Growthinhisword may june 2018 final

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ROWTH IN HIS WORD MAY â—? JUNE 2018

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:23

Le Reposoir Du Village in Sleuth, Haiti

Dear Friends, Scripture teaches, "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Whatever God gives you to do, do it fervently with great passion—aiming only to please Him. We thank you for choosing to read our devotional.

Diligently devoting time to spend alone with God in His Word and in prayer promotes spiritual development, growth, and maturity.

While there is no substitute for Bible Connect with me on my blog: study, it is our sincere hope that this devotional will aid you in your tabithaperson.com. pursuit of Christ and in all of your Simply type in your email spiritual endeavors for His sake. address, click follow, and confirm follow via email.

With the love of Christ, Thirst Ministries

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If you have not trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please know that it’s not too late. The Bible declares, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Romans 10:9-10 NIV 2

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ROWTH IN HIS WORD MAY ● JUNE 2018 Devotions for Personal Use

COVER PHOTO: © Thirst Ministries, Inc. Le Reposoir Du Village – Sleuth, Haiti

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Scripture references are taken from the King James Version, the New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, and the New International Version. __________________________________________________________ © 2012-2018 Thirst Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.

Printed in USA. Volume 7, Number 3 3

White Space But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

We sure need it on our calendar, but how many of us have it? White space. Most of my days are jammed-packed. It seems like the lists and obligations have no reprieve. On Sunday afternoons I begin to prepare for the obligations of the coming week. Though I do try, it’s hard to leave blank areas in my planner, because there is so much work to be done. But I’m learning that if I’m going to continue in the work, leaving some white space is critical.

At the end of the day I reflect on the events of that day. After one particularly hectic day, I got ready for bed. Lying there thinking about all that happened and how exhausted I was, I realized that I had not planned well. I didn’t leave any time for rest, and I had left little time for centering. I was depleted. In those times when I cannot quiet my own mind, there is God. I opened my Bible to Isaiah 40, and I began to read.

Beginning at verse 28 I was reminded of God’s supremacy, His amazing strength, and His magnificent power. Over and over, I rehearsed in my mind the elusiveness of His understanding. How the finite mind cannot fathom all the ways and thoughts of One so great. In all His vastness, there is not a shred of weakness, frailty, or weariness. It is God who gives power to those who are void of it. It is God who gives strength to those who have no might. I was reminded, and gladly so, that if I would just wait upon Him, my strength would be renewed as if I had never been tired. If I would just wait upon Him, I would run faster than the day before. The white space at the end of my day really should have been allotted earlier in my day.

Build in the white space as a time to pause and reflect on the nature and character of God—His grace and strength.

Read Isaiah 40:28-31 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 4

Private Rejuvenation There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8 (NKJV)

Every Christian will need rejuvenation on occasion. There will be dry patches and dry seasons from time to time. We may serve, and in some cases, lead others during times when we feel depleted. Some people may find repentance, refreshment, and realignment at the altar on Sunday morning, while others prefer a more intimate setting with Christ.

We mustn’t surmise that because a person doesn’t approach the altar, they have failed to acknowledge the hardship, heavy burden of sin, or the complacency in their Christian experience.

The altar is a place of sacrifice—a place of consecration. Scripture makes this apparent. Altars were commonly built to honor or memorialize some great meeting with God (Gen. 12:7; 26:24-25; Judg.

6:24). It’s a place of dedication and devotion to God. It’s also a place of sanctification and surrender to God. In the Old Testament, there were specifications for the altar built in the tabernacle and the temple.

However, today we can erect an altar to commemorate an encounter with our Lord anywhere—and without concrete measurements and materials.

This altar is a matter of the heart. When our heart’s desire is to live in sacrificial obedience to God, at that moment (place and time), the altar is built. This may be in church, but it may be in a quiet place at home, too.

When we have an encounter with God that leads to conviction and consecration, an altar is established. We will always remember it as a place of private rejuvenation and private consecration.

If our worship is for an audience of One, then our consecration and realignment is as well. Approaching the altar in church is not a prerequisite for sacrificial living (Rom. 12:1).

Read Romans 12:1 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 5

Start with the Introduction Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples� (Matt.

20:18). New disciples are not made because we give them good instructions in a classroom. New disciples are not made because they attend Sunday morning worship services. In the most compelling way, new disciples are made when we invest our time, energy, and resources in relationship with them. In part, new disciples are made according to the relationship they have with other disciples in Christ.

Functioning disciples make initial, surface-level connections with others in hopes of gradually advancing the relationship toward a deeper, more intimate connection. In this way, we intentionally move from a reel relationship (pursuing a commonality with others so that we may present the gospel) to a real relationship (walking together with others as we all grow in Christ). This has been my experience in my quest to become a more dedicated disciple, endeavoring to be a conduit through which others may see Christ.

Far too often we introduce Christ to others, but we fail to follow through on the disciple-making aspect of the Great Commission. Who has time to get involved in the messiness of disciple-making? And it can be messy. Jesus never promised that those to whom we would witness and eventually enter relationship with would come to us as a present with a neatly wrapped bow. They are a present to us, but not in the sense that we are familiar with presents. We know that a relationship with Christ is the answer, so we introduce Him. Now what?

Start with the introduction. Tomorrow we will begin to build on the relationship.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 6

Enter the Relationship Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

A disciple-making relationship develops, albeit slowly, as we open ourselves up like the living epistle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 3:3.

The disciple-making relationship moves beyond the point of introduction into the ongoing phase of spiritual development in relationship with others—in community.

We were created for relationship! From the very beginning of time, God has made it known to us that the ideal setting for humanity is to be in community with one another. In Genesis 2:18, He declared, “It is not good that man should be alone.” It is not good for us to dwell in isolation, engulfed in social disconnection and solemn disengagement.

There is no refuting this statement: lasting relationships take effort.

Whether it is at the initial meeting or several years into the relationship, the most compelling connections demand certain essential elements to ensure in its prosperity and longevity in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Amid the strongest and the most vibrant disciple-making relationships, there are some essentials that are non-negotiable in advancing the relationship from the superficial to the intimate—and from the circumference to the core. Just a few of those essentials include love, vulnerability, intentionality, resolve, and authenticity.

Christ-like relationships mature when Christ is the central focus of the relationship. When Christ provides the foundation for intimacy, relationships in Him will flourish. He is our primary example of true disciple-making. How did He do it? He chose twelve ordinary men— ordinary, like you and me—and entered a relationship with them.

Tomorrow we will examine what it takes.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 7

Essentials for Discipleship: Christ and Love Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

Christ gave us the mandate for disciple-making, and it is rooted in relationship. But effective relationships don’t just happen; they must be cultivated. The best discipling relationships have several essentials that are non-negotiable, and each must be taken seriously. As mentioned yesterday, Christ-like relationships mature when Christ is the central focus of the relationship. Therefore, it seems counterintuitive and counterproductive to leave Him out of the relationship.

All disciple-making relationships must be rooted in Christ. When he called twelve ordinary men to follow him, he did not simply instruct them to follow him and then leave them to develop spiritually independent of Himself. Jesus took these men aside, and from a relationship that began with a reeling motion that is commonly used with a fishing rod, He helped them to grow into disciples who would go on to disciple others.

Since all disciple-making relationships are rooted in Christ, they are also rooted in love. The epitome of God’s love for us was expressed when He sent Jesus to die for us (Rom. 5:8). Disciples of Christ must realize God’s love for them before they can love God in return—and love His people. Jesus instructed his disciples to love God with the essence of their being and to love their neighbor equally as they love themselves (Matt. 28:37-39). Without this depth of love for others, our discipling efforts will be ineffective.

It seems easy the way most churches prefer to make disciples: give them a class. Discipleship that leads to transformation will take more than a class. It will take relationship. Tomorrow, we will look at more essentials for disciple-making.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 8

Essentials: Adherence and Humility Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

We know that making disciples who follow Christ must have Christ in the relationship. Since all relationships can have hardships, love is the most important essential to have. However, there are others.

Disciple-making relationships must have adherence to the Great Commission. In Matthew 28, Jesus gave the disciples a mandate to follow. The command is to make disciples. Jesus used the Greek word translated to disciple in the imperative, active voice; he did not suggest adherence—Jesus commanded it. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to indwell Christ followers, his disciples were endowed with the power to carry out the mandate (Acts 1:8). All believers today have this charge—having gone into all the world, we are to make disciples. We are to teach new disciples to guard all the things that Christ has commanded us. Disciple-making followers of Christ are to be examples to new disciples in humility.

Therefore, disciple-making relationships must be rooted in humility.

