Tues Devo: Act on it

Matthew 8:5-11 “And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” (NASB)

Hello,

Talk is cheap (especially on social media…) – we have heard this many times in our lives. We think about it when it comes to people bragging and boasting about what they can do, or have done. We want to see if there is proof – can things be backed up? I think we need to ask that of ourselves when it comes to our faith. We believe in the power of God – but do we back that up? We say that our relationship with Him is the most important – but do we back that up with how we spend our time?

The centurion showed what is was like to act on his faith – and Jesus called that out to everyone around.

How is your faith? Where is your trust? Are you acting on it?

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Times of struggles

Samuel 22:17-20

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
    he drew me out of deep waters.
 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
    from my foes, who were too strong for me.
 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
    but the Lord was my support.
 He brought me out into a spacious place;
    he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

Have you ever been at a place mentally that just wasn’t good?  You weren’t happy with what you were doing or didn’t feel like you belonged with those around you?  Maybe you felt like you were just drowning.  I know I have been.  It’s a dark place that isn’t good. 

I’ve known a few people who have also been in that place.  Some of whom sadly did not find a way out.  This place is a scary place to be, especially if you do not know Christ.  If you do know Christ, you can take comfort in knowing that you do have support.  It is the Lord who will rescue you from these times. 

I ask all to pray today for those that are struggling.  To share Christ with those who may not know him.  

Thursday Devotional - Prayer for Protection

Do you pray for protection frequently? Maybe it’s for yourself as you drive next to all those people texting. Maybe it’s for your family and friends as they are also on the roads with those distracted drivers. Maybe it’s for loved ones travelling overseas. Maybe it’s for yourself as you walk to your car at night or go home to an empty house. Maybe it’s for your children as they go off to school or play outside.

In parenting 2 toddlers, I’m more and more amazed anyone survives to adulthood! It is a miracle! At the park the other day, James and Sarah were playing on a movable bridge. James is excellent at climbing and decided to show me how he could climb on the outside of it! As I was jogging around the perimeter of the play area, I started praying for their physical safety but then immediately thought of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17. He prayed more for their spiritual protection than their physical earthly protection.

John 17:10-19 ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

As I thought of Jesus’ prayer, I moved from praying for James and Sarah’s physical safety to their spiritual growth and protection. Jesus’ prayer is such a wonderful example of what we can pray for others:

• unity in Christ (vs. 11)
• protection from Satan (vs. 15)
• knowledge of God’s truth (vs. 17)
• sanctification (growth in holiness; set apart from the world and for God) (vs. 17-19)

The next time you and I pray for physical protection, let’s remember to pray for these spiritual aspects of protection for ourselves and others.  

Alice

Stay Woke

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  1 Peter 5:8-9

The world has always be an uncertain place, and as an American, it feels like things are more uncertain now than ever.  There are many who worry in fear, but other worry not because they are afraid.  They worry because they see those around them fully accepting of what is happening in the world as ‘the new normal.’  It is a world where lies are acceptable, apologies are viewed as weakness, and we listen only if we agree with what is being said.  There are some who have adopted a calling by refusing to fall for the fallacies of current day times.  Their saying is simply, “Stay Woke.”  It is a reminder to always be alert and willing to stand up to wrongful things even if others will simply ignore or try to normalize it.  In thinking of this saying, it reminded me of our faith and how our staying comfortable in our faith can be very much like accepting a ‘new normal,’ and we too must always be on the alert.

We must be willing to become uncomfortable in our journey of faith so as to maintain spiritual alertness to what God is doing.  Spiritual growth is never about staying in the same place of comfort.  Furthermore, it is not about being successful all of the time.  It is about following God to learn about His will for our lives and getting up and continuing our walk if we falter.  We must stay alert to have an awareness of God’s intention for us.  It could be as simple as helping a child at Sunday school or as complex as adopting a child.  It may require a moment in your day to share the gospel or a drastic change in your career to answer God’s calling.  Regardless of God’s prompting, we must respond in order for growth to occur.  Failure to do so means we are subject to attack from an enemy who seeks to keep us stagnant where our spiritual journey will abruptly end as we our ‘devoured’ by the world as we know it.

None of us suffer in vain for God is always watching.  Today’s verses serve as both encouragement to stay strong in our faith and a warning to be aware of ways of the world.  God always maintains a light where we can see in the darkness, and He listens to our prayers.  So do not be afraid to move from where you are.  God is with you each and every step you take.  Trust that He will catch you if you fall and reward you abundantly for being faithful to His will for your life.  Keep alert to all that God is calling you.  What is it that He seeks from you today?  How can you ensure you are alert to what God calls you to do?  My prayer is that we push for our spiritual growth by choosing to ‘Stay Woke.’  Amen.

Take Heart

John 16:29-33

Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.  Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.  “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The last verse there, verse 33, has to be one of my all-time favorites.  This world is not a place where many of us really find peace and comfort.  There is a lot of stress and turmoil.  We are always worried about what the future holds or attacks on our country. 

I, however, find peace and comfort in verse 33.  Christ already said we would have trouble so when it comes, it should not come as a surprise.  Instead, we should realize that these things are going to happen and embrace the promise that Christ has overcome the world.  This world is only temporary for those of us that believe in Christ Jesus. 

My prayer for you today, is that you will have peace no matter what is going on in your life.

Thursday Devotional - Revealing God

Sharing the Gospel with others can be overwhelming, especially if we do it in our own strength or out of guilt, instead of a natural outflow of our love for God.  In studying the book of John this year, I noticed how Jesus shared the truths of God. He didn’t insist on continuing a conversation to convince someone of the truth. He did answer questions and He did initiate conversations. Also, most of His teaching was to a select few – the 12 disciples. He revealed God and “discipled” them so they could then go out and share the truth with others who would share the truth with others.

