Don’t Be Alarmed.....By Jennifer Waddle

 Don’t Be Alarmed (Jude 17-18)

By Jennifer Waddle

“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 17-18 NKJV

It never fails. I’ll be scrolling through my social media feed and come across a shocking statement about Christianity or the Bible, and instantly, I’m made aware of the hostility towards the things of God. By now, I ought to expect it, but it never ceases to alarm me. Can you relate?

Sadly, followers of Christ will continue to be alarmed at the mockery of God and His Word. However, Jude shared a great reminder for us. He said, “Remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time.”

Jude’s warning—written so long ago—still resonates with us today and reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. Just as Christians in his day were faced with people who mocked the Lord, we too are seeing daily evidence of those who reject Christianity and everything we hold dear.

So what are we to do? In verse 3, Jude gave these instructions “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

“Contend for the faith.”

That’s our assignment as we try to connect with people and remain steadfast in our faith. The truth is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is under attack, and we must defend it by speaking the truth in love and using discernment as we associate with people on the World Wide Web.

If you’re alarmed by the voices of hostility on social media, try responding this way:

Respond with love for the person and hate for the sin.

Respond with truth from the Bible rather than the opinions of man.

Respond with the assurance that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Respond with the knowledge that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Great discernment is needed when it comes to scoffers. There are times when you’ve said all that can be said, and it’s time to end the discussion. Especially when there’s a continual stream of disrespect, you’ll need stop the cycle of mockery by moving on to more productive conversations.

Hateful comments are bound to come, but instead of being alarmed at such things, let’s be spurred to contend for the faith. Stand firm on God’s Word. Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” After all, your confidence is in Christ, and He will reveal His truth to all people. We are simply instruments of peace called to remain steadfast and contend for the faith that has been entrusted to us.

God Meets Us in Our Weakness.....Denison Ministries

 God Meets Us in Our Weakness

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We serve a God of powerful transformations. All throughout Scripture God takes those whom the world deemed the lowest, the hopeless, and the helpless and uses them to change the world. You are not beyond transformation. God longs to break off that which inhibits you from experiencing fullness of life. He longs to heal you, deliver you, and set you free. May your life be forever changed as we spend time discovering God’s heart for transformation.

Scripture:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Devotional:    

The ways of God are radically different than what we experience in the world. The world tells us that only the strong survive. The world values those who can take care of themselves. We’re taught to look to our own strength as our source. We’re taught never to let others see our weakness. But God values those who acknowledge their weakness in humility. His heart is for the destitute, the needy, and the lost. Jesus spent his valuable, limited time with the prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, and sinners. And as a result, we who can never be perfect, who even at our best still can’t cut it, have renewed hope.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” True growth and transformation aren’t the result of working in our own strength. We can’t change ourselves no matter how hard we try. Transformation is only possible when we declare the truth of our weakness, stop living in our own strength, and receive the power of a loving, present God. Transformation comes when we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill us, empower us, and set us free, not because we are deserving of his help, but because he loves us.

Psalm 103:14 says, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” God doesn’t expect perfection from us. He knows perfection is unattainable. And instead of perfection he asks for honesty. Instead of valuing our strength he values our humility. What he asks of us, all of us can give. All of us can boast of our weaknesses as Paul did. All of us can look at our lives and declare our need for God’s grace. And in doing so we receive power from on high. In acknowledging that “we are dust” we gain the help of an Almighty, all-loving, ever-present God.

Stop trying to attain perfection in this life. Stop finding your value and identity in what you do. And look to God as your strength. Allow his love, power, and help to be your source. Live in light of the truth that his strength is both able and available to you. May you enter into a season of peace founded on the limitless grace and power of your heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s heart to meet you in your weakness.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

2. In what ways are you living in your own strength? Where do you need to stop striving and receive the grace and help of God?

“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14

3. Declare your weakness to God and receive the power of his presence. Ask him how he wants to help you. Make space in your heart for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and empower you.

Proverbs 22:4 says, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” God has riches, honor, and life in store for you as you live in his strength. He longs to lead you to fullness of life if you will be willing to enthrone him as Lord over your heart. May you be founded on the grace and help of God and experience fullness of life today in the presence of your loving Father.

Extended Reading: Psalm 103

God Redeems.....DR. DERWIN L. GRAY

 God Redeems

DR. DERWIN L. GRAY 

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” Ephesians 2:14 (NLT) 

I’m grateful our God doesn’t waste anything — the good, the bad or the ugly. Through the mystery of His loving providence, He uses our backgrounds and life experiences to re-create us into His ambassadors of reconciliation.

