Our Incomparable Companion..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Incomparable Companion

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 14:16-18

Most of us don’t like being alone for extended periods of time. In fact, we are not designed to live in isolation. Even at the very beginning, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). But sometimes situations in life leave us separated from others. Or perhaps we simply feel lonely, even though we live with our mate or family. But whatever your situation may be, if you are a believer, you’re never alone.

Knowing His followers could feel abandoned after His crucifixion and ascension, Jesus promised to send them a Helper who would never leave them—the Spirit of truth. The same One who came to them at Pentecost still abides within every believer. He has been sent to walk alongside us as our comforter, enabler, and guide.

The Holy Spirit, unlike human companions, is perfectly adequate to meet our every need. Since He knows us intimately, He can comfort us in pain and loss when no one else can. Anytime we find ourselves in a quandary, He knows exactly what we ought to do. Since the future is laid bare before His eyes, He’s aware of all the details that concern us. What’s more, He promises to guide us each step of the way, calming our fears and overcoming our inadequacies.

Because we were created for God, only through His Spirit are we made complete. He is the ultimate solution to man’s aloneness: He’s always available and will never forsake or forget you. When others let you down, the Comforter is present to lift you up with the reminder that you’re not alone.

Keeping the Finish Line in Sight..Laura Bailey

 Keeping the Finish Line in Sight

By Laura Bailey

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

In college, a friend convinced me it would be a good idea to sign up for a half-marathon. Since I was not a runner, I spouted off various reasons why I wouldn’t be able to join her; mainly, it was the time commitment that turned me off. I eventually succumbed to her persistent request and dedicated myself to training and preparing for race day. The training alone required numerous hours a week, and then there was the actual race which would take up an entire weekend.

Standing at the finish line my friend chuckled, “I can’t believe we’re here; no matter what happens, let’s promise to finish this race!” “I’m all in! There’s nothing that is going to stop me from crossing that line,” I smiled back. And all went well until mile 12; we only had 1.1 miles to go, but my friend pulled her hamstring and wanted to stop. I knew she was in severe pain, but she couldn’t give up when we were close. 

I think about that day often; it was my go-to story for years when someone asked if I’ve experienced something difficult. Twenty years later, it is a faint memory, overshadowed by experiences and more complex circumstances. An aching muscle seems like a poor illustration these days when I've seen my friends face divorce because of an affair. Or when someone I love is dealing with the death of a loved one. Or when I'm navigating relational tension in my own family.

The New Testament often likens the Christian life to a race, requiring training, dedication, focus, and perseverance to keep going in all circumstances. We also read in Scripture that we will experience trials and tribulations and a cost associated with a life fully surrendered to Christ (Luke 9:57-62). I think about how much I sacrificed for the race. I traded my college diet for healthier options. I declined invitations for late-night outings because my body needed sleep. Countless times I wanted to hit the snooze button. 

I've since retired from my marathon schedule. Still, every day is a chance to surrender my desires and make sacrifices to finish my race and keep my faith (2 Timothy 4:7). The choice is to get up early and attend corporate worship or catch some extra sleep. The budget gets tight, and the choice arises to tithe and help others or to skimp on honoring God with our resources. Many sacrifices will be made; each is a training ground, ensuring we finish this faith race with endurance. Someone says something offensive, and the opportunity to forgive or hold a grudge comes up. Will I love the unlovable more than myself?

The good news is that God doesn't require sacrifice without extending great rewards. In Matthew 5:11-12, we are encouraged that our great reward is in heaven. Peter tells us that those who belong to God have an eternal inheritance in Christ that never spoils or fades (1 Peter1:3-6). After this race is over, and we finish strong, we get perfect communion with God and His people with no trace of sin; what an amazing trade-off for our time spent training. My friend finished her race, albeit significantly slower than she'd hoped. Her hobble across the finish line wasn't photo-worthy. But she completed the course, and the hours of training and sacrifices were well worth it.

Remember that this life is a race today, especially if you're currently running the most challenging mile and feel unsure if you can keep going. Maybe you're not sprinting on this stretch like the people around you. That's okay, stay focused on Christ and keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can trust that as we make choices to sacrifice and persevere, our character and endurance have the opportunity to grow. And when we cross that finish line,  we will finally be rewarded with the words we long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Take some time today to pray and ask God to help you stay faithful and persevere in your Christian walk. Ask yourself if your current habits align with training to run a spiritual race well. Are you nourishing yourself by reading God's Word? Do you have accountability, such as in a small group? Are you being refreshed and replenished by worshiping at a local church gathering? These few habits can give you the spiritual boost you may need to finish strong.

A True Reflection of His Father..Lynette Kittle

 A True Reflection of His Father

by Lynette Kittle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “The one who looks at Me is seeing the One who sent Me.” - John 12:45

As God created man and woman in His own image (Genesis 1:27), so children also reflect their parents’ image.

