Thursday Devotional - Strength and Encouragement from?

Where do you go to get strength and encouragement? Do you talk to a friend or sibling or parent? Or, do you talk to God first?

He’s the One Sovereign over all. He has all the answers and all wisdom. He’s watching over everything.

My parents and sister have had several health challenges recently that have been scary. Then, there have been some huge decisions made in a couple of the non-profit organizations where I’m involved. Some have been stressful and/or confusing.

As I was crying and praying, God reminded me of the verses my kids and I memorized a couple weeks ago.

Joshua 1:8-9 ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I don’t need to be afraid or discouraged. God is with me and will be with me wherever I go! He and His Word are to be my focus. As I meditate on His Word and listen to Him daily, He will provide the direction, strength, and encouragement He knows I need. He can do the same for you! Will you choose to daily spend time with God, learning His truths? Then, we will be better able to rely on His strength and recognize His presence!

Alice

The Noise

On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled.  Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.  All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently.  As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply.  The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.  Exodus 19:16-20

Quiet time.  One of the reasons I tend to write my devotions very early in the morning is because that is when my head is clearest.  It does not have distractions, and I can see God’s intent more clearly than when there is a bunch of calamities around me.  I think of how God through His word gives me instruction for myself and my family, and how He inspires me to write words that I normally would not come up with.  Do you appreciate those times?  Perhaps the reason that we hear God so clearly during these times is because of the noise outside of those times.  It made me think that if God is all knowing and can do anything, perhaps He knowingly inserts ‘the noise’ in our life as well.  It’s the noise that forces us to be present in the world, and through that noise, we realize that deliberate effort must be made to fully engage with Him.  It is in a way a test to make us focus.  That’s why prayer time is important.  Prayer is the discipline of focusing on Him despite all that is around you.  Thus, ‘the noise’ has a purpose just as the quiet times.

God always wants our attention.  In our journey of Moses, we get to where the Israelites reach Mount Sinai.  Prior to today’s verses, God had prepped Moses for what was to happen saying, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch.” (Exodus 19:10b-11) Think of it like you are the councilman for town’s 4^th of July event, and the people putting on the fireworks show are telling you what’s going to happen.  You think, “Sweet!”  So, Moses shared with the people what was to occur.  In reading this chapter, one might think this sounds like a bunch of noise and bravado from God.  But let’s put this in context.  You see, God did not show off all this to amaze the people.  He did after all part the Red Sea and provided for them all throughout the journey.  That’s amazing all by itself.  But He wanted their attention because something big was about to happen, and in this case, ‘the noise’ gave them awareness of what was to follow.  The next thing to occur was the authoring of The Ten Commandments.  How often do we take noise as things to distract us from God?  While that often is true, sometimes the noise is the bell that notifies us something needs to happen.  Before a race is run, there’s the starting gun that goes off.  In much the same way, God can create moments that can trigger us to respond in a way He wants us to.

God is always in control.  If we believe this through all the good times, we certainly should remember this when there is so much around us going on.  With all the distraction and major disruption about us for the next few weeks ahead, this is perhaps the noise to awaken us to what really matters.  It is a time to seek out God and remember His sovereignty, wisdom, and presence.  Let’s make this time as the starting gun to a new sprint toward God and His love.  How has disruption in your life been a motivator for greater focus on God?  What will you commit to ensure more discipline finding Him in times of calamity?  My prayer is we are attentive when God inserts in our lives ‘the noise.’  Amen.

Always There

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” Exodus 3:10-12

It seems maintaining faithfulness in tough times has become a theme for the New Year as I have been inundated with stories of people dealing with tough times.  Not just your ordinary ‘have a rough week’ tough times. Instead, more of the ‘the husband and pastor of my church was killed by someone he was trying to help and I do not understand why God allowed this to happen’ tough times (not my pastor by the way). These are the times you find out how real God is in your life.  What do you do when you feel all of the prayers are unanswered and the words of friends trying to comfort you fall hollow?  I admit at those times I initially feel lost and a bit alone.  However, this does not send me to a place of blaming God for my woes.  Instead, it becomes a time to exercise patience and trust in His word knowing He is there with me.  Always.

