Thursday Devotional - Another New Sister!

Last Friday I came home from work to another new sister!

James and Sarah were playing together when James asked: “Do you want to be a Child of God?”

Sarah: “Yes.”

James: “You need to ask Jesus into your heart in order to be a child of God. do you want to ask Jesus into your heart?”

Sarah: “Yes.”

This wasn’t the first time James had asked Sarah similar questions. In the past, she had said no or ignored the question.

Joe overheard the whole exchange and stepped in to talk with Sarah about what it means to ask Jesus into our hearts and to ask about her understanding of what Jesus did for us. Sarah knew Jesus died on the cross for our sins and she was able to identify some of her own sins and her need for a Savior. She prayed in her own words, asking Jesus to forgive her and come into her heart! She is not only my daughter, but now my sister in Christ, a child of God!

Romans 10:9-13 ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Have you believed in your heart and professed with your mouth that Jesus is the resurrected Lord?

If so, you are saved from eternal destruction and a meaningless life and are a child of God!

If not, what is holding you back?

Alice

Information For Good Decisions

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18

My mother was an avid reader of Consumer Reports magazine.  She would keep old copies of it so that when it came time to shop for something, she could pull up one of the old articles giving ratings on various brands, and then weight cost and quality to what would ultimately would be her decision.  She passed that on to me, but I was not the one who enjoyed having magazines laying all over the household.  However as kids says nowadays, there’s an app for that.  Thus, finding brands and researching on them right down to the model number became easy.  I love my microwave oven that we replaced years ago because it was that good.   It gave me this sense of surety and confidence that my decision would work out just fine because I had enough information.

The decision to follow Christ was a decision I made just about fifteen years ago.  However one might ask what took me so long?  It took me a while to figure out that Jesus wanted me to follow him.  When you are an imperfect person who saw His followers as perfect, you do not believe you are worthy of such a blessing.  Thus, God had to provide me with a lot of information.  Through His watching over me, He loved and protected me.  He gave me scriptures through devotions, and words of encouragement through followers.  Thus when the time came to make the decision, I was ready to follow.  The choice was easy because much like my mother taught me when finding the right brand, God had shown me His goodness, love, and finally, His grace.  So the decision was easy.

Making choices for Christ is easy once you have the right information.  This sounds like a very simple and easy Devotion to take in.  However, it is not the information that is difficult.  The application and practice to come to the decision is.  Our life is a constant struggle to make good decisions because of our sinful nature.  As Paul so well put, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19)  This is the challenge we have as followers.  We all fail in some degree or another.  This is why Christ’s sacrifice was necessary.  We alone could not cover our failures, and through Him, we are made perfect.  Thus, we must always remember that following Christ, while an easy choice, is a challenging journey if we do not have practices that ensure our walk of faith stays true to His word.  Understanding this provides us with the information needed to make good faith based decision that allow us to walk as Simon and Andrew did trusting in Jesus without hesitation.

Our choice to follow means embracing the adventure that God lays before us.  The journey of faith is one that is filled with choices that have both blessings and at times heartache.  But Jesus wants us to know that no choice is without God’s watchful and loving eyes there to help and protect us.  We do not ever get to either know or understand this unless we have chosen to take up His cross and follow Him.  So let us always remember Jesus Christ as our savior as the foundation of all choices, and utilize the information we’ve gathered in our journey of faith going forward.  What information are you needing from Christ today?  What decisions might you need to wait on God for?  My prayer is that we trust God as our source of information to make good decisions.  Amen.

God's Hand

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

I love how God works in and through people at the perfect time.  There are times that we have no way of explaining how perfect something happened except that it was God.

Recently, my sister tagged me in a post on Facebook that her nephew had posted looking for someone to recreate a poster he found.  See, he is a teacher and uses his desk area at school to be a witness for the Lord.  Add to that the fact that he was diagnosed with a very aggressive stage 4 Hodgkin Lympoma a few weeks ago, he really wanted something that would share with his students that he is not afraid.  This poster had Psalm 23:4 on it.  It was done with very crisp lines and he said he liked it because it made him feel like it was God saying that he had already set the plans for him. 

When my sister tagged me, her nephew, Johan, wasn’t sure who was being tagged.  It has been about 25 years since we’ve seen one another.  I took a look at it, knew I could not do the exact image for copyright reasons but said that I’d play with it and figure out something.  I ended up doing a design and he loved it even more.  He said that it was completely who he was, even down to the colors (which were not yet set in stone as I showed him screenshot of what I put together). 

Though all of this, Johan kept saying how God worked it out perfectly.  The canvas was set to be delivered to him today, which is when he was hoping to have it by as school started today for him.  Yet it arrived early, allowing him to get it hung in his classroom before students would arrive. 

