Quote: Athanasius of Alexandria
“Christ became what we are that He might make us what He
is.”
Athanasius
of Alexandria
Application of God's Word: Ecclesiastes 7:14
When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider this:
God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.
Application:
God allows both good times and bad times to come to
everyone. He blends them in our lives in such a way that we can't predict the
future or count on human wisdom and power. We usually give ourselves the credit
for the good times. Then in bad times, we tend to blame God without thanking
him for the good that comes out of it.
When life appears certain and controllable, don't let self-satisfaction or complacency make you too comfortable, or God may allow bad times to drive you back to him. When life seems uncertain and uncontrollable, don't despair - God is in control and will bring good results out of tough times.
When life appears certain and controllable, don't let self-satisfaction or complacency make you too comfortable, or God may allow bad times to drive you back to him. When life seems uncertain and uncontrollable, don't despair - God is in control and will bring good results out of tough times.
Growing in Christ
Growing In Christ - Appetite
Growing in Christ is a life-long journey where every experience along the way offers to enrich us. We are given opportunities to grow, to develop a Christ-like nature that coincides with that of our Heavenly Father. God created our innermost being in a fearful and wonderful fashion. As God shaped us, we were given the deposit of divine life (Psalm 139:13-16). Either we try to make ourselves grow in holiness and fail miserably, or we must yield and cooperate with the glorious intentions of God. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Growing In Christ
When we first acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become reborn. As with all newborns, our desire for nourishment becomes fervent and frequent. An infant’s piercing cries display a hunger that must be immediately satisfied. As Christians, we also should desire God’s Word so that we may grow up. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2).
The goodness of God cannot be tasted in a cursory manner. We must see, hear, and touch; to truly taste the graciousness of Christ. The prophet Jeremiah understood the importance of making God’s Word part of his life by digesting and assimilating every morsel. “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight...” (Jeremiah 15:16). In growing, we learn that nothing is more agreeable to our soul and spirit than Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. As we profess Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, we take Him into every relationship and in every capacity in which we act, including our appetite for Him.
David took great pleasure in the Word of God. Having a spiritual taste to read the Bible daily reflects an inner savor and relish of divine things. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103). Often people associate “diet” with reducing their entire intake of food. Diet is not simply about eating less; it is about conscientiously ingesting more of the right things - less artificial, superficial; more authentic, i.e. the Truth.
It is in the Word of Truth that we grow and are nourished by the Lord. The spiritual food that we receive is then at home in us and remains as He is in us (John 15:7). Soon, we discover that God’s promises are there for us, ready to give energy to our entire being.
Music: "Do It Again" (Instrumental)
Walking around these walls
I thought by now they'd fall
But You have never failed me yet
Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle's won
For You have never failed me yet
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet
I know the night won't last
Your Word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again
Jesus You're still enough
Keep me within Your love
My heart will sing Your praise again
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
I've seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
I've seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
I've seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
I'll see You do it again
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
And You never failed me yet
I never will forget
You never failed me yet
I never will forget
What Do I Do When My Attitude Stinks?
Let my prayer be set before You as incense,
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:2 (NKJV)
Yesterday morning, I needed a slight attitude adjustment. Thinking some fresh air, sunshine and exercise would help me out, I went on a brisk walk.
As I made my way down the street, so did a neighborhood garbage truck. It was rather uncanny; my pace and the truck’s duties seemed to line up perfectly. The large truck would stop to collect garbage while I moved ahead, but then it would invariably catch up with me, and we’d be side by side again. I turned right, and to my disgruntlement, so did the garbage truck. I couldn’t seem to escape its route or its awful smell.
While breathing in the not-so-fresh air, my mind made a connection: What if our thoughts and emotions had smells attached to them? What if the age-old phrase “your attitude stinks” was actually true in the heavenly realm? What odor would worry put off? Or bitterness? Or unforgiveness?
