behind the scenes on our behalf. Do not be deceived by the darkness in your life, it is never greater than where your help comes from.

Even when you feel you are in a pit, as the writer of Psalm 88 describes, God is there with you. Four times in this Psalm the writer calls out to God. His plea reminds me of Jesus on the cross crying out in his darkest moment to the Father.

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? - Matthew 27:46 NIV

I want to ask, do you think God stopped loving Jesus because He was on the cross? Was Jesus’ suffering a sign God dismissed His Son?

Absolutely not!

If God didn't stop loving Jesus on the cross then no matter what dark season you are in He has not, and will not stop loving you. And if He's promised to never leave you for forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) please trust He's right in the darkness with you friend. He walks through the valley of the show of death with us (Psa 23:4). We may not always feel or hear God but we can always believe His promise is greater than our darkness.

This dark season pushed the writer of Psalm 88 closer to God. He was not calling out to another person or thing for help. He called out to the One he knew could save. This Psalm reminds us that our dark seasons don't serve to show us that God is absent but how desperately we need His presence.

The Psalmist felt his life was near death so he cries out to the very One who raises the dead. He does not look for salvation from people or things. When you're near death you cry out to the One who overcame death.

There is purpose in your pain and hope in you dark season to push you to the light. I encourage you to do just as the writer of Psalm 88. Call out to God and wait for Him to show Himself greater. In my own experience, I've learned that sometimes God empties us so He can fill us back up. Sometimes He's silent so we can learn to listen. Sometimes He allows darkness so we can see that He is the true light of our life.

Live in Harmony.....Denison Ministries

 Live in Harmony

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

This week we’re going to take a look at seven principles found in Romans 12 which describe the marks of a true Christian. The intent of studying this passage is not to condemn or lead you to comparison. Instead, let Paul’s teaching fill you with a deep, transformative longing to wholeheartedly pursue the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you, to see the grace he’s placed upon your life by the blood of Jesus so that you might walk more fully in the power and anointing of the Spirit. Open your heart to God, and let him do a mighty work in you. He is near to you, ready to mold and shape you into a disciple filled with and fueled by his incredible love. May you discover God’s grace and perspective this week as you examine your life in light of this powerful passage of Scripture.

Scripture:“Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16

Devotional:    

Harmony in music is this beautiful, fleeting occurrence that most singers and musicians work their entire lives to continuously experience. It requires diligence, patience, humility, and unity between people pursuing the same goal of making beautiful music. And when musical harmony is achieved, it touches not only those singing or playing, but everyone listening as well. Living in harmony with one another in everyday life isn’t too different than musical harmony. For most of us it’s a target just as elusive and fleeting. But like musical harmony, it’s worth fighting for. Like musical harmony, it produces joy and life in those who pursue it and touches those around them. All throughout the New Testament, we find exhortations to live life in unified, harmonious community. Scripture is clear that unity in the body is foundational to the Christian life. So, let’s look more deeply today at how we can grow in unity and open our hearts to the Spirit’s work to fill us with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with one another. Romans 12:16-20 says:

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Not only does Paul offer us the important exhortation to live in harmony, but he also provides practical ways to achieve harmony. Romans 12 teaches us that harmony requires humility, grace, the pursuit of peace, not fighting for our own justice, and blessing those who hurt us. What would our communities, churches, and families look like if we all committed ourselves to these virtues? What would your relationships look like if you strived to obey these commands? God doesn’t ask you and me to pursue these virtues; he commands us. It is a command because God knows that pursuing a life lived in harmony with one another will lead us to the abundance of joy, peace, and purpose we are created to experience. As our good Father, he wants his children to experience the peace that can only come from living in harmony with one another.

Not only do unity and harmony provide a better life for all involved, but they also glorify Jesus. Romans 15:5-6 says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we love each other well and offer grace and forgiveness, we demonstrate Christ's power to change hearts to the world. When we live in harmony together, we worship with our lives in one beautiful, unified voice. The power of the gospel is that God will always love us in our pride and transgressions, but he doesn’t intend to leave us there. God works in the hearts of his people, knitting them together in harmony like a beautiful tapestry of transformed lives. You and I are written into the pages of God’s beautiful narrative. We have an important place in his eternal story of redemption. Spend time in God’s presence today allowing him to fill you with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with others. Pursue unity with the people God’s placed in your life. And experience transformation in your relationships as God works through you to produce unity and joy.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s command to live in harmony with others.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Romans 12:16-20

“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

2. Humble yourself and ask the Spirit to mold and shape you into a person who lives out the virtues of Romans 12.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8

3. Now ask the Spirit for specific ways you can pursue harmony with others. Whom could you invite over for a meal to hear their story? Whom can you bless who has hurt you in the past? Whom could you associate yourself with that the world deems "lowly?" How can you honor that person you always seem to disagree with?