Our God is amazing!  When we are in our darkest, most trial filled times, he is there.  He is with us, comforting us. 

Today I want you to think about the things in your life that could be nothing other than God working it all out.  I also ask you to be praying for Johan as he undergoes treatments.  He is only 35 and has young children.  They are positive that they will be able to treat it however this will certainly be a battle that will wear him down.

Thursday Devotional - "Little" Prayers

Last week I mentioned how I lost our temporary paper license plate on a Saturday, with no way to replace it until we could get to the Secretary of State on Monday. So, of course, we prayed about finding it. After our first trip looking, James said something about God not helping us find it. I said God definitely heard our prayer but may not have thought it best for us to find it.

Then, Sunday night after the kids were in bed, I decided to go for a jog. Joe suggested that I run down the street where I lost the paper license plate. As I was running, I told God we didn’t “need” to find the paper, but it sure would be nice! Turning onto the street and coming up to the first house, guess what was in their ditch??? Yes, the paper license plate!!! I praised God most of the rest of my run!

In hind sight, God had me go for a jog and had Joe suggest a different route than normal. He cares about the big and small things, just as Jessica shared a couple weeks ago when God helped them find the lost check!

As I was reviewing some of my Romans memory verses this week, several of them tied into my recent experience.

Romans 8:26-34 ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:26-34

How are you and I encouraged knowing God is at work in a situation that seems hopeless?

How are you and I challenged and motivated knowing God is always for us and Jesus is always interceding?

God helps us in prayer, answers both big and small prayers, and is always there for us!  

Alice

Tues Devo: Given the choice

Hello,

I read through the life of King Saul this past week. There was a part that stood out to me. Saul is fighting a battle as directed by God and destroys the Amalekites. But he doesn’t quite finish the job. He was supposed to clear it all out, but he left the King (though taken captive) and left alive several of the unblemished animals to be used for sacrifices to God. As Samuel confronts Saul about this, he reminds Saul what is more important.

1 Samuel 15:22 “Samuel said, Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (NASB)

Disobedience dressed up in a gift is still disobedience. Though there were many laws and rules in the Old Testament, God was still most concerned about the hearts. Obedience from the inside out is more desired than sacrifice, an external display.

Hope this challenges you today,

Will Hill

Open Arms

Luke 15:21-24

 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Last week, a friend of mine had her son go missing.  He had moved to just outside of Detroit a few days prior to going missing.  She was beyond distraught.  Flyers were being shared all over Facebook. 

This morning I woke up to find out that they found him, safe.  I don’t know the details of what happened to him and I am not implying that he did anything wrong as I do not know that but I know how happy his mom was to know that he was safe! 

Think about your own life, have you ever gone days without talking to your parent?  Them not knowing where you were or why they hadn’t heard from you?  When you do talk to them again, they are happy to hear from you. 

Now think about how often you go without talking to The Father.  Even as a Christian, I would have to admit that I’ve got myself over busy some days and don’t spend that time talking to the Father that I should.  When we separate ourselves from our parent, they have every reason to be upset with us.  Yet that is not what our Heavenly Father does!  He welcomes us with open arms. 

Today I want to encourage you to find time to build your relationship with our Heavenly Father.  He is waiting with open arms for you!

Thursday Devotional - Fear of Authority?

I lost our temporary license plate a couple Saturdays ago. It was wedged inside the back hatch, but it flew out when I drove home with the back open (after buying a bigger bike for James at a garage sale). James told me something flew out, but I didn’t realize what it was until we got home and took the bike out. After going back and looking for it a couple times, we couldn’t find it. So, we drove the other car the rest of that day. There wasn’t a way to get a new tag until Monday. However, Joe and I needed to go separate places Sunday afternoon. We thought about driving our car and hoping the police didn’t see. However, I decided to call the police Sunday morning (the non-emergency line 😊) to see what our options were legally. I found out that we could get a ticket for failure to display, but we could legally drive our car since it was registered and had insurance!

I know this was a seemingly little thing, but I think there are lots of areas where we tend to plead ignorance or make excuses for breaking a law.  Paul points out how God established the authorities and we’re not to rebel against them. When we disobey or make up our own rules, we are really rebelling against God.

Romans 13:1-4a                 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.

As believers, we are to submit to governing authorities for God’s glory and our good.  

Where have you and I rebelled against a governing authority or wanted to rebel? Who would we really be rebelling against?

When have you and I submitted to a governing authority when it wasn’t convenient or when we disagreed, but saw good come from it or a blessing of some sort?

