Whatever You Do.....By Lynette Kittle

 Whatever You Do

By Lynette Kittle

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” - Colossians 3:17

Do life’s everyday responsibilities like loading and unloading the dishwasher, cause you to mumble under your breath? Or do you find yourself grumbling about the mundane tasks you’re assigned at work? Maybe it’s the wear-and-tear of working weekly in the church’s nursery or serving on the worship team?

It’s easy to grow weary in serving others and even easier to become critical in thoughts and words, rather than to turn to God’s Word in how to respond in various situations. Still God encourages you to do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14).

Scriptural Examples

Sadly the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness reveals a crowd of grumblers. So much so, it led God to respond with ”How long will this wicked community grumble against me?” (Numbers 14:27).

Today in a culture where being outspoken, critical, and argumentative is celebrated and admired, most may not even consider grumbling something to avoid.

Jesus was the subject of grumbling, too, when He went to the home of Zacchaeus. Luke 19:7 states, “All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’”

In another situation where a crowd was criticizing Him for some statements He made, Jesus confronted them saying “Stop grumbling among yourselves” (John 6:43).

Because fault-finding is so commonplace now, especially with the opportunities offered on the Internet and through social media to express opinions, the majority of individuals may not know that Scripture strongly cautions people to not grumble against one another (James 5:9).

How to Serve Well

Rather than complaining about serving others at home, on the job, in church, or in your community, Scripture urges you to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (Ephesians 6:7).

Likewise, Colossians 3:23-24 encourages “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” knowing “that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).

Scripture reveals the truth to serving well, which is to not look to people for your inspiration or reward but to look to God. Doing so makes it easier to “do everything in love,” as directed in 1 Corinthians 15:14.

So next time you're tempted to mumble, grumble, complain, or argue while serving others, instead, consider it as an opportunity to serve God. Focus on Him rather than the task, knowing He sees your heart and actions, and will reward you for your service.

Honesty is the Foundation.....Denison Ministries

 Honesty is the Foundation

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Honesty is more than the words we say. It’s a posture of the heart. We weren’t made to try and be something we’re not. God never asks us to keep up appearances. He longs for us to have the courage to be vulnerable. He longs for us to be so founded in his unconditional love that we live honestly. May you experience new levels of peace and joy this week as we discover God’s heart for honesty.

Scripture:

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” 1 Peter 3:10

Devotional:    

Deciding to live openly and honestly is foundational to experiencing fullness of life in God. God doesn’t deal with our facades. He doesn’t speak to, love on, heal, deliver, or empower the fake self we try and portray. Rather, he faithfully pursues who we really are, drawing us out from the walls we’ve built up around our hearts.

1 Peter 3:10 says, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” When the Bible talks about honesty, it isn’t just talking about God’s heart for us not to speak lies, but also that we wouldn’t believe or live out lies. In living honestly we will love life and see good days. Nothing good comes from being dishonest. There is no life in trying to appear as something we’re not. Abundant life comes with communion with God, and God always meets us where we’re at.

Assess your life today. Are you living honestly? Are you trying to portray yourself as something you’re not? Are you deceiving yourself or looking at yourself honestly? Are you coming before God just as you are or trying to appear like you have everything together?

Honesty is at the foundation of encountering God, loving others, experiencing abundant life, and doing good, eternal works. Everything God does is about the heart. He’s about that which has substance, that which is real. He’s not calling you to share your “picture-perfect” life with others. He’s calling you to be vulnerable with others that they would see the unconditional, grace-filled nature of relationship with God. He’s not asking you to clean yourself up before you worship him or meet with him. He’s asking you to come as you are that he might reveal the love he already has for you, even in your imperfections.

Take time to make honesty a core value in your life. Reflect on the importance of being open and vulnerable. Allow the Spirit to illuminate any ways in which you are valuing appearance above reality. And choose today to be who you truly are. May you find new peace and joy today as you remove the pressure of appearance.

Guided Prayer: 

1. Meditate on the importance of honesty. May Scripture help you make honesty a core value.

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” 1 Peter 3:10

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1

2. Assess your heart. In what ways do you value appearance above reality? Where are you working to try and appear as something you’re not. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate any ways in which you need to live more honestly.

3. Ask God to reveal his love for you even in your imperfections. Allow his love to fill you with the courage to be honest today. Rest in his unconditional love for you.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

The only confidence available to us to live honestly is the unconditional love of God. Christ died for you while you were in your sin. He gave his life just to have relationship with you just as you are. Choose to receive his love. Choose to value his opinion over others’ opinions. Let his love be your source over the fickle affections of people. May you find courage to be yourself today and thereby experience true freedom in your heart. 

Extended Reading: 1 Peter 3

Palm Sunday.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 Palm Sunday

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 19:28-44

Hindsight is always 20/20. Yet while we are in a particular situation, we tend to make things out to be what they aren’t and infer wrong meanings. We kick ourselves, thinking, If only I had known then what I know now!

