Sound Mind Set: Recent Episodes
Kindred Resources / SPS
Daily, short guided meditations and reflections to help you be fully present in God's Presence to encounter Him more intimately. Be still and know that I am God.
Jesus’ words of promise in John 14:27-28:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”
Jesus offers you a gift not of this world that can only be found in Him. His heavenly peace for your mind and heart can overcome any temporary trouble or fear. The Prince of Peace is with You now and is coming back for You one day to live in His kingdom.
What trouble, what fear, are you experiencing today that needs to be exchanged right now for Christ’s gift?
Jesus’ words of promise again from the Message Bible:
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
No matter what you may be walking through today, remember, for the Christ-follower, God’s gift of peace is available now and His best is always yet to come.
Prayer- “Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Help me not to look to the world, to not be troubled or afraid, but to look to You and look forward to Your return.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AMEN.
Isaiah 26:3-4 encourages:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
You know that on any given day, where you place your trust, where your thoughts tend to go, determines your level of peace. Isaiah offers that the only “perfect peace” can be found in surrendering your thoughts to the eternal, immovable, unshakable Rock.
To whom, where, or how are your thoughts being displaced and distracted today?
Listen again to Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Message bible:
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Today, can you keep you mind set on God who promises to keep you whole?
This passage promises we will be steady on their feet, because we keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Pray: “Father, keep me in Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Keep my thoughts fixed on You. Help me to trust You today, Lord God, my eternal Rock.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
David writes in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
In God’s kingdom, strength and peace work in unison. That is why you sense a quiet, calming reassurance when His peace enters your racing mind and struggling heart.
What place of weakness today needs His strength? What struggle needs His peace?
Listen to the passage again from the Message Bible The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. God knows all about us and what we will be dealing with way before we do and He is quick to come to our rescue at any time.
Notice the passage doesn’t say anything about David’s strength. It says “the Lord GIVES strength to his people”
God’s gift of strength is at the door of your heart right now. His gift of peace is at the threshold to your thoughts in this moment. Open up and embrace them both as His gifts.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, give me Your strength. Please grant me with Your peace.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN
Listen to David’s closing words in Psalm 4, verse 8:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
David had many days and nights where his enemies were stalking, seeking to harm him. Living under threat, confessing that he would fully depend on God to protect him while he slept in peace was a strong statement of faith.
Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like a stalking enemy, seeking to harm you?
You believe in your head that God is capable of keeping you safe?
Can you confess that belief out loud to yourself and to God, just like David did?
Trust God with your safety and security. Let your heart find peace.
Pray:
“Father, grant me Your peace as I lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, will keep me safe.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
Jesus said in John 16:32-33:
“Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
In Christ, you are never alone. There will always be troubles, trials, and sorrows here on earth, but in and through everything you experience, Jesus is there, offering His peace and encouraging you to “take heart.”
What trial are you walking through today that needs to be overcome by the peace of Christ?
You may be dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That’s exactly what it means to lose heart.
When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it’s something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn’t become a reality until we actually make the choice.
What is one area of your life that you can make the choice to take heart? to be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer.
Breathe in - inviting Christ’s peace into your day. Exhale, letting go of weariness and discouragement.
Move into the Balance of Christ’s peace, which is with you.
Pray: “Father, I know I am not alone because You are with me. May I find my peace in You and take heart that You have overcome my world.” As above. So below.
Our final passage for this week comes from Jesus, where He again promises peace as only He can give. Listen to John 14:24-28 … Remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. (NLT) When life gets crazy and the chaos ensues inside or outside our home, it is easy to forget that His Spirit lives within us. He has left us a gift of heavenly peace of mind and heart. When we are troubled or afraid, He is as close as the breath within. The peace He offers is not a momentary manufactured one, but the kind that has already set the world right and all we have to do is call on and receive what is already there.
Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible … The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me. “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
What have you learned about peace this week?
What can you do to work peace into more of your life?
How can you make your home a sanctuary where God is always at home with you and your kids?
We pray you have found peace here this week. Words of peace that connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and Your gift of peace. I invite You into my heart and home to make them both what You desire. As above, so below.”
Today, once again we will focus on just one verse … Matthew 5:9 … God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT) In this world of war, trouble, and conflict, we realize peace never comes easy. Sin causes peace to be elusive. So to get peace, to be at peace, is going to take some work, some effort on our part. Yes, God’s brand of peace is a gift from Him, but even that comes at a cost. We have to choose to sacrifice our own ways and surrender to Him to receive His peace.
In our circles of influence, relationships, families, and homes, we can choose to work toward peace. When we do, God will bless and we will be known as His children.
Listen to this verse in The Message Bible … You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
Where in your life, if you were honest, you know you have given up on peace?
Where does peace seem to come fairly easy in your life? Why is that?
Where do you need to work to show people how to cooperate instead of compete?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, everywhere in my life, especially at home, help me, teach me to show cooperation and not competition. To show who I am in You and my place in Your family. As above, so below.”
Today, we will focus on one simple and single verse … Listen to Proverbs 29:17 … Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. (NLT) In our western culture, we tend to always associate discipline only with punishment. But the true definition and connotation of discipline is structure, form, parameters, guardrails. Yes, punishment and consequences are involved, but that is the defense aspect of discipline. The offense is proper training. Think of today’s verse this way … Give your children the proper training and structure and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this verse … Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did— they’ll turn out delightful to live with.
What if you were able to turn the meaning of discipline around in your home to be associated with delightful? Wouldn’t delightful make your home more peaceful?
Take a step this week toward this new concept of discipline—structure and form to operate within.
What is one form of structure that you can do this week to bring a sense of stability and peace in your home?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, guide me, teach me to bring more of the kind of discipline You as a loving Father want in my home. Bring peace. Bring delight. I’ll take all of that I can get. As above, so below.”
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 …
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God’s peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it’s far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude.
What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God’s hand?
Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
We all know we live in a chaotic world filled with noise coming from all directions. We know that God ordained and blessed the family as the first union and community. So, for ourselves and our kids we need to take every step possible to make our homes into a sanctuary where God’s presence and peace are welcome and manifested.
Let’s start this week with a very familiar passage. Let’s take the words and apply them to our homes. Listen to Psalm 23 … The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)Is there an action or attitude that you do or have that disrupts the scripture describes as ‘rest in green meadows’ or ‘leads by peaceful streams’ in your home?
How can you make your home a place that feels like a green meadow or a peaceful stream where strength is renewed?
We all experience ‘dark valleys” - our kids do too… Is there something that you can do to be what God describes himself as doing - being with us in dark valleys? How can we better be ‘with’ our kids in their dark valley?
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
No matter how close or how far away you may feel Psalm 23 fits your home or is a place where you sense God’s peace, we want to encourage you to find one, just one, step you can take to invite God’s presence in. As you make your home His home, you and your kids will feel more at home than ever before.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want you to fill my home from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with Your presence. Make my home a Psalm 23 sanctuary, as only You can do by Your peace. As above, so below.”
Our final passage for this week is a familiar one, but has so many great applications for our lives to encourage us to seize the day … Philippians 3:12-16 … I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT) Let’s focus on what Paul said he focused on … this one thing … forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. When we move on, but are constantly looking backwards, something is wrong. Remember—Paul had a lot of horrible violence in his past, all done in the name of religion. He had a lot to forget, but he stated exactly how he had to choose to move forward into what Christ had for his life. Great advice … Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible … I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
What has God shown you this week?
What has He called you to let go of … for the last time? Lay it down and never turn back?
What has He called you to take on and never let go of?
We pray you have found some healing and health this week. That’s always our goal, to connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I need to, for the final time, let go of what You have told me to let go of. I need to listen to You and take up what You have called me to take up. As above, so below.”
Our Scripture today is Colossians 3:12-16 … Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. (NLT) In several places throughout Scripture, God used the concept of putting on His qualities just like we choose to put on clothing. The practical side of this is, one, we choose to put on what we wear, and two, that is the majority of what people see on us, our clothing. The same can be true of His qualities.
What we may choose to quote-unquote wear from our past can still show in the present. People can literally see our hurts, pain, victimization, bitterness, and so on. There comes a point when we have to choose a new wardrobe and let people see the person Christ has forgiven and changed. The past is no longer our present and the future is no longer determined by anything, except the present.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
What have you been wearing that you need to take off and throw away? It’s worn out and old and you know it. What once may have been a security blanket is now a funeral shroud.
What of Christ’s qualities listed in today’s passage, do you need to put on and keep on?
If you choose peace in your heart, it will surely show in your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I choose to put on love, humility, compassion, kindness, strength, and peace. As above, so below.”
Our own minds, along with the words of the Accuser, are going to constantly try to bring the past back up, acting as if it is today’s headlines. The more we press into the Lord and His love, the less this will occur, and the more we can deal with it in health.
Listen to Psalm 85:7-10 …
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (NLT) For many of us, the past had plenty of foolish ways. So we have to constantly take inventory of our lives to invite the words God speaks, to listen carefully to Him as He speaks truth to us. When we hear Him and do what He asks, then our land—our homes—can be filled with His glory and love, truth, righteousness, and peace will mark our lives.
Is there any foolish way from the past that you know needs to be kicked out of your house, so to speak?
Is there a new level of listening to God, a new place of obedience, that you need to commit to hear Him as He speaks peace to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me your unfailing love and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what You say as You speak peace. Help me to not return to foolish ways. My salvation is near, so my home will be filled with Your glory, Your unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.
Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT) Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.
Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ’s table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.
In repeating today’s passage, let’s now add verse 8 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don’t have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.
As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That’s exactly what He wants you to do.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I’m tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, the very first step, is to first, forgive ourselves and next, and for some of us this can be a really tough one, to forgive others. Essentially, we need to clean house of all unforgiveness. If we don’t let go, the past is going to keep haunting us because we are giving it the power to stay current, which then hinders our future.
A great place to start is with Jesus’ own words from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 … “… and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (NLT) He continued this theme in verses 14 and 15 … If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT) When we struggle to forgive ourselves, or someone else for past hurts, Jesus’ words can feel like a threat or some kind of ultimatum. That is not the intention at all. He simply stated a spiritual truth about how God works.
Think about it. It makes sense. Why should we expect to have something happen for us that we are not willing to extend ourselves? God knows our personal freedom lies in our ability to forgive.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … “Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. … In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
To make peace with your past, forgiveness is the first key to unlock freedom. Any bitterness that we carry causes us to also carry around that other person, causing more pain, while he or she is out free and not thinking about us at all. So we have to ask ourselves, is it really worth what I’m losing? Or am I ready to gain back my freedom?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me the grace and the strength to forgive myself, everyone who has hurt me, and then help me keep my list clean, knowing You died to give me that freedom. As above, so below.”
Luke 22:39-42 …
Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (NLT) For most of us, when we want to avoid something hard coming at us, we pray for God to remove the suffering. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with that prayer.
But then the key is if He doesn’t, what do we do? How do we respond? Blame Him? Question His goodness? Think He no longer loves us?
First, notice Jesus didn’t say, “Father, if you can …” but rather “Father, if you are willing …”
When we pray about anything hard, any kind of suffering, any sort of difficulty that we have to go through, asking God to take it away makes a lot of sense. But adding Jesus’ last sentence is a huge step of faith and maturity. “Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.” That is an entirely new level of faith and trust to be like Jesus to that extent, because to pray that, we have to know He wants the best for us, no matter what.
Whether you are in a dark time right now, or the next time you are, remember Jesus’ choice in the Garden—to trust God’s will for You.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know wanting Your will isn’t just about blessings. Trusting You in the dark times is what faith is really about. Help me to trust You and Your will with Jesus as my Example and Goal. As above, so below.”
Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible for asking God’s protection and provision when troubles come. There is a hopeful tone in the words that cut through the darkness.
Listen to verses 1 and 2 …
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT) When we struggle, when we are trying to find our way through days filled with trouble, knowing that God is the shelter where we can find rest and the refuge where we can find safety is a huge comfort and encouragement. But the key is in the final words: He is my God and I trust Him.
Listen now to verses 14-16 …
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
When trouble lands on your doorstep, what is your first thought? Your first thought. Is it, how am I going to fix this? Why is this happening to me?
One of the ways we can know we are growing in our faith is when our first thought is to invite God to work. To pray, “Lord, rescue me, protect me, answer me. I need to hear from You.”
I want to encourage you to use Psalm 91 as a prayer for you and your kids. Words like these will help you look to God first when darkness falls.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my Shelter, my Refuge, my Place of safety. My Rescue. My Protector. My answer. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is about Jesus in John 1:1-5 … In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT) If you walk into a well-lit room at night to go to sleep, you don’t think, “I need to turn on the darkness.” No. You think, “I need to turn off the light.” Only the absence of light creates darkness. Even a candle lit on a dark night can be seen for miles.
Next, listen to Jesus’ words further down in John 8:12 … Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
When you walk through darkness in your life, look for how you can let light in. The only way you can affect the darkness is by allowing in light.
Where do you need “the light that leads to life” today? Pray and ask Jesus to be that in your life. Remember our first passage—"the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there is so much darkness today all over. Help me to remember You are the Light, my Light, to dispel the darkness and nothing can put that out. As above, so below.”
When we are walking through dark days, reading Scripture and praying Scripture can be very comforting, especially David’s words in the Psalms. Listen to Psalm 40:11-13 … Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (NLT) Did you notice how brutally honest David was with God? He held nothing back. In fact, he asked God to hold nothing back to help him. But he was also transparent about his own disobedience and need.
As is often the case, the words of The Message Bible get a bit more straightforward … Now God, don’t hold out on me, don’t hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt. I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help, Who is the one friend you have that you can say anything at all and know you won’t be judged?
Have you ever considered that is the kind of honesty that God welcomes from you when life is really hard? Remember—unlike a close friend, you aren’t telling Him anything He doesn’t already know.
When darkness falls on your heart, pick a Psalm and read it out loud. Let the words become your own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, keep reminding me that I can say anything to You. Lead me to the words in Psalms that can best reflect my heart when I struggle, and use the words to pray. As above, so below.”
When we think of someone in the Bible who experienced dark times, Job has to be near the top of the list. Because he was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, the enemy wiped out his family, his livelihood, and even threatened his health. But when we fast-forward to chapter 42 after many chapters of questions and discussions, we find an amazing revelation as a response to his suffering.
Listen to verses 1-6 …
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Throughout our lives, God gives blessings while He allows suffering. He alone decides what we need, when we need it, and as a good Father, what will keep us close to Him day by day.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
How do you tend to respond when hard things happen in your life? Maybe here we go again? Why me, Lord? I’ll just put my head down and get through this?
Whether blessing or hardship, a great prayer to pray is: God, show me what You are doing. How do you want me to respond to this?
What we can learn from Job’s suffering and his response is that God wants us to have a first-hand experience with Him, not live off of rumors or someone else’s experience. That’s what a close relationship is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit I want all blessing and no suffering. Yet, I know I tend to grow the most when things get tough. Help me to look for how I can know You first-hand, like a Father to His child. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is taken from Romans 15:1-13 … We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive …. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. … May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. … I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT) Isn’t it interesting that no matter how much we have been hurt, how much we distrust, how guarded we may try to be, when we take our eyes off ourselves and fully focus on meeting someone else’s needs, somehow the world seems right for a few minutes?
That’s because we weren’t designed to be hurt or to hurt, but to help, to serve. We weren’t designed to distrust, but to trust. We weren’t designed to focus on our own needs, but to help others.
When we choose to live in community the way this week’s Scripture passages have encouraged us to do, we line up with our original design because Christ offers that opportunity.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. … God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! … May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
In your community, where do you need to step in and lend a hand?
Who do you need to ask, “How can I help?”
Where does your life need to sing in harmony with others in an anthem for God’s glory?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to expand my community to who I need and who needs me. Help me to receive the help I need while giving my help to whom it’s needed. Help me to find harmony with those You want me to worship with. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 1 Peter 4:8-13 … Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (NLT) What gifts do you see in your life that you know God uses?
What service do you do that you just feel the presence of God when You are involved in it? It just feels peaceful to you, almost as if you can sense God smiling?
What do you do that you can tell impacts others even more than it affects you?
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible … Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Did you catch the phrase: “Love each other as if your life depended on it.”? Who do you love like that? Who needs you to love them like that?
Who needs your words? Who needs your “hearty help”? Who needs some of God’s bright presence in their life with you being the one who delivers it?
Our community will be made up of those who love us, but also those we need to love.
Like the last verse said: This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Let’s pray together: “Father, from the love I give to the trials I walk through, help me to reflect Your presence. Help me to love like my life depends on it—just like You do. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is James 5:13 through 16, 19 and 20.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. … My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (NLT) This entire passage from praying to confessing has to do with being involved in a community of believers who trust one another, desire to help one another, and will even go the extra mile to rescue others.
Confessing our sins to God is a given. But having someone to get real with about the evils and struggles of our own hearts can accelerate our spiritual growth. Especially as we create accountability and pray for one another.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this passage … Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. … My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Where do you go when you’re hurting?
Where do you go when something great happens?
Where do you go when you just can’t seem to get rid of something that’s hurting you?
Who would come after you if you wandered away from your faith?
Who would you go after if you saw them wandering away?
Whoever’s names you answered with … that, my friend, is your faith community.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for those who would work to rescue me and those You have placed in my life that I would rescue. Help me to surrender more to You each day so I can gain everyone in my community that You desire to be in it. As above, so below.
Today, our Scripture is Romans 12:1-5 …
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT) We’re all grateful that God no longer requires any sort of physical sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, right? But yet, sacrifice is still a crucial part of following Jesus. In fact, it’s an everyday event. From the desires of our bodies, minds, hearts, and attitudes, we have to give up what we want if we are going to honor God and others. Notice what this sacrifice gains us … we realize we are part of a greater Body of believers, a community of people who belong to and function together.
Listen once again to this passage as I read excerpts from The Message Bible… So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. … we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. … So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
Today, what do you need to sacrifice?
What do you need to embrace?
What do you need to readily recognize that God is wanting to tell you about your life, your community, your role in His kingdom and Body?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life. I give myself to You. I embrace all You have for me. I ask You to bring out the best in me, for You and for the sake of those You desire for me to reach. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with Philippians 2:1-5
… Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (NLT)
Today’s passage starts and ends with Jesus. In the community united in Christ, we can receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, agreement, and humility as we work together in one mind and purpose … and here’s the real key—with the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible
… If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
As our culture becomes increasingly self-absorbed and self-focused, these Christlike qualities are going to become more and more attractive to our own hearts, to those in the faith, and those outside.
What phrase jumped out at you today?
I love the idea of “deep-spirited friends.” When we choose to put ourselves aside and help others get ahead, we can experience a community of deep-spirited friends. We will find those folks we can trust, lean on, count on, and do life with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the kind of heavenly comfort, encouragement, and fellowship we can have in You. Help me to be the kind of friend in the faith that today’s passage talks about and be a part of Your community that can change the world. As above, so below.”
Today is our final day of a week spent challenging ourselves to place all our confidence not in ourselves or others but in God.
Let’s go back to King David in the Psalms and look at a declaration He wrote for his life that we too need to choose to make:
Listen to chapter 118, verses 5 thru 9 …
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord … (NLT)
Think about the relationship that brings you the most stress right now, even someone that you fear or whose behavior invokes fear. A circumstance that brings you fear. How can this passage encourage you, bring you confidence, offer you safety, set you free?
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible, but this time, I’m going to add down to verse 16.
Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered. God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me? God’s my strong champion; I flick off my enemies like flies. Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities. … I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” (MSG)
Say this declaration with me:
The Lord is for me, …
so I will have no fear. …
What can mere people do to me? …
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
Can you hang onto that thought and place your faith in Him with that statement? “The Lord is for me so I will have no fear.” And to do that, your confidence will have to be in your Father, not in yourself. And as have hopefully seen this week, that’s a really good decision.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are for me and I will have no fear. With You, what can anyone do to me? You are for me and I believe and have confidence that You will help me. As above, so below.”
Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we’ll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don’t trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind.
Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 …
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT)
It’s tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right?
It’s hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn’t it?
But doesn’t the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing?
All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father.
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible
… When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post …
Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy?
Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make?
What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest barriers to salvation itself can be mistakenly believing that we are somehow better than others, and that somehow guarantees Heaven. How many times have we heard someone say, “Well, I’m a good person”? But even after salvation, comparison to others and placing confidence in our ability to do good works can quickly get us off-track in our faith.
In Luke 18, Jesus used a parable to show us how God feels about confidence in our own righteousness.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (vv. 9-14 NLT) The Pharisees were considered the mega-church pastors of the day, looked up to and revered for their spirituality. Tax collectors were looked at like we view sleazy, ambulance-chasing attorneys. For Jesus to flip this paradigm on its head was very controversial. Both men prayed but one focused on others’ sin, while the other man focused on his own sin. One didn’t think he needed God and the other desperately did.
Being honest, don’t many of us go back and forth between feeling really good about ourselves and flirting with the thinking of the Pharisee or being very convicted and relating to the tax collector?
One of the many paradoxes of the Gospel is that true confidence can only be found in humility. In knowing God, we discover who we are and find our identity in surrender to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ teaching, as controversial as it was then and now. Thank You that Your truth is a paradox to this world. Help me to discover my confidence as I humble myself before You. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is on placing our confidence in God, which of course means increasing our faith in Him. The Bible is filled with promises to us, offering the great consequences of a life of trusting Him. Listen to Jeremiah 17:7-8 … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (NLT) Trust … Hope … Confidence. Several times in Scripture the authors used a tree planted by a river as a metaphor for our lives. For the weary traveler, a large, healthy tree beside a river meant protection from the elements and provision for thirst. The very reason the tree could provide shelter is because its roots were not reliant on the changing weather but on the constant flow of the river. Such a great analogy for our lives rooted in God.
Using this metaphor, is there heat or drought that is causing you to struggle, to wither? What’s the source of that issue?
What places in your life would you connect to blessing, as in having green leaves and lasting fruit? What’s the source of that blessing?
How can you get your roots into the river and not be so reliant on the weather? How can you go deeper with God and place less confidence in the things of the world?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your promises. Thank You that You clearly tell us how life can be when we trust You. Help me to grow deep roots in my faith and place more and more of my confidence in You. As above, so below.”
As we get started on our topic for this week, let me ask: how many times have you sensed you are starting to build up confidence in who you are and how you are doing, only for someone to do something or say something that rips the rug right out of from under you? In a heartbeat, we feel like all our confidence is gone. That is exactly why understanding this week’s truth as a believer is so crucial to our spiritual and emotional health.
Listen to Psalm 146, verses 3 through 10 … Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord! (NLT) For many of us, a great deal of our personal pain and emotional baggage has come from placing too much confidence in other people. And certainly the wrong people. Others did something or failed to do something that negatively affected our trust. Today’s passage warns us to be cautious and gives us so many amazing reasons to get our confidence from our Creator.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says—he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners—he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. God’s in charge—always. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!
As you think through your life right now, is there anywhere you are “putting your life in the hands of experts” when your trust and confidence really needs to be handed over to God? It’s actually amazing how trusting Him can bring us wisdom and discernment that will also improve our relationship with others.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, heal my hurts where I have placed my trust and confidence in the wrong people. Increase my faith and trust in You and lead me to the right relationships in Your community. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope.
Romans15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That’s why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope’.
What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless?
It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope?
It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.
Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us?
Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”
Psalm 77:11-15
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There’s more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us.
Can you think of a situation where you didn’t see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through?
Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through.
Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facing
Let’s pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don’t know what to do. As above, so below”
Psalm 107:1-9
Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas.
Some of you wandered for years in the desert,
looking but not finding a good place to live,
Half-starved and parched with thirst,
staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.
He got you out in the nick of time;
He put your feet on a wonderful road
that took you straight to a good place to live.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;
the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.
This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God .
This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we’ve read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through.
Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn’t always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him.
Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance.
PRAY
Father thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.
Today our scripture reading is from Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Having a spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. The act of giving thanks, of feeling gratitude can actually change our brain chemistry.
No matter what situation you find yourself in, there’s always something around you worth giving thanks for. It may be a small thing, it may be a significant thing. Every day we wake up with a choice. That choice is what we focus on. We can focus on a sense of lack, or what we’re missing, or we can choose to find and focus on those things we are grateful for. And allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts.
Can you think of one thing that you are grateful for ?Maybe its a person, something that has happened, or something that is a blessing - like health, or provision.
Focus on that one thing and everything about that one thing that you are grateful for. Feel it in your body, feel the gratitude and worship Your father in the spirit of gratitude.
Pray with me: “Father I have so much to be grateful for. Help me to work into the discipline of choosing to be grateful, of choosing to find things to give thanks for. Let your peace rule in my heart. As above So Below. ”
2 Corinthians 12:5-10
….I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When we look at our lives, they are full of victories and full of setbacks. In these verses, Paul clarifies the true source of strength. God's strength. He also speaks of ‘a thorn in the flesh’, placed there to keep him from being conceited. It’s interesting to reframe the challenges in our life, failures in our life, and seeing even those play a divine purpose in our lives.
What area of your life feels weak right now?
What is the difficulty in your life right now?
"When I am weak, then I am strong."
This message is countercultural to our society which preaches self-reliance.
Can you admit your weakness to God right now?
Ask for him to give you not only the strength to make it through but also the awareness that in your weakness, He is strong, Turning all things for your good and His glory
Let’s pray: “Holy Father, thank you for your power that shines in my weakness. I confess my failings, I confess my weakness, and I acknowledge those areas of struggle and hardship in the very areas where are you are shining brightest through me.”
Wholeness was our state in the Garden but then the enemy of God came along and, through disobedience, robbed us all of that God-given state. The spiritual battle for us every day is choosing God over that same enemy, just as everyone in the Bible had to deal with as well.
Listen to 1 Peter 5:6-11 …
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. (NLT) Listen for two things: the commands and the promises.
Did you catch them? Let’s review, all under the concept of wholeness and holiness.
The command? Humble yourself. … The promise? God will lift you up in His time.
The command: Give your worries to God. … The promise: God will care for you.
The command: Stand firm against the enemy. … The promise: God’s calling will bring you into His eternal glory.
The command: Endure suffering. … The promise: God will restore, support, and strengthen you.
Wholeness is found on the firm foundation only God can provide.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering wholeness through holiness. Thank You for Your commands for my obedience and Your promises giving me hope. As above, so below.”
Colossians 2:6-10 …
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ.
What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you?
Is there a truth here you didn’t know or didn’t yet fully understand?
The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness.
Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage is Romans 6:21-23 in The Message Bible … As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end. But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
The path to spiritual wholeness—holiness—is what Paul described here as “finding you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do.” Christ gives us a new life, a new path, a new way to live. Christ gives us a choice to not choose sin.
Wholeness is a great word, one we chose to focus on this week, but let’s turn the corner now to understanding that holiness is the complete wholeness that God offers us in Christ.
Have you ever really grasped that Christ has given you the constant choice to not sin?
Is there a sin in your life that you feel is not a choice, one that you keep repeating, even though you don’t want to? Identify that, confess it and ask God to give you the strength choose not to sin.
God’s on-going gift is real life here and eternal life to come delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You offer me a free life. Thank You that I don’t have to listen to sin anymore but can choose You. Thank You for Your gift of wholeness and holiness. As above, so below.”
So much of our Christian lives is spent trying to get rid of things, things we hold onto and struggle with, all while knowing we need to let them go. From attitudes to toxic behaviors to unhealthy relationships. Today, we read a crucial concept for this process. It’s called the Principle of Replacement. Listen to Ephesians 4:31-32 … Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) If you decide to get rid of bitterness today, that’s going to be tough, right? But what if instead, you placed your focus and energy on being kind? What if day by day, you started to make the intentional choice to replace bitterness with kindness? If something triggers bitterness to come up into your throat and the feelings are overwhelming, then you do something kind. Text a friend a thank you. Find a way to encourage the very next person you encounter.
Paul’s teaching was always practical. Bitterness can be replaced with kindness. Rage and anger can be replaced with choosing compassion. Slander and malice can be replaced with forgiveness. If we only focus on getting rid of things, we can easily set ourselves up for failure. But when we instead find a positive and healthy replacement for what we must get rid of, we have a far better shot at success, as well as just creating a better experience.
What is one ‘replacement principle’ I will commit to practicing this week? Kindness? Compassion? Forgiveness?
We all have things we need to rid ourselves of… let’s remember The Principle of Replacement … whatever you’re trying to get rid of to be whole again, ask God to give you something good to replace it with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to take the toxic things I have held onto and replace them with the good gifts You offer me, gifts like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
To get serious about wholeness and total health, we have to take a hard look at ourselves. Today is a tough Scripture passage from Jesus, but also a reminder that there is freedom on the other side of our battles. Listen closely … Jesus is not angry here, just being honest … “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT) As humans, a fact we have to deal with throughout life is the less whole we are in any given season, the more we tend to find fault in others. Whether wanting to justify our own behavior or just being negative about people, we can look around and see the “speck in other’s eyes,” to use Jesus’ words. But notice the important counsel here: “First, get rid of the log in your own eye …”
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Buckle up, this version hits even more closer to home ….
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
The goal of Jesus’ teaching here is not to produce guilt, shame, or self-hatred, but rather getting honest about personal evaluation. Facing our own stuff.
Is there an area of your life that is a ‘speck or log in my own eye’? Can you think of one area to surrender and repent of right now?
Getting real about what we need to surrender to God before we can truly begin the journey toward wholeness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I always love the mercy and grace verses in Your Word, but I know I have to embrace ones like this too. Today, I need to hand over the logs and the specks to You. I want to be whole, so I know some surgery on my heart and work on my attitude are what I need to allow You to do right now. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on stability in a season of instability, we will once again take a look at our available place within a solid and supportive community.
The original Body of Christ should always be our model for our current Body of Christ. God always has one way and what we find in Acts 2 is His way for and to community.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (v. 42-47) What do we see and hear the Body of Christ was all about?
They met together devoted to worship, teaching, fellowship, eating together, and praying. Just brothers and sisters gathering with the common bond of growing in Christ and encouraging one another. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Sounds pretty cool too, right?
If you desire to get rid of as much instability in your life as possible and secure yourself more and more in your relationship with Christ, the template in today’s passage is the key to true community. Merging your life with other believers who have your same heart, mind, and goals is crucial to finding health and maturity in every way, but most especially spiritually.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, life among the believers in the early church was pretty straightforward. Not much frills. Help me to find that. Help me to find my place in Your Body. I know my security and my kids’ security can be found in You and those who love You. As above, so below.”
This week in our look at finding stability in a season of instability, today and tomorrow, we will focus on the support we all need within a solid and supportive community.
When we come to Christ, we are grafted into His family tree. We become a part of His body. That’s what the Bible teaches. We enter into an eternal community where we have a definite and intentional place in which we fit right now.
Listen to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 … The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? … But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. … The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you are included in that passage. You belong to this body that Paul is talking about. You count. You fit. You are in that community with a unique place.
Is there a community you need to separate yourself from?
Are there some toxic relationships you keep allowing to hurt you?
Are you needing a place to fit and do life to secure you inside a healthy community?
You are in the Body of Christ, but are you in a physical community of believers?
If not, what steps do you need to take today to find your place and your space?
But always remember—God has not only prepared a place for you in Heaven, but a place here in His Body, His community, until You join Him. He’s made all the arrangements for eternity but we have a responsibility for what we do while we are here.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the Body of Christ. Thank You for Your community and Your kingdom here. Help me to always take my place in You and with those I need to be connected to. As above, so below.”
This week as we look at finding stability in a season of instability, this is never going to truly come when we keep trying to avoid loneliness by just filling the void with a person. Jumping into relationships when God is not involved or we are not ready just become major distractions that keep us from growing deep roots and getting our lives built on what we talked about yesterday, the Rock that survives the storms.
So often we have to work on creating a good defense before we can have a solid offense. Or here’s another metaphor—we have to pull some weeds before we can plant some flowers.
Today, I’m going to read a longer passage. I want you to listen to the spirit of what Paul is teaching as much as the actual words he says.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT) As I have asked you before here, as I read, did any phrase or sentence jump out at you? Did God run his highlighter over any of this?
Listen to part of today’s passage once again … But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” If you keep yourself pure, … Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone… (NLT) Is there anything in your life today that is creating instability and you know it’s time to pull it out by the roots? Maybe you need some help? Maybe you need some professional help? If today God showed you something, don’t wait, don’t put it off, do what He told you. Reach up, reach out, reach in, whatever you need to do to make things right for your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give You what You placed on my heart right now. I need Your help. Help me to also get the help I need from others to steady my life. Show me what to do. I need Your answers. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is finding stability in a season of instability. Yesterday, we went outside ourselves to God. Today, let’s look into our own hearts.
In Matthew 7, Jesus’ teaching covers quite a few topics, but He offers us a clear metaphor of stability vs. instability and the action we can take to enact His help. Listen to verses 24-27 … “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (NLT) In life, the storms are going to come and keep coming. The rain will fall, the waters will rise, and the winds will beat against our house. Everything that comes at us makes us feel so unsteady and unstable. Jesus said the difference in the house that stands vs. the ones that crash is those who listen to His teaching and follow what He says. The question is not will He save, but will we allow His salvation?
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible. This time I’m going to leave out what happens to the house that doesn’t listen, only the one that does. That should be our focus: what we can do to help ourselves in unstable times.
For a moment, take your mind off of anything that is shaking your world right now. Focus on Jesus. How can you listen to His words and do what He is asking you?
How can you work Christ’s words into your life today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I certainly know what the rains, the floodwaters, and the wind feels like. Help me to work Your words into my life to build my house on You, the Rock. As above, so below.”
This week is a huge topic for anyone these days—finding stability in a time of instability. For Solo parents, there are several factors in play … the first is working on surrender to God to allow His stability to enter our hearts and minds. The second is working on ourselves to be stable in our own feelings and emotions. The third is finding stability, not in trying to fill the void with another relationship, but rather to find support within a solid and supportive community.
The shepherd turned king David certainly understood chaos in life—from his enemies, those around him, and even by his own hand. Let’s begin our look at stability by going to our Source. Listen to David’s words:
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8 NLT) As believers in and followers of Christ, just because the world around us shakes does not mean we have to. If we are in Him, then He holds us in His hands. He is our Hope. Our Rock. Our Fortress. Our Refuge.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … What is making you feel unstable right now? Can you pinpoint the source of your instability?
Whether your answer is one thing or everything, whether your feelings or your thoughts or your actions feel completely shaky, take the focus off the unstable things in and around you and focus on the One who is always stable. Imagine Him holding you now, like a Dad with a child in a storm. Just for this moment, take your eyes off what is shaking and place them on what is solid … Your Hope. Your Rock. Your Fortress. Your Refuge.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I receive Your hope, I want to live with You as my Rock, My Fortress, my Refuge. My anxious thoughts, feelings, and emotions I give to You now. As above, so below.”
On our final day we will focus on a very well-known but always powerful chapter in Scripture - this is from Psalm 139. Listen carefully to the words of verses 1 thru 6
“… O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
If God really does examine your heart and knows everything about you, then don’t you think it’s okay for you to get real with Him about how you feel and what you are feeling about your life and anyone in it? Isn’t it safe to say He can handle whatever you need to get honest about? Have you ever considered venting your emotions with God? I think the Psalms shows us that’s exactly what we are supposed to do.
Here’s the next six verses of Psalm 139 “… I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.”