In our racially divided world, Jesus can redeem our pain and transform us into vessels that heal our racial divide.

Take the Apostle Paul, for instance. How could a pharisaical Jewish nationalist like Paul once was, racist toward pagan Gentiles, write these words from Ephesians 2:14, our key verse, about Christ uniting Jews and Gentiles?

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” (Ephesians 2:14)

He doesn’t stop there — Paul goes on to explain how Christ unites us to form His beautiful, multiethnic Church:

“He [Christ] did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death” (Ephesians 2:15-16, NLT).

Paul was only able to write these words because he met Jesus, who took him from being a racist and transformed him into a grace-ist! God redeemed Paul’s background, destroying the sin of racism and transforming him into a new creation. And God can do the same for you and me.

Around A.D. 1, in the multicultural world of the eastern Mediterranean, Paul, a future racial reconciler, was born. His father mentored him in the family trade of tentmaking. Because Paul grew up in a multicultural city, he interacted with and understood Greek (Gentile) culture. Paul’s multicultural upbringing became a strength in bridging the divide between Jews and Gentiles.

In Jerusalem, Paul learned the Torah from the great Pharisee teacher Gamaliel. It was also there that an angry Jewish mob stoned Stephen, and Paul “agreed with putting him to death” (Acts 8:1a, CSB). And while Paul was on his way to Damascus, “breathing threats and murder against” followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1, CSB), he met the risen Lord. (Acts 9:3-6)

It was then that God began to redeem Paul’s past. Paul’s eyes were opened, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He spent the remainder of his life passionately preaching a gospel that would forgive sins and also create a family with different skins. This is the unified, multiethnic family God promised Abraham. (Galatians 3:8; Galatians 3:28-29)

It took meeting the Lord Jesus to change Paul’s heart. Only Jesus could have turned Paul into someone who would love his neighbor in the most sacrificial ways. And Jesus has the power to soften our hearts today, bringing peace and breaking down walls of hostility.

As one body in Christ, may we be reconciled to God and with each other, and may any hostility be “put to death” (Ephesians 2:16, NLT).

Dear God, thank You for never wasting anything in our lives. Thank You for destroying our sin and redeeming our pain, turning it into something beautiful and useful for Your Kingdom. Help us to pursue healing and reconciliation, knowing that You desire unity in the body of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Life’s Great Liberator.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 Life’s Great Liberator

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 4:16-21

From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy. Smiles, makeup, and stylish clothing can create an appearance of inner peace. Internally, though, many are in bondage.

In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set free those in captivity. Christ was referring to several types of bonds that can imprison our souls.

First, Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law and consequently live apart from Him (Rom. 3:23). But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him. Then we can have a relationship with the Lord.

Secondly, He liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy, bitterness, and gluttony. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to overcome wrong choices that seemed to “own” us. He enables us to do what He desires—by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in the ongoing battle.

The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our hearts for Jesus to fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing at the time or an obvious bad choice—will ultimately leave us empty. And we will remain in bondage until God frees us and then provides the only true satisfaction.

Are you one of those people who appear happy and seem to have life figured out, and yet inside feel uneasy and empty? Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem you, forgive your sins, and fill the vacant place in your soul. Allow Him to liberate you today.

The Day My Mom Went Crazy.....By: John UpChurch

 The Day My Mom Went Crazy

By: John UpChurch

I don’t remember the day of the week—so, let’s say Wednesday. I’d just returned from work and was making the walk from the parking lot to my apartment.

Before I could get to the door, the call came. My cell phone cracked and spluttered as my brother spoke on the other end. His words tumbled into the hundreds of miles between us. But I understood enough. My mother had stopped her meds again; she’d lied about it; and now she didn’t know her youngest son existed. My family wanted me to talk to her to prove I was, in fact, real. The idea sickened me, but I didn’t have time to object before the phone went to her. Really, it took that long for me to recover.

They didn’t tell her who I was, just that someone wanted to talk to her. My mind whirled around a prayer—a very inadequate bottle rocket—as I waited through the rustling and murmurs and silence. Mostly, I just hoped she wouldn’t take the phone.

She did.

If you’ve never been told you don’t exist, it’s not something I recommend. You hurt for the person who doesn’t want to remember, and you hurt for the lost connection. But that’s what happened when I said hello and told her who I was. She screamed into the phone that I had died as a baby, that I didn’t really exist, that I was lying to her. The whole moment will never really fade away.

When I visited my mom later in the hospital, a shell sat across the table from me. Her eyes dulled under the fluorescence. There was no recognition, no love in the hazel. She only resembled the woman who’d once wept when I moved out.