Second Timothy 2:16-17 refers to empty chatter spreading like gangrene — now that’s stinky for sure!
How do we rid ourselves of the “stink”? Soon after my walk, the Lord directed me to these verses: “O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to You! May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering” (Psalm 141:1-2, NASB1995).
Can it be that our prayers “smell” good to God?
I looked further into incense offerings and found Exodus 30:7-8: “And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on [the altar]. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations” (ESV).
My Bible’s commentary explains that incense represented the prayers and praises of God’s people. Also, incense helped extinguish the smell of dead animals that had been sacrificed in the temple.
Maybe when we lay down our worry, pride, bitterness or you-name-it stinky sin — lifting up prayers instead — then these new words become the fragrance that rises to heaven.
Today, let’s rid ourselves of garbage truck odors and replace them with a lovely aroma of prayer. For me, I will lay down …
- Worrying about my children. Instead, I'll pray for each one of them by name.
- Resentment toward my co-worker. Instead, I'll ask God to bless him.
- Negativity. Instead, I'll lift up praises to the One who gives me breath.
It’s humbling to think that our words can be “counted as incense” (Psalm 141:2) before the Lord. Let’s trust that He not only enjoys the sound of our voices but delights in the sweet fragrance of our uplifted prayers.
Dear Lord, remind me to give all my anxious thoughts and errant emotions to You through prayer. As I choose to pour out my heart before You in faith, help me also to remember that You delight in hearing my voice. Thank You for listening, my Father and my Friend. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Chris Baxter
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Imagine that you’re playing outside on the swings, swinging high into the air. What happens if you don’t grab on to the swing? You fall. But if you hold on tight, you soar! You have to do your part. You have to do the holding on. In the same way, you must cling to Me and My Hope. I’ll take you higher and higher - but you have to hold on to Me. To help you hold on, think about what I’ve already done for you (died for your sins), what I am doing (living in you), and what I will do (give you heaven). Let these thoughts encourage you. Keep trying! Hold tight to My Hope - and I will bless you!"
"I do not live anymore - it is Christ living in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself to save me." - Galatians 2:20
- "Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young
Remember the Treasure in Your Jar of Clay
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay,
to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
Recently I visited a pottery store, looking for a special gift. Marveling at the beautiful pieces crafted by local artisans, I quickly found the perfect item - some golden-glazed, wood-fired mugs.
As I left the store, a sign on a small shed caught my attention: “Tired and Flawed Pots.” I chuckled to myself, appreciating the honesty of whoever posted the sign.
At first glance, the pottery in the shed looked similar to the pieces inside the store. But when I looked closer, I noticed these vessels were chipped, misshapen or imperfect in some way. For whatever reason, the potter had deemed them unworthy of a place in the main store.
I sometimes wonder if God sees me that way. Am I too tired, flawed and weak to be valued by Him? When my failings and sinful nature frustrate me, I’m tempted to believe the lie that I’m not good enough or that He will put me on the shelf in the shed.
But I’m learning the opposite is true.
In the ancient world, clay jars were symbolic of human weakness. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us that God chooses clay jars to fill with His treasure - the Good News of Jesus Christ:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
As followers of Jesus:
- Each of us is a clay jar.
- Each of us has this treasure - the power of the gospel.
- The power of the treasure belongs to God, not us.
- God shows His power through us, the clay jars.
Paul’s words encourage us to be content with our weaknesses and hardships, even boasting of them.
God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” so Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
If you’re feeling weak and discouraged, remember this truth:
God has given you His treasure in your weakness, and He’ll shine His power through it. Your weakness may be the very thing God will use to bring others to Him.
We can choose to bring our weaknesses to Jesus in prayer instead of becoming frustrated by them or letting them trip us up. When our focus is on sharing the treasure, not the clay jar, those around us will see the surpassing power of God.
