Faith Needed in the Storm.....By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Faith Needed in the Storm

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. - Matthew 8:26-28 (ESV)

One thing I often forget when reading the Bible is that the chapter and section breaks weren’t originally there. It’s common for people to consider those various breaks a “stopping point” when reading the Word and come back to it later as if the next section is a completely different story. But many treasures can be mined when we consider larger portions before and after these breaks and apply proper context.

One such example is found in Matthew 8. Verses 23-27 of this chapter are titled in many translations as “Jesus calms a storm”. Verse 28 picks up in a “new” story, with the title “Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons.” But when you read these verses as one continuous account, you might realize something crucial.

When Jesus got into the boat with the disciples, he was coming off interacting with a large crowd, where a lot of healings took place, along with the interaction with the scribe who hesitated in wanting to follow Christ.

Jesus was tired. It’d been a long day. So, when he got in the boat, he went to sleep.

Queue storm.

Now, Matthew uses a word for storm here that far surpasses a meek summer rain shower. Commentaries go so far as to say that even a “furious storm” isn’t a true depiction. The Greek translation comes to “megas seismos” which can be literally translated to “megas – exceedingly great, high, large, loud, mighty, strong” and “seismos – earthquake”.

That was not a good time to be in a boat. Understandably, the disciples were, shall we say, concerned. And yet, Jesus asked why they were afraid! He proceeded to rebuke the storm, calm the lake, and remind the disciples of their lack of faith.

This is where most people stop reading and call it a day. But read one verse further, and you realize that Jesus and the disciples were approaching the country of Gadarenes (vs 28) where two demon-possessed men met them as they docked the boat. Men so fierce, no one could walk past them. Men possessed by not just one or two demons, but an entire legion of them.

It’s not a reach to consider that this incredibly violent storm that “came out of nowhere” on this lake was connected to the spiritual conditions they were about to discover on Gadarenes.

Now, we see how these two stories and section breaks connect and provide additional application regarding spiritual warfare and spiritual fortitude. Jesus called the disciples “you of little faith”. He knew what they were coming up against. He knew why the storm had come. And He also knew there was nothing to worry about.

Just as he calmed the storm on the lake, He calmed the storm in these men. He didn’t even have to cast the demons out—His very presence stirred them up to where the demons requested permission to enter a nearby herd of pigs instead. They knew they had no rights in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus granted their request, and they left the men. They were free. Healed, finally in their right mind, and a breathing testimony to the glory of God.

Sometimes, like the disciples, we need what we learned during the violent storm for what’s coming on the other side. There are lessons to be learned, faith to be stretched, and miracles to witness. We need faith in the storm, but we also need it afterward. That’s where there is always the biggest potential for revival, victory and healing.

As frightening as they can be, the storms have purpose. So fear not. The One who controls the wind and waves and has the power to cast out entire legions of demons is the One who died for you, knows the hairs on your head, and considers you of far greater worth than sparrows. Have faith! This storm will pass—and there is much to take with you to the other side.

Living Honestly.....Denison Ministries

 Living Honestly

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:

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1:26

Devotional:    

There is no substitute for the peace and joy of living honestly. When you find courage from the unconditional love of your heavenly Father to truly be yourself, you alleviate yourself of the pressure and stress of keeping up appearances. And when you’re free from keeping up appearances you have time and energy to devote to that which is real—that which is eternal.

James 1:26 says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” Did you know you were capable of deceiving your own heart? James makes an incredibly strong statement here. How could my religion be worthless if I simply tell a small lie here or there? How could a little deception in my heart make my religion null and void?

This verse illustrates just how important our hearts are to God. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Your religion is only as valuable as it is true. The parts of you that are outward, e.g.,your words, actions, and appearance, are only as valuable as they are a true reflection of your heart.

James is speaking here to those who think that what they say and do defines them. He’s speaking to those who believe their value and identity are wrapped up in their good works. But God flips our worldly paradigm on its head. He values actions done from the heart. He values appearances that are a reflection of the beauty in our hearts. He values words that come from a place of deep honesty and vulnerability. He values religion that is the fruit of his Spirit loving, leading, and filling our spirits.

