What Does It Mean to Have Abundant Life?.....By Brenda Rodgers

 What Does It Mean to Have Abundant Life?

By Brenda Rodgers

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10

Around my daughter's first birthday, mealtimes became unbearable. She couldn't communicate with words yet, so she whined, grunted, and threw food. As a solution, I taught her a few words in sign language. The sign for "more" was one of them.

My daughter is now two-and-a-half and articulate for her age, especially with the word "more." If she begs for something she'll say the word "more" and sign it. I guess she thinks the sign gives her extra chances of getting what she's begging for.

As I've watched my daughter I've asked myself, "Are we much different from toddlers?" From our youngest ages, we desire more. We pine, crave, beg and covet for more. Typically we see this as negative - a part of our sin nature. But what we don't realize is that our desire for more is God's design, and He is happy to give it.

God created us to have an insatiable thirst as we live in this world. When sin entered the world, so did discontentment with life. God desires for us to seek more out of life. The problem is we displace our desire for more because of our discontentment.

The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity. We're meant to desire more of God.

At first look, we might be tempted to say, "What? I rather have a life of abundance so I can have the stuff I want and be happy!" But when you're in a state of crisis, what's worth more - a life full of fear, anxiousness, and tension, or a life full of tranquility and the fruit of the spirit? I think we'd agree that you can't put a price tag on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

An abundant life comes from following God's ways, pursuing holiness, and seeking to be more like Him. "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him" (Psalm 18:30). As a result, others see the abundant life in you and are led to Jesus through your example: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

God created us to want more. But which kind of "more" will we seek? Abundance in worldly pursuits or an abundant life? The more we desire God, the more abundant our life will be.

You Can Know God.....Denison Ministries

 You Can Know God

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

One of the greatest privileges as a child of God is that we can have the heart of our heavenly Father. We don’t have to wonder how he feels about us. We don’t have to wonder if he will guide us. We don’t have to question whether he loves us or cares about us. Through the Holy Spirit we have continual, free access to the heart of God. May your relationship with God go deeper and become freer as we learn how to have God’s heart this week.

Scripture:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Devotional:    

God longs to be known by you. He longs for you to make time to simply seek his face and get to know his personality, the nature of his love, and the availability of his presence. You don’t have to live without a real, revelatory knowledge of God’s heart. You don’t have to live with the uncertainty of whether you are cared for, provided for, and loved.

In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God proved his longing to be known by us. Jesus took on flesh not just so he could save and redeem us, but so he could usher in a better, truer revelation of who the Father is. In John 17:3 Jesus says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” And later in verse 26 Jesus prays to the Father, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Jesus came that we might know the love of the Father. He came that we might have communion—unhindered relationship with our Creator.

Through Jesus you’ve been granted eternal, real access to your heavenly Father. And in the Holy Spirit you can search the deep places of God’s heart and grow in restored relationship with him. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 says:

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

God has made the way for you to know his heart. You can know him in infinitely deeper and more transformative ways than you can know even your best friend or spouse. The Holy Spirit, God himself, dwells within you and longs to reveal the “deep things of God” to you.

All that’s left for you to do is have faith in God’s ability to reveal himself when you seek him and set aside time to know the heart of your heavenly Father. May you make time to do exactly that today as you enter into guided prayer.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on what Scripture says about the knowability of God’s heart. Let God’s word fill you with faith to seek deeper relationship with your Father.

“For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26

2. Ask God to reveal an aspect of his heart that you need to know. Ask him how he feels about you in this moment. Ask him to reveal just how near and loving he is. Rest in his presence.

3. Thank God for how available he is to you. Worship him because he’s paid the ultimate price simply for you to know him. As you pour out thankfulness on him, watch as he pours his presence out over you.

What a tragedy it is to not take full advantage of what Jesus paid so high a price to accomplish. What a waste to live this life as if God isn’t fully with us, fully for us, and fully available to us. He couldn’t make the way to his heart any clearer. The Holy Spirit dwells within you as close to your heart as he could possibly be. Knowing God is as simple as acknowledging how close and available he already is. May your life be changed in light of the knowability of your perfect, loving heavenly Father. 

Extended Reading: John 17

The God Who Saves.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 The God Who Saves

Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 2:8-9

Recently I was talking with a fellow about his spiritual life. When I asked, "Are you saved?" he answered, "No, but I'm working at it." When I pressed him, he explained that he was making some changes in his life. He had given up smoking and drinking, among other things. I knew that I should help him understand a few important principles, as his only guarantee so far was better health.