Loving her then gave me the smallest glimpse of what it was like for God to love me—even when I ran away, even when I denied He existed. I couldn’t see back then. My eyes couldn’t recognize His goodness because I convinced myself that the lies of this world are more satisfying. I denied Him and raged against Him in turn. I hated that He loved me.

Slowly, over months, my mother began to remember. She got back the names and faces that had vanished from her mind. She saw us again.

And how slow my own journey has been. First, I came face to face with a very real Maker of the universe. Then, I fell down before His ridiculous love for me. Since then, I’ve been slowly regaining my sight, seeing the world through His eyes. I once blinded myself, but now I’ve been granted new eyes. I couldn’t see until God’s preceding grace tore away the haze, and, suddenly, I remembered what love is.

Intersecting Faith and Life: My mom’s lapse opened the cosmic door just a crack—at least, I like to think so. The whole situation hit me with the truth of what John 3:16 really means. God longs for us to recognize His love. But we have selective amnesia; we forget the one who created us.

Even that doesn’t stop Him, though. He pursues us in Christ Jesus, who went through the pain of being rejected to heal our forgetful hearts. Nothing could stop him from that.

Further Reading

John 3:1
Romans 3:1

A Prayer for My Loved One Who’s Going through a Battle.....By: Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for My Loved One Who’s Going through a Battle

By: Kristine Brown

“He said, ‘Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” 2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT

I saw my friend’s post on social media, calling on her people to pray. I reached out to her with a text message, knowing she had little time to explain things in a phone call. “Is there anything I can do for you?” The words seemed weak against what she was facing. But in times like this, I couldn’t find the right thing to say. Every word felt shallow, but her message came back in a simple, heartfelt sentence:

“What we need most right now is prayer.”

I knew all too well what my friend meant. I’d been there before, in the pain and suffering. I felt that familiar helplessness now as I wanted so much to do something for her! But with current restrictions and distance between us, I didn’t have the answer. That is, until I read her text.

When a loved one is hurting, we want to help— to do something to ease their pain. The truth of 2 Chronicles 20 gives us hope. We have an Almighty God who reminds us that the battle does not belong to our loved one, and it doesn’t belong to us either.

“Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b

Just like the enemies who were coming against God’s people at a time when they wholly followed Him, we have an enemy today who strives to instill fear and discouragement in our lives. When we look at what surrounds us, we become vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. God offered encouragement to His people then, and His words still give hope today. We have no reason to be afraid or discouraged. God will fight for us - every time.

Is your loved one going through a battle while you stand by, feeling powerless to help? Let’s remember God’s promise to us, our families, and our friends. It’s God’s battle. Let’s pray this prayer together.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have a loved one who is struggling today, and I want so much to help. You know the need, so I call to you in prayer on their behalf. Lord, hear my prayer for my loved one going through a battle right now.

Your Word shows me that you are holding us in your hand. Isaiah 41:10 gives me hope with this promise, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” When I am fearful for my family or friends, help me remember this verse. I do not have to be afraid because of what they’re going through. I can trust in you!

Lord, everything I want to say to them seems wrong at such a difficult time. Forgive me for trying to figure things out in my own strength. Give me the right words to say to my loved one, and guide me as I pray for them. Thank you for fighting this battle for us. 

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

6 Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.....By Jim Burns

 6 Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

By Jim Burns

If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. —1 Corinthians 15:17

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead, your faith is in vain. But you can be assured that the good news is true. Jesus Christ “was buried [and] he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Throughout the ages, skeptics have tried to disprove the Resurrection experience, but it stands the test of time. Here are six proofs that Jesus actually rose from the dead:

First Proof— The Resurrection was foretold by Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. —Matthew 16:21

Second Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for His empty tomb.

Joseph brought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. —Mark 15:46

Third Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the appearance of Jesus Christ to his disciples.

He was buried…raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and…appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to…me also, as to one abnormally born. —1 Corinthians 15:4-8

Fourth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the beginning of the Christian Church.

This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. —Acts 2:23-24

Fifth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the transformation of the disciples. The disciples went into hiding in an upper room “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). After seeing and talking with Jesus for approximately six weeks, they went out to “turn the world upside down” (see Acts 17:6), fearlessly proclaiming Jesus Christ (also see Acts 3:12-26; 4:1-33; 8:4; 17:6).

Sixth Proof— The witness of the apostle Paul and the transformation of his life, can be reasonably explained only because of the resurrection of Christ. “Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 9:22).

GOING DEEPER:

1. Reread 1 Corinthians 15:17. Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead?
2. Why are these six proofs important to your faith and life?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 4:25; 5:6-8