Loving Father, thank You for giving me the treasure of Jesus in my clay jar. When I feel weak and unworthy, remind me that You choose weak vessels to fill with Your power. Help me to focus on the treasure and not on myself. Please shine through me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Lisa Lenning
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
How Can I Know How To Properly Worship God?
Worship can be defined as the act of honoring and loving a deity, idol or person in a “selfless” manner. The act of worship involves the total self in giving praise, thanksgiving and reverence to that deity, person or material object. It is not a half-hearted affair, and it is only after we distinguish between that which is and isn’t worship, with regards to the divine objective, that we can begin to answer the above question more fully. True, biblical worship, as defined by the scholar A. W. Pink (1886 – 1952) in his exposition of the gospel of John, says this: “It is a redeemed heart, occupied with God, expressing itself in adoration and thanksgiving.” Likewise, A. W. Tozer said, “True worship is to be so personally and hopelessly in love with God, that the idea of a transfer of affection never even remotely exists.”
So, the true worship of God is distinguished by the following criteria: first, it comes from the redeemed heart of a man or woman who has been justified before God by faith and who is trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. How can one worship the God of heaven if his sin has not been dealt with? Never can that worship be acceptable that proceeds from an unregenerate heart where Satan, self and the world hold sway (2 Timothy 2:26; 1 John 2:15). Any worship, other than that from a “washed” heart, is vain.
Second, true worship of God comes from a heart that desires Him alone. This was precisely where the Samaritan people erred; they sought to worship both God and idols (2 Kings 17:28-41), and this is reaffirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ when He discourses on the subject of true worship with the Samaritan woman who came to fetch water from the well. “You Samaritans worship what you do not know” (John 4:22). These people worshiped God “half-heartedly” because their total affection was not set on God. It is possible for even true believers to fall into this second error. We might not assent to having physical idols, like the Samaritans did, but what absorbs our will, our time, our resources most of all? Is it careers, material possessions, money, health, even our families? Let us cry out, like King David in Psalm 63:5, “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips, my mouth will praise you.” Nothing less than God should satisfy the heart of the regenerate man, and his response to that divine satisfaction, comparable to the best food ever, is the fruit of lips that sing God’s praise (Hebrews 13:15).
Third, true worship of God is the desire to continue to build up our knowledge of God. How we have lost that desire in these days! Apart from the Bible, which we should be reading daily, we need to supplement our knowledge by reading other good books, too. We need to fill our minds constantly with the things of God; God should always be on our mind, and everything we do should be done with reference to Him (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31). It is interesting that the Greek word for “worship” in Romans 12:1 can also mean “service.” So, our daily lives should also be considered as worship. Every day we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. The church is supposed to be impacting the world by its worship of God. Far too often, it’s the other way around.
Let us purify our hearts if we really want to worship the triune God in spirit and in truth. Our God is holy; He is altogether “Other,” a God who cannot share us with other objects of our affection. Indeed, a God who WILL not share us, for the sake of His holiness. We were made to be creatures who worship, but the Fall has crippled and ruined us. Worship is the most natural thing for man, but until we are restored to God through the sacrifice of His dear Son, then all our worship is but a vain thing. It is as “strange fire” before the altar (Leviticus 10:1).
- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Look carefully for evidence of My working in your life circumstances. Do not grow weary in your waiting; trust that indeed I will hear you. In fact, I always hear your prayers - and also the Spirit’s groanings for you which cannot be uttered. Believe that I am with you in the midst of your circumstances and that I am working on your behalf. Breathe in deep draughts of My calming Presence; fill yourself up with My Peace."
God Will Make A Way
One of the greatest promises the Lord bestows upon us is that He is in the details of our lives and He will make a way, when there seems to be no way! He is a God of miracles (big and small). He is a God that goes before you, fighting your battles, clearing the path…if we choose to walk in it.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
“This day is not ordinary. This day may be one of quiet or chaos, challenge or rest. But no moment is ordinary. It may be familiar. It may be predictable. It may make you frustrated and angry, discouraged and sad. It may be one where you see hope, hope all around. It may be the day you see deeper, go further, pursue a new place you’ve never traveled before.
