God Meets Us in Our Weakness..Weekly Overview:

 God Meets Us in Our Weakness

Weekly Overview:

We serve a God of powerful transformations. All throughout Scripture God takes those whom the world deemed the lowest, the hopeless, and the helpless and uses them to change the world. You are not beyond transformation. God longs to break off that which inhibits you from experiencing fullness of life. He longs to heal you, deliver you, and set you free. May your life be forever changed as we spend time discovering God’s heart for transformation.

Scripture:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Devotional:    

The ways of God are radically different than what we experience in the world. The world tells us that only the strong survive. The world values those who can take care of themselves. We’re taught to look to our own strength as our source. We’re taught never to let others see our weakness. But God values those who acknowledge their weakness in humility. His heart is for the destitute, the needy, and the lost. Jesus spent his valuable, limited time with the prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, and sinners. And as a result, we who can never be perfect, who even at our best still can’t cut it, have renewed hope.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” True growth and transformation aren’t the result of working in our own strength. We can’t change ourselves no matter how hard we try. Transformation is only possible when we declare the truth of our weakness, stop living in our own strength, and receive the power of a loving, present God. Transformation comes when we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill us, empower us, and set us free, not because we are deserving of his help, but because he loves us.

Psalm 103:14 says, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” God doesn’t expect perfection from us. He knows perfection is unattainable. And instead of perfection he asks for honesty. Instead of valuing our strength he values our humility. What he asks of us, all of us can give. All of us can boast of our weaknesses as Paul did. All of us can look at our lives and declare our need for God’s grace. And in doing so we receive power from on high. In acknowledging that “we are dust” we gain the help of an Almighty, all-loving, ever-present God.

Stop trying to attain perfection in this life. Stop finding your value and identity in what you do. And look to God as your strength. Allow his love, power, and help to be your source. Live in light of the truth that his strength is both able and available to you. May you enter into a season of peace founded on the limitless grace and power of your heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s heart to meet you in your weakness.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

2. In what ways are you living in your own strength? Where do you need to stop striving and receive the grace and help of God?

“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14

3. Declare your weakness to God and receive the power of his presence. Ask him how he wants to help you. Make space in your heart for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and empower you.

Proverbs 22:4 says, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” God has riches, honor, and life in store for you as you live in his strength. He longs to lead you to fullness of life if you will be willing to enthrone him as Lord over your heart. May you be founded on the grace and help of God and experience fullness of life today in the presence of your loving Father.

Extended Reading: Psalm 103

For the One Who’s Heard the Easter Story Countless Times..GRACE VALENTINE

 For the One Who’s Heard the Easter Story Countless Times

GRACE VALENTINE

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” Mark 15:15 (NIV)

Growing up, I heard the gospel often. But one Easter, I remember walking into church, singing the songs, hearing the verses read … and feeling nothing.

I used to be the girl sobbing in church when the pastor explained the gospel, feeling the Spirit during worship. But then, without me even realizing it, the Good News suddenly felt like old news. I could go through the motions of Easter and never take more than five minutes to thank God.

Not only that, but sin had become more common for me. Overlooking the gospel caused me to overlook peace, conviction and joy. My selfish living was causing me restlessness.

Many of us can acknowledge we have heard the gospel countless times. Many of us have heard that the Son of God was sent as a servant, and although He was flawless, He took on the punishment we deserve. Because He was a perfect sacrifice and suffered death on a cross, we can finally be forgiven. Three days later, His tomb was empty. He defeated death and was resurrected from the grave, so now we have the opportunity to believe in His death and resurrection and spend eternity in heaven.

Or maybe you have never heard this before — and if that’s the case, I invite you to read the gospel by starting in the book of John. And I invite you to accept Christ as your Savior and decide to follow Him!

This message changed my life. However, in the midst of a busy life, errands and daily duties at work or school, I became numb to it. Suddenly, hearing and believing the gospel became something I put on my to-do list but easily skipped over.

Is this true for you right now? Maybe you kind of know Jesus, at least in your head, but when temptation is too strong in your heart, you give in. When the world is loud, you listen to it over your Savior.

When I felt this way toward the gospel, I remember reading Mark 15 and relating to Pontius Pilate. He was the governor who made the official order for Jesus to be crucified — not because he thought Jesus was bad or deserved this punishment but because the crowd wanted Jesus dead.