So, once again, if you can’t go anywhere to get away from God, even in the dark, and He promises to guide and support you, then let this week be a game changer in your relationship with Him. Talk to Him like a best friend. Need to vent? Get loud? Let out some anger and some steam? Go for it. Tell Him what you think and how you feel. Take care of yourself, your hurts and your healing by opening up completely before God. That really is what prayer is about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, it’s time I got honest with You, like really honest. Actually, it’s kind of funny for us to think You can’t handle how I feel or what I might say. Like verse 4 said, You know what I’m going to say before I say it, so just help me to get honest and tell You my heart. As above, so below.”
When the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, He basically answered by boiling them all down to what appears to be two, but is actually three.
Listen to Matthew 22:37-39 …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
So who are we to love? God. Yes. Then our neighbor, which actually just means our fellow human beings. But we so often miss the last part He said. You have to love people “as yourself.”
Sometimes we tend to love ourselves as in we will fight to get what we want or practice self-preservation at all costs. Jesus said if that’s how you love yourself, love others just like that, with that same fervor. But here’s another side to that coin … Another way we can interpret this statement is “You cannot love others any more than you are able to love yourself.” Are you really bad at loving yourself? Guess what? That’s going to be your level of loving others too.
Do you see it? I hope so, because this is a game changer.
Now that you’ve heard these new thoughts, listen once again … Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Have you been hurt so much that you are focused on taking care of you over anyone else? Well, what if you were to love people like that? Then you’d be super-loyal, giving, and protective of everyone.
Or do you struggle to love yourself and you know that makes your level of loving others really low, so it’s time for something to give?
The great news is the key to change for either side of this issue is found in the first part of the verse: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Teach me to love You, then teach me how to love me, then let all that start to create love for everyone around me. As above, so below.”
One of the most powerful chapters in the New Testament is Colossians 3. Paul reminded us to try and remember Heaven when all Hell is breaking loose in our lives and to not allow the stuff of earth to rule our emotions, thoughts, and actions. We have to have a ground zero for our own hearts and minds, to take care of what we need to do and not do in our own lives.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
What phrase or words stood out to you?
In which of these areas can you say you’re doing really well right now?
What did you hear that you know you’re struggling in that area?
Now listen again to select parts of this passage … Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, … not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. … So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. … You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. … for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Are there any “old nature things” that you know it’s time to let go of?
I want to encourage you again with Paul’s words … put on your new nature, be renewed, and become like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to live out the values of Heaven here on earth as You keep renewing and revealing Your nature in me. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest disruptors in this day in which we live in our relational stability and our personal peace is anger. Especially on-going and unresolved anger.
Listen to Ephesians 4:26-27 …
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT) 99% of anger in our lives is at a person that we are in a relationship with. Yes, we get angry at strangers and even ourselves but mostly at people we know well. Yet anger is a valid emotion. There are plenty of places in Scripture where God got angry. Jesus got angry. But the motive for anger is crucial as well as what we do with our anger. That makes the difference. Paul offered great advice by saying that holding onto anger can poison us. To not take anger into a second day or the devil can use it against us.
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible … Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Is anger robbing your relational stability in any way these days?
Is it actually harming you more than the person or people you are upset with?
Consider how you can get rid of your anger by the end of each day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I hand my anger over to You. I don’t want it to rob me, or hurt me, or become bitterness in my life. Remind me when it comes back up that You know what to do with it as I give it to You. As above, so below.”
One of the aspects of Jesus’ life we can easily miss because we know how often he was in large crowds was how He went away to be alone and to pray. He not only got away from people in general, but also even His small circle of friends and disciples.
Listen to Mark 1:35 …
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
This is one of those verses where you don’t need to study the original language to be able to interpret the real meaning. Because it’s literal. … He got up early before everyone else. He went away from everyone else. To pray. He sought solitude, sanctuary, and solace.
Let’s look at another verse that gets even more interesting … After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
I know of a mom who would need a moment to re-group herself when her kids were little. She would say, Mommy is going in the closet and shutting the door. I need you to be really quiet and I’ll be right back in just a few minutes. Every time, after about three minutes of quiet and prayer, she would open the door and there will be every child, sitting right outside the door, waiting quietly for her.
Whether Jesus was literally hidden as in invisible or He just had to take a moment like that mom, the principle is the same. Jesus had to get away and be alone so we do too. Self-care in silence and solitude in moment of sanctuary is critical to our well-being.
When was the last time you actually sought after solitude - not with your phone or book… but in complete solitude? Just you and silence. What might we be missing if we don’t follow Christ's example in this?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to make a practice of finding that alone time, just like You did. Help me to find silence, solace, and sanctuary in You. As above, so below.”
While Revelation can certainly be a challenging book for us to understand, there are some very powerful passages of what we are promised as Christ-followers.
Listen to Revelation 21:3-5 …
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
The next time you feel like you are never going to have enough and you may never get to the place you want to be, I want to encourage you to look past this life and remind yourself of your home in Heaven. One day, this life will be a blip on the radar of eternity.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new.
I want to close this week by allowing a few moments to reflect on Heaven. The peace, the provision, the protection. Close your eyes and envision the place that today’s passage described to you. …. The next time life is crashing down, close your eyes and recall this moment. And remember—no matter how things look now, God is making everything new.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when I get to experience no tears and no pain and everything being made new. Thank You for providing me with that hope, now and for eternity. As above, so below.”
Jesus taught some fascinating principles about the persistence we should have in prayer in Luke 11 …
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
There is so much in this passage. But what did you hear? How do these words challenge you to pray? And how should you change your prayers to match these principles? More persistence? More honesty? More expectation? A healthier perspective that God wants to bless you?
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Then he said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open. “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”
So, how much do you ask? Seek? Knock? Do you pray one or two times and then assume you have already prayed for it? Or do you pray for fish but in your heart expect snakes? Jesus made a lot of promises to us here. Maybe we should start to take Him up on them?
As you ruminate on this, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Breathe deep then slowly exhale and let go of your strife and stress. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day by trusting Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I expect but don’t ask. Forgive me when I ask for fish but think you’re going to hand me a snake. Help me change my mind so You can change my heart. Let my prayers be like a child expecting good gifts from a Father. As above, so below.”
I want to encourage you that no matter how many times you have read or heard this passage, try to hear this today with new ears and a fresh heart.
Listen to Matthew 15 …
Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. Then Jesus sent the people home. (32-39 NLT)
Today, in this moment, where are you lacking? Where is there not enough? The difference made in this story was Jesus being given what the people had. He will always be a Gentleman, so He will never take what is not handed over to Him. Wherever you are lacking, hand that over to Jesus right now in this moment.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But Jesus wasn’t finished with them. He called his disciples and said, “I hurt for these people. For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road.” His disciples said, “But where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they said, “plus a few fish.” At that, Jesus directed the people to sit down. He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, he divided it up and gave it to the people. Everyone ate. They had all they wanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers. Over four thousand people ate their fill at that meal.
Even though we live in this world, God also has His Kingdom here. He has His own economy. He has His own people. He has His own way of working. Ask Him to let you see your own version of this miracle and then believe Him for the rest.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this is such a crazy story, yet I know You can do anything You want. Please take the things in my life that I feel are subtracted and divided and add to them and multiply them in Your will. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest prayers in the New Testament was actually a cry for help to Jesus. An honest, vulnerable plea from a dad about his son’s hopeless dilemma. Listen to the story in Mark 9…
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! (NLT)
Of course, Jesus healed the boy and he was fully restored in front of the crowd.
But think about this dad’s prayer. How many times have we all known that we believe God for something yet we also know we have doubts and struggles too? So our belief is in the same heart with our unbelief, somehow all mixed together.
What if the very reason this story and this father’s plea was included in the Bible is to show us that God knows we battle faith and doubt so we should just be honest about our sense of what we lack.
Listen again to the interaction between the dad and Jesus…
Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!
Today, let’s go ahead and join this dad in our confession. Let’s get real about our belief and our unbelief. Be honest with God and ask for His help where we are struggling to believe Him. Because Jesus did heal the boy after the man’s full confession. And what do you think that did to the dad’s faith?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe You in so many ways, but then, being honest, there are so many places where I struggle. Help me overcome my unbelief today. As above, so below.”
The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don’t have enough in the U.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third world country. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there’s not nearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heard ex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about his childhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we were very happy, so as a kid, I really didn’t realize we were poor.” … Perspective. So this week let’s do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for some biblical perspective from God’s Word on a tough topic.
In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision: Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that’s the reason we lost. If we can fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.
Listen to verses 26-28 …
“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).
In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Aramean army fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleys as well.
Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse their defeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blame location?”
Listen once again to the key part of this passage …
Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Here’s how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…
I believe He is God over my family, but I can’t trust Him with my finances.
I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.
I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.
I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can’t heal my heart.
I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.
Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? The limitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area and not another?
Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you are struggling.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—my mountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, so below.”
Today, I want us to take a close and honest look at where we are spiritually. Guiding our kids spiritually starts with us, in our life.
Here’s a question … was there a time in your life when you were closer to Christ? When was that? Why were you closer then? What happened?
Regardless of your answer, what will it take for you to grow and mature to the next place God has for you?
Listen to Hebrews 6:1-3 …
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
Now, granted, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement are some heady topics, but we don’t need to miss the real point of the passage: Don’t keep re-learning what you already know. Don’t go backwards spiritually. Move forward and grow.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!
What has to happen for you to grow in Jesus?
Can we ask Him to reveal what He wants to lead you in growth, what might a next step, a new area of focus be?
What needs to happen for you to help your kids grow with you?
That, my friend, is your next step.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to be solid in what I know to be true about You and then start (or keep) growing and maturing in You. Help me to be constantly moving forward to a new place in You and taking my kids with me. As above, so below.”
Today, I want to focus on a very simple yet profound statement that I hope you will memorize and repeat as needed.
What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children.
Let’s repeat that … What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children Listen to Paul in Romans 12:1-2 … Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Notice how God transforms us into a new person … by changing the way we think. And the way God thinks is opposite of the world.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
If changing your thinking can transform you, what needs to change about your thinking?
How does God want to transform you by changing the way you think?
And how will that transformation positively transform your children?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, change my mind. Change my heart. Help me to be shaped by You and not the world. And please help me to stay motivated to grow in You for the sake of my kids. As above, so below.”
A huge part of training our children in the ways of God is, first, not being afraid to do it in a culture that is going in the opposite direction. And two, is to be confident that, regardless of your past and whatever has happened in your family, God wants you to teach your kids. Let go of your fears. Let go of the “who am I to teach anyone about God?” lies. Please know that in Christ you have all you need to take your children wherever God wants you all to go.
Listen to Psalm 34:1-4 …
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Is it time for you to believe that you will have all that you need?
Can you say it aloud - I have all that I need today Is it time for you to believe that you lack no good thing?
Can you say it - Thank you Father, I lack no good thing Listen to part of today’s passage in the Message … Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. Come, children, listen closely; I’ll give you a lesson in God worship. Who out there has a lust for life? Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
As we are halfway through this week, what are you sensing from God in our time together? As you hear His Word? What is He saying to you? What is saying to you about your kids?
Whatever you sense God is saying, follow that. And point your kids in the same direction.
And always remember—it’s a relationship, not a religion.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please deepen me in my relationship with You. For me, but for my kids. As above, so below.”
The old saying goes: “We can’t take anyone any farther than we are.” I can’t teach you things that I don’t know. I can tell you, but I can’t teach you. So, that is a challenge for us that if we want our kids to grow deep in Christ, we will have to go deep first.
Listen to Psalm 25:4-10 …
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (NLT) So much of the Psalms we can pray as our own prayers. Imagine praying these words. Doing what these verses say. Imagine our kids seeing us do these things and choosing to follow.
Listen to The Message in these same verses … Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step. From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions.
The scripture says - Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.
Let me ask you, How teachable are you right now? So often we get stuck in the way we have always done something that we fail to see new possibilities.
Can you ask God right now to show you areas that you may need to be schooled in His ways? And ask him to take you by your hand and lead you down the path of truth, open your eyes to His way of seeing things?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me how you work. School me in your ways. Take me by the hand. Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior. As above, so below.”
Discipling our kids comes in two forms—taught and caught. We need to teach them about our faith, how to have a relationship with Christ, and the value of God’s Word. But what is so crucial is to allow them to catch us living out our faith in front of them. Honestly, the “taught” part is often easier than the “caught”. Because it’s more of a “don’t do as I do, do as I say” thing. But God wants to use our kids in our lives to make us more like Jesus just as much as He wants to use us in their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 is an often-quoted verse that offers us a clear command but also makes a promise. A promise … not a guarantee.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT) Let’s take the verse apart … Direct your children … to direct, you have to be engaged, either beside them or leading them.
Onto the right path … in light of being in the Bible, the right path is the one that leads toward God.
And when they are older …. Kids are easier to influence when they are young. Leading in the right direction toward God at a young age builds a foundation for later.
They will not leave it … again, this can’t be a guarantee because people walk away from their faith, or refuse it. But let’s think of it this way: our job is to pour God into our kids, so later, He can use our influence in their hearts.
Listen once again, this time in The Message … Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
So a great place to start on discipling your kids in spiritual training is simply to keep asking: Where am I pointing my kids? And then to ask: Is my “caught” pointing the same place as my “taught”?
What is way I can point my kids in the right direction this week?
What is something that should shift in my day to day walk that would provide an opportunity for my kids to catch me walking in faith?
Need to make some adjustments? That’s okay, God’s grace and mercy is there to make all the adjustments you need to make, for you and your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need You to teach me what you need my kids to know about You. Lead me when I pray. Guide me in Your Word. Help me to catch all I can from you in any way I possibly can. As above, so below.”
Today, as we close out our focus on the illusion of control and the reality of God being in control, especially in the area of our parenting and connected relationships, a fair question for us to ask is this: “Okay, God, if You are in control, when will you take total control? Like take away all our false ideas and futile attempts to be in control for ourselves?”
Listen once again to Paul, this time in Philippians 3:20-21 … But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (NLT) So we live in a time when God offers His control of our lives as a choice. One option among thousands. But when we choose Him, two things become a reality. First, we live on the earth, but our citizenship changes to Heaven. And second, we live for the day when the choices end and He takes everything over. Whether we die first or He comes back, we will witness Him “bringing everything under His control.” Meanwhile, today, right now, no matter how tough life gets, no matter how unfair life may seem, we can choose Him, choose His power, choose Heaven.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
This week, how did your view of personal control change?
How did your view of God being in control change?
And, as always, the biggest question for any of us, what do you need to give up and give God for your best and your kids best?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope and the promise, whether here or in Heaven, that the best is always yet to come. Please help me to remember that truth when everything seems to go wrong and I want to give up. Just help me to give it to You. As above, so below.”
When we feel like life or parenting, or schedule, or money, or all of it is out of control, we really mean out of our control, don’t we?
It’s very important in those moments to evaluate what is in control. Living in a fallen world, so often we see sin controlling things. Selfishness, self-serving, self-gratification. The crucial thing to do is take an honest look at our own lives and ask, Is sin controlling anything in my life that I need to give to God?
Listen to Paul in Romans 6:11-14 …
So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT) As you heard this passage, did anything come to mind? Did any part stand out to you? Did God speak to you, even if it was just a quick flash in your mind?
If sin is a master, and masters want to control, then what great news to hear we have the option to live in freedom. To be free of control or the need to control … anything … anyone.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
If this passage is true, then let me ask you … what are you not free from today? If something, someone, or any situation quickly comes to mind, how can you apply today’s truth to open your hand, release your grip, and hand it over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, Thank You for Your love. Thank You that You have defeated sin. My sin. Thank You for my freedom. Help me to walk in it—today. As above, so below.”
If there is any story in the Bible that shows the lengths a human will go to stay in control, do his own will, and avoid God, it’s the story of Jonah. It’s funny how over the years we have made this entire book to be all about the apparent bad thing of getting swallowed by a whale, when in reality the whale was sent by God to save the man from self-destruction. That metaphor can be used a lot in all of our lives.
Listen to Jonah 1:1-4 …
One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm … (MSG) Okay, yes, God sent a huge storm, but didn’t Jonah actually bring the storm on himself?
Let that sink in for a moment.
Of course, there are bad things that happen to us that are no fault at all of our own. But then, if we are going to be honest, how many storms do we need to admit we started or had a hand in starting?
Back to the story, I guess sitting in the digestive juices of a whale causes you to re-think your choices, huh?
Listen to just one chapter later …
I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, And my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:6-10 MSG) Is this story a reminder of any situation in your own life? Maybe one from years ago or one you are in right now? So, are you on the ship … in the whale … or standing on the beach, wiping the vomit off?
When we find ourselves out of control, and can even point fingers at other’s poor choices, all we can do is what we can do about ourselves. We have to ask, what part of this do I need to own? And then, we have to learn to recognize that even when a situation may stink, God brought it to us for a reason to get us where He wants us to go. Because He loves us, wants to save us, and He is the One in control.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to not run from You, no matter what life brings, to accept that You are in control of me and You love me—always.” As above, so below.”
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon in all his wisdom worked hard to figure out why life is completely out of his control, even as a powerful king. In his writings, he was frustrated and angry and cynical and flippant and sarcastic. Does that sound familiar at all? Thank God that He gave us such a wide variety of people and circumstances in His Word to show us the collision between the divine and the human.Listen to Ecclesiastes 8:7-9 in The Message … Yes, there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when. Who’s around to tell us? No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death. No one can stop a battle in its tracks. No one who does evil can be saved by evil. All this I observed as I tried my best to understand all that’s going on in this world. As long as men and women have the power to hurt each other, this is the way it is.Can you relate to any of Solomon’s words?When we can’t actually control anything about life but we want to, we usually end up hurting one another, trying to control each other. And we have to be so careful that we don’t end up trying too hard to control our kids. Control is never the point of parenting.Let’s fast-forward to the end of Ecclesiastes where Solomon finally resolves his search for truth.The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 MSG) So, evidently it’s okay to run through all of our crazy, mixed-up emotions and express our cynical and sarcastic opinions of how life treats us. Because what matters most after the process is where we end up. Better, not bitter. Realizing we will never be God and He always will be. And that will always be a great place to land.Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to realize I can vent with You as my Father. I can tell you exactly what I think. You already know what I’m thinking so I may as well just voice it. But remind me in those moments that all I am saying is that You have to be in control—and to thank You that I’m not. As above, so below.”
One of the toughest things we have to deal with in life is when something we care about is taken completely out of our control. Then anytime it involves our kids, that adds a heightened level of emotions. And if you add issues like hurt, distrust, betrayal, and being unfair, all of life can quickly seem unbearable and confusing.Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about these very human dynamics because we all deal with them, more than we ever want to. For that reason alone, we have to learn where to go for help.In chapter 30 in the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon gets very real about life while talking to God … I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (1-5 NLT) Bottom line here … When life wears you out, just admit you are fragile, you don’t know everything, don’t know what to do, don’t know what God is up to, but also … if He has created everything and is control of all you see, then He knows what to do with your life and will protect you … even, yes even, when it does not feel like it.This passage is not to be taken as someone speaking from a poor self-image, but how we feel when life gets out of our control. All to remind ourselves who we are not and who God is.Listen once again:I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (30:1-5 NLT) What feels totally out of control in your life right now?Here’s the odd, yet good news … if you can admit it’s out of your control, then maybe it’s totally in God’s control? Why don’t you take a minute and invite Him to take over anything you are struggling with? Right now.Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I guess feeling like I’m in control of anything is just an illusion, huh? Would you take over everything right now—the things I think I’m controlling and the things I know are completely out of my control? … As above, so below.”
The toughest thing about trying to live as a Christ-follower is being beat down by the world, all the while knowing Heaven is a reality waiting for us one day. But it’s hard to see Heaven when we feel like Hell is constantly on our doorstep, isn’t it?
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. … That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT) When things are tough, especially inside your own family and dealing with your kids, try and remember this life is temporary … in several ways … one, your children are growing up and there will be a day when they will leave home, and two, there will be a day that Heaven will move from a someday thing to a reality. So hold onto it all loosely and maybe a little less intensly.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory … So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
What problem are you holding onto just a bit too tightly right now?
What issue should you take a little less seriously right now?
What do you need to change your perspective on to see it as temporary? Because it is.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to stand up when I feel like giving up. Help me to release my grip when I feel like taking control. Help me to hand over to You everything I hold on to. As above, so below.”
From a teenage boy in the fields alone with the sheep to a king in the palace, David’s life knew trouble … trouble he made for himself, trouble from others, and a lot of trouble with his kids.
Despite his issues, David constantly showed us how to turn to the Lord with anything and everything.
Listen to Psalm 18:1-6 …
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (NLT) If you were to composed a psalm of your own, what would you say to God? What would you say about God?
You know what enemies, threats, floods, and distress feel like, don’t you? Do you know the other side David speaks about? To allow God to rescue you? To cry out to Him for help?
Listen to part of this passage again in The New Life Bible … I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me. The ropes of death were all around me. The floods of death make me afraid. The ropes of the grave were all around me. The traps of death were set for me. I called to the Lord in my trouble. I cried to God for help. He heard my voice from His holy house. My cry for help came into His ears.
Let’s take a few moments to list some of the major troubles you have experienced … maybe something you are walking through right now?
Now list what God has done or what You want to see Him do?
Listing, even writing out your prayers is a great exercise … one you might try doing with your kids too.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my strength, my Rock, my Safe Place, my Covering, my Strong Tower. Thank You for hearing me when I cry out to You. Thank You for answering, not always on my time, but on Yours. As above, so below.”
When we face tough times, when we don’t know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I’m going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?
How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?
Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.
What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I’m weak, when I’m being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”
Parenting is a long-haul job. A job we don’t get days off from and we cannot quit. We all need constant emotional, mental, and spiritual fuel to keep on keeping on in raising our kids.
Listen to Romans 5:2-5 …
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT) Confidence. Joy. Help for problems and trials. Endurance. Character. Strength. Hope that does not disappoint. Our hearts filled with love. Who else could possibly offer that kind of guarantee but God?
Listen to verses 3-5 in The Message …
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Do you believe your current troubles can develop passionate patience in you? Something we all desperately need as parents in today’s culture, right?
The next time you feel hemmed in by trouble, know that you aren’t being short-changed, but God will provide a way out and, then on the other side, you can experience the “tempered steel of virtue.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when trouble comes, especially with my kids, help me to look for You in the midst of the mess. Teach me to anticipate what You are going to do on the other side. As above, so below.”
Galatians 5:22 and 23 offers us a list of qualities and characteristics that God will give us. Then, as parents, can become a blessing to our children.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT) Picture a fruit tree … whatever fruit is your favorite … when that tree begins to show the fruit it grows on its branches, does it then use that for its own food? Of course not. The fruit of the tree is not for the tree, but for those who can take part in its maturity and enjoy its blessing. Does picking the fruit to eat hurt the tree? No. Two reasons why … that’s the purpose of the tree and it can grow more.
The same concept is what God’s fruit produces and provides in us—our maturity and growth that blesses others, but most especially our own kids.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this same passage:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
So, are you strong in kindness but struggle in self-control? Good at expressing love but battle being at peace within your heart? Take a few minutes to do a fruit inspection with God. Let Him show you anywhere you need to submit to Him. Keep in mind, none of us can produce this fruit on our own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love, to find joy, to allow peace, to be patient, be kind, show goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and please help me to have self-control by giving control of everything to You. As above, so below.”
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. … Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9-13, 15-17 NLT) Did you notice how many times Jesus used the word “love”? And did you also notice He called us “friends”? There is such an incredible intimacy in this passage. Jesus literally commanded us to love with our very lives. A love that impacts eternity, our families, and what our families do and take part in as believers.
Today’s passage in the Message Bible …
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. … I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.
How can you grow in your love for your kids … the kind of love Jesus talked about here?
How can you love one another better inside your own home?
How can you lead your kids to love people … not just certain people or people that look like them but everyone?
The answers to these questions are what your faith is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need to grow in love… my love for You, myself, my kids, and others. Help me to teach my kids how to love … love like You. As above, so below.”
One of the most telling and incredible passages in the New Testament is where Jesus talks about the difference in those who follow Him and those who don’t, and how you can tell them apart here on earth. What is also fascinating here is the things He cares about the most in what we do with our lives.
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT) So what does it appear God cares a lot about? Did you catch it? Feeding the hungry. Providing for those who have no water or no clean water. The homeless. The naked. The poor. The sick. Those in prison.
Why do you think the righteous responded by asking Jesus…..”when did we see you among those we ministered to”? … Notice they knew they did those things, they were just asking Jesus where He was?
What if once a week, you found some way for you and your kids to do just one of these things? It doesn’t have to take a lot of money … it can just take a little time and energy. Maybe sponsor a child with one of the many aid and education organizations and let your kids write a letter to the child? Let them choose the country and the child. Or you could take a few canned goods to a local food pantry and ask for a tour of what they do? Write a letter to an inmate in prison through one of the many great prison ministry organizations?
And remember and remind your kids—when you do it for someone like this, you are actually doing it for Jesus. He said so.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess I get overwhelmed with the problems of the world and end up doing nothing. Help me to take this passage and focus on just one simple act to get started on what your sheep do. I certainly know what it looks like to be over looked and ignored, so let’s help those who live that way every day. As above so below.”
Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let’s be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it’s called flesh and spirit.
The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in … And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:18-25 NLT) How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids’ behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids’ hearts?
We get Paul’s frustration, don’t we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.
How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions … Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don’t want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don’t do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT) It’s so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.
Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?
Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.
But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn’t it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?
And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it’s real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”
Timothy 3:14-17 …
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures …, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT) Wisdom. Inspiration. Teaching. Truth. Correction. What is right and what is wrong. Preparing us and equipping us for good work. We all need all these dynamics, all the time in our lives.
Let’s go back to the first sentence in the passage that states … “if we remain faithful to the things we already have been taught.” So much of our issue is not really reading the Word of God, but applying and obeying it, right? Reading words is easy but doing them is another matter entirely.
I want to encourage you to find a Scripture that fits your family, that speaks to your family. If your single with no kids, one that speaks to your life and your goals. Pray and ask God to help you craft a statement using that verse that you can use to help you make decisions and live a life that will be pleasing to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Help me to allow Your Spirit to show me truth, expose my places of rebellion, correct my mistakes, and train me and my family to live life Your way. As above, so below.”
Today we close out our theme of love for this month, as well as this week as we have been talking about intimacy. We’ve looked at a level of closeness that God can provide that should affect every relationship we have in life—from our families to the groups of people we associate with. God allowing us to be His temple changes everything as to how we approach all of life and every relationship.
In John 17, as Jesus was in the garden knowing the cross was only hours away and all the brutality of sin was about to be placed on Him, He didn’t pray for Himself, but for intimacy and unity among the people who would believe in Him—those who were with Him on that day, those throughout the centuries, all the way to us today.
Imagine Jesus in the Garden alone in the dark, knowing the soldiers were on their own to take Him to the cross. Hear Him crying out to God through the filter of that reality and listen for how He prays for you …
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-26 NLT)
Did you catch the same language as Paul later used as to where God will be?
Did you hear His prayer for you?
Did you hear His cry for intimacy between you and the Father?
Listen once more … this time I’ll abbreviate and focus on Jesus’ prayer for you and I today …
“I am praying … for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. … “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-23, 25 NLT)
How should you respond to the Bible passages we have read this week? What did you hear that encouraged you? Challenged you? Convicted you? Intimacy is such an important concept to understand, grasp, an grow in, especially as Christ-followers, because we have no barriers to be able to love as He loves.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me in all my relationships to be a reflection of intimacy with You. I am Your temple and I want the world to see Your life and Your heart through my life and heart. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we have been talking about intimacy and how important it is to experience this dynamic with God, in relationships, and inside a community. Today, we will look at a different type of intimacy, in fact, the deepest intimacy possible.
In Paul’s teaching to the church at Corinth, he tied an Old Testament reality to the new reality Jesus provided. The temple was once a physical structure where only designated priests could enter. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, allows His to be brought into our own hearts through faith in Christ.
Listen to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 …
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NLT)
Do you see it? As followers of Christ, we literally become His temple. This brings an incredible new type of intimacy and closeness … God with us and God in us. We, of course, do not become God, but He now lives inside our lives.
Let’s read this passage again in The Message Bible.
Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.
As I have asked you a number of times on other days in Sound Mind Set, was there any line or phrase that stood you to you? What was it? … Why do you think it stood out to you? What might God be saying by highlighting that for you?
For the believer, the crucial focus here is that our bodies no longer belong to us. The temple of God is no longer a building or a place only priests can visit. Christ’s death and resurrection, along with the introduction of the Holy Spirit, makes us His temple. Shouldn’t that bring an entirely new focus and meaning to our lives? What we choose to do and not do with His temple?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, seeing myself as Your temple is a tough concept to grasp. But I didn’t say that about me, You did. So help me to believe it, accept it as truth, and live it out. I need to simply believe what You tell me, about me. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. The past two days we have defined intimacy as when people get really close, and also when we choose to be close to God. We also defined intimacy as in-to-me-see—allowing someone to see your heart and grow in love.
Another type of intimacy the Bible talks about is among a group of people, a community. Just like intimacy has its own meaning inside the word, so does community … common unity … community. A group of people can get very close to one another. Oftentimes, this may revolve around some issue, something positive or negative, that the group has in common. Yet, most of the time, as the closeness grows, the focus of the relationships no longer are about the original thing that drew them together. Now, the community is simply unified in their hearts.
Listen to Acts 2:42-47 …
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (NLT)
What was this group’s common thread? A relationship with Christ.
What did this create among them? They all acted like Jesus, individually and as a community.
What happened as a result of the community’s unity? More people wanted to be a part.
Listen once again to The Message Bible’s version …
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Have you experienced this kind of unity among a community?
Maybe you are experiencing this right now?
Or maybe you desperately need this in your life?
If you have it, thank God and pray for your friends in the community. If you don’t, ask God to help you find your community … people in love with Jesus who understand intimacy with Him and others.
In our prayer time today, as I just stated, if you have a community, take a moment to lift them up. If you don’t, ask God now to show you where and how to find yours. … As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, and also when we choose to get close to God. Yesterday, we read that He has made the first move through Jesus and wants to be as close to us as we will allow.
Let me remind you of how we defined intimacy yesterday: In-to-me-see. That means allowing someone to see your heart and who you truly are.
For most of us, one of the big things that brings us to our knees and helps us choose to reach out to God is when our hearts are broken. When life is going incredible and we’re on top of the world, we can fail to see our need for God. But when everything falls apart and goes wrong, we realize we need help, that we cannot do life alone. Especially when people fail us and hurt us, we tend to look up, not out.
Listen to today’s passage …
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:17-19 NLT)
How does God hear us? When we call for help.
When is He close to us? When we are brokenhearted.
Will He keep us from having troubles? No, but He promises to be there when we do.
Listen to this same passage in The Message Bible …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
Have you already discovered this to be true in your relationship with God? Or do you need to test it out for the first time?
There aren’t a lot of guarantees in this life, but I can say this: God will never let you down. There will be trouble and your heart will be broken, but He will be there when you reach out.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You know what to do with my broken heart. Thank You that You will provide help to me when I need it most. When trouble comes, help me to come to You right away and never wait to try and solve my problems on my own. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are going to talk about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, like a dad to a daughter, a mother to her son, a husband to a wife, or God to us.
The best way to remember what intimacy means is to just say the word by its syllables. In-to-me-see. Intimacy is allowing someone to see your heart, who you truly are. No hiding. Being honest.
Love, especially God’s love, allows us to get close to people and then grow in that closeness. We often call this a “two-way street” as in this kind of closeness takes each one to work on the relationship and get closer. When this happens in a healthy manner, love grows, closeness comes, and intimacy deepens. Let’s look at one short, simple verse that talks about intimacy with God and makes a powerful promise.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
When we first read this verse, we can misunderstand the meaning, as if God is saying, “You make the first move and then I’ll respond to you.” But we have to remember this verse was written after Jesus had died on the cross and was resurrected. God has already made the first move toward us through Christ. Now, He is saying when you reach out to me, because of Jesus, we can immediately be close, just like Jesus was close with the Father.
With that thought in mind, let’s read this verse one more time.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
Let’s paraphrase the verse this way, “Whenever you choose to be close to God, He is already there, waiting, ready to receive you.” That is real intimacy, when someone is always there for you, no matter what.
Here’s a question to think about …
How do you think you can know God is close to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise You will be close to me, that You will say, “in-to-me-see”. Help me to trust You and always respond with, ‘God, in-to-me-see.’ As above, so below.”
Today we close out this week on teaching our kids what love is. I know some of the teachings we have looked at from Jesus this week are some of the toughest ones, but isn’t it fascinating that the overall theme of those is still love? Why? Because loving like God loves, in this world, is never going to be easy. That’s why we made a conscious choice to look at the truth about love from the Christian worldview, not the religious worldview or the world’s. So, in light of this, today, we’re going to close out the week on a lighter note from a story about Jesus and how He feels about kids…
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLT)
Can you picture this scene? Well-meaning parents wanting this Teacher and Healer to pray for their kids. Imagine them running up to Jesus, ready to jump in His lap. But the disciples suddenly decide to become a security team and block them from bothering Him. But the kids don’t get rebuked, the disciples do. Then what He says surprises everyone: “Don’t stop them. In fact, you need to act like this with Me.” And the prayer and the blessing happened, just as the parents had hoped.
Here's the passage in the New Life Bible …
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray for them. The followers spoke sharp words to them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not stop them. The holy nation of heaven is made up of ones like these.” He put His hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLV)
The holy nation of heaven is made up of people who are childlike in their love. Wow.
Do you love your kids? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to understand love, real love? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to be able to know authentic, sincere, vulnerable, unconditional love, to be able to receive and to give? Take them to Jesus. Pray for them. Talk to them about Him. Read His words to them. Make Him a part of their lives and He will show them His love.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that You made my kids. You gave me my kids. So no one loves them more than You. Teach me to teach them Your love and help me to love them like You do. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. Let’s be honest … when people talk about God’s love, too often it’s kind of a unicorns and rainbows thing. It sounds religious or like a fantasy and so we really don’t attempt to accept it for ourselves or apply it to others. Well, this week, we are trying to look at what God’s love really means, for the sake of our kids. If anyone is going to help them understand the reality and the balance of His love, it needs to be us.
I know yesterday’s passage from Jesus’ teaching was a tough one. Today is going to be no different. In fact, today’s focus can sound downright questionable. Curious? Okay, listen really closely and then we’ll dig in a little deeper.
“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
What do we do with these words? How do these concepts connect to God’s love?
Passages like this one are where our English translation from the Greek can easily get confusing. Here’s the bottom line: People preach coming together across the aisles and meeting in the middle but how often do we actually see that happen? Jesus tells us that He is the ultimate dividing line for humans. Not politics or race or gender or the things we draw lines against all the time. The real line is do we believe in Him or not? Are we committed to Him or not? Do we love Him more than anyone or anything else in life?
Think of it this way … What if your love for God was so strong that compared to all the other loves in your life, no one would question your commitment to Him? That’s what He means.
If your love for God keeps growing every day, will that cause you to love your kids less? Of course not. But the hard stuff like loving your enemies will get easier. If you love God like Jesus was talking about here, His love will mark your life, His love will mark your relationships, and His love will forever mark your kids’ lives.
