The Way to Endure to the Finish Line.....By Mark Altrogge

 The Way to Endure to the Finish Line

By Mark Altrogge

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (HEB 12:1–2)

A couple of years ago I did the only athletic accomplishment in my life. I use the word “athletic” loosely. My son Stephen challenged me to run a half marathon, so I began training a couple months in advance. My only goal was to finish the race. I fully expected to come in last. Actually, I came in third from last—followed by a guy with a walker and a mom pushing her baby in a stroller. Just kidding. But the training and the race required endurance. And the last couple miles of the race were brutal for me. I got to the place where I would jog 10 steps then walk 10 steps, then repeat, gasping for air. The course passed through some woods, and finally I came to a clearing where I could see the finish line in the distance. So, I walked for a few minutes, then burst out of the woods and sprinted over the finish line. Stephen and a few others from the church who’d waited for me began to cheer as I pumped my fists in the air like Rocky. Since then, I’m happy to report I have jogged I think a total of two times.

The author of Hebrews compares our Christian life to a race that requires endurance. He uses the metaphor of a race, not a journey. A journey may be leisurely. We can take breaks, pull over to a rest stop, get a hotel room. But a race is all-out effort from start to finish. But how do we do this? By looking to Jesus, and imitating his example.

How did Jesus endure the horrific pain of the cross? By focusing on the JOY set before him—the joy he’d experience when he rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the throne of God. The joy he’d experience when the Father received him and gave him the Name above every names. The joy he’ll have when he celebrates the marriage supper of the lamb with the multitudes of those he redeemed from every tribe and tongue. Jesus didn’t focus on his pain or the injustice he experienced. He didn’t feel sorry for himself. We often tend to focus on our suffering. I’m not saying we should ignore our pain or put on a fake smile and say it doesn’t hurt. But sometimes we focus too much on our pain—why is this happening to me? Why do I have to go through this?

We need to keep resetting our gaze on the joy set before us. My dad used to tell long circuitous stories. You would mention something and it would trigger a memory for him. For example, once I said something about a candy bar. He launched into a story about traveling across the country and meeting this guy who had a truck and on and on and on, and I’d wonder, “Dad, where are you going with this?” until finally he came to the place where the guy discovered a whole truckload of Kit Kat Bars. I got distracted by the details, but Dad kept his eye on the goal.

So, keep setting your heart on the joy of seeing Jesus face to face and gazing on his splendor. The joy of Jesus wiping every tear from your eyes. The joy of Jesus rewarding you for every single act of obedience, every secret good deed you did, every glass of water you gave to a thirsty one, every dollar you ever gave to the poor, every hour you served in children’s ministry. Keep your eyes on the joy of hearing God say well done good and faithful servant. Keep your eyes on the joy of fellowshipping with Jesus at the marriage supper of the lamb. Remember the joy of having an imperishable body that will never get sick or suffer any pain. Keep your eyes on the joy of ruling and reigning with Jesus and the joy you’ll know when you’re reunited to loved ones who believed in Jesus.

The Parable of the Good Shepherd.....Craig Denison Ministries

 The Parable of the Good Shepherd

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by the powerful and captivating stories of Jesus.

Scripture: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

Devotional:               

Have you ever experienced a sense of grand perspective where you realize your smallness in comparison to the earth’s grandeur? Have you ever contemplated your small stature in light of how colossal the universe is? Every now and then, when I get a sense of my smallness I am overcome by the fear of being lost. I think, “Who will show me my path in this seemingly increasing world? Who will guide me through the various trials and changes that will undoubtedly come my way? Who will help me?”

One of my favorite metaphors in Scripture is God as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the most equipped guide we could ever have. He holds all of creation in the palm of his hand, and yet he knows the number of hairs on our head. He is the God of the gigantic and a lover of every little detail about us. And he longs to lead us to safe pasture. As we look at the parable of God as the Good Shepherd today, allow your faith and affections to be stirred by God’s promise to guide you into the matchless life he has in store for you.

John 10:14-15 says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Jesus paved the way for us to enter into the most amazing pasture of all: the very presence of the living God.He laid down his life as our Good Shepherd that we might eat of the fruit of his death and resurrection. But God didn’t only lead us to heaven; he continually leads us as our Good Shepherd day in and day out.

In the famous Psalm 23 David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:1-6).