God is Sovereign. He has all power, rule and authority over every person and all of creation. He is the One who establishes governing authorities for His perfect purposes. There is nothing outside His control, including all rulers. Let’s demonstrate a righteous and godly response to those whom God has placed in authority over you and me.

Alice

Infinite Power

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Ephesians 3:14-19

The other day, I was in a situation that bothered me.  Deeply.  I tried to put my feelings into words at the time, and they seemed to escape me.  Taking more time to pause and reflect, I was able to articulate what was happening.  In my mind, I had gotten comfortable in my faith believing that everything was happening because it was God’s will … until I didn’t agree with it.  Then I had begun to question whether God was with me or better yet was I with God.  When God makes us uncomfortable, He is trying to make something change from within.  A pastor once called it a ‘Holy Discontent.’  It means something within our spirit is so disruptive we cannot shake it and it will not let us go.  It was scary, and it made me want to run away and hide.  So, I began to just pray about it, and was reminded of one important aspect in my faith journey.

My goal is to try understanding what God wants me to do, and then draw on His strength to act.  He asks me to tune out the noise and trust Him.  That way, I move forward without worry or concern.  There is an inner determination and infinite strength telling me that where I am going is beyond my current condition, and if I focus on Him, I will get there.  This is what spiritual growth sounds like.

When you allow God to lead you, spiritual growth is attainable.  I love what Paul says in today’s verses.  First, there are the words that talk of the greatness of God.  Words such as ‘glorious, unlimited resources’ and ‘wide, long, high, deep’ describing Christ’s love for us.  Next, it expands on what God will give us.  ‘Empower, inner strength, experience, and strong’ are all words further underlining God’s gifts that we should expect for our trust given to Him.  Finally, the end result from all of this are the words, “Made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”  While these are simply words of prayer from Paul, they should be music to our ears when we are going through something difficult or challenging.  They remind us that when we cannot see a way out of circumstances, God always has a way for us.  Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”  This is what Paul understood as he prayed over the Ephesians for bigger things beyond what they could see.  Through Christ, we have strength where there is seemingly none left, and love for us when we feel alone.  We can be neither defeated nor denied for there is something better ahead for us.  We only need to claim victory in His name.

There is nothing you cannot overcome with the Lord’s help.  Our spiritual growth is not about our current circumstance.  It is about learning to see beyond our current circumstance to a future God intends for us.  Therefore, let us connect to that inner strength Paul spoke of looking beyond today and seeing our bright and glorious future.  What circumstances are affecting your view of God today?  How can you allow God’s vision for your future dictate the decisions of your current situation?  My prayer is that we remember to draw upon the infinite power of God.  Amen!

Tues Devo: Got it, use it

Hello,

Quick writers note – this week’s is heavily inspired (stolen?) from what I heard at church this weekend.

How often do we sit and wait for God to act, before we participate? How often do we ask God to provide what we believe is enough to do what He is calling us to do?

Our role is not merely faith that God can/will – but faith that is demonstrated in action. 2 stories from the Bible illustrate this:

2 Kings 4:1-7 “Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”” (NASB)

Matthew 14:14-21 “When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.” (NASB)

When we read the story with Elisha, we see that the widow had all she needed to pay her debts, and provide for what was needed going forward – she just had to start pouring. God did not just provide the rest without her partaking in the action.

As we see Jesus with feeding the five thousand, someone brought what they had and gave it to Him. He didn’t say “bring me what you have and I will multiply it”, someone had to hand it to Him first.

I was challenged this weekend to not wait until I had what I thought was enough, but to use what I have and let God do what God can do. I hope this encourages you also.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Ask, Seek and Knock

Have you ever been at a point that you found yourself asking God for something that may have seemed silly?  That was me last Friday.  My husband had went to run an errand to drop off a check for something while I was working.  He came back and I could tell something was wrong.  He said that as he was driving there, the check blew out the window.  This was along a busy road and he was pretty upset, figuring it was completely gone.  This was just as I was about to take a lunch break so I told him that I would go back out with him and look. 

I walked up one side of the road, praying hard.  Asking God for a miracle to find this check.  At one point, while I’m praying, I thought to myself, this is silly, it’s just a check that can be cancelled.  Still, I knew it was upsetting to my husband so I prayed more. 

Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

I continued down the other side of the street, and just as I was about to give up as I was at the end of where it should have been, I saw it.  It was in a ditch, stuck between a couple of blades of grass.  God had answered my prayer. 

No request is too small or too silly for God.  With that in mind, the answer we receive may not always be the answer we are looking for.  Sometimes you will get a response that makes you think that the prayer was not answered, that is not really the truth as sometimes God uses these opportunities to get us to trust him.

My prayer for you this week is that you will ask, seek and knock.  The Lord is listening.