Our Help In Times of Trouble.....By Lynette Kittle

 Our Help In Times of Trouble

By Lynette Kittle

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”  - Psalm 121:2

When trouble comes, what is our first reaction? Do we turn to God first, seeking His help?

Or, do we first look to other people, like family members, friends, or neighbors to take care of us? Do we check to see what government programs there are to aid and assist us before going to God?

Although God can work through all of the above to help us during times of trouble, He wants us to turn first to Him for help, before asking others for assistance. Yet, why do many of us choose to go to Him as a last resort?

Often the enemy of our soul convinces us that God isn’t willing to help us, especially if we’ve been the one to get ourselves into trouble. He convinces us that because we messed up, we don’t deserve God’s help and therefore we have no right to ask Him because we aren’t innocent in the situation.

Even if so, God wants us to turn to him. Psalm 91:15 explains, “He will call on me, and I will answer Him; I will be with Him in trouble, I will deliver Him and honor Him.”

God’s willingness to help us is not determined on whether or not we’re responsible for the trouble we’re experiencing, but rather on His great compassion and mercy towards us Isaiah 30:18 tells us how God longs to be gracious to us, to rise up and show us compassion.

During times of distresses such as sickness, unemployment, and more, like Job there may people who are quick to point fingers at us, as well as say things about God that aren’t true (Job 42:7).

But rather than agreeing and joining in with them, John 10:10 explains, we need to recognize how the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Revelation 12:10 explains how Satan the accuser of the brethren, accuses us day and night before God.

So instead of letting accusations keep us away from God, we can to turn to Him. Psalm 34:17 describes, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

Instead of being far away as it may seem and feel to us at times, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

God gives us a very clear picture of how He will respond to us when we turn to Him in the day of trouble, as described in the story of the prodigal son who came to the end of his rope. Having nothing left but his failings and sin, he decided to return home to work as a servant.

Luke 15:20, describes his father’s response to his return. “So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

As well, his father gave him new clothes and accessories, and threw him a party (Luke 15:22, 23), exclaiming, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).

However, unlike the father’s loving response, the prodigal’s brother was angry by his brother’s return, believing he didn’t deserve to be welcomed back into the family (Luke 15:28). Sadly like the prodigal’s brother, not everyone including family and friends, may be supportive of God’s forgiveness and favor to us in times of trouble.

Yet, despite their feelings and disapproval, we can turn to Him in our deepest disappointments and failures, knowing He will be compassionate and not reject us or turn away from us. As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Grace-filled Provision.....Craig Denison Ministries

 Grace-filled Provision

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Grace is a gift most of us don’t know how to receive. We’ve been so inundated with the earthly systems of give-and-get and work-and-earn that grace is a concept few ever fully grasp. Yet it’s grace alone that has the power to transform lives. Grace alone has the power to bring freedom to the captives. By grace alone we are saved. There could be no better use of our time than consistently and passionately pursuing a greater revelation of God’s grace.

Scripture:“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

Devotional:    

We are the children of a heavenly Father who richly provides everything we need to live, love, and work according to the perfect plans he has for us. Matthew 6:26 beautifully illustrates God’s promise of provision. Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” The earth clearly demonstrates God’s ability to provide for his creation. He gives rain to the grass of the field and trees of the forest. Then as quickly as the clouds come, he rolls them away to bring life-giving sunshine to all of creation. And Jesus’ statement in Matthew 6 makes it clear: we are of far more value to God than any other part of creation. We are of such value to God that he sent his only son Jesus to pay the highest price of an unjust death that we might be able to live an abundant and new life through him.

God provides for us both spiritually and physically because of the abundant grace he has for us. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” It’s his grace that drives him to richly bless us even though we deserve nothing. His grace drives him to give us every good gift—not our own works. And because of God’s grace, we can place our hope in him for complete provision with full assurance that his promises will come to pass.

1 Timothy 6:17 clearly illustrates a separation between putting our hope in God and putting hope in ourselves or the world. Too often we miss the fact that everything we have was given to us by the grace of God. And in doing so we allow the belief that we’ve earned what we’ve received to creep into our hearts, resulting in a feeling of entitlement rather than thanksgiving.