Humility was a quintessential characteristic of Jesus (Phil. 2:8). Perfect and sinless, He took on insuperable humiliation—just for us. Only when we genuinely humble ourselves can we begin to disciple others in Christlikeness. Mature disciples know that to be instrumental for Christ, who was the embodiment of humility, is to be humble ourselves in our approach to making disciples. Constantly keeping our gaze upon Christ moves us to abandon pride and independence for humility and dependence upon our Lord. It is out of a humble heart that we begin to live joyfully obedient to God’s precepts and begin to effectively influence others to do the same. Tomorrow: how important is authenticity and intentionality in relationships? Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 9

Essentials: Authenticity and Intentionality Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

In yesterday’s devotion, we examined adherence to the Great Commission and humility as two important precursors to effective discipleship and transformation through relationship. Relationships also require authenticity and intentionality. Mature disciples should be open and genuine, guiding the conversation in sincerity and with the end in mind. This requires exposing one’s true self.

Disciple-making relationships must be rooted in authenticity. Missing in many Christian relationships in the Church is authenticity. Most relationships in the Church are riddled with insecurities, and these insecurities hinder the transparency needed in real relationships. The mask we sometimes wear in Christian relationships encumbers the process of moving the relationship from the periphery to the principal point. The principal point is growing—in good times and troubled times—into the likeness of Christ. We grow in relationship with one another, and the growth process is stimulated by authenticity.

Along with authenticity in relationships, disciple-making relationships must also be intentional. From the initial contact with those who would be new disciples to the intricate and intimate development of the relationship, there must be intentionality. When thoughtful measures are taken to advance the relationship beyond the actual into the ideal (becoming like Christ), relationships take on superior meaning. Every lesson Jesus taught His disciples was on purpose. Be authentic and intentional in your endeavor today and every day.

Tomorrow, we will examine vulnerability and resolve. Both are complex yet essential in relationship.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 10

Essentials: Vulnerability and Resolve Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

From the onset of the initial conversation, seeking to reel others in for Christ, there must be vulnerability. Simply sharing our personal testimony of how we came into relationship with Christ will necessitate openness and exposure. In most cases, people respond to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit because they are experiencing pain—some hurt, loss, or longing. And in most cases, we have a similar experience to share with them. New disciples want to know—by testimony and observation—how mature disciples maintain allegiance to Christ, even when it is difficult to do so. Vulnerability is key in good relationships.

Nothing is accomplished without great resolve. In the early church, claiming to be a disciple of Christ was nothing short of difficult.

Persecution often resulted in imprisonment and sometimes death; it was commonplace (Acts 4:1-3; 7:54-60). But even in the face of great adversity, the early disciples understood that disciples need relationship.

Therefore, the practicality of disciple-making is best observed as disciples do life together in Christ (Acts 2:41-47). Today it has become easier to claim to be a disciple of Christ. Many Christians make an allegiance to Christ, but they do not take steps to grow as a disciple themselves, and they do not follow the Great Commission to make other disciples. Whether the profession of faith is sincere or insincere seems inconsequential. Many true believers fail to have the tenacity to carry out Christ’s mandate in Mathew 28:18-20.

Making disciples is a mandate; it is not a suggestion. It may not be easy, but the rewards are reciprocal; and they are eternal. Make up your mind to do it and to do it in community.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 11

Essentials: Community and Reciprocity Go and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

Discipleship takes place in community, and the disciples in the early church understood the importance of community and relationships.

“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. . . had all things in common. . . continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:42,44-46). Today we assemble for morning worship services and on other occasions, but the key component (having all things in common) vital to the disciple-making relationship is sorely missing. We need one another. The degree to which we are effective for Christ will depend on how we function in community.

There is a great exchange in community. And in disciple-making we can enjoy the benefits of a reciprocal relationship—growing mutually.

Nothing gave Paul greater joy than to know that those with whom he had been in the disciple-making relationship were becoming more like Christ (Phil. 2:1-2). As mature disciples endeavor to make other disciples, they also experience spiritual growth in the intimacy of real relationship as well, even when the relationship encounters setbacks. In this way, discipleship is never about the new disciple growing into the image of Christ and the mature disciple becoming stagnant. On the contrary, both disciples continue to develop spiritually—though each may be at varying stages on the continuum of conforming to Christ-likeness. It is a mutual exchange of life experiences and learning opportunities in relationship that enables all disciples to have the full measure of Christ’s joy (John 17:13). There are essentials to disciple-making. Are you making disciples? Are you grounded in the essentials? Read Matthew 28:18-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 12

In Either Direction Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

We must learn how to improve one area of our life without compromising the others. Sometimes, this is easier to say than it is to do.

In my own life, one of the most difficult challenges I have is with my diet. Not a diet as in a calorie restricted way of eating, but I have trouble staying away from some of the foods that I know are not good for me.

Namely, certain sweets. While this may seem to be an isolated problem, it is anything but isolated.

Overindulgence in an unhealthy diet, for some, may lead to extra exercise time in a futile attempt to combat the weight gain and the adverse health effects. But extra time exercising must be taken away from another necessary activity. And for me, it may be writing. For someone else, it may be household or family responsibilities. Still for someone else, it may be other work-related duties. Of course, this is just an example. But the emphasis is this: leaning too far in any one direction can hinder being well balanced in other areas of our life.

A balanced life brings a sense of wholeness and well-being. When Christ is our focus and we follow His example, we are not likely to lean too far in any direction (John 5:30). When He is our focus, we will allow Him to show us how to set our priorities and govern our time amid the demands of this life. Only then can we have an even keel approach to life. Trying to recover from bad habits and poor choices is too draining—draining of our time and our energy. Jesus always had time to do everything He was called to do. He did not engage in activities that would keep Him from addressing the physical and spiritual aspects of living—and living purposely, according to the Father’s will. Start with Christ to achieve balance and purpose in life.

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 13

Titus 2 Women Aged women. . . teach the young women.

Titus 2:3-4 (KJV)

Today aged women will need to have some thick skin to teach young women as the Bible instructs. Our hearts may be in the right place, but we must lead with more than our hearts; we need the Holy Spirit prompting us and guiding us as we endeavor to follow this mandate. Solomon wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl.

1:9). While we know this is true, there are some things that are new to us in this generation.

Mentoring this generation of young women takes some great resolve.

We have mothers abandoning their husband and children, mothers placing their selfish needs above their children’s most vital needs, and mothers choosing male companionship over the responsibility of caring for their children. Mature Christian women must take part in teaching our young women—showing them love, introducing Christ, and then teaching them how to live, how to love, and how to respect themselves.

It’s Mother’s Day. But if we don’t take an interest in our young women, Mother’s Day may very well lose its significance after a while.

Scripture instructs mature women to be godly, having the character of Christ first. And then teach the younger women to be sober, sensible, pure, and loving. We can’t do it without the Holy Spirit’s ruling, without genuine love, and without ongoing concern. Some young women are hostile, bitter, angry, and rough. And they still need guidance. Mentoring is more than important; it’s crucial. What God-fearing lessons have your mother taught you? Pass them on to this generation who may not ask for help but are in need of it nonetheless.

Read Titus 2:3-5 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 14

When We Are Struggling Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

Some days I feel like that blunt knife. I know my composition is iron, but some days just feel like butter-knife days. On these days, I need someone to come alongside me and sharpen in me what might otherwise be a dull blade. A blunt knife is still a knife, but its effectiveness and its usefulness are greatly reduced. We need others to remind us of the great and precious promises contained in the Word of God. We need to hear that we are more than a conqueror in Christ—that the victory still belongs to us.

It is not good for man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). Iron, when it sets itself against iron, produces a sharp blade (Prov. 27:17). And the benefit is mutual. Christians are of mutual benefit to one another. When two or more believers come together in Christ’s name, He promises to be in the midst (Matt. 18:20). When we come together in Christ-like minds, we will sharpen the countenance of all who are present with us. Even when the situation seems grim, two or more together are better able to hold onto the promises of God (Eccl 4:12).

Isolation may hinder effectiveness, but in numbers, there is the potential for great achievement (Acts 2:47). The early saints understood this concept. In fellowship with other saints, while adhering to the apostles’ doctrine and praying, they carried out the tenets of the Great Commission (Acts 2:41-47; Matt. 28:18-20).

When you’re struggling, decide not to do it alone. Reach out to those who love and care for you. We will have blunt days, but God has given us provision through relationships.

Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 15

Must See Jesus He [Zacchaeus] ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him. Luke 19:4 (NKJV)

When we are looking for Jesus, He will see us and make Himself known to us. Luke chapter 19 records Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in the city of Jericho. Tax collectors were some of the most hated people in Jesus’ day. They worked for the Roman government collecting taxes from their own people. If it were not enough that they worked on behalf of the Jew’s oppressors, they would also impose taxes above that which Rome demanded to create wealth for themselves. In other words, they were taking advantage of their own people for selfish gain. But when Zacchaeus met Jesus, everything changed.

Zacchaeus was short man, but he didn’t let his stature keep him from endeavoring to see Jesus. He could not see him for the crowd that must have been head and shoulders above Zacchaeus. This was no deterrent.

Forecasting the direction of Jesus, Zacchaeus ran ahead to climb a tree just to see the Savior. Because he took notice of Jesus, Jesus took notice of him, too. When Jesus called to Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus responded immediately.

