Where Is Your Head At?
Scripture:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. - Philippians 4:8
Reflect:
What is the value of following Paul’s advice and focusing on “these things?”
I don’t know about you but what I am thinking about has a significant impact on me and the people around me. For example, if I’m thinking about how much I have to do and how little time I have to do it, I am more likely to snap at my kids for interrupting me. If I am hyper-focused on all of the what-if’s, I am likely to feel anxious. If I am focused on everything that I don’t have, I am likely to feel discontent. If I focus on the flaws of the people around me, I am less likely to love and appreciate them.
The same principle applies to sin. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Basically, what is in our hearts eventually spills over into our actions. So how do we get good into our hearts?
In today’s verse, Paul gives us the answer and it’s really quite simple. If we want good to come out of us, we have to put good things into us. We can positively influence our actions by safeguarding what we put into our hearts and minds.
First, we should immerse ourselves in the truth. Jesus told us in John 17:17 that God’s Word is truth! If we want truth to come out of us, we need to spend more time soaking in the truth of His Word and less time soaking up the lies of this world.
Then, Paul said to think about things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. Would you consider the last show you watched to be “pure?” Would the lyrics of the music you listen to be considered “praise-worthy?” Are the images you take in “lovely?” Is the content of the books you read “commendable?” If the answer is no or usually no, are the messages you are surrounding yourself with bringing you peace or anxiety? Do they have the potential to positively impact your spiritual life or negatively impact it? Is what you are taking in appealing to your sin nature or your new nature in Jesus Christ?
Where is your head at? Are you concentrating on commendable things? Are you focusing on His holiness? Are you taking in messages that are true and lovely? How are you storing up good treasure in your heart so that goodness can overflow? We tend to do what we think. So set your minds on “these things” and “these things” will overflow into your life.
Pray:
Jesus, You are the only One who is truly honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Help me to set my mind on things that glorify You and conform me into Your image. I know that what I put into my head and my heart eventually overflows into my actions. I want my thoughts and my life to glorify You. Amen.
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. - Philippians 4:8
Reflect:
What is the value of following Paul’s advice and focusing on “these things?”
I don’t know about you but what I am thinking about has a significant impact on me and the people around me. For example, if I’m thinking about how much I have to do and how little time I have to do it, I am more likely to snap at my kids for interrupting me. If I am hyper-focused on all of the what-if’s, I am likely to feel anxious. If I am focused on everything that I don’t have, I am likely to feel discontent. If I focus on the flaws of the people around me, I am less likely to love and appreciate them.
The same principle applies to sin. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Basically, what is in our hearts eventually spills over into our actions. So how do we get good into our hearts?
In today’s verse, Paul gives us the answer and it’s really quite simple. If we want good to come out of us, we have to put good things into us. We can positively influence our actions by safeguarding what we put into our hearts and minds.
First, we should immerse ourselves in the truth. Jesus told us in John 17:17 that God’s Word is truth! If we want truth to come out of us, we need to spend more time soaking in the truth of His Word and less time soaking up the lies of this world.
Then, Paul said to think about things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. Would you consider the last show you watched to be “pure?” Would the lyrics of the music you listen to be considered “praise-worthy?” Are the images you take in “lovely?” Is the content of the books you read “commendable?” If the answer is no or usually no, are the messages you are surrounding yourself with bringing you peace or anxiety? Do they have the potential to positively impact your spiritual life or negatively impact it? Is what you are taking in appealing to your sin nature or your new nature in Jesus Christ?
Where is your head at? Are you concentrating on commendable things? Are you focusing on His holiness? Are you taking in messages that are true and lovely? How are you storing up good treasure in your heart so that goodness can overflow? We tend to do what we think. So set your minds on “these things” and “these things” will overflow into your life.
Pray:
Jesus, You are the only One who is truly honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Help me to set my mind on things that glorify You and conform me into Your image. I know that what I put into my head and my heart eventually overflows into my actions. I want my thoughts and my life to glorify You. Amen.
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Learn to live from a place of resting in Me. Since I - the Prince of Peace - am both with and within you, you can choose to live from this peaceful place of union with Me. This enables you to stay calm in the midst of stressful situations, by re-centering yourself in Me. We can deal with your problems together - you and I - so there is no need to panic. However, the more difficult your circumstances, the more tempting it is for you to shift into high gear and forget My peaceful Presence."
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
- Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)
- "Jesus Today" by Sarah Young
Gazing At The Beauty Of God
One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4
I chased a sunrise the other day.
It was a clear morning, the first in many days, and I knew God was about to put on a good show. Not wanting to miss a minute of it, I laced up my shoes and headed out the door.