What dividing lines do you lay down as gospel in your life? Who do you put on one side while you stand on the other? Who do you teach your kids are different than them? Whenever you hear passages like this, just remember—But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me. … And so will your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want people who stand against You, even well-meaning people, to know You. I want them to see You in my life. Help me to love You so it is clear to everyone that You are the love of my life. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. One of the things we love about God’s love is hearing how much He loves us, will forgive us, and show us incredible mercy and grace, no matter what we do. But then the very tough thing about God’s love is, as sinners, we struggle when He tells us to love others that we do not want to love. Teaching our kids that kind of unconditional love will be one of the hardest things we ever do—to encourage them to follow God in loving someone with His love and grace that we do not want to love and don’t think we even can love.
Much of Jesus’ teaching was counter-cultural then, and it certainly is today. The religious leaders of His day wanted to separate people into two categories: acceptable and unacceptable. And those men would make that determination without God. In fact, Jesus’ teaching against their standards ended up getting Him on their unacceptable list. Listen closely to this passage as I read. No matter how many times you may have heard it, try and listen with fresh ears about how God wants us to love …
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:27-36 NLT)
Love your enemies? … That’s a cute catchphrase until you actually feel like someone is your enemy and is working to make your life miserable. Loving that person feels impossible. Do good to those who hate you? Bless those who curse you? Really, Jesus? But what is so great about Jesus’ teaching here is He told us why He wants us to do that.
In short, Jesus said… “if people who have no God, who don’t believe in God, who care nothing about Me, can be kind to those who are kind to them and love those who love them, then you don’t need Me to do that, do you? But now, loving your enemies? Doing good to those who hate you? You are most definitely going to need Me to help you do that. Why? Because by yourself, you can’t!”
Now, to be clear, turning the other cheek does not have anything to do with abuse or letting someone run all over you. Remember—Jesus was the guy who got angry and cleared people out of the temple with a whip. But to love like God and to teach your kids to love like He does, that’s going to take Jesus giving you the power and ability every time.
Let’s say it this way, if we’re going to call ourselves His kids, we need to act like He’s our Dad.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this loving my enemies thing is so hard. Doing good to someone I deem as bad, blessing people I can’t stand, that feels impossible. But you are the God that makes the impossible possible. Help me, Jesus, to love like You and to teach my kids these really hard things about how to love like You. Because me and my kids are Your children. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. God has assigned us the role of teaching them about love, to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially His love. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. And God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours.
Today, we’re going to look at the first event in Jesus’ life that launched His ministry and started His road to the cross: His baptism. Now, you might ask … what does Jesus’s baptism have to do with love? Well, it’s really about what happened at Jesus’s baptism … listen as I read . …
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” (Matthew 3:16-17 MSG)
Did you hear the words of love and affirmation God spoken over Jesus? Imagine for a moment what John witnessed? The Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—all present at this historic event. Now, listen once again, and afterwards, I’ll tell you how you and I are connected to this moment.
Whenever we choose to enter into a relationship with Jesus, the reconnection of our spirits to His is completed. Please know then, that He will, for the rest of your life, look at you and say, “This is my son, this is my daughter, chosen and marked by my love, the delight of my life.”
I’m betting that is exactly the way you look at your child. But you need to know this is how God sees you. And if you can accept and receive that is the way your Heavenly Father sees you, you will then be able to pass that truth on to your kids. If you believe it, they will more likely come to believe it as well.
Repeat this truth out loud right now … I am chosen … I am marked … by my Father’s love ... and I am the delight of His life. … Say it to Him … You have chosen me … You have marked me … by Your love … and I am the delight of Your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You chose me, thank You that my life is marked by Your love. Thank You that I am the delight of Your life. Help me to show my kids that You and I, together, feel that way about them. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. We have to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially the brand of love God gives us, not what the world throws at us every day. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. For all these reasons, God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours. So with that in mind, let’s get started:
Regardless of your church or spiritual background you likely know some or all of John 3:16. But sometimes when a verse becomes almost cliché, we can miss its meaning. We no longer consider the deep truth behind the words. For that very reason, I want to read verse 16 and 17 today from The Message Bible. But before I read, I want to challenge you to do something that might be tough, especially if you have any sort of issue with God, and what you feel He has allowed to happen in your life … I want you to hear this passage as if it was the first and only thing you have ever heard about God and His love. … Listen closely to every word …
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; (John 3:16-17 MSG)
Hearing this truth with fresh and unbiased ears, what did you hear? Love? Sacrifice? A whole life? No accusations but setting the world right again? And the closing word? … Trust in Him equals acquittal. … Wow.
There is no question that the enemy of God, along with the events that occur in a broken and fallen world muddy up and mess up us seeing God as love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Whatever negative and harmful concepts life has planted in your heart toward God, I want to encourage you to try and erase those lies and replace it with the truth of God’s Word.
Whatever your concept of God is, that is what you will show your kids. Your attitude and actions will far outweigh anything you say. To teach them the correct view of their heavenly Father, who Jesus called Abba or Daddy, you will have to first view Him as the God we hear about in today’s passage. So what needs to happen for you to correct your view of biblical love, not what the world has shown you, but what God wants to give you … and your kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, help me to get rid of any wrong ideas or concepts I have that are not right about You. I never want anyone to misunderstand or misrepresent me, so help me to learn how to get You right … in my attitude, actions, and words … and to teach my kids who you really are. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage from Romans 12
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12;9-18 NLT)
In a divided world - where and how are we called to love?
Think about a situation in your life or one that you have observed lately that impacts you in even a small way.
Listen to this passage from the Message Bible
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
What person or situation do you need to apply this part of the passage to?
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep re-defining love as the way You love, not as the world tells me. Help me to be free from barriers and pain and express You to everyone in all my circles. As above, so below.”
The words of Paul from Ephesians 4 …
Therefore I … beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
A life surrendered and submitted to God will lead to humility, gentleness, patience, making allowance, making every effort, binding together as one. Addition, multiplication, increase not subtraction or devision.
With this in mind listen again to the passage in The Message Bible
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to … get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Wouldn’t it be amazing for our kids to see us live lives marked by “humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences? Living lives that are permeated with Oneness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to be someone who adds to people, who multiplies what You give me, that increases in love, grace, and the fruit of Your Spirit. I pray my life be permeated with Oneness. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 2:14-18 NLT
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
When you hear the phrase “hostility towards each other” who comes to mind for you? I doubt it’s a race of people, but a person. Maybe two? We need to see the Bible’s teaching as principles of the heart that apply to all our relationships.
In the quietness of this moment, you know that any hostility that has been built in your heart is not good for you. It’s not good for your kids.
Where do you need God to “break down the wall of hostility that separates you”? Where do you need Him to “end the system of law with its commandments and regulations”? Where do you need Him to bring you peace and put hostility in your heart to a final death? For your sake.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take any hostility I have, that which I realize and that which I don’t, or won’t, or can’t. I need to let go of barriers in my heart and receive what You have provided for me in love, grace, and protection. As above, so below.”
Matthew 9:9-13 NLT
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
The Pharisees called the people Jesus was hanging out with “scum.” Jesus removed the barrier the pharisees had and dismantled the prejudice and in doing that actually established a new boundary. The new boundary was towards prejudice, judgment and even privilege.
What drove Jesus’ actions and words? Freedom, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. When we follow Him, we have the best opportunity to do the same. Tear down barriers made by man and install boundaries built by God.
Is there anywhere in your life that you have created an unhealthy barrier or outlook between the those you consider righteous and those you consider sinners?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit that sometimes I act like You, but sometimes I act like a Pharisee. And all the time, I am a sinner. Teach me, help me, to take down barriers to love in my life and build only the boundaries You are okay with. As above, so below.”
(Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” … Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”King David is counting his blessings and includes the fact that he likes where God has placed the boundaries in his life.
Boundaries that both bless and protect him. Part of his spiritual inheritance from God includes proper boundaries.
So, that tells us where our boundaries must also come from … not from pain or revenge or walls around our heart … but from God who knows us and has our best interest in mind at all times.
Choosing to try and protect ourselves on our own terms usually ends up with an emotional wall that just creates more hurt. But when we allow God to lead us, He can provide a way to create a healthy boundary that blesses and protects, just like David referred to.
So, to love in the biblical sense, do you need to tear down a wall and trade it for a boundary? Or maybe there’s been nothing in place for you, and you realize a boundary needs to be installed for your health.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know that walls of protection too often become homemade prison cells. Teach me to create boundaries. Show me how to love the way You love. For myself. For my kids. For those who have hurt me and those who help me. As above, so below.”
You’d be hard-pressed to go to a Christian wedding and not hear some part of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 read, also known as The Love Chapter. But today, let’s look at how Paul defined biblical love in verses 4-7 as we think about being proactive in love to battle hate.
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
I tend to read or hear this passage and think about how I fall short in loving, based on the definition we are given here. Do you feel that way? Why might we hear these words through a negative filter? Because even with those closest to us, and when we work really hard to be good at love, we still have a selfish sin nature.
Can you think of a situation that you are aware of your conditional, maybe self-serving love towards another person?
So, how can we possibly love anyone like this passage talks about? Listen again to this same passage, but I’m going to change out one word throughout. That will give us the only possible way to love as we are taught here. Listen with your heart …
Jesus is patient and kind. Jesus is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Jesus does not demand his own way. He is not irritable, and He keeps no record of being wronged. Jesus does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Jesus never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Isn’t that incredible? Jesus can be interchanged with the word “love” because He is love and the embodiment of God’s love. So, the closer we get to Jesus, the closer we get to love. The more we follow Jesus, the more we walk in the ways of love.
Matthew 5:43-48 MSG - Jesus' Words
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
I ask you what has become a familiar question from me to you in this podcast: What words stood out to you? Say it back to yourself. Then ask why?
We don’t really like the world-turned-upside-down verses like “Love your enemy,” do we? When someone gives you a hard time, pray for them? Really? These are tough and challenging words, but then it’s also the very reason we are drawn to Jesus, right?
With this in mind listen again to part of the passage
“… I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best … to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. … “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Can you think of someone in your life, or maybe even someone you don’t know… but you know of, that you strongly dislike or perhaps even hate? Can you pray for them right now? Prayer changes things… more than changing others and circumstances…it changes us.
Let’s take a few moments and pray for those we don’t like but God says He loves. Pray that they would encounter God and His love the way you have.
What in Jesus’ teaching do you need to “grow up” in, as verse 48 stated? Where have you been rationalizing hate and you have to trade it in for some of God’s love? I love the last line … “live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love my friends more and turn any hatred I have to love and pray like You said. I know you know that’s hard but if anyone can help me get to that place, it’s You, right? Teach me to live generously and graciously. As above, so below.”
We know from history that humans have gone through constant change. When one part of the world is at peace, another is in chaos. Economies rise and fall. Civilizations rise and fall. Life and death are constantly occurring. But the reality is that any season won’t last for long. Things change. Life cycles.
King Solomon gave us one of the most prolific and poetic texts for this concept in Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-8.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
Ask yourself 2 questions.
Where do hear your own life, what time are you in right now?
Where did you hear our culture, where might we be right now?
Regardless of what time, or season you are in, or our culture is in, one truth remains, the other side of the coin, the other “time” will come back around soon enough.
Interestingly, all of these ‘times’ I just read are choices we make. Deliberate mindsets, or as the scripture calls it, ‘activities’ that we choose.
Is there a mindset that you need to reaffirm today? Or maybe readjust?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You created the seasons and the times of our lives. Help me to know what time you want it to be for me in every season. But help me to constantly make the current season a time to gather, embrace, mend, and love. As above, so below.”
Psalm 97:9
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.(NLT)
So what does God hate and tell us to hate? … He says if you love Him then you will hate evil. So is evil a person? … No. Evil is the outcome of disobedience. Disobedience to God is sin, which creates evil. So, we are to hate disobedience to God and its results. Can you picture an outcome of your disobedience to God?
While there most certainly is grace for our disobedience, can you attach a sense of hatred for the outcome of that disobedience you have encountered? We are not to hate ourselves for the disobedience, but the forces that oppose God inside our own hearts and in the world today. So, what good does it do to hate that evil? The answer is a response of avoidance, of abstinence … of evil.
Today, I’m going to provide some current context to hating evil by reading Ephesians 6:1…
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Who are we not fighting? Flesh and blood. Each other. We may do evil things out of disobedience, but we are not evil.
Evil exists, evil is the destruction that comes from sin. We have an enemy, God has an enemy, Satan and his spirits. A force that exists in this fallen world that leads us to disobedience which leads to our destruction. So, how do we guard ourselves from this destruction? By hating the destruction the enemy wants for us and by putting on the full armor of God. We cannot fight an unseen power with our own ‘seen’ efforts. God’s Power, His spirit enables us to resist the enemy.
Psalm 97:9-11 …
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Love God. Hate Evil. Really feel the hate that disobedience to God’s ways brings to your life. Claim God’s power as your own to protect again the evil our enemy has planned for us.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I show love for evil by cooperating with it. But help me to hate that which opposes You, even the sin in me. Teach me to love You more, and help me to show love that can conquer hate. As above, so below.”
In John 17, Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find God’s answer to redeem the Garden of Eden.
John 17 - Starting vs. 13 - THE MESSAGE
“I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing
So my people can experience
My joy completed in them.
I gave them your word;
The godless world hated them because of it,
Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,
Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world.
Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;
Your word is consecrating truth.
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,
I give them a mission in the world.
I’m consecrating myself for their sakes
So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me. (John 17:13-23)
Jesus recognized the hate in the world that is opposite His heart for the world. But He also said while we do not belong here, He leaves us here. Why? To reflect His love in the same world that hates His ways. That simplifies and hones our mission on earth. We are here to be His love to others, even in the midst of hate.
Jesus was praying specifically for his disciples initially here, who are physically with him, then he looks beyond the present to the future - to you and me.
Listen again to what He prays specifically for you -
I’m praying not only for them (his disciples)
But also for those who will believe in me (that’s you)
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are…
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.
Can you ask Jesus right now to unify your heart for the world with His? To be evidence of His love for others - not your love - But becoming His love for others - the world.
Who is one person that comes to mind that you need to extend God’s love, beyond your love, to today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are love and You also know what it feels like to be hated, to the point of death. You were hated centuries ago and You are hated today. Help me to be an expression of Your love, not mine, and to be an answer for the hate in this world. Teach me to love like You. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope.
Romans15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That’s why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope’.
What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless?
It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope?
It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.
Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us?
Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”
Psalm 77:11-15
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There’s more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us.
Can you think of a situation where you didn’t see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through?
Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through.
Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facing
Let’s pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don’t know what to do. As above, so below”
Psalm 107:1-9
Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas.
Some of you wandered for years in the desert,
looking but not finding a good place to live,
Half-starved and parched with thirst,
staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.
He got you out in the nick of time;
He put your feet on a wonderful road
that took you straight to a good place to live.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;
the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.
This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God .
This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we’ve read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through.
Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn’t always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him.
Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance.
PRAY
Father thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.
Today our scripture reading is from Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Having a spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. The act of giving thanks, of feeling gratitude can actually change our brain chemistry.
No matter what situation you find yourself in, there’s always something around you worth giving thanks for. It may be a small thing, it may be a significant thing. Every day we wake up with a choice. That choice is what we focus on. We can focus on a sense of lack, or what we’re missing, or we can choose to find and focus on those things we are grateful for. And allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts.
Can you think of one thing that you are grateful for ?Maybe its a person, something that has happened, or something that is a blessing - like health, or provision.
Focus on that one thing and everything about that one thing that you are grateful for. Feel it in your body, feel the gratitude and worship Your father in the spirit of gratitude.
Pray with me: “Father I have so much to be grateful for. Help me to work into the discipline of choosing to be grateful, of choosing to find things to give thanks for. Let your peace rule in my heart. As above So Below. ”
2 Corinthians 12:5-10
….I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When we look at our lives, they are full of victories and full of setbacks. In these verses, Paul clarifies the true source of strength. God's strength. He also speaks of ‘a thorn in the flesh’, placed there to keep him from being conceited. It’s interesting to reframe the challenges in our life, failures in our life, and seeing even those play a divine purpose in our lives.
What area of your life feels weak right now?
What is the difficulty in your life right now?
"When I am weak, then I am strong."
This message is countercultural to our society which preaches self-reliance.
Can you admit your weakness to God right now?
Ask for him to give you not only the strength to make it through but also the awareness that in your weakness, He is strong, Turning all things for your good and His glory
Let’s pray: “Holy Father, thank you for your power that shines in my weakness. I confess my failings, I confess my weakness, and I acknowledge those areas of struggle and hardship in the very areas where are you are shining brightest through me.”
Today, we live in a world that has lost the true biblical concept of grace and forgiveness. We turn on the news to hear another horrible stat and see that evil somehow seemed to win again. Yet, many passages in the New Testament encourage us that, no matter how bad anyone else gets, how bad the culture gets, we must keep steady in our faith and follow God even if that means walking against the grain and walking alone.
Listen to 2 Peter 3:17-18:
My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.
Scripture warns us that we have to stay away from evil to keep our balance and stay on the right path. How? By growing in the wonderful kindness and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is one area of your life that you tend to follow the ‘path’ of the world? We all struggle with this.
What would it look like to apply these principles of 'kindness and understanding' to that situation or area of your life?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, one thing about the world getting worse is that the disparity between good and evil, right and wrong, You and Satan, are quite clear. Help me every day to stay away from evil by staying close to You. With You, in You, I have nothing to fear and everything to gain. As above, so below.”
Deuteronomy 32:46-47:
“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are to possess.”
In our quote-unquote Christian culture, it is so easy for us to hear Bible verses and treat them like “idle words,” isn’t it? But what did God call His laws, His precepts, His principles? … They are your life. Literally, “Words to live by”.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land …
think for a moment what having a good and long life in this land means to you.
The scripture tells us the living by His word is no small matter, it’s literally your life. Is there an area of life right now that you know you are not living according to God‘s laws?
Instead of just beating yourself up and heaping more shame and guilt on yourself, can you reframe it and see that God‘s commands and God‘s laws are for your benefit. This is not just trying to control behavior… it’s like looking at scripture as an instruction or user guide for our life.
Now, how can we pass that critical principle down to our kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know I am the pathway of Your Word and Your life to my kids. Help me find ways to express You to them and make Your Word a part of our everyday
life. For You to be the head of my home. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 55 verses 10 thru 12:
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace.”
Lets think through this
Who sends out God’s Word? … He does.
What does it do when He sends it out? … Produces fruit.
When will it produce fruit when He sends it out? … Always. … Not sometimes, but always.
So, how do we receive His Word? Reading, listening to, ruminating on Scripture. Just as we are doing right now.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
This passage is not a metaphor. It literally means that when we take in God’s Word, it will do a work in our lives. Our part is simply to obey and allow the Word to do the work God intended. That is why you can read a verse a hundred times over many years and get something different out of it almost every time.
As we take a few more deep breathes think about this promise to you from the scripture
So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do… So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I invite Your Spirit to interpret to me what You want to say and do every time I hear any Scripture. Complete Your assignment in me. As above, so below.”
Psalm 1 from the Message Bible
How well God must like you—
you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.
God charts the road you take.
David tells us how much God loves obedience as he contrasts those who follow God versus those who don’t. But verse 2 talks about the concept of rumination on God’s Word, which is exactly what Sound Mind Set is all about. “Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.” The way we find truth and find balance in this life is by repeating, thinking on, considering, and ruminating on His Word, allowing it to have a 24/7 impact on us.
As you have been listening to the passages of the Bible I read each day, do you find yourself thinking on, even repeating back parts of a verse to yourself later in the day or when a difficult circumstance arises? Almost like a song can get stuck in your head that you find yourself singing later? That, my friend, is rumination. And God loves it and can work in your life to bring balance in your heart and your home when that happens.
As you think/ruminate about a phrase that stood out to you from the scripture
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your Word to go deep into my spirit to speak to me and make a difference. Bring the verses You want me to live by back to my mind as I go through my days and my nights. As above, so below.”
If this has been helpful, will you help us in spreading the word by sharing this on your social media. You can do that where you see the three dots below or above the podcast cover on your podcast platform. Share to Facebook and encourage friends to join us each day for a few minutes; to get still and know God more because Scripture promises that He meets us in the stillness.
Today, we look at Proverbs 8, a prophetic chapter where the word “Wisdom” correlates to Christ. The “me” here is Jesus. Verses 32 thru 35:
“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
What do these verses tell us to do? There are 5 action items …
Follow His ways.
Listen to His instruction.
Listen to Him.
Watch for Him.
And the really tough one … Wait for Him.
No one could honestly say that following Jesus is easy in today's world. I have found that the world tends to offer us the easy way in the short-term, which rarely makes the long-term good. With the Lord, the short term is often hard, but the long term turns out right … if we listen … if we don’t ignore Him … if we watch … if we wait. We will find life and we will find favor from the Lord.
… if we listen … if we watch … if we wait.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, so often in my life choosing You over the world or my own way is hard. Please help me to listen for You, to You, to not ignore You, to watch for You, and the hardest one … to wait for You. As above, so below.”
Today, we will read the passage that contains what became known as The Lord’s Prayer—Matthew 6:6-13. The words of Jesus.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
The time we invest in prayer is going to pay dividends as we live our life. The time in private with God is going to be seen in public with others because prayer changes us, changes our thinking, and changes our circumstances. Jesus says that the key to our prayers doesn’t lie in repetition to Him but in relationship with Him.
With this in mind, listen again to the passage from the Message translation. Jesus says to you, and I
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Such a great rendering of The Lord’s Prayer. Did you notice our closing to all our prayers for Sound Mind Set? … As above, so below. … This is where that comes from. As above, so below is our goal for life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I use Jesus’ words today to close in prayer … Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. … As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:3-10 is called the Sermon on the Mount—one of Jesus’s most well-known teachings.
Matthew 5:3-10 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Again, I want to ask you if any line or phrase or word stood out to you? If so, say it out loud now. … Take a moment to ask God why He had that stand out to you?
This time through, I will paraphrase the passage, turning the words into personal language and only reading certain parts for you to hear it differently…
“God … realizes your need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven [is yours]. … mourn, [and you] will be comforted. [be] humble, [and you] will inherit the whole earth. … hunger and thirst for justice, [and you] will be satisfied. [be] merciful, [and you] will be shown mercy. [be] pure, [and you] will see God. … work for peace, [and you] will be called the children of God. Do [what is] right, [and] the Kingdom of Heaven is [yours].
Which of Jesus’ teachings here do you feel like He asking you to focus on right now?
You likely know the reason, but if not, ask Him. He wants you to know … and tell you why.
For those who follow Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven starts here. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours … right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for such incredible teachings and challenges. Thank You for every promise You offer for a balanced and blessed life. I want to experience the Kingdom of Heaven starting here, right now. So I mean it when I say … As above, so below.”
Yesterday we were in Proverbs chapter 2. Today, we turn the page to chapter 3.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (v. 1-6 NLT)
Finding favor with both God and people, as verse 4 states, would be a sign of a fulfilled and balanced life, would it not? Again, God promises He can do these things in our lives when we surrender and submit to Him and His ways.
How might personal expressions like loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and trust help you find better balance with everyone in your life? For these to become genuine in life, we must slow down and focus on others. Exactly the way we win favor and a good reputation.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Did you notice twice in that version of the passage, the words “living well” were used? What we all desire. What we all seek. To live well.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, teach me to take the time to listen for You, teach me to hear when You speak, teach me to know the difference in my voice and Yours, others’ voices and Yours. I want to learn Your voice just as clearly as my closest friend’s. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 2,
King Solomon speaks to our personal bandwidth, mental, spiritual, and physical balance.
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
Was there a sentence or phrase or maybe even a certain word that jumped out at you as I read?
That is often how God speaks to us through His Word. He will pull out a specific message for you for this moment, for this day. If so, focus on that throughout your day.
With this in mind listen to the passage again
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
God promises of Wisdom. Understanding. Insight. Knowledge. Common sense. Integrity. Justice. Protection. All promises from God when we seek Him. This ancient promise is yours. “Wisdom will enter your heart. Knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight. I submit my schedule, my time and energy to You, to teach me the way to live, how to live, with You and for You. As above, so below.”
In Exodus 18, Moses’s father-in-law Jethro watched him do his work one day in serving the people. He saw the stress on both his son-in-law and the people waiting for him. So he shared his wisdom with Moses. Listen Exodus 18
When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”… “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God. Appoint them as leaders … Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” (vv. 14-23 NLT)
Does trying to do everything alone and not bother anyone for help sound familiar to you? Does wearing yourself out hit close to home?
With this in mind listen again to these specific parts of this passage with a bit of adaptation directed at you personally
“You’re going to wear yourself out ... This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … let some capable, honest … [people] … help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
God has placed people in your life that want to help you. Is it time to identify who they are, ask for their help, and finally agree to let them help because they have been offering?
We can’t truly achieve balance in life by ourselves. We need the help of others. Just like Jethro changed Moses’ life and helped the people too with his advice, your life can be blessed and balanced by allowing others into your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for examples like this in Scripture that offer real wisdom for life. Help me to identify who can help me. Help me say yes when someone offers when I know it’s right. I need Your help to balance family, work, and all of life. As above, so below.”
Luke 12:25-31 - The words of Jesus
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Did you catch what Jesus said about thoughts? The details of life …eating, drinking, clothing … are the things non-believers stay focused on … basically, constantly taking care of themselves first.
With this in mind listen again what Jesus says about being consumed with self reliance from this passage
“Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
When we leave the details of life to God, when we fix our thoughts on Him, when we believe that He will take care of our business, that allows us the time, energy, and focus to consider His business, which is ministering to others in His name. Seeking the Kingdom of God first because everything we need will come from Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I already worry takes away from my life. I don’t want to think the way I used to anymore. I don’t want to waste time on things that don’t really matter. Teach me to put You and Your kingdom first and to trust that You will always take care of me. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 26:3-4.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Wow … perfect peace. Who doesn’t want that? But the promise of perfect of peace only comes how? Placing full trust and fixing our thoughts on God. Another way to communicate this would be to always have a bigger focus on God than any problem.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible: People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
To work toward complete wholeness, we must set our minds on God. Depend on Him.
What would it look like if next time we have an insurmountable problem… instead of thinking, fixing our eyes on the problem, we fix our eyes on God. Think about Him and His power. How might that change our experience?
Listen to our original verse once more: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I long for peace. I want balance, to be steady. To have my feet on a rock. Help me to fix my thoughts on You, to keep my eyes on You and not the problems and challenges of my life…not to deny them but to defer them to You. Where they belong. As above, so below.”
Psalm 77
Listen to verses 1-3 and 10-13.
I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. … And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
The psalmist says that just when he feels like God has turned His back on him because of troubles, he remembers everything that God has done. All His mighty works.
When you feel like your back is against the wall and begin to wonder where God is, where does your mind take you? What are your thoughts about God?
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to verses 10-13 again: And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
I once read this quote: “What we think about the most is our God.” … Tough but true.
How can you “remember God’s wonderful deeds”? How can He be constantly in your thoughts? More than your trouble and stresses? More than your fears and doubts?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I feel like life is coming apart, help me to think about You and what You have done, not what might happen to me because of bad things from the past or what might come. Help me to remember You first and give the problem to You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139 is well known, often quoted, and emblazoned on Christian art in many forms. Listen intently to verses 16-18:
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Do you ever think that God has you on His mind? Because you are His child and He loves you, just as your children are on your mind because you love them? It’s true. His Word says so.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
You saw me before I was born. … Every day of my life was recorded in your book. … Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. … How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. … They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
The psalmist states that God’s thoughts about you are precious…they are good thoughts…they are loving thoughts…and there are so many that they cannot be numbered. We can’t even count them.
What situation in your life do you feel like God isn’t aware of, like He isn’t seeing how much it affects you?
Can you accept that He sees all, and loves all of you and all that you are about… or are facing?
Will we trust Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, in our culture we hear “God loves you” more like a greeting card sentiment than a truth. But that’s just not fair. You love me. You love me as Your child. Help me to take that truth in deeper. Help me to think like someone You love. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful passage. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, exhale, and listen closely.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
This is not meant to discourage us but rather to provide understanding. God always sees the big picture we cannot. We have to trust that His vantage point allows Him to choose what is best for us. Listening to Him can help us line up with His thinking.
Verse 8 in The Living Bible says: “This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!”
The Message Bible gives us this take on the passage: “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.”“For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.”
Think for a moment about something that is happening in your life right now…what is on your mind the most this week?
What might change if you prayed, “Father, show me what You are doing. How are you at work in my life right now? Help me to trust that Your higher ways are at work in my situation right now.”
All of our actions and attitudes are driven by our thoughts. What if you chose to “think beyond” what you can see today, handed your situation over to God, and surrendered your thoughts to Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t think like me or work like me. In fact, if you did, You wouldn’t be God. But you are. So help me to trust Your thoughts and Your ways today. As above, so below.”
We talked about Psalm 23 and David calling God the Good Shepherd this week. Today, we look at where Jesus called His followers sheep. This is one of the most intriguing passages of Scripture because the heart of God is made very clear as to what He cares about and what gets His attention.
Mathew 25
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
We don’t have to complicate things with religion or laws or rules or theology or any of the divisive issues that have hurt the church for thousands of years. We can simply agree that God would have us feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, help the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and help those in prison. The bottom line: see those who the world does not. Take care of those the world will not. Love those the world says are unlovable. Just like Jesus.
Who in your life do you find unlovable in this moment?
Listen again to Jesus’s final words of this passage
‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to see those You see, hear those You hear, and help those You point me toward. Keep me from religion and lead me deeper into a relationship with You. As above, so below.”
Today, we will return to Ephesians again.
Ephesians 4
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Paul offered a list of contrasts to balance, usher in new life, and get rid of our old life. The image is much like taking off an old, dirty set of clothes and putting on a brand-new outfit. Listen to his words again in this way …
Take off lying and put on truth
Take off stealing and put on sharing
Take off discouragement and put on encouragement
Take off bitterness and put on forgiveness
Take off rage and put on kindness
Take off anger and put on compassion
Which of these have never been an issue for you? Which have been a problem in the past? And which may be a struggle today?
Some of these are an easy 'change of clothes', while some may be tougher.
Listen to the opening of this passage to be reminded of how we are to accomplish these more challenging changes.
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Thank You for all the things You have helped me to change, to take off. Thank You for the new that You have allowed me to experience. Help me to keep transforming, changing into Your image. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture focus will be on two of Paul’s prayers found in the book of Ephesians. First, listen to Ephesians 1.
I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Spiritual growth brings wisdom, insight, knowledge, hope, understanding, all from the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
Which of those qualities do you feel you are growing in? Which do you want God to increase in you?
Now, listen to Paul’s prayer in chapter 3
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Because you are in the family of God, these prayers are also for you.
Specifically, what do these words from this passage mean to you personally -
From his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Unlimited resources - absorb that fact.
He will empower you with inner strength - can you claim that today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone offer me every good thing I need in this life. Help me to know how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. I want to experience Your love and the fullness You offer me. As above, so below.”
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible. We hear these words read in so many settings. But in this beautiful poetry by the shepherd-turned-king David, he speaks of God the Father as his Shepherd and relates life to what he offers his own flock.
Listen with your heart, and hear about the life that God offers you, just as he did David …
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)
A significant part of finding balance in our spiritual lives is found in the first verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.” When we can arrive at the place where He is truly all that we need to sustain our lives when we find our dependence entirely on Him, then we can find rest, our strength can be renewed, we can learn what it means not to be afraid, we can believe that His goodness and mercy is alive in our lives.
Focus on your breathing in and out, close your eyes, and listen intently to this version of Psalm 23
God, my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty Shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (MSG)
The first version we read, the New Living, placed the text on what God will do for us in the future. The Message placed the text in the present, what He does for us. The reality is that both are true.
What else do you need besides God? Could you use some time in a lush meadow? Beside a quiet pool? Time to catch your breath so you can head in the right direction. God is ready to meet your every need.
Breathe deep … take in His truth today … then slowly exhale and let go of yesterday, the past. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering all I need. Forgive me when I focus on all I want, especially those things that are outside of Your will. Lead me, Lord. I want to be able to say that, in You, I don’t need anything or anyone else. As above, so below.”
In Mark 12, Jesus was asked which of the ten commandments was most important. His reply surprised them:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
What is the first key phrase in this passage? The action verb Jesus began with? LOVE - Love the Lord … your God.
We have to start with the very personal question: How much do I love God?
How do we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds with all of our strength? Jesus showed us a road map in this passage.
There are four quadrants mapped out of our being that Jesus mentioned here: Heart, Soul, Mind, and strength.
We start with getting present with God - just me and Him - getting still. It is the premise of what we do here every day. We do this by breathing and getting still.
Notice the passage starts with internal, intimate things - not intellectual things like the mind. It begins with our heart and soul. The order to this is critical
We start by paying attention to our heart - what is going on inside. Approaching God as a child with all our feelings, failures and desires and bringing it to Him.
Then we focus on our Soul by getting still and allowing His presence to speak to our inner being - without words.
Only then do we engage our mind by taking in what God is saying.
Lastly, our strength, what we do with encountering God.
These are the steps Jesus laid out to love him wholly.
Listen again to Jesus words.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Start, as Jesus said, with our heart -our feelings, then move to our soul - experiencing God in stillness caring for the deepest part of us, then move to feeding our minds by taking in what he is saying and then, and only then should we move forward in strength Knowing the source.
What part of the four quadrants do you struggle to let be known by God? Heart, soul, mind, strength?
These are all connected. Your heart matters—your soul matters. Your mind matters. What you do matters. But the order matters most.
Can you allow God to love you today? Can you let him know more of you this next year?
As you ruminate on those feelings, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for taking all of the laws and simply telling us to love You with all we have, through a relationship with Jesus. Today, I seek Your balance. I give you my heart. My mind. My thoughts. My attitude. My spirit. My being. All that I have for all that You are. As above, so below.”
Philippians 4 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace that transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds.
This passage says we don’t have to be anxious about anything because we bring everything before God as a petition… but don’t skip over this word - with thanksgiving. Gratitude - giving thanks. In other words - equally bring our needs and our gratitude to God, to receive transcendent Peace. This time from the message Bible.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
What would it look like if we shaped our worries into prayers? Instead of spending too much time processing how we’re going to get through something or how we’re going to fix something, we start with bringing that as a prayer before God. If we do that, this passage promises we will know a sense of God’s wholeness, that everything will come together for good, which will settle us down.
What is one worry in your life that you need transcendent Peace with, that doesn’t seem possible?
No matter what happens, no matter what lays before us, if we start the discipline of turning our worries into prayers, we can experience a sense of God wholeness, which displaces worry as the central theme of our life.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians 2:14-15 (The Message)
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
From biblical times, it has been a constant, and even today, we feel the pressure of segregation and separation. Not just racial segregation - social-economic segregation, political, denominational. We are a divided world.
But because of Jesus, he brings peace to division. listen again
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
Are you suspicious of anyone - their motives, agenda - their lifestyle?
This passage so clearly talks about how, because of what Jesus sacrificially did, he got rid of the religious code of law that created division and became more of a hindrance than it was helpful… and he started over.
Because of what he did he ended animosity and suspicion, bringing peace… We no longer need to hold fast, dare I say worship, the idols of preference, position, prestige, or power.