What are you willing to do to see Jesus? Since Jesus is no longer here in the flesh, we see Him most evidently in His Word. The Gospels reveal Christ and therefore the Father Himself (John 14:9). When we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). It’s not only that we see Him in Scripture but that we also respond as Zacchaeus did—readily in obedient faith. This was Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus for relationship with him. Staying at a person’s home is one of the most intimate ways to engage relationship. Are you trying to see Jesus? He has already taken notice of you (Ps. 144:3).

Read Luke 19:1-6 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 16

When True Change Takes Place Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.

Luke 19:8 (NKJV)

It’s impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and have no change take place in your life. When our hearts are truly touched by His hand, there will be change for better in our lives. It may not be an instantaneous change in our circumstances, but rather an enlightenment or peace concerning our circumstances. There is not a person alive who can adequately explain the power of Christ’s words and the depth of His touch—not even the compelling nature of His glance in our direction.

Zacchaeus was changed. And all Jesus did was look at him and call him into relationship. Zacchaeus didn’t know the same things we fail to realize today: Jesus called him long before he climbed the sycamore tree.

The climb was a response to Christ’s obvious call upon his life. Are you looking for Christ? No, He’s not lost. He’s looking for you—waiting for your response to His call on your life.

Zacchaeus was a lost sinner. Jesus needed to stay with him just like He needed to go through Samaria to meet the woman at the well. There is always a greater purpose than what the natural eye can see and the unregenerate mind can surmise. Although Zacchaeus received the Savior joyfully, there were those who did not understand the context of such a relationship. Zacchaeus became a changed man when he accepted the Lord’s invitation, and his resolve to relinquish his money was evidenced by his new-found faith in Christ. Real faith must be demonstrated by works (James 2:18). Apparently, Zacchaeus was neither concerned about the poor nor was he interested in just dealings before he met Christ.

Because of Christ, he was changed. What evidence is there that true change has taken place in your life?

Read Luke 19:5-8 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 17

That Which Was Lost For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

No people are more indignant when God blesses those who are categorized as unworthy than those who feel they are comparable to Jesus. The people standing nearby could not believe that Jesus wanted to—actually, he implied that it was dire—go home with Zacchaeus. How could Jesus be the guest of someone so repulsive? What would be the point? This is exactly how many people, even believers, think today. We tell people to come to church as they are—until they do. Then we spend all our time trying to get them to be who they are not.

The people believed that Jesus should be in the company of those who were upstanding and self-righteous. But this is not why He came. Simon the Pharisee wondered why Jesus would let a sinful woman wash His feet with her tears and dry them with her hair, let alone touch him (Luke 7:39). In his evaluation, Jesus could not have been a prophet, or He would have known better. But Jesus knew better than Simon. He knew the woman was sinful and that she was coming. He did nothing to discourage her, because she was His purpose for coming. He knew Zacchaeus wanted to see Him, so He purposely looked up to see him at the precise moment that He reached the tree. Both the sinful woman and Zacchaeus were lost sinners who knew they needed a Savior. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3). Blessed are those who know they need a Savior, and in humility they endeavor to be found in Him. Do you know you need Jesus? Then He came for you! Surrender your will to His will and be counted as one who is blessed because you believe (Gal. 3:9).

Read Luke 19:5-10 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 18

At the Crossroads Orpah kissed her mother-in law, but Ruth clung to her. Ruth 1:14 (NKJV)

Should we move ahead with the new plan, or should we turn back to what is familiar? All of us have asked ourselves these tough questions at one time or another. The scarier the new path is ahead, the greater the propensity to turn back in fear. Orpah was faced with this challenge with her husband now deceased. Had she traveled back to Judah with Naomi, seemingly all she would have going forward was her mother-in-law and her sister-in-law. I can imagine that there was much to be considered.

The decision could not have been easy. But Orpah took Naomi’s advice and turned back to Moab, a pagan land replete with idolatrous and sinful practices. Orpah may have been satisfied with being fondly familiar with God because of her relationship with Naomi, but her amiable connection became a stalemate when she kissed Naomi and turned back. She would never really know the true and living God of whom Naomi must have spoken. In stark contrast, Ruth clung to Naomi and followed her and her God. The three of them “lifted up their voices and wept” before their departure (Ruth 1:14). Orpah gave Naomi a simple kiss and then turned away, but Ruth refused to let Naomi go without her (v. 14).

What about you? Faced with uncertainty on the new path that God has placed before you, will you trust Him and follow Him across the rocky terrain? It may be scary, but God has promised to be with us and never to leave us abandoned in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes, tragedy strikes and catapults us into a place of surrender. It is for our own good and His glory. Will you cling to His promises and walk by faith along His prepared path? Or will you simply kiss His plan good-bye forever?

Every day there is that choice.

Read Ruth 1: 1-14 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 19

Simple Snapshot Let it be the hidden person of the heart.

1 Peter 3:4 (NKJV)

A snapshot is a photo taken at a moment in time. It really doesn’t tell us anything too significant. Generally, it shows us how a person or group of people look at an instance, but the perception can be skewed. A picture can appear beautiful, but is it the appearance of true beauty?

Our society is obsessed with beauty. But most of what we call beautiful is not beautiful at all. We are beautiful when we mirror Christ—beauty on the inside. The prophet Isaiah said concerning Christ, “[He had] no appearance that we should be attracted to Him” (v. 2). Christ did not have any outstanding features. He had nothing that would draw our attention away from the beauty of His character. There were no physical characteristics that would overshadow His glory as the only begotten Son of the Father. We have not mastered the dichotomy that exists between inner beauty and outward adorning. Somehow, we believe that the clothes we wear, the cosmetics we apply, and the arranging of our hair will help us to be and ensure others that we are beautiful. True beauty, Peter exclaimed, is characterized by the hidden person of the heart—the inner self. It’s who we really are. It’s not the public snapshot for the camera, but instead it is who we are in the very private sector. Likewise, it is displayed in our motives, in the intentions of our heart, and in the details of our character.

Character like Christ’s character is beautiful. It’s so incredibly beautiful that it’s irresistible. Not irresistible in an erogenous way, but Christ-like character draws others into our presence—and keeps them there. In other words, people want to be around us; they seek us out.

Now that’s beautiful! Don’t be fooled by the camera. Read 1 Peter 3:3-4 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 20

Christ’s Command to Love You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:39 (NKJV)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus established new commands for His followers. The entire Old Testament law rests upon two commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-38). When we love others as we love ourselves, we are obeying the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). All interactions with those whom the Scripture refers to as our neighbors may not be entirely pleasant, but we are still instructed to love them as we love ourselves.

In Romans 3:19-25, Paul taught that the Old Testament law was instituted because of sin, and it was to remain in effect until the coming of Christ. Righteousness now comes by faith in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of Old Testament law (Matt. 5:17). Jesus condensed over 600 Old Testament commands into two primary commands: to love God and our neighbors. When we love in this way, we will not engage in behaviors that are sure to hurt our neighbors.

In one instance, Paul argued that disputes between fellow Christians should be handled within the church (1 Cor. 6:1-3). To solicit mediation from those outside the church demonstrated a violation of God’s command to love one another within the context of Christian directives (vv. 4-6). Further, Paul contended that Christians who love one another should be willing to endure wrongful acts committed against them by fellow Christians (vv.7-8). It holds that forgiveness and reconciliation are essential components for fulfilling the command to love one another.

Christ’s new command to love must be the focus and the aspiration for all Christians. Is it for you?

Read Matthew 22:34-40 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 21

Unconscious Service to Christ What is that to you? You follow Me. John 21:22 (NKJV)

Consider this quote: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit” (Harry S. Truman). That statement is as true as it is alarming. Great things can be accomplished when we quit worrying about what others are doing.

John recounts how Peter took his eyes off the primary goal, and Jesus had to bring his eyes back into focus. In chapter 21, Jesus had just given Peter instructions to feed His people. He asked Peter three times if he loved him. Peter replied with seemingly greater frustration each time He received the Lord’s instructions to demonstrate his love by feeding His people (vv. 15-17). The Lord told him the conditions under which He would feed those sheep. It would eventually cost him his life. Most likely Peter was devastated. He turned aside for a moment and observed John following nearby. He asked the Lord, “What about this man?” But Jesus essentially told Peter that it was none of his business what John’s course would be; Peter was to follow Him (vv. 20-22). Likewise, we are to affix our eyes upon Christ and serve Him on the unconscious level.

Jessica Telian asserts, “Most of us live only within the level of consciousness—consciously serving and consciously devoted to God. This shows immaturity……maturity is produced in the life of a child of God on the unconscious level…..[when] we are not even aware of being used by Him. When we are consciously aware of being used as broken bread and poured-out wine, we have yet another level to reach— a level where all awareness of ourselves and of what God is doing through us is completely eliminated.” We are then serving in utter dependence and total reliance—not looking at others—but only looking to Christ.

Read John 21:15-23 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 22

Count It All Joy Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

James 1:2 (NKJV)

With the many trials and challenges of life, is it possible to have joy?

