Key Verses:
"But when the right time came, God sent His son, born of a woman subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His son into our hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child."
(Galations 4:4-7)
Central Truth:
We are all children of God - no one any better than the other, and no one more deserving than the other. All are held accountable for our words, our thoughts, and our actions.
WITH PRIVILEGE COMES RESPONSIBILITY
Being accepted into God's family is an awesome honor, but with this beautiful, wonderful privilege comes responsibility and accountability. We are accountable to God just as our children are accountable to us. I am not meaning for this to sound like it is a negative thing because it most definitely is not. Most people want to make others proud of them. Take, for instance, your children. They want nothing more than for you to smile, hug them, tell them that they did a great job, and tell them how proud you are of them (even if it is something as simple as brushing their teeth). We, on the other hand, love to get recognized by our spouses - good job on the dinner babe, or thanks for keeping such a clean house. A hug or an I love you goes a long way too.
Well, God in Heaven is no different. He wants and needs your attention too. He wants to have daily conversations with you. He wants you to take time to read and study His word. He wants you to develop a closer relationship with Him. His word, the Bible, is our instruction booklet and through these instructions, He wants us to get more involved with other people (family, friends, foes, strangers, the unsaved, etc). We can do this by following the great commandment of loving others, carrying out God's great commission of witnessing to others, and through the great commitment of serving others. All of these things make our Father, God smile!
None of us are too great, too important, too intelligent, too wealthy, too clean, too evil, too ignorant, too poor, too lazy, or too dirty to have a relationship with God our father. So sit back and relish in the fact that you are indeed a child of the almighty God. But remember that with any privilege comes responsibility. Take your part seriously.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for taking me into your family with my "warts" and all. I am so unworthy of this honor, but I am going to do my best today by loving, witnessing, and serving others. Please be in my words, my thoughts and my actions as I try to do my part. I want nothing more than to make you smile. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August 19th, Galations 3
Key Verse:
1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
-Galations 3:1-5
Central Theme
Check yo-self before you wreck yo-self
In this passage Paul is addressing the Galations who have very quickly wandered away from the truth of the Gospel. They have allowed others to come and persuade them that not only are they saved by faith, but also by works. Now, true....faith without works is dead. However, works will not achieve one's salvation.
Now....I think we can all agree that we understand that we are saved by faith and not by works. It is through our very trust and belief in Jesus Christ that gives us our salvation. No matter what we do, achieve, or attain.....only our faith and trust in Jesus will save us. Therefore, I don't think we need to dwell on that part of this passage. However, I would like to challenge you on this other part.
The Galations were being mislead by other false teachers. Paul starts out by saying, " You foolish Galations, who has bewitched you?" I believe this passage not only fortifies that our salvation is in Christ alone and what He did on the cross. But I also believe it's Paul's way of saying that we have to be careful in who or what we listen to. Even with Jerry and I, we have to take responsibility for what we hear and decipher what is truth. When we get to heaven and approach the throne, I don't believe we will be able to say...."well that's what Jerry said. I was just following him." We have to take action ourselves and get into the word daily so that we are not ignorant to what God has said. Therefore......Check up on some things that are said. Challenge leaders in a loving way if you think it's questionable. Also, be opened minded to the fact that your opinion isn't always the right one either.
1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
-Galations 3:1-5
Central Theme
Check yo-self before you wreck yo-self
In this passage Paul is addressing the Galations who have very quickly wandered away from the truth of the Gospel. They have allowed others to come and persuade them that not only are they saved by faith, but also by works. Now, true....faith without works is dead. However, works will not achieve one's salvation.
Now....I think we can all agree that we understand that we are saved by faith and not by works. It is through our very trust and belief in Jesus Christ that gives us our salvation. No matter what we do, achieve, or attain.....only our faith and trust in Jesus will save us. Therefore, I don't think we need to dwell on that part of this passage. However, I would like to challenge you on this other part.
The Galations were being mislead by other false teachers. Paul starts out by saying, " You foolish Galations, who has bewitched you?" I believe this passage not only fortifies that our salvation is in Christ alone and what He did on the cross. But I also believe it's Paul's way of saying that we have to be careful in who or what we listen to. Even with Jerry and I, we have to take responsibility for what we hear and decipher what is truth. When we get to heaven and approach the throne, I don't believe we will be able to say...."well that's what Jerry said. I was just following him." We have to take action ourselves and get into the word daily so that we are not ignorant to what God has said. Therefore......Check up on some things that are said. Challenge leaders in a loving way if you think it's questionable. Also, be opened minded to the fact that your opinion isn't always the right one either.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
August 18, 2010, Galatians 2
Key Verse:
"I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die."