I hold you in what you see as ordinary. I look ahead and stay here with you, in this moment.
There is a point where you can no longer see. There is a point where there are obstacles and there is nothing to do but wait on Me, look to Me, desire for Me to take hold of all control and guide you. Where I guide you, where I am with you, is not the place of ordinary.
There are the regular tasks to get done, the job to do, the responsibilities to complete. It may involve doing the same thing day after day, for a while, and another while. But still, where I am is not ordinary.
Here - here I am, with you. The intake of your breath, the shape of your skin, the ideas taking place in your mind, the beat of your heart. You are a wonder, a beauty, and this day, with all I’ve made, can never be an ordinary day.
Let Me give you new eyes to see so you don’t miss the possibilities around you that I see. Let Me give you new eyes to see so you don’t get discouraged and mistake wonder for ordinary. Let me show you how what you think is mundane may be an opportunity to be with Me in a new way. I am always new and always the same. You can always count on Me. But I never stop wanting you to see the hidden wonder in this not-so-ordinary day.”
- Provided by "Gather Ministries"
Music: "Christmas Hits Different"
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 41:10
God is always with you, in every moment of your life, guiding and protecting you with His boundless love and grace.
His presence is not limited to a specific time or place but is constant, surrounding you like a warm embrace.
In the midst of both joyful and challenging times, God remains steadfast, offering comfort, strength, and guidance.
When you feel alone or overwhelmed, remember that God is there, listening to your prayers and offering peace in your times of need.
He is the ever-present friend who never leaves your side, even when the world around you feels uncertain or chaotic.
His unwavering support is a beacon of hope that shines brightly, illuminating your path and reminding you that you are never alone.
Quote: Pastor Steven Furtick
"God is fighting for you.
He is bigger than whatever you are up against.
He is stronger than what’s surrounding you.
Let your worship be your weapon against the enemy."
Lamentations 3:22-26
[New King James Version]
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Though you may not understand how, I am loving you and I am working in your life. Sometimes My ways are a mystery, but My Love for you is not. It is always perfect and always yours. Rest in this wonderful Love. Rather than trying to control things or think through your problems, close your eyes. Curl up in My Presence. Take a deep breath and let My Love surround you."
"I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me."
"I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me."
- Micah 7:7
- "Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young
Knowing Who I Am In Christ
Have you discovered how amazing your life in Christ is meant to be? This list reveals the truth about who God created you to be and how He wants you to live!
▪️ I am complete in Him Who is the head over all rule and authority - of every angelic and earthly power.
Colossians 2:10
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐻𝑖𝑚, 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟.
▪️ I am alive with Christ.
Ephesians 2:5
𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠, 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡
(𝑏𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑑),
▪️ I am free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:2
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒
𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ.
▪️ I am far from oppression, and will not live in fear.
Isaiah 54:14
𝐼𝑛 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑; 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛,
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑟; 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢.
▪️ I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me.
1 John 5:18
𝑊𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛; 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑
𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑚.
Application of God's Word: Hebrews 12:3
Verse: Hebrews 12:3
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,
lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Application:
When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. But we're not alone; there is help. Many have already made it through life, enduring far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced. Suffering is the training ground for Christian maturity. It develops our patience and makes our final victory sweet.
Do you constantly ask God to clean up every messy are of your life? To brighten every dark corner and to dress up every shabby appearance? That's okay; our concerns are His concerns. But don't expect perfection. The perfect world we crave is for a future glory, not for now. Ease and comfort are not usually His prescription for us, because they will not prepare us for that future glory. No, God will leave us reminders of brokenness to serve as reminders of His grace. Endure those reminders well.