Tough times are when God’s promises will give you comfort.  The story of God revealing Himself to Moses is always encouraging to me. It’s not just the knowledge of God existence as I mentioned last week.  It is Moses’ perspective here that is revealing.  We all have the moment where we look at a task or situation that we are in, and we ask ourselves, “How can we deal with this?”  How do I overcome the pressure where there is no relief? How do I deal with the pain that seems never ending or sorrow that won’t go away?  After being given the directive to lead the people of Israel out from slavery, Moses, understanding how massive an undertaking God was giving to him, asked a similar question; Who am I to do this?  God reassured Moses saying, “I will be with you.”  Thus, Moses’ perspective went from just the average guy to God’s personal messenger.  This would instill all the confidence he needed to follow God’s instruction.  We all have those moments where we are simply overwhelmed.  However, these are the times where we should remain faithful and be filled with the never ending hope as written in Romans 12:12 (Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying).

Our journey of faith is an ongoing story filled with both struggles and successes.  Our goal is not to run from challenges.  It is to continue looking forward and focusing on God. Furthermore, we must maintain our hope that the purpose of our current situation will revealed in the future. So let us remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4 fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and remaining faithful.  How can assurance of God’s presence aide you in your current situation?  What challenge do you need to take to God today? My prayer is that we continue to look forward to God knowing He is always there.  Amen.

Right Here and Now

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 3:16-19

As people, we spend a lot of time focusing on what’s ahead.  Some of us get caught up into the past.  Very rarely do we focus on the here and now.  We too often look at our own spiritual growth and development and usually say one of two things.  One, we look to God saying, Lord, please do something for us to understand your will for our lives or remove this barrier that is in front of me.  Those who dwell in the past become depressed because the past represents the old you; the one who sinned and always said or did the wrong thing at the wrong time.  However, there is a select few who get it.  They realize the future is what God holds for them and the past is what God forgave them of.  What matters most is that we are thankful to God in the here and now, and He removed the chains that held you up in the past and liberated you to go forward into the future.

God loves you exactly where you are, and has done everything in your life to put you in position to do great things right now.  If you are like me, you might look at your life and ask what God sees in a sinner like me.  I know I still am subject to sin, but I am far from the person I used to be when Christ saved me.  Through His grace, I am given the opportunity to humbly get back up and learn in my quest to do better.  That is what growth is.  It is messy, painful, and often unwanted.  Paul in today’s verses prays for us to both embrace the transformation that we are undergoing and appreciate it today.  Through it all, we come to find achievement, maturity, and greater understanding of God’s will for our lives.  Your failures through God’s love and grace help shape you.  They do not however define you.  Furthermore if you are too focused on the future as to how you will get better, you may miss on what God is trying to show you right now.  If we know God is all knowing and all powerful and we trust in Him completely, would it make sense that you are right where God wants you right now?  All that has happened occurred because God allowed it to.  Our goal is to embrace the person we are now; flawed but loved by the Almighty God who is the only one who is perfect.

God has put you right where you need to be today.  You may not be where you want to be, and you might not be happy with how you got here.  But today, God is what He has always been in your life; present and with you every step of the way.  So as Paul hopes, let us all experience Christ love in its fullness so that we will realize today that we can do anything!  How can you focus on the here and now more?  What will you do with the strength God has given you?  My prayer is that rather than dwelling on the past or focusing on the future, we pause and embrace the person God has made you right here and now.  Amen and may you have blessed and Happy New Year!

No Never Alone

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-10

While there is so much going on in the world today, I want to speak of something more personal as it has relevancy to much of what is going on.  This past weekend, I lost a friend, and while all indications was that he was a believer, I could not help but feel the sadness of a life gone too soon.  It also brought me to realize one of the worldly devices that is creating greater stress in the world.  It is called loneliness.  I listen to experts, and see the data that points to a declining church and that people feel a disconnect with it.  With that disconnect, there is this empty space where loneliness takes its place.  It is not easy for me to ignore because I have such a connection with an awesome God, but many will say I just need to worry about myself.  But I can’t.  So I ask myself how can I not feel suffering when others feel they have no one to turn to.  What can I do to be accountable to making God’s presence in the world more known?