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

When you remove from yourself the burden of appearances, you will experience a joy and peace that cannot be found in any other lifestyle than humility. Caring what people think is exhausting! Climbing the ladder in your work, society, or relationships will never lead you to more satisfaction. There will always be another step to take, always another person to surpass. Choose to pursue harmony, unity, and love with those around you. Count them as more significant than yourself. If you will live your life in the pursuit of glorifying God instead of yourself, you will gain more satisfaction in this life than 10,000 lifetimes lived selfishly could produce.

Extended Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

God Takes This Seriously, and So Should I.....LYSA TERKEURST

 God Takes This Seriously, and So Should I

LYSA TERKEURST 

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV)

For years, I refused to think of my struggle with healthy eating as anything more than just a physical issue.

I didn’t pray about it. I didn’t apply biblical insights to it. And I certainly didn’t ask God for help. I just wallowed in my lack of self-control. I thought this issue was too small for God but too big for me.

When I began connecting my physical struggle with spiritual insight, at first I still wasn’t convinced that God really cared about my body. Was I vain to want to be thinner? Was I wasting my time on things of this world when I went to the gym? Was I just a foolish, Jesus-chasing girl who mistakenly believed my desire to please Him in this food battle would somehow help me grow closer to Him?

As I studied the Scriptures, I knew I had my answer from God: “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

My poor food choices were wreaking havoc on my body. But that wasn’t all. My desperate struggle, hopelessness and uncontrollable food cravings were waging war against my soul. These were some of the whispers hissed in my ear: You’ll never be free from this battle. You will always bounce from feeling deprived when you’re dieting to feeling guilty when you’re splurging. Victory isn’t possible!

When Satan holds up food in front of us and says these things, we must see that an unhealthy relationship with food can be the lure he uses to draw us away from God. Satan may also use alcohol, inappropriate friendships, overspending or any other means to lead us into a place where we feel self-control isn’t possible. He’s not picky about the method, just the result.

One day, while reading Psalm 23, I listed all the things the Lord does for me:

He leads me.
He restores me.
He guides me.
He is with me.
He comforts me.
He fills me.
He satisfies me.

As I read back over my list, a series of questions shocked me:
Do I rely on the Lord in these ways, or do I rely on food in these ways? 
Do I honestly turn to God or turn to food? 
Do I seek to be comforted, filled and satisfied with God in the depths of my soul, or do I seek food? 

My answers made me cry.

Being ruled by anything other than God is something He takes quite seriously. And so should we. For years, I was overweight physically but underweight spiritually. Tying those two things together has finally allowed me to see why so many other attempts to conquer this mental and physical struggle with unhealthy eating patterns failed. I needed to dig past the surface to the real heart and soul of my issues.

In the process of that soul digging, I realized how amazing it is to serve a compassionate God — a God who knew food would be a major stumbling block keeping many of His children from wholeheartedly pursuing Him. So He’s given us great gifts in the Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Bible to help us.

Here’s how His solid wisdom and gentle guidance have redirected me with a list of action items I wrote for myself:

• Start and finish your day with Bible reading.
• Pray before you eat — even snacks.
• Listen to that spiritual “gut check” when you’re about to eat something.
• Choose the healthy option.
• Stop before you’re overly full.
• Stay on a slower eating pace while enjoying conversation with others.

Yes, I wanted to get healthy. Yes, I wanted to lose weight. Maybe you do, too, or maybe you find yourself in a similar food struggle, but for you, getting healthy means gaining weight. Either way, we have to realize this journey is about so much more. In the end, pursuing health helps my heart feel more settled and ready to receive what Jesus wants for me each day.

Dear Lord, it is true. My food struggles at times wage a war against my soul. Because of this one overwhelming struggle, I often feel defeated in other areas of my life as well. As I seek You today, please give me the strength I need. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Seeking Guidance.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 Seeking Guidance

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 25:4-5

When you're facing a decision, whether big or small, it is important to wait upon God for His direction and timing. And though it may sound paradoxical, there are three ways that we can take an active role in the process while we wait.

First, we should examine our heart, asking the Holy Spirit to expose any wrongs. If He brings something to light, it is important to take care of that sin immediately--by confessing, repenting, and doing whatever's needed to correct the situation. At times we push this task aside because the impending decision seems like our main concern. Yet we cannot hear from God or receive His full blessing until we deal with transgression.

Second, when seeking direction, we should listen patiently and attentively for the Lord to give the go-ahead. It can be difficult to wait, especially when emotions or logic lead us to favor one choice.

Third, the answer to our prayer at times requires our involvement. For instance, when people tell me they're out of work and trusting God to provide, I always want to know if they are actively looking for a job. Some are not; they are simply praying. We have responsibility not only to present God with requests and seek His guidance but also to be active in the process. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy.