With my eyes on the sky, I briskly wound my way through the streets that I knew would take me to the place holding the best first glimpses of the morning light. I’d seen the sun ascend there many times before, but for some reason, the desire to witness it that morning was particularly intense.
Finally arriving at the perfect place, I stopped and simply stared at the rising sphere of light slowly coloring the sky. I took a few pictures and blessed God for the beauty of a new morning.
And that was it.
I don’t exactly know what I was expecting, but no profound thoughts flooded my mind. No epiphanies dawned on me. No voices from within whispered any words.
Yet as I continued my walk, my heart felt full. Alive. Curiously, the simple act of staring at the beautiful sunrise was enough, and it satisfied my soul.
I wonder if this is what David had in mind when he wrote of his greatest desire in Psalm 27:4: (CSB) “to dwell in the house of the LORD … gazing on the beauty of the LORD.”
It seems David experienced soul satisfaction in the simple act of staring at the Lord’s beauty and splendor. But too often, when I “gaze at God” in my quiet time, I’m only looking for thoughts to jot down, Bible verses to highlight, or answers to settle my questions. When this is the case, my soul can lack freshness and life.
When I slow down and sometimes set the pen aside to gaze at the beauty of God like I would a glorious sunrise, catching by faith’s eye the colorful display of His splendor, I am transformed. My soul fills, comes to life, and finds joy.
Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In [God’s] presence is abundant joy” (CSB).
This makes me think there are times when our souls don’t need more information, documentation, or memorization. Maybe they just need more admiration. Admiration of the One whose magnificence and majesty alone is enough to satisfy our souls.
Is your soul feeling empty or running low on joy today? Take some time to pause. Sit and stare at the radiant beauties of the Lord, and allow Him - all of who He is - to freshen and fill your soul.
Father, I confess how often I allow the things of earth to steal my gaze. Thank You for faithfully drawing me back to You to behold Your beauty. You truly are the only wonder that satisfies and fills my soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Michelle Snippe
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Spiritual Famine
“Behold, the days are
coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a
famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the
words of the Lord.
Amos 8:11
The people had
no appetite for God's word when prophets like Amos brought it. Because of their
apathy, God said he would take away even the opportunity to hear his word. We
have God's Word, the Bible. But many still look everywhere for answers to
life's problems except in Scripture. You can help them by directing them to the
Bible, showing them the parts that speak to their special needs and questions.
God's Word is available to us. Let us help people know it before a time comes
when they cannot find it.
One way God
communicates is through silence. The Israelites blatantly ignored and rejected
God's Word to them, and God responded by sending a famine. This famine was far
more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of
His words of life.
God's silence
may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke
to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time.
If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what
adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is
waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that
there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship
(Isaiah 1:15;1 Peter 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking
in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen. God's silences can be
powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God!
Because He is God, when He speaks, He expects a listening ear and an eager
response. He will not be mocked! (Galatians 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may
withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah
assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek
Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
- Excerpt from
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day” by Henry and Richard Blackaby
Trusting God When You Are Tired Of Trying
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3
That morning, I picked up my phone off the nightstand with dread. Anxiety filled me at what I knew I would find there - other people enjoying their lives while I cried about mine.
Lord, am I going to feel like this forever?
I made a mental list of what I felt like I could no longer handle: battling relentlessly with my mental health, juggling two kids under 5, my husband’s unforeseen job loss, the sudden passing of my father-in-law, and ongoing financial pressures - just to name a few things.
There was no relief in sight, and it was hard not to feel frustrated, fed up, and forgotten by God. My soul was exhausted, and I was tired of trying. It seemed I had prayed every prayer I knew how to pray and studied every scripture about my circumstances. And yet nothing seemed to change.
Maybe you know this season all too well. You’ve been hurting deeply for so long. You expected to handle this better, to be stronger when everything came crashing down. But it’s OK that you’re feeling weak and unsure. God wants you and me to let go of having to figure it all out and instead let Him do what He does best: save us.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites never expected their freedom journey away from slavery to take so long or be so hard. But God took them through the wilderness to teach them dependence on Him and ultimately bring them into the good land He had prepared for them.
In reference to that time, the Lord said: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
(Jeremiah 31:2-3).
God hears our cries for deliverance. He has grace for us in our wilderness.
As I walked through my own wilderness, I realized that all the things I thought were breaking me, God was using to make me more like Jesus. I was exhausted because I believed it was all up to me. But as I chose to trust God to hold my broken heart and I received His grace each day, He revealed the good plans He had all along.
Will we dare to remember the heart of God when we don’t understand why He’s not fixing our most hurtful situations? Will we trust that we’ll find grace in our wilderness? Will we believe that God has rest for our worn-out souls and that He will never stop loving us?
