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!

- Excerpt from “Experiencing God Day-By-Day” by Henry and Richard Blackaby

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")

Quote: Corrie Ten Boom

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

Romans 8:18

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.

I
n 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")

Exodus 15:2