Have you ever seen a little girl or boy who looks so much like their parents that it’s easy to see whose family they belong to and absolutely no doubt from whom they came?

Growing up in a small town in Ohio, this kind of recognition happens all the time. It’s a common occurrence for someone in the community to say, “You look familiar. Who are your parents?”

Often a parent’s image is so undeniably evident in a child it’s not unusual for him or her to be referred to as a “Mini-Me” or a “striking resemblance” of the parent.

What Does God Look Like?

Have you ever wondered what God looks like? If so, have you been bold enough to ask God to show you His face?

Moses did. He asked God to see His face. When Moses inquired God responded with, “you cannot see My face, for no one may see My face and live” (Exodus 33:20).

Although God’s reply may sound harsh, He knows His glory is too great for any human to bear face-to-face.

Still God had a plan to reveal Himself to mankind in a close-up and personal manner, a way to really see Him and live to tell about it.

The Apostle Philip also asked Jesus to see the Father. When He asked, Jesus answered,
”If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him (John 14:7).

Jesus made it clear that seeing Him is seeing God, saying, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:7-9).

Reflecting His Image

Scripture supports Jesus’ claim. Hebrews 1:3 that states, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.”

As well, Colossians 1:15 describes how “the Son is the image of the invisible God.”

John 1:18 states. “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”

What’s more, 2 Corinthians 4:6 explains how the light of the knowledge of God’s glory is displayed in the face of Christ.

As God is reflected in the face of Jesus, so you can reflect Him, too. Scripture explains how seeking after God has a transforming result, changing those who do into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Like Romans 13:14 encourages, “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” As you do, you’ll reflect His image to those around you.

A Prayer for When You’re in Mourning..Molly Law

 A Prayer for When You’re in Mourning

By Molly Law

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”-Revelation 21:4

The world recently experienced a collective time of mourning with the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty has been an established fixture historically, politically, and culturally for over 70 years. Not only did her country and the world experience some level of grief over the loss of their monarch, but a family lost their mother, their grandmother, their great grandmother. And maybe this caused your own grief to return to the surface — for grief has not timeline — and any feelings felt are valid and natural as we are human. Even Jesus wept for his friend and deeply felt the devastating effects of death even though he personally knew the paradise and eternity that would be waiting. 

Death is a devastating reality. It happens to us all, every day, yet with its unwavering commonality, it does not make it any easier to experience. It’s especially hard to swallow when death comes unexpectedly and too soon in someone’s life. When a death is tragic, like a child dying from cancer, the goodness of God can be put into question. Questions such as, “Why would God allow this?” “Why didn’t He heal my child?” 

In these moments, well-intended people may try to offer their sentiments by saying, “Everything happens for a reason” or “It’s all a part of God’s plan.” However, this can be the worst thing to tell someone in mourning. For someone who is already in the most vulnerable and heartbreaking time of their lives, this could also cause them to move further away from God. In the midst of losing a loved one, they may think that God took away their loved one in the most devastating way possible. These condolences can create animosity and strife.

It can be so hard to reconcile the reality of death and suffering with the goodness of God. I believe that the tragedies in life are not created by God nor is it part of His plan or will. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world, and when sin entered the world with the fall of humanity, the reality of death entered as well. I don’t believe that a tragic death, or death in general, is a part of God’s plan. I believe that God fully desires for us to live a beautiful, healthy life without pain — which is why He made a way for us to be in paradise forever with Him once again.

However, because of the brokenness of this world, children have cancer and illnesses, people experience suffering and death. Since we are surrounded by these realities, the logical question that arises is “wouldn’t God, who is all-powerful, omniscient, and truly good, intervene and save [a child from death]? That is an absolutely valid question and there is nothing wrong with asking it. God can handle it. He can handle the doubt we work through.

Although this is one question that I cannot definitively answer either, I acknowledge that it’s one of the mysterious sides of God that make Him the Lord our God. It is through faith alone that provides peace to that question — faith alone that God is good.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
My heart is hurting in the wake of my loss. I feel empty and hopeless. There is a piece missing. I pray that in the midst of this darkness that you would be near me. Although I cannot fully grasp the reason or purpose, I know you understand and cry with me. You feel my pain and bring me into the fold of your loving arms. 

Father, I pray for those who have lost someone they love. I pray for them as they grieve. I pray that you will be with them and comfort them, letting them know that it is okay to feel everything that they are feeling. Even though we may know that our loved one was saved and are now in heaven with you, I pray for your comfort and peace to surround us until we, too, may be united again with you and them. Death is so confounding and hurts more than anything else on this earth, but I know you, my God and trust you with all of my heart to be there in the darkest time of our lives. 

We love and trust you, our Father in Heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.