God's Relentless Pursuit

Weekly Overview:

So often we view God as an enforcer of religious rules. We see the commands of Scripture as a list of to-dos rather than a path leading to abundant life. But those perceptions aren’t the truth of Scripture. Those beliefs are founded on misguided notions of God’s character. God is after the heart. More than he wants us to do right, he wants us to see him rightly. He wants going to church, reading the Bible, worshipping, serving the poor, and living righteously to come from a heart filled with a true revelation of his loving-kindness. May your heart be wholly God’s this week.

Scripture:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:6

Devotional:    

The foundation for our faith is not meant to be built on our works or our understanding, but rather on God’s relentless pursuit of us. We have relationship with our Creator not because we sought him out, but because he is always pursuing us. Any elements of Christian spirituality at work in our lives are the result of his constant grace drawing us deeper and deeper into the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Faith built on anything else but God’s pursuit is faith built on our own strength—an unsure and consistently failing foundation. Ephesians 1:16-18 says:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

If we need a fresh understanding of God’s pursuit we need only to pray as Paul did: asking God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. We need only to look to the pages of Scripture and see story after story of God pursuing those who rebelled against him. The entire book of Hosea describes the heart of God to pursue Israel in a real-life metaphor of Hosea pursuing Gomer, who time and time again left him to prostitute herself.

There is nothing we could do to keep God from pursuing us. There is no sin too great, no distance we could run, that would discourage God from loving us. From the moment you were born God has been pursuing your heart. His greatest longing is for relationship with us. Don’t let a wrong understanding of who God is cause your relationship with him to be works-based. Don’t let your sin and failures get in the way of running to the open arms of your heavenly Father.

God is after your heart right now. He’s sweetly knocking on the door of your heart that you might simply let him in. More than he wants you to do something for him today, he simply wants you to know he is with you and for you. Respond to God’s pursuit today by giving him your heart. May your time of guided prayer be marked by a revelation of his loving-kindness toward you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s relentless pursuit of your heart. Allow Scripture to lay the foundation for a relationship built on grace.

“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” Psalm 23:6 (The Message)

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

2. Where has your relationship with the Father been founded on works rather than his pursuit? Where have you been trying to earn his affection? What parts of your heart have you withheld from him thinking he would reject you or chastise you?

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

3. Give God your whole heart in response to his great love and grace for you. Open the door of your heart to him and rest in a revelation of his loving-kindness.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

In Psalm 17:8 David prays, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” May your pursuit of God be built on the truth that you are the apple of his eye. May your security be founded on the truth that he hides you in the shadow of his great wings. May your heart find peace, joy, and fulfillment today in the fact that God will never stop pursuing you.

Extended Reading: Psalm 23

A Donkey’s Tale: The Gospel of Palm Sunday..Michael A. Milton

 A Donkey’s Tale: The Gospel of Palm Sunday

By Dr. Michael A. Milton

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The Scripture that refers to the Lord telling His disciples to get the donkey is found in Matthew 21:1-3:

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.'" 

Let’s hear about Palm Sunday from one who was there.
All the children waved palms and sang Hosanna. I could never forget! It was the high mark of my life. I know: I have heard the jokes that you've made. It is interesting that you never use the King James version except when you're talking about Baalom’s donkey (Numbers 22:28). Our kind knows all about the jokes. But it was no joke on that Sunday. Now, I can't talk like Balaam’s creature, but I have something more. I have a donkey's tale.

There are several things about that day that stand out to me. Every so often, I feel like I just want to rear back on my hind legs and bray at the beauty of those moments with the One called Immanuel. What do I remember? Well, they were at least three special moments that come to mind, and these memories may have something to say to you.

Firstly, Jesus chose me. I remember that the Galilean chose me to fulfill Scripture. I did not belong to the Galilean, but I belonged to a man from Jerusalem. But on that day the Galilean sent his disciples and told my master that “the Lord hath need” of me. Do you know what that means? Do you know how it feels to be the bad end of a joke all the time? I don't have to do anything and yet people immediately see me as stubborn and mean. Not Jesus. He did not choose me out of pity. He did not select me to be his supporter because of any other reason than this: in the secret councils of Almighty God, he set his love on me. If only I could have talked! Do you know how it feels when God chooses you despite your reputation? Yet, Jesus chose me.