As we close out this week on honesty, take time to truly assess whether you’re deceiving your own heart. Are you looking to that which is outward to define you? Do you see yourself related to what you do, or are your actions the result of who you are in Christ? May your time be filled with the loving-kindness of your heavenly Father and clear revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on what Scripture says about living honestly.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“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

2. Are you looking to that which is outward to define you? Do you see yourself related to what you do, or are your actions the result of who you are in Christ?

3. Take time to receive revelation of how God sees you. Let him show you how deeply he values who you already are. Let him reveal his grace and loving-kindness to you. Take time to rest in a fresh revelation of his love and grace.

To live honestly is to value what God values. Only in consistently encountering God’s value of the heart can we begin to live out of who we are rather than working to become who we feel we should be. Only in seeing ourselves as God does will we value the wonderful identity we have as his sons and daughters. May your life be forever changed as you value honesty above appearance. May you find freedom and rest in the unchanging affections of your heavenly Father.

Extended Reading: James 1

Everything We Need for Beautiful Lives.....BOB GOFF

  Everything We Need for Beautiful Lives

BOB GOFF 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I have been teaching a class at San Quentin State Prison for many years. There is a guy in my prison class named Chris, who doesn’t like prison food. Here is what he did — he took inventory of what was available to him and figured out a way to make food he liked.

When I asked Chris what is the coolest thing that he’s ever made in his cell, he told me he had made a cheesecake once. I couldn’t make a birthday cake with a stainless-steel Cordon Bleu kitchen and a keg of marzipan, but Chris figured out what was available to him and made a cheesecake.

Here’s what he did: He got six sticky buns from the mess hall, brought them back to his cell and tore them up. Then he mixed in a cup of melted butter. There are no stores to go to, so Chris had his friends bring him the small rectangles of butter that are served with their food.

After mixing these ingredients and a couple more together, he added two cups of cream cheese from his friends who get bagels and cream cheese. The last step was to chill the cheesecake. The whole process is a little unconventional, but it worked.

By partnering with a few friends and using what was already around him, Chris was able to make something beautiful for himself and to share with others.

God has given you everything you need to lead a beautiful life, like Peter says in 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Take inventory. What opportunities are already waiting for you? What community of people has God already dropped in your lap?

Just like Chris did, find a couple good friends and let them know what you need. If you’re like me, the list of things you need might seem like a long one, but when I blow the foam off the top, it actually includes a pretty short list of essentials — love, purpose, connection and a couple authentic relationships.

So where do you start? Perhaps you could begin understanding what you need by figuring out the stories you have made about the world you live in.

Some stories played very loudly in my life as I grew up. Looking back, these stories were not true, but they felt true. I made a story in my youth to explain some things I didn’t have the emotional tools to deal with in the world I was in, and the story helped me understand my young, complicated life.

Later, I made a simple rule to surround that story: Don’t go deep with anybody. Why? Because my story was that everyone was going to leave me and I would be left all alone. In my 20s, I found that I didn’t have very many friends. The reason for this was simple; I didn’t go deep with anybody because I believed they were all going to leave anyway.

Have you done the same? Did you make up stories to explain your life, then surround those stories with some rules that are not helping you any longer? Perhaps you made up a story that people are unsafe. Maybe your life experience pointed toward the possibility that you might feel deep rejection or be left utterly alone.

Ask yourself: Is that story true? Perhaps it was never true, and maybe some of the rules you have made around that story aren’t helpful any longer.

Some of us are snorkeling through life, living in the top 2 feet of the water, looking down on our lives rather than fully engaging in them. Most of us need to go a little deeper than we have in the past to access fulfillment.

Take the dive. Find the sunken treasure. Bring a friend or two along with you. Figure out why you are doing what you are doing, and see if it is connected to a story or a rule you have made up. Then ask Jesus to help you replace a bad story with one filled with a whole lot more grace and acceptance. Update stories to ones that are more true, more lasting, more believable.

The promise of Scripture is the same for you and for me. We have the opportunity to lead truly beautiful lives because God has already made available to us everything we need. We just have to figure out what it is that will be lasting and who God has already dropped in our paths.