Entitlement is a disease that’s spread decay and death too far throughout the body of Christ. It kills any area in which it is allowed to enter by leading us to a life of pride and selfishness rather than hope and joy. It enslaves us to ourselves, as if we somehow deserve possession, status, power, friendship, or authority. When we don’t see everything we’ve received as a gift by God’s grace, we live our lives constantly toiling and striving to earn what our heavenly Father has already promised to give us.And when we have failures or problems, we alone carry the burden of need rather than looking to our faithful heavenly Father as our provider.

This life is not about what we have, but relationship with the God who has provided for us. If God has blessed you abundantly in the area of provision, I pray that you use every single possession as another opportunity to give thanks to the God who provided it for you in his grace. Every talent, skill, and dollar you possess was given to you because you are the child of a Father who loves you more deeply than you will ever know. All of us have been richly blessed by a God who faithfully provides for us. May we all walk in the freedom that comes as we live with the hope of God as our sole provider. May we see everything God uses to provide for us as a wonderful gift given to us by our heavenly Father. And may we serve and love God alone as we live our lives free from the slavery of pursuing the world.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s provision. Allow Scripture to transform your belief about who or what is providing for you.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

2. Now reflect on your own heart. What do you feel enslaved to today? What job, person, or opportunity do you feel has become your master? Where do you feel the pain of entitlement rather than the freedom of a grace-filled perspective?

3. Confess to God any job, person, or opportunity you’ve been serving above him. Give over to him any way in which you’ve been living for your own gain rather than relationship with him. As you confess to God, allow his Spirit to break the chains that have been enslaving you to the world and its principles.

The world constantly attempts to enslave us. It tries to convince us that we need what it has and that it will satisfy our needs. But God’s word and our experience clearly show that the world apart from God only brings pain and dissatisfaction. Proverbs 23:4-5 commands us, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Satisfaction in the world comes and goes as quickly as an eagle flies across our view. May you find the peace and joy that comes from living your life in total freedom from the world. And may you experience rejuvenated hope and joy that can only come from serving God as your sole Lord and provider.

Extended Reading: Matthew 6

Laying Down the Need To Defend Ourselves.....ABBY MCDONALD

 Laying Down the Need To Defend Ourselves

ABBY MCDONALD

Lee en español

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

As soon as I read the person’s comment on social media, I felt my blood pressure rise. The words insulted me on a deep level and questioned my integrity as a believer. Immediately, I wanted to defend myself. I began remembering and searching for scriptures that would disprove this person's opinion and validate my stance. But as I searched my Bible app, I sensed a conviction in my spirit.

Stop. Wait.

I admit I didn’t want to listen. After all, didn’t I need to prove this person wrong? Didn’t they need to know their words were not OK? But the longer I sat in my recliner, pausing instead of reacting, the more I knew a retort would not accomplish anything. A response made in self-righteous anger would only fuel dissension.

This was not the first time someone said something offensive to me, either on social media or in person. Often, the world around us can seem like a minefield where we never know how people are going to respond to our words.

So what do we do when we feel the need to defend ourselves? How do we distinguish between defending ourselves and defending Jesus? How do we know when to speak and when to stay silent?

Let’s look at the Gospels, in which no one claimed more fierce loyalty to Jesus than Peter did. He even said he would die for Jesus. (Luke 22:33) When the Roman soldiers and high priests came to arrest Jesus, Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus. But instead of letting Peter defend Him, Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11, NIV). Jesus made it clear that the disciple’s job was not to defend Him with violence or in anger.

Later, in 1 Peter, we see a complete transformation in this disciple. God opened his eyes to see that retaliation against those who wrong us does not serve His purposes, and Peter instead gave this command to the Church:

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

To be certain, we can trust that the Lord, our Advocate, never asks us to tolerate abusive situations or relationships and wants us to live in freedom. Seeking help and removing ourselves from such situations is different from knee-jerk reactions of wounded pride. In today’s world of instant replies, it has never been easier to react based on our first emotions rather than respond with intentionality and love. Our enemy knows this. He seeks to divide us and provoke arguments, and often we fall blindly into his schemes.