Do you constantly ask God to clean up every messy are of your life? To brighten every dark corner and to dress up every shabby appearance? That's okay; our concerns are His concerns. But don't expect perfection. The perfect world we crave is for a future glory, not for now. Ease and comfort are not usually His prescription for us, because they will not prepare us for that future glory. No, God will leave us reminders of brokenness to serve as reminders of His grace. Endure those reminders well.
Redirecting Your Thoughts
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
What do you fixate on? Fixations are the things we constantly think about. They come out in our words, feelings and decisions. They are the focus of the books we read; the podcasts, websites and groups we search out; and the obsessions we pursue. It might be our weight, finances, worries over our kids or fear for our health … but something is absorbing our thoughts.
Here’s the thing: God has given us the power to interrupt this fixation! That’s what the Bible says, and it’s news we desperately need to hear. But how can we interrupt the downward spin?
The answer, at least in part, might lie in counseling, community or fasting - and certainly in prayer. For you and me both, the answer will center on God: His presence, power and grace. Every spiral can be interrupted. No fixation exists outside of God’s long-armed reach. As He says in our key verse, Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
God has given us power, tools and His Spirit to shift the spiral. When we’re willing to take the initiative in choosing different thoughts and choosing His Truth, some pretty cool stuff starts to unfold.
For one thing, when we think new thoughts, we physically alter our brains. We grow new neurons. We blaze new trails. When we think new thoughts, everything changes for us. What we think about, our brains become. What we fixate on is neurologically who we will be.
So who will you be? Tell me what you’re thinking about, in other words, and I’ll tell you who you are.
So who will you be? Tell me what you’re thinking about, in other words, and I’ll tell you who you are.
If we don’t like where we're going, we have the power to redirect our thoughts, reminding ourselves what is real and true, like a parent might do with a kid when they start losing it: “Kiddo, time out. I love you. You’re OK. You don’t have to panic. You can choose another way. You don’t have to be steamrolled by this.”
To redirect our thoughts, we first have to remind ourselves that change is possible. We have a choice! And the more often we grab hold of that truth, the easier it will be to interrupt our fixations and the downward spiral of our thoughts, leading them somewhere new.
You may find that some thoughts, once interrupted, will simply lose their power. God can do this. Other thoughts, however, may require daily, hourly or moment-by-moment capturing and redirecting. But even those thoughts can be captured and contained (2 Corinthians 10:5).
You can be set free. You can learn to “mind your mind.” The battle for your mind is won as you redirect and refocus on Jesus - every moment, every hour, every day.
You may find that some thoughts, once interrupted, will simply lose their power. God can do this. Other thoughts, however, may require daily, hourly or moment-by-moment capturing and redirecting. But even those thoughts can be captured and contained (2 Corinthians 10:5).
You can be set free. You can learn to “mind your mind.” The battle for your mind is won as you redirect and refocus on Jesus - every moment, every hour, every day.
Jesus, thank You for giving me a choice! Help me parent my mind well, with the same kind of love and compassion You give me. Lead me to choose what is true today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Jennie Allen
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Note:
For 100 days of power-packed devotions that will inspire you to stop toxic thinking patterns and remind you of God’s power to set you free, get a copy of Jennie Allen’s new devotional, Stop the Spiral Devotional: 100 Days of Breaking Free from Negative Thoughts.
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Note:
For 100 days of power-packed devotions that will inspire you to stop toxic thinking patterns and remind you of God’s power to set you free, get a copy of Jennie Allen’s new devotional, Stop the Spiral Devotional: 100 Days of Breaking Free from Negative Thoughts.
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"How do you know which voice is Mine? Spend time with Me - quiet time in prayer and praise. Just as good friends know each other’s voices, you will come to know Mine. And I will tell you the right way to go."
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
- "Jesus Calling for Kids" by Sarah Young
Anatomy of a Surrender: Idolatry
2 Corinthians
6:14-7:1
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in
them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”
7 1 Therefore, having
these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the
flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Paul points out the obvious conflict between light and
darkness to urge the Corinthians to disassociate from corrupting influences.