God, help us to see the ways You’ve provided all that we need to live purposeful and joyful lives. Thank You for Your goodness even when some of our circumstances feel discouraging. Help us to live full lives undistracted by setbacks and filled with hope for what You have called us to. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

David A Model of Servanthood.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 David A Model of Servanthood

Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Samuel 8:1-16

David served God in many capacities--from simple shepherd boy to heroic ruler. Looking at the various stages of his life, we can see clearly how his godly devotion allowed the Lord to use him mightily.

Shepherd: David was anointed king long before commanding anything other than sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13). Protecting the sheep was a job he took seriously, even killing a lion and a bear to do so. During those days, he learned to be strong and brave, and to take care of creatures weaker than himself. An early life of obedience to his human father taught him the humility he would later need in order to depend on God.

Psalmist: David's writings reveal his hunger for God. He is open about issues like fear, depression, defeat, loneliness, and sorrow. By describing valley experiences and communing with the Father in the night watches, David provided us with intimate glimpses of the God he knew so well.

Commander: Starting with David's encounter with Bathsheba, the king's life was plagued by heartache, pain, suffering, and conflict. David had sinned greatly, but God forgave him and continued to use him. He ruled Israel for 40 years, and his people called Jerusalem the "City of David." His restoration teaches us about the consequences of sin and the limitlessness of God's grace.

King David served God's purpose when he lived, and continues to do so hundreds of years later--every follower of Christ has been blessed by David's obedience, service, and literary skill. He is a great example of what God can accomplish through us if we yield our life to Him.

Human Logic vs. Spiritual Wisdom: How God Changes Our Hearts..by Kelly-Jayne McGlynn

 Human Logic vs. Spiritual Wisdom: How God Changes Our Hearts

by Kelly-Jayne McGlynn

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Ah, my own understanding… How I love thee. So limited, and yet seemingly so inviting to lean on as I attempt to take charge of my own repentance.

When I was in college, I double-majored in English and Philosophy. Every paper I wrote--and there were a lot of them--would end in a clear conclusion neatly supported by every line of the rest of my argument. I could always back up my opinion in class. I even used to do Logic homework problems for fun. The truth is, I love my brain.

What God has been teaching me recently, though, is that when it comes to matters of my heart, I cannot rely on my own brain… even if my brain is telling me the truth.

Even when our ‘own understanding’ is based on Scripture, and the step-by-step process of repentance is clear in our minds—it is still the hand of God that we must rely on transform our hearts. In all our ways we must submit to him, because he will be the one to make our paths straight!

Last week, I was on the phone with one of my Moms-in-the-Faith. You know, the type of woman in your life who knows how to ask you just the right question. I was expressing frustration to her about a situation with my friend, who is a new follower of Christ. As her sister, I had been trying to get her to fully understand an aspect of her life in which in order to please God, she would have to give something up. I was frustrated because to me, it seemed so simple.

The scriptures about it were right there. As I would have done in Philosophy class, I had stated Premise 1, then Premise 2, which led to the Conclusion. Boom. Why wasn’t she getting it?

But my Spiritual Mom reminded me, “Kelly-Jayne…sometimes it isn’t that easy. If [last year] someone had tried to get you to fully believe in God’s love and protection for you that same way, would that have been helpful? Would that have really convinced you?” She, of course, was right.

You see, two years ago, my apartment was broken into in the middle of the night. It was very difficult for me to trust in God’s protection following that. Nearly impossible, really. At that time, when I would read scriptures about God’s protection, they just felt hollow and untrue. If anyone shared one with me, I typically just became angry instead of encouraged. It took months and months of prayer, experience, and God changing my heart for me to actually believe in that truth.

Even if someone had blatantly stated “Read Psalm 91:9-10. Premise 1: The Lord is your refuge. Premise 2: The Bible says that if the Lord is our refuge, no harm will overtake us. Conclusion: God protected you that night from harm--whether or not you think so,” that would not have been helpful to my heart. At all. Instead, what really changed my heart was sitting at God’s feet, hearing his voice through the scriptures.