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15)

I’m not the governor of anything, and the only thing I’m in charge of is bringing the mac and cheese to Easter brunch (which I like to believe is a big duty) … but like Pilate, I have denied Jesus publicly. And I’ve listened to the crowd over the man who came to save my soul. Because frankly it isn’t always convenient to stand by Him, right?

When we feel numb to the cross, it’s often because we’re distracted, and through our daily choices, we’re denying Jesus as our Savior and listening to the crowd. There may not be a crowd yelling at us to crucify Jesus, but each day, we reside in a world that shouts lies about our Savior and our identity in Him. And without even realizing it, we begin to believe these lies.

Jesus isn’t just a “good guy” — He’s our Savior, worthy of all praise and attention. We were made for a relationship with Him, a consistent prayer life with Him, and a committed practice of reading His Word. Even in the busyness of our lives, we must tend to our relationship with Jesus. Only then will our hearts thaw to the gospel.

So if you feel restless and the gospel has become old news, stop what you’re doing and talk to Jesus honestly. Pray for conviction and a heart that doesn’t get distracted by the crowd. Add prayer time and worship to your routine, and walk with faithful friends who daily point you to Jesus, even when the crowd is loud.

Dear God, remind me this Easter not to let myself become numb to the gospel. Please soften my heart and allow me to remember all You’ve done for me and all You continue to do. Help me to remember Your power this Easter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Life’s Great Liberator..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Life’s Great Liberator

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 4:16-21

From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy. Smiles, makeup, and stylish clothing can create an appearance of inner peace. Internally, though, many are in bondage.

In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set free those in captivity. Christ was referring to several types of bonds that can imprison our souls.

First, Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law and consequently live apart from Him (Rom. 3:23). But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him. Then we can have a relationship with the Lord.

Secondly, He liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy, bitterness, and gluttony. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to overcome wrong choices that seemed to “own” us. He enables us to do what He desires—by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in the ongoing battle.

The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our hearts for Jesus to fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing at the time or an obvious bad choice—will ultimately leave us empty. And we will remain in bondage until God frees us and then provides the only true satisfaction.

Are you one of those people who appear happy and seem to have life figured out, and yet inside feel uneasy and empty? Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem you, forgive your sins, and fill the vacant place in your soul. Allow Him to liberate you today.

Don’t Be Alarmed..Jennifer Waddle

 Don’t Be Alarmed (Jude 17-18)

By Jennifer Waddle

“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 17-18 NKJV

It never fails. I’ll be scrolling through my social media feed and come across a shocking statement about Christianity or the Bible, and instantly, I’m made aware of the hostility towards the things of God. By now, I ought to expect it, but it never ceases to alarm me. Can you relate?

Sadly, followers of Christ will continue to be alarmed at the mockery of God and His Word. However, Jude shared a great reminder for us. He said, “Remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time.”

Jude’s warning—written so long ago—still resonates with us today and reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. Just as Christians in his day were faced with people who mocked the Lord, we too are seeing daily evidence of those who reject Christianity and everything we hold dear.

So what are we to do? In verse 3, Jude gave these instructions “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

That’s our assignment as we try to connect with people and remain steadfast in our faith. The truth is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is under attack, and we must defend it by speaking the truth in love and using discernment as we associate with people on the World Wide Web.

If you’re alarmed by the voices of hostility on social media, try responding this way:

Respond with love for the person and hate for the sin.

Respond with truth from the Bible rather than the opinions of man.

Respond with the assurance that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Respond with the knowledge that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Great discernment is needed when it comes to scoffers. There are times when you’ve said all that can be said, and it’s time to end the discussion. Especially when there’s a continual stream of disrespect, you’ll need stop the cycle of mockery by moving on to more productive conversations.

Hateful comments are bound to come, but instead of being alarmed at such things, let’s be spurred to contend for the faith. Stand firm on God’s Word. Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” After all, your confidence is in Christ, and He will reveal His truth to all people. We are simply instruments of peace called to remain steadfast and contend for the faith that has been entrusted to us.