If there someone in your life, like there is in mine, that you view with animosity or suspicion, can you except that that person is on the same footing, the same level as you, in need of the Messiah who leveled the playing failed, see’s us all, loves us all the same?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians. 4 1-3
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
So many scriptures talk about the peace that God gives us. This passage commands us to create peace actively. This was written from prison, from someone locked up unjustly. He is telling in light of the peace we have been shown to give that peace to others. listen again
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
Paul calls our attention to a few particular things that we are called to do; Number one, we are not to sit around and do nothing or continue down a path that goes nowhere. We are called to be active and intentional about sharing what we have been given.
Number two, we are to do this with humility and discipline, to make these two characteristics a way of life. Constantly humble and pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love.
And Number three, we are called to notice differences between ourselves and others and do everything in our power to make peace.
Is there someone that comes to mind right now that you need to proactively humble yourself and make peace with as an act of love?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
John 14:25-27
I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
In this passage, the baby Jesus we celebrated on Christmas has now lived about 30 years, and he’s coming to the crossroads of what He came to do. He is sharing with his closest friends who, unbeknownst to them, are about to encounter complete chaos and, from the way it seems, the whole plan falling apart. Their Messiah, their friend, is murdered in front of them.
Peace is not a place, Peace is a person, Peace is a Presence. This same Presence is with us now, just as he was with his friends, his disciples, thousands of years ago.
Here Jesus is clearly telling us that: Number one, the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus and the Father, is with us to remind us of everything that he said.
Number two, He says don’t be troubled or afraid even when things seem like they’re all falling apart. Jesus has left us with a gift, peace of mind and heart.
What thoughts are troubling your mind right now that you can ask for peace of mind?
What heartache are you feeling right now that you can ask God to bring peace to your heart?
Jesus says the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid…
Breathe
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Colossians 1:19-20
“For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means to Christ’s blood on the cross.“
What an amazing thought, the God of the universe, in all his fullness and completeness, was pleased to live as a human. And he did it all to reconcile everything; the word reconcile comes from the Latin root words (re) - back and (conciliar) - bring together. Bring back together. As intended. Made right.
The almighty, powerful creator - God, the same one that hung the moon and the stars and created everything, lowered himself, became a human, again, here’s the amazing thing - was happy to do it because he wanted to make everything right. To bring everything back together as originally intended. Whole and complete.
And as a result, He brings you and I peace, shalom, which also means completeness and wholeness. All is right; every debt paid, every mistake and failure is forgotten. We can experience peace, being inseparably connected to the God of the universe, with all the power, and love, and grace, and mercy that goes with that, because of what happened. Jesus was born, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again to make peace with everything in heaven and on earth.
The most profound eternal problem you will ever face, separation from your Father God and his Love, Power, and grace, has already been reconciled for you. There is nothing you can do or not do to change that.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 2:8-14Living Bible
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.
“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[b] lying in a manger!”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang,[c] “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”
Imagine for a moment that you’re a shepherd back in the B.C. days. It’s just another cold, lonely, pitch-dark night, sitting by the fire, watching the sheep. Then, suddenly, a blinding light pierces through the blackness, and you’re face to face with an angel. He sees the terror in your eyes, knows you think that he has come to kill you because of your sin and low position, so then he declares, “Don’t be scared. I have good news of great joy for all people.” Disbelief overwhelms reality as you think, “Why me? And why here? … Aren’t there some important people somewhere to do this? After all, we’re just shepherds.”
Shepherds, as a stereotype, had a reputation for being low-lives, men of bad reputation. They didn’t observe the ceremonial law and were not religious men. They were so known for stealing and dishonesty that their testimony would not be considered reliable enough to testify in court. Think about that… God chose first to announce He was here to these men of bad reputation. He made His birth announcement to the least of these, setting a pattern for His Son’s ministry.
On that night, that holy night, everything changed and the broken, rejected, lowest of society were the ones that God chose to tell first.
The words of the beautiful song, Oh Holy Night, capture the essence of that encounter.
As we finish our time together - let me read you the words for this beautiful song.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
ISAIAH 35
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.
The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
where desert jackals once lived.
And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
fools will never walk there.
Lions will not lurk along its course,
nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.
Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.—-
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Matthew 1:18-25
The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they enjoyed their wedding night, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic revelation to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Scripture states that Joseph decides he should quietly divorce her, which was legally required of a betrothal or engagement in that day. He didn’t want to expose her to any public disgrace or judgment. Yet, even amidst such great heartbreak, doubt, and question, Joseph put Mary first and protected her at all costs. He loved her, even in what he thought was his darkest moment.
Joseph has a dream where an angel confirms Mary’s story and tells him to name the boy “Jesus.” So, Joseph immediately marries Mary. But, here’s an interesting facet to the story.
Verse 24 - 25
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Joseph does not have sex with his wife before her giving birth. Now, there is nothing in this passage where the angel tells Joseph to abstain; in fact, the angel says “don’t hesitate to get married." Meaning he has all the legal rights of a husband. But Joseph made a choice out of respect to God’s plan to stay out of God’s way, to stay in His will.
The integrity and love that often an unsung hero of the story is so inspiring. Joseph not only obeyed, but he went a step further and honored the purity of the story out of reverence for there being a bigger plan.
Think about that, Joseph was married, anyone around him could’ve said it is possible that this child is Joseph’s, but Joseph’s discipline and self-control elevated God's will about his desires. He honored and highlighted the miraculous story that we celebrate, God with us. So there could be no doubt. This was God’s son.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.
Mary’s response to the Angel’s news started with being amazed that God would choose her, saying, “she is the most fortunate woman on earth" . Then she goes on to say these beautiful words of worship about the character of God:
God’s very name is Holy
His mercy flows
He shows strength, scattering the braggarts
Pulling victims out of the mud
Who did God choose to bring the Savior of the world through? A lowly young girl, out of obscurity… Much like us.
Can you take these words spoken by Mary thousands of years ago and accept them as what God, through this miraculous act, is saying to you?
He embraces me as his chosen child.
He remembers me and piles on mercies, piles them high.
Doing exactly what he promised.
What was foretold thousands of years before Jesus was born is exactly what God continues to do today.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:26-38 MESSAGE
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is, six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Can you put yourself in Mary’s place? Everything to that point was normal—everything in its place, just an ordinary day… then a beautiful disruption. An angel appears out of nowhere. It must have been terrifying. But the angel says don’t fear. Something remarkable is going to happen.
Listen again to some of the things the angel says will happen.
“God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
Because of what happened over 2000 years ago, an impossible pregnancy story, is a perfect template for what God continues to do for all of us.
He intersects, disrupts our normal, and says don’t fear something remarkable is going to happen.
Can you hear God saying to you… don’t fear. God has a surprise for you, nothing, you see, is impossible with God.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
1 John 4
We’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
We love because we are loved. The kind of Love that this passage is about is exemplified by Jesus sacrificially becoming one of us. Since Jesus was born, a fearful life, a fear of death, a fear of judgment is banished — because well-formed Love vanishes fear.
The Love we have on our own for one another is fragile and transactional. The kind of Love that this passage is talking about goes beyond any kind of love we can have on our own. But it’s a Love that is available. Not only for us but through us to others. A kind of intimacy, acceptance, and without limitation because of the one who first loved us and sacrificially came for us. This kind of Love is a power that wipes out fear. We can know this Love and give this Love because we were shown this Love first. As the scripture says — First we were loved, now we love.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us
Philippians 2:7-8 (Message)
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
The amazing thing about Christmas is that the Almighty God on high knew we would ever be able to measure up enough to be worthy of his Kingdom. But that didn’t stop His Love for us. Instead, He came for us.
He stepped aside from his status, position, and Holiness and lowered himself because of Love. And he didn’t just do it one time, as in for one day. He stayed and walked in our shoes for 33 years, without entitled privileges. He came in a humble barn. He died in a humiliating way. This is ultimate Love, that lays down his rights, lays down justice, lays down entitlement, and lowers himself to our level, for our sake.
If we’re honest, we all esteem ourselves better than other people from time to time. Someone who’s wronged us, someone who’s disappointed us or offended us… Someone who we compare ourselves to, saying… we would never do that.
Can you picture a person in your life that fits into that category in your mind right now?
This passage starts with these words - Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. What can you do to humble yourself and reach out to that person and show them Love today?
Maybe it’s a word of encouragement; maybe it’s just letting them know that you were thinking about them, maybe say a prayer for them. Let’s follow the example of Christ and let go of any entitlement or privilege, not just a thought but in deed.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.[a]
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
This prophecy talks about what came to be, what actually, historically happened. It is undisputed by atheists and believers alike… Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It’s easy to miss the significance of words spoken thousands of years before the facts that actually came to be. Jesus was a living, breathing human, just like you and me. God becomes flesh. God living among us.
This passage is a prophecy, a promise, and a reality.
When was the last time you felt like anyone delighted in you, was full of gladness just because you were here?
That is how your God, who is with you, feels about you.
What is something that you’re afraid of right now?
This passage says with His Love he will calm your fears. It doesn’t say that your fears will be gone entirely, it says because He is with you, your fears will be calmed.
Your Father will rejoice over you with joyful songs. This season is full of happy songs; next time you hear one, think about the joy it represents and imagine this is how you make God feel, happy. He rejoices over you with happy songs.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
2 Titus 3:4-6 ( Living Bible)
But when the time came for the kindness and Love of God our Savior to appear, then he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness—and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Kindness and Love saved us; It was born onto this earth thousands of years ago. Not because we were good enough, not because we were worthy, but because of a great love, kindness and mercy.
Is there something in your life that feels like it gets in the way of experiencing God’s kindness and Love? Something that blocks you from His unconditional acceptance, kindness and mercy?
This passage tells us because of Jesus, the Christ, ALL our sins are washed away and replaced with new joy by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness. The word fullness is mentioned many times in our advent readings.
This wonderful fullness comes from an indwelling of the Holy Spirit as our sins, our past, our wounds are washed away.
This fullness available to you takes no account of what you have done or not done; it has nothing to do with if you are good enough or not good enough. It has everything to do with the Love that is beyond us.
In what way has God shown his kindness and Love to you this week?
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE)
Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!
Mountains, send up cheers!
God has comforted his people.
He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.
But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me.
My Master has forgotten I even exist.”
“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I’d never forget you—never.
Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.
The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.
Your builders are faster than your wreckers.
The demolition crews are gone for good.
This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There’s little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way.
Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good.
Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in
Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I’d never forget you—never.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Romans 15:12-13
Isaiah’s word: There’s the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
The good tidings of great joy from thousands of years ago is that there is a root breaking through and growing big enough for everyone, everywhere to take hope.
That same promise made thousands of years ago is just as true today, on a daily basis. There is a root that has already been planted in your life because of what happened in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. And that root of hope can break through the ‘earth / ground of your life’ and grow.
Because of the root of Jessie, thousands of years ago, and the root of Jesus growing in our lives today, verse 13 comes alive. The hope, that is the fruit of what has already been planted as followers of Jesus, becomes infectious to all of those around us. Let’s personalize this passage.
May God of green hope,
fill me up with joy,
fill me up with peace,
so that my believing life is filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit and flows over with infectious hope.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:6-7
A child is born, a son is given and all authority will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
There are names given to this child that distinguish Him from all others that have come before Him or gone after Him.
Take a few moments and reflect on the names given and identify the hope that He is to us.
Where do you need the son of God to be your wonderful counselor?
What areas of your life do you need him to be mighty God?
How can he play the role of everlasting father in your life?
How can you crown him the prince of peace in your life?
As we close out our time think, about this declaration made from verse 7 of this passage this time from the Message Bible
His ruling authority will grow and there will be no limits to the wholeness He brings
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:2,
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.
Have you ever turned on a light on your phone in bright sunlight? There is little affect at all. But that same light in pitch darkness illuminates everything around it. There is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of light and darkness. Without darkness there can be no light.
Take a few moments to search your heart for the darkest area that is in your life right now.
Could it be that this Christmas season, and the Hope that it represents, is about the dawning of a great light in your deepest darkness? We live in a dark world, but no darker than it was the night in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. The same God that became a great light in deep darkness is here, and in our hearts, our lives. Our souls are so often like that city of Bethlehem, covered in deep darkness, hidden places, shamed self-assumptions.
But the hope that we have, is that those dark places are exactly where God wants to be with us. Emmanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 7:14
Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us).
Impossible is a word that comes to mind when reading this passage. God defies, smashes, destroys what we perceive to be impossible.
Even in the word impossible are the words I’m Possible.
What situation in your life right now seems impossible? Think, a virgin womb. Can your dare to believe it is possible for the same God to destroy, defy and crush what you see as impossible and become God with you, where ALL things are possible?
The expectant hope we celebrate this advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the one who makes all things new is summed up in this idea - All things are possible because God is with us - Immanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
From now until Christmas we will be focusing each week on a tradition of advent. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.
This week we focus on the first tradition HOPE.
Micah 2-4
But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes
until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,
And the scattered brothers come back
home to the family of Israel.
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.
And the people will have a good and safe home,
for the whole world will hold him in respect—
Peacemaker of the world!
Do you feel like the runt of the liter? Asking, what good can come from you? That’s how Bethlehem felt before the unthinkable happened.
From this runt of the litter, the most unexpected, the least likely event in history happened.
As we prepare our hearts for celebrating the arrival of the Peacemaker of the world, can you offer what you have, as unsightly as you may think it is, as a birthing place of Hope this season.
Often in is in the least likely places that we encounter the closeness of Immanuel - God with us.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope.
Romans15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That’s why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope’.
What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless?
It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope?
It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.
Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us?
Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”
Psalm 77:11-15
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There’s more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us.
Can you think of a situation where you didn’t see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through?
Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through.
Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facing
Let’s pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don’t know what to do. As above, so below”
Psalm 107:1-9
Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas.
Some of you wandered for years in the desert,
looking but not finding a good place to live,
Half-starved and parched with thirst,
staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.
He got you out in the nick of time;
He put your feet on a wonderful road
that took you straight to a good place to live.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;
the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.
This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God .
This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we’ve read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through.
Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn’t always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him.
Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance.
PRAY
Father thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.
Today our scripture reading is from Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Having a spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. The act of giving thanks, of feeling gratitude can actually change our brain chemistry.
No matter what situation you find yourself in, there’s always something around you worth giving thanks for. It may be a small thing, it may be a significant thing. Every day we wake up with a choice. That choice is what we focus on. We can focus on a sense of lack, or what we’re missing, or we can choose to find and focus on those things we are grateful for. And allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts.
Can you think of one thing that you are grateful for ?Maybe its a person, something that has happened, or something that is a blessing - like health, or provision.
Focus on that one thing and everything about that one thing that you are grateful for. Feel it in your body, feel the gratitude and worship Your father in the spirit of gratitude.
Pray with me: “Father I have so much to be grateful for. Help me to work into the discipline of choosing to be grateful, of choosing to find things to give thanks for. Let your peace rule in my heart. As above So Below. ”
2 Corinthians 12:5-10
….I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When we look at our lives, they are full of victories and full of setbacks. In these verses, Paul clarifies the true source of strength. God's strength. He also speaks of ‘a thorn in the flesh’, placed there to keep him from being conceited. It’s interesting to reframe the challenges in our life, failures in our life, and seeing even those play a divine purpose in our lives.
What area of your life feels weak right now?
What is the difficulty in your life right now?
"When I am weak, then I am strong."
This message is countercultural to our society which preaches self-reliance.
Can you admit your weakness to God right now?
Ask for him to give you not only the strength to make it through but also the awareness that in your weakness, He is strong, Turning all things for your good and His glory
Let’s pray: “Holy Father, thank you for your power that shines in my weakness. I confess my failings, I confess my weakness, and I acknowledge those areas of struggle and hardship in the very areas where are you are shining brightest through me.”
Today, as we close out this week, we will listen to a powerful and popular passage from the Apostle Paul.
Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
What is you biggest dream in life right now?
What is the most outlandish thing you could wish for someone you love?
With that in mind, listen again to Paul’s closing blessing.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
What if we make our daily prayer for ourselves and those we love be “Lord, accomplish infinitely more than can ask or think”.
This is not a genie in a bottle request. Not a guarantee that everything will go the way we want. It is a blessing that God will use all of everything in our lives to surprise us because of Him working all things together for good.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Please give me the boldness and the wisdom ask You to do more than I could ask for or imagine through me, for your glory. As above, so below.”
Today we are going to spend all our time in gratefulness. I will mention some prompts and I want you to give your full focus to offering thanksgiving to Your Father for what He has given us.
We praise You for Your Holy presence - For Your power that proceeded our existence - Thank you
For Your sacrificial Son who paid the price for my sins - thank you
We thank you for your complete forgiveness
We thank you for your great love for us
We thank you for our family - parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters
We thank you for our friends who bring comfort and strength
We thank you for your provision. Food. Shelter. Safety.
We thank you for the struggles that we would rather avoid - thank you for using them for our good.
We thank you for being with us, close steady and trustworthy
We thank you for being faithful to us and our family
Let’s pray: “On this day, and every day, thank you for the many gifts that you give that sometimes go unnoticed. Thank you that you meet us in stillness and that through Jesus you have made it possible for us to know you intimately, personally and completely. Thank you that you call us your beloved, your children. Protect us, provide for us and bless us and our families. As above, so below.”
Have you ever thought how death is what makes life so valuable and crucial? The end brings value and purpose to the journey, because we don’t know how much time we have. Every day, any day, could be the last. We just don’t know. This creates an urgency that, honestly, few embrace, in fact, most ignore. So many folks live in denial that the end is coming.
But the real tragedy is not a short-lived life, but an un-lived life. Linda Ellis wrote a poem simply called “The Dash.” She refers to the birth year and the death year on every headstone, but writes the line: “What matters most of all is the dash between those years.” When she writes and speaks, she encourages people with this advice: “Live your dash!”
In Deuteronomy 30, we hear God speaking to the children of Israel through Moses:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land …” (Deut. 30:19-20 NLT)
Listen once again to these words in verse 20:
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Funny how every human seeks the key to life and God has told us clearly in just one verse where it can be found. Life has a beginning, an end, and a dash in between. We should live that dash well with no regrets, following the key to life: Loving God, obey Him and committing ourselves firmly to Him.
Today, right now, I challenge us to simplify our perspective and pursuits.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to choose your life and live that in front of my kids. Help me to love You. Help me to obey and commit my life to You and pass that on to those around me. As above, so below.”
The world tends to always take any milestone or accomplishment and respond with, “That’s great. So what’s next?” On and on through life, the question comes on constant repeat.
Today, let’s listen to a passage from King Solomon in his frustration with the “What’s next?”
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 NLT)
Petty cynical, huh? Well, we all have days when we feel this same way. Solomon was simply voicing what we in the human race feel quite often.
Now, listen to him in chapter 3, verses 11-13:
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
We all feel the weight of what Solomon expressed in the first passage: meaningless feelings about our days. But God is the crucial element in life to bring value and purpose, even to the mundane and the seemingly meaningless.
What is one way you can recognize God’s gift in what often seems mundane in your life?
Life itself, even on the meaningless days, is indeed a gift from Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me look for beauty, value, purpose, eternity, and to look for Your work in my world and celebrate your gifts, especially the gift of life. As above, so below.”
ISAIAH 32:15-20 NLT
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Beautiful words of hope - These verses are in response to what the writer describes just before as -
For your land will be overgrown with thorns and briers.
Your joyful homes and happy towns will be gone.
Is there a place in your life where you feel like your land is over grown with thorns and briers. Your joyful homes and happy towns are gone.
ISAIAH 32:15-20
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Life brings us all ups and downs. When we are down, it can feel permanent.
Focus on these words from this passage -
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
This same verse from the Message says it this way
Right will build a home in the fertile field.
And where there’s Right, there’ll be Peace
What would it mean for you today to live right? Is there one thing you can think of that you can just do the right thing?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank you for this reminder that you rebuild all things. I pray for those areas of my life where it feels like my land is overgrown with thorns. Please bring your peace, healing and righteousness. Help me to day after day just do the right thing for your sake believing that you will make all things right. As above so below.”
For our final day this week, we’ll see how, surprisingly, Joseph’s life was brought full circle for a total and complete redemption. Why? Because he followed the purpose and plan of God.
Genesis 42:1-3 NLT
When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise, we’ll die.” So, Joseph’s ten older brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain.
You know what’s coming, don’t you?
Genesis 42: starting at verse 6 NLT
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them…. Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him.
Finally, the moment came for the reveal.
Genesis 45:4-8 NLT
And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. … God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So, it was God who sent me here, not you!
What if we decided like Joseph to take every tragedy, every injustice, every wrong done to us, and trust God to show us the “why,” the greater purpose that could come from the “what?”
We know the famous verse to end our story from Genesis 50:19
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me, but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
Nothing about this story sounds pleasant or easy. But God provided favor all along the way, even in dark situations.
Is there is a dark situation in your life right now - more than likely, you are not in prison for a false accession like Joseph, but even in that situation can you reflect on one way you can see God’s faithfulness to you, even in the short term as you wait for the long-term promise?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there are things in my life that I know you want to restore and redeem like Joseph’s. Help me to see my life through Your eyes, to hear Your truth, and to live my purpose just as You planned when You created me. As above, so below.”
We really hope you are enjoying this week and the amazing story of Joseph. God had given him a strange, mystical gift of being ability to hear someone’s crazy-sounding dream and be able to offer a credible interpretation that applied to the person’s future. And would most certainly come true.
After Pharaoh had a very strange dream and no one could tell him what it meant, he was finally made aware of Joseph and called him before the throne to hear the dream, this is in Genesis 41:15
“I dreamed a dream,” Pharaoh told Joseph. “Nobody can interpret it. But I’ve heard that just by hearing a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered, “Not I, but God. God will set Pharaoh’s mind at ease.”
When the dust had settled after Joseph heard, interpreted, and offered solutions for all of Pharaoh’s dreams, the ruler of Egypt made a surprising declaration to everyone, but most especially to Joseph:
We pick up in verse 38
Then Pharaoh said to his officials, “Isn’t this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God’s spirit in him like this?”
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “You’re the man for us. God has given you the inside story—no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. From now on, you’re in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you.”
Every problem that humans threw at Joseph, God always in time provided a promotion for him. Ultimately, he became the second most powerful leader in the known world.
This story is much like when Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 19:26: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
God can overcome anything if we will simply place the circumstance in His hands. The handing-over can be very hard sometimes, because we feel out-of-control. But giving control of something we cannot control anyway to the God who is always in control will be the best decisions we make—every time. Like Joseph told Pharaoh: “It is beyond my power to do this, but God can …”
Is there an impossible situation in your life right now that you can turn over to God?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that whatever happens, You can. What is impossible for me is always possible for You. What seems impossible to happen or not happen, You have control over. I submit my life, my purpose, my own need to be in control to You. As above, so below.”
If you either didn’t know the story of Joseph or haven’t heard it in a very long time, the back-and-forth that happened to him is mind-boggling. Today is certainly no different. I want, as you hear Joseph’s story, to overlay your own circumstances to know that God desires to create the same type of outcome for you.
Genesis 39:21-23 NLT
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Are you starting to see the pattern? When Joseph is put in a bad situation, he responds by working hard and having the best attitude he can. That has to be true or these people in authority wouldn’t have done the things they did for Joseph. His life must have expressed something very different than other servants or prisoners. His life reflected, not his own, but that of the God who gave purpose to Joseph’s life.
Genesis 39:21-23 MESSAGE
But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
It is so crucial and important for us to not miss the many times Joseph had the opportunity to get bitter, to be vengeful, to hate, to curse, and to decide God had forgotten all about him. But he didn’t. He knew that son or servant, palace or prison, God was with him, showing him the way through, not the way out. Apply these truths to your own life today because they are certainly very real and available to you right now.
Let’s pray: “Father, I know what it feels like to be forgotten by people and start to believe that nothing good is going to happen. But with You, that is simply not true. You never forget. You always see me. You are always with me. Help me to accept and know that truth today and every day. As above, so below.”
Today, we continue to read the life of Joseph, we’ll see the roller coaster of good and evil in his life. But most importantly, his response to the injustices done to him and God’s response to Joseph’s faith.
Genesis 39:1-21 NLT
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master … This pleased Potiphar, so he … put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned … With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “My master trusts me with everything in his entire household. … How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her … One day … She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “… this Hebrew slave … came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. … Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story … So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison … But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love.
Among the evil Joseph had to endure, what were the two phrases that created game changers for him?
“The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did …”
“But the Lord was with Joseph … and showed him his faithful love.”
“The Lord was with” simply means there was a constant, continual relationship between God and Joseph. Like a hybrid of family and friend. No matter what you have been through, are walking through now, or will endure in your life, that “with” is available to you 24/7.
These same thoughts are what Paul meant when in Romans 8:31, he stated, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Let’s personalize and repeat that phrase right now: “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?”
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that nothing that can happen to me is bigger, stronger, or greater than You. I want my life to be marked by the “with” of being in a relationship with You. I invite You into my life to experience the same closeness as Joseph had. As above, so below.”
Throughout this week, we’ll be reading from the life of Joseph.
Genesis 37:2-4 NLT
When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half-brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So, one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
Now, fast-forward to Joseph being sent by his dad to check on his brothers who were working in the field …
Genesis 37:23-28 NLT
When Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders … Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.
We all know the end of the story. How God used all of these terrible situations for ultimate good. But before we get ahead of ourselves to the redemption - Do you have a memory in your own life that this story triggered for you? Something tragic? Betrayal? An injustice?
While this story is painful to hear, the bottom line is we all understand family dysfunction that causes pain and creates scars that we have to deal with for a long time. But these events in our lives offer us a choice: will I let this define me or will I allow this to become a defining moment?
Your relationship with God can bring purpose to create a greater, stronger you out of any circumstance. But for this to happen, the pain and the process has to be surrendered to God and then stay submitted to Him on the journey to wholeness and healing.
As we walk through this week, and the story of Joseph, can you ask God to start to reveal his purpose for your pain, maybe like you have never seen it before.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for providing examples in Scripture that show me how to navigate the tragedies of life through You. Right now, I surrender my hurts, my pain, and my process of healing to You. Use it all—the good and bad—to bring me a greater sense of purpose about my life, as You lead me. As above, so below.”
The Message Bible—Romans 5:1-5.
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide-open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:1-5 MSG)
Let’s personalize these scriptures… God has made you right with Him through Christ. That’s what He wanted for you when He created you. God has thrown open the doors of Heaven to you. He wants you to throw open the doors of your heart, your mind, your spirit to Him. And now you are standing where you have always hoped to stand—out in the wide-open spaces of His grace and glory.
Let’s take a few moments … I want to ask you to express Your praise to God. Whether you shout or you are silent, take a moment to worship like Paul expressed, as he calls it standing tall and shouting our praise.
Please know that the enemy of God and the ways of this world do not want you to know who you truly are in Christ. So that is exactly why the battle is so strong on so many of your days to pull you down and keep you down. But please, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking … never stop. Know who you are and only go deeper in your relationship with Christ. You will never find the end of Him this side of Heaven, so I want to inspire you to dive deep in His grace and in His glory.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, we worship You today as the One who gives us our life, our breath, and our identity. You alone establish our worth and our value. Help me, lead me, to just keep asking, seeking, and knocking to know You deeper and higher and farther and longer in Your love until I come home to be with You. As above, so below.”
We want to spend the bulk of our time together in meditation on a powerful chapter that King David wrote. Today, our focus will be to understand who we are, we must first know that God is God and we are not. So much of the issues in our lives regarding our identity is when we try to keep ourselves on the throne when we were never created to sit there. Only our God.
(Psalm 84 NLT)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. … A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
What phrase or thought stood out to you? Consider why. What is God saying to you right now?
Listen to verse 5-7 from the Message Bible
And how blessed all those in whom you live,
whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
Is there a lonesome valley you are facing right now?
Then listen to the closing words once more - For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
Let’s pray: “Father, David used the word ‘joy’ many times in this Psalm. Help me to find more joy in You and in my life. I need You to be my sun and my shield. Please give me Your grace and glory. I want to do what is right in Your eyes so You will withhold no good thing from me. As above, so below.”
The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV)
Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don’t we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth.
What I want to do, I don’t do. The good I really want to do; I can’t seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it!
But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen …
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul’s teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus.
Is there a contradiction, something you don’t want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace?
God knows the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you.
Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”
Busyness and distraction are rampant in our culture. Listen to this story about Jesus and his two friends who were sisters.
(Luke 10:38-42 NLT)
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha just knew she was in the right, didn’t she? She was busy fixing a meal for a room full of hungry people and growing impatient with her sister for leaving her to do all the work. Imagine her surprise when Jesus told her that Mary was actually in the right place doing the right thing. … The Bible says Martha was distracted while Mary was discovering. … Notice Jesus’s choice of words, translated into English, of course. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. And Mary has discovered it.
Today, there are things you have to do and things you need to do. But to stay on the path of finding who you are in Christ requires setting aside some to-do list stuff and do what Mary did—intentional time to sit and listen to Jesus. In stillness.
Listen Again
Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Imagine the Lord words from this scripture directed to you today, “My dear friend, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Discover it.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, remind me, help me take the time to stop life and listen, to not be distracted, but discover more of You, to discover more of me. As above, so below.”
(Matthew 7:7-8 NLT)
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
These are the words of Jesus Himself. Notice his intentional use of the language—you will receive … you will find … the door will be opened. That said, we have to be careful to not manipulate or misinterpret His teaching. This is not like a blank check. God will never go outside of His Word, His ways, or His will. But, inside these holy parameters, He is inviting all of us to ask, seek, and knock.
He is telling us to be proactive. Asking, seeking, and knocking all take both action and faith.
Listen again to the intentionality “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
What might this look like for you?
Notice the transitions. Ask, seek, knock.
Asking is between you and God. What do you specifically need to ask for right now?
Seek is your choice - If we seek / look for the negative we will find it. It is also true is you look for God in situations you will find Him. Where can you see evidence of God at work in your life right now?
Knock is an action, a deliberate move in a direction. What deliberate step do you need to take towards something? Maybe what deliberate step do you need to take away from something?
This interactive prayer that Jesus give is a format for everything in our lives. Ask our Father. Seek for Him. Move in that direction.
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, give me the boldness, the strength, the passion to get up and ask, seek, and knock to discover whatever You have for my life. I believe You spoke these words because You believe we are worthy because of Your sacrifice. May I walk in Your Word, Your will, and Your ways. As above, so below.”
Of the thousands of questions about our bodies that scientists have answered, there is a certain mystery that has never been successfully resolved: our fingerprints. Why do we have them? What’s their biological purpose? Years of research have not produced a good answer.
The only fact that all scientists agree on is that no two people’s fingerprints are the same—even those of identical twins. Throughout all of human creation, no repetition of fingerprints has ever been found, with every set being original.
What if God gave us fingerprints, making them unique to each person, simply to show us the great detail and care He takes in His creation?
LUKE 12:6-7 NIV
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
In creating us God paid attention to detail. Every fiber of your body is a calculated design. Every function of your mind is a miracle. Our ability to connect with one another, even when we get hurt, is a testament to the eternal character of God that lives in us that is beyond just the physical realm.
Listen again to this passage paying attention, not to the general sense of God’s care for us, but the microscopic view, described about God’s awareness and view of you.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
You are not forgotten. God’s attention and affection for you is as focused on the little things as it is on the big things.
What is a concern that you carry that may feel like God has forgotten about in your life? Can you acknowledge that your Father is keenly aware, and with you, in every situation, big or small?
Look at the tip of your finger. Your fingerprint is used as a form of identification, a signature, so to speak, that is unique to only us. There is great value and worth in the fact that you are not like anyone that has ever existed before. Your place on this earth is by design. Your worth and value to those around you is immeasurable and was a calculated plan by God towards those you come in contact with. Your fingerprints are evidence of you on everything that you touch, everyone you interact with. Your unique and special signature of just being you. You are a gift given by the God of the universe to those around you, whether you feel like it or not.
Father, thank you that you see me. Down to the very hairs on my head. There is nothing in my life that you are not aware of or that you don’t care about. Help me to trust in that intimate awareness and care you have for me. Help me to grasp, even a little bit, of how valuable I am to you and to others. As above so below.
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
And now for the beautiful side of the story, let’s skip to verse 21:
So, the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” (Genesis 2:21-23 NLT)
Where was God in these scenes? He was in the dirt—involved, creating, engaged. He was crafting man and woman. He breathed His own breath into them.
Listen to verse seven again, this time from The MESSAGE
God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!
If we are going to believe the Bible and what God says, then these are our truths: You were formed out of a deep love from a God who desperately loves you. You didn’t come from apes. You certainly were not an accident. God planned, designed, and made you. That is who you and your family are … God’s very own. Your worth is found in the fact that God breathed His very breath to bring you, specifically you, into life.
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for planning us with and for a purpose—me and my kids. Guide me, lead me to help us all find that purpose through Your plan and with an attitude of worth, value, and identity that only comes from You. As above, so below.”
We all know today that the world and media want to tell us our value, our worth, and our identity.
Let’s go back to the first pages of the Bible where God Himself speaks of human origin.
(Genesis 1 NLT)
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
As a human being, this passage talks about your life. God looks at you and says, “Very good!” That is the truth about your personal value, your very worth, the essence of who you are in your identity.
This is what the first verse says about you - Personalize the verse, insert your own name.
Then God said, “Let us make _______________ in our image, to be like us.
Let that sink in. When ever you question your worth, your identity, remember you are created in God’s image, His nature, as another translation says. And He looks at you, just the way you are, and says ‘Very Good”
How would believing that about yourself change the way you approach your day, the way you approach others, The way you carry yourself?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for my life. Thank you for reminding me the way you see me, in your likeness. Help me to accept and embrace what you say about me and the way you see me as ‘Very good”. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:13-16 MESSAGE
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
One thing that is, for sure, being communicated in this passage is the intentionality of a creator creating. Nothing in this passage speaks to accidents. Nothing in this passage speaks to randomness. Everything in this passage speaks of grandeur, beauty and care.
In another translation of the first two verses of this passage it reads
“You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mothers womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex your workmanship is marvelous.
It’s interesting to think of God as a master craftsman, molding something from the inside out to be so wonderfully complex. Often we look at ourselves and we give ‘complex’ a negative connotation. But in this passage there is honor being attached to complexity.
What about you sometimes seems too complex?
A lot of us walk around feeling like, at the very best, we are a random addition to the human race, and we discount what makes us different or complex. Not often do we celebrate ourselves as a unique, complex and marvelous workmanships of a master creator.
Can you look at yourself and accept that the way you are created, in all your wonderful complexity, points to the intentional, deliberate care of a master creator who believed that this world was better with you in it? Nothing about you or your life is random.
Let’s pray together: “Father, while I may struggle to use words about myself like “complex, marvelous, and precious,” thank You that You have expressed those feelings toward me. I want to believe my worth in and through You and I want to receive my identity from You. As above, so below.”
The story is told of Sir Isaac Newton, the famous mathematician and scientist, who had a strong belief in God. One day, Sir Isaac went to a carpentry shop and asked the owner to make a model of our solar system. This model was to be to scale, intricately painted, and designed to resemble, as closely as possible, the actual solar system.