Jesus reminds us of this in John 5:39: “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (NLT). Jacob physically wrestled with God. David struggled in prayer. He begged God to create in him a pure heart, instead of trying to logically think his way there. These men submitted their ways to God—which was really an invitation to see him face-to-face. And God blessed them for it.

Sometimes we want a quick fix with Devotionals. We want to Google a scripture, write it on a post-it, and magically have our hearts renewed. We want a change of heart, and in our fast-paced society, we want it now.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe that there is power in the word of God. But if we rely on our own brains to make ourselves accept the truth found in Scriptures, we miss out on the chance to truly meet with God!

God invites us to rest on his power, not our own. Even when our understanding is based on truth, God calls us to lean on his understanding, to walk with him, to sit as his feet. Today, as you read his powerful word, seek God through his scriptures and not just solutions. Hear his voice speaking to your heart.

Intersecting Faith and Life: I encourage you to listen to this song, a cover of “Nothing I Hold Onto” by United Pursuit, as you meditate on the ways you desire God to change your heart. What area of your life is God calling you to surrender to his understanding over your own? What mountain is God asking you to climb, and how can you do so with your hands wide open, as the song mentions? Hear God’s voice today over your own human logic.

A Prayer for Good Friday: It Is Finished.....By Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for Good Friday: It Is Finished
By Debbie McDaniel

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The ashes that marked the foreheads of millions of believers on Ash Wednesday just weeks ago, held a reminder for us. We are but dust. Yet His story reminds us of so much more - we are redeemed. We are set free. We have been given new life, an open door, through Jesus Christ. 

The ashes are a clear picture of the frailty of human existence. And though many times we may somehow think we’re invincible in this life, or even led to believe that we are not “needy” of a Savior, when hit with life’s struggles or face to face with painful events, we quickly remember, we need help. We need a Savior.

We have one, who also was broken, in ways we could never fully comprehend, yet he remained strong and chose to endure it all - for us.

He extends grace to remind us we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggle and pain. He holds good in store through it all, able to bring greater purpose, greater beauty, greater strength. He never intends for us to remain in the pit of our despair. For he breathes fresh life.

God brought beauty out of the brokenness of the cross, he gives beauty for our ashes. His sacrifice offers forgiveness for our sin. The power of the Resurrection gives hope for our future.

There’s such power there. God sent His Only Son. He loved. He gave. There was no other way...but this.

As we enter into this weekend, may we take a closer look at the reality of it all. The suffering of the cross. The huge sacrifice that Christ paid. The pain that was endured. The great cost of His gift. The love that was shown. The freedom He offers. It’s not a flowery picture of fluff and stuff. But it's the most powerful story ever told.

Incredible sacrifice. Amazing grace. Lavish love. Use this Good Friday prayer to focus on what Jesus did for you.

Dear God,

We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.

Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us.

Thank you, Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered and that your Power is everlasting.

Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…” For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things new.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

What Easter Is Really About.....Greg Laurie

 What Easter Is Really About

Greg Laurie

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 nkjv).

Easter is not about eggs and wearing pastel colors. That’s all fine, but that isn’t what Easter is about. It’s about Jesus wanting a relationship with you.

Jesus was born to die—and to rise again. That was the reason for the Incarnation. On the cross, Jesus faced the judgment of God. He took the wrath of God upon Himself.

It’s why He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

He was bearing all the sin of the world, including your sins and mine, by dying in our place. That is why He came.

Jesus talked about it all the time. He was on a mission to go to the cross of Calvary. His life was not taken from Him; He willingly gave it up for us.

Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross. Love did—love for you and love for me. He died for us.

So how do you come into a relationship with Him?

First, you have to admit that you’re a sinner. Some of us choke on that word, but we have to admit that we’ve broken God’s commandments. If you’ve broken even one commandment, then you have sinned.

We’ve all done that many times over, because the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 nkjv).

You need to realize that Jesus died on the cross for you. And then you need to repent of your sin, which means a change of direction. It means turning away from it. Next, you must receive Christ into your life. You must ask Jesus to be your Savior and your Lord.

No one else can do this for you. This is a decision you make. And eternity hinges on this decision.