A Prayer of Blessing..Tiffany Thibault

 A Prayer of Blessing

By Tiffany Thibault

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Number 6:24-26

These amazing words, found in the book of Numbers, were given by God to Aaron to speak blessing over the people of Israel. Thousands of years later, this blessing is still spoken to church congregations around the world. These words are an amazing reminder to us of the new things God wants to do in our lives each day and in every new season of our lives.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord alone can truly bless us and keep us safe. He is the one who blesses us with health, finances, and peace. He also blesses us as he keeps us, holds us, and comforts us in our times of despair and sorrow. 
The Lord make his face to shine upon you. The Lord is looking at you. He sees you. He will show His favor towards you as he fills your life with peace and blessings. Just as the warmth of the sun's rays shines on your face, flooding you with warmth, the Lord shines his face on you to warm you with his love. We are forever changed by his light.
And be gracious to you. This amazing phrase tells us that God is forgiving, merciful, and compassionate. Our sins should put distance between us and God, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus our sins have been forgiven, and we draw close in fellowship to God! God sees you right where you are. He forgives you. He has compassion for you and the heartbreaking things you are walking through today.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you. These powerful words tell us God is near enough that you can see Him and His hand at work in your life. He isn't stressed about any of the situations you face. He is sovereign. He is in control. He has a good plan to get you through it.
And give you peace. Perfect peace will flood your heart, your mind, and your day as you embrace the blessings and favor of the Lord. This is perfect peace. This peace allows you to overcome all obstacles in your life. This peace is a gift given to you by your Heavenly Father!

So, as you go into this day, week, or new season, cling to the Lord. He promises to be with you, bless you, keep (protect) you, and give you favor. He understands your pain. He sees your success. He holds your life in His very capable hands. Trust Him. Turn to Him. Claim these words of promise over every one of your situations. He is the Lord and He will show up and bless your life as much as you allow Him to. 

Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, 
Thank you that you are my Lord. Today, Lord, open my eyes to the ways you are blessing and keeping me. Shine your face upon me and be gracious to me. Lift up your countenance upon me and bring me peace Lord. May my life be a reflection to those around me of the power that your presence has on my life and my situations. Give me the boldness to share the hope I have in you with those around me. 
In your name, I pray, Amen.

Our Sacred Substitution..Gwen Smith

 Our Sacred Substitution

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth
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)

Friend to Friend
All who pause for reflection and allow their hearts to wander in wonder down the Way of Suffering feel the darkness of this day in history. Good Friday was anything but good – yet, because of God’s unsearchable love for you and me, it was the pathway to our hope, to our forgiveness… and to eternal life.

Injustice took center stage that day as Pilate turned Jesus over to a rowdy mob, though he had found no fault in him. Roman soldiers rendered Him wounded and weak as they flogged an innocent man – the perfectly innocent Son of Man – with 39 excruciating lashes. 

A twisted crown of thorns was placed on his head and a purple robe draped over his shoulders as the crowd struck Him in the face and mocked God’s Son. (John 19:1-3)

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)

Forced, then, to carry the weight of a heavy, wooden cross through streets full of accusations and curses, Jesus, the Messiah, was led toward the hill of death to the place of the skull: Golgotha.

He was poked, prodded and provoked by angry voices that cried for his torture. For his death. 

Crucify! Crucify!

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3)

Nails to flesh. 

Agony.

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4)

On that pivotal day, darkness hurled hatred at the Light of the World. The sun stopped shining and the sky grew black as night as the beloved Son of God drew His final breath and declared, “It is finished.”

It. Is. Finished.

Death. 

A spear to His side. (John 19:34)

The tomb. Myrrh. Aloe. Burial. Heaven’s sorrow.

All for you. All for me. This sacred substitution. 

Radical love.

To fulfill the wrath of a holy God who cannot accept imperfection into His presence, the Bible tells us that “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf brought a new and living way of redemption to all who would call on His name. Once for all. (Hebrews 9 and 10)

“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)

His punishment. Our peace.

By His wounds we are healed. 

Read that again: by His wounds we are healed. Made whole. Forgiven. Saved. Redeemed. Set free. Healed. 

The condemnation of our failings no longer bind us to hopelessness. 

It is finished because though darkness shook the earth with death that Friday long ago, the grave could not hold Jesus and death could not defeat Him! {TWEET this!}

Friday brought death, but Sunday brought life! 

He is risen, friend! He is risen, indeed!

Reflect and respond with me today in worship and thanksgiving in light of the life we have in Christ alone!

Let's Pray
Holy Father,

My heart is swollen with the weight of Your love. That You would give Your only Son to make a way for me to know You – to be made right with You – to be made righteous in Jesus – is more than I could ever, ever thank You for.

All glory and honor and praise be to Your name, Jesus!

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
This sacrifice of Jesus was personal, friend. And so is salvation. Have you ever responded on a heart level to this good news? Have you confessed your mistakes and failures to God? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ – trusting that what He did on the cross was for the forgiveness of your sins? 

If you are ready, let today be the day of your salvation by doing just this. Pray. Get right with God. Turn to Jesus.