Regardless of how we feel, we can stand in confidence that God will continue to be faithful.
Lord, thank You for hearing my exhausted prayers when life feels like it’s just too much and I’m desperate for solutions. Help me to hold on to You in faith and to stand on the truth of who I know You to be: a good, faithful, and loving Father who always has my best in mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Ashley Morgan Jackson
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen - leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you. . . Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle."
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8
- "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young
Comfort in the Wilderness
suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.”
1 Kings 19:5b (NKJV)
Sitting on my bed with tears streaking down my face, I remember feeling tired, emotionally and spiritually spent. My husband sat in front of me, looking concerned.
“I think I’m depressed,” I said.
For so long, I had been holding those words - carrying the weight of them. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. This wasn’t my first bout with depression. I had struggled postpartum. Feelings of anxiety and sadness weren’t new to me, but I thought I had overcome them.
Although saying those words brought relief, I also felt overwhelmed with the feeling that I would have to do something about it. I would have to work hard to be happy and rested again.
The prophet Elijah knew about fatigue and despair. In one of the most unbelievable experiences in Scripture, he faced off against 450 of Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Fire fell from heaven, and the people watching fell face down, realizing that the God of Elijah was the one true God. This was a great spiritual victory! But soon after, Elijah ran for his life because the murderous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were out to get him.
In our key verse, Elijah was on the run and exhausted, alone in the wilderness. Thankfully, God brought comfort:
“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:5b-6, CSB).
The voice in my head as I read this is that of a loving parent nursing a child back to health. And all Elijah had to do in response was willingly receive nourishment and rest. He didn’t have to muster up his energy to keep going. He didn’t have to prove that he was still faithful. He simply had to receive and rest.
Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is eat a snack and take a nap.
One of the ways my Abuelita Carmen says “I love you” is by serving up a hot plate of gallo pinto (Nicaraguan red beans and rice) and tortillas. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but it’s delicious and nourishing. I lived with Abuelita from the time I was a child until I got married. Through the years and all the ups and downs, gallo pinto was always on the stove, a comforting reminder of her love.
I imagine that when Elijah saw the warm bread and refreshing water God provided for him, it made him feel loved as well.
Reading the story of Elijah and God’s comfort in the wilderness helps us to see that God calls us to rest too. He wants to be our comfort, bringing nourishment and respite when we need it most.
Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings comfort, rest, nourishment, and grace in the midst of our wilderness seasons. Help us to receive Your love, especially in moments of despair and exhaustion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Kristel Acevedo
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Music: Eyes On You
When the oceans rage
And thunders roar
You hold my soul
You’re in control
When dark clouds roll
In over me
You are the light
That covers me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
When fear creeps in
And sorrows rise
I choose to say
You are the way
Lord You are
My portion still
I need You, I want You
Be here in me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
For You have overcome
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
You will stand with me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to You
'Cause Your Name will remain
And with You I will stay
Forever!
'Cause Your Name will remain
And with You I will stay
Forever!
Music & Lyrics by Dominik Laim
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God. Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of 'godliness.' They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me." - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
The Condition of the Heart
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:11-15
At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God's Word (Luke 8:5-18). If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you hear the words of the message, you will remain unchanged. If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God's Word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate your heart to make a difference in your actions. A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasures prevents God's Word from taking hold and producing righteousness. The heart that is like good soil receives a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time. This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will be a Christlike life.
Any time you hear a word from
God, whether through Bible reading, prayer, or worship, the way you respond
will depend on how you have cultivated your heart (Hosea 10:12). How do you
develop a heart that is like good soil? Repent of any bitterness, anger, or
unforgiveness that is hardening your heart. Meditate on God's Word until it
enters deep into your heart and not just your mind. When you read or hear a
word from God, apply it to your life and let God bring His word into reality in
your life (Galatians 6:9). Protect your lifestyle. See that you don't devote all of
your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with
God. The condition of your heart will vary, depending on how you cultivate it.
If it was receptive to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is
receptive today. Daily prepare your heart for the word God has for you!
Dirty Dogs
Scripture:
Be careful of those who do evil. They are like dogs. They demand to cut the body.
- Philippians 3:2
Reflect:
Are
there “dogs” in our day? Why should we be so concerned about them?
In our society today, dogs are generally thought of as beloved pets. They even get referred to as “man’s best friend.” And in many homes dogs are treated like family members.
These are not the type of dog that Paul is referring to in today’s verses. Paul is likely referring to a wild dog that lived on the streets scavenging dead bodies. Not only were these dogs aggressive and potentially violent but they were also carriers of nasty infections. They were unclean and problematic thus they were generally hated. These dogs were pests, not pets.