Several weeks later, Newton picked up the model, paid for it, and placed it in the center of a table in his house. One day, a friend who was an atheist came to visit. When the man arrived, the model of the solar system caught his eye, and he asked Sir Isaac if he could inspect it more closely. As the friend looked it over, he was awed by the fine craftsmanship and beauty. The friend then asked Newton who had created this wonderful model of the solar system. Sir Isaac promptly replied that no one had made the model but that it had just appeared on his table one day, evidently by accident.
Confused, the friend asked the question again, and Newton repeated his answer that the model had come out of thin air. As the friend became frustrated, Sir Isaac then explained the purpose of his answer: If he could not convince his friend that this crude replica of the solar system had “just happened by accident,” how could the friend believe that the real solar system, with all its complex design, could have appeared only by chance? The moral to the story: Design always demands a Designer.
(Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
When was the last time you watched your children sleeping? Why do you suppose as parents we do that? Stare lovingly at a perfectly still and peaceful child? It’s because we marvel at how they are created and are a part of us. … Design does indeed demand a Designer.
Listen again to this passage as I personalize it for us. Repeat these truths over yourself today.
For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things he planned for me long ago.
God has already stated clearly that you are His masterpiece … just like those beautiful kids you love so much. He has declared your worth and identity. He created each of you and placed you together as a family.
Pray with me: “Father, I want to accept and receive that I am Your masterpiece, created anew in You to accomplish the things You planned for my life long ago. I claim that same identity and destiny for my incredible kids. Thank You for my life. Thank You for their lives. As above, so below.”
Ecclesiastes 3: 14-15 (MSG)
This passage is from the same famous passage that we focused on earlier this week about seasons.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Solomon was a great man, a very wealthy man, a man that you would say had it all and had seen it all. As we conclude this week, this passage reminds us of a summary that Solomon has, as he looks on the timing, the seasons and the gifts of God. He concludes that regardless of what we do, God is in control and it’s not our job to try to figure out why but simply worship.
Listen to the passage again.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Is there a situation, or maybe a person in your life that you just can’t figure out. Is it possible that it’s not your job to figure it out? Is it possible that your job is to surrender it to God and quit asking questions and simply worship Him knowing that, as this passage says. Whatever was, is whatever will be, is. that’s how it always is with God.
Father, thank you for your almighty hand in all of my life. Help me to surrender my time, my focus and my habits to you and your purpose. You do what you will and I will do my best to let go of trying to understand all your reasons. As above, so below.
Mathew 7:6 (NLT)
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
This is pretty explicit language talking about wasting time and effort. We all have situations in our lives that maybe we’re trying to fix, people that we’re trying to fix. If we’re honest, they are not our situations or people to fix in the first place. Sometimes relationships or situations can become unhealthy and no matter what we say or do, we never see them change.
In this passage we reflect on getting very honest with the value proposition of our time. Is there an area in your life that you continue to expend or invest a large amount of your time or focus, that God might be directing you to lighten your efforts?
Listen again to this passage with that question in mind.
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
The Bible is clear we are to love all men all the time. This passage is not talking about dismissing the person, seeing them is not worthy.
This passage is talking about boundaries, being honest with this question - Is this situation some thing that God has called me to? or am I just expending my own efforts in hopes to gain the outcome that I desire? God‘s desires are different than ours. God uses process, God uses time, sometimes lots of it, to bring people to himself. We seem to want to see results right away.
Maybe there’s a situation, or person in your life which you have done your part, and your part was never to see the harvest, but to plant the seed. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of, that you need to be a greater steward of your time with?
Father, thank you for all that you give me. Let me see all people as you see them, all valuable, equally important. Show me how I should see those things which I invest my time and focus into, choosing to hold close that which you have for me, and letting go of that which you don’t. As above, so below.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
We reflect on this passage every day in our time together. The importance of stilling our minds, getting present, and knowing God.
The essence of this verse is to let go of the awareness of time, demands, expectations and distractions. To get fully present in a moment. We live in a world that is so fast paced, day-to-day our interactions with our kids, people that we encounter, family members can happen so quickly that if we’re not careful we don’t allow ourselves to be fully present in them.
In the original Hebrew of this psalm, Be still, the word is harpu, A more literal translation of harpu would be "cause yourselves to let go". Rather than merely being passive, we are instructed to actively let go. To let go of expectation, let go of preconceived thought, let go of distraction. Be fully present, attentive and available.
Be still and know that I am God is obviously taking about how we are to be present in the presence of God. Can we apply this same principle to our everyday interactions?
Can you think of a time were you look back and said, wait what just happened? Or what did I just say? Or what did you just say?
We let our minds get so far ahead of ourselves that often we don’t take time to be fully present, attentive and available.
One thing that we know for sure is the time we have here on earth is finite, it’s limited. Like grains of sand in an hourglass when it’s gone it’s gone. Let’s make the most of the moments that we have, Be fully present, attentive and available.
Find the beauty in them, find God in them, find connection with those around us in them… Not rush through as if we have unlimited time to spend.
Father, help me to be more present in everyday life. With you, with family, friends and with strangers. Thank you for the time you give us, the opportunities to experience you and others, help me to actively let go of distractions that keep me from all that you have for me, in the moments that I have. As above, so below.
Today we will be reading excerpts from Solomon’s famous words in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT).
For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
In this famous scripture Solomon is reflecting on the predictable seasons in our life. One thing that we can be sure of is that things change, seasons ebb and flow.
How do you go through your life? Do you try to hold on to the good seasons with all your might? Do you try to rush past the troubled season with everything that you are? It’s important to pay attention to the push and pull, the give-and-take, the good and bad that everyone will experience in their life.
Listen again to the first verse in this passage this time from the King James version.
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.
In this translation the word ‘season’ is related with the word ‘purpose'.
Can you look at something good in your life and recognize that it’s a season that has purpose, be grateful for it, but don’t hold on too tight as if it will last forever?
Is there something that you’re facing right now that is a real struggle, can you acknowledge the struggle has purpose and also recognize that it won’t last forever?
God takes us through ups and downs, all to serve a purpose. Calling us to anchor ourselves in the one thing that never changes, his great love and faithfulness to his children.
Father, Help me to not hold on too tightly to the good seasons, not to rush out of the difficult ones. Allow me to sense your purpose in all of them and hold tightly to you. Thank you that you never change although everything around me will.
As above, so below.
Proverbs 27:1
Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.
How many days do we try to have everything mapped out? What we’re gonna do, what our kids are going to do, then what we’re gonna do after that? Nobody knows how much time we actually have available to us. As you reflect on your life, can you look back and notice time that you wish you had back? Time that you foolishly spent pursuing some thing that you had no control over?
Listen again to this passage this time for the Message Bible.
Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
Being self-assured seems to be the ‘name of the game’ in this culture in which we live. This passage suggest the opposite. ‘Don’t be so sure’, but rather the hold things with a loose hand.
Think about something in your life that was completely unexpected. It may be a good thing, it may be a tragic thing. Regardless of that situation being good or bad, one thing is for sure, it wasn’t in your plan.
God calls us to simple living, a surrendered life. A trusting posture. He says all things work together for good for those who trust God.
Is there something in your life right now that you feel fairly sure is going to happen good or bad?
Can you surrender that, let go of being sure and accept that you will take things as they come?
Maybe more often we just need to take a deep breath, yield to the flow of life, so that we can be present in the moments that we don’t get back.
Father, I recognize that you hold all things in your hands. I am grateful for all the gifts you give, all the challenges you take me through. Help me to loosen my grip on feeling like I have to have everything all mapped out. As above, so below.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Yesterday we focused on embracing the feelings that freedom brings and living from that sense of security. In today’s passage, Paul directs us towards actions not feelings. He suggests 3 choices for us to make.
Be joyful in hope. Another word for hope is expectant. Will you choose to show joy because your are expectant that God will come through?
Be patient in affliction. Another word for patience is acceptance. Will you choose to accept - to not fight - affliction or trouble?
Be faithful in prayer. Faithful can be defined as loyal and committed. Will you be loyal and committed to praying?
Listen again to this passage, this time from the Message Bible
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
What personal hope do you have for yourself can you choose to be joyful and excited about right now?
What affliction or trouble that you’re facing can you decide to be patient with?
What is something that you need to commit tp praying more earnestly about?
God’s best for you is a combination of feeling, really knowing He has gone before you and is with you, like we explored yesterday, and choosing to follow His path by living in hope, patience and prayer.
Father, I can get so weighed down by all the troubles and concerns around me. Help me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and trouble, and committed to continually praying. I know you want what’s best for me, help me to choose what’s best for me too. As above so below.
Psalm 34:4-7 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
What does it mean to be radiant? The Psalmist says “those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. As we get older, some would call wiser, we also get our views blurred by man’s measurement of self. Often we can become so consumed with appearances, responsibilities and expectations that we forget that we have actually been freed from all of that.
What would our response be if someone paid off all of our debt, took away all of our stress, took away any reason for us to ever worry again. I suspect we would look radiant. We might even look a little crazy… Wouldn’t living with that realization do something to those closest to us, wouldn’t that kind of freedom be contagious. Listen again to this passage and view yourself from the writers perspective.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
How does it feel to carry no shame?
How does it feel to know that God saves you from all your troubles?
How does it feel to know that the angel of the Lord encamps around you?
How does it feel to know that God will deliver you?
Let’s make those feelings the reality that we live from today, and everyday.
Father, thank you that you promise to deliver me from all my fears. Thank you that you say my face should never be covered with shame. Thank you that you deliver me from all my troubles and that your angels camp around me. Help me to be radiant, shining the grace that you give me to others. As above, so below.
Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
In this passage, and throughout the Bible, the writer refers to the reader as ‘my child’. Returning to a position where we don’t have everything figured out on our own seems to be a common theme throughout scripture.
Listen to this passage again from the mindset and the position of your heart of returning to the perspective of a child, with much to learn, not having everything figured out.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT)
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart do not depend on your own understanding’ pretty much sums up what this is saying.
Is there an area in your life that you have been leaning primarily on your own understanding? Can you do what this passage suggests, ‘seek him in all that you do and he will show you which path to take’? Letting go of the preconceived idea that you are required to have this all figured out on your own is foundational in living with the abandon of childlike innocence, living with a healthy sense of dependency and trust in your Father who goes before you.
Let’s pray: Father, help me to surrender my natural way of looking at things, that I have to have everything figured out. Help me to lean on You, help me to seek You in all that I do as I trust you to show me which path to take. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
As we look around in our culture today, it’s getting harder and harder to find those who truly treasure God’s commands, those who seek them like hidden treasures.
Let me ask you … do you want to gain the knowledge of God? Would you like a treasure of common sense and to have your integrity be like a shield to protect your life? For your path to be guarded and your life protected?
Let’s personalize Solomon’s words for us today, as our declaration:
I WILL listen to what You say, and WILL treasure Your commands. I WILL tune my ears to wisdom, and WILL concentrate on understanding. I WILL cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I WILL search for them as I would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and I will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants me wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to me as I am honest. He is a shield to me as I walk with integrity. He guards my path to be just and protects me as I am faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT)
Gods wisdom is the only treasure worth seeking. Treasure available to us freely, upon asking. Relying on our understanding is futile when living a committed life in Christ. What is one area of your life that you can bring before the Lord today and ask for His wisdom to guide you?
Let’s pray together: “Father, guide me to align my life priorities with You and Your ways and Your will. Take my life, all I have and don’t have, all I want and all I need and help me to seek You as my Treasure to find contentment and satisfaction in my life. As above, so below.”
LUKE 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
I remember someone saying to me once when I was in school… Grow up… Since that time I’ve spent most of my time doing that. Growing up. Getting mature. Being responsible. Today, in this passage Jesus confronts that idea, and instead offers us an opportunity to return to how we were made.
All of us started out as infants, then children. Somehow along the way we’ve lost the beauty of that innocence, the wonder of the world around us, the joy of discovery and the faith that is simple.
What would it look like to confound your daily routine and structure and instead take on a mindset of a child? Content. Curious. No fear. It seems in this passage that God is calling us to live with the simple abandon of a child, listen again as I read part of this passage and notice that not only is Jesus suggesting that the kingdom of God is about a child like mindset, but also, He is refuting what the adults are saying the kingdom is like.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Can you let go? Even if it’s just for 10 minutes and allow yourself to experience the beauty and wonder of knowing that all that you need is freely given to you, and is not reliant on your efforts.
Trusting in your Good father who asks you to just come to him with the innocence of a child.
Father, help me put aside my belief that I need to grow up, clean up, have it all together to come to you. Thanks you for encouraging me to live with the fearless abandon of a child, with You as my Father. As above, so below.
For our final day this week, we are going to read a tough passage, but we’ll also turn it around and end on a bright spot. Paul shared these words with Timothy in his second letter, chapter 3, verses 1-5:
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
When you heard these words, did it sound like something from today’s news feed? Love only themselves and their money? Boastful? Proud? Scoffing at God? Disobedient? Ungrateful? Nothing is sacred? This is exactly why God’s Word is timeless and always current.
Again we see how the love self, pride, pleasure and the pursuit of wealth is associated with a lack of godly character. The last verse even says the religious people will reject God’s power.
Now, let’s take Paul’s words, and as what would be in line with many of his other passages such as 1 Corinthians 13, for example, turn the phrases around to encourage ourselves to follow God and pursue Him, not the things of this world, to see our money merely as a means, not an end.
For people must love God and not their money. They must not boast and be proud, or scoff at God, be disobedient to their parents, yet be grateful. Consider everything sacred. Be loving and forgiving; never slander others and always have self-control. Never be cruel. Love what is good. Never betray friends, be reckless, puffed up with pride, or love pleasure rather than God. Don’t act religious, and reject the power that can make us godly. Hold strong to people like that!
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You provide us with all that is good in this world and allow us the ability to stay away from what is harmful to us. There is always that choice. Thank You that You died to give us that choice. Help me to follow You and make my money a means, not an end. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. … so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.
A consistent theme throughout Scripture is placing focus on God, His goodness, and His grace while staying away from the attraction of the world and sin. Simply reading the news every day gives us plenty of evidence that money and power do not make people happy and content. Suicide, depression, anxiety, and the like have little to do with the state of income but rather the state of mind.
Let’s do an honest inventory. Knowing that ‘money’ represents security, prestige, pleasure. What is an area of your life that your focus has been the ‘craving’ of money, and what it represents, as the scripture calls it?
Listen once again, this time focusing only on the “do” verses, not the “dont's”:
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. … Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. (1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT)
As we often talk about here, focusing only on the dont's is not sustainable. We need to replace the dont's with the do's. Can you focus today on pursuing these things, not just staying away from the temptations of wealth? Pursue righteousness, love, perseverance, gentleness?
Let’s pray: “Father, teach me to be content. Help me to pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness as I fight the good fight for my faith in You. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Now, first things first … there is a strong likelihood that you, like me, read a passage like this and think, “Well, this doesn’t apply to me because I’m not rich.” But the reality is this: When you take the history of the world into consideration and the great affluence of the western culture, in light of the rest of the world, we are rich. The people in third world nations would love to have even what the worst neighborhoods in our cities have. Just being able to access clean water would feel like a luxury to so many in our world. So, in light of when we live and where we live, being “rich” is relative. Perspective and worldview are vital to interpreting Scripture.
With those thoughts in mind, listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT)
Verse 17 shows us the principle of stewardship once again. Our trust should be in God who richly gives and money should be used for good works and generosity to share with those in need.
Can you recognize the riches you have? Imagine what it would be like to turn on the water in your house and nothing come out…and live with that being the norm every day. Is God prompting you about being rich in good works and generous to those in need? What would that look like?
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to not be proud and not to trust in money. Teach me to trust in You. Lead me to use money for good and to be generous to those in need and share with others. I want to store up Your treasure to experience true life. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 23:4-7 NLT
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
The Bible never says that wealth is a sin, but rather the results of focusing on wealth through greed and being a miser is. While the last two sentences in today’s passage may feel disconnected from the first three, the correlation is the character of a person shows when it comes to money.
Think about this…could you tell a great deal about the habits, focus, and lifestyle of a person by looking at their bank and credit card statements? Absolutely. Our money and its management does not make our character, but rather reflects our character.
Is there something we would be proud for people to find out about you if they saw our accounts or looked at our spending? Something we might want to hide?
Listen again to Proverbs 23:4-7, but this time in The Message Bible: Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. Don’t accept a meal from a tightwad; don’t expect anything special. He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself.
He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself. … Wow. None of us want these words to ever describe us. Generosity of heart and resources are foundational to a life following Jesus.
What area of your life could you be more generous with? Is there someone, or a mission in need, that your contribution might serve right now? Or a person that needs you to give more of yourself to?
Let’s pray together: “Father, What I have is yours. Money, time, focus. No matter what You ever allow me to have, help me to keep You as the Center and Catalyst of my character. Help me to live as though You are always in control of everything, my finances, what I receive, what I spend, and what I give. As above, so below.”
David stated in Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
People tend to either believe God created the world or He didn’t. And then if someone believes He did, the next step of faith is believing whether or not He is actively involved in the lives of the people walking on His planet.
King David was clear. The earth belongs to God. Everything in and on the earth belongs to God. The entire world and even all the people belong to Him. If we believe this to be true, then we are never actually owners of anything while we are here.
How do you view what you have, as you being the owner or the steward? How might being a steward change your mindset?
Listen once again to Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
Let’s offer a personalized version: What I have on the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in my life. My world and all the people I know belong to him.
We know the old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go.” Just more evidence that we are merely borrowing everything we have while we are here. To trust God with our lives and to ask Him for help, we must first see everything as His and come to accept we are stewards of His blessings, responsible and accountable to Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, I confess my world is yours and everything in it. Remind me every day that the world and all the people are yours. Help me to be a good steward of all I have and all You allow me to hold while I am here. As above, so below.”
These are the words of Jesus:
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.
We are told by Jesus to love God with all of us - heart, soul, mind and strength. That is not possible if we are living a fragmented and splintered life. If we not take care to integrate all those facets of our lives - our mind, our heart, our soul and strength we are not bringing our all to Him.
To integrate our whole self requires a discipline of self-care - to know all those parts of us. That is why we check in with ourselves every day in our time together to know ourselves so that our Father can know us.
Jesus goes a step further in this passage, in two words that we very often overlook.
Listen carefully as I read Jesus words to us again.
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Loving yourself is foundational to loving others. Not loving yourself in a superficial way, but in a holy way.
Psalm 139
You shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
Do you see yourself the way Gods sees you? Can you recognize the beauty He sees in you? Because He does - and He wants you to see it too.
Let's use this Psalm to pray:
Father, You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! And with all that I am, I love and worship you. As above, so below.
Today, we will be looking at the words of Jesus and what He had to say about money. Regardless of our financial circumstances, we can find some peace and hope in this often volatile area of life.
The wording of Matthew 6:19-24 in the New Life Bible is intriguing. Listen to the words of Jesus … “Do not gather together for yourself riches of this earth. They will be eaten by bugs and become rusted. Men can break in and steal them. Gather together riches in heaven where they will not be eaten by bugs or become rusted. Men cannot break in and steal them. For wherever your riches are, your heart will be there also. The eye is the light of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. If your eye is bad, your whole body will be dark. If the light in you is dark, how dark it will be! No one can have two bosses. He will hate the one and love the other. Or he will listen to the one and work against the other. You cannot have both God and riches as your boss at the same time.
Now, Jesus is not saying that it’s wrong to have a savings account. That’s not the point. The concept here is not about our bank account, but our motives and focus. It’s interesting to think of money as a boss. In fact, we will often put up with a lot in our lives in work with actual bosses because money is our ultimate boss. But Jesus is saying that mindset easily competes with God’s place in our lives.
If you are honest with yourself right now, what tends to be the boss in your life right now? What drives your actions and attitudes? Security? Money?
Verse 21 is a great litmus test to constantly evaluate our lives:
For wherever your riches are, your heart will be there also.
The converse is also true: Whatever has your heart, that’s also where your riches will be found.
What has your heart right now? What or who is your mind set on?
We put our efforts into what we love most. Money, security, self reliance all can be rusted or eaten away by things beyond our control. Only God’s riches and security are reliable. So, let’s let that love be our driving force—where our riches, our treasure, our hearts, are.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep money and security in perspective—a heavenly perspective. I want you to be my security. I give my self reliance and confess that you are my security, my treasure and where my heart is. As above, so below.”
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So many of us like Martha can be so consumed with all the details of life that we neglect the source of all things, including a Sound Mind.
In this passage it is also admirable that Martha speaks up out of her authentic feeling and points out the stress and comparison she is experiencing by essentially saying, Jesus, shouldn’t someone be helping with all these details.
Notice Jesus’ response was compassion with correction “Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed, only one.”
What are you worried about today, what details are causing a bit of stress?
What might it look like for you to let go of worries and just be present? Making a choice to pause for self-care can be surprisingly difficult when we're used to chasing all the details. We may feel guilty or anxious about not getting everything done.
Pausing actually takes a lot of courage in the face of all that needs to be done throughout our days.
Let’s personalize Jesus’s from His response to Martha from this passage.
(Say your name then repeat Jesus’s words, to you), you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed or indeed only one.
Let’s pray: “Jesus, help me to let go of the things that I worry about and be present in your care. Thank you that you just call me to sit at your feet and soak up your love and strength. Help me to prioritize letting go of thinking I have to get everything right all the time. Help me relax and know that your presence is all I need. As above, so below.”
One of the most fascinating conversations recorded in Jesus’s life was with the “rich, young ruler,” evidently a young man that “had it all.”
Matthew 19:16-22 NLT
Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
This young man’s life was all about what he had, what he had done, and what he hadn’t done. His focus was on behavior, not his heart. How things looked to others, not how things actually were. Jesus knew his treasure was not in pleasing God, so He challenged the man to find a greater, more valuable life than the one he had.
For many of us, we treasure how things look, how we are perceived and how we measure up to others. Imagine this conversation is with you and Jesus asks you to let go of all worldly possessions and perceptions...
How do you respond?
What comes to mind as the hardest thing to let go of?
You are not alone... in our current culture, how we look, what we have, and what we want can be more important than a relationship with Jesus.
For our purposes in this time together, let’s close with a focus on Jesus’s words: “You will have treasure in Heaven when You follow Me.” Can we be satisfied with that? Will you allow His treasure be enough today?
Let’s pray: “Dear Father, I am grateful that when I first encountered You, I said ‘yes’ and didn’t walk away. But help me every day to keep saying ‘yes’ to You, to put You before money, stuff, and the things of this world that distract and attract. Help me to keep selling out for You and following You. As above, so below.”
Luke 5:15
"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
This passage is in the middle of describing many things that were happening in Jesus's ministry. Healing leprosy, a paralyzed man, teaching crowds, and ministering to tax collector over dinner.
Then right in the middle of all the activity it says “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”.
No doubt you have many things going on in your life right now. When was the last time you removed yourself from the daily grind and prayed? Maybe that is what you are doing now?
If this idea of sequestering oneself to an isolate place, a lonely place was important enough for Jesus to do, paying attention to our capacity, our 'tank', so to speak, and making room to refill it, is vitally important to self care.
Listen again to the this passage about Jesus paying attention to self care, for the sake of pouring Himself out.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Let’s pray. Father show me how to withdraw myself when I need to. I admit, I don’t do this enough. I need you to refill what gets depleted. You are the only source that can refill me with what I need. As above, so below.
Today, we close out our meditative walk in worship through the Psalms. Psalm 91 is popular for its incredible promises of God’s protection. Satan even quoted a verse from this passage in his temptation to try and get Jesus to jump off the top of the Temple to prove God would save Him. Whether we consider some of these phrases as literal or metaphor, the reality is that the greatest power we have in our lives to protect us is God Almighty. I want to encourage you to take in every word. Don’t just hear them, but listen to the love in them. Right now, sit before Your Savior and trust these words to be true of you, and for you.
Psalm 91 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
… The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Did you notice the certainty in the words, in the phrases like “will find” and “will cover” and “will shelter”? Words of trust and faith that God does and will answer, rescue, reward, and honor the obedient heart of His followers.
What is one way God has rescued or protected you recently? Will you thank Him for that right now?
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your refuge, Your shelter, Your safety, Your covering. You don’t promise us that trouble won’t come, but thank You that You do promise to be with me when anything threatens. I worship You as my Lord and My God. As above, so below.”
Today, we will experience Psalm 40, another transparent and poetic text from King David. Let’s experience God and His Word together in worship.
Psalm 40 NLT
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
… I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.
… Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles surround me—too many to count!
My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
… may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
These words reflect a grateful heart that recognizes the reality of being rescued. The confession of being poor and needy is met with help from a Savior.
Where are you today? Waiting? In need of rescue? Or grateful that God’s help did arrive? No matter where you are, He is near. God is ever-present. You are in His thoughts.
Listen again to David’s words from the opening of this passage. Let’s personalize them say them out loud as a reminder of our God being close to us right now.
You lift me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
You set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walked along.
You have given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to my God.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will hear our cries and lift us out of our self-laid traps. Thank You that You will then give us a new song and a new life to have the freedom to tell others about what You have done for us. Thank You for Your tender mercies, unfailing love, and faithfulness. As above, so below.”
Continuing our week solely focused on worship, today we will experience Psalm 34.
Be present. Be all in on this moment. No distractions. Listen with your ears and your heart. Let’s experience His Word and our worship together.
Psalm 34‚ NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
… the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
Just as David did here, when was the last time you bragged on God?
When was the last time you shared with someone what He has done for you?
Listen again to the final words of this passage as I personalize David’s words for us.
The Lord hears me when I call to him for help.
He rescues me from all my troubles.
The Lord is close to me when my heart is broken; he rescues me when my spirit is crushed.
I may face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Let’s pray just as we have worshipped: “Father God, thank You for being our guard who surrounds and defends. Thank You that You watch over us and hear us. Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted and though we face troubles, You will rescue like the good Father You are. As above, so below.”
Today, again, we will spend time in worship. Simply focusing on God and His character. So, invite His Holy Spirit to pour over You with His presence. Listen intently as we experience His Word together.
From Psalm 33 The Message
Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.
Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano!
Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare.
For God’s Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out.
He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true.
Earth is drenched in God’s affectionate satisfaction.
… bow before God; … down on your knees!
Here’s why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.
God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world’s power-schemes.
God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.
Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he’s put in his will.
He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do.
No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength.
Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.
Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.
He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.
We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need.
What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name.
Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.
Can you add your personal thoughts of worship to these words from david?
What about God are you in awe of?
How has God rescued you?
Will you praise and worship him for the personal way He has shown up recently?
Let’s personalize the last lines of Psalm 33:
I’m depending on You, God; You are everything I need.
What’s more, my heart brims with joy since I’ve taken for my own Your holy name.
Love me, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what I’m depending on.
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, Thank You that I don’t have to worship, but I get to worship. You are a Gentleman who never forces His way, yet loves in such a powerful way that invites a response of gratitude. Thank You for loving me with all You’ve got. As above, so below.”
This week we will spend time in simple, quiet worship. Let’s simply focus on God and His goodness. Breathe deep and allow your spirit to connect to His Holy Spirit.
Psalm 29 from The Message — A Psalm of David Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!
God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters.
God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic.
God’s thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars.
The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
God’s thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
What words, what phrases stood out to you?
What games of God moved your spirit to worship?
Listen once again to the final verses:
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
As you walk through hardships and the challenges of your life, remember that Your God is the God of the thunder, of the rain, and of glory and power. He has you. He holds you. To make you strong. To give you peace.
Let’s pray: “Father, I realize Your power. I recognize Your glory. Today, in this quiet moment, I worship You. Thank You for Your strong arm that protects my life. Thank You for Your gentle Spirit to give me peace. As above, so below.”
Romans 12:17-21 NLT
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
There is some great relationship advice in this passage: Don’t pay back evil with evil. Live honorably. Never take revenge. Serving even your enemies in times of need proves character comes first. Good will always overcome evil—in His time, in the end.
But one of the best pieces of counsel here is found in verse 18: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” God only expects us to do what we can. We are not responsible for anyone else’s actions. We do our part whether they do theirs or not. And who does this apply to? Everyone. Saints and sinners. The guilty and the innocent.
In your life right now, is peace your agenda or is revenge on the table? Is it time to let God handle something for you so good can conquer evil?
Listen to this priceless passage one more time but this time from The Message Bible:
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (Romans 12:17-21 MSG)
Pray with me:
“Heavenly Father, teach me to live honorably. Show me how to live at peace with everyone. Help me to stay away from revenge and leave that with You. When I encounter evil or am tempted by evil, help me to choose Your way. May I learn how to surprise others with Your goodness. As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:21-25 MSG
“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.
Jesus was crystal clear that His followers must live by a higher standard … His standard. His teaching always pointed to the importance of the intent of our hearts. Anger, verbal insults, careless words, and grudges all come from a troubled heart. But the real point isn’t even about holding a standard, but rather what is right for us to live in peace and righteousness, the best thing for us and everyone in our circles.
As you heard Jesus’s words, did anyone’s face pop into your mind? Did these verses trigger an instance in your memory?
Listen again to some of the key phrases in this passage:
“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” … “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. (Matthew 5:21-25 MSG)
When God brings someone to mind or a circumstance, remember His words: “Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You hold us to a standard, yet You have made provision by Your grace and mercy when we fail. Please forgive my words that have killed, do kill, and can kill. Teach me to make the first move to make things right. To let go and give both my hurts and my sin to You. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The phrase, “get rid of,” means to leave no trace of what was once there. The idea here is to not just cut the weed off at the ground so it is no longer visible, but to pull it up by the roots as if it had never existed at all. Interesting that we often use the word “root” in connection to bitterness. But as the apostle Paul often did, he told us what to eliminate, but then next, he also told us what to do in its place. He offered us the qualities of God to replace those things that only harm us.
Paul told us to get rid of anger and be compassionate. To get rid of rage and be kind. To get rid of bitterness and forgive. These opposite, contrasting qualities cannot co-exist. They can only be exchanged. Let go of the old and embrace the new.
Think about these truth as you listen again to today’s passage:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
Notice that the reaction to a feeling, like anger, is not a feeling. Paul is not asking us to feel differently - he is asking us to do something. In doing something, in extending grace, we are not condoning any offence, rather we are showing strength, the strength that only a God can supply.
Is there any anger that you need to exchange with showing compassion? Any rage that you need to exchange with showing kindness? Any bitterness that you need to exchange with offering forgiveness?
Let’s pray: “Father, guide me, lead me, help me to get rid of the things that hurt me and displease You. I want to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, to the depths that You have forgiven me. As above, so below.”
Romans 6:12-14 NLT
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Granting forgiveness, experiencing total freedom, and letting go for good is a mental, emotional, and spiritual experience. And yes, it can even be physical. Holding onto bitterness affects our ability to smile, facial expressions, countenance, and body language.
When our hearts are closed, we look closed off. Giving ourselves completely to God, as Paul tells us here, is as much as about what we let go of as what we take up. To block forgiveness from someone is to allow sin to be our master and keep us under the law, not under grace. And when we can’t give grace, we can’t embrace grace.
If there is someone you struggle to let go of and forgive, think about how this makes you feel, even physically, how it affects your being in every manner? Refusing to let go creates more pain as we work harder to hold on.
Listen once again to Paul’s commands:
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:12-14 NLT)
Forgiveness and letting go diminishes sin’s control, allowing us the freedom to give ourselves completely to God, to glorify Him, for Him to be our Master, not sin. To live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Pray with me, using Paul’s words: “Dear Father, help me to not let sin control the way I live; to not give in to sinful desires, to not let any part of my body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Help me to give myself completely to You and experience new life, to use my whole body as an instrument to do what is right for Your glory. I do not want sin to be my master or live under the requirements of the law. Instead, let me live under the freedom of Your grace. As above, so below.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 MSG
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up.
The old saying goes: “Timing is everything.” That is especially true when we consider being obedient to God and His timing. Realizing and accepting when we should let go of holding onto something from our past can be so difficult for us on so many levels. But yet letting go is such a right and natural part of life. Navigating seasons in life, we cannot grab hold of the future until we let go of the past.
We cannot die until we are born. We cannot harvest with planting. We cannot tear down that which we never built. We cannot turn away from something we never embraced.
Sometimes letting go can make us feel less-than or create the false assumption that we are giving away a part of our heart we may never get back. But think of it this way: we cannot harvest, heal, mend, or dance while holding onto unhealthy things in our lives.
Is God calling you to heal but you can’t because you’re still allowing bitterness to hurt your spirit? Is it time for you to experience a final letting go and forgive someone?
Listen again to a personalized version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-7:
A right time [for me] for birth and another for death,
A right time [for me] to plant and another to reap,
A right time [for me] to destroy and another to construct,
A right time [for me] to cry and another to laugh,
A right time [for me] to lament and another to cheer,
A right time [for me] to embrace and another to part,
A right time [for me] to search and another to count your losses,
A right time [for me] to hold on and another to let go,
A right time [for me] to rip out and another to mend,
A right time [for me] to shut up and another to speak up,
Let today be your day to let go, to forgive, to be born, harvest, heal, build up, laugh, dance, gather, embrace, mend, and speak new life.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your timing. That You give us seasons of change. That You allow us to experience freedom from the past, hurts, and harm that we have done and experienced from others. Please grant me the freedom today to forgive and let go. As above, so below.”
Psalm 130:1-7
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. If you, Lord, should write down our sins, O Lord, who could stand? But You are the One Who forgives, so You are honored with fear. I wait for the Lord. My soul waits and I hope in His Word. My soul waits for the Lord more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. … hope in the Lord! For there is loving-kindness with the Lord. With Him we are saved for sure.
David has worked through a great deal in his life. He has literally worked out his relationship with God to live in a state of security and blessing once again. He does not claim to be without sin now, but rather, he knows where to go when he does and to go quickly! Being aquatinted with our shortcomings produces humility and a correct posture of dependency on God for His grace and Power.
David confesses that God is the only One who forgives, He is loving and kind, and the path to certain salvation. Can you confess with same assurance that the same God that David is talking about here from thousands of years ago is active and available today to you in real time.
How would it change the way you approach your day, your relationships to live in the full acceptance of God’s loving and kind forgiveness?
Also, If God has forgiven you, isn’t it time to let the weight of toxic shame go - and be empowered by the grace forgiveness and acceptance that the God of the universe extends to you.
A free life is fully available every day, all the time, with God.
Let’s turn Psalm 130 into our prayer today:
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. You are the One Who forgives. I wait for You, Lord. My soul waits and I hope in Your Word. My soul waits for You, Lord, more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. I put my hope in You, Lord! For there is loving-kindness with You, Lord. With You, I am saved for sure. … As above, so below.
Psalm 86:1-7 NLT
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
As we learn to go to God with our sin, our guilt, our past, and all our stuff, we can then begin to sense His constant presence, because while He has been right with us all along and never moved, we finally choose to stop running away and attempting to hide. We see that progression in today’s passage as David’s 'Psalm 51 moment' is now in his rearview mirror.
Our brokenness can produce a humble boldness.
Our surrender can provide a sense of security.
Our submission can protect us from falling again.
Do you recognize, can you feel, God’s presence with You as You begin to live in a constant state of forgiveness?
Like King David, you can call to God whenever You are in trouble and He will answer You.
Let’s make Psalm 86 our personal prayer.
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. … As above, so below.
Psalm 51:1-4, 7-12 NLT
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. … Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
David longs to not feel stained or dirty or guilty or broken or disloyal or isolated any longer. We all know these feelings much too well.