(Galatians 2:21)
Central Truth:
We are saved by God's Grace and having faith in Him. There are no works that actually work!!!!!
ARE YOU GETTING IT????
The key verse is from Paul explaining a concept that has been repeated and repeated in the New Testament and repeated through the first half of 2010 in the Journey. Please go read this chapter. It is short but powerful. Paul is confronting Peter and asking him why he was trying to make the Gentiles follow the Jewish laws of the time since Peter himself had given up the Jewish laws. Paul says, "So we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ - and not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be saved by obeying the law" (2:16)
As I sit here, looking forward to July 4th weekend and celebrating our country's freedom with my family, I can't get over how often this concept has already appeared in the first 6 months of the year. It is so clear to me that God, time and time again, explains through His word that works and "doing the right thing" and "being good people" are not what gets us salvation. How many people do you know that truly believe that if they try to live a good life, go to church some, help others, keep their cool, don't drink too much, blah blah blah . . . they will go to heaven?? Some of you reading this right now either possibly think this or certainly know people who do. Well, as Paul so clearly stated, if that was what it took to get to Heaven, God played a bad trick on his son Jesus. There would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Paul goes on to say that "when I tried to keep the law I realized I could never earn God's approval." (v.9) This is just more proof that if salvation was based on works we would all fall short.
When you read this it will be close to Labor Day. We have about 1/3 of the year left. Stop at whatever time you are reading this and think about that neighbor, co-worker or family member who you feel certain believes that "living a good life and doing the right things" is what will allow them to enter Heaven. Now, make a point to talk to them about your relationship with the Lord, what He has done in your life, and how His Word states, right here in Galatians that NO ONE will be saved by keeping the laws. Salvation comes only by accepting and having faith in Jesus. Let's get it done.
"I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die."
(Galatians 2:21)
Central Truth:
We are saved by God's Grace and having faith in Him. There are no works that actually work!!!!!
ARE YOU GETTING IT????
The key verse is from Paul explaining a concept that has been repeated and repeated in the New Testament and repeated through the first half of 2010 in the Journey. Please go read this chapter. It is short but powerful. Paul is confronting Peter and asking him why he was trying to make the Gentiles follow the Jewish laws of the time since Peter himself had given up the Jewish laws. Paul says, "So we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ - and not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be saved by obeying the law" (2:16)
As I sit here, looking forward to July 4th weekend and celebrating our country's freedom with my family, I can't get over how often this concept has already appeared in the first 6 months of the year. It is so clear to me that God, time and time again, explains through His word that works and "doing the right thing" and "being good people" are not what gets us salvation. How many people do you know that truly believe that if they try to live a good life, go to church some, help others, keep their cool, don't drink too much, blah blah blah . . . they will go to heaven?? Some of you reading this right now either possibly think this or certainly know people who do. Well, as Paul so clearly stated, if that was what it took to get to Heaven, God played a bad trick on his son Jesus. There would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Paul goes on to say that "when I tried to keep the law I realized I could never earn God's approval." (v.9) This is just more proof that if salvation was based on works we would all fall short.
When you read this it will be close to Labor Day. We have about 1/3 of the year left. Stop at whatever time you are reading this and think about that neighbor, co-worker or family member who you feel certain believes that "living a good life and doing the right things" is what will allow them to enter Heaven. Now, make a point to talk to them about your relationship with the Lord, what He has done in your life, and how His Word states, right here in Galatians that NO ONE will be saved by keeping the laws. Salvation comes only by accepting and having faith in Jesus. Let's get it done.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
August 12, 2010, II Corinthians 11
Key Verse:
For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
(2 Corinthians 11:4)
Central Truth:
What are we putting up with?
FALSE PROPHET
Chapter 11 is an interesting read. Read the whole book to really understand what Paul is doing.
Paul is writing to defend himself. Apparently, the people of Corinth did not appreciate his earlier letter. In that letter, Paul did not hold back. He calls the people of Corinth to the carpet for the sinful habits they have fallen into. I always love Paul's boldness. When he persecuted the Christians he did it 100%, when he preaches the gospel he holds nothing back.
How would you respond today if 'Paul' wrote you (us as the church) and called us on the carpet for the way we live. Are we bad people? No, are we living to God's standards and expectations? I will let you answer that.
In short, I think Paul’s letter would surprise a lot people just as it did the people of Corinth. I think I would be the poster boy of his wrath:
"Did you spend your money wisely?" No.
"Did you act compassionately when it was not comfortable or convenient?" No.
"Do you need that big of a house, new car, newest smartphone, new computer etc?" No.
"Have you ever shied away from sharing Christ or standing up for His way?" Hmmm.
"Are your energies in following Christ or man? Really? Can I see your checkbook and day planner?"