In today’s verse, Paul is comparing false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, to these mangy animals. The Judaizers taught that saving faith was not sufficient for salvation. They mixed the law with grace and said that Gentiles must become Jews before they can convert to Christianity. They argued that it was necessary for Gentiles to practice circumcision. That’s why he says to watch out for those who “mutilate the flesh.” Circumcision does not secure anyone’s salvation.
Paul doesn’t mince his words here. He calls them evildoers for spreading this false doctrine. His point is that these false teachers weren’t merely an annoyance. They were dangerous!
Even today, we have dirty dogs among us. We have false teachers who preach legalism just as the Judaizers did in Paul’s day. They may not be claiming that you have to get circumcised to be saved or convert to Judaism, but the heart of their message is still the same. They are implying that what Jesus did on the cross was not sufficient. They are claiming that you have to add works to His grace in order for it to be effective. This doctrine is dangerous because people’s souls are on the line!
Maybe someone has told you that you have to get baptized in order to be saved. Or that you have to tithe a certain amount each month. Maybe you’ve been told you must go to church or take a mission trip. Perhaps someone has preached that dietary restrictions are necessary. But we know from Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace, through faith and not by works. Salvation is a gift from God. We accept His grace, and we are saved. Our good works and obedience are the result of a transformed life. We seek to please God with our actions because we love Him, not because we are trying to earn our salvation.
Whenever you hear “grace plus works” preached, run away! Avoid this message like you would avoid a dirty dog in the street. Legalism does not save you and it has the potential to do much harm. It can cause a nasty infection in your faith and sadly, it is contagious. It can be passed to those around you. So be on the lookout for false teachers. Read the Word of God daily to inoculate you against the diseases of false doctrine. And instead of spreading filth, spread the truth! Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around you.
Prayer:
Lord,
thank You for the free gift of salvation through Jesus. Please grant me the
wisdom and discernment to be able to recognize the dogs who are spreading false
teaching so I can avoid them. Give me the courage to spread the truth of Your
Word instead. Amen.
-
Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Let Me stop the storm in your mind. Be still, and ask Me to take control of your thoughts. Just as I calmed the winds and waves for My disciples, I will calm the storm of thoughts inside your brain. Ask Me for My Peace - it’s there whenever you need it."
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
-Jesus Calling for Kids by Sarah Young
Deliverance Is Coming
Scripture:
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. - Philippians 1:18b-19
Reflect:
Why can Christians have hope and rejoice despite their circumstances?
Have you ever watched a believer suffer in a way that amazed you? Despite their circumstances, they seemed full of joy and peace. What was their secret? How were they able to rejoice even in the midst of great suffering? In today’s passage, Paul says that he will still rejoice, and he shares the “secret” to his continual joy.
First, Paul mentions the prayers of the Philippians. He was counting on the prayers of his friends. When you know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting you up in prayer, there is a peace that just flows through you. After all, people are petitioning the God of the universe on your behalf. Paul knew that there was power in the prayers of his friends and this gave him confidence.
Second, Paul says that he knows that the Holy Spirit will help him. The NASB translates the word “help” as “provision.” Paul had complete confidence that the Holy Spirit was going to provide for him. He would supply Paul with everything he needs to persevere and endure the trial. Paul knew that he wasn’t on his own here. He didn’t have to survive this in his own power. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was on his side!
Finally, Paul knew that no matter what occurred, he was going to be delivered from his current suffering. Does that mean Paul knew he was going to be released from prison? Did he think that God was going to spare him from being executed? Not necessarily. Paul did not know if he was going to make it through this alive. And yet he was confident that he would be delivered or saved.
In Christ, we are promised deliverance. Not necessarily from the trial but through the trial. If we are in Christ, we can have absolute assurance that ultimately, we will be saved. Even if we die, we will live forever with Him. No matter what you are going through, no matter how you are suffering, you can rejoice. Your ultimate hope does not depend on God getting you out of whatever pickle you find yourself in. Your ultimate hope is that God will bring you through this life and deliver you to life everlasting. And while you’re here you are not alone. You are being prayed for and the Holy Spirit is your Helper. This will turn out for your deliverance! Yes, you can rejoice!
First, Paul mentions the prayers of the Philippians. He was counting on the prayers of his friends. When you know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting you up in prayer, there is a peace that just flows through you. After all, people are petitioning the God of the universe on your behalf. Paul knew that there was power in the prayers of his friends and this gave him confidence.
Second, Paul says that he knows that the Holy Spirit will help him. The NASB translates the word “help” as “provision.” Paul had complete confidence that the Holy Spirit was going to provide for him. He would supply Paul with everything he needs to persevere and endure the trial. Paul knew that he wasn’t on his own here. He didn’t have to survive this in his own power. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was on his side!