For many of us, we are inclined to say, “It depends.” But according to James, joy should be realized irrespective of the nature of the trial.

James tells us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). The Greek word translated “you fall” or “you encounter” is derived from the original words: peri, meaning “all-around” and pipto, meaning “fall.” And the Greek word translated joy is chara. Properly, this word chara means the “awareness of God’s grace, favor, or grace recognized.” So when James encourages us to “count it all joy when [we] fall into various trials,” he is saying that we should count it all God’s grace and recognize His favor when various trials surround us.

The joy we are to experience amid the trials all around us is essentially the recognition of God’s grace in them. It is not that we will have a superficial grin upon our face during hardships, but rather it is that we will recognize the favor of God, enabling us to endure the hardship. We will be firmly rooted in knowing that the testing of our faith is producing patience; it is producing endurance and perseverance in us (v. 3). Paul apparently agreed with James, for he reminded the saints at Rome that faith triumphs in times of trouble. He encouraged them, and therefore believers today, to “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3-4).

When we recognize that God is at work in the trial, we will have greater confidence in His ability to sustain and strengthen us in the trial.

Then we can count it all joy.

Read James 1:2-3 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 23

Trials: A Connection to Favor But let patience have its perfect work.

James 1:4 (NKJV)

Though Scripture teaches us to count it all joy when we encounter various trials, most of us have difficulty understanding the connectivity of joy and trials. Even when we claim to understand, we will usually hold that the two (joy and trials) have an inverse relationship—greater trials will produce less joy. But that’s not God’s plan for us as we endure the hardship of trials.

Just how is God’s favor connected to our trials? What is the relationship? Not only have James and Paul weighed in on how we are to see the benefit of the trials we encounter, but Peter also asserted that trials produce essential Christ-like characteristics that must be developed in us as walk with Christ. He admitted that challenging times and suffering will come, yet he inserted the adversative conjunction to let his readers know that there are spiritual benefits to suffering. He wrote, following the declaration that we will suffer, “But may the God of all grace…after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10, emphasis added).

Even in those times when various testing and trials surround me, and I fail to respond correctly, there is benefit. When I miss the mark, I can return to my Lord and ask for forgiveness, and I am given an opportunity for remediation. In remediation, He shows me why I was unsuccessful and teaches me the right way. It is never His desire that we fail; He tests us so that we will be approved. Trials are connected to His favor. How does this change your perspective concerning the trials you may be facing now? You can know that in the end you will be stronger, more mature, and greatly established.

Read James 1:2-4 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 24

Using Talent in the Kingdom You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.

Matthew 25:21 (NASB)

God has given His children time, talent, and treasure. Some believers have more time than they have treasure. Some are financially well-to-do and have not yet discovered their ability to generate capital for the kingdom. And some have enormous talent, but they refuse to dedicate time to developing their talent to build up the kingdom of God. God has not given us resources to be enjoyed in a purely selfish manner, but all should be offered to Him—the Giver of all resources.

Our talent may be the hardest to devote to the Lord. When we use our talent, we will usually give up a great deal of time and usually it will involve using some of our treasure, too. Yet still, we are to take the raw talent He has given us and allow Him to perfect it for His glory.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 is first a message to Israel. It essentially details how those who accept Christ will be rewarded in His kingdom. It also details how those who do not accept Christ will be rejected. Nevertheless, it has application for Christians today. Each servant is given a specific number of talents, according to his ability. The first and the second servants both gained 100 percent profit on the talents the Lord entrusted to them. The third servant buried his talent, and consequently the Lord called him wicked and cast him into outer darkness. He did not use his talent wisely.

We have been entrusted with time, treasure, and talent. While some unbelievers may have specific talents and they use them in the world, believers have a responsibility to use their talents and gifts for building the kingdom of God. Are you using your talents in the kingdom? Well done, good and faithful servant.

Read Matthew 25:14-30 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 25

An Inverse Relationship God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

There is no fear in Christ—when we rest completely in Him. The spirit of timidity, apprehension, and fearfulness does not come from God (2 Tim. 1:7). The believer, when rooted and grounded in the Word of God, will walk in faith instead of shrinking back in fear.

Fear can cause paralysis, but faith will cause us to do “it” despite the butterflies. When Peter and John went before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4 and the rulers threatened them not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name, they could have easily, in fear, consented to the request. But they didn’t.

Having been threatened and released, the Bible states that they prayed, “Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (vv. 29-30). Not only did they refuse to comply with the demands of the rulers, they prayed to God for an increase in boldness to preach in Jesus’ name.

We have the same privilege of asking the Lord for boldness and strength as did Peter and John. Fear should not dominate our lives, for fear has with it torment or punishment (1 John 4:18). The next time you are overcome with fear, turn your attention to your faith in Christ and His provision. Fear and faith are inversely related; as faith increases, fear diminishes. Do what He has called you to do with confidence and courage—knowing that the Holy Spirit is responsible for the work. We are merely willing vessels for His use. The Spirit of God is responsible for the outcome when we yield ourselves to Him. Read 1 John 4:16-19 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 26

Sign of Remembrance These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.

Joshua 4:7 (NKJV)

When God has done great things for us, we need to set up stones of remembrance so that we do not forget His faithfulness. What mechanism do you have in place to help you remember the great things that He has done for you? Have you written it down? Have you recorded it? Are there pictures? When we commemorate the favor of the Lord in our lives, future generations will be encouraged by His goodness.

In Joshua chapter 4, after the children of Israel had crossed over the Jordan, the LORD instructed Joshua to set up a memorial as a testimony to the generations to follow. He told Joshua to have twelve men each take a stone according to the number of tribes of the children of Israel and leave them in their place of lodging. Scripture teaches that the men each carried a stone upon his shoulder and did as the LORD had commanded. The stones were set up to be a sign of remembrance. When the children in the coming years asked the meaning of the stones, the Israelites were to reply that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, demonstrating His power (v. 7).

They were not to forget the faithfulness of the LORD and His mighty works to bring them into the place of promise. The men carried the stones upon their shoulders. These were not tiny rocks that would be moved by wind gusts and torrential downpours, but rather they were large, heavy stones that would remain for years to come.

We need firmly implanted memorials. We need memorials that can be passed on to our children—memorials that show the power of God and memorials that will stand throughout the seasons of life. God has been faithful to us during some very dark times in our lives, and we must be very careful not to forget. Start building!

Read Joshua 4::1-7 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 27

What to Do First When I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV)

When hard news hits, what will you do first? Will you tell your family? Will you phone a friend? Will you pray? The Israelites spent 70 years in Babylonian captivity. When they returned to Jerusalem, they found their city in ruins. It was reported to Nehemiah, “‘The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire'” (1:3). When Nehemiah heard these words, he did not seek counsel from anyone. Instead, Scripture recounts that he wept and mourned for many days—fasting and praying before the God of heaven. His lengthy prayer is recorded in chapter one.

Nehemiah confessed not only his sins, but also the sins of his people to God. Additionally, he reminded God of His promise to gather His people who had been scattered and bring them back to a place He had chosen as a dwelling for His name to be honored. Nehemiah prayed and then made his request before the king. Many times, we make requests of people and try to get God to co-sign the request. We reverse the order of what should come first.

There are many lessons in this short account of Nehemiah’s learning of Jerusalem’s state and how he reacted. Too many times when we hear awful news, we do everything except fast and pray. Nehemiah showed his complete dependence and reliance upon God when he turned his heart to heaven first and foremost. We will hardly get through this life without having some upsetting news. It may require action, but the action must be outworking of prayer. First and foremost, choose to pray.

God should always be our first recourse.

Read Nehemiah 1:4-11 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 28

Resolution: The Key to Victory Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.

Nehemiah 4:9 (NKJV)

When God has given you an assignment, how determined are you to carry it out in the face of adversity—among mockery and ridicule?

Whenever God has given us something to do, we can surely know that the enemy is close by waiting to instill doubt and discouragement.

Nehemiah and his cohorts were not exempt.

All the resources had been secured—both material and labor—and the project was underway. Sanballat, and Tobiah, in the presence of the men of Samaria, spoke against Nehemiah’s efforts. They called the Jews feeble and inept. They were angry and trying to discourage the workers, but Nehemiah prayed. He prayed that God would hear them and not overlook their iniquity, but instead turn their reproach on themselves.

They continued in the work and built the wall up to half of its finished height, because they had a mind to work (4:2). When Sanballat and Tobiah heard that the gaps in the wall were beginning to close, they became even more angry. But Nehemiah was not sidetracked. He said, “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night” (v. 9). We need the resources, but we also need a focused mind to complete the task.

Nehemiah’s answer was prayer and a focused mind. He did not dismiss the enemy completely, but he set a guard against the enemy day and night. Prayer is a safeguard against the tactics of the enemy. It’s a safeguard against real, tangible enemies and a safeguard against our own sabotaging thoughts. People will ridicule, but we must always be resolute in seeking God and trusting His intervention.