Now that your ego is stinging a little, you know what the people of Corinth might have felt. Paul being Paul, stands up for himself, and lets the people of Corinth know he has authority under God to tell them like it is. Too bad if they are offended; get over it. He has suffered physically and mentally far more than any of them.
Today there are few Paul’s out there. Our life comes with a coat of sugar; our mirrors are enhanced to show us what we want to see. Our televisions, politicians, community leaders all tell us its O.K.
It everything really O.K.? It is something to think about . . . .
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010, II Corinthians 10
Key Verse:
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(2 Cor. 10: 5)
Central Truth:
Feelings and emotions are strong and good at misleading us, but our thoughts are what truly drive our emotions. When we allow our feelings to take over, we’ve lost the battle. Take every thought captive!
TURN OFF THE SOAPS!
In all honesty, I’m not one for watching much TV. But there was a time, when I was pregnant and extremely sick, where I watched television almost all day while laying on the couch. I didn’t really care what I watched. I just had it on when I was sick of being in bed. During the time from 12:30-2:00 there is really nothing on except soap operas. So, I watched them. Then, I started having these little thoughts about what my husband was doing at work.
Who did he work with anyway?
Why did he have to stay late?
Was he just saying that so he could cheat on me?
Okay, the thoughts started really going haywire. I began to panic about where he was and what time he was supposed to be home. If he was just a couple minutes late, I was thinking, "Yeah, I bet he stayed late to talk to so and so." It was so out of control!
I asked him what was going on and who he was seeing.
That’s when he said it. “Heather, you need to stop watching those soap operas.”
“What!? What are you talking about?”
When we started to evaluate what had been happening, we could trace it back to when I started watching the soaps. See, everyone on a soap opera is cheating and lying to someone they “love.” I was filling my mind with garbage about other people’s fake lives and infusing the thoughts into my own life. The feelings of fear and panic were very real. The problem was that they stemmed from my inaccurate and fictional thoughts. I had created the intense feelings from just the thoughts in my own head that I let run wild and uncontrolled. So while the feelings were real, the situation was entirely fantasy.
Paul knew this way before I did and even gave us the way to deal with it. He said, “we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” What we put into our minds, whether it is good or bad, will affect our feelings and emotions. If we allow our thoughts to run amuck, our emotions will be out of control as well. And that can be a very dangerous thing.
This is true in all areas of thought. Think of how you speak to yourself. Do you say things to yourself that you would never dare say to someone else out loud? Do you get caught up in living out fantasies of how life would be different if you just would have taken that job or married someone else? Do you allow yourself to create sexual fantasies between you and someone other than your spouse? What about how "so and so" really made you mad, and if you just got the chance you would say just the right things to put them in their place and make them feel like you did? All these toxic thoughts have the potential to control your emotions, and then you may have the power of unchecked emotions ruining your day, witness, and possibly relationships. Feelings and emotions are strong and good at misleading us, but our thoughts are what truly drive our emotions. When we allow our feelings to take over we’ve lost the battle. Take every thought captive! And you may want to turn off the TV.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 10, 2010, II Corinthians 9
Key Verse:
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
(II Corinthians 9:8)
Central Truth:
Give generously and cheerfully and you will be blessed.
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
The Corinthians had promised to collect a financial offering for the church in Jerusalem. Paul was writing to let them know that he was sending men ahead of him to be sure that the gift would be ready when he arrived. He wanted to be sure that the people were giving freely and cheerfully. In Verse 7, Paul explains that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Paul also wanted to be sure that he would not be embarrassed if he caught them unprepared because he had been using them as an example and bragging about them to the Macedonians. As a result, the Macedonians had been inspired to give as well. He didn’t want to risk bringing the Macedonians to pick up a gift that was not ready.
To encourage the Corinthians as they continued to collect and prepare the gift that they had promised, Paul tells them that we reap what we sow. If we give generously we will reap generously. That doesn’t mean that if we give a financial gift that we will be blessed financially. But, we will be blessed. Paul says that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” "Abound" means to exist in great quantities. Grace is the freely given favor and love of God. So I take that to mean that if I give generously to those around me, I will be filled with God’s favor. Sounds like a good deal to me.
You have probably heard this all before. I know I have. My prayer for you today is that you would take time out and meditate on this verse. Really let it sink in. Look at it with fresh eyes and an open heart. Spend some time with God and decide in your heart what you should give. Give generously and cheerfully, and you will be blessed.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
(II Corinthians 9:8)
Central Truth:
Give generously and cheerfully and you will be blessed.