But when we let God take His rightful place as our Defender and respond to others in His love, something beautiful happens. Instead of the focus being on us, it turns to Him. People are drawn to God in us instead of being repelled — because they notice something contrary to the me-first attitude our culture promotes.

Jesus has already won the battle against our true enemy. One day, Christ will return to claim those He calls His own. But until then, He asks us to love others. When we follow this simple but often difficult command, we don’t have to worry about fighting for ourselves because He fights our enemy for us. Our armor is His Truth, and it gives us surpassing peace.

God, thank You for being our Defender. When anger rises, help us to see who our true enemy is and to know that the only armor we need is the armor You provide through Your Spirit of Truth. When we’re tempted to repay evil for evil, may we choose Your peace and blessing instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Caring Church.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 A Caring Church

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 10:25-37

Do you realize that believers should not have to look beyond the body of Christ to have their needs met? We are meant to be a self-sustaining body. After several decades in ministry, I have seen only one way for the church to function as it should: believers must commit to give of themselves on behalf of others.

For example, a man determines to pray and struggle alongside a hurting brother until the burdensome situation is resolved or peace returns. Or a woman makes herself available to answer a new Christian's questions about the weekly sermon--the two ladies search the Bible and fill their minds with Scripture. And there are countless other ways to serve others, such as driving an elderly member to the service, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a weary single mom and listening to her concerns.

Before you become overwhelmed by the variety of needs in your church, let me remind you that loving each other is meant to be a body-wide effort. One person cannot meet every need. But suppose you commit to serving a small group of folks whom God brings into your sphere of influence. If, in order to care for them, you surrender self-focused preferences about resources and time, the Lord will bless you with more joy and contentment than you've ever known.

To serve others before serving yourself is to practice authentic Christianity. I'm certain that if believers commit to meeting as many needs as the Lord brings to their attention, then a lazy church can be transformed, becoming a true body of believers who function together for the glory of God.

Guarding Our Words.....by Laura Bailey

 Guarding Our Words

by Laura Bailey

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;  keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” Psalm 141:3-4 NIV

Recently my mother “gifted” me with a slew of keepsakes from my childhood: trophies, cards, papers, pictures. Eager to dive into their mom’s past, my girls spent the afternoon with me rummaging through the boxes. Holding a plastic trophy, my eldest daughter, squinting at the label,  “most outspoken award.” “Mom, what does outspoken mean?” Cringing, I began to explain, someone outspoken tends to give opinions without thinking about how they might affect other people’s views. My middle daughter piped up, “Oh, yeah, that describes you perfectly.” Ouch.

In my teens, I wore my brashness as a badge of honor. I said whatever I wanted to whoever I wanted. I didn't care whether it was received well or not. That was not my problem. My classmates nominated me for the reward, and the day I received it, I swelled with pride. 

It had been almost twenty years since I’d received that award, but it is an ongoing struggle to tame my tongue, as my daughter pointed out. For years I blamed my lack of self-control and brashness on my temperament. My personality is bold and my words blunt. I excused my frankness by claiming clarity and honesty. In hindsight, I realized I cared more about my opinions and having my voice heard than I cared about others.

James 3:5 tells us, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”   Unfortunately, my words have set fire to relationships over the years, leaving nothing but ashes. Our words, like a real fire, burn everything in their path. Eventually, the flames are extinguished, but the damage and scars are beyond repair. 

I began to study the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit started to convict me when I started to let my words run wild. Thankfully as I matured in my relationship with Christ, I realized that my words carry tremendous weight. I came across  Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Yes! That’s exactly what I need—a guard over my mouth. Maybe even a lock and key option?

Psalm 141 gives us a glimpse into the heart of David. He cries out to God, confessing his wicked ways and sinful desires and asking that God redeem and rescue him from his sin. David knew that the product of his words was what was in his heart. He didn’t just ask the Lord to guard his speech, but his heart as well. 