Finally, Paul knew that no matter what occurred, he was going to be delivered from his current suffering. Does that mean Paul knew he was going to be released from prison? Did he think that God was going to spare him from being executed? Not necessarily. Paul did not know if he was going to make it through this alive. And yet he was confident that he would be delivered or saved.
In Christ, we are promised deliverance. Not necessarily from the trial but through the trial. If we are in Christ, we can have absolute assurance that ultimately, we will be saved. Even if we die, we will live forever with Him. No matter what you are going through, no matter how you are suffering, you can rejoice. Your ultimate hope does not depend on God getting you out of whatever pickle you find yourself in. Your ultimate hope is that God will bring you through this life and deliver you to life everlasting. And while you’re here you are not alone. You are being prayed for and the Holy Spirit is your Helper. This will turn out for your deliverance! Yes, you can rejoice!
Prayer:
Lord, no matter what, I know that I can rejoice. You are with me, You are sustaining and providing for me, and You will deliver me and bring me Home one day. Thank You for this blessed assurance. Amen.
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Begin Again, In Me
Father, my mind cannot grasp your greatness. I read your Word, your many feats
- how you advocate for us, and my mind, my self-absorption, my pride, makes
me focus on myself - my small problems, my small worries and cares. Your
ways are good. You see beyond what I can see. You pursue justice. You ask us
what we will do - if we will stand with you or against you, if we will both
appreciate the lives you've given us, the opportunities to love and do what is
good, in your name, or if we will, instead, fight our own fight, for our own glory.
Lord, forgive me for how I forget you. It is horrible, and it is true. I am your daughter, the one you love. Yet, my ways are not your ways. And I surrender my ways now. I give you my heart again, with all of its stubbornness, feelings of entitlement, self-hatred, judgmental attitudes.
Here I am, confident that, if you want me to, I can hear your voice, and yet how often do I ignore it? How often do you speak, and I close my ears? How often do you open your arms and I run to comfort in other things? Productivity, achievement, food, things? How often do you weep at the injustice of this world, and I close my eyes and heart to what is right in front of me? How often do you feel frustration and anger and yet love and love and love?
You love me despite me. Your love has nothing to do with what I do, what I think. But it is your love that breaks open my heart. And my old self, the one who rails against you, dies at the foot of the cross. She cannot stand - this old self - at your feet, Jesus. In your presence, the false parts of her wither; all of the sin in her completely destroyed. Take her again, will you?
Take this old self of mine. Take her and destroy her. Throw her into the fire and make her new. It is in death that new life comes. She needs your new life now. Jesus, you are tireless in your love. You are kind and good. I pick up your cross, my new self - strong and confident in you, and the cross does its work. Again and again, I am made brand new. In all good things, Jesus, you are present.
Lord, be present in me now. I stand here, your beauty, your delight. I stand here, filled with love, capable of anything you have for me to do. You defeat all of my enemies. You crush my every foe. You pursue my heart, pointing out what gets in the way of me completely following you. You ask me - do you want all of me now? For this, right now, needs to go.
And I say yes. Right here, right now. I say yes. I want all of you. Whatever it takes. Remove from me what is not of you and destroy it now. Right here. I am filled with your love. I am filled with your truth. You, Jesus, are the Word come down. You, Jesus, are the Beginning before the beginning.
Begin again, in me. I begin again, with you.
Amen.
Lord, forgive me for how I forget you. It is horrible, and it is true. I am your daughter, the one you love. Yet, my ways are not your ways. And I surrender my ways now. I give you my heart again, with all of its stubbornness, feelings of entitlement, self-hatred, judgmental attitudes.
Here I am, confident that, if you want me to, I can hear your voice, and yet how often do I ignore it? How often do you speak, and I close my ears? How often do you open your arms and I run to comfort in other things? Productivity, achievement, food, things? How often do you weep at the injustice of this world, and I close my eyes and heart to what is right in front of me? How often do you feel frustration and anger and yet love and love and love?
You love me despite me. Your love has nothing to do with what I do, what I think. But it is your love that breaks open my heart. And my old self, the one who rails against you, dies at the foot of the cross. She cannot stand - this old self - at your feet, Jesus. In your presence, the false parts of her wither; all of the sin in her completely destroyed. Take her again, will you?
Take this old self of mine. Take her and destroy her. Throw her into the fire and make her new. It is in death that new life comes. She needs your new life now. Jesus, you are tireless in your love. You are kind and good. I pick up your cross, my new self - strong and confident in you, and the cross does its work. Again and again, I am made brand new. In all good things, Jesus, you are present.