Prayer is a beautiful privilege that the heavenly Father gives to His children. He desires to lead us into a life of abundance. We should take an active part in seeking His will and listening for His voice. As we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience all that the Lord has for us.

What the Enemy Intends for Evil, God Will Use for Good.....By Debbie McDaniel

 What the Enemy Intends for Evil, God Will Use for Good

By Debbie McDaniel

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20

What The Enemy Meant for Evil

At just 16 yrs. of age, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and taken from his British homeland to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He worked in the fields as a shepherd for 6 years under terribly harsh conditions, until God miraculously provided a way of escape for him to flee. As difficult as that time must have been, it was during those lonely years of enslavement, where he faced hunger, freezing temperatures, and pain, that he met with God, and found deep closeness in His Presence through prayer and meditation.

Who would have ever dreamed of how God would turn around this tragedy for good?

After months back at home, recuperating and seeking direction for his future plans, St. Patrick felt strongly led to go back to Ireland. He knew God had brought him there for a purpose and he was burdened to share Christ with a lost nation.

History tells us that thousands were saved. Revival broke out among this pagan people, lives were changed, as many came to know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Though God is not the author of evil in our world, and though often He does choose to shelter and protect us from the evil attacks of the enemy on our lives, sometimes…He takes us straight through dark seasons. And it’s never to leave us there for no purpose. He will always have a purpose and hope through what we may experience, however difficult it may be. He will always be faithful to bring greater good.

Both the lives of St. Patrick and Joseph in the Bible remind us of this truth. Sold into slavery, held captive, and imprisoned, yet set free for the “saving of many lives.”

God Will Turn It For Good

If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. Somehow. He is faithful to His Word, and He is crazy about you. He will see you through, don’t ever doubt it. You will step out to the other side of the darkness. And who knows, but that many lives may be affected for the kingdom’s sake, because of your difficult season of struggle.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Sometimes the most difficult times we walk through can feel like captivity to our hearts and minds. If you find yourself there today, be assured that God is with you and leading you through. Even if you can’t see how the whole story will unfold, His plans for us are good, He gives hope and purpose. Choose to thank Him today that He will turn your struggle around for good. Pray that He will use it as a blessing in your life and for many others to know of His power and great love.

Further Reading:
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
Psalms 84:11

A Prayer of Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day..... By Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer of Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day
By Debbie McDaniel

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Ps. 84:11

In 433 A.D., history tells us that St. Patrick was praying for God’s divine protection in his work and ministry in Ireland while facing powerful enemies. He wrote this prayer called St. Patrick’s Breastplate, which is still widely known and recited today. 

God soon opened the door for him to share Christ with the Irish King Laoghaire and his subjects, and allowed him to be a part of bringing them out paganism’s dark hold to the saving power of Jesus Christ. St. Patrick was a man who knew much about darkness, hardship, and enemy territory. He had spent years in slavery after being kidnapped by pirates at age 16. And it was in those years that he later tells how he learned about the Mighty power of God’s Presence and prayer.

The life of St. Patrick is such an example to us still today, that even in the darkest of times, God’s Sovereignty shines over His people. He can’t help but to come to our aid. He can’t help but to bless us and let His favor surround our lives. Because He’s a good and loving God. And nothing escapes His notice. He watches over all, and we can trust that our lives and circumstances are held securely in His hands.

"As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen."

What Children Need to Know.....FamilyLife

 What Children Need to Know

 FamilyLife

Mark 10:13,14

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them."

Children and Easter. New life and new beginnings. What better time to share the gospel with your children?

But what does a child, or any person, need to know to become a Christian? The following are the basics:

First, children need to be taught who God is and how He loves them. They need to know what sets Him apart from humans.

God is holy; He is perfect. People, however, are not perfect.

God is just; He is always fair. We are not just in all our decisions.

God is love; He desires a relationship with us. That's why He sent His Son. We are not always motivated out of our love for another.

Second, children need to be taught that their sins must be forgiven (see Rom. 6:23). Many parents in this culture of tolerance feel uncomfortable talking about hell. God is patient, but He is not tolerant. His justice calls for an atonement (a payment, a penalty) for people's sins. Our children must have some understanding that their sins can keep them out of heaven. Their sins must be paid for. And that is what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.

Finally, children need to know that they receive God's forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ (see Eph. 2:8,9).

Faith involves repenting of our sins, turning to God in faith and trusting Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord. When we repent, we acknowledge our sins before God and express our sorrow about our sins to Him.

Those are the basics of what children need to know.

Prayer: That God would work in your children's hearts to bring them to Him.

Discuss: How have you done as a couple in explaining the gospel to your children? How can you arrange your Easter activities to take time to explain the gospel to your children?