What this gentleman needed to realize was that what we do or what we give up for Jesus doesn't amount to much. The Lord isn't looking for people who change a few habits by sheer force of will; He's calling people to surrender themselves to Him. The only action God expects of a "seeker" is to believe in Jesus--that He is who He says, He will do what He says, He has the authority to forgive, and He will equip His people to live a godly life. Because of those convictions, a new Christian is empowered to turn away from his old life--in other words, to repent--and begin the process of becoming "a new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17).

We don't evolve into a saved people by deleting old habits and instituting better religious ones; we are transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ when we believe in Him.

Since salvation isn't something we earn, no one can boast before God. All of our moral living, good deeds, and strenuous efforts to change bad habits amount to a pile of trash compared to the holiness of Jesus Christ (Isa. 64:6). Only His righteousness can cover our sins and make us right before the Father.

If You've Ever Felt Betrayed: Jesus Understands.....By Debbie McDaniel

 If You've Ever Felt Betrayed: Jesus Understands

By Debbie McDaniel

“While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me--one who is eating with me." - Mark 14:18

Betrayal. Chances are, if we’ve lived long enough, we know very well what this feels like. To be betrayed or wronged by one who was trusted is a difficult hurdle to get over. It can sometimes leave us stuck right where it happened, we spin it over in our minds a million different ways, asking all the why's, but there's usually no adequate answer to even satisfy.

He knows. He understands.

Judas Iscariot, one who walked with Jesus and knew him well, paid simple money to betray our Savior. 30 pieces of silver, given in exchange for His life. It seems almost incredible that he would fall for such a trap or be so wrapped in greed. Money can't be placed on any life. But on the very One who did so much for him, who offered such love and forgiveness?

The ultimate betrayal of a friend.

Yet Jesus knew it was part of a larger plan. And He still chose to say “yes” and walk that difficult road. Because He understood at the very core of it all, was our need to be set free.

Our need for forgiveness.

The crowd, who had just days before been praising His name as He rode into Jerusalem, suddenly changed. The tide had turned, things had shifted in the other direction. Jesus, once loved and followed by the multitudes, became the person the crowds turned hatred and insults upon.

His own disciples scattered, out of fear for their own lives. They ran. Away from him. In the darkest hours. Peter, one of his bravest, closest friends, even denied knowing him, 3 different times.

The deep hurt Jesus must have endured, the pain, the loneliness, is hard to imagine.

So often in this life when we are wronged, betrayed, offended, or treated unfairly, we want to rise up. To defend our rights and on our own point of view. Or we fight hard to get even. Or even stew in silence while nursing our wounds and getting more angry. It’s hard to extend the same grace and compassion that Christ Himself extended to others in the midst of his own pain. Yet He set the example, the way for us to walk.

He knew the trap of betrayal and unforgiveness, he saw through its lies, the deep wounds of the soul that it could cause. He chose the better way, stepped over its grasp, and chose to love, to forgive.

Unforgiveness, even towards ourselves, will keep us prisoner to the past, to the wrong, to the betrayal, to the offender. It will never allow us to move forward in the freedom of where God wants us to live. And even hidden resentments, the ones we think no one sees, or knows about, safely tucked away into a secret place in our souls, will weigh us down, trapping us in the very place we wish to let go of.

But we don't have to live there. We can make the choice to move forward.

Though forgiveness may never "feel" right, it will always "be" right. Because in it you will be set free. Choosing to forgive doesn't mean that the wrong never happened, it just means you refuse to allow it to control your life anymore.

Christ forgave. Huge love covering all the wrong, all the sin, all the barriers that block our way to God. He whispered these words up to His Father, grace words, breathing out love, through the suffering and the pain. He spoke them out loud. For those that persecuted Him. For us. For the world. “Father, forgive them…”

And He forgives. Still.

Grace.

Amazing love.

That covers a multitude of sin.

Let go. Give it to Him. He carried all the hurt for you. He understands your pain.

In Him, we are set free.

Intersecting Faith & Life: As you read over these words and remember how our Savior was betrayed and rejected by so many, ask for God’s help in healing those places where you may have been deeply wounded. He knows our pain, He understands. By His own wounds, He promises healing and restoration. Take the first step today. Confess your need for His touch of grace, give to Him all that has caused you pain. He never intends for us to stay stuck in our hurt, but will bring us through to the other side.