There is a reason Jesus commissioned us to teach others of God.  Many will disagree, but I believe much of what has gone awry in the world deals directly with the void of God in those places.  People who are alone are much more susceptible to evil, violence, and deception.  Our job as followers of Christ is to stay connected not only with God but also those who do not know of Him.  They are the ones who need to know of a God who loves them deeply, and must realize that whether they don’t have someone or do but sense no one cares about them, God is always watching, listening, loving, and protecting them.  There is no depth of loneliness or despair that God cannot touch, heal, and make one feel anew!

God is the only answer to save others.  The world is a ruthless tool of the devil for as 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  Armed with the truth, we have joy everlasting through Jesus Christ.  We have been given true victory, and with it, we know He is with us always for God has said. “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)  Anyone who knows this will never ever be alone.  Who do you know that may be feeling alone?  Who in pain needs a reminder of God’s faithful promises?  My prayer is that when others feel abandoned, we are able to sing to them the old spiritual hymnal, ‘No Never Alone.’  Amen.

Mon Devo: Seeing versus Hearing God

I'm posting for Jessica. (FYI - grap a tissue. It's quite moving. I had to blow my nose after tears of joy ran down my cheeks.)

This devo from crosswalk.com really spoke to me this week, I hope it will you to. 

"The one who listens to me, who carefully seeks me in everyday things … that one will find true happiness." Proverbs 8:34 (The Voice)

"I just need to know you’re here," I told God, as I mindlessly chopped carrots in preparation for dinner.

The baby whimpered in her bouncy seat, the toddler begged for a snack and I wished our meal would magically appear while I escaped to the bedroom for a nap.

My body was weary from the demands of a long day with little ones; my heart was weary from the weight of unanswered prayer. I was walking through a season of loneliness, and I desperately wanted to hear from God.

I’d never heard God speak audibly, but I’d experienced the Lord’s "still small voice" many times in my life. In the past, words of Scripture had often leapt off the pages of my Bible. I’d gleaned heavenly insight from the lyrics of a Christian song, a sermon that pierced my heart or the inspired words of a godly friend.

Why wasn’t I hearing anything now? I’d been begging the Lord for a word of encouragement for months. But it felt like my ears had grown deaf to the sound of my Savior’s voice. When I read my Bible, the words fell flat. When I tuned my ear to Heaven, I heard only silence.

Just then, my 8-year-old son skidded around the corner with a shiny blue ribbon pinned to his shirt. He hopscotched across the dingy floor, laughing as the ribbon caught air with every bounce and flapped like a baby bird trying out its wings.

Suddenly, my laments were trumped by my son’s noisy chatter about the track meet he’d enjoyed at school that afternoon.

"I can’t believe I won the race, Mom! I thought my legs were gonna give up, but I just kept moving my feet and suddenly I was at the finish line."

His happy prattle mingled with the rhythmic clank of my knife on the cutting board, and I looked up to acknowledge his words with a proud smile.

"Did you hear me cheering for you?" I asked.

I wasn’t sure if my little runner even realized I’d been in the bulging crowd of parents flanking the track that afternoon. Despite juggling the baby in one hand and the camera in another, I’d cheered as loudly as I could when my son sprinted past us toward the finish line.

"Yep," he said with a grateful grin. "I heard you."

"Oh, good," I replied. "I wasn’t sure if I was yelling loud enough."

My bouncing boy stopped hopping on one foot and shrugged his shoulders. Then he looked me in the eye and confessed, "Well, I couldn’t hear you with my ears, Mommy, but I knew you were there, ‘cause I was listening with my eyes."

My son wrapped his arms around my middle in a quick hug, then pointed those fast feet toward the back door and dashed outside to join his sister. I stood silent in the kitchen with the echo of those words in my head.

When my child couldn’t hear my voice, he’d sought my face.

When my cheers failed to echo in his ears, he’d let my presence encourage his heart.

My heart lurched with conviction. Maybe I hadn’t grown deaf. Maybe I’d grown blind. In my quest to hear God’s voice, I’d stopped seeking proof of His presence.