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
The Corinthians had promised to collect a financial offering for the church in Jerusalem. Paul was writing to let them know that he was sending men ahead of him to be sure that the gift would be ready when he arrived. He wanted to be sure that the people were giving freely and cheerfully. In Verse 7, Paul explains that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Paul also wanted to be sure that he would not be embarrassed if he caught them unprepared because he had been using them as an example and bragging about them to the Macedonians. As a result, the Macedonians had been inspired to give as well. He didn’t want to risk bringing the Macedonians to pick up a gift that was not ready.
To encourage the Corinthians as they continued to collect and prepare the gift that they had promised, Paul tells them that we reap what we sow. If we give generously we will reap generously. That doesn’t mean that if we give a financial gift that we will be blessed financially. But, we will be blessed. Paul says that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” "Abound" means to exist in great quantities. Grace is the freely given favor and love of God. So I take that to mean that if I give generously to those around me, I will be filled with God’s favor. Sounds like a good deal to me.
You have probably heard this all before. I know I have. My prayer for you today is that you would take time out and meditate on this verse. Really let it sink in. Look at it with fresh eyes and an open heart. Spend some time with God and decide in your heart what you should give. Give generously and cheerfully, and you will be blessed.
August 9, 2010, II Corinthians 8
Key Verse:
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
(II Corinthians 8:2)
Central Truth:
When life is hardest, we can still have joy and give to others.
In painful times, God can use His body to bring others joy.
This past December, my husband lost his father, Ray Hilliard. We weren’t ready. We thought he was getting better. He seemed too young. We felt too young. It was the hardest thing Lance and I as a couple have gone through yet. It was painful to the core to walk that road, and it affected everything else in our lives.
There were countless days that I would just think about the lady at Walmart that said, “Have a nice day!” and think…."you have NO idea." Normal life routines were not normal. It was heavy and heartbreaking and a total rollercoaster. The hospital was the family’s second home, and our “real” home lost a lot of joy.
Looking back, Christ’s body, His hands and His feet, were continually reaching out to us. Someone would just show up with a fresh baked loaf of bread, a card, send an email, bring a meal. Some helped with housework or with the children. We had nothing to give, but others gave to us still. Simple comments of encouragement and support would come just when we needed it. God laid us on people’s hearts in His perfect timing. We learned a lot about how to minister to others by being ministered to. It was hard to find joy then, but I look back at all of the joy and kindness others brought into our lives. God was loving on us through His people.
This chapter in Corinthians is talking of a congregation that continued to give and have “overflowing joy” in the midst of “the most severe trial.” That’s so hard to do, but it’s not impossible. I believe you absolutely have to grieve when you’re in a hardship, and you may NEVER completely get over the sadness; but you cannot stay there forever. It doesn’t mean you don’t still hurt. It means that you do everything you can to give back to His kingdom, to His purposes. When you’ve been given to, it does well-up inside of you a strong sense to be generous to the next person in need.
Growing up, when I used to get frustrated with people, my mom would always say, “You never know what they’re going through deep inside.” Show them some patience and generosity
So next time you have someone “randomly” on your heart, maybe it’s not so random.
Maybe that’s the Holy Spirit putting one of His people on your mind so that you can minister and pray for them. Send them a text or email, just letting them know you’re praying or thinking of them. You might be the little ray of sunshine God’s counting on to give them a glimpse of His joy.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 6, 2010, II Corinthians 7
Key Verse:
I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
(II Corinthians 7:4)
Central Truth:
It's not about me, it's about what God is doing around me.
GIVE PRAISE
I never thought that I could learn so much by coaching t-ball. This year, we started with several young players who had never played before. Watching them learn the game and seeing the light bulbs "click" on as the season progressed motivated me. It gave me a feeling that I was making a difference for the child, and it made me begin to feel personally invested in the child. It makes you want to watch them as they move up to the next level to see if you have helped to guide and shape their game correctly. I also learned that you have to teach each kid differently and talk to them differently, and if you can't get that part down, the kids won't respond how you want them to. I also learned that kids like direction; they like knowing exactly what to do and how they are supposed to do it. They also like to be recognized when they do it right.
When Paul wrote the Corinthian Church the letter in II Corinthians, I have a feeling he had discovered some of the same things about leading a church. This wasn't the first letter that he had written to them. His first letter was a little more harsh, calling them out on the things that they were doing wrong and letting them know that these things had to be corrected. After that letter seemed to be disregarded, he sent his assistant coach, Titus, out to give a little more instruction. Titus returned with good news, and Paul wanted to let the church know that he loved them and was proud of what they had accomplished.
Please don't get confused, I know that running a church is a million times more difficult than running a t-ball team. Paul had much bigger issues to deal with than running all the way through first base. But, one thing still applies in both situations: it is very important to praise when someone does something right. Paul wanted to let the Corinthians know that he had a lot of confidence in them. He mentions in Verse 16 that he has "complete confidence." Wow! Those are powerful words! Imagine the boost that this letter gave to the church.