The principle applies to our social relationships, but it also applies to the
struggles within our hearts. If light and darkness do not mix within the
church, which is the temple of God collectively, they do not mix within
ourselves, who as individuals are the building blocks of that temple. We cannot
entertain elements of the kingdom of light and elements of the kingdom of darkness
simultaneously and expect God to bear fruit in us. He wants purity.
That's a problem for every human being who has ever lived.
We aren't pure. Long after we've made that landmark decision to follow Jesus,
we still have internal struggles with sin and obedience. The decision was
right, but the follow-through proves difficult. And it's the follow-through
that makes the difference between unusual blessing and mediocrity. We cannot be
mature Christians until the initial decision to let Jesus be our Lord actually
becomes a way of life. We cannot make a commitment to light while maintaining
our grip on darkness. We must surrender ourselves.
Nearly every Christian has remnants of darkness that cloud
his or her discipleship. We like to call them character flaws or weaknesses of
the flesh. In reality, they are idols. They may range from the alarming
addictions of temper, lusts, and obsessive greed to the relatively minor flaws
of bad diets, time mismanagement, and mild obsessions with hobbies. Regardless
of their severity, they are our battlegrounds. They are points of conflict
between us and our Creator. They test us on whether we will, or will not, obey.
All Christians have had their struggles with idolatry. Many
of those struggles rage today. Some of them rage within your heart. The issue
is not whether they are big or little sins; the issue is whether we trust God
enough to do what He tells us, even in the small things. Choosing our will over
His, at any level, is idolatry.
- William Ullathorne
[An excerpt from "The One Year Walk with God Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen]
I Don’t Like Being Caught off Guard
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
You know how some people love the thrill of being surprised?
They love surprise parties. They would love to show up at work today and learn they are being whisked away from their desk for a vacation in just a few hours. They would even love to have one of those makeover shows show up at their house with a film crew and a whole new wardrobe.
Surprises feel exciting to them. Like how some people feel when a roller-coaster ride they thought was over suddenly takes off again and starts doing upside-down loops. They throw their hands in the air and embrace the thrill of the unknown.
They call that fun. I don’t.
I can usually manage my dislike of surprises in all the situations I just mentioned. My friends know not to throw me a surprise party. After the initial shock, a surprise vacation or a new wardrobe could be nice. I might even be able to stomach a roller coaster, if I can thoroughly check it out and know its patterned route before I agree to ride it.
But life is different. Life twists and turns and throws loops into places we think will be flat and smooth. Sometimes it catches us off guard.
At the end of the day, I guess that’s why I don’t like to be surprised. Getting caught off guard makes me feel exposed, afraid, and put on the spot before I’ve had any time to think through my response.
But slowly … I’m learning it’s not all bad to be surprised.
That vulnerable place reminds us we have needs beyond what we can manage. Feeling a little exposed and afraid reminds us we need God. Desperately. Completely.
And in that gap between what we think we can manage on our own and what we can’t manage, faith has the opportunity to grow deep roots. Roots that dig down into the hope and joy and peace only God can offer.
I’m challenging myself to remember my faith doesn’t just need to grow big - it needs to grow deep, like the Bible describes in Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV):
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit”.
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Though you may not know the way you should go, you do know the One who is the Way. Stay near Me, and you will not go astray. Because I am sovereign over your life, I actually direct your steps and make them sure even when they feel random to you. Talk with Me about your uncertainty, your fear of making wrong choices. Remember that the most important choice you make moment by moment is to stay in communication with Me."
Application of God's Word: Psalm 1:3
Verse: Psalm 1:3
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Application:
When Scripture says, "In all they do, they prosper," it does not mean immunity to failure or difficulties. Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness. What the Bible means by prosperity is this: When we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval. Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts.For all who take their delight in living by God's Word, there is prosperity. Under the image of a fruitful tree, the psalmist declared that whatever the righteous do will prosper. Two qualifications need to be noted. First, the fruit, that is, the prosperity, is produced in its season and not necessarily immediately after planting. Second, what the godly person does will be controlled by the Law of God (
Music: "Keep Your Head Up"
God says He will never leave us, and God is faithful to His promises.