Jesus used me. By saying that Jesus "used me," I don't mean that he took advantage of me. To the contrary! He gave me a part in the greatest story ever told. What do you think about that? Do you still want to call me stupid and mean and stubborn? I may be all of those things, but for one brief shining moment, I carried the King of Kings and Lord of lords on my back. And I can never get over how God uses a simple little creature like me to bring about so great a salvation.

Others overlooked me. In the midst of all the hosannas and all the waving palms and palm branches thrown at my feet, I knew the cheering was not for me. I knew the palm branches did not form a veritable "red carpet" for the Prince of donkeys. No. I knew they were welcoming Jesus as the promised Messiah. But just as they overlooked me and my important part — the role that changed our species — in that great Palm Sunday story, many overlooked the Scriptures. For that glorious King who rode on my back was not a political figure. He was not riding into Jerusalem to overthrow Rome. He was riding into Jerusalem to go to the cross. And I can never forget that. The Scriptures declare that we creatures know more about God than some of you. Job 12:7-10.says:

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"

So many misunderstood. But I knew why he chose me. I knew why he used me on that glorious day. And I could see what many overlooked. The King of Kings and the Lord of lords came into Jerusalem as the Prince of peace. He was on his way to die for the sins of the world, to give his life as a substitutionary atonement for sin. He lived the perfect life so that whoever believes in him is covered in the righteousness of Jesus. And what did he get? He got our sins. He took our pain. But he gave us his life.

I'm just one of God's creatures. But on that special day, that poem Sunday, my life and, indeed, my kind were changed forever.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Though I have made a donkey of myself numerous times in my life, I am now stepping away from the voice of that little creature on Palm Sunday. I want to say to you clearly: this little parable based on true events is told to you that you may know God has placed his love on you despite your sin, your past, or even what other people might think of you. Secondly, like the little donkey, God has use for you. God calls us to use us for his kingdom's work. And finally, I want you to see that Palm Sunday is not only the beginning of the Holy Week, but if you repent and trust in Jesus Christ as the resurrected Lord of lords and King of Kings in your life, it will be Easter morning forevermore.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

So, I encourage you, my human friends, to consider how God may be calling you and using you for his kingdom's work. Despite your past, your sin, or what others may think of you, God has placed his love on you and has a purpose for your life. And as we approach Holy Week, remember that Palm Sunday was just the beginning of the greatest story ever told.

A Psalm for Peaceful Sleep..Lia Martin

 A Psalm for Peaceful Sleep (Psalm 4:8)

By: Lia Martin

Today’s Bible Verse: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8

If you ever struggle with insomnia...you’re in great company. In fact, do a quick internet search and you’ll find this trend toward sleeplessness is sometimes referred to as a public health crisis. Tens of millions of Americans may lay their heads down, but aren’t getting the rest that restores.

Having trouble sleeping is no surprise when fearing illness, working double shifts, multitasking, or facing any number of crises life can send your way. But stressors and worries don’t have to have their way.

The enemy would love to rob you of peace and security, and use stress as a weapon to destroy your sleep. But because you know that a power greater than any calamity can calm a raging storm—you can give God the storms inside you as well.

If you struggle to sleep tonight, try opening your Bible to the Psalms. Their poetry, songs, and praise can serve as a shelter. In fact, our verse today in Psalm 4, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety,” is for you.

Psalm 4 is one of lament, or a petition for deliverance. Lament psalms are written in five parts: invocation, lament, petition, confidence, and praise. So, today we’re looking at the praise portion of Psalm 4 in Psalm 4:8... as a wonderful way to give thanks to God for sleep.

The NIV Application Commentary series explains that in Psalm 4, David is lamenting that his people are praying to false gods for deliverance from a drought. They’re desiring a harvest and worried they’ll starve. Isn’t that a bit like all of us? We get drawn toward idols of all kinds to provide our harvest of love, money, food, friends, or whatever we feel will serve as our security.

I know I do this. I often feel that somehow, I am solely responsible for my own welfare. I lose connection with God’s grace and serve the god of technology or the god of consumerism and wind up worried and bleary-eyed along with millions who can’t sleep well.