Today’s key verse reminds us God doesn’t just want us to seek His word with our ears. He wants us to listen with our eyes, as well.

This concept is woven throughout Scripture from the first page to the last. God’s people are often commanded both to listen and look, to hear and see.

Bending our ears to the promises of heaven involves tuning our eyes to God’s existence on earth. We can’t hearken His word without heeding His "with-ness."

I dumped the carrots into the simmering skillet and turned toward the window to watch my son chase his sister across the lawn. They blazed a trail of giggles across the emerald green, as the One who paints the sunset ignited the horizon with a blaze of orange glory.

I looked and listened while the day gave way to dusk. And as the sun sank low, I felt the weight on my heart soar high. Then, before I called the kids in for dinner, I changed my desperate prayer for an expectant plea: "Open my eyes, Father. I’m listening."

Dear Lord, teach me to listen to Your voice with my ears and my eyes and to seek You in everyday things. I want to know true happiness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Inspired to Build

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?  Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.  For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,

‘The stone that you builders rejected
    has now become the cornerstone.’  Acts 4:8-11

What inspires me?  A few days ago, I felt I was at my best at work.  Things seemed to be connecting, and the stuff on my ‘To Do’ list seemed to get done at record speed.  My meetings were focused and thought provoking, and every connection I seemed to make put not only me but others in a better place.  Those are the days where you feel inspired to do great things.  Most days, you feel that you are a productive member of the team, but days like the one I’ve described, you feel that you are the catalyst for something more than just your team.  Don’t we all aspire to have days like that?  Don’t we all want to be inspired to do great things?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to connect with God as a continual source of inspiration.  The Book of Acts is inspirational because of numerous stories of individuals filled with the Holy Spirit and doing amazing and courageous things.  They spoke with a conviction that was awe inspiring, and they were not only inspired by God but also won others to Christ by instilling or inspiring that very same spirit burning within them.  We may not have the ability to speak as poignantly or with as great a conviction as Peter did in today’s verses, but the beauty of being children of God is that He knows exactly what we can and cannot do.  We simply need to both trust in Him and submit all of ourselves to Him.  Through this, His spirit will dwell within to use us as He deems necessary.  Our deeds can often be more powerful than words, and just your mere presence in one’s life can be transformative to them seeing your living of a Christ-centered life.  God will direct us, and we simply need to follow His instruction.

God has made each one of us a part of something bigger than ourselves.  A parable speaks to this very point (Note: There are different versions of this, but this one I liked best).  There were three bricklayers who were rebuilding a church after it had been damaged by fire.  The construction architect observed the three workers, and asked, “What are you doing?”  The first bricklayer replied, “I’m laying bricks.”  The second responded, “I’m repairing a wall.”  But the third replied, “I’m building a cathedral to The Almighty.”  The last part of today’s verses speak of Christ being the cornerstone.  Thus, the question is very simple.  Which bricklayer are you?  Who/What is your cornerstone?   What can you do to ensure you are inspired by God each and every day?  My prayer is that we, filled with the Holy Spirit, are inspired to be Cathedral Builders.  Amen.

Encouraged and Motivated

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.  Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.  So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Yesterday, my wife tells me that I do not want to spend time with her.  I look incredulous.  This is the woman I have spent over thirty years my life getting to know, and I absolutely have so much fun talking and being with her.  But I must have done something wrong that I need to address, right?  Then, my daughter decides she does not want to talk to me about school.  Parents, you might know this drill very well.  Kent asks, “How was school today?”  Daughter answers, “Fine.”  Kent asks, “What happened?”  Daughter responds, “Nothing.”  Great!  She is in ‘one word answer’ mode.  This sounds like fun!  So I am now coming home to a wife who feels unloved and a daughter who looks at me like I’m Hannah Montana now converted into Miley Cyrus.  And now I’m supposed to write a devotional?  What could I possibly write about?  Let’s try . . . encouragement and motivation?