For some of us, watching our words proves impossible. But, I’ve learned to prevent potential heartache by pausing before I speak. It seems trite, but it’s necessary to help us guard our hearts and keep a diligent hold on our speech. I like to take a minute to think through my response. Will my words bring hurt or harm? Or will they encourage and edify?

We have choices in how we use our words. Fire can be deadly and destructive. But it can bring warmth and sustenance. Let us be people who keep a close watch on our tongues, renewing our hearts and minds daily, as we seek to be life-giving in all we say and do. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: 
Has there ever been a time you wish you could take back your words? Do you struggle to pause before speaking? Pray that the Lord will help you practice patience and self-control, giving you discernment and guidance in your speech.

Further Reading:

• Proverbs 15:4
• James 1:19-20

 

A Prayer for Growth Beneath the Surface.....By Meg Bucher

 A Prayer for Growth Beneath the Surface

By Meg Bucher

“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 NLT

Crisp, clear, and green as could be, a tulip emerged from the middle of the front lawn. Tulips are my oldest daughter’s favorite flower. Over the years, I have tried and failed multiple times to plant a successful tulip garden. The squirrels dug up the bulbs, year after year, and scattered them around the yard, only to reveal come springtime where they hid them.

Today’s verse reminds us, no matter how scattered we may feel, we find our ultimate peace in the Lord. The truth we sow into our hearts is as sturdy as a tulip bulb, which no matter the weather or relocation, finds a way to bloom each spring. As we get older, and our physical bodies start to break down, the Word we have planted in our hearts continues to bloom and multiply. The beautiful blooms can only be seen for a season, but the strength of the plant under the earth continues to strengthen and multiply.

Let's Pray:

Father,

I praise You for the spring flowers which bloom every year, and for the squirrels who place them in places which surprise us …reminding us You have a sense of humor, too, oh, God. Elohim, Creator of all things and all of us; we give all glory to You for our lives, and Your purpose for them. As spring ushers in the beauty of blooms and the return of green grass and leaves returning to the trees, let it remind us of the new life You promise us in Christ. Father, we specifically take time today to pray for those in our lives who You have placed purposefully to draw to You through us. Let us be rooted in Your Word firmly, and ready to love others throughout the day today, and always.

Every day, Your mercies are new, Lord. Though we may fail to plant a successful tulip garden, Your work cannot be stopped. When we faithfully seek You in Your Word, we are ever-growing daily. Though our progress may not look neat and tidy, maybe it looks more like the tulip bulb popping up in the middle of the front lawn- we can trust Your purpose for our lives, and the place You have called us to witness to. Let us be responsible with the people You have placed in our lives to love, Lord. And let our hearts beat first and foremost for You, Abba, Yahweh.

We are amazed at the wisdom we are able to glean from Your creation. When we gaze upon gardens of tulips this spring, let us remember the growth going on under the surface. The strengthening and multiplying going on throughout the entire year, before the flowers bloom, is more important than the beauty of the flower. Without the root work, the flowers would never be able to bloom.

Father, let our hearts be like the roots of a tulip, a bulb full of truth that is strong through all seasons, and blooms beautifully in Your time. Let our lives be evidence of the truth Isaiah proclaimed: “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT) When it becomes difficult for us to see You in our circumstances, Lord, remind us through Your Holy Spirit -living in us through Christ Jesus- of Your faithfulness.

“To whom can you compare God?” Isaiah wrote (Isaiah 40:18 NLT). Let our hearts be overwhelmed with the assurance of Your work in our lives, and Your sovereign control over the world and everything and everyone in it.

Father, You are patient with us, allowing us to grow and bloom in this world …and in Christ, onto the next. Help us to see life through Your eyes, God. We pray to see other people the way You see them, and to gaze upon ourselves as You gaze upon us. Let the Truth of 1 Peter 1:21-25 come to full fruition in our lives:

“Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say,

“People are like grass;
     their beauty is like a flower in the field.
 The grass withers and the flower fades.
     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” (NLT)

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.