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑂𝑅𝐷 ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢; ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐷𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑑; 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑. - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
No matter what you are going through today, May you experience God’s love, God’s peace, and God’s presence. May you be encouraged, knowing that God will never leave you or forsake you. May the name of the Lord be glorified in all of our lives today and always, Amen.
Growing Pains
Me: Hey God.
God: Hello.....
Me: I'm falling apart. Can you put me back together?
God: I would rather not.
Me: Why?
Me: What about all of the pieces of my life that are falling down onto the ground?
God: Let them stay there for a while. They fell off for a reason. Take some time and decide if you need any of those pieces back.
Me: You don't understand! I'm breaking down!
God: No - you don't understand. You are breaking through. What you are feeling are just growing pains. You are shedding the things and the people in your life that are holding you back. You aren't falling apart. You are falling into place. Relax. Take some deep breaths and allow those things you don't need anymore to fall off of you. Quit holding onto the pieces that don't fit you anymore. Let them fall off. Let them go.
Me: Once I start doing that, what will be left of me?
God: Only the very best pieces of you.
Me: I'm scared of changing.
God: I keep telling you - YOU AREN'T CHANGING!! YOU ARE BECOMING!
Me: Becoming who?
God: Becoming who I created you to be! A person of light and love and charity and hope and courage and joy and mercy and grace and compassion. I made you for more than the shallow pieces you have decided to adorn yourself with that you cling to with such greed and fear. Let those things fall off of you. I love you! Don't change! ... Become who I made you to be. I'm going to keep telling you this until you remember it.
Me: There goes another piece.
God: Yep. Let it be.
Me: So ... I'm not broken?
God: Of course Not! - but you are breaking like the dawn. It's a new day. Become!!!
- John Roedel
The "True You"
Here’s a truth you need to embrace if you’re ever going to change: You do what you do because of what you think of you. One more time: You do what you do because of what you think of you.
God says in Proverbs 23:7 (NASB), “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”
Who you think you are drives your behavior. So it’s critically important for you to know who you are.
Who are you?
We tend to define ourselves by what we believe influential people in our lives think about us. Psychologists call it the “looking-glass self.” We see ourselves through the eyes of others. We let those people define us, but this is not who we are.
You are not what your parent, your coach, your teacher, your grandparent, or the bully at school said you were or made you feel.
We can also define ourselves by our worst sins or habits. So you might think, I’m overweight, or I’m too skinny, or I’m an addict, I’m lazy, or I’m a loser. No. That’s not who you are, but we’re all tempted to define ourselves by the worst in us.
The Apostle Paul shares the key to transformation - real, lasting, eternal change. In Romans 12:2 NLT, he says:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. ... Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Paul says you’ll experience transformation not by changing what you do but “by changing the way you think.”
God knew you before you were born. He made you. God knows your worst and your best. In fact, the One who knows your worst loves you best. God defines your true you. So who does God say you are? If you’re in Christ, you are forgiven. You’re loved. You’re accepted. You’re chosen. You’re an ambassador of the Most High God.
That is who you are. God said so. You may fear you’ve screwed everything up, but the depth of your sin is not greater than God’s power to forgive.
If you’ve believed a lie about yourself for a long time, embracing God’s truth about you won’t be easy. When you discover what’s true about you, I encourage you to pray about it and repeat it. Ask God every day to help you believe the truth about you.
True and lasting change doesn’t come from self-driven, do-your-best behavior modification. You change by God-empowered spiritual transformation, which happens when you embrace your true God-given identity.
- Pastor Craig Groeschel
[An excerpt from reading plan entitled "The Power of Change"]