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem must have been one of those moments for His disciples. It had appeared to be such a wonderful day for them—and it was, but for different reasons than they realized. They thought the Messiah had come to reestablish Israel’s power in the world. But God had something else in mind.

The disciples weren’t the only ones who had misconceptions about the Messiah. Many Jews of the day expected Him to be an earthly king. When the crowds heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they cheered, “Hosanna! ” which means, “Save now!” They saw Him as their new King, come to bring salvation from political and societal oppression. He raised the dead—no doubt he could also restore the kingdom of David and free them from Roman rule.

Seated upon a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler returning to his city in peacetime, loyal subjects lining his path with coats and palm fronds. Even the Pharisees were there watching in indignation, saying, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).

This week, think back to those times when circumstances looked one way but turned out to be something else entirely. Remember when you realized God was different than you imagined and saw His will unfold in surprising ways. Look for an opportunity to share your insight with a friend or loved one.

Moving Past Our Mistakes with Hope and Purpose: Jesus Forgives and Calls Us Forward..By Debbie McDaniel

 Moving Past Our Mistakes with Hope and Purpose: Jesus Forgives and Calls Us Forward

By Debbie McDaniel

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

In John 21 we read the story of when Jesus appeared to the seven disciples early one morning. It was just days after the Resurrection. They were out fishing, and hadn't caught a thing. Though they didn’t recognize Him, He called to them from the shore, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." v. 6

So they did.

And a miracle happened. They caught fish. So many in fact, that they were "unable to haul the net in because of the large number..."

Our God of miracles.

That’s when Peter recognized Him.

But here's what I love too. Jesus had gone before them, He'd already prepared a fire with fish and bread for them. He'd been there waiting. He invited them to bring some of their fish and then, to "come and have breakfast." v. 10-12

And over a fire and some food, He had a heart to heart with Peter. Three times he asked Peter if he really “loved” Him, the kind of self-sacrificing love that was willing to give all. The kind of love that involved deep faithfulness, commitment, strong character, and active expression.

Peter, who Jesus had previously called a "rock." Peter, who had claimed he would never deny Christ, yet denied him three times in the courtyard before his journey to the cross. Peter, who was impulsive or fearful at times, yet strong and bold at other times. Peter, who was probably not feeling like much a "rock" that morning as he sat with Jesus.

Defeated. Guilt-ridden. Sense of failure hanging over. Maybe still rehearsing what he'd done, and beating himself up for it. Living under the weight of the "what if's."

And here he was again by a fire, possibly a reminder of the very fire that he'd warmed himself over when he had denied Christ. Yet this time, Jesus had pulled up a seat. He sat with him, ate with him, talked with him, and got right to the heart of it all.

Three times Peter had denied him. Three times Jesus asked Peter of his love and re-commissioned him into a life of service and purpose.

He forgave.

He instilled hope.

He gave him a mission.

He called him to follow, serve, love, tend to, and care for believers.

He brought to him a renewed purpose and vision, in the midst of deep regret, guilt, and shame.

Slate wiped clean.

Fresh start.

Deeper purpose and calling to press on, leaving the past behind, and walking stronger in what was still to come.

This is who our God is. The One who is Mighty in miracles, and loving, forgiving and kind. The One who waits for us and speaks to our hearts, who gives us a calling, and never allows our defeat and failures to have the final word in this life.

No matter what we've walked through, or where we find ourselves today, be assured that He is Able. He can turn around every wrong road we've taken, and get us back on course, stronger than before. He can use every failure or defeat, and turn it around for good somehow. Because that's just how He works.

Press forward friends, He has more ahead...great blessing and purpose…He makes all things new.

Intersecting Faith & Life: We are more than any mistake of our past. Christ calls us out, He wants us to move forward. He redeems and sets free. We can let go of the guilt and hurt that hovers close, and start spending our time on the "right side of the boat," where there is blessing and goodness still in store. He waits for us every morning, offering food for our spirits from His Word, and calling us to a life of love. Thank Him today for the fresh start He offers.

Further Reading:
John 21:1-25
Revelation 21:5

A Prayer to Wait and Hope.....By Tiffany Thibault

 A Prayer to Wait and Hope

By Tiffany Thibault

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope. - Psalm 130:5

Everything in life requires us to wait. We wait to be born, we wait to start school, we wait to learn to drive, we wait to graduate from school. We wait for a job, a spouse, a child, and a promotion. Amid all these monumental moments, there are a million little moments of learning to wait for smaller things.

Waiting for something though does not often come easy, quick, or even in the way that we sometimes want or dream that it should be. Life has a way of twisting and turning that can leave us depleted and discouraged. Circumstances, people,t and health can cause everything in life to change in an instant.  