Read Nehemiah 4:1-9 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 29

Don’t Come Down I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.

Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV)

When we’re doing a great work for the Lord, the enemy will not cease trying to distract and discourage us. Sometimes it’s difficult to stay on the wall—to stay firm and resolute in the task to which God has called us. It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. It takes tremendous focus and reliance upon the Lord to stay the course.

One day recently I spent nearly the entire day—from early morning to early evening—working on a task for an upcoming event. I was determined to finish the assignment, but every time I thought I was making some headway, I would hit another roadblock. Every time I would think about putting it away for another day and moving on to something else, I just couldn’t do it. I would remember that God had instructed me to do it, and it needed to get done.

Some days are more difficult than others. Many times, it’s not that others have caused a distraction or an enticement away from the project; instead, it’s us. It is our own sabotaging thoughts that have taken center stage. All day I worked on the project, only stopping for lunch. Near the end of the work day, I resolved to try one more thing. It worked! I asked the Lord why it took me so long —all day when so many other tasks needed my attention. He said to me, “I am teaching you how to focus.”

God has a sense of humor, for daily I had been praying in this area of my life. I laughed and thanked Him for the lesson.

Nehemiah had determined focus. When he was rebuilding the wall, his enemies tried everything to make him come down. Despite their offerings, their threats, and their lies, Nehemiah answered them according to his steadfastness and allegiance to God. Stay on the wall and finish the job!

Read Nehemiah 6:1-14 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 30

Position to Be Blessed So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.

Luke 2:27-28 (NKJV)

Do you want to see the power of Christ fully resonating in your life?

Are you patiently waiting for it? Are you willing to live holy and upright in order to see it? We are holy and righteous by our position in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 3:17; 2 Cor. 5:21), but many Christians fail to practice it.

According to the law of Moses, a purification offering was to be offered after the birth of a child. If the woman’s first child was a boy, the child must be dedicated to the LORD. Therefore, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-23). Obedience always leads to blessing. Simeon is just one biblical figure whose life indicates such.

Scripture teaches, “At that time [when Mary and Joseph were to arrive] there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the temple” (vv. 25-27). Overjoyed, Simeon took the baby Jesus and blessed the Lord, for now the promise was brought to fulfillment and he could die in peace (vv. 28-29).

God wants to bring to fulfill the things He has promised us. Could it be that He is waiting for us to be in position? Simeon was righteous, devout, and eagerly looking for Jesus. And he was obedient to the Spirit of God. God is not slack concerning His promises. He will do it. Our desire must be to obey Jesus and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Read Luke 2:22-35 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 31

All Things New If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

How refreshing is the New Year! It is during the autumn months that we begin to think about the complexity and the certainty of change. The leaves begin to change colors, from energetic and animated shades of green to beautiful, multifaceted arrays of burnt orange, tans, and browns.

Usually every November we begin to contemplate what the subsequent year may entail for us. What will I do? What new things will God show me? What shall I do to prepare? Even though the current year may be quite rewarding and already overflowing with great things and bountiful blessings, we cannot help but wonder, “What else, God?” For the past few years, our small group has enjoyed the silence and solitude during a fall retreat at a near-secluded retreat center in our local area. We set aside this time to allow God to center us, to speak to us, and to guide us as we practice being fully in His presence. In a year’s time, we have accumulated a great deal of stuff—thoughts, habits, mindsets, and relationships—and not all of them are pleasing to God. During this time, we endeavor to draw closer to Him, allowing Him the freedom to speak to us as we remain unhurried and unmasked. And He always does.

At this mid-year point, are you still putting Christ first? We are obliged to give Him our first—the first portion of our day, the first portion of our income, and the first portion of our affection and energy.

Make our Lord your first aspiration this year. Not only will you never be the same, but you will never regret it. Salvation in Christ Jesus is the starting point, and from there we learn how to live as His disciples. Let this year be the year that all things truly become new—beginning with our position and then our practice.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 32

Be Ye Separate Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

Partial obedience is really disobedience. God makes no distinction between our partially following His commands and our refusing to follow them altogether. Many times, we will introduce our own logic and compromise to God’s clear directives. God does not wink at our earthly wisdom; He calls it disobedience. He always gives us the best avenue for carrying out His instructions. There is no alternate plan.

God told Moses to speak to the Israelites and tell them, “‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess’” (Num. 30:51-53). The tribe of Zebulun did not drive the inhabitants out; the tribe of Naphtali did not drive the inhabitants out (Jud. 1:30, 33). Consequently, God allowed the northern tribes of Israel, which included Zebulun and Naphtali, to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:29). Eventually the Assyrian king brought strangers into the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali to replace the Israelites who were taken into captivity. This region was full of pagans, and therefore, the people walked in darkness for centuries (2 Kings 17:24; Matt. 4:16).

When we partially obey God, we will begin to walk in darkness, too.

If we do not drive out the relationships, the people, or the habits as God has instructed, they will eventually drive us. But when we begin to do that which God has commanded, He restores honor and brings great light to our situation and surroundings.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:9-7:1 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 33

The Initiation Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)

Friends and family may be concerned, but they simply cannot fully grasp our desperate state when our souls are weary. I believe God has deemed it to be this way, because He intends to be our primary Source.

No one else can be an effective substitute in the space God has created for Himself. How He communicates His will, His direction, and His concern to His children is highly individualized.

One day I was particularly preoccupied—even anxious—about my schedule. Even careful prioritizing left me feeling overwhelmed. I needed to hear from God. I began my day in prayer and reading His Word. My prayer indicated just how incredibly spent I felt. I rushed— dare I say, barged—right into His presence with my needs. My heart was pricked, because I had not even acknowledged my God on the level He deserves. I backed up and began to reflect on His character, His graciousness, His goodness, His love, and His power. Then I rushed back in—with an anxious heart. I needed His help, but I didn’t hear a word He might have said. When I was done, instead of carrying out my planned agenda for the day, I picked up a book to read just a few pages. I was thinking, I have no time to read; surely, I have lost it! Not quite. For there it was—the answer to my anxious heart. Psalm 46:10 (Be still or cease striving and know that I am God). Psalm 37:4 (Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart). Philippians 1:6 (I will finish the good work I started in you).

The mode of transmission was not the audible voice of family or friends, but God answered. God always uses the perfect mode to get our attention. Why is this important? Stay Tuned.

Read Psalm 62:5-8 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 34

Mode of Transmission When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock. Psalm 62:1 (NKJV)

Why is this important? Why is it important that we maintain sensitivity to the many ways God may be speaking to us? Because His mode of transmission—His method of communication—is not always the same. Not only is it not always the same for everyone, it’s not always the same for every one of our situations.

I was looking for God to answer and calm my anxious heart during my prayer time, as He has done so often. But He had another plan.

Because of His infinite wisdom, He knew that I was not in position to really hear Him. Therefore, He waited until after prayer time, and then He placed in my heart to pick up the book and read. In the space of two pages were the Scriptures that provided the comfort and direction I needed. Instantly I became centered in His will. Instantly I regained my focus. It was as if God had read the Scriptures aloud to me Himself. I smiled deeply. I was overwhelmed. But this time I was overwhelmed with joy. God had been listening the whole time I was praying, albeit in a frantic state. Like a loving, tenderhearted Father, He waited patiently until I was ready to listen to Him. Then He answered.

You may be anxious and weary today—your mind totally on your stuff, not having the usual resolve to pray for someone else. Know that God has not left you. He is not waiting for you to straighten up and pray the perfect prayer. He knows the difference between a selfish soul and a sinking soul. Be sensitive to the mode of transmission God may use with you today. He may not use an audible voice and it may not be during prayer time, but He will speak. He cares for us, and He delights in making us realize it.

Read Philippians 4:6-7 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 35

Response v. Commitment We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 (NKJV)

When we make a commitment to some task, we are pledging our allegiance to faithfully completing the task. In other words, we are making a promise to complete the assignment as we said we would, because we realize that it is an obligation. In most cases the commitment has an end date. When end date arrives, we will have fulfilled the commitment and are free to move on to something else. In church we may be asked to chair an event or lead a ministry. When the event is completed or when the term for serving as president or leader has ended, the commitment is over. Sometimes that’s how we view our relationship with God as well.

We recognize and hold fast to a commitment to Christ, but sometimes and for some people, it’s only until the event, the task, or the answer to our problem comes to fruition. I heard a pastor say that we must focus on the response rather than the commitment to Christ. He is right!

When we have the right response to Christ, we will always have the right perspective concerning Him. When we have the right response to Christ, our desire will always be to obey Him and to serve Him. When we have the right response to Christ, it will be forever because His love for us is forever. God’s love for us is unending and was apparent before the world was framed (Eph. 1:4). What we need is the right response to His love and pursuant to that, obedience and service will be a continuous outpouring of our love for Him—based on His love for us (1 John 4:19).

Commitment may have an end date, but a response rightly placed will never dissipate. Daily we are to renew our mind with His Word, enabling us to respond to His great love for us.