Now think about how some encouraging words could affect someone in your life. Imagine how far a few little words of encouragement could go for someone who just accepted Christ. Imagine how a few words could affect the life of a child who just made a wise choice for Christ and are, as a consequence, placed against popular culture and many of their friends. Imagine a person who is down and could just use some love and encouragement.
I challenge you today to take the time to encourage two or three people in your life. Invest 10 minutes out of your day to text, e-mail, or call someone, and you will be making a difference in that person's life today!
I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
(II Corinthians 7:4)
Central Truth:
It's not about me, it's about what God is doing around me.
GIVE PRAISE
I never thought that I could learn so much by coaching t-ball. This year, we started with several young players who had never played before. Watching them learn the game and seeing the light bulbs "click" on as the season progressed motivated me. It gave me a feeling that I was making a difference for the child, and it made me begin to feel personally invested in the child. It makes you want to watch them as they move up to the next level to see if you have helped to guide and shape their game correctly. I also learned that you have to teach each kid differently and talk to them differently, and if you can't get that part down, the kids won't respond how you want them to. I also learned that kids like direction; they like knowing exactly what to do and how they are supposed to do it. They also like to be recognized when they do it right.
When Paul wrote the Corinthian Church the letter in II Corinthians, I have a feeling he had discovered some of the same things about leading a church. This wasn't the first letter that he had written to them. His first letter was a little more harsh, calling them out on the things that they were doing wrong and letting them know that these things had to be corrected. After that letter seemed to be disregarded, he sent his assistant coach, Titus, out to give a little more instruction. Titus returned with good news, and Paul wanted to let the church know that he loved them and was proud of what they had accomplished.
Please don't get confused, I know that running a church is a million times more difficult than running a t-ball team. Paul had much bigger issues to deal with than running all the way through first base. But, one thing still applies in both situations: it is very important to praise when someone does something right. Paul wanted to let the Corinthians know that he had a lot of confidence in them. He mentions in Verse 16 that he has "complete confidence." Wow! Those are powerful words! Imagine the boost that this letter gave to the church.
Now think about how some encouraging words could affect someone in your life. Imagine how far a few little words of encouragement could go for someone who just accepted Christ. Imagine how a few words could affect the life of a child who just made a wise choice for Christ and are, as a consequence, placed against popular culture and many of their friends. Imagine a person who is down and could just use some love and encouragement.
I challenge you today to take the time to encourage two or three people in your life. Invest 10 minutes out of your day to text, e-mail, or call someone, and you will be making a difference in that person's life today!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August 5, 2010, II Corinthians 6
Key Verse:
As God's fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
(II Corinthians 6:1)
Central Truth:
In listening for spiritual intervention/guidance, remember to use your heart and soul! You will be amazed.
WE ARE STUMPED! WE DID NOT QUIT! WE FELT HIS GRACE !
As we read this very small chapter, we were thinking that this devotion is going to be a snap. . . . Short chapter, right? Well, we were wrong and so very stumped. We prayed for guidance as to what we should write. What spoke to us in this passage from Paul? We were listening and waiting for guidance, some sort of inspiration from above. You've been there right? You wait and listen with both ears, just as we were doing. But, we were feeling nothing. Where are you God? We really need your help to address this chapter . . . . Then, as if the light bulb turned on: "Listen with you HEART" was placed upon our hearts! So we did.
Our hearts were filled with peace and grace as we became able to completely admit that we had stumbled and failed at composing a devotion for this chapter. The important fact about the Piedmont Journey and reading the New Testament together is that we are all travelling on this journey together. It is not about impressing anyone with our words; it's about listening to our hearts as we read a chapter in the Holy Bible. Sure, we wish we had something "divine" to put in our devotion. We truly feel in our hearts that it's acceptable to admit our stumbles with this devotion. There are going to be times when we fail to grasp a concept or be able to put words to our thoughts and feelings. It means we are not accepting God's grace in vain.
What does it mean to accept God's grace in vain ? It means to receive the goodness and favor of God, yet to hinder the work of grace in your life. This example of our struggling with this chapter works here. We did not accept God's grace in vain. We did not just give up. We used our Christian tools: we prayed, we listened with our hearts, and we felt God's pure grace - as He really placed upon our hearts that it is alright to admit failure, to stumble, and to be perplexed. He just does not want us to accept any of these gracious gifts from Him in vain by quitting.
Our prayer for you as you read our struggles with this short chapter is to accept God's grace with all your heart and soul and to keep putting forth all your efforts to feel and welcome God's amazing grace!
As God's fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
(II Corinthians 6:1)
Central Truth:
In listening for spiritual intervention/guidance, remember to use your heart and soul! You will be amazed.