John 17:6-9     ⁶ “I [Jesus] have revealed you [God] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.

God gave Jesus 12 men to lovingly disciple for 3 years. Who has God given to you? Whether it’s a circle of friends, family, co-workers or neighbors, He has uniquely placed us in those relationships. We have the opportunity to reveal Him to those closest to us! Jesus took His responsibility seriously and faithfully prayed for and shepherded His disciples.

As a new parent, I realize what an awesome responsibility it is to pray for and reveal God to my children. It’s such a huge blessing to watch them grasp different aspects of who God is! James has really understood the fact that he can talk to God at any time about anything and take all his cares to Him. A couple weeks ago James (and I) were getting nervous the day before his major surgery. We had definitely prayed about it many times together, but as he was thinking about it in the car on our way home from my sister’s he asked if he could pray. Of course! So, he prayed!

Who will you and I pray for today? How can you and I reveal attributes and characteristics of God to them?

Alice

The 11th Commandment

 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.  John 13:34-35

We live in a world with so much discourse and nonbelief in each other.  The conversations have become too hot to handle, and we talk to each other with such venom and emotion that at times it becomes impossible to hear the other side.  Those feelings can just overwhelm you, and recently, I too have dished it out with anger and frustration.  However, I once again discovered it was only through Christ that I could find my center again and a strength to love those who would wish ill will of me.

It is only through love of each other that we can reveal the love Christ has for us to others.  In reading today’s verses, we are given the hope of a better society that is attainable.  However, love, contrary to what you may have heard, is not easy.  Just like when you were asked to eat the vegetable you did not like because your mother said so, anything that is commanded never comes without a level of self-sacrifice.  It’s not just about the love for a child or spouse, and not for just God.  It is love for all who you would come in contact with.  Whether they act, look, think, or talk like you or not, we can only show ourselves to be true Disciples of Christ when we show love.  For in the end, those who love always come out ahead. 

Love is hard, but anything worthwhile is never easy.  So when someone says something you may not agree with, don’t jump to your initial reaction to be right.  Pause, and then reflect on the love God has for you.  Then, show that in your response.  That’s what this commandment is all about.  How can you focus on God’s love for you when challenged?  Will you let go of past anger, hurt, pride, or other inhibitors of love and pursue a more loving path toward others?  My prayer is that we take up Jesus on His new commandment; The 11^th Commandment.  Amen.

Tues Devo: But they

Hello,

I have been doing a lot of thinking this past week or so about how we justify our poor choices. Man is it easy. It is also a large trap. You see, it starts with justifying to ourselves. As we talk with ourselves (yup…not just you that does that!) we become more committed to our support of the bad decision. The more committed to the bad support of the bad decision we become, the tougher it is to be self-aware and see the impact.

It got me thinking about the Sermon on the Mount, and how in His calls to action there was nothing about how others acted to produce our responses – it is just that we are to respond well in our circumstances.

Matthew 5:1-12 “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (NASB)

I hope this encourages you today, have a blessed day.

Will Hill

Refresh

Psalm 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
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.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Right from the beginning of time we see that everyone needs down time.  Even the Lord took a rest after creating the heavens and the earth.  This week, my family has taken time to refresh.  We have been on vacation all week, spending time enjoying each other, seeing God’s beauty and simply relaxing. 

In this Psalm, David shares how the Lord leads him to relax and refresh.  When we allow the Lord to lead us and refresh us, we do better!

Are you taking time to relax and refresh yourself with the Lord?  My prayer today is that you are doing just that. 

God and Us

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.  So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.  Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.  Jonah 4:1-6

We often focus on how God is loving and righteous. Other times, we discuss His discipline or forgiveness.  However, one thing that God is that I at times fail to acknowledge is merciful.  The other day, I was upset over something, and I vowed to not follow something I knew God told me to do in scripture.  I was being totally honest that my heart was not into it, and spoke out.  While my comments did not hurt anyone, I know God would have a legitimate issue with what I was saying.  Yet, God was neither vengeful nor did I fall under His righteous discipline.  He just listened, and let me talk to Him.  After a timely debate with . . . well God and me, I was able to reset and follow what He asked of me.  It was then that I remembered the story of Jonah.  Reading it put things in perspective.

God know exactly what we need when we need it. In the story of Jonah, Jonah fully expects God’s wrath to come down on the city of Nineveh for their sinful ways.  However, God shows mercy when He sees the city “had put a stop to their evil ways,” and “He changed His mind.” (Jonah 3:10)  Jonah, apparently disappointed because there was not the fireworks show he expected, was angry feeling God had somehow let him down.  That felt similar to where I was the other day.  However instead of totally lighting into Jonah, He displayed mercy on Him for a moment.  Then, He educated Jonah to understand His righteous mercy.  The story is a great reminder to all of us for we too will have moments where we just do not like what God is saying to us.  However, just as He was to both the city of Nineveh and Jonah himself, God is full of mercy and compassion for His people.  As such, we are to always remember this when those around us lash out and deserve punishment or their just due.

Having compassion for others is a sign of God’s strength in us. It shows that we understand there is something bigger and more important than ourselves.  God shows us at times mercy for our wrongs, and offered His only Son as a shining example for us to follow.  Yes, we can be whacked on the knee when we don’t ‘get it,’ but God is patient with us.  Along those lines, we too should practice mercy and compassion toward others.  That makes for a better relationship with both God and others.  Where can you show greater compassion toward others?  How will you respond when God shows you mercy?  My prayer is that we are filled with God’s mercy when He allows us to have a talk between . . . God and us.  Amen.