Read John 14:15 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 36

Take Up the Cross Take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23 (NKJV)

Disciples of Christ have decided to follow Christ no matter the cost.

This is not easy. And this won’t ever be easy. Christ is not asking us to suffer in any way that He has not suffered. But as partakers of His grace (Phil. 1:7), we will suffer for His sake.

As disciples of Christ, we are told at least five times in the Gospels to take up our cross and follow Christ. Namely this: • • • • •

Take all the brutality that may come our way and follow Christ.

Take all the criticism and the hateful comments and follow Christ.

Take the scourging remarks that fan the flame of our insecurities and follow Christ.

Take all the rejection and piercings of the heart and follow Christ.

Take all the loneliness and heartache that results from following, and still follow Christ?

Exactly. Take the suffering that comes from having an allegiance to Christ and continue following Him. And following encompasses denial.

In the same verse that instructs us to follow, we are also told to deny ourselves—to deny the desires of our flesh. And it’s not just the desires of our flesh, but also the relationships that compete with discipleship.

According to the Savior, nothing and no one should impede our allegiance to Him. Not even our own family (Matt. 10:37). Following Christ is not for the faint of heart. In the end, we will find life when we lose it for His sake (Luke 9:24).

Read Luke 9:23-24 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 37

And Do It Daily Take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23 (NKJV)

Even in the most difficult situations, we should have this foundational principle present in our hearts and minds: losing all earthly benefits because of our dedication to Christ is not really a loss. . . but a win (Matt.

16:25). Losing family, friends, and material possessions for carrying out the cause of Christ means we have won the One who sticks closer than even the closest relative (Prov. 18:24). On the other hand, seeking to salvage those relationships and possessions that hinder our allegiance to Christ will cause us to lose out on the intimacy associated with the most important relationship man will ever know. We have lost nothing when we follow Christ. In fact, we find our life in Christ. Eternal life.

Jesus Himself said that He gives eternal life (John 17:2). This is a quality of life that can only be found in a relationship with Christ. Jesus described it as He prayed to the Father: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent� (v. 3). Knowing Jesus, then, means denying our own desires of the flesh, taking up the weightiness of the cross, and following Him steadfastly. It must be the greatest objective for all disciples of Christ.

Will it be easy? No. Worthwhile? Yes. Whatever you may be facing today, yield yourselves as instruments of His righteousness in the difficulty. Every time you make the decision to deny what the flesh wants to do and instead you do what He has called you to do, you are taking up your cross. He cautions us to do it daily, because daily will be the opportunity. Every step is sure underneath the weight of the cross. Let this be an encouragement to you.

Read Luke 9:23-24 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 38

Deny Ungodliness Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Romans 6:1 (KJV)

A license is issued to give someone authority to perform a task, to certify someone in a particular area of practice, or to allow someone special privileges not realized by everyone else. It is to be taken seriously. Paul supposed that some believers would view their salvation in Christ as having a license—a license to sin.

The Word of God teaches that Christ has redeemed us with His own blood (Col. 1:14). We are saved by grace through faith and not because of anything that we did. It is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8). That’s good news! There is nothing for us to brag about because God gave us even the faith to believe. It’s a win-win situation like no other: we have the Spirit of God in us to enable us to live righteously here on earth, and we have the assurance that we will spend eternity with God in heaven.

Has salvation and redemption given us a license to sin? After all, we who believe on the name of Christ are given eternal life (John 3:15). We are assured that no one can pluck us out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29). We can have confidence in knowing that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39). With all this security some of us may be tempted to test the waters. Therefore, Paul asked this rhetorical question in Romans 6, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (v. 1)” In other words, shall we engage in sinful behavior because we know the blood will cover it? He answered, “God forbid” (v.

2). On the contrary, the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12). It doesn’t give us permission to engage in it. As followers of Christ, we should desire to live godly.

Read Romans 6:1-14 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 39

From Filthy to Rich To [the Saints] whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery.

Colossians 1:27 (NASB)

Who can stand before the Lord and declare his own righteousness?

According to Scripture, not one of us. We need the righteousness only available to us through Christ Jesus. In Isaiah 64, the prophet pleaded for God’s mercy and His help. He acknowledged God’s rightful anger towards His people for their sin. God comes to the aid of those who are doing what is right, but with those who continue in sin, He is angry (vv.

4-5). The prophet admitted, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (v. 6).

Filthy rags? You may think of a rag that has been used to clean up a spill or scrub the kitchen floor, but the connotation in this passage is far more explicit. Isaiah was referring to rag a woman uses when she is having her menstrual cycle. There is little else that could be used so graphically to express our own righteousness before God—apart from Christ.

We were unacceptable to God because our righteousness was based upon our own deeds and accomplishments. And our self-righteous deeds were as though they were filthy rags. But now, because we are in Christ Jesus, we have been made righteous (Rom. 5:19) and have been accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6). Christ has taken us from filthy to rich. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom.8:16-17). Though our riches may not be material possession, we are rich with spiritual blessings—forgiveness, redemption, acceptance, peace and more. (Eph. 1:3). We are not filthy rich; we are simply rich! Read Ephesians 2:1-10 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 40

Pulling the Thread He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. Matthew 26:23 (KJV)

Pull one hanging thread on a finely knit sweater and the whole sweater could be ruined. What would you do if your favorite sweater had a thread hanging and pulling it may mean unraveling a delicate material? We would give it plenty of thought before ruining something so important to us. But do we give the same consideration to the relationships we have?

Some people will take more time trying to decide whether to pull a string on a fine sweater than they would about pulling the string on a friendship.

Betrayal hurts! Who can identify more than our Savior? No one. Psalm 41:9 is a notable foretelling of the Scripture fulfilled in John 18:1-9 when Judas betrayed Jesus. David wrote vividly concerning the pain associated with a friend’s betrayal. First stating how his enemies were plotting against him and then turning his attention to his friend’s involvement and impending betrayal (vv. 4-9).

To have your confidence betrayed by a close friend is like having the thread pulled only to unravel the shirt from your back. It’s devastating.

We have not the divine insight of the Savior, but we are called to use spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and He warns us of imminent danger. Many times we are just too busy or too arrogant to pay attention. We need good friends—friends who have integrity, maturity, and sincere love for us that is so Christ-centered that betrayal of trust isn’t an option. It’s a shame when, in the body of Christ, you can’t find a few people to whom you can go when you need help. Do you have good friends? Are you one? Don’t pull loose threads. Protect your relationships.

Read Proverbs 18:19 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 41

The Beautiful Bloom Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

Flowers eagerly await the spring season each year. The conditions are ripe for growing—plenty of sunshine, rain, and warm temperatures. God has created magnificent ways to enhance His creation, making it more beautiful by adding the fragrance and the elegance of flowers in full bloom; it’s quite remarkable.

Flowers though, with all their splendor, can offer only limited and very temporal benefits. They soon wither and die. But a saint in full bloom leaves lasting influence upon his or her family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. When believers move toward maturity in Christ—toward His likeness—we show forth the most beautiful display of God’s creation. It’s wonderfully remarkable, but it doesn’t just happen. We need God’s grace and we need favorable conditions to grow.

Unlike flowers whose conditions are chosen for them, we get to create some of our own conditions. We can choose the favor associated with Bible reading, studying, prayer, and fellowship with like-minded believers.

When we choose the conditions that are conducive to spiritual growth, we will blossom with the mind of Christ. A wonderful change surfaces when we begin to read Scripture and believe it with certainty. We will begin to look more like Christ and our attitudes and actions will imitate Christ. In His presence is where the beautiful bloom takes place. Our desires will become His desires for us. In a wonderful synergy, we develop into full bloom in Him. Be permanently planted in Christ—for all eternity. Nothing is more beautiful.

Read Ephesians 4:17-24 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 42

Seedtime and Harvest Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

Harvest time is season of gathering crops—a time of reaping what we have sown, perhaps several months ago. The harvest principle states that we will reap according to the kind of seed we have sown. When I plant Italian parsley plant seeds in the spring time, they will produce Italian parsley. The seeds will not produce mint or cilantro; they are grown from a completely different seed. The seeds will not produce curly parsley either. Even though it’s a close cousin, curly parsley is derived from a different seed as well. In our earthly relationships we plant seeds too, and the principle works in similar fashion.

Many relationships have reached maturity and are being harvested, but not in the way we had hoped. We must consider now how the hurt and the pain we are causing others will affect the relationship in the future. Paul reminds us in Galatians, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (6:7).

That same thing will he reap—not anything different. Those who sow division will have division coming back to them. Those who sow hatred will in their own life experience it. Those who sow mercy will have mercy returned to them. Those who sow kindness and benevolence will have the same come back to them. It’s whatever we scatter.

There is “seedtime and harvest” (Gen. 8:22). Every day we sow seeds in every area we trod. What will your seeds produce? When we sow love, it will be returned. It may not be returned from the relationship we expect, but love will be returned to us. We will reap what we sow— every time, guaranteed.