WE ARE STUMPED! WE DID NOT QUIT! WE FELT HIS GRACE !
As we read this very small chapter, we were thinking that this devotion is going to be a snap. . . . Short chapter, right? Well, we were wrong and so very stumped. We prayed for guidance as to what we should write. What spoke to us in this passage from Paul? We were listening and waiting for guidance, some sort of inspiration from above. You've been there right? You wait and listen with both ears, just as we were doing. But, we were feeling nothing. Where are you God? We really need your help to address this chapter . . . . Then, as if the light bulb turned on: "Listen with you HEART" was placed upon our hearts! So we did.
Our hearts were filled with peace and grace as we became able to completely admit that we had stumbled and failed at composing a devotion for this chapter. The important fact about the Piedmont Journey and reading the New Testament together is that we are all travelling on this journey together. It is not about impressing anyone with our words; it's about listening to our hearts as we read a chapter in the Holy Bible. Sure, we wish we had something "divine" to put in our devotion. We truly feel in our hearts that it's acceptable to admit our stumbles with this devotion. There are going to be times when we fail to grasp a concept or be able to put words to our thoughts and feelings. It means we are not accepting God's grace in vain.
What does it mean to accept God's grace in vain ? It means to receive the goodness and favor of God, yet to hinder the work of grace in your life. This example of our struggling with this chapter works here. We did not accept God's grace in vain. We did not just give up. We used our Christian tools: we prayed, we listened with our hearts, and we felt God's pure grace - as He really placed upon our hearts that it is alright to admit failure, to stumble, and to be perplexed. He just does not want us to accept any of these gracious gifts from Him in vain by quitting.
Our prayer for you as you read our struggles with this short chapter is to accept God's grace with all your heart and soul and to keep putting forth all your efforts to feel and welcome God's amazing grace!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 4, 2010, II Corinthians 5
Key Verse:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Central Truth:
God is in the restoration and renewal business.
IT'S A PROCESS.
I have this old house on Ridge Avenue. It was built in 1914: hard wood floors, 12 foot ceilings, picture windows, bistro kitchen, rocking-chair front porch, the works. It's loaded with charm and character. One thing that comes with an old house, though, is maintenance - LOTS of maintenance. After 96 years, things aren’t as polished and refined as your typical modern house. It was built long before we had building codes and homeowners’ associations.
When you admit that you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, and accept Christ into your heart, He saves you and adopts you as His own - just as you are. But the character building, the life change, the transformation . . . . Well, that is an entirely different ball of wax. The decision to accept God’s gift is followed by a life-long relationship. That relationship is where He comes in with His tools to work. Just like I’m always working on Ridge, Christ is always working on me to make me more like Him. Sometimes he uses a scalpel with the careful skill of a surgeon. At other times, it feels like He is wildly swinging His Holy sledgehammer or maybe flooring the gas on Heaven’s bulldozer. (Is He? I don’t really know.)
There’s one thing I’ve found about Ridge; you usually have to tailor the upgrade to fit the peculiarities of the house. The cookie-cutter approach is rarely useful. After decades of settling, the floors are all bowed. So all the doorways, thresholds, and windows aren’t perfectly squared rectangles. Instead, they are odd-looking trapezoids sitting at weird angles. Over the years, carpenters and masons masterfully sculpted and placed customized pieces to match the irregular shapes of the old house. But then again, I’ve also had to destroy a few things with a sledgehammer and rebuild from scratch.
I believe God is the same way with us. He’s in the business of transforming us. So, He will use whatever tool is required to get the job done, scalpel or sledgehammer. It takes a lot of time and patience, but if we persevere, it will be worth it in the end.
I have drawn much encouragement from Philippians 1:6: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Once God saves you, you are a “new creature.” But the new life that follows requires a lot of work on your part, too. That’s why we have to work so hard at “partnering with God to make something good out of whatever happens in your life.” (Jerry Dingmore). Easier said than done, I know. But God is already committed to the partnership. So the question to ask yourself is: where are you with that?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Central Truth:
God is in the restoration and renewal business.
IT'S A PROCESS.
I have this old house on Ridge Avenue. It was built in 1914: hard wood floors, 12 foot ceilings, picture windows, bistro kitchen, rocking-chair front porch, the works. It's loaded with charm and character. One thing that comes with an old house, though, is maintenance - LOTS of maintenance. After 96 years, things aren’t as polished and refined as your typical modern house. It was built long before we had building codes and homeowners’ associations.