God’s staff is meant to comfort us. As our Good Shepherd he promises to lead us daily to the plans he has for us. That doesn’t always mean that we will be led out of “the valley of the shadow of death,” but that in the valley he will “prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Our great comfort is the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). As Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” God is with us in times of trouble. He will protect us, provide for us, and lead us to still waters.

God longs to guide you today. What trouble is before you? Where do you need guidance? Where do you need help? God promises to be your Good Shepherd. You have the most high God on your side. You can trust in his leadership. Jesus was faithful to come and die so that you might have eternal life. If he was faithful to lead you to heaven, he will certainly lead you through whatever trial you are going through now.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your God is a trustworthy Shepherd. Enter into prayer with expectancy that he will guide you perfectly and in his perfect timing. Cast your cares on him and trust him. Allow him to “make straight your paths” as you follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the idea of God as your Good Shepherd. Receive the truth of his promise to lead you and protect you.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

“You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.” Exodus 15:13

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10

2. Where do you need his leadership today? Where do you need his protection? Cast your cares on his shoulders and receive the peace that comes from trusting in him.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

3. Ask the Holy Spirit for leadership. Your God will directly guide you through trials. Trust in his leadership and follow whatever it is he tells you to do. If his word speaks directly to your situation, commit to obeying it! God promises to guide you as your Good Shepherd.

“This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” Psalm 48:14

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

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

Extended Reading: John 10

Tragedy in the Church House.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 Tragedy in the Church House

Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 5:14-15

Every Sunday countless people all over the world sit in church buildings with a false sense of security. They assume that their morality, lifelong church membership, or baptism will earn them a place in heaven. While many of these folks sincerely desire to please God, they are confused about what the Christian life is all about. They think in terms of doing rather than being. So they imitate the actions of good Christians: going to a weekly service, praying, reading the Bible, and trying to be decent people.

However, salvation is not the product of good works. We come into the world with a corrupt nature, and all our wrongdoing is born of a heart turned away from the Lord. Because we are sinful people, we sin. It's that simple. The good news is that in the salvation experience, we are given a brand-new nature (2 Cor. 5:17). Our sin is wiped away because Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us. From the moment we trust in Him, the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts so that we can live righteously.

The world values action, but the Father prioritizes relationship--specifically a right relationship with Him. People who scurry about flaunting religiosity are missing out on the deeply satisfying and joyous intimacy between a believer and the Lord.

We can help turn others' tragic misunderstandings into triumph by being ready to explain why we have hope (1 Peter 3:15). Speak of the personal relationship with Christ that's possible when a person admits his need and trusts in the Savior. If your light shines, it reflects well on the church.

From Mess to Miracle.....by Rachael Adams

 From Mess to Miracle

by Rachael Adams

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

 I am not proud of every decision I have made as a mother, nor every decision I’ve made as a woman. In fact, I regret many of them. I’m willing to assume the same is true for you. So often, we know the right decision but act contrary to that knowledge. Then we have to live with the consequences of those decisions—consequences that usually last much longer than the time it took to make the decision. 

Bathsheba knew all too well the consequences that can come from bad decisions. She chose to bathe in view of King David (2 Samuel 11:2), the first of several decisions that led her down a devastating path. David saw her because he had decided to stay home from war, the first of several bad decisions he made that led him down the same devastating path (2 Samuel 11:1). After noticing her beauty from the rooftop of his palace, David made his next bad decision: In a moment of lust, he sent someone to inquire about her. 

From here, David fell deeper and deeper into sin. Despite discovering that Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, he followed through with his own desires by sending messengers to bring her to him. When temptation came, he leaned into it instead of turning away from it. Bathsheba gave into temptation too when she made the decision to come to him and sleep with him. David put Bathsheba in a difficult situation. She likely knew it was wrong to commit adultery but to refuse a king’s request could mean punishment or death. I feel for her because she was faced with only two apparent choices, and both seemed wrong.

Soon after Bathsheba returned home, she discovered she was pregnant (2 Samuel 11:5). Her pregnancy risked public exposure of what she and David had done privately, and it set into motion another set of bad decisions. Bathsheba looked to David to fix the mess they had made, and David tried to cover it up by having her husband, Uriah, murdered. The prophet Nathan confronted their sin and revealed the consequences of their mutual decision. One of those consequences was the death of their first child (2 Samuel 12:18). 