We are to be both encouraged and motivated always knowing that we have been given this most precious gift of eternal life.  Some of us might ask ourselves why life is not fair or why we are dealing with such anguish and strife.  However as Paul points out, it could be far worse.  God did not choose to pour out His wrath on us like the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, the floods of Noah’s time, the fall of Israel at the hands of Babylon, or other possibilities.  In fact, he chose to offer His son so that we might be able to live up to the hope that He has for each and every one of us; that our faith and love might be on fire like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego for Him sharing the message of Christ and encouraging others.  So while we may lament in the troubles of this world, we serve a most awesome and almighty God, who would look at each of us and say, “I believe in you even if you might not yet believe in yourself.”  How can one not be encouraged knowing this?

It is incredibly difficult to be enthusiastic when there are so many things working against us, but we should not be discouraged.  Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b).  So while you may have trials and sorrows, I would encourage you saying God is with you every step of the way.  He is true to His word, and will never either leave or forsake you.  Furthermore as Paul says, be encouraging to others for God may be prompting you for His purpose.  How can God’s undying love and faith in you be of encouragement today?  Who can you encourage with the message of Good News?  My prayer is that God’s faithfulness be of both encouragement to you and motivation for you.  Amen.

Seriously?

One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!  Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.  Matthew 16:1-3

My eleven year old daughter really makes me laugh at how she tries to get out of the obvious. This phenomenon is not unfamiliar to any of you who have parented a child. The other day, an ice cream bar that I had been saving suddenly was missing. I asked my wife if she had eaten it, and she said no. Being that there are only three of us in the house, the finger naturally goes to my daughter. We asked if she had eaten the ice cream, and she said emphatically, “No!” My wife and I look at each other, and say, “Seriously?” While we had to hold her accountable and reinforce the importance of telling the truth, we continue to laugh about how ‘creative’ she was in trying to explain for the unexplainable.

This brings me to how we as believers encounter people who choose not to believe in Christ. We must without hesitation be able to confirm both His existence and truths. We encounter those who choose not to believe even though the signs are right there in front of them. The verses today refer to such a instance where the elite and knowledgeable sects of the Jewish faith questioned Jesus’ authority . . . dare I say again. This was after Jesus had (get this) fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21) and then another 4,000 with seven loaves and a few small fish (Matthew 15:32-39)! So in reading Jesus’ response, we get the impression of ‘what the heck does He have to do to convince these people?!?!?’ Seriously? Rather than appeasing them, Jesus, the master that He is, tells them of the sign of Jonah, which referred to His own resurrection. This would be proof beyond all doubt of Jesus’ divinity. We are often presented with things where people will question the existence of the true living God. We must answer with a sound mind and heart not focusing on what we do not know (i.e. why a tragedy occurs). Instead, we must focus on what we do know (His grace, His word, the transformative changes in our lives). Only then are we able to be advocates for Him.

Our personal relationship with Christ answers all doubts of His existence. While nonbelievers may come up with evidence of His nonexistence, we know beyond question how real He is. Our mission is not to convince others of His existence. Ours is to be knowledgeable of it and present the evidence to them for their spirit within cannot deny it. Where do you doubt Christ’s existence and how will you address it? How will you without hesitation tell of Jesus’ existence in your life? My prayer is that we confirm our truths so when questioned of Christ’s existence, we simply say to ourselves, “Seriously?” Amen.

Split Decisions

 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.  James 1:5-8

As much as I love the Lord and follow Him, there are times that I struggle with the latter.  It is not because I do not want to follow God.  Instead, I feel torn between the love I have for my fellow man and the love I have for God.  It explains why I really struggle with condemnation.  Sure, we all must be accountable for our sins and grow to be better advocates for God.  But there are people who I love dearly, and God has said that they are living in sin.  That’s a tough pill to swallow!  Thus, my world feels like it is unstable.  These are the times I realize my spiritual growth is a continual work in progress.

The word of God is meant to be a spiritual guide.  We all have situations where we are either unsure of what to do or how to respond on a spiritual matter.  The words of James thus seem to be words of condemnation for those in that divided world.  In fact, lots of the Book of James seems like it (ex. Faith is dead without good works – James 2:26b).  However, these are words of guidance and clarity.  If we look at these verses through that lens, one receives God’s wisdom in reading it, and thus is not in the ‘should not expect to receive anything from the Lord’ camp.  The words are welcome to the troubled and torn because they give direction.  We must look at the word of God, and pray that we find guidance in it and have both the courage and conviction to follow it.