Reflect on David’s understanding of how absolute the removal of any trace of sin God can bring. Like it never happened. David talks about how his rebellion haunts him day and night.
Is there sin in your past, or even currently, that haunts you day and night?
Listen again to what David asks of God in this passage from the Message bible:
God, give grace! Scrub away my guilt,
I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.
You’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!
It is likely that whatever the sin that haunts you day or night is not as drastic as the affair and murder that David carries. In confessing and asking forgiveness we are talking to the same God that David did in this passage. We know that God’s forgiveness is as absolute then as it is now. God’s grace never runs out. His mercy never ends. His love never quits. Can you offer the same grace to yourself that God gives? He promises a clean heart, a loyal spirit, joy of the salvation given to us.
Pray with me: “O God, thank You for Your mercy, Your unfailing love, Your removal of guilt and Your cleansing of stains. Thank You for Your restoration, but most of all, thank You for Your presence in my life. As above, so below.”
Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
David’s detailed and intense description of his battle with sin and confession offers us such a great encouragement to go straight to the Lord and be honest with all our confessions. We see the journey of David trying to ignore his guilt and pain, his loss of even physical health, and then his ultimate surrender of all rebellion. Healthy acceptance of shame through confession brings us in line with authentic humility and our dependency on God.
Is there an area of life that you are trying to rectify on your own? A sin… that you are reluctant to call a sin… or rationalize away? Maybe an attitude or something that we feel entitled to hold onto that we really should confess. something that we know, to use David’s words, “are causing our body to waste away”?
Listen to verses 1, 2 and 5 once again—the result of full confession and acceptance of forgiveness:
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! … You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-2, 5 NLT)
Can you see the power in confession and surrender?
Today, if you relate to any part of David’s words, take his advice and make things right. Confess and then accept the joy and freedom of total and absolute forgiveness.
Pray with me using David’s words: “Heavenly Father, forgive my disobedience. Put my sin out of sight. Clear my record. Thank You for forgiving me. Now, may I let go of my guilt and accept Your grace. As above, so below.”
King David’s very vocal wrestling to accept God’s forgiveness is a huge help to us as we navigate forgiving ourselves for our mistakes too—past and present.
Psalm 25:4-12 NLT
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.
In David’s personal processing and prayer, He reminds himself of God’s goodness and confesses the truth that that goodness is greater than any sin he could ever commit. Finally, David declares that God is the only one who will lead us out of our sin and into safety and security.
Think of an area of your life that you need help in forgiving yourself?
As I read parts of the passage again, notice how David prays, then in verse 8, he changes to a declaration of what God does, but then in verses 11 and 12 he goes back to personal prayer:
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow….teach me, for you are the God who saves me… I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love…
Here’s the turn: The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
And now back: For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins… He will show them the path they should choose.
David was bold in his brokenness. God is inviting you to the same as you share your heart with Him.
What is an area of your life that you can be bold in your brokenness before God?
Let’s pray using David’s own words: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me. I put my hope in You. Remember me in the light of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O Lord. For the honor of Your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. … As above, so below.”
Colossians 1:11-14 NLT
We … pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Focus on these key words from this passage. Strength … power … endurance … patience … joy … inheritance … belonging … light … rescue … deliverance … freedom … and forgiveness.
On this final day of the week, consider this question …
Where does the path to forgiveness lead?
Where does it end and where are we when we arrive?
The answer is a life filled with the words I just read. But all of those amazing gifts, promises, and qualities are found daily in, and through, and from, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Listen again and meditate on these words — these promises that are yours: Strength … power … endurance … patience … joy … inheritance … belonging … light … rescue … deliverance … freedom … and forgiveness.
Let’s turn today’s passage into our prayer today:
Father, I pray that You will strengthen me with all Your glorious power so that I will have all the endurance and patience I need. May I be filled with joy, always thanking You, Father. You have enabled me to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your people, who live in the light. For You have rescued me from the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the Kingdom of Your dear Son, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins. … As above, so below.
Romans 5:15-18 NLT
There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought death. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought grace and forgiveness. Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought condemnation. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought righteousness, along with the opportunity for a right relationship with God and new life for … who? Everyone who believes.
Whose image do you feel like you live in day in and day out? Adam’s or Jesus’s? Through Jesus we are offered ‘new life’ - how does it feel for you to experience that all condemnation is lifted from you right now?
Listen again, but this time, we will focus only on what Christ provides for you: There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. … But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different … God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. … But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, … Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-18 NLT)
The word “gift” is used five times in this passage. God’s wonderful free gift of forgiveness and His righteousness. Today, His gift is yours. Receive it. Open it. Live it. Share it.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your gift. Thank You that You offer this gift to me every day. Help me to receive what You give and be grateful that I can walk in true, real freedom and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 1:7 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Our confession of sin—one time—triggers God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. What an amazing deal for us once we simply get honest with God about what we have done.
If you struggle with forgiving yourself for any past mistakes and sins, maybe it’s time to visualize a funeral for them.
Confess, place them under the blood of Christ, and ask for forgiveness one final time.
Commit to this being the last time you will bring it up. Just like when a funeral is over, you need to walk away once you’ve said your goodbyes. But now instead of mourning and grief, you say hello to freedom and forgiveness.
What is a specific sin you are willing to confess and bury today?
Listen once again to God’s promises and the finality of what happens once we confess:
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)
It is time to say a final goodbye to something God wants to see you let go of… that you know you need to let go of.
As you can see, He has made your forgiveness and freedom available to you right now.
How does it feel to know that God not only forgives your sins, but He forgets they even happened. What does it look like to accept you are living with a new reality, a clean slate.
Let’s commit this to Him: “Father, I want today to say a final goodbye to the things that have held me back from receiving all You have for me. Today, I hand these things over You. Thank You now for Your faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. As above, so below.”
Matthew 18:21–22
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Jesus was not teaching the disciples that on the four-hundred-and-ninety-first time someone offends you that you can then take action against them. Peter obviously thought adding up to seven was a huge display of grace, but Jesus corrected his math using multiplication.
The idea here is that we forgive so much that you stop counting. We don’t add up offenses. We multiply grace and forgiveness.
Another way of interpreting this passage is: Don’t keep score, just like God doesn’t with us. When you apply Jesus’ answer to the context of all New Testament teaching, the bottom line is we must forgive others as often as God forgives us.
Is there someone in your life that you feel has or is pushing you far past seven times? In fact, you are thinking right now that they might be nearing the “seventy times seven” range? Picture that person in your mind now.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage:
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21–22 MSG)
I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that God doesn’t keep score or have a “sin quota” that once we go over, we run out of His grace. Doesn’t it make sense that as His followers He would expect us to do the same?
Wounded people, like us, tend to want to apply justice to the wrongs that have been done, especially to us. Extending grace does not equal diminishing the offense, or the effect of it. Rather, Grace, in this case, is allowing God to be the judge and jury. Not us. He is our defender. In fact, letting go of offense is actually OUR pursuit of freedom and has nothing to do with the offender. Perhaps, this is why Jesus is so emphatic about it.
As we said yesterday - in our strength alone it can feel impossible to let go of offenses.
Ask your Father for the strength to surrender the offenses against you.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank you that You don’t keep score with my sin. Please help me to stop keeping score with others. Help me to let things go, I confess I have a hard time on my own strength. Teach me to live in Your grace and share Your grace with others. As above, so below.”
While Jesus certainly taught us all about God’s love, mercy, and grace, some of the toughest words He spoke were about forgiveness … and the lack of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-15 NIV
“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus included forgiveness in a very short example of how to talk to God, in what came to be known as The Lord’s Prayer. But then immediately following the prayer, He continued His teaching on forgiveness. It is important that we notice in verse 12 that Jesus says “Forgive us as we forgive.” Connecting that phrase to verses 14 and 15 communicates that God expects us to keep our slate clean and our list empty of what we hold against others. So He can then do the same for us. This does not mean that God is unable to forgive, but because He is God, He has a divine order for everything that He knows is always the best thing for us.
Staying free of bitterness and unforgiveness, along with being forgiven for our offenses, is the healthiest path for us all.
Do you have an “I will never forgive that person” list? An “I can never forgive that person” list? Sometimes it is only through God’s strength that we are able to forgive.
Think of that person as I personalize Jesus’ words from this passage again:
“And forgive me of my sins, as I have forgiven those who sin against me. And don’t let me yield to temptation, but rescue me from the evil one. “If I forgive those who sin against me, my heavenly Father will forgive me. But if I refuse to forgive others, my Father will not forgive my sins.” (Matthew 6:12-15 NIV)
We need to avoid the temptation to view Jesus’s words as harsh, but rather as what it takes for us to be our best and healthiest in the sight of God. Again, often on our strength alone it can feel impossible to take this very important step.
Ask your Father for the strength to forgive as you have been forgiven.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to lay my list of people I can’t, or struggle to, forgive before You right now. I confess I battle with forgiving them. Father, I don’t want anything to come between my relationship with You, so please give me the strength and obedience to follow Your words—to release them and forgive them for good—just as You have forgiven me for my offenses and sins against You and others. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we are going to meditate completely on Scripture that expresses gratitude. Take these passages into your mind, heart, and spirit.
(Psalm 100 NLT) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
(Psalm 105:1-4 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
(Psalm 106:1-2 NLT)Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?
(Psalm 107:1-2 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
(Psalm 108:1-5 NLT) My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! … I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
(Revelation 5:11-13 NLT) I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Pray “Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiveness and freedom. As I accept Your forgiveness and freedom, help me always to grant forgiveness and freedom to others. You are worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. As above, so below.”
In John 11, we find the story of Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb after he had died. When He arrived, Jesus said:
“Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG) It’s fascinating that the first thing Jesus did was to have the stone removed that was blocking the tomb. Then to raise a man from the dead, He began by expressing gratitude to God, His Father. After thanking God for listening and responding, He commanded the man’s resurrection and ultimate freedom.
Think about a situation in your life where you are struggling. Is there a situation that seems hopeless - that feels dead and you desire new life.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main commands: “Go ahead, take away the stone.”… Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful … Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, … Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG) Our stone can be rolled away to free us. Can you trust God to resurrect hope that seems dead?
You can come out of your struggle with a renewed and transformed life from witnessing God’s miraculous power.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You for resurrection and new life. Thank You that You have power over sin and death. Thank You that You forgive and offer real freedom. I believe You today for all these in my life. As above, so below.”
Matthew 8:2-4 MSG
Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, “Master, if you want to, you can heal my body.” Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, “Don’t talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.”
The famous saying by St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel everywhere and if necessary, use words”. Francis’s wisdom reflects Jesus’s teaching in that a radically healed and changed life will always speak louder and be respected more than any sermon from a life that just looks like everyone else’s.
When God forgives any sinner and sets that person free, the reality of a changed life will result in a constant reflection of gratitude to Him that flows out of a transformed heart.
How has your heart been changed or transformed through Jesus? What is noticeable about your life that points towards God and His Grace ?
Listen once again to Jesus’s final instructions to the healed leper: Just quietly present your healed body … along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” (Matthew 8:2-4 MSG) St. Francis was certainly right in his day, and most especially today in our current culture. People are longing to witness a forgiven, grateful, and transformed life. That message never gets old and always makes a difference. Today, choose to let your cleansed and grateful life bear witness to what Jesus has done in your attitudes, words, and actions.
Let’s pray to that end: “Father, may all I am be a reflection of all You are. May my life speak loud about You and all You have done for me. Today, I am forgiven. Today, I am grateful. As above, so below.”
Psalm 138:1-3 MSG
Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
In this passage, King David’s gratitude is all encompassing. Everything in him says “Thank you.” Nothing is held back. All of his heart, soul and mind kneel and worship God.
David’s gratitude is expressed specifically about God’s love, His faithfulness, His name, and His Word.
David’s gratitude has an origin and a reason for being: the moment I called out, You stepped in and brought strength.
Gratitude cannot be fully expressed until the reason for gratitude has been fully recognized. Our busy, often distracted lives can cause us to miss God’s goodness. Our self-focused perspective can keep our eyes on our perceived lack, not our realized gain.
Listen again to David’s appeal to God: Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. (Psalm 138:1-3 MSG) If you know Christ today, if you have a relationship with God, then He has indeed stepped in; He has most certainly made your life large with strength, even in Your darkest moments. There is power for daily living in gratitude.
What are areas of you life, or people in your life that you should express your gratefulness right now?
Can you thank him for the challenges too, knowing He will use them for you good?
Let’s pray using David’s words: “Thank you! Everything in me says ‘Thank you!’ Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. As above, so below.”
In Luke 7, Jesus was teaching about forgiveness and gratitude Luke 7:41-47 MSG Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” “That’s right,” said Jesus. … but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.”
Oftentimes, we view sin as if God has levels of disobedience. We can get into debates on whose sin was the greater. While God in His perfection sees things as black and white, He knows the sin we struggle with causes us to view things in such a skewed way. Here, Jesus was allowing for that mindset by acknowledging that the more we are forgiven of, the more grateful we will be. Why? Because the more shame we feel, the greater relief we experience when forgiven. The farther we have fallen, the higher we can rise up.
In your life, how have you experienced this dynamic—what is something that you have felt the most shame for?
Knowing that, if you have asked for it, that sin is completely forgiven… like it never happened, how does that make your heart feel?
Focus on feeling that great gratitude, let it uplift you spirit.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main points: Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” … speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman?... She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” (Luke 7:41-47 MSG) The path to avoiding arrogance and staying humble is to maximize our gratitude. The road to staying forgiven before God is to continually acknowledge sin and practice being grateful each day.
Let’s pray: “Father, I never want to take Your forgiveness for granted. I also don’t want to view sin as what I do being less than anyone else’s offense. Help me to stay clean before You. Help me to keep my list short and my gratitude constant. As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
What does loving others on God’s terms have to do with setting and attaining our personal goals? … Everything. … People, quote-unquote, win and succeed every day and reach amazing goals, but they harm and hurt people along the way. Is a win actually a win if we have made someone else lose? What good can come of a goal met if someone has been pushed aside in the race?
The one who loves like Christ, as Paul defines in this passage, will win. That person will attain their goals because others have been placed first, people have seen Christ, and God has been loved more than self.
Listen to verses 4-7 again from the Message Bible:
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Let love set your goals. Let love drive your goals. Let love be your goal. After all, that is the true goal Christ came, died, and rose again to allow us to gain and attain.
Let’s agree in prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be patient and kind, to not be jealous or boastful or proud or rude, to not demand my own way, to not be irritable, and to keep no record of wrongs, to not rejoice about injustice, but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. May my love for You, in You, and from You, never give up, never lose faith, always stay hopeful, and endure through every circumstance. As above, so below.”
Joshua 1:6-8 NLT
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
For those who love God, for those who follow Christ, the way to reach the life goals that God created us to attain is only through Him—His way, His will, and His Word. To become everything He planned for us when He formed us in our mother’s wombs.
When God spoke to Joshua on behalf of the people of Israel about moving to the Promised Land, He twice said to “be strong and courageous,” and then to be very careful to follow His Word. Then they would prosper and succeed. The same is true for us today. Follow God’s way, His will, and His Word, which in today’s culture, will take being strong and courageous.
Listen once again to this rephrasing of today’s passage, this time for the Message Bible:
Strength! Courage! Give it everything you have, heart and soul… Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed.” (from Joshua 1:6-8) It is clear in this passage how important it is to Study and Meditate on God’s word to be successful. The path to success and achieving goals for the believer only comes through an uncompromising path through His Word.
Let’s pray: “Father God, please give me a hunger for Your Word, a desire to study Your Book, to meditate on it, and be careful to obey what You tell me. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
This passage from the prophet Isaiah, offering God’s words to the people of Israel, is both beautiful and poetic. As followers of Christ, we can apply these promises to our own lives because God has opened every door and provided every gift He holds in His storehouse for us through Jesus.
God has created for us a way out of the past and into the realm of the new He has made. He wants us to see, understand, and embrace all He has for us. In what was once a wilderness, He makes a way and what once was a wasteland, He creates a stream. That, my friends, opens up the doors for us to not only set new and exciting goals for our lives, but actually see them come true.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Declare this with me: I will forget the former things; I will not dwell on the past. I will see the new thing that God is doing! He is making a way in my wilderness and a stream in my wasteland. (from Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV) Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father, thank You for the new thing You are doing in my life. I receive it and want to see it happen. Bring Your way, create Your stream, through my life to live as You desire and designed me to live. As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Paul used runners in a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. Notice he never mentioned the prospect of losing, only what must be done to win. A major mental and emotional dynamic of serious athletes is to constantly envision winning. For you to set and attain your goals in life, try to take losing off the table. Run to win. Train hard. Give it everything you’ve got. Stay alert. Envision winning. Why? Because we tend fulfill the personal prophesies that we create in our minds.
Listen again to Paul’s inspirational speech: Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG) What do you need to let go of, or what do you need to start doing to race like you never have before?
Let’s declare Paul’s words out loud: I run to win. I will give it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I will stay alert and in top condition. (from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG) Let’s pray together: “Father, I desire to win any and everything that You intend for me to win in life. Teach me to think Your thoughts and live as one who desires to win and cross Your finish line. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath:
1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd’s field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God’s people from the hands of a giant. David didn’t see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places.
Listen to the shepherd-warrior’s words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren’t fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David’s mindset can be yours today.
Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn’t know you had? Picture that situation.
The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother’s womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life.
Fill in David’s words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
Matthew 26:36-39, 45-46
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Then he came to the disciples and said, “… look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
The most courageous moment in the history of humankind is when Jesus made the final decision to redeem us. As fully human, like you or me…He stood at the last crossroads before the actual cross and said yes for us. The turning point in that battle was when He stated, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
In our final day of this week’s series on courage, the way we may live in confidence and express courage in the face of any trial is by stating to God: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Think about the stories we have visited this week, David, Gideon, Ruth, and Esther—each one had to come to the place of saying “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even David the warrior would have preferred to not risk his life that day, but he knew there was a much higher purpose for his life than protecting sheep.
Where in your life today are you battling a decision or struggling with a calling? Where do you need to let go and follow Jesus into saying, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” And even repeat His words: “Look—the time has come. Up—let’s be going.” The reality for you, though, is that your decision will not end in death. In fact, your personal courage could potentially create far more life than you ever knew before.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made the choice for me in the garden. You chose God’s will for redemption and sacrificed your own will and life. Help me now to follow Your example and continually say to You: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” As above, so below.”
Today, we jump into the story of Queen Esther and Mordecai where the most critical decision of Esther’s life is about to take place:
Esther 4:8-16 NLT
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai’s message. Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.” … Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “… If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
When Esther was suddenly elevated out of nowhere to become queen, the last thing she saw coming was to risk her life to save her people. But that was exactly what happened and the position God placed her in.
So often, our places of greatest responsibility are the same places we must exhibit the greatest courage. The two just seem to go hand in hand.
Where is your greatest place of responsibility right now? Where are you being called to show the most courage? Has God placed you there “for such a time as this?”
Listen to Mordecai’s challenge to Esther and her response one more time: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “I will go … If I must die, I must die.”
If there is a place in your life right now where God is calling you to take action, to speak up, to intervene, to show a confidence like you never have before, then take courage, my friend. Call on God’s strength, know He has called and created for a purpose, and be bold in obedience.
Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father God, where you have given me great responsibility, I know You ask me to display great courage. Help me to make the hard call and do the right thing for You, in Your name. As above, so below.”
Today, we’ll jump into Ruth’s story when she and Boaz first met.
Ruth 2:5-12 NLT
Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? … the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since …” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
You must remember that quite often you are being courageous, but you can’t see it. … But others do. In fact, most often courage is something we experience but may not even recognize until later, once we are past the circumstance. God has a unique way of providing confidence when we don’t know it. Just like Ruth, there is a humility that coincides with that kind of courage.
Think for a moment about the last time you knew you exhibited strong confidence and courage. Did you know it at the time? Did you feel it? Likely not. You may not have seen it in the front windshield but now you clearly see it in your rearview mirror. But like Boaz with Ruth, others were encouraged by watching you have courage in a tough situation.
Listen again to Boaz’s words: “But I also know about everything you have done… I have heard … [so] May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:11-12 NLT) Whatever you are walking through today, remember that God is giving you confidence, not in yourself but in Him, to be courageous, not just for you, but for others. He sees you. He knows what you are doing. He hears you. And so do others. Your life is making a difference as you walk through every struggle.
Let’s pray: “Father, Thank You for Your confidence and Your courage. Help me to encourage others as you give me the confidence to press on. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to look at the moment of truth in Gideon’s life:
Judges 6:12-16 NLT
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you! “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”
Gideon had the opposite mindset of David, our Bible story from yesterday. But while two different men had two different perspectives of what they could accomplish, one factor was same: God had called them.
Gideon even named himself the least man, in the weakest clan, of all the people. In today’s language, he would say: “Lord, I’m the last guy you want to pick for this job.” But the Lord said, “I will be with you.” That truth is exactly what gave David and Gideon the courage and the confidence they needed to face their enemies.
Do you feel like David today, ready for your big moment, or more like Gideon, “I’m the last person you want to pick, God.”
Listen again to what the Lord said to Gideon this time from the Message Bible: ““God is with you, O mighty warrior!” … “God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?” … God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.” (Judges 6:12, 14, 16 ).
What if God appeared to you right now and called you a hero? How do you know He isn’t? Maybe he looks upon you and what you are pushing through right now in your life and sees your courage? Regardless of how you may feel or see your life, this much is true: He is telling you to go at your life with the strength you have because He is with you. And He is most definitely saying today: “I will be with you.”
Declare this after me: “Lord, I know You are with me.”
Let’s pray: “Dear Lord, thank You for examples like David but also those like Gideon, so we can see that the Source of our courage and victories are You. Help me live today knowing, believing, that You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath:
1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd’s field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God’s people from the hands of a giant. David didn’t see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places.
Listen to the shepherd-warrior’s words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren’t fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David’s mindset can be yours today.
Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn’t know you had? Picture that situation.
The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother’s womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life.
Fill in David’s words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
Luke 2:27-33 MSG
As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine for a moment taking your child to what we would think of today as a baby dedication and having a total stranger walk up and tell you more about your child than you know—all because God had told him. Simeon explained Jesus’ entire life mission while holding a baby. Now, that is faith.
In our final day of this series, I want you to know, while of course there was and will only be one Jesus, because of His life, each of your children have a distinct and unique plan, purpose, and mission in their lives. God has their life mapped out.
You don’t have to see it today, just like Jesus’ parents couldn’t, but God does … and God can ... and God will.
Read once again: Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine one day being “speechless with surprise” at watching what God does in the life of your child, with the life of your child. That kind of vision is available to you as a parent through a relationship with Christ. Will you trust there is a plan greater than you can imagine for your child that is already mapped out? Now, can you embrace that God thought you would be the perfect parent for that plan He has for your child? How does it feel to know your are right where you are suppose to be as the parent of your child according to God’s Plan?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have a plan for my child and you even know where they will work with You and where they will fight You, just like I did. Please draw them close to You, guide them, lead them, protect them to be all You want them to be. And I’ll just be grateful to get to watch. As above, so below. Amen”
Hearing the Christmas story outside of the holiday can bring a new context. Today, let’s focus on Mary and Joseph as new parents in this story: (Luke 2:12-19 MSG) The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
Consider for a moment this strange truth: God entrusted His Son that He sent to redeem the world to a man and woman who were sinners. The same scenario that started the mess to begin with. At least, the first couple wasn’t sinners in the beginning. But Mary and Joseph were. Why would He do something so illogical? Simple. To redeem everything that went wrong the first time through the same method: Obeying His direction through free will, free choice.
Read the last verse one more time: Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
When life got hard, when being the Messiah’s mom was difficult, when following God’s plan looked crazy, when Jesus was on His way to the cross, Mary held on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life.
When life gets hard for you, maybe as a parent, when being your kid’s parent is difficult, when following God’s plan looks crazy, when fear, pain, and struggle are in your face, hold on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life. Hold onto the things of God in your heart, deep within you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, what awesome parents You must have had. Help me to take as much care with my children as Mary and Joseph did with You. Hold me close while I keep You in my heart. As above, so below.”
Matthew 7:9-11 NLT
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Jesus often used a form of exaggeration to make His points and to get people’s attention to deliver a strong truth. As you hear this passage, of course you wouldn’t give your child a rock when they were expecting food. Of course, you wouldn’t put a snake in their happy meal or lunchbox.
While we understand the point clearly, as parents, we can still paint God with an ill intention or subtly accuse Him of some sort of bait-and-switch when things don’t turn out like we thought they might.
Jesus is clear—God does not and will not play games with our lives, with our hearts. Others will, even we will, but He won’t.
Read Jesus’ words once more for the Message Bible: “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
What was the last good gift God gave you?
What good gift are you praying for right now?
In the quietness of this moment, dismiss the tempting thoughts of God giving stones and snakes to you and your children.
Expect and embrace the bread and fish, the good gifts He will multiply in your life.
Let’s pray: “Father, forgive me when I get into a stones and snakes mindset with You. I know that is not your heart for me and my children. I ask Your blessing, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor on my home. As above, so below.”
1 John 3:1-2 NLT
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is..
One of the primary and consistent names for God throughout the Bible is Father. From the prophets in the Old Testament to the New Testament with Jesus and the disciples who took the Gospel to the world, He is called Father. And of course, only someone with children can be known as Father.
In today’s passage, John describes a loving Father who loves His kids. We are His children and we will come to look like Him and eventually be with Him face to face.
You are a child of your own parents and perhaps you are a parent of your own kids, but accepting … receiving the fact that God is your Father who deeply loves you is a fact you have to believe and embrace for yourself.
Imagine the depth of your love for your child. Now accept the love your Father has for you. The way He thinks about you all the time. The way He fiercely protects you. The way He would give anything to have closeness with you. Sit in the awareness that you are always on the mind of the creator of the universe. Your Father.
Read once again, this time as His child, as we personalize the passage as intended - for you:
See how very much [Your] Father loves [you], for he calls [you] his child, and that is what [you] are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that [you] are God’s child because they don’t know him. Dear friend, [you] are already God’s child, but he has not yet shown [you] what [you] will be like when Christ appears. But [you] do know that [you] will be like him, for [you] will see him as he really is. (1 John 3:1-2 NLT).
Embracing the fact that you are a deeply loved child of God will powerfully impact your life, because that mindset and viewpoint will be passed down to your children and those around you. God’s love alive in you will reinforce God’s love through you to others. His parenting of you will become a powerful part of how you parent.
Declare this: “Father God, I know I am your child and I know that You love me.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that I am a parent because you were a parent first. I can love my kids because You loved me first. Thank You that You know me and call me Your child and thank You that You know my children and call them your own too. As above, so below.”
Listen to Jesus’s words about the prodigal in Luke 15:18-24 NLT. I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son." But his father said to the servants, "Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found." So the party began.
Jesus told this parable for us to get a visual picture of the depth and devotion of God’s love, to visualize the level of grace and mercy available to us. No matter what we have done in the past, our decision today to come to Him can end in a restored and redeemed future.
Is there something that you are carrying in your life that you feel ashamed of right now?
The most powerful scene in this story is that the father was watching the road for his child to come home. His heart was fixed on seeking his child.
Listen again this time from the Message Bible:
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
“But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. (Luke 15:20, 22-24 NLT) Always remember, God is watching, not to judge, but to love.
But here’s an important question:
Have you, will you, receive His love, His gifts?
Will you allow yourself to FEEL the celebration your Father is throwing for you? And allow yourself to let go of the failures and sin that kept your from Him? He is not interested in revisiting your shortcomings. He is celebrating your return to his arms. He runs to you. Not reluctant of hesitant - but full of excitement - Yes, that’s right. He is excited, happy, full of joy to have you close.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for meeting me on my road, for loving me, giving me Your gifts and Your life, and a home forever. As above, so below. Amen”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
The bottom line of courage as a Christ follower is not about us at all, but the fact that God has promised us throughout His Word that we can be strong, we can be brave, we can have courage, we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to panic in the face of problems, because His presence is with us.
Oftentimes when our kids are scared, they will ask, “Are you going to stay with me?” We say yes. Then they ask, “So, you won’t leave?” Now our answer must change to no. Interesting how often God will tell us what He will do, but then, just like a perfect Father, He will also tell us what He won’t do! In today’s passage, He adds, “I won’t fail or abandon you.”
What is going on in your life right now where you desperately need God’s courage to fill you?
Take comfort in His words. Take them in as if He were speaking only to you. In fact, let’s personalize this passage: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic. As the Lord your God, I will personally go ahead of you. I will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Picture whatever seemingly impossible situation is in your life right now. Now consider how that situation looks to the God of the universe. Can you accept that is the way your Father wants YOU to see that situation - from His point of view.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for Your strength, Your courage, that I don’t have to be afraid any longer, that there’s no need to panic. Thank You that You go ahead of me to face what I cannot see, that You never fail me or abandon Me. Help me to believe that, feel that, live that truth. As above, so below. Amen”
Job 42:1-5 NLT
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
The story of Job begins with him being the most blessed man on the planet and then within a short time, he is completely wiped out through the death of his children and the loss of his wealth. Then a horrible illness set in with great pain and embarrassment. By the end of his encounter with some religious friends and a face-to-face stand-off with God Himself, the man is vindicated and blessed far beyond his original state.
Probably the greatest confrontation in this story, however, is when he displayed the deepest level of courage a human can exhibit—facing yourself. Job had to search his heart, humble himself, and come to some tough conclusions that brought him into a relationship with God like few have ever experienced.
Think about your worst moment, your lowest time in life thus far.
Listen again to Job’s culminating confession to God, this time from the Message Bible:
“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
Facing humiliation, shame, guilt, and pain in front of others is humbling and hard. But facing the person in the mirror and admitting truth is the hardest, yet most courageous thing we will ever do.
Let’s pray: “Father, please take my Job moments and help me to process and apply those to realize they have been an opportunity to see You with my own eyes and experience You in a way I may never have otherwise. As above, so below. Amen.
Matthew 25:34-40 NLT
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Christ followers’ lives will be marked by bravery and courage—the kind it takes to love the unlovable, see those invisible to others, and get messy in other people’s messes. Many times the best people to do that are those who have experienced brokenness themselves. Because you learn to operate out of empathy, not sympathy.
Does someone come to mind when you think about the words - sick, naked, thirsty, hungry, stranger? Who are ‘the least of these’ that God might be bringing to your attention, that you might deliberately reach out to?
Listen once more to only Jesus’ words about Himself from the Message Bible:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
The biblical brand of courage will always be intertwined with loving and serving others, not for personal glory, but only for the sake of Christ.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made it very clear what is important to You about our lives here. While we often pray and ask You for Your will in our lives, in verses like these, You already gave us the mission. Help us to simply be courageous and obey. As above, so below. Amen”
Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
There was confusion amongst the people early on, even among his own disciples, about who Jesus truly was. Was He John the Baptist returned from the grave after his execution? Or was He one of the Old Testament prophets coming back for “round two?” Men were trying to identify Jesus as another man, when He was actually God.
Is your faith your own? Do you feel you inherited it from someone or maybe felt pressure at some point in your life to believe?
Listen closely once again: “Jesus … asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT) Courage is making your own decision about Jesus and sticking by it. Each person must make their own choice and “own” their own faith. No one should be talked into a relationship with Jesus, so no one can talk them out of it either. As Jesus told Peter, “You didn’t learn this truth from a human, but from God. He reveals the truth to hearts.”
Today, for you, all that matters is who you say Jesus is, to you, for you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, You are who You said and say You are—the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Luke 6:27-31 NLT
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The world’s definition of courage at times mirrors God’s, but plenty of other times does not at all. One of the greatest examples is that the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah with the type of courage that rides in on a horse, wields a sword, and administers justice by force. But God sent His Son who became a carpenter that taught peace and unconditional love. His courage came to conquers hearts, not kingdoms.
Jesus’ words are just as counter-cultural today as they were back then. To offer love to those who offend … People then thought, “Who does that?” People today think, “Why would someone do that?”
Who is one person that comes to mind that you can do the unexpected, unwarranted act of kindness towards? The person that requires courage to humble yourself and serve?
Listen closely once again to Jesus, this time from the Message Bible: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”
The Kingdom of God has always run in full opposition to the world’s ways. Man says to hate the haters; God says to love the haters. Man says to get revenge; God says to repent. Man says to take; God says to give. Man says you only give to get; God says you get so you can give. Who does that? We should. Why would someone do that? Because He told us we should. That is real courage.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, the only possible way we could have such courage and do any of the things You tell us is because You empower us to do so. Teach us, guide us, lead us, encourage us to act like You. As above, so below. Amen”
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Paul was asking the believers at Philippi, first, have they received any benefit from being in their community of faith. Knowing their answer would be yes, he encouraged them with some basic dos and don’ts of loving one another. He closes the thought with the challenge of having the same attitude as Jesus. Why? Because we all know our attitude drives our thoughts, words, and actions.
A community in Christ is going to be marked and known by its attitude that reflects His nature first. All else will follow from that source.
Think for a moment about the circles you frequent. What is the attitude of each? How do they impact your own attitude?
Listen again to Paul’s very intentional words from the Message:
If you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
This passage is about our attitude. As we close and you breathe a few deep breathes, ask God to reveal your attitude to you. Is it selfless and sacrificial or selfish and self serving?
The good news of the Gospel is you can have the attitude of Christ Himself and your community will benefit by your choice.
Let’s make Paul words our prayer today: “Father, thank You for the encouragement in belonging to Christ, the comfort from Your love, the fellowship together in Your Spirit that allows our hearts to be tender and compassionate. In my own community, guide me to live in wholehearted agreement with others, love, and work with one mind and purpose. Help me to not be selfish; not work to impress others, to be humble, and think of others as better than me, to not look out for my own interests, but take an interest in others. May I have the same attitude as Christ. As above, so below. Amen”
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
If you take a dull knife and a sharp one and begin to rub the blades against one another for the purpose of sharpening the dull one, the reality is that both are going to be sharpened in the process. Even in mentoring relationships where an older and wiser person is pouring into a younger one, both are blessed by the interaction and learn from each other. So, the reality of our interaction within a Christian community is that iron sharpens iron—both ways. Everyone wins.
For the Christ follower, interacting in a community is always a two-way street. Because of the very nature of Christ’s Spirit living within us and leading us, we will always grow and mature by and through the relationships we share.
Right now in your life, who are you in the sharpening process with?
Listen to The Good News Bible’s version of Proverbs 27:17:
People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.
This slightly different twist allows for the fact that in the kingdom of God, even a brother or sister that we may disagree with on some issues, we can learn something of value from. Being an active part of a biblical community means teachability and humility are necessary dynamics for us all. Growing, challenging, teaching, sharing, and sharpening. Today, who is one person you can thank for being a constant sharpening force in your life - don’t wait to let them know. And who might God bring to mind that you can be an active sharpening tool for in your circle?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all those in my life that sharpen me, whether in full agreement or some disagreement. Thank you for all those who allow me the privilege of sharpening them. May I stay teachable, humble, fully obedient to You. As above, so below. Amen”
Romans 15:4-6 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the first day of creation, God birthed order, purpose, and unity into all things. Even after sin and rebellion entered the world, His ways were still available to practice as we see in the lives of those in the Old Testament. Regardless of how anyone else may choose to live, He has given us the ability to commune together in patience, encouragement, harmony, and unity. Both our individual work and our corporate worship can reflect His nature, producing good and blessing to others.