Lord, be present in me now. I stand here, your beauty, your delight. I stand here, filled with love, capable of anything you have for me to do. You defeat all of my enemies. You crush my every foe. You pursue my heart, pointing out what gets in the way of me completely following you. You ask me - do you want all of me now? For this, right now, needs to go.
And I say yes. Right here, right now. I say yes. I want all of you. Whatever it takes. Remove from me what is not of you and destroy it now. Right here. I am filled with your love. I am filled with your truth. You, Jesus, are the Word come down. You, Jesus, are the Beginning before the beginning.
Begin again, in me. I begin again, with you.
Amen.
Let Your Light Shine
Scripture:
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world... - Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world... - Philippians 2:14-15
Reflect:
According to Paul, what is one way that Christians can witness to the world?
I recently asked my kids to complete a simple chore together. I thought they’d be happy to help me out and would work together to complete the task. Instead, they complained about having to do it in the first place. Then, they fought with each other about who would do what.
I’d like to think that as believers in Jesus, we would all joyfully obey God with an attitude of cooperation and unity. But when I read the Bible, I discover that grumbling and disputes are a frequent occurrence, even among God’s people! In Exodus, Moses led the people out of Egypt and God miraculously parted the Red Sea for them to cross over. But the people soon grumbled because they didn’t have any water. Later, God provided manna from heaven for them to eat but the people grumbled because they wanted meat. In Numbers, God promised to give the Israelites the land of Canaan but it was occupied by giants that needed to be driven out. So the people grumbled that they would have been better off dying in the wilderness. It’s easy to read this and think, “God’s people are acting just like everyone else!”
In today’s verse, Paul says that we should refrain from grumbling and disputing with each other. Why? Because when we joyfully obey God and serve Him with a godly attitude, we show the watching world around us that we are different. The world is “crooked and twisted” but we have been made “blameless and innocent” in Jesus Christ. We should stand out like lights shining in the dark.
I have no doubt that my kids will improve in these areas as they grow and mature. The same is true for Christians. Joyful obedience and unity are markers of spiritual maturity. They are evidence of spiritual growth. God is working in us through the Holy Spirit that enables us to grow and change.
I encourage you to ask God to help you shine a light into the darkness around you. Ask Him to improve your attitude so that you will behave in a way that is in stark contrast to the rest of the world. The world is watching and they will wonder what makes you so different. As believers in Jesus Christ, our behavior is oftentimes our greatest witness to others about our faith.
Pray:
God, I confess that sometimes I am prone to arguing and complaining. But You have called me to joyful obedience and unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Work in my heart God so that I can be an effective witness for You. Help me to shine Your light in a dark world. Amen.
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Getting Gut-Level Honest With God
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
We got a new dog last summer because I just couldn’t resist, especially after my daughter Missy declared, “Mom, I already love him, and he already loves me!”
Bucky is the sweetest in our canine crew, but he was "Sir Poops-a-Lot"when he was a puppy! Since he’s Missy’s dog, we agreed that house-training would fall on her shoulders. She was enthusiastic … until she started consistently getting up with him at 6 a.m. every morning.
One morning, she refused to get up. This led to an unwanted deposit on a brand-new rug, which led to an animated mother-daughter discussion, which led to my normally kind and respectful kid pitching a fit and mumbling, “Sometimes I wish you weren’t my mom.”
Goodness gracious, I went through heck and back for years to adopt her from Haiti. I’ve given her my whole heart. After Jesus, she’s my first priority every minute of every day. So her petulant comment stung a smidge, but I knew she didn’t mean it. Which is exactly what she whispered through repentant tears during our long hug mere minutes after the meltdown.
By the pure grace of our Creator and Redeemer, Missy is gut-level honest. She doesn’t curate her emotions - because she’s learned she doesn’t need to present the shiniest version of herself to me. Her position in our little family is more secure than two pairs of Spanx.
The same is true for us and God. We don’t have to present our shiniest selves to Him. No matter what we’re feeling, we can be honest, just like the psalmist who wrote Psalm 42:11:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42 concludes with a restorative proclamation - “I will yet praise him” - but what I appreciate the most about psalms of lament like this is that God allowed them to be included in the Bible in the first place! Instead of disowning disillusioned people, God allowed Scripture's 59 “sad psalms” to be His engraved invitation for us to be real with Him - to be honest when our hearts are heavy and not wear fake happy faces.
The biblical narrative proves over and over that His love for us is immutable - it doesn’t change. This means we can share everything with Him - our joy, tears, hopes, dreams, insecurities, anger and fears - all in absolute confidence that He will never leave us, forsake us or stop loving us.