Read Galatians 6:7-10 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 43

From the Father’s Perspective We are disciplined for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

Hebrews 12:10 (NKJV)

Did you know that God makes no mistakes when He pairs us with our parents? In His infinite wisdom, His exact pairing molds and shapes us into what He desires for us to be in the end. My father was no nonsense.

I did not appreciate it much growing up, but I certainly do appreciate it now. Scripture teaches that our earthly fathers disciplined us as seemed best to them (Heb. 12:10). But our heavenly Father disciplines us for more praiseworthy reasons: that we may be “partakers of His holiness.”

Our God disciplines His own children with the end in mind, that we may share in His holy character.

We can all attest that no discipline is joyful at the time we are going through it, but when we are trained by it, it gives way to the peaceable fruit of righteousness (v. 11). It produces a great harvest of right living.

When our earthly fathers disciplined us and we continued in the same sinful behaviors, we hadn’t been trained. Greater discipline was likely forthcoming. When our heavenly Father disciplines us and we continue to go astray, we can surely expect greater discipline as well. And it is for our profit.

Fathers are important, and we honor fathers today. If your father is still living, consider it a blessing. If he is no longer here in the flesh, reflect on the time you had with him, and consider it a blessing. If we cannot find anything positive about our relationship with our father(s), we need to ask God to show us how the relationship has still worked in our favor.

God makes no mistakes. Our situation was suitable for His purposes. No circumstances are wasted.

Read Hebrews 12:3-11 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 44

Expect to Receive So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

Acts 3:5 (NKJV)

No one has all the answers, but Christians should have some of them.

Unbelievers and even some believers are looking to us for help, looking to us for encouragement, and looking to us to point them to Christ. How easy it is for some to pull out money and material things to help others.

Sometimes that is completely appropriate, but other times it’s not what they need. They need a word from God; they need salvation in Christ Jesus.

In Acts chapter 3 there was a man who had been lame from birth.

Because he was unable to walk, others took him up and laid him at the gate daily to beg for money from those going into the temple. In his usual manner he commenced to ask money of Peter and John. He had been asking for what he thought he needed for many years, yet his position at the gate hadn’t changed. Peter, fixing his eyes on him and under the discerning of the Spirit, understood that the lame man needed more than money. Peter said, “‘Look at us.’ So he [the lame man] gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them” (vv. 4-5).

Scripture recounts that he gave them his attention because he had an expectation. Likewise, we have people all around us who are lying at the gate waiting for us to say, “Look at us!” Peter didn’t give him money, but he gave him Christ (v. 6). What can others expect to receive from us when they are crippled with sin? Certainly, it’s more than silver and gold. If we give them money only, they will remain cripple. If we give them Jesus, they will have freedom from sin’s crippling effects. Give them Christ!

Read Acts 3:1-10 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 45

To Hear Him Say Well Done For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Acknowledge them.

1 Corinthians 16:18 (NASB)

We use the refresh button frequently to reload web pages— particularly if a web page is taking longer than usual to load. The refresh button pushes the page to load quicker so the user can get on with browsing. Sometimes we need to be refreshed so we can get on with our walk, too. In whatever God has called you to do, at some point, you will need to be refreshed.

Many Christians will plan vacations and getaways to renew their strength, but they leave the Word of God out of their vacation plans. I suppose this type of planning may relax the body, but it doesn’t do much for the soul. A change of scenery is always nice. But if the change doesn’t involve a new way of thinking about the old scenery, we will find ourselves needing another vacation as soon as we return home.

We can be refreshed by the Word every day without even leaving our residence. Early mornings are my favorite! Before my day fully begins, I need that time of prayer, reflection, and redirection that comes strictly from communing with God first thing in morning. My stressors may not disappear for the day, but my resolve is stronger, and my focus is sharper. Although His Word is the primary mechanism for refreshment, others have a vital role in refreshing us as well. In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul expressed joy and gladness having been refreshed in the spirit by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaieus (vv. 17-18). Isn’t it wonderful how God will send someone to aid in the revitalization of our spirit. We need people like that in our inner circle—ones with whom we can express our joy, our pain, our stressors, our fears, and we know they understand.

They give us a gentle push toward perseverance. Refresh with the Word of God early and the saints of God often. Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 46

Is It Really Good?

The good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

1 Timothy 5:25 (NKJV)

Good works are not synonymous with good things. This is important to know because many people (including some Christians) believe that all “good” is created equal. Dr. Evans notes that good works are those which are biblically consistent, bring glory to God, and advance the kingdom of God while edifying the body of Christ. This is impossible unless the Spirit abides in us.

A seed is planted in fertile ground, and after a while, it produces a great harvest. From one tiny seed sown a bountiful harvest may be reaped. But what is required of us? We must be willing participants in the process. The Holy Spirit does the work in us, and we are responsible for making ourselves available. Daily we must subject ourselves to the leading and the authority of the Holy Spirit. Daily we must engage and renew our mind with the Word of God. And daily we must take up His cause and carry our own cross in the [sometimes] arduous task of doing His will. It is an unencumbered, long-term bend in God’s direction for the free-flowing production of good works that will bring glory to God. This can be troubling for some people. Most of us want the production, but we shun the process. We want gain, but we forgo His guidance. We want the harvest, and we want it with haste. We must be patient as the Spirit of God works in us to produce a beautiful bloom from the implanted seed. His seed is synchronized to produce good works. When we surrender our will to the Lord, the fruit of Spirit will be evident in the consistent pattern of good works we display for Christ’s sake and God’s glory (Titus 2:7; 1 Tim. 5:25).

Read Ephesians 2:10 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 47

No Ruffled Feathers Today Resist him [the devil], firm in your faith.

1 Peter 5:9 (NASB)

You had a good night sleep, but you will need more than that to fight off the enemy. You will need a sustaining dose of God’s Word this morning. It could be that today something or someone is set to ruffle your feathers. What does that mean? Think of a beautiful bird with his feathers even and flat—perfectly aligned. Now imagine that a cat sneaks up behind the bird aiming for the kill. It doesn’t kill the bird and the bird gets away, but its feathers are disheveled. It doesn’t look the same. Its feathers have been ruffled, and it’s going to take work to get them back in order.

We can’t control the actions of others, but we can control our reaction.

The enemy is not interested in us having a good day. We must be instrumental in making sure we have one—despite the negative comment from a coworker, the less than favorable evaluation from the boss, and the provocation from those people we may meet in the marketplace.

Scripture describes the enemy as a roaring lion walking about and seeking to demolish or overwhelm, but we do not have to become his prey (1 Peter 5:8). But if we neglect our time with the Lord before setting out to work or play, the enemy will not only ruffle our feathers, but he may pluck them from our person.

We have a choice. We do not have to be a sitting duck. First John 4:4 encourages us to recognize the power on the inside of us. Greater is God’s power in us than the power of him who is in the world. Christ on the inside is far greater than the enemy working through folks on the outside. It’s true every day and in all situations. But Christ’s power will only be a real, reckoning force in our lives if we hide His Word in our hearts. Begin today!

Read 1 Peter 5:8-11 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 48

The Oil of Joy Give unto them beauty for ashes.

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

Only God can take the heaviness of our heart and replace it with profound joy. Only He can take away sin leading to eternal damnation and replace it with the glory of eternal life. Most of the time we look for a fair exchange. I’ll take this if you’ll take that—and it must be fair to us before the exchange of goods. Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t operate like us? The people of Judah were sinful, disobedient, and unjust before the LORD, but Isaiah believed that vindication was in the future for Judah. He proclaimed, “The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will designate” (Isaiah 62:2). He believed that God would exchange their sin for His glory.

The prophet spoke of Christ in Isaiah 61 commenting that He has been anointed to “bring good tidings unto the meek…bind up the brokenhearted…proclaim liberty to the captives…to comfort all that mourn….and give unto them beauty for ashes” (vv. 1-3). It was customary in ancient tradition of the Jews to wear sackcloth and to sprinkle ashes upon their head during times of great trial and calamity.

The people’s response to the decree to kill the Jews demonstrates this truth (Esther 4:3). But God made an exchange available to us when He sent Jesus. The Savior repeated Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 4:18-19, stating that the prophecy has been fulfilled in Him. Jesus came to give us abundant life. Today we can rejoice with the oil of gladness. We can put on a garment of praise because we have been redeemed. He exchanged His life for ours; therefore, we have victory over the enemy and triumph in all adversity. Put on the oil of joy today!

Read Isaiah 61:1-3 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 49

When It’s Hard to Believe I do believe; help my unbelief.

Mark 9:24 (NASB)

For what are you believing God? There may be some things that God has told you that He will do on your behalf, but you’re not fully trusting Him. Your lack of faith may be delaying the promise. When we believe what God has told us, we have the advantage.