At any age we are and any stage of life, the community to which we commit our hearts and minds is crucial to our personal quality of life and faith. Those we join together with will determine our life and our future.
Is there a community you need to leave or have outgrown?
Is there a community you need to commit to and add your voice?
As you consider these questions, listen to this passage once more from the Message: … May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
A community that lives in complete harmony? Sounds a lot like Heaven, doesn’t it? But Scripture is clear that we can get started right here, right now. What is one way you can move towards strengthening the harmony between those in your community today?
Let’s pray: “Father, while I wait for Your promises to be fulfilled, please give me patience and encouragement, help me live in complete harmony with others, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Lead me to join my voice to the community that gives praise and glory to You, Father. As above, so below. Amen”
Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
This is, of course, the well-known answer Ruth gave to her mother-in-law, Naomi, recorded in the Book of Ruth after Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her own family, after both had lost their husbands.
Ruth’s declaration to Naomi that you are now my family and I am committed to you is as admirable as it is poetic.
There is a strong connection in Christ that causes His followers to have deep roots that intertwine and strengthen each other in Him. This level of commitment that Ruth expressed is found in true biblical community. We have the same God, have made the same commitment, therefore we have a heavenly connection that He began and only He will separate if His purposes decide.
Think for a moment about who you have this depth of love toward and who has the same towards you. Maybe this is a reminder to reaffirm and encourage someone in your life, letting them know how grateful and committed to the friendship you are.
Listen once again: Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. (Ruth 1:16 NLT) The key to this type of community in Christ is never about ourselves, but the other person. We place others first to love and care for them, trusting and knowing they will do the same, without expectation, without fear, in grace and truth. Is there someone in your life that you can say with this conviction - your people are my people? Does that person know your commitment to the connection you have?
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for the freedom we can experience in friendship and community in You to be free to love and trust because ultimately what we share is in You and about You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of sharing life with others, knowing You are our God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Proverbs 18:24 MSG
Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.
We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today’s verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.
Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.
Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.
Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.
Let’s pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”
Luke 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Jesus made His message clear: He wants parents to bring their children to Him to touch and bless. He wants no one to stop His interaction with His kids for any reason. There is no such thing as “bothering” Jesus for you or your kids. In fact, He said His kingdom belongs to children. No matter how old someone is, the way to enter His presence is to have the heart and faith of a child.
Is it time for you to take your kids to Jesus and, all of you, even you as their parent, become like little children before Him?
How would it look different in your life to approach your Father as a little child? Maybe there would be less pressure on trying to be perfect to approach Him? Picture yourself coming to His open arms as the little girl or boy that you were.
Read just verses 15 and 16 again with the emphasis only on the parents, the children, and Jesus:
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. … Jesus called for the children and said …, “Let the children come to me. … For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
Today, for our closing prayer, in this quiet moment, envision bringing each of your children before Jesus.
Ask Him to hold them, love them, and bless them.
And while you’re there, as His child, allow Him to do the same for you.
“As above, so below, Amen.”
Today, we will focus on three verses on parenting from The Message Bible.
A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. (Proverbs 13:24 MSG) God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. (Proverbs 20:7 MSG) Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with. (Proverbs 29:17 MSG) Because God was the first Parent, the Bible is clear that discipline is a natural and necessary part of the process. It is important to remember that discipline is not punishment. It is guiding, building into and yes, sometimes correcting them. God says He disciplines us because He loves us. If He did not care, He would not care if we changed either.
Regardless of how you were raised, you can look to God to teach you how correct and balanced discipline can benefit both you and your children in a spirit of love and grace.
God disciplines us because He loves us. You are His delight and He desires your relationship with Him to become more loyal and more honest each day. You can reflect that same deliberate guiding love to your children as You receive from God.
Pray: “Thank You, Father, for discipline and correction. Help me when I get it wrong and help me to see when I get it right. Guide me, balance me, in Your love and grace. As above, so below, Amen.”
Psalm 145:3-7 NLT
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Every belief system is always just one generation from extinction. That is exactly why over and over we see in God’s Word, how He wants us, first, to be a witness to our children. He wants us to show our kids through our words and actions that He is real and wants a relationship with us.
Right now, in your life, what is God doing that your kids need to hear about from your heart?
Let’s take the psalmist’s prayer and personalize the words to God from you:
Great are You, Lord! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. I will tell my children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on my tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. I will share the story of your wonderful goodness; I will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Declaring these words is humbling. Telling our children what God is doing in us is powerful. Making Him real to them is a privilege. Allowing them to see Him through your life is exactly what God wants to do in your parenting. Be obedient to Him and He will be faithful to you and the generation you are raising now.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, prompt me by Your Spirit to share with my kids the blessings You give and the burdens You take bear for us. Lead me to share Your story, in my story, as together we write their story. As above, so below, Amen.”
Psalm 127:3-4 NIV
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
When God allows us to be parents, He is blessing us with a responsibility and trusting us with the stewardship of life that He created. God made your children and is entrusting you with their lives. That says a lot about God, but also says a lot about how He feels about you.
If you have never thought of parenting in that light, let that truth sink in for just a moment. Listen to the psalmist’s words one more time, this time from the Message Bible.
Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
The fruit of the womb His generous legacy.
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!
Loving parents are indeed warriors in the eyes of God. The concept in this verse means that one day, as a parent, you will draw back your bow with all the ways that you have invested in your child for so many years. And, like an arrow, each one of your children will fly out into the world, into their adult lives, to be all that God created them to be. So, for now, through prayer, through intentional time, through the grace of God, be a warrior … for your children … in Jesus’s name.
Let’s pray: “Thank You, Heavenly Father, for my children, for my heritage in You, in your long line of love and legacy of faith. Strengthen me, empower me, to be a warrior as both a parent and Your child. As above, so below, Amen.”
“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.“ (Psalm 115:13-15, NLT)
In today’s passage the word fear is best thought of as great respect and awe. No matter how great or lowly we might be, or we might feel in the moment, God is worthy of our praise and admiration. We look to him for blessing us and our children. In seasons of good times, we can find it easy to feel blessed.
But in the tough seasons of life or in a crisis, when blessings seem far away, that is exactly the best time for us to look towards and ask for God’s blessing. All he asks is to acknowledge him for who he is. Creator, Father, God. Today, in this moment can you…will you…receive the rich blessing the Lord has for you and your children?
Take in these words that are meant for you, no matter how you might feel today, and let God bless all who fear God.
“Bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families - giving growth to you, growth to your children. May you be blessed by God, by God who made heaven and earth. The heaven of heavens is for God, but he puts us in charge of the earth.” (Psalm 115:13-15, The Message Bible)
I want you to believe with all your heart, soul and mind that those words were written for you and for your children. If you have committed the lives of you and your children into His hands, with God as our perfect Father, he desires to bless you all today. And in all the seasons to come.
“Father God, I receive and accept your blessing for me, for my children, and our home. I believe you desire to bless me, and right now I ask you to bless (take a moment to name each of your children and ask him to bless each one). Father, please help me to have your heart for my children and to bless them as their parent as you bless us. As above, so below. Amen.”
For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Chosen. Royal. Holy. God’s very own. These are all words He chose to describe us as His redeemed and restored community through the sacrifice of Jesus. This position offers us new identity, access to light in any darkness, mercy and grace that we now share with those in need.
Can you accept and receive God’s identity and position that He offers you as His child? How will this new Identity change the way you approach this day?
Let’s adapt and personalize this verse. Listen to how the God of the universe talks about you:
For “you” are chosen. “You” are a royal priest, part of a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity; now you are God’s. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT) Right now, in this moment, accept, receive the truth that you are chosen by God. You are a royal priest; God’s very own with a new identity; His child that He now trusts to share His love with all those in your circles. To receive and share His mercy. To embrace and give His grace. To take in His light and be His light.
Pray with me now: “Father of Light, what an awesome privilege to be Your vessel through which Your love, grace, mercy, and light can flow in, out, and through to others. Help me to receive all You have for me, not because of my own merits, but Jesus. Help me to accept what You say about me as what I believe. As above, so below.”
Various verses from 1 John, Chapter 3:
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (v. 1) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. (v. 16) Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. (vs. 18-19) And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. (v. 23) The kind of love we come to understand from God’s Word is vastly different from the love we learn from the world. Today, the definition of love seems to be a moving target. Yet to God, love never changes because He is love. He is the Author of Love. And God wants to write a new message of His love on our hearts every day.
How can today’s verses help you keep reshaping, redefining your own definition of love? How can it reorient your thinking about the way to love a specific person that comes to mind?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. (v. 1) This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. (v. 16) My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. (vs. 18-19) Again, this is God’s command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. (v. 23) To God, unconditional love is not optional. Love has no on/off switch. Love is to be found, given, accepted, embraced, and given away from knowing the very heart of God, the only endless supply that impacts the course of our lives, every day.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You show us how to love, provide us with the love to share, and then multiply the love we give in Your name. Teach me today to love like You love. As above, so below.”
Acts 4:32-35 NLT
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them.
Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth.
Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples.
This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers.
Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.
No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another’s needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”
Psalm 95:6-8 NCV
Come, let’s worship him and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us, because he is our God and we are the people he takes care of, the sheep that he tends. Today listen to what he says.
Once we begin to understand that life itself, our very breath, every heartbeat, is provided by and ordained by the Creator, our response is gratitude and adoration for His care and attention to our lives.
The analogy of God as a Shepherd is a wonderful picture as we are so often like helpless sheep navigating this life.
When was the last time you stopped to just sit quietly and listen to God speak to your heart? Will you do that now Read the psalmist’s words again of God’s care this time from the Message Bible:
So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
In this moment, worship Him. Bow your heart. Bend your knee. Feel His care. Listen as He speaks to You.
Let’s pray: “Great and Good Shepherd, thank You for Your never-ending care. I worship You. I bow both heart and knee before You. I want to listen now as You speak to my spirit. As above, so below.”
Acts 2:42-44 NLT
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
In these few verses, we can feel and sense the community, camaraderie, and commitment among Christ’s followers. God’s Spirit had united His community following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. That same Spirit is alive and available today. To unite us. Lead us. Make us far stronger together than we could ever be alone, sharing our lives with one another and our faith with the world.
Do you have this sense of biblical community with other believers in your life?
Read again for the Message Bible: They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.
Teaching. Fellowship. Sharing. Prayer. Awe. Miracles. Those are the supernatural dynamics that set God’s Kingdom apart from all other communities throughout history. Bringing the supernatural into the natural, the miraculous into the mundane. You were created, born, and destined to be a part of all God is doing today, just as surely as those first disciples. You are here right now for a reason, for a purpose.
Think of your community, those you find harmony with. Can you ask God to set your community apart, that others would be in awe at the depth and commitment your have to one another, through Christ that binds you. Ask God to perform wonderful signs through you and your community so that His presence would be magnified.
Let’s pray: “God of Wonders, thank You that Your Spirit transforms lives from ordinary to extraordinary. You are still the God of miracles and the God of awe. Thank You for giving me a place in Your community of believers and inviting me to help You change the world. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out Psalm 139 and our focus of how we were each created and designed to be a part of God’s creation and community:
(Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT) As good parents, we think of our kids when they are not with us. We wonder what they’re doing, if they are okay, and hope they know we love them. God as the perfect Father is always with us, but even still He keeps us on His mind. His love, grace, and care keep us on His path to a full life today and eternal life to come.
Invite God into your thoughts, your heart. Give Him room to show You His love and keep You close to Him today.
Take in these words once again, this time from the Message bible:
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! … Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life..
How does it feel to know the God of the universe thought are about you right now? You are on His mind, right now.
Let’s make the psalmist’s words our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:13-16
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
The psalmist David tells us how God planned each of us, mapped out our days, every moment with purpose. And then inside our mother’s womb, He formed exactly and accurately the person we would become who could accomplish His plan inside His community of creation.
When you have those days where you think your life is random, or an accident, or you question your purpose, remember this truth about your life.
Have you considered that no one else in history has ever had your fingerprints, as if God signed the masterpiece He created in you?
Listen once again to key phrases this time from the Message Bible:
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
God does indeed have a plan for your life. He made you to fit into His creation and community. No one else can ever be who you are or do what He intends for you alone to accomplish.
PRAYER: “Thank You, Father, for my life. Thank You for forming me, as well as Your plan for my days. Help me to trust You and walk with You in each moment You have mapped out for me. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:7-12 NLT
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.
Today as we continue in Psalm 139, we are reminded once again that the Kingdom, the community of God is everlasting and ever-present. David’s poetic words paint a picture of a faithful Father always watching, always protecting, always lighting our path, when we find ourselves in dark places, even at times, by our own hand.
Psalm 139:9-12 MESSAGE
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
you’re already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I’m immersed in the light!”
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
On your best days, God is there. On your worst days, He is there. Even in the darkness, even when the light is hard for you to see, His hand is there to guide you. His strength is available to support you. He can overcome any darkness. All you have to do is just call on Him.
There is no where you can go, no depth that you can sink to, no shame that keeps you from your Father’s presence, acceptance and protection.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You there is no darkness with You. You can shine Your light anywhere I am because of Your always-available presence. Today, I invite Your hand into my life. I receive Your light into my life. As above, so below. AMEN”
Psalm 139:1-5 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Living within the care and community of God means that He sees every aspect of who we are. What we do and what we don’t. What we say and what we won’t. From our hearts to our homes. From our ways to our work. No matter where we go, He is there. Aware. Available. Active.
Can you sense God’s presence everywhere in your life?
Listen to the shepherd, king, and psalmist David’s words again this time from the Message Bible:
God, I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence.… I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going.
Take a moment to reflect on the last verse: “your reassuring presence, coming and going..” Invite … allow … accept … feel … the Lord’s presence on you right now—for no reason other than to bless you.
Let’s pray together: “Thank You, Father, that You know me intimately. My heart. My words. My actions. Everything I do and everywhere I go, You watch over me. Thank You for your blessing today. May my life bless You. As above, so below.”
Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. … And that is what happened. … Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
God said “let us”—us being the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“in our image.” We were created by a Community, in community, for community.
The Father made us, the Son saves us, the Spirit guides us. Right now, when God sees you, when He looks at who you are, He sees you as “very good.”
Can you, will you accept today that God looks at you with eyes of love and goodness?
Listen again to these key phrases, this time from the Message Bible:
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. … God created human beings; he created them Reflecting God’s nature..… God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! (Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT) Right now, close your eyes and picture Your loving heavenly Father, Your Creator, looking at You, inviting You into His community, caring for You, and pleased with who He made you to be.
Can you accept that He says this of you right now - God looked over everything he had made, He looks over you and says; it is so good, so very good!
Pray with me: “Creator God, Father, thank You that you made me with purpose, for a purpose. You created me to live in community with You and for You. Help me to always remember that I am made in Your image. As above, so below."
Today’s verse is a continuation from yesterday:
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, … Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
We all see and sense the growing negativity and pessimism in the world. Scripture has so many amazing challenges and charges to ground us and lead us toward thinking, acting, and speaking from the heart of God. Today’s verse provides us a list of positive and uplifting qualities to set our minds and thoughts toward.
Listen to this beautiful inspiration once again from the Message Bible:
Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
On what or where have your thoughts been fixed lately? What is one area of focus that you can redirect your thinking towards today?
What in your life right now is:
True. Honorable. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable. The best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Simply speaking those words to feel their strength helps ease our minds and exudes God’s strength and peace.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. You are all of these in their purest form and You alone are worthy of my praise. As above, so below”
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today’s verse tells us God’s peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers.
What worries today need to turn into prayers?
Listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Apostle Paul says:
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.
Then a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good.
Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
(Proverbs 14:30 MSG)
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
We all understand more than ever today how our thoughts can affect our over-all health—positively or negatively. Our minds drive our motives, attitudes, emotions, and ultimately our actions. The proper balance of our emotional expression is crucial to our daily peace in both mind and heart.
Name the emotions that you feel have “runaway” in you lately. Consider for a moment why this may be happening.
As the Lord of our lives, Christ can bring balance to every aspect of who we are and what we do. Daily surrender to Him, His will, and His ways which will bring much-needed stability and security to our lives.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, I ask for a sound mind and a peaceful heart. I ask for Your blessing and healing for my total health. Please help me to balance my emotions—to feel what I need to feel and reject those that will only hurt me. As above, so below.
(2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
One of the most important aspects of personal peace and a clear mind is unity and harmony in our relationships. The Apostle Paul promised that when we do all we can to keep our connections to others clean and right, God’s love and peace will prevail in us and for us.
Who do you need to restore, encourage or connect with today?
What relationship do you need to give over to God’s peace?
Listen once again for Message Bible:
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure.
A life surrendered to Christ is a life marked by restoration, unity, and harmony, producing peace of mind.
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Which of these areas do you need to focus on this today?
Pray with me:“God, today I want to choose to rejoice in You no matter what is going on around me. Lead me towards restoration with everyone in my life. Remind me to speak encouragement to others. Help me to choose peace in all things. I know You are with me always. As above, so below.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
While the world around us promotes fear and the power to control others, God provides faith, love, and the power of self-control. His Spirit offers us a kind heart and a sound mind ushering His peace to saturate our lives. Those qualities can then become blessings to those around us.
What does God’s Spirit need to take over in you today to stop the noise of the world and bring you a sound mind and peaceful heart?
Faith and fear cannot co-exist. One will overtake the other. Right now, hand God your fears, one by one, take a deep breath, and allow your faith in Him rise up.
Please pray with me: “God of peace, I hand my fears over to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your faith, Your power, and Your love. Lead my mind to be sound, stable, and steady in You. As above, so below.”
Today’s verse is a continuation from yesterday:
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, … Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
We all see and sense the growing negativity and pessimism in the world. Scripture has so many amazing challenges and charges to ground us and lead us toward thinking, acting, and speaking from the heart of God. Today’s verse provides us a list of positive and uplifting qualities to set our minds and thoughts toward.
Listen to this beautiful inspiration once again from the Message Bible:
Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
On what or where have your thoughts been fixed lately? What is one area of focus that you can redirect your thinking towards today?
What in your life right now is:
True. Honorable. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable. the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Simply speaking those words to feel their strength helps ease our minds and exudes God’s strength and peace.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. You are all of these in their purest form and You alone are worthy of my praise. As above, so below”
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today’s verse tells us God’s peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers.
What worries today need to turn into prayers?
Listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Apostle Paul says:
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.
Then a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good.
Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
(Proverbs 14:30 MSG)
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
We all understand more than ever today how our thoughts can affect our over-all health—positively or negatively. Our minds drive our motives, attitudes, emotions, and ultimately our actions. The proper balance of our emotional expression is crucial to our daily peace in both mind and heart.
Name the emotions that you feel have “runaway” in you lately. Consider for a moment why this may be happening.
As the Lord of our lives, Christ can bring balance to every aspect of who we are and what we do. Daily surrender to Him, His will, and His ways which will bring much-needed stability and security to our lives.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, I ask for a sound mind and a peaceful heart. I ask for Your blessing and healing for my total health. Please help me to balance my emotions—to feel what I need to feel and reject those that will only hurt me. As above, so below.
(2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
One of the most important aspects of personal peace and a clear mind is unity and harmony in our relationships. The Apostle Paul promised that when we do all we can to keep our connections to others clean and right, God’s love and peace will prevail in us and for us.
Who do you need to restore, encourage or connect with today?
What relationship do you need to give over to God’s peace?
Listen once again for Message Bible:
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure.
A life surrendered to Christ is a life marked by restoration, unity, and harmony, producing peace of mind.
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Which of these ares do you need to focus on this today?
Pray with me:“God, today I want to choose to rejoice in You no matter what is going on around me. Lead me towards restoration with everyone in my life. Remind me to speak encouragement to others. Help me to choose peace in all things. I know You are with me always. As above, so below.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
While the world around us promotes fear and the power to control others, God provides faith, love, and the power of self-control. His Spirit offers us a kind heart and a sound mind ushering His peace to saturate our lives. Those qualities can then become blessings to those around us.
What does God’s Spirit need to take over in you today to stop the noise of the world and bring you a sound mind and peaceful heart?
Faith and fear cannot co-exist. One will overtake the other. Right now, hand God your fears, one by one, take a deep breath, and allow your faith in Him rise up.
Please pray with me: “God of peace, I hand my fears over to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your faith, Your power, and Your love. Lead my mind to be sound, stable, and steady in You. As above, so below.”
Jesus’ words of promise in John 14:27-28:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”
Jesus offers you a gift not of this world that can only be found in Him. His heavenly peace for your mind and heart can overcome any temporary trouble or fear. The Prince of Peace is with You now and is coming back for You one day to live in His kingdom.
What trouble, what fear, are you experiencing today that needs to be exchanged right now for Christ’s gift?
Jesus’ words of promise again from the Message Bible:
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
No matter what you may be walking through today, remember, for the Christ-follower, God’s gift of peace is available now and His best is always yet to come.
Prayer- “Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Help me not to look to the world, to not be troubled or afraid, but to look to You and look forward to Your return.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AMEN.
Isaiah 26:3-4 encourages:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
You know that on any given day, where you place your trust, where your thoughts tend to go, determines your level of peace. Isaiah offers that the only “perfect peace” can be found in surrendering your thoughts to the eternal, immovable, unshakable Rock.
To whom, where, or how are your thoughts being displaced and distracted today?
Listen again to Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Message bible:
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Today, can you keep you mind set on God who promises to keep you whole?
This passage promises we will be steady on their feet, because we keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Pray: “Father, keep me in Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Keep my thoughts fixed on You. Help me to trust You today, Lord God, my eternal Rock.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
David writes in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
In God’s kingdom, strength and peace work in unison. That is why you sense a quiet, calming reassurance when His peace enters your racing mind and struggling heart.
What place of weakness today needs His strength? What struggle needs His peace?
Listen to the passage again from the Message Bible The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. God knows all about us and what we will be dealing with way before we do and He is quick to come to our rescue at any time.
Notice the passage doesn’t say anything about David’s strength. It says “the Lord GIVES strength to his people”
God’s gift of strength is at the door of your heart right now. His gift of peace is at the threshold to your thoughts in this moment. Open up and embrace them both as His gifts.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, give me Your strength. Please grant me with Your peace.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN
Listen to David’s closing words in Psalm 4, verse 8:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
David had many days and nights where his enemies were stalking, seeking to harm him. Living under threat, confessing that he would fully depend on God to protect him while he slept in peace was a strong statement of faith.
Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like a stalking enemy, seeking to harm you?
You believe in your head that God is capable of keeping you safe?
Can you confess that belief out loud to yourself and to God, just like David did?
Trust God with your safety and security. Let your heart find peace.
Pray:
“Father, grant me Your peace as I lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, will keep me safe.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
Jesus said in John 16:32-33:
“Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
In Christ, you are never alone. There will always be troubles, trials, and sorrows here on earth, but in and through everything you experience, Jesus is there, offering His peace and encouraging you to “take heart.”
What trial are you walking through today that needs to be overcome by the peace of Christ?
You may be dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That’s exactly what it means to lose heart.
When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it’s something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn’t become a reality until we actually make the choice.
What is one area of your life that you can make the choice to take heart? to be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer.
Breathe in - inviting Christ’s peace into your day. Exhale, letting go of weariness and discouragement.
Move into the Balance of Christ’s peace, which is with you.
Pray: “Father, I know I am not alone because You are with me. May I find my peace in You and take heart that You have overcome my world.” As above. So below.
Our final passage for this week is a familiar one, but has so many great applications for our lives to encourage us to seize the day … Philippians 3:12-16 … I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT) Let’s focus on what Paul said he focused on … this one thing … forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. When we move on, but are constantly looking backwards, something is wrong. Remember—Paul had a lot of horrible violence in his past, all done in the name of religion. He had a lot to forget, but he stated exactly how he had to choose to move forward into what Christ had for his life. Great advice … Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible … I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
What has God shown you this week?
What has He called you to let go of … for the last time? Lay it down and never turn back?
What has He called you to take on and never let go of?
We pray you have found some healing and health this week. That’s always our goal, to connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I need to, for the final time, let go of what You have told me to let go of. I need to listen to You and take up what You have called me to take up. As above, so below.”
Our Scripture today is Colossians 3:12-16 … Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. (NLT) In several places throughout Scripture, God used the concept of putting on His qualities just like we choose to put on clothing. The practical side of this is, one, we choose to put on what we wear, and two, that is the majority of what people see on us, our clothing. The same can be true of His qualities.
What we may choose to quote-unquote wear from our past can still show in the present. People can literally see our hurts, pain, victimization, bitterness, and so on. There comes a point when we have to choose a new wardrobe and let people see the person Christ has forgiven and changed. The past is no longer our present and the future is no longer determined by anything, except the present.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
What have you been wearing that you need to take off and throw away? It’s worn out and old and you know it. What once may have been a security blanket is now a funeral shroud.
What of Christ’s qualities listed in today’s passage, do you need to put on and keep on?
If you choose peace in your heart, it will surely show in your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I choose to put on love, humility, compassion, kindness, strength, and peace. As above, so below.”
Our own minds, along with the words of the Accuser, are going to constantly try to bring the past back up, acting as if it is today’s headlines. The more we press into the Lord and His love, the less this will occur, and the more we can deal with it in health.
Listen to Psalm 85:7-10 …
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (NLT) For many of us, the past had plenty of foolish ways. So we have to constantly take inventory of our lives to invite the words God speaks, to listen carefully to Him as He speaks truth to us. When we hear Him and do what He asks, then our land—our homes—can be filled with His glory and love, truth, righteousness, and peace will mark our lives.
Is there any foolish way from the past that you know needs to be kicked out of your house, so to speak?
Is there a new level of listening to God, a new place of obedience, that you need to commit to hear Him as He speaks peace to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me your unfailing love and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what You say as You speak peace. Help me to not return to foolish ways. My salvation is near, so my home will be filled with Your glory, Your unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.
Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT) Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.
Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ’s table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.
In repeating today’s passage, let’s now add verse 8 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don’t have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.
As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That’s exactly what He wants you to do.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I’m tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, the very first step, is to first, forgive ourselves and next, and for some of us this can be a really tough one, to forgive others. Essentially, we need to clean house of all unforgiveness. If we don’t let go, the past is going to keep haunting us because we are giving it the power to stay current, which then hinders our future.
A great place to start is with Jesus’ own words from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 … “… and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (NLT) He continued this theme in verses 14 and 15 … If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT) When we struggle to forgive ourselves, or someone else for past hurts, Jesus’ words can feel like a threat or some kind of ultimatum. That is not the intention at all. He simply stated a spiritual truth about how God works.
Think about it. It makes sense. Why should we expect to have something happen for us that we are not willing to extend ourselves? God knows our personal freedom lies in our ability to forgive.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … “Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. … In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
To make peace with your past, forgiveness is the first key to unlock freedom. Any bitterness that we carry causes us to also carry around that other person, causing more pain, while he or she is out free and not thinking about us at all. So we have to ask ourselves, is it really worth what I’m losing? Or am I ready to gain back my freedom?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me the grace and the strength to forgive myself, everyone who has hurt me, and then help me keep my list clean, knowing You died to give me that freedom. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is Ephesians 3:14-21 … I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT) This was Paul’s actual prayer for the spiritual growth of the believers at Ephesus. Such a beautiful and poetic request to God on their behalf. There are so many great aspects of the Gospel included here.
I’m going to read this passage again but I want to adapt the words to first person as a personal prayer for God’s blessing of growth in your life.
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources I will be empowered with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in my heart as I trust in him. My roots will grow down into God’s love and keep me strong. And may I have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May I experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then I will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT) I want to encourage you to find this passage and pray it the way I just did. Or listen to this over again several times. Pray this prayer over your life, your heart, your mind, and your spirit, that God would grow you exactly the way He desires and you will become all He designed you to be.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians over my life. May this become just as true in me as it did the early church. I want to be made complete with all Your fullness and power in Christ. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 13:5 … Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT) It’s so easy for us to judge others, isn’t it? Someone does something or says something we don’t like or disagree with and we call their integrity, intelligence, or intentions into question. Even though we all know the Bible tells us not to judge, and that God is the only Judge, we just can’t seem to help ourselves.
But Paul told the believers at Corinth to examine themselves on the authenticity of their faith. Not others. Themselves. Why? Well, if we know we need test ourselves, we aren’t busy looking at other people. Accountability works best when everyone involved chooses to cooperate.
Listen once again to today’s verse in The Message Bible … Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.
The times we all likely grew the most in knowledge was when we were in school. Why? Because we were constantly having to take tests to prove what we knew.
If you decided to take Paul up on His challenge on a regular basis, don’t you suspect you might become more aware of your personal and spiritual growth?
So, how can you “Test yourself to make sure you are solid in the faith and not drifting along taking everything for granted, and giving yourself regular checkups”?
Let’s pray together: “Father, teach me to be aware of my own growth and not so concerned with others growth—or lack of it. Teach me to take inventory of You in my life. Guide me, show me how I can grow in You to test out my faith and do something about it. As above, so below.”
Today is another single verse, but once again, a very important one: Hebrews 4:12 … For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT) In any season of strong personal and spiritual growth, there will always be a connection and correlation to our interaction with God’s Word. Why? Because it is the manual for the Christian life, the guidebook, the map for living, the love letter from our Father.
No other book is called “alive and powerful.” No other book’s words can “cut between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow to expose our innermost thoughts and desires.”
God’s Word can transform and change our minds—literally.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this verse … God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.
Thinking back over your seasons of spiritual growth, do you see the connection between your hunger for God’s Word versus the dry seasons?
It really doesn’t matter whether we read a chapter a day or a verse as long as we are taking His Word into our spirits and minds. If you are a bit out of sync on your own reading or study, let us challenge you to figure out a plan to get in and stay in. After all, the Word is how we can grow consistently in Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that can do surgery on my heart and my attitude. Help me to have a hunger for what You want to share with me each day. Help me to know You have written me a love letter and want to speak personally to me. As above, so below.”
Today, is a very important passage about spiritual growth: Galatians 5:22-23 … But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT) Think about this: If you begin to produce these Christ-like qualities, you are going to have a higher quality of life over-all. But then you will also begin to impact and attract others. Someone who is very peaceful in their spirit has a higher quality of life but also is more enjoyable to be around, right? Like ripe fruit on a tree, people can see it, touch it, and taste it.
This verse can be used as a literal litmus test from which we can evaluate our personal and spiritual growth. Here’s a very simple way to take an honest look at where you are at any given time in your life.
First, on a scale of 0 to 10, as best you can recall, rate where you were in these 9 qualities a year ago. Now, on the same scale, rate where you are today.
Grown a lot in love but struggling with joy? That’s okay. This could just show you where you need to keep praying and improving as you work to be obedient in the Lord. After all, these gifts of fruit will come from Him, not out of ourselves.
Last thought … if you really want an honest evaluation, ask one of your kids to rate you on these from 0 to 10, or maybe a trusted friend. Remember—the goal is never guilt but growth.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please grow me in these 9 fruit of Your Spirit for me to experience them inside my life, but to also reflect them toward others from You. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 … So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (NLT) One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives.
If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
Luke 22:39-42 …
Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (NLT) For most of us, when we want to avoid something hard coming at us, we pray for God to remove the suffering. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with that prayer.
But then the key is if He doesn’t, what do we do? How do we respond? Blame Him? Question His goodness? Think He no longer loves us?
First, notice Jesus didn’t say, “Father, if you can …” but rather “Father, if you are willing …”
When we pray about anything hard, any kind of suffering, any sort of difficulty that we have to go through, asking God to take it away makes a lot of sense. But adding Jesus’ last sentence is a huge step of faith and maturity. “Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.” That is an entirely new level of faith and trust to be like Jesus to that extent, because to pray that, we have to know He wants the best for us, no matter what.
Whether you are in a dark time right now, or the next time you are, remember Jesus’ choice in the Garden—to trust God’s will for You.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know wanting Your will isn’t just about blessings. Trusting You in the dark times is what faith is really about. Help me to trust You and Your will with Jesus as my Example and Goal. As above, so below.”
Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible for asking God’s protection and provision when troubles come. There is a hopeful tone in the words that cut through the darkness.
Listen to verses 1 and 2 …
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT) When we struggle, when we are trying to find our way through days filled with trouble, knowing that God is the shelter where we can find rest and the refuge where we can find safety is a huge comfort and encouragement. But the key is in the final words: He is my God and I trust Him.
Listen now to verses 14-16 …
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
When trouble lands on your doorstep, what is your first thought? Your first thought. Is it, how am I going to fix this? Why is this happening to me?
One of the ways we can know we are growing in our faith is when our first thought is to invite God to work. To pray, “Lord, rescue me, protect me, answer me. I need to hear from You.”
I want to encourage you to use Psalm 91 as a prayer for you and your kids. Words like these will help you look to God first when darkness falls.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my Shelter, my Refuge, my Place of safety. My Rescue. My Protector. My answer. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is about Jesus in John 1:1-5 … In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT) If you walk into a well-lit room at night to go to sleep, you don’t think, “I need to turn on the darkness.” No. You think, “I need to turn off the light.” Only the absence of light creates darkness. Even a candle lit on a dark night can be seen for miles.
Next, listen to Jesus’ words further down in John 8:12 … Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
When you walk through darkness in your life, look for how you can let light in. The only way you can affect the darkness is by allowing in light.
Where do you need “the light that leads to life” today? Pray and ask Jesus to be that in your life. Remember our first passage—"the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there is so much darkness today all over. Help me to remember You are the Light, my Light, to dispel the darkness and nothing can put that out. As above, so below.”
When we are walking through dark days, reading Scripture and praying Scripture can be very comforting, especially David’s words in the Psalms. Listen to Psalm 40:11-13 … Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (NLT) Did you notice how brutally honest David was with God? He held nothing back. In fact, he asked God to hold nothing back to help him. But he was also transparent about his own disobedience and need.
As is often the case, the words of The Message Bible get a bit more straightforward … Now God, don’t hold out on me, don’t hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt. I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help, Who is the one friend you have that you can say anything at all and know you won’t be judged?
Have you ever considered that is the kind of honesty that God welcomes from you when life is really hard? Remember—unlike a close friend, you aren’t telling Him anything He doesn’t already know.
When darkness falls on your heart, pick a Psalm and read it out loud. Let the words become your own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, keep reminding me that I can say anything to You. Lead me to the words in Psalms that can best reflect my heart when I struggle, and use the words to pray. As above, so below.”
When we think of someone in the Bible who experienced dark times, Job has to be near the top of the list. Because he was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, the enemy wiped out his family, his livelihood, and even threatened his health. But when we fast-forward to chapter 42 after many chapters of questions and discussions, we find an amazing revelation as a response to his suffering.
Listen to verses 1-6 …
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Throughout our lives, God gives blessings while He allows suffering. He alone decides what we need, when we need it, and as a good Father, what will keep us close to Him day by day.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
How do you tend to respond when hard things happen in your life? Maybe here we go again? Why me, Lord? I’ll just put my head down and get through this?
Whether blessing or hardship, a great prayer to pray is: God, show me what You are doing. How do you want me to respond to this?
What we can learn from Job’s suffering and his response is that God wants us to have a first-hand experience with Him, not live off of rumors or someone else’s experience. That’s what a close relationship is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit I want all blessing and no suffering. Yet, I know I tend to grow the most when things get tough. Help me to look for how I can know You first-hand, like a Father to His child. As above, so below.”