When you admit that you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, and accept Christ into your heart, He saves you and adopts you as His own - just as you are. But the character building, the life change, the transformation . . . . Well, that is an entirely different ball of wax. The decision to accept God’s gift is followed by a life-long relationship. That relationship is where He comes in with His tools to work. Just like I’m always working on Ridge, Christ is always working on me to make me more like Him. Sometimes he uses a scalpel with the careful skill of a surgeon. At other times, it feels like He is wildly swinging His Holy sledgehammer or maybe flooring the gas on Heaven’s bulldozer. (Is He? I don’t really know.)
There’s one thing I’ve found about Ridge; you usually have to tailor the upgrade to fit the peculiarities of the house. The cookie-cutter approach is rarely useful. After decades of settling, the floors are all bowed. So all the doorways, thresholds, and windows aren’t perfectly squared rectangles. Instead, they are odd-looking trapezoids sitting at weird angles. Over the years, carpenters and masons masterfully sculpted and placed customized pieces to match the irregular shapes of the old house. But then again, I’ve also had to destroy a few things with a sledgehammer and rebuild from scratch.
I believe God is the same way with us. He’s in the business of transforming us. So, He will use whatever tool is required to get the job done, scalpel or sledgehammer. It takes a lot of time and patience, but if we persevere, it will be worth it in the end.
I have drawn much encouragement from Philippians 1:6: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Once God saves you, you are a “new creature.” But the new life that follows requires a lot of work on your part, too. That’s why we have to work so hard at “partnering with God to make something good out of whatever happens in your life.” (Jerry Dingmore). Easier said than done, I know. But God is already committed to the partnership. So the question to ask yourself is: where are you with that?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August 3, 2010, II Corinthians 4
KEY VERSES:
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(II Corinthians 4: 16-18)
CENTRAL TRUTH:
Be Encouraged...!!
ENCOURAGED...?? Yes, BE ENCOURAGED !
Paul lays out for us Christ-followers the "Real Deal" life we can expect if we fully pursue God's plan for our lives. Paul doesn't "sugar coat" his description of what we will experience during our pilgrimage and relationship with Jesus, living His life through us here on earth.
Listen to these "Encouraging" words he uses earlier in this Chapter:
"Afflicted in every way, but not crushed . . ."
"Perplexed, but not despairing . . ."
"Persecuted, but not forsaken . . ."
"Struck down, but not destroyed . . ."
"Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body . . ."
Jesus himself also talks about "counting the cost," and Paul in another letter says we should consider it joy when we face trials of various kinds for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. OK, Good Tip!! No Problem! I'm good with that! Sign me up! Put me in, Coach!
But seriously, how do we execute these admonishments that Jesus and Paul offer us throughout His word??!!
You asked for it, You got it:
Jesus' Playbook for Encouragement
#1: "Expect" trials & tribulations, and yes, even discipline!
#2: "Pray" for grace, mercy, power, forgiveness, & spiritual toughness!
#3: "Execute" obedience, even when you don't "feel" like it! Trust me, the feeling will follow the obedience. It will blow you away, and you will get a standing ovation from Jesus Himself!
#4: "Encourage" your Christ-following teammates on a daily basis. You will receive what you invest, and most times even more than what you invest.
#5: "Celebrate" your privileged position on the winning team of the Jesus Christ Great Commissioners!! Our motto which needs to be posted in our locker rooms and printed on the back of our jerseys should read: "Champion of Endurance & Excellence for the Sake of Jesus Christ Because "Winning IS Everything!"
#6: "Compete" fiercely with the opponents that God has allowed in our lives so that we may demonstrate, through challenges & difficulties, the incredible power and saving grace of Jesus Christ! You must maintain the mindset that losing and failing are not an option and that we should, "in all things, do for the glory of Jesus Christ!"
As first-string "starters" for Jesus in the game of life, we will become tired, tattered and tried pursuing the victory over Satan, our sinful nature, and the challenges of loving people that are "unlovable." Still, Paul says we should "run the race to win the prize!" I take this as a direct statement of encouragement to "compete" fiercely against our adversaries in life!
One last thing to consider, God has chosen us to play and perform on His team. He wants and expects us to play at the highest level performing acts of amazing love and obedience for the people in the "stands" to witness. God wants the people in the "stands" (the non believers) to get in the game, join the team! How we handle the ups and downs, struggles, and disappointments of a particular "game" will have direct influence with the "people" that come to watch us "play!"
Let's encourage one of our teammates today!
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(II Corinthians 4: 16-18)
CENTRAL TRUTH:
Be Encouraged...!!
ENCOURAGED...?? Yes, BE ENCOURAGED !
Paul lays out for us Christ-followers the "Real Deal" life we can expect if we fully pursue God's plan for our lives. Paul doesn't "sugar coat" his description of what we will experience during our pilgrimage and relationship with Jesus, living His life through us here on earth.
Listen to these "Encouraging" words he uses earlier in this Chapter:
"Afflicted in every way, but not crushed . . ."