Further Reading: 
Isaiah 53:5
1 Peter 2:24
Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 18:21-22

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Plan.....By: Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for Trusting God’s Plan

By: Kristine Brown

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” - Psalm 112:7

When I heard the doctor say the word cancer, I sat in stunned silence for several minutes. I felt a fog enveloping me as his muffled voice continued explaining the diagnosis. This was the worst news I’d ever received. And even though I knew God was in complete control of my life, I was afraid.

There are many circumstances in life that can cause fear to rise to the surface. We try our best to be strong. To stand firm against what scares us or causes worry. But when we’re facing a situation beyond our control, fear seems like the natural reaction. Our hearts race, our senses get out of sorts, and cloudiness affects our ability to think clearly. We know God is faithful, but our willingness to trust Him is tested.

Will we trust God’s plan when circumstances look uncertain?

Today’s key verse is one that always encourages me when I’m afraid. “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7)

This psalm is written as a poem and lists the character traits of a person who fears the Lord. Verse 1 says, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” Fearing the Lord in this context means having a deep reverence for our Creator. To honor and respect God for who He is. God wants us to have this type of fear. Because fearing the Lord leads to a strong belief that He will guide us through any difficult situation.

It’s hard to trust God’s plans when we hear devastating news. Having a reverence for God’s ways helps us to have steadfast hearts in times of trouble.

As children of God, we don’t have to fear bad news. We can live with hope in our hearts each day, trusting in the Lord’s plan for our lives. Let’s pray this prayer together and strengthen our trust that God walks with us through the challenges we face today. May we feel His goodness, love, and comfort as we pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know I can trust you with everything, but I still get scared when I receive bad news. I don’t want to be afraid, but fear takes over and I struggle to believe you are with me for the challenges ahead. Forgive me, Lord, for not fully trusting your plan. Strengthen me as I learn to trust you more.

Your Word says that I don’t have to fear bad news. That even in the most difficult times, I can have peace in my heart knowing you are in control. You created me, and you are able to bring beauty from the hard things I go through. So I am renewing my trust today and choosing your ways above my own. Help me to walk in steadfast assurance because you are a good Father. Thank you for being the Lord of my life.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Resurrected.....by Sarah Phillips

 Resurrected

by Sarah Phillips

I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Psalms 118:17-23

Most of you will celebrate the Lord's resurrection this month. For many, it will be a glorious day of rejoicing in the miraculous, a day where you reflect not only on the event 2,000 years ago, but on the resurrections in your own life. The day you accepted Christ. The day a long-awaited prayer was answered. The day sickness was healed or sorrow wiped away.

For others, Easter will only serve as a reminder of your cross. You'll feel like you got left at Good Friday, weeping, while the rest of the world moves on to Easter Sunday. You wish you could celebrate, but you don't know how. You may even apologize to God for your somberness.

You're not alone, I assure you.

In the past few months I've watched several Good Fridays and Easters play out in the lives of those around me. Engagements and babies ushered in cries of rejoicing and praises to God. Yet, cancer, infidelity, and financial hardship occurred uncomfortably close to these joyful events.

Most of life is like this. Happiness, unmixed, is not easy to come by.

So how do we deal with this reality? How do we deal with Good Friday and Easter coexisting?

I think we start with recognizing that the first Easter, the real Easter, was not just one event in time that occurred long ago. Christ's resurrection spanned the ages and has eternal consequences. It applies to you and me today just as much as it did to Christ's followers on Easter morning. It also applies to the future. Our hope, no matter where we may be today, is in the transforming truth of Easter.

Second, I think we need to remember that true faith in God does not rely on our emotions. If you cry on Easter morning because life has been wearing you down, God still accepts you. In fact, he died and rose for you so that he could more closely walk with you through these hard times. He knows, more than anyone, the heaviness of the cross.

Third, I think we need to remember that as awe-struck as Christ's first followers felt after his resurrection, they still didn't know what it fully meant… for humanity or for their personal lives. While the resurrection brought their beloved Rabbi back to them, he was different now. The resurrection simultaneously healed some wounds while opening a new can of questions, insecurities, fears, and even pain - at least temporarily.

Ultimately, all Good Fridays will lead to joyful Easter mornings if we cling to Christ. Whether you are in a season of hardship, rejoicing, or a mix of both, the key is to keep walking in faith one step at a time. Only the risen Christ can guide us through the foggy path of life. And when our final Easter morning arrives, we'll finally see with clarity that the journey was worth it.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Reflect on the "little resurrections" in your life - the times God answered a prayer in a very tangible way, the blessings in your life, and the miracles you've witnessed. All these serve as reminders of the great work God will continue to do in your life.

Further Reading

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Matthew 28:8-15