Father, it’s difficult to understand how You can know me completely and still love me unconditionally. Thank You for sending me the comfort of the Holy Spirit, who consistently reminds me that I’ve been adopted into Your forever family and have the right to call You “Dad.” Today, I’m bringing my feelings to You. And I believe that I can linger in Your embrace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Lisa Harper
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know
"Your life on earth is like a journey. It started the day you were born. Sometimes your journey takes you through wonderful places and happy times. Other times, you travel up rocky mountains of trouble or through dark forests of fear. At every turn, around every corner, I am there, showing you the way. Your job is simply to follow Me wherever I lead."
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.... Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
- Psalm 23:1, 4
- "Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young
Obedience Step by Step
Now it came to pass after these things that
God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”
God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love,
and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering
on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Genesis 22:1-2
and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering
on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Genesis 22:1-2
God tested Abraham, not to trip him and watch him fall, but
to deepen his capacity to obey God and thus to develop his character. Just as
fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult
circumstances. When we are tested, we can complain, or we can try to see how
God is stretching us to develop our character.
Our difficulty is not that we don't know God's will. Our
discomfort comes from the fact that we do know His will, but we do not want to
do it!
When God first spoke to Abraham, His commands were
straightforward. “Go to a land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Then God led
Abraham through a number of tests over the years. Abraham learned patience as
he waited on God's promise of a son, which took twenty-five years to be
fulfilled. Abraham learned to trust God through battles with kings and through
the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The pinnacle of Abraham's walk of faith
was when God asked him to sacrifice the one thing that meant more to him than
anything else. Abraham's previous obedience indicated that he would have
quickly and decisively sacrificed anything else God asked of him, but was he
prepared for this? God did not ask Abraham to make such a significant sacrifice
at the beginning of their relationship. This came more than thirty years after
Abraham began walking with God.
As the Father progressively reveals His ways to you in your
Christian pilgrimage, you, like Abraham, will develop a deeper level of trust
in Him. When you first became a Christian, your Master's instructions were
probably fundamental, such as being baptized or changing your lifestyle. But as
you learn to trust Him more deeply, He will develop your character to match
bigger tests, and with the greater test will come a greater love for God and
knowledge of His ways. Are you ready for God's next revelation?
Music: "SEVENS"
Wake up, wake up
The time has Come
Don’t rest, don’t wait
It has begun
Ready the weapon of praise
Blood moon, blood red
Blood down His robe
Blood of the lamb
Has overcome
Ready the weapon of praise
I see the heavens
I’m seeing sevens in the sky
Time of the beast is growing nigh
But we’re gonna make it out alive
I see the heavens
Legions of angels in the night
Wipe off the slumber from your eyes
We’re gonna make it out alive
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
That serpent’s scared
He’s seen the grave
No rest in peace
Just fire and flames
Who rolled the stone
Who holds the throne
Trumpets will sound
The world will know
Ready the weapon of praise
I see the heavens
I’m seeing sevens in the sky
Time of the beast is growing nigh
But we’re gonna make it out alive
I see the heavens
Legions of angels in the night
Wipe off the slumber from your eyes
We’re gonna make it out alive
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
Seven heads
Seven scrolls
Seven seals
Seven bowls
Seven stars
Seven times seventy
I’m seeing sevens in the sky
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven signs
Heaven rule
Heaven reign
Heaven soon
Heaven stay
Heaven fall
Heaven come heal it all
I’m seeing heaven in the sky
We’re gonna make it out alive
RALLY THE ANGELS
READY FOR WAR
HE’S RIDING A STALLION
MAKE WAY FOR THE LORD
HIS WORD IS A WEAPON
HIS TONGUE IS A SWORD
THE GOD OF THE WHISPER
IS THE GOD OF THE ROAR
I see the heavens
I’m seeing sevens in the sky
Time of the beast is growing nigh
But we’re gonna make it out alive
I see the heavens
Legions of angels in the night
Wipe off the slumber from your eyes
We’re gonna make it out alive
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
Ready the weapon of praise
Songwriters: Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Micah Nichols, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Hold tightly to My hand - by talking to Me, by reading My Word, by praising Me. I will not only help you face your troubles, but you will grow stronger because you have faced them. There will be times when you feel tired and weak. Don’t think this means I’m unhappy with you. It’s simply part of living in this broken world. Remember that you are not alone. I am always with you."
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me." - Psalm 138:7
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me." - Psalm 138:7
- "Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young
See Wonders Around You
So much of life depends on what we focus on. If we focus on the negative, the problems that plague our day, that’s what will dominate our emotions and thoughts.
When we focus only on what’s going wrong, it feels like everything is going wrong, doesn’t it?