Following God is not meant to be easy as Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13)  But do not be discouraged by your past and current struggles for after telling Peter he would deny Him, Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1-2)  It is ok to struggle with things God says to us.  The key is to keep walking toward Him.  Never give up.  Never lose faith.  What is your struggle with God today?  How will you continue to rely on God when split between God and the world?  My prayer is that we continually challenge ourselves to rely on God when facing split decisions.  Amen.

Full Confidence

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.  In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.  And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.  2 Corinthians 1:8-10

Lately, I feel like my mind is in a maze from which there is no escape.  There are worries about family and work.  Then there has been the massive uproar on spiritual topics ranging from same sex marriages to The Ten Commandments being removed from a courthouse.  All of this comes in the aftermath of a church shooting, and many have said that with all of this happening the end of days is near.  It has left my mind and soul tired and fatigued.  However as I was feeling those things, I was reminded of the words of Isaiah 40:30-31, which says, “Even youths grow tired and wear, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  And as I read those words, my strength and resolve to move forward grew, and the wisdom to find a way through the maze returned.

In times of struggle and turmoil, we must always have full confidence in the Lord because He is without fail.  There are numerous quotes of scripture that we should remember when overcome with fear and anxiety of the happenings in the world.  We need to focus on confidence.  Confidence not in what we see, but rather confidence in what we know.  We know that God is control.  Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)  Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”  Finally, the Psalms of David remind us that “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2)

God is in always in control.  While much of what happens in the world may bring us grief and disappointment, we must continue to have surety in God to do all things.  So as many will worry about the laws of the land changing, we must remember the words of Jeremiah 31:33b, which says, “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts.  I will be their God, and they will be my people.”  Let the laws of the Lord we live by be forever in our hearts.  How confident are you in God’s righteousness?  What can you do to gain assurance in God’s all-knowing authority?  My prayer is that we, like Paul, have full confidence in God beyond our present circumstances.  Amen.

Change We Can Believe In

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.  James 1:14-18

Someone once told me that the only thing in life that you could consistently count on is that it is ever changing.  Since being born again over a decade ago, there has been a lot that has changed for me.  It’s really amazing when it’s something you have never done before.  You gain a strength that you never had, and before you know it, you’ve changed for the better.  That is what this lent season was for me.  God showed me that He would be with me always, and I learned to call on Him when I felt weak.  Thus, I could stay true to His will for my life.  He proven that while He is the same God as He has always been, my relationship is ever changing for the better.

The best rewards are found in our ever changing relationship with God.  Many people have stated that God changes for an ever evolving society.  They most commonly refer to beliefs on slavery and the gay community as examples.  This is simply not true.  God’s word is true, and He is never changing.  What does change is our understanding of His will for our own lives.  Through His grace, we learn to forgive others, and through His love, we learn that love never fails.  Through His wisdom, we make better choices, and by trusting in Him, we find true purpose for our lives.  Through reading His word and growing through His Holy Spirit, we are the ones who change as our understanding is both deeper and greater.

We are all changed through Jesus Christ.  John 1:12:13 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”  That moment is only the beginning, and we continually evolve into the wonderful children of God that He loves so much.  What is God challenging you to change today?  What changes can strengthen your relationship with God?  My prayer is we embrace God’s ability to change us for the better for this is as a famous campaign slogan said, “Change we can believe in.”  Amen.

Perfect Balance

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  Ephesians 5:22-27

My wife and I are a team.  We love each other, and I have to say that it is the closest relationship we have to ours with God.  We fight and argue.  She says I complain too much, and she’s probably right.  I will tell her to take more time out for herself, and she will try to remember that.  At the end of the day, we are a perfect balance for each other.  The reason is we do not focus on who is in control.  We focus on fulfilling our role as husband and wife.  The better we do so, the more love we feel for each other.