"Perplexed, but not despairing . . ."
"Persecuted, but not forsaken . . ."
"Struck down, but not destroyed . . ."
"Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body . . ."
Jesus himself also talks about "counting the cost," and Paul in another letter says we should consider it joy when we face trials of various kinds for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. OK, Good Tip!! No Problem! I'm good with that! Sign me up! Put me in, Coach!
But seriously, how do we execute these admonishments that Jesus and Paul offer us throughout His word??!!
You asked for it, You got it:
Jesus' Playbook for Encouragement
#1: "Expect" trials & tribulations, and yes, even discipline!
#2: "Pray" for grace, mercy, power, forgiveness, & spiritual toughness!
#3: "Execute" obedience, even when you don't "feel" like it! Trust me, the feeling will follow the obedience. It will blow you away, and you will get a standing ovation from Jesus Himself!
#4: "Encourage" your Christ-following teammates on a daily basis. You will receive what you invest, and most times even more than what you invest.
#5: "Celebrate" your privileged position on the winning team of the Jesus Christ Great Commissioners!! Our motto which needs to be posted in our locker rooms and printed on the back of our jerseys should read: "Champion of Endurance & Excellence for the Sake of Jesus Christ Because "Winning IS Everything!"
#6: "Compete" fiercely with the opponents that God has allowed in our lives so that we may demonstrate, through challenges & difficulties, the incredible power and saving grace of Jesus Christ! You must maintain the mindset that losing and failing are not an option and that we should, "in all things, do for the glory of Jesus Christ!"
As first-string "starters" for Jesus in the game of life, we will become tired, tattered and tried pursuing the victory over Satan, our sinful nature, and the challenges of loving people that are "unlovable." Still, Paul says we should "run the race to win the prize!" I take this as a direct statement of encouragement to "compete" fiercely against our adversaries in life!
One last thing to consider, God has chosen us to play and perform on His team. He wants and expects us to play at the highest level performing acts of amazing love and obedience for the people in the "stands" to witness. God wants the people in the "stands" (the non believers) to get in the game, join the team! How we handle the ups and downs, struggles, and disappointments of a particular "game" will have direct influence with the "people" that come to watch us "play!"
Let's encourage one of our teammates today!
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2, 2010, II Corinthians 3
Key Verse:
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our Qualification comes from God.
(II Corinthians 3:5)
Central Truth:
Service does not require training. It requires willingness.
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN UNQUALIFIED ARMY
In my career as an athletic trainer there are certain things I am allowed to do and certain things I am not allowed to do. Currently, I can perform CPR because I have the training necessary to perform it. I cannot perform surgery. The difference is that I have been taught to perform CPR by an expert, but I have never received training in surgery. If you need CPR, you’d probably love to have me in the room. If you need your appendix out, you’ll wait until someone more QUALIFIED comes into the room. In the field of athletic training, what you can do is based on what you have been trained to do.
Serving Christ is vastly different. We aren’t qualified because of training; we're qualified because of our experience with Christ. The spirit deems us qualified. Nowhere does it say that you have to have a degree from seminary to talk about Christ, nor do you have to be a Christ-follower for at least six months before serving in your church. What you do need to be is willing. With a willing spirit, much can be accomplished.
Pray today that God will impart a willingness in you. Opportunities arise all the time to serve, and we see them. Often though, our willingness evaporates because of our busy schedule, apathy, or a feeling of being unqualified. Pray that God will remind us that we have been qualified by the spirit that dwells in us.
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our Qualification comes from God.
(II Corinthians 3:5)
Central Truth:
Service does not require training. It requires willingness.
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN UNQUALIFIED ARMY
In my career as an athletic trainer there are certain things I am allowed to do and certain things I am not allowed to do. Currently, I can perform CPR because I have the training necessary to perform it. I cannot perform surgery. The difference is that I have been taught to perform CPR by an expert, but I have never received training in surgery. If you need CPR, you’d probably love to have me in the room. If you need your appendix out, you’ll wait until someone more QUALIFIED comes into the room. In the field of athletic training, what you can do is based on what you have been trained to do.
Serving Christ is vastly different. We aren’t qualified because of training; we're qualified because of our experience with Christ. The spirit deems us qualified. Nowhere does it say that you have to have a degree from seminary to talk about Christ, nor do you have to be a Christ-follower for at least six months before serving in your church. What you do need to be is willing. With a willing spirit, much can be accomplished.
Pray today that God will impart a willingness in you. Opportunities arise all the time to serve, and we see them. Often though, our willingness evaporates because of our busy schedule, apathy, or a feeling of being unqualified. Pray that God will remind us that we have been qualified by the spirit that dwells in us.
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