And when everything is going wrong, what’s the point in trying? It’s pointless to keep moving forward day after day. (At least, that’s what we tell ourselves, isn’t it?)
But the truth is that it’s a choice to let our problems command our focus. Don’t let that condemn you. Rather, let it free you…
Let it free you to focus on something else. Something better and more beautiful.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to gently take our hands and lead us to that better and more beautiful place. He wants to teach us, if we’re willing, to shift our focus from ourselves to him. From our problems to his presence.
Because he is here, with you, with us, right now.
Will we see him? Will we see the wonders he’s doing around us and in us?
He’s here to teach us. So lean in to hear what Holy Spirit is saying...
The Message
“It is difficult to persevere when your focus is on your problems. It is difficult to have energy, be excited, have momentum, make any forward movement that feels like it matters, when the focus is purely on you. The colors in the room where you are now … do you see them? The sky I painted for you, the air I breathed for you … the cool breeze on your skin, the rhythm of waking and sleeping, eating and resting, playing and working, I have made all these things for you.
“But do you see them? Do you hear me, see me, feel me calling your name - in all things, everywhere, everywhere you go?
“When you realize everything I have made is for you, you can actually forget yourself. When you let my love fill you so there is no room for anything else, you inhabit the world differently. You see and hear and speak differently than you did before, because you are different. When I fill you, you are never again who you were before.
“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath now. And then another. Rest now. Rest. I am here. I have you. I know all that you are facing, all that you are holding. I see deeper, wider, and I know what is ahead. I know how you will need me then. I know how you need me now. Don’t shut down now. Don’t give up. You are not alone. You don’t have to go through this life alone. I am here. I have always been here. I am not leaving you. I am the one you can count on. In all the pain, all the heartache, all the regret.
“You are made of noble blood, the blood of the king inside you. You are inheriting the kingdom that will ever end, never weaken, never falter, never grow colorless or cold or dark. I am in the light. I am in the dark. I hold your broken heart and I breathe life into it. Stand up now, child. There is life in you. Take that step. I am holding you up to take it, and the next one too. Watch what happens when you do.”
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"When you start to feel stressed, that is a sign that you need My help. And it’s okay to need My help - I created you to need Me. This world idolizes those who don’t seem to need help from anyone. But in My kingdom I bless those who come to Me and ask for My help. As you practice trusting Me, you will see that I have the Power to turn problems into possibilities and troubles into triumphs."
". . . always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20
- "Jesus Calling for Kids" by Sarah Young
God Is Surrounding What's Surrounding You
My brother was thirteen years old when a band of bullies on bikes encircled him like buzzards taunting their prey. He was outmanned and outnumbered. I thought it was the end. But then my dad pulled up in his Pontiac. He didn’t even get out of the car, but simply rolled down the window and gave a look that said, “I dare you.” The bullies scattered like mice when the lights came on.
Prayer
As we pray for ourselves and the ones we love, it’s easy to think the spiritual forces surrounding us are too strong to defeat, too shrewd to outsmart, or too slippery to take hold of. The prophet Elisha’s servant felt the same way.
In 2 Kings, Elisha was really getting on the king of Aram’s nerves. Every time the Arameans planned to attack the Israelites, Elisha prophetically told the Israelites where and when the assault would occur, which led to Aram’s defeat. Here’s how the story goes:
This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.”
Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. (2 Kings 6:11–15 NIV)
Difficult Circumstances
I’ve felt like this before. Haven’t you? Difficult circumstances press in from every side. My story looms large while I shrink small. I cry, “This is too much for me! I can’t do this anymore. I don’t even want to go out of my house. I can’t face another day! Where are You, God? You promised You would never leave me or forsake me, but I don’t sense Your presence. And if You are here, why aren’t You doing anything? I want out of this story!”
Honest. Raw. Somewhat embarrassing to admit. We wake up in the mornings and sense the enemies all around us - surrounded by problems that we cannot solve and people we cannot control.
Elisha’s servant’s faith was as flimsy as the tent flaps he was standing behind, but Elisha was as strong as the tent peg anchoring it to the ground.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16–17 NIV)
God’s warring angels were surrounding the enemies who surrounded them.
Angels
Here’s a truth for you to hang on to today: Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Elisha knew there was more power and strength in the unseen reality of the heavenly host than in the seen reality of the enemy’s army.
Notice that the passage doesn’t say Elisha prayed that God would send an army. The warring angels on chariots of fire were already there. He simply prayed that the servant would be allowed to see them.
Surrounding Us
Even though we may never see God’s warring angels surrounding what’s surrounding us, we can trust they are there. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11 NIV). Always.
- Sharon Jaynes
Provided by "Jesus Calling"
- Sharon Jaynes
Provided by "Jesus Calling"