Mark chapter 9 gives the account of a man who approached Jesus because his son was possessed with a demonic spirit. Before Jesus arrived, the disciples attempted to cast out the spirit to no avail. Jesus immediately pointed to their lack of faith saying, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me” (v. 19). The man heard Jesus reference the disciples’ lack of faith. You would think the man would have checked his own faith, but he didn’t. He said to Jesus, “‘If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!'” The Savior answered, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes” (vv. 22-23). It seems the father was trapped by the same conflicting thoughts that we have today, “‘I do believe, help my unbelief'” (v. 24).

We believe God, but sometimes there’s still an element of doubt that lingers. We know what He said, and we know He can do it. But will He do it for us? How is it going to happen? We try to figure out exactly how He is going to do it. And when we can’t, we are tempted to doubt. If we could pin God down to the exact timing and to His exact interventions, then we would fully believe. But that’s not faith. The creation mustn’t try to figure out the Creator. The suffering father did not deny his doubting tendency, but instead he asked Jesus for help. We must do the same. Ask Him for help to believe.

Read Mark 9:14-29 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 50

Don’t Hit the Back Button Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

Hitting the back button can delay our prospering in the truth we already know. When I would take tests for my online classes, the instructions were always the same for each test: “Please note that you should not hit the BACK button on your browser while testing because this will lock you out and you will have to send an email to your instructor for re-access.” I was prepared for the test that was in front of me, but if I attempted to revert, I would seriously delay the mastery.

We mustn’t go backwards, since we have new life in Christ. Tests, trials, and tribulations are always on the horizon. This life is like a roller coaster—many ups and downs and little straightaways. How does the believer delay the realization of victory over the hardships in life? By always hitting the back button. Even though it doesn’t work, there is something strangely comforting about returning to the old way we used to do it (John 21:3). We sometimes want some of the old mixed in with the new, perhaps thinking this will represent the total package. But that’s not the case. Even electronics that use alkaline batteries will have this warning printed on the device: Do not to mix old batteries with the new batteries. Why? Because the old batteries will cause the new batteries to drain faster. In the same manner, we drain our spirit when we decide to walk backwards in the flesh.

Testing is inevitable. Every time we master one, we gain strength and confidence for the next one. Forget those things which are behind and seek what is before you in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:3).

Read Philippians 3:13-14 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 51

Stop Dumpster Diving!

You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things.

1 Samuel 12:21 (NASB)

Stop looking in the trash can for your blessings. Stop going after the things that are futile—turning aside to your own ways and our own thoughts. It can become a vicious cycle—turning to the dumpster, and then back to God, and then back to the dumpster again.

Despite the bountiful provision God had given His people, they demanded to have a visible, tangible king to rule over them (1 Sam. 8:4).

The prophet Samuel was displeased because he knew it was not the will of the LORD. But the LORD told Samuel to listen to the people and warn them concerning how a king would rule over them. The people refused to listen to Samuel. Their response, “‘No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles'” (vv. 19-20). The LORD granted the request; Saul was made king over Israel. Sometimes we must back off and let people realize the error of their ways in time. It may not be the ideal way, but sometimes it’s the only way. This was the case with the Israelites.

Eventually the people recognized that asking for a king was sinful.

They asked Samuel to pray for them so that they would not die because of their sins (1 Samuel 12:19). Samuel prayed for the people and encouraged them not to fear, but instead to follow the LORD with all their heart and not to turn aside to “futile things which cannot profit or deliver” (v. 21). When we recognize that our way is not best, we can yield to God for direction. Too many of us are diving into dumpsters hoping this time we will resurface with a golden nugget. Don’t put your hope in what holds trash—cans nor people. Read 1 Samuel 12:20-25 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 52

One Reason to Praise Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 148:1 (KJV)

None of us know what God has truly done (in its entirety) for another person. God has gotten us out of some things that we ain’t never told nobody (pardon the double negatives), and we’re never going to tell them. People are never going to understand your praise. Some onlookers at church, when they should be praising themselves, find themselves looking at you and watching you praise. We shouldn’t be too concerned about someone else’s story because we should have our own, if we’re in Christ. None of us came to Him on a silver platter with gold trim. We were likely beat down, and somebody told us to try Jesus. Now when we lift our hands and say to Him, “Thank you, Father God,” He knows exactly why we’re in pieces with gratitude to Him. If we told onlookers the real story—not the commercial one with the clean version—but the raw story with all our crazy thinking that went along with our crazy actions, they would be crying “Hallelujah,” too.

We can’t tell what a person has been through just by looking at them.

Many Christians take 2 Corinthians 5:17 to heart—living out the fact that we are new creations in Christ. We take it seriously, and we frame our thoughts according the new nature. But when we praise, we often remember the old nature and our praise is authentic—thanking Him for freedom from bondage, sin, and death. Sheer joy that an amazing God would love us so much that He would save us. I don’t know about you, but that’s one reason why I praise.

Quit worrying about what people think about you. They don’t know your story—not the whole one anyway. Our praise is sincere when we consider our own story—what Christ has done for us. Read Psalm 148 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 53

Bobbing for Apples Bad company corrupts good manners.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NASB)

Bobbing for apples is disgusting when you think about it. It’s as unsanitary as it is disgusting—putting our mouths in the same water as everyone else trying to get an apple. If we agree about how unhealthy it is to bob for apples with other people, we should agree that it is at least equally unhealthy to enter relationships with others who may pass on their bad mannerisms to us.

Solomon’s wisdom was unmatched. He asked God for wisdom instead of riches. This pleased God, and God gave him both. Solomon started out well during his reign, but his finish was less than optimal. He allowed his wives and concubines to turn his heart away from God to other gods, and this angered God. Solomon’s companions were a bad influence upon him, and the consequence of having his kingdom divided had lasting impact (1 Kings 11:11).

In bobbing for apples, we try to clinch the apple between our teeth.

The water makes the apples slippery and the task very difficult. Most times we come up with nothing—except the exchange of backwash. I think we understand the ramifications of bobbing for apples with other people, but do we understand the ramifications of harmful relationships?

We have the same tendency in attempting to maintain harmful and hurtful relationships. The relationship is slippery and elusive; many times, we end up with nothing except unhealthy exchanges. Solomon found out the hard way that your company does matter (1 Cor. 15:33).

Whether it’s friendships or courtships, we are likely to pick up the habits and tendencies (good and bad) of others close to us. Keep the risk low. Get God’s direction before the relationship. Read 1 Kings 11:1-13 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 54

Only Be Reasonable Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1 (KJV)

What can we possibly give back to holy God for sending His own Son to die for our sins? To take on the sins of people who hated Him? Jesus not only took our sin upon Himself, but He took on the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). What then can we offer Him? There is no more payment for sin, for Jesus paid it all (Heb. 9:12). We have only one thing left to do: live sacrificially for Him (Rom. 12:1).

In other words, presenting our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice is the truest form of worship we can give to holy God. It’s only reasonable that we should do so because of His atoning sacrifice for us. To live sacrificially means to put to death our flesh every day—placing His purpose, His agenda, and His will above our own. We are to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature (Col. 3:5). To those things which seek to seize our attention, captivate our senses, and lead us away from His precepts, we must be as dead men and women because of our relationship with Christ. When we desire a way that is contrary to His way, we cast it aside and fall in line with the purposes and plan of God. Sacrificial living is not carrying on in our Christian walk as we did before we came to Christ. It’s more than what we do on Sunday mornings in worship service. Even the unsaved can “do” church right on Sunday mornings. But they cannot live sacrificially the rest of the week.

We don’t have to try to appear holy and righteous. For if it is true on the inside, it will be obvious on the outside, too.

Read Romans 12:1-2 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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It’s for You It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35 (KJV)

Most times when we give we think about how much of a blessing we are being to the recipient of the gift. In reality though, the Bible teaches that the giver profits more than the recipient. Paul wrote to the saints at Philippi who sent aid to him when he was in need, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Phil.

4:17). He told them that he did not seek the gift, as special as it was, but rather the fruit that they would receive because of their kindheartedness.

His chief concern was for those who were giving—that they would receive an overflowing to their account and not his own. What would Christian giving look like if we understood what Paul was saying? How many more people could the saints help if we would stop counting the cost of our giving?

As we mature in the faith we will begin to understand that the real blessing belongs to us when we loosen our grip and give to the work of the Lord. Acts 20:35 helps us to understand the magnitude of our blessing: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If we’re in a position to give, God has already shown His faithfulness to us. And He will continue to do it. All we have belongs to the Lord. He gives us life, strength, health, and knowledge to earn wages to give back to Him and bless others, too. We have nothing without His intervention—no matter how resourceful we think we are. All good gifts come from God (James 1:17).

Don’t miss your opportunity to give. The blessing is for you. God never forgets our good deeds (Heb. 6:10). Read Philippians 4:10-20 Notes/Application___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 56

Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 May 2018

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2018 58

We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Š 2012-2018 Thirst Ministries, Inc. 59

May God bless you in 2018 and fill you daily with His power. Never faint! Always believe that you will see His goodness while you yet live.

Tabitha A. Person

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