In their sorrow, the next decision David and Bathsheba made was a choice in the right direction. Their decision to confess and repent of their sin changed the trajectory of their lives (2 Samuel 12:13). While the consequences of their sin were irreversible, God forgave them and restored their relationship with Himself. Their repentance opened the way to begin life anew. Bathsheba became pregnant again, this time after they were married. God gave the child the name Solomon, or Jedidiah, which means “loved by the Lord,” as a reminder of His grace. 

I imagine Bathsheba learned from the painful consequences of the decisions she had made before Solomon’s birth. She wanted to raise her son to become a man after God’s own heart like his father David. And as we’ve learned, David wasn’t given this descriptor because He did everything perfectly. He was referred to as a man after God’s heart because he loved the Lord and was repentant. 

At the end of David’s life, Solomon became king. Early in his reign, Solomon demonstrated respect for his mother by standing to meet her, bowing to her, and having a throne brought for her so she could sit down at his right hand (1 Kings 2:19). Soon after showing respect for Bathsheba, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give to you ” (1 Kings 3:5). When given a chance to ask for anything in the world, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead well and to make right decisions. 

God granted Solomon’s request. He received a wise and discerning heart from God, but it was up to Solomon to apply that wisdom to all areas of his life. Wisdom is not only the ability to discern what is best but also the strength of character to act upon that knowledge—something his parents learned the hard way.

We can ask God for this same wisdom (James 1:5). We should ask for the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to follow through on it. On the occasions that we don’t act upon the knowledge we’ve been given, we can always return to God, accept His forgiveness, and change our ways. Because even in the worst possible situations, God is still able to bring about good when we turn to Him. Bathsheba’s life displays this truth beautifully. Her adultery with David almost brought an end to the family through which God planned to physically enter this world. However, out of the ashes of that sin, God brought good. Eventually, Jesus, the salvation of mankind, was born to a descendant of David and Bathsheba.

While their story shows that little decisions often lead to big mistakes, it also shows that little decisions can lead to big miracles. From Bathsheba’s life, we see evidence that every choice we make is important—even for future generations. Understanding this should make us more conscious of the decisions we make each day and be more willing to include God in our decision-making. Trusting Him as Lord and Savior is the first and best decision we will ever make. Once we do that, He then is available to advise us on every little (and big) decision thereafter.   

Intersecting Faith and Life: 
Have you made a decision that resulted in painful consequences? Have you confessed your sin and repented? If so, how has God worked through your repentance to bring new life? How can you pre-decide what action you will take when faced with temptation? Pray God helps you to apply the wisdom He has given you.

 

A Prayer for When You Don't Feel Worthy of Prayer...By Liz Kanoy

 A Prayer for When You Don't Feel Worthy of Prayer

By Liz Kanoy

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,” - Hebrews 4:16

God does not weigh your actions and set your sin on a scale to see if you’re worthy of approaching Him. If our sin level mattered, then no one would ever be worthy. But because of Jesus Christ, when God looks at us He sees His Son’s sinless life and innocent sacrifice. Therefore, because of the gospel, we are free to approach God and communicate with Him.

When Isaiah was brought before the Lord (Isaiah 6), he fell down at his own unworthiness and could not look at God. Isaiah had no merit to earn God’s favor, but through a gift God made Isaiah righteous. Just as God removed Isaiah’s guilt with a burning coal, He removes your guilt with the blood of His Son. This gift is a one-time gift; you are made guiltless in God’s eyes. However, since those saved by Christ still live in a fallen world we will still fall prey to sin. But when we pray for forgiveness, it draws us away from sin and pulls us closer to God. And when we pray often, we think about sin less.

Don’t let sin keep you from prayer. If you haven’t prayed today, or in a while, take 5 minutes today and close your eyes - thank God for who He is and who He has made you to be. Ask Him to forgive any sin in your life, especially the sin that has been holding you back from Him. Let His love pour over you and refresh you.

Dear God,
You are worthy of all praise. You have given me life even though I am unworthy and undeserving. You have taken my sin and made me guiltless. But right now I don’t feel guiltless, and my shame has made me forget who you made me to be. You have made me your child and heir, and you have given me the greatest gift anyone could ask for—eternal life in your presence. But I have forgotten this in my sin; Lord please forgive this sin and grant me mercy. I do not deserve it, but I thank you that because of your Son's sacrifice I am freely forgiven and loved. Please grant me your strength to resist this sin and other sins, and Holy Spirit please urge my soul to spend more time in prayer and praise because in your presence is where I truly belong.

In Your name Jesus,
Amen