God’s word gives a perfect outline for how a healthy relationship should work.  Many couples struggle with the concept of who should be in charge.  For example, there is a saying that behind every good man is a good woman.  With the woman’s rights movement, the saying seemed to change to beside every good man is a good woman.  We hear conversations of guys being ‘whipped’ and women being abused.  It can be both depressing and frustrating.  Today’s verses are direct reminders that each role must fulfill their obligation to the relationship as Jesus Christ did on earth.  A godly woman would gladly submit to their husband who is loving of them as Jesus loved the church.  A godly man would gladly love their wife who gives into them first.  The verses in the proper context are about balance and not control.  You cannot have a great relationship without both submitting to and love for each other.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ gives us the best example of how to have long lasting and loving relationships.  Jesus was both submitting to God’s will and loving of all God’s people.  While society focuses on who is in control, we must look to love God as He loves us; unconditionally.  It is only then our relationships can be both fulfilling and satisfying for as Jesus said to Samaritan woman, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” (John 4:13a)  Is your relationship balanced?  How can you focus more on your commitment to the relationship?  My prayer is that we are willing to both love and submit in order for our relationships to have the perfect balance.  Amen.

Let's Talk About Love

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Here is a subject that is going to make many of you very uncomfortable; love.  You see, I use to think I was this very loving person until I met my wife.  She is the most beautiful person I know inside and outside!  As much as I love her, she loves much better than me.  It inspires me to be a better lover of her, and together, we tend to love others even more.  I’m not saying this to be boastful and no, ours is not this all warm and fuzzy gooey thing all the time because we test each other in many ways.  But it is awe inspiring at times to see how loving my wife is.  Nothing makes me feel better than when she looks at me and says with the most sincere smile, “I love you.”  That’s as close to feeling God’s love as anything else I have ever known.

We should be comfortable talking about our love for others for we have the greatest love of all; God’s love.  My wife and me share this as our favorite verses (actually, it was hers first J).  The reason is it reminds us of the power that God’s love has not only over us but also those who we touch.  Think of a time in your life where things were really bad and nothing seemed to be going well.  But then the love of God came in, and it changed everything.  Maybe it was through some direct connection (mine was once through a song), and other times, it was someone who came into your life and showed the love that only God can inspire.  No matter the manner, the showing of God’s love to another person can be the genesis of something greater than that moment.  It can inspire them to a different path; one that leads to God and His will and purpose being revealed.

God’s love is perfect.  Paul in these verses captures each and every aspect of this love.  There are three key concepts that ring through loud and clear as we read it.  Love is.  Love always.  Love never fails.  Where do you fear loving another?  Who can you show more love toward?  My prayer is that when the time comes, we can willfully and fearlessly talk about love.  Amen.

Thurs Devo - God's Presence Felt

God is always available. He is always there. We may not always feel His presence, though. It usually means we aren’t living in total surrender and obedience to Him. He wants to dwell among us, but He can’t be in the presence of sin. He has given us instructions in His Word so that we can enjoy His presence.

When God setup the Israelite priesthood and ordained Aaron and his sons, He gave them specific instructions to follow in order for Him to dwell among them. The tedious and repetitive tasks were to also remind them of their rightful place before a holy God. After completing His instructions for the week long ordination process, God promised to bless them. The priests and the rest of the Israelites would experience God’s glory and His presence!   

Leviticus 9:6        ⁶ Then Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.”

After Moses and Aaron did just as God commanded, then they were able to receive and give His blessing and see and feel His presence!
Leviticus 9:22-24               ²² Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down. ²³ Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. ²⁴ Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

Just this past week my family felt God’s overwhelming presence as He directed us through a very sad and hurtful situation with some fellow believers. There’s been joy in the midst of the hurt, as we’ve seen God amazingly answer prayers for direction! Sometimes the answer came through added hurt, but God worked good out of it by using those circumstances to make it very clear what we’re to do! Even with the pain, there’s no greater joy than feeling God’s presence. As we’ve followed His lead one step at a time, He’s given clear confirmation over and over again, overwhelming us with His Presence!

How have you seen and felt God’s presence as you live to obey Him?

What blessings has God given to you and me as we obediently live out His commands and do the work He’s instructed us to do?

God’s Presence can be felt!