No matter what twists and turns life is bringing your way today, you can take encouragement from these words in Psalm 130:5: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope. 

The first phrase is so powerful. “I wait for the Lord.” This is a positional determination. This is saying that in your current circumstances, you will choose to wait for God to do things in His way and in His time. It is waiting in faith, despite the circumstances you see, or the opinions of those around you. It is standing on the promises of God’s word and trusting He is moving in hearts and circumstances around you, so that His will be done. 

The next phrase “my soul waits” reflects a personal determination. This is saying that with all my emotions and thoughts, I will choose to wait for the Lord to be God. I will wait for God to move in His way. It is making the determination to not allow fear and frustration to overwhelm your heart or to steal the fruit of the spirit from your life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control).

The last phrase of this verse: “in His word I hope” lies the answer to us even beginning to learn how to wait for the Lord. This is a spiritual determination. This is choosing to dig deeper into studying the Bible. It is intentionally reminding yourself of the promises in the Bible and learning to not be afraid or discouraged by the circumstances of your life. It is learning to exercise your faith as you journey forward, setting your hopes on the promises God gives in His word. We can have hope as we wait because we can absolutely believe that God’s Word is true.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, in His word I hope.” Let this be the focus of your heart, thoughts and life today. Let this be the source of your strength. Make the decision to put yourself in this active position of trust and rest as you wait on the Lord, knowing that every single detail about your life is absolutely in God’s very capable hands. 

Dear Lord, 

Thank you that in your word, I have hope. Thank you that this hope fills me and strengthens me as I wait on you amid these challenging circumstances I am walking through. Thank you that I can rest in You, knowing that you will do things in your time, and in your way, and that you are working everything out for my good. 

In Jesus’ Name, I pray,

Amen

 

THE WEEKEND THAT CHANGED THE WORLD.....Jeff Schreve

 THE WEEKEND THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Jeff Schreve

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.  But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:33-34a

The weekend of March 14-16, 1986 will always be special to my wife and me. It was on that weekend we were married. Friday night was the wedding rehearsal, Saturday night was the main event, and Sunday kicked off our first day as husband and wife. The course of our lives was changed as God brought us together to be one until death.

That weekend in March is special to us… but there was a weekend in early April, nearly 2000 years ago, that is special to all of humanity.

It was the weekend of brutality and bloodshed as the righteous died for the unrighteous.

It was the weekend that began with tremendous agony, but ended with tremendous victory.

It was the weekend when Jesus Christ gave Himself up for sinful man.

It was the weekend when Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave.

It was the weekend that changed the world for all history and eternity.

PERSONALLY ENCOUNTERING THAT WEEKEND

From the time I was little, my parents taught me about that weekend when Jesus died and rose again. I believed the report. I believed He died on the cross and rose from the grave. The only problem I had was that I believed it as facts on a printed page. I believed in Jesus in the same way I believed in George Washington. I had a mental assent to the truths of history. But those truths didn’t make one bit of difference in my daily life. In short, I was like the vast majority of those who call themselves Christians—I had head knowledge of Jesus, but no heart knowledge of Him. I believed on paper, but not in practice. I didn’t really know Him, I just simply knew about Him.

I was 17 years-old when the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection made a connection from my head to my heart. The Lord revealed to me that I was a sinner, totally deserving of death and hell—with no way out, in and of myself. It was at that moment that the cross and the empty tomb took on real meaning as I cried out to Jesus for salvation. Alone in my bedroom on a Monday night in early 1980, I got down on my knees, and with all my heart prayed this simple prayer, “Save me, Jesus.”

And you know what? He did!

That night, I put my faith and trust in Jesus and Jesus alone for my salvation. In that split second of time, I passed from death to life (John 5:24). I went from being a child of wrath to a child of God (Ephesians 2:3, John 1:12). I was spiritually transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). I was born again and changed forever. The Lord had come into my life to live in me and through me. I certainly didn’t understand it all at the time, but I knew within a couple of weeks that my life could never be the same.

IT MUST BE PERSONAL TO BE EFFECTUAL

Has the message of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection made it from your head to your heart? Jesus didn’t die for a faceless humanity, He died for you (Galatians 2:20). He rose again for you. He wants you to know Him, not just know about Him. You see, it must be personal in order for His death and resurrection to be effectual in your life.

Let me encourage you this Easter weekend to make sure you don’t just simply go through the motions. The worst thing that could ever happen to anyone is to know the plan of salvation and not the Man of salvation… to know the way to heaven and yet fail to go that way.

Jesus is indeed the One and only Savior. He will save anyone who will cry out to Him in repentance and faith. His cross and empty tomb changed the world as they made it possible for sinful man to have a personal relationship with Holy God. Receive Christ into your heart.  Don’t just tip your hat to Him, bow your knee. The surrender of your heart makes it personal, and that makes all the difference in the world.