In this Psalm, unlike others, David isn’t fleeing for his life from an attacker, but his life is still in danger. There is a drought, and there may be no food. But he offers his praise to God—not to the rain god Baal—for deliverance. He proclaims that only God supplies the harvest that is sure.

God is the only safe place for our anxiety. And when we stress ourselves or others out, we’re forgetting God’s provision. We forget he promises a peace that surpasses understanding.

Insomnia is often wrought from a battle to know the why, what, where, how, and when. But the truth is, God alone knows. And his desire for us is that we trust in him for the sleep we need to manage the next day he gives.

Psalm 4:8 reminds me of God’s unfailing ability to provide...from manna in the wilderness, to his one and only Son, to a home in eternity.

It’s true, this world isn’t “safe.” Anything can happen. But if we have a place to lay our head down, and we’re given another day, we can trust that God is our safe dwelling place.

Will you try this prayer tonight?

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Wishing you peaceful sleep...as you learn to believe in the comfort of Psalm 4:8.

A Prayer to Remember the Power of the Resurrection..Victoria Riollano

 A Prayer to Remember the Power of the Resurrection

By Victoria Riollano

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Easter can be the most overwhelming Sunday of the year for a pastor’s wife. The weeks before Easter are full of planning, budgeting, and creating the perfect day for those who will fill the pews. The truth is, Easter is the one day a year that, even those who are not religious, will venture into the local church. Some come to church out of tradition, others to enjoy the festivities of Easter egg hunts, special prizes, or (at our church) the free family photos. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that the Sunday dedicated to sharing the good news of the resurrection can become clouded in meaningless programs and city-wide competition to fill the seats. Deep down in my soul, I wonder each year, “Have we forgotten the power of the resurrection?”

The good news of Easter Sunday is not in the perfect matching outfits or church celebrations but in the remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Jesus did not die on the cross for a yearly holiday but for an eternal celebration of each of us having the opportunity to go from death to life! What an honor to celebrate this daily! Jesus died so that if we repent and believe, we could accept the full benefits of the cross. Instead of paying the penalty of our sinful nature, the true joy of Easter is in recognition of the greatest gift ever bestowed to mankind, the gift of salvation.

My prayer today is that we celebrate the resurrection every day. I pray we share the joy of what Christ has done as often as possible, not just as a part of a one-day celebration. May we take to heart the severity of what God has done rather than get lost in the commercialism. Go and share the gospel with anyone willing to listen! The message of the gospel will outlive our momentary celebrations. The knowledge and acceptance of Christ’s resurrection truly have the ability to change lives forever!

Let’s pray.
Lord, I thank you for the finished work of the cross. I praise you for the resurrection that brings hope I will have everlasting life. Teach me to acknowledge what you have done for the world through salvation on a daily basis. Forgive me if I have neglected to share the gospel due to feeling incapable or uncomfortable. I pray for opportunities to share my faith.  I ask for boldness to tell others about the resurrection. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Palm Sunday..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Palm Sunday

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 19:28-44

Hindsight is always 20/20. Yet while we are in a particular situation, we tend to make things out to be what they aren’t and infer wrong meanings. We kick ourselves, thinking, If only I had known then what I know now!

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem must have been one of those moments for His disciples. It had appeared to be such a wonderful day for them—and it was, but for different reasons than they realized. They thought the Messiah had come to reestablish Israel’s power in the world. But God had something else in mind.

The disciples weren’t the only ones who had misconceptions about the Messiah. Many Jews of the day expected Him to be an earthly king. When the crowds heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they cheered, “Hosanna! ” which means, “Save now!” They saw Him as their new King, come to bring salvation from political and societal oppression. He raised the dead—no doubt he could also restore the kingdom of David and free them from Roman rule.

Seated upon a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler returning to his city in peacetime, loyal subjects lining his path with coats and palm fronds. Even the Pharisees were there watching in indignation, saying, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).

This week, think back to those times when circumstances looked one way but turned out to be something else entirely. Remember when you realized God was different than you imagined and saw His will unfold in surprising ways. Look for an opportunity to share your insight with a friend or loved one.