2 Timothy 1:8-10 …
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God’s grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace?
Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God’s grace so you can share that grace with those you know?
And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
There is a passage in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church where he talks about what he called his “thorn in the flesh.” There’s a powerful lesson for us about grace in what he shared.
Listen to 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 …
… to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NLT) We are never told what Paul’s thorn is. Probably so we can easily apply this truth to whatever issue plagues our own lives.
Paul said that he asked God three times to take it away and God repeated the same phrase each time. And what did God tell Paul he needed? Grace. Why? So God’s strong power could be shown in Paul’s weakness. And there is no denying that happened as we read his letters to the churches.
Listen once again to part of today’s passage in The Message Bible … I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
What is your thorn? What creates limitations in you? What have you begged God to get rid of?
How can you apply God’s answer to your life: “My grace is enough. It’s all you need.”?
How can you take your attention off the problem and put it on Christ?
Let’s pray together: “Father, this is a tough one. I need Your help to accept those things in my life that You choose for me to surrender to You and trust in Your grace to carry me. As above, so below.”
Romans 5:18-21 …
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT) Depending on how we were brought up and what we have been taught about God, we must all come to the place of understanding that Scripture is the bottom line of what we should believe and the foundation of what we should build our lives upon. We have to become responsible for what we believe and what we will teach our children—based on our own beliefs, not anyone else’s. The concept of grace is such an important pillar of that personal faith.
Here’s a tough question for you … do you think your own life is ruled more by law or by grace?
Is your faith based on what you do for Jesus or what Jesus has done for you?
Remember—any questions we ask here are only to help you honestly evaluate where you are, and by comparing to Scripture, ask if is there is any part of your belief that You need to hand over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, if there is anything I believe about You that is not right and not fair to You, I invite You to teach me Your ways through Your Word. As above, so below.”
Focusing on God’s grace, listen to Romans 3:23-28 … For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. … God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. (NLT) Can you hear the connection between today’s passage and yesterday’s? The only way we are made right with God is through a relationship with Jesus. Once again, we believe that what God says He has done for us is true. Jesus paid the penalty for sin that we could never pay.
Listen to verses 22 thru 24 in The Message Bible … The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
Is there anything you could possibly do today to quote-unquote deserve your salvation?
Do you view what God has done for you as His gift to you?
We are free to become what God designed us to be because of Jesus. We pray you really allow that truth to sink in and take it as your own this week.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I don’t believe what You can do in me because of things I have done. Help me to trust You, to believe You, and to live out what You have planned for me. As above, so below.”
God’s grace … the apostle Paul had much to say on this topic because it is so crucial for us all to understand as Christ-followers.
Listen to Ephesians 2:4-9 …
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT) How did Paul say we are saved? By working hard to do good? By trying hard to not do anything wrong? No, “only by God’s grace.”
Do you tend to mix your own behavior into your salvation? So many people do.
But what did Paul say was the only action we need to take? “God saved you by His grace … when you believed.”
Listen to verses 7 thru 9 in The Message Bible … Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.
Do you have any past religious beliefs or baggage that taught you somehow you can go in and out of God’s salvation by your behavior on any given day? If that were true, then our salvation would be somewhat up to us, right? Paul is clear it is only up to God … after we believe. Trust.
Here’s a question for your heart … do you think there is anything you can do to make God love you any more? Or any less? This week on grace is all about understanding the amazing truth that He cannot possibly love you more than He does right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that all You want is for me to believe and trust You. I am grateful my salvation is not dependent on my behavior and that You will never love me any more or any less than You do right now. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is taken from Romans 15:1-13 … We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive …. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. … May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. … I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT) Isn’t it interesting that no matter how much we have been hurt, how much we distrust, how guarded we may try to be, when we take our eyes off ourselves and fully focus on meeting someone else’s needs, somehow the world seems right for a few minutes?
That’s because we weren’t designed to be hurt or to hurt, but to help, to serve. We weren’t designed to distrust, but to trust. We weren’t designed to focus on our own needs, but to help others.
When we choose to live in community the way this week’s Scripture passages have encouraged us to do, we line up with our original design because Christ offers that opportunity.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. … God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! … May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
In your community, where do you need to step in and lend a hand?
Who do you need to ask, “How can I help?”
Where does your life need to sing in harmony with others in an anthem for God’s glory?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to expand my community to who I need and who needs me. Help me to receive the help I need while giving my help to whom it’s needed. Help me to find harmony with those You want me to worship with. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 1 Peter 4:8-13 … Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (NLT) What gifts do you see in your life that you know God uses?
What service do you do that you just feel the presence of God when You are involved in it? It just feels peaceful to you, almost as if you can sense God smiling?
What do you do that you can tell impacts others even more than it affects you?
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible … Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Did you catch the phrase: “Love each other as if your life depended on it.”? Who do you love like that? Who needs you to love them like that?
Who needs your words? Who needs your “hearty help”? Who needs some of God’s bright presence in their life with you being the one who delivers it?
Our community will be made up of those who love us, but also those we need to love.
Like the last verse said: This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Let’s pray together: “Father, from the love I give to the trials I walk through, help me to reflect Your presence. Help me to love like my life depends on it—just like You do. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is James 5:13 through 16, 19 and 20.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. … My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (NLT) This entire passage from praying to confessing has to do with being involved in a community of believers who trust one another, desire to help one another, and will even go the extra mile to rescue others.
Confessing our sins to God is a given. But having someone to get real with about the evils and struggles of our own hearts can accelerate our spiritual growth. Especially as we create accountability and pray for one another.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this passage … Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. … My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Where do you go when you’re hurting?
Where do you go when something great happens?
Where do you go when you just can’t seem to get rid of something that’s hurting you?
Who would come after you if you wandered away from your faith?
Who would you go after if you saw them wandering away?
Whoever’s names you answered with … that, my friend, is your faith community.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for those who would work to rescue me and those You have placed in my life that I would rescue. Help me to surrender more to You each day so I can gain everyone in my community that You desire to be in it. As above, so below.
Today, our Scripture is Romans 12:1-5 …
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT) We’re all grateful that God no longer requires any sort of physical sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, right? But yet, sacrifice is still a crucial part of following Jesus. In fact, it’s an everyday event. From the desires of our bodies, minds, hearts, and attitudes, we have to give up what we want if we are going to honor God and others. Notice what this sacrifice gains us … we realize we are part of a greater Body of believers, a community of people who belong to and function together.
Listen once again to this passage as I read excerpts from The Message Bible… So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. … we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. … So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
Today, what do you need to sacrifice?
What do you need to embrace?
What do you need to readily recognize that God is wanting to tell you about your life, your community, your role in His kingdom and Body?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life. I give myself to You. I embrace all You have for me. I ask You to bring out the best in me, for You and for the sake of those You desire for me to reach. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with Philippians 2:1-5 … Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (NLT) Today’s passage starts and ends with Jesus. In the community united in Christ, we can receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, agreement, and humility as we work together in one mind and purpose … and here’s the real key—with the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
As our culture becomes increasingly self-absorbed and self-focused, these Christlike qualities are going to become more and more attractive to our own hearts, to those in the faith, and those outside.
What phrase jumped out at you today?
I love the idea of “deep-spirited friends.” When we choose to put ourselves aside and help others get ahead, we can experience a community of deep-spirited friends. We will find those folks we can trust, lean on, count on, and do life with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the kind of heavenly comfort, encouragement, and fellowship we can have in You. Help me to be the kind of friend in the faith that today’s passage talks about and be a part of Your community that can change the world. As above, so below.”
Today is our final day of a week spent challenging ourselves to place all our confidence not in ourselves or others but in God.
Let’s go back to King David in the Psalms and look at a declaration He wrote for his life that we too need to choose to make:
Listen to chapter 118, verses 5 thru 9 … In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord … (NLT) Think about the relationship that brings you the most stress right now, even someone that you fear or whose behavior invokes fear. A circumstance that brings you fear. How can this passage encourage you, bring you confidence, offer you safety, set you free?
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible, but this time, I’m going to add down to verse 16.
Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered. God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me? God’s my strong champion; I flick off my enemies like flies. Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities. … I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” (MSG) Say this declaration with me:
The Lord is for me, …
so I will have no fear. …
What can mere people do to me? …
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. … Can you hang onto that thought and place your faith in Him with that statement? “The Lord is for me so I will have no fear.” And to do that, your confidence will have to be in your Father, not in yourself. And as have hopefully seen this week, that’s a really good decision.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are for me and I will have no fear. With You, what can anyone do to me? You are for me and I believe and have confidence that You will help me. As above, so below.”
Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we’ll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don’t trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind.
Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 …
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT) It’s tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right?
It’s hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn’t it?
But doesn’t the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing?
All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father.
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible … When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post … Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy?
Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make?
What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest barriers to salvation itself can be mistakenly believing that we are somehow better than others, and that somehow guarantees Heaven. How many times have we heard someone say, “Well, I’m a good person”? But even after salvation, comparison to others and placing confidence in our ability to do good works can quickly get us off-track in our faith.
In Luke 18, Jesus used a parable to show us how God feels about confidence in our own righteousness.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (vv. 9-14 NLT) The Pharisees were considered the mega-church pastors of the day, looked up to and revered for their spirituality. Tax collectors were looked at like we view sleazy, ambulance-chasing attorneys. For Jesus to flip this paradigm on its head was very controversial. Both men prayed but one focused on others’ sin, while the other man focused on his own sin. One didn’t think he needed God and the other desperately did.
Being honest, don’t many of us go back and forth between feeling really good about ourselves and flirting with the thinking of the Pharisee or being very convicted and relating to the tax collector?
One of the many paradoxes of the Gospel is that true confidence can only be found in humility. In knowing God, we discover who we are and find our identity in surrender to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ teaching, as controversial as it was then and now. Thank You that Your truth is a paradox to this world. Help me to discover my confidence as I humble myself before You. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is on placing our confidence in God, which of course means increasing our faith in Him. The Bible is filled with promises to us, offering the great consequences of a life of trusting Him. Listen to Jeremiah 17:7-8 … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (NLT) Trust … Hope … Confidence. Several times in Scripture the authors used a tree planted by a river as a metaphor for our lives. For the weary traveler, a large, healthy tree beside a river meant protection from the elements and provision for thirst. The very reason the tree could provide shelter is because its roots were not reliant on the changing weather but on the constant flow of the river. Such a great analogy for our lives rooted in God.
Using this metaphor, is there heat or drought that is causing you to struggle, to wither? What’s the source of that issue?
What places in your life would you connect to blessing, as in having green leaves and lasting fruit? What’s the source of that blessing?
How can you get your roots into the river and not be so reliant on the weather? How can you go deeper with God and place less confidence in the things of the world?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your promises. Thank You that You clearly tell us how life can be when we trust You. Help me to grow deep roots in my faith and place more and more of my confidence in You. As above, so below.”
We hear a lot these days, including countless podcasts, about developing self-confidence, self-reliance, and strengthening our self-image. While, of course those are important goals, the context is so critical. As followers of Jesus Christ, the proper way to gain these strengths can be found when we begin to place our confidence in Him. As we learn to trust God. Place our faith in Him. Believe that He is faithful, reliable, and secure. In Him, we can inherit confidence through our relationship with Christ.
As we get started on our topic for this week, let me ask: how many times have you sensed you are starting to build up confidence in who you are and how you are doing, only for someone to do something or say something that rips the rug right out of from under you? In a heartbeat, we feel like all our confidence is gone. That is exactly why understanding this week’s truth as a believer is so crucial to our spiritual and emotional health.
Listen to Psalm 146, verses 3 through 10 … Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord! (NLT) For many of us, a great deal of our personal pain and emotional baggage has come from placing too much confidence in other people. And certainly the wrong people. Others did something or failed to do something that negatively affected our trust. Today’s passage warns us to be cautious and gives us so many amazing reasons to get our confidence from our Creator.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says—he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners—he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. God’s in charge—always. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!
As you think through your life right now, is there anywhere you are “putting your life in the hands of experts” when your trust and confidence really needs to be handed over to God? It’s actually amazing how trusting Him can bring us wisdom and discernment that will also improve our relationship with others.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, heal my hurts where I have placed my trust and confidence in the wrong people. Increase my faith and trust in You and lead me to the right relationships in Your community. As above, so below.”
Wholeness was our state in the Garden but then the enemy of God came along and, through disobedience, robbed us all of that God-given state. The spiritual battle for us every day is choosing God over that same enemy, just as everyone in the Bible had to deal with as well.
Listen to 1 Peter 5:6-11 …
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. (NLT) Listen for two things: the commands and the promises.
Did you catch them? Let’s review, all under the concept of wholeness and holiness.
The command? Humble yourself. … The promise? God will lift you up in His time.
The command: Give your worries to God. … The promise: God will care for you.
The command: Stand firm against the enemy. … The promise: God’s calling will bring you into His eternal glory.
The command: Endure suffering. … The promise: God will restore, support, and strengthen you.
Wholeness is found on the firm foundation only God can provide.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering wholeness through holiness. Thank You for Your commands for my obedience and Your promises giving me hope. As above, so below.”
Colossians 2:6-10 …
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ.
What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you?
Is there a truth here you didn’t know or didn’t yet fully understand?
The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness.
Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage is Romans 6:21-23 in The Message Bible … As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end. But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
The path to spiritual wholeness—holiness—is what Paul described here as “finding you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do.” Christ gives us a new life, a new path, a new way to live. Christ gives us a choice to not choose sin.
Wholeness is a great word, one we chose to focus on this week, but let’s turn the corner now to understanding that holiness is the complete wholeness that God offers us in Christ.
Have you ever really grasped that Christ has given you the constant choice to not sin?
Is there a sin in your life that you feel is not a choice, one that you keep repeating, even though you don’t want to? Identify that, confess it and ask God to give you the strength choose not to sin.
God’s on-going gift is real life here and eternal life to come delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You offer me a free life. Thank You that I don’t have to listen to sin anymore but can choose You. Thank You for Your gift of wholeness and holiness. As above, so below.”
So much of our Christian lives is spent trying to get rid of things, things we hold onto and struggle with, all while knowing we need to let them go. From attitudes to toxic behaviors to unhealthy relationships. Today, we read a crucial concept for this process. It’s called the Principle of Replacement. Listen to Ephesians 4:31-32 … Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) If you decide to get rid of bitterness today, that’s going to be tough, right? But what if instead, you placed your focus and energy on being kind? What if day by day, you started to make the intentional choice to replace bitterness with kindness? If something triggers bitterness to come up into your throat and the feelings are overwhelming, then you do something kind. Text a friend a thank you. Find a way to encourage the very next person you encounter.
Paul’s teaching was always practical. Bitterness can be replaced with kindness. Rage and anger can be replaced with choosing compassion. Slander and malice can be replaced with forgiveness. If we only focus on getting rid of things, we can easily set ourselves up for failure. But when we instead find a positive and healthy replacement for what we must get rid of, we have a far better shot at success, as well as just creating a better experience.
What is one ‘replacement principle’ I will commit to practicing this week? Kindness? Compassion? Forgiveness?
We all have things we need to rid ourselves of… let’s remember The Principle of Replacement … whatever you’re trying to get rid of to be whole again, ask God to give you something good to replace it with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to take the toxic things I have held onto and replace them with the good gifts You offer me, gifts like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
To get serious about wholeness and total health, we have to take a hard look at ourselves. Today is a tough Scripture passage from Jesus, but also a reminder that there is freedom on the other side of our battles. Listen closely … Jesus is not angry here, just being honest … “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT) As humans, a fact we have to deal with throughout life is the less whole we are in any given season, the more we tend to find fault in others. Whether wanting to justify our own behavior or just being negative about people, we can look around and see the “speck in other’s eyes,” to use Jesus’ words. But notice the important counsel here: “First, get rid of the log in your own eye …”
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Buckle up, this version hits even more closer to home ….
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
The goal of Jesus’ teaching here is not to produce guilt, shame, or self-hatred, but rather getting honest about personal evaluation. Facing our own stuff.
Is there an area of your life that is a ‘speck or log in my own eye’? Can you think of one area to surrender and repent of right now?
Getting real about what we need to surrender to God before we can truly begin the journey toward wholeness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I always love the mercy and grace verses in Your Word, but I know I have to embrace ones like this too. Today, I need to hand over the logs and the specks to You. I want to be whole, so I know some surgery on my heart and work on my attitude are what I need to allow You to do right now. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on stability in a season of instability, we will once again take a look at our available place within a solid and supportive community.
The original Body of Christ should always be our model for our current Body of Christ. God always has one way and what we find in Acts 2 is His way for and to community.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (v. 42-47) What do we see and hear the Body of Christ was all about?
They met together devoted to worship, teaching, fellowship, eating together, and praying. Just brothers and sisters gathering with the common bond of growing in Christ and encouraging one another. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Sounds pretty cool too, right?
If you desire to get rid of as much instability in your life as possible and secure yourself more and more in your relationship with Christ, the template in today’s passage is the key to true community. Merging your life with other believers who have your same heart, mind, and goals is crucial to finding health and maturity in every way, but most especially spiritually.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, life among the believers in the early church was pretty straightforward. Not much frills. Help me to find that. Help me to find my place in Your Body. I know my security and my kids’ security can be found in You and those who love You. As above, so below.”
This week in our look at finding stability in a season of instability, today and tomorrow, we will focus on the support we all need within a solid and supportive community.
When we come to Christ, we are grafted into His family tree. We become a part of His body. That’s what the Bible teaches. We enter into an eternal community where we have a definite and intentional place in which we fit right now.
Listen to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 … The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? … But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. … The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you are included in that passage. You belong to this body that Paul is talking about. You count. You fit. You are in that community with a unique place.
Is there a community you need to separate yourself from?
Are there some toxic relationships you keep allowing to hurt you?
Are you needing a place to fit and do life to secure you inside a healthy community?
You are in the Body of Christ, but are you in a physical community of believers?
If not, what steps do you need to take today to find your place and your space?
But always remember—God has not only prepared a place for you in Heaven, but a place here in His Body, His community, until You join Him. He’s made all the arrangements for eternity but we have a responsibility for what we do while we are here.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the Body of Christ. Thank You for Your community and Your kingdom here. Help me to always take my place in You and with those I need to be connected to. As above, so below.”
This week as we look at finding stability in a season of instability, this is never going to truly come when we keep trying to avoid loneliness by just filling the void with a person. Jumping into relationships when God is not involved or we are not ready just become major distractions that keep us from growing deep roots and getting our lives built on what we talked about yesterday, the Rock that survives the storms.
So often we have to work on creating a good defense before we can have a solid offense. Or here’s another metaphor—we have to pull some weeds before we can plant some flowers.
Today, I’m going to read a longer passage. I want you to listen to the spirit of what Paul is teaching as much as the actual words he says.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT) As I have asked you before here, as I read, did any phrase or sentence jump out at you? Did God run his highlighter over any of this?
Listen to part of today’s passage once again … But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” If you keep yourself pure, … Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone… (NLT) Is there anything in your life today that is creating instability and you know it’s time to pull it out by the roots? Maybe you need some help? Maybe you need some professional help? If today God showed you something, don’t wait, don’t put it off, do what He told you. Reach up, reach out, reach in, whatever you need to do to make things right for your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give You what You placed on my heart right now. I need Your help. Help me to also get the help I need from others to steady my life. Show me what to do. I need Your answers. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is finding stability in a season of instability. Yesterday, we went outside ourselves to God. Today, let’s look into our own hearts.
In Matthew 7, Jesus’ teaching covers quite a few topics, but He offers us a clear metaphor of stability vs. instability and the action we can take to enact His help. Listen to verses 24-27 … “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (NLT) In life, the storms are going to come and keep coming. The rain will fall, the waters will rise, and the winds will beat against our house. Everything that comes at us makes us feel so unsteady and unstable. Jesus said the difference in the house that stands vs. the ones that crash is those who listen to His teaching and follow what He says. The question is not will He save, but will we allow His salvation?
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible. This time I’m going to leave out what happens to the house that doesn’t listen, only the one that does. That should be our focus: what we can do to help ourselves in unstable times.
For a moment, take your mind off of anything that is shaking your world right now. Focus on Jesus. How can you listen to His words and do what He is asking you?
How can you work Christ’s words into your life today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I certainly know what the rains, the floodwaters, and the wind feels like. Help me to work Your words into my life to build my house on You, the Rock. As above, so below.”
This week is a huge topic for anyone these days—finding stability in a time of instability. For Solo parents, there are several factors in play … the first is working on surrender to God to allow His stability to enter our hearts and minds. The second is working on ourselves to be stable in our own feelings and emotions. The third is finding stability, not in trying to fill the void with another relationship, but rather to find support within a solid and supportive community.
The shepherd turned king David certainly understood chaos in life—from his enemies, those around him, and even by his own hand. Let’s begin our look at stability by going to our Source. Listen to David’s words:
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8 NLT) As believers in and followers of Christ, just because the world around us shakes does not mean we have to. If we are in Him, then He holds us in His hands. He is our Hope. Our Rock. Our Fortress. Our Refuge.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … What is making you feel unstable right now? Can you pinpoint the source of your instability?
Whether your answer is one thing or everything, whether your feelings or your thoughts or your actions feel completely shaky, take the focus off the unstable things in and around you and focus on the One who is always stable. Imagine Him holding you now, like a Dad with a child in a storm. Just for this moment, take your eyes off what is shaking and place them on what is solid … Your Hope. Your Rock. Your Fortress. Your Refuge.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I receive Your hope, I want to live with You as my Rock, My Fortress, my Refuge. My anxious thoughts, feelings, and emotions I give to You now. As above, so below.”
On our final day we will focus on a very well-known but always powerful chapter in Scripture - this is from Psalm 139. Listen carefully to the words of verses 1 thru 6 … O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
If God really does examine your heart and knows everything about you, then don’t you think it’s okay for you to get real with Him about how you feel and what you are feeling about your life and anyone in it? Isn’t it safe to say He can handle whatever you need to get honest about? Have you ever considered venting your emotions with God? I think the Psalms shows us that’s exactly what we are supposed to do.
Here’s the next six verses of Psalm 139 … I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
So, once again, if you can’t go anywhere to get away from God, even in the dark, and He promises to guide and support you, then let this week be a game changer in your relationship with Him. Talk to Him like a best friend. Need to vent? Get loud? Let out some anger and some steam? Go for it. Tell Him what you think and how you feel. Take care of yourself, your hurts and your healing by opening up completely before God. That really is what prayer is about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, it’s time I got honest with You, like really honest. Actually, it’s kind of funny for us to think You can’t handle how I feel or what I might say. Like verse 4 said, You know what I’m going to say before I say it, so just help me to get honest and tell You my heart. As above, so below.”
When the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, He basically answered by boiling them all down to what appears to be two, but is actually three.
Listen to Matthew 22:37-39 …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
So who are we to love? God. Yes. Then our neighbor, which actually just means our fellow human beings. But we so often miss the last partHe said. You have to love people “as yourself.”
Sometimes we tend to love ourselves as in we will fight to get what we want or practice self-preservation at all costs. Jesus said ifthat’s how you love yourself, love others just like that, with that same fervor. But here’s another side to that coin … Another way we can interpretthis statement is “You cannot love others any more than you are able to love yourself.” Are you really bad at loving yourself? Guess what? That’s going tobe your level of loving others too.
Do you see it? I hope so, because this is a game changer.
Now that you’ve heard these new thoughts, listen once again … Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Have you been hurt so much that you are focused on taking care of you over anyone else? Well, what if you were to love people like that? Then you’d be super-loyal, giving, and protective of everyone.
Or do you struggle to love yourself and you know that makes your level of loving others really low, so it’s time for something to give?
The great news is the key to change for either side of this issue is found in the first part of the verse: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Teach me to love You, then teach me how to love me, then let all that start to create love for everyone around me. As above, so below.”
One of the most powerful chapters in the New Testament is Colossians 3. Paul reminded us to try and remember Heaven when all Hell is breaking loose in our lives and to not allow the stuff of earth to rule our emotions, thoughts, and actions. We have to have a ground zero for our own hearts and minds, to take care of what we need to do and not do in our own lives.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
What phrase or words stood out to you?
In which of these areas can you say you’re doing really well right now?
What did you hear that you know you’re struggling in that area?
Now listen again to select parts of this passage … Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realitiesof heaven, … not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. … So put to death the sinful, earthly thingslurking within you. … You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, maliciousbehavior, slander, and dirty language. … for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewedas you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Are there any “old nature things” that you know it’s time to let go of?
I want to encourage you again with Paul’s words … put on your new nature, be renewed, and become like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to live out the values of Heaven here on earth as You keep renewing and revealing Yournature in me. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest disruptors in this day in which we live in our relational stability and our personal peace is anger. Especially on-going and unresolved anger.
Listen to Ephesians 4:26-27 …
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT) 99% of anger in our lives is at a person that we are in a relationship with. Yes, we get angry at strangers and even ourselves but mostly at people we know well. Yet anger is a valid emotion. There are plenty of places in Scripture where God got angry. Jesus got angry. But the motive for anger is crucial as well as what we do with our anger. That makes the difference. Paul offered great advice by saying that holding onto anger can poison us. To not take anger into a second day or the devil can use it against us.
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible … Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Is anger robbing your relational stability in any way these days?
Is it actually harming you more than the person or people you are upset with?
Consider how you can get rid of your anger by the end of each day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I hand my anger over to You. I don’t want it to rob me, or hurt me, or become bitterness in my life. Remind me when it comes back up that You know what to do with it as I give it to You. As above, so below.”
One of the aspects of Jesus’ life we can easily miss because we know how often he was in large crowds was how He went away to be alone and to pray. He not only got away from people in general, but also even His small circle of friends and disciples.
Listen to Mark 1:35 …
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
This is one of those verses where you don’t need to study the original language to be able to interpret the real meaning. Because it’s literal. … He got up early before everyone else. He went away from everyone else. To pray. He sought solitude, sanctuary, and solace.
Let’s look at another verse that gets even more interesting …
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
I know of a mom who would need a moment to re-group herself when her kids were little. She would say, Mommy is going in the closet and shutting the door. I need you to be really quiet and I’ll be right back in just a few minutes. Every time, after about three minutes of quiet and prayer, she would open the door and there will be every child, sitting right outside the door, waiting quietly for her.
Whether Jesus was literally hidden as in invisible or He just had to take a moment like that mom, the principle is the same. Jesus had to get away and be alone so we do too. Self-care in silence and solitude in moment of sanctuary is critical to our well-being.
When was the last time you actually sought after solitude - not with your phone or book… but in complete solitude? Just you and silence. What might we be missing if we don’t follow Christ's example in this?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to make a practice of finding that alone time, just like You did. Help me to find silence, solace, and sanctuary in You. As above, so below.”
While Revelation can certainly be a challenging book for us to understand, there are some verypowerful passages of what we are promised as Christ-followers.
Listen to Revelation 21:3-5 …
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He willlive with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be withthem. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no moredeath or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And theone sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
The next time you feel like you are never going to have enough and you may never get to the placeyou want to be, I want to encourage you to look past this life and remindyourself of your home in Heaven. One day, this life will be a blip on the radarof eternity.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood,making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’llwipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone,pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look!I’m making everything new.
I want to close this week by allowing a few moments to reflect on Heaven. The peace, the provision,the protection. Close your eyes and envision the place that today’s passagedescribed to you. …. The next time life is crashing down, close your eyes andrecall this moment. And remember—no matter how things look now, God is makingeverything new.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when I get to experience no tearsand no pain and everything being made new. Thank You for providing me with thathope, now and for eternity. As above, so below.”
Jesus taught some fascinating principles about the persistence we should have in prayer in Luke11 …
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house atmidnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend ofmine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ Andsuppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked forthe night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tellyou this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking longenough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shamelesspersistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what youask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the doorwill be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks,finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You fathers—ifyour children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they askfor an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful peopleknow how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenlyFather give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
There is so much in this passage. But what did you hear? How do these words challenge you to pray?And how should you change your prayers to match these principles? Morepersistence? More honesty? More expectation? A healthier perspective that Godwants to bless you?
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Then he said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the nightand said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend travelingthrough just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answersfrom his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down forthe night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even ifhe won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking andwaking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need.“Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock andthe door will open. “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boyasks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? Ifyour little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as youare, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your ownchildren. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will givethe Holy Spirit when you ask him?”
So, how much do you ask? Seek? Knock? Do you pray one or two times and then assume you have alreadyprayed for it? Or do you pray for fish but in your heart expect snakes? Jesusmade a lot of promises to us here. Maybe we should start to take Him up onthem?
As you ruminate on this, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Breathe deep then slowly exhale and let go of your strife and stress. Move into the balance Godoffers you in this new day by trusting Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I expect but don’t ask. Forgive me when I askfor fish but think you’re going to hand me a snake. Help me change my mind soYou can change my heart. Let my prayers be like a child expecting good giftsfrom a Father. As above, so below.”
I want to encourage you that no matter how many times you have read or heard this passage, try tohear this today with new ears and a fresh heart.
Listen to Matthew 15…
Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have beenhere with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want tosend them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciplesreplied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a hugecrowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “Sevenloaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on theground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, andbroke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the foodto the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciplespicked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were 4,000 men who werefed that day, in addition to all the women and children. Then Jesus sent thepeople home. (32-39 NLT)
Today, in this moment, where are you lacking? Where is there not enough? The difference madein this story was Jesus being given what the people had. He will always be aGentleman, so He will never take what is not handed over to Him. Wherever youare lacking, hand that over to Jesus right now in this moment.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But Jesus wasn’t finished with them. He called his disciples and said, “I hurt for these people.For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. Ican’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road.” Hisdisciples said, “But where in this deserted place are you going to dig upenough food for a meal?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Sevenloaves,” they said, “plus a few fish.” At that, Jesus directed the people tosit down. He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, hedivided it up and gave it to the people. Everyone ate. They had all theywanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers. Over fourthousand people ate their fill at that meal.
Even though we live in this world, God also has His Kingdom here. He has His own economy. He hasHis own people. He has His own way of working. Ask Him to let you see your ownversion of this miracle and then believe Him for the rest.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this is such a crazy story, yet I know You can do anythingYou want. Please take the things in my life that I feel are subtracted anddivided and add to them and multiply them in Your will. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest prayers in the New Testament was actually a cry for help to Jesus. An honest,vulnerable plea from a dad about his son’s hopeless dilemma. Listen to thestory in Mark 9…
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him.He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever thisspirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at themouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to castout the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “Youfaithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit sawJesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground,writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesusasked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spiritoften throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy onus and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked.“Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “Ido believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! (NLT)
Of course, Jesus healed the boy and he was fully restored in front of the crowd.
But think about this dad’s prayer. How many times have we all known that we believe God forsomething yet we also know we have doubts and struggles too? So our belief isin the same heart with our unbelief, somehow all mixed together.
What if the very reason this story and this father’s plea was included in the Bible is to showus that God knows we battle faith and doubt so we should just be honest aboutour sense of what we lack.
Listen again to the interaction between the dad and Jesus…
Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything ispossible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe,but help me overcome my unbelief!
Today, let’s go ahead and join this dad in our confession. Let’s get real about our belief andour unbelief. Be honest with God and ask for His help where we are strugglingto believe Him. Because Jesus did heal the boy after the man’s full confession.And what do you think that did to the dad’s faith?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe You in so many ways, but then, being honest, thereare so many places where I struggle. Help me overcome my unbelief today. Asabove, so below.”
The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don’t have enough in theU.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third worldcountry. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there’s notnearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heardex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about hischildhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we werevery happy, so as a kid, I really didn’t realize we were poor.” … Perspective.So this week let’s do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for somebiblical perspective from God’s Word on a tough topic.
In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision:Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that’s the reason we lost. If wecan fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.
Listen to verses 26-28 …
“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this timeat Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched outfor battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats incomparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the manof God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: TheArameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ SoI will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”(1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).
In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Arameanarmy fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleysas well.
Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse theirdefeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blamelocation?”
Listen once again to the key part of this passage …
Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameanshave said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I willdefeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Here’s how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…
I believe He is God over my family, but I can’t trust Him with my finances.
I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.
I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.
I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can’t heal my heart.
I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.
Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? Thelimitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area andnot another?
Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutesand talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you arestruggling.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—mymountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, sobelow."
On our final day of focusing on dealing with anxiety for our families, we will closewith several verses from Psalms that encourage us about God’s care andprovision. These can also be turned into great prayers.
Psalm 34:4-7 in The Message …
God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; givehim your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I wasdesperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel setsup a circle of protection around us while we pray.
Now, moving down to verses 17-19 …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart isbroken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll helpyou catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is thereevery time.
Such great words of encouragement to fight our anxiety and fear. Let’s keep going inPsalm 91 …
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—herescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His hugeoutstretched arms protect you under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fendoff all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows inthe day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that eruptsat high noon. … Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very ownhome, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He orderedhis angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you;their job is to keep you from falling. …“If you’ll hold on to me for dearlife,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best ofcare if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be atyour side in bad times.”
Focus your attention on one area that you are struggling with anxiety, can you nameit our loud?
What do you think God thinks about that anxiety?
God loves you as His child, How do you feel when your child is carrying aroundanxiety?
As any loving parent would, God our Father wants to lift that burden of worry fromyou. You were never meant to carry it. Will you give him the worry, the anxietyabout the outcome of a situation and just keep your eyes focused on stayingclose to Him?
Let’s agree to try turning worries into prayers, fear into faith.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe I have a better and bigger pictureof You after this week. You can and want to take care of me and my kids. Youwant me to be Your sheep and not a beast of burden. Help me to cast my cares onYou. Help me to teach my kids to do the same. As above, so below.”
Another well-known passage about dealing with anxiety, fear, and worry, one that wehave read before here, comes from the words of Jesus. So often His teachingwarned about how wealth or the pursuit of wealth can keep people from God. Thebottom line is if we think we can take care of ourselves, our pride will actlike we don’t need Him. And that is never true.
Today, rather than repeating the passage, we’re going to break it into two reads.Here’s the first part of Christ’s words in Luke 12:22-28 … Regardless of howmany times you may have heard this, listen through the lens of battling anxietyfor you and your kids …
Listen to the words of Jesus
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you haveenough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, andyour body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvestor store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable tohim than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Andif worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worryingover bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work ormake their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed asbeautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that arehere today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
What stood out to you as I read the words? As I often say here, pay attention towhat jumps out at you from Scripture. That is one of the ways that God speaksto us, through His Word in the moment.
Verse 26 is key: And if worry can’t accomplish little things like feeding andclothing you, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Now listen to verses 29-32 …
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about suchthings. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world,but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above allelse, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, littleflock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”
God doesn’t want us to be anxious or worry or carry burdens. He wants us to let Himtake care of us, so we won’t feel all those toxic and negative emotions. Whatis one burden that you are carrying right now that, right now in your mind, youcan visualize yourself giving over to Jesus?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess to You that my worrying hasn’taccomplished anything, ever, little or big. Help me to trust that You can andwill meet me and my kids’ needs. We just need to look to You. As above, so below.”
As we talk about anxiety in our lives and our kids’ lives, we have to take a look atthe source. I think we can all agree that somehow, some way, all our anxiety isrooted in fear. We fear something will happen again that will hurt us. We fearthat something will go wrong in the future. We fear we will lose control over acertain situation or be forced into a response we don’t want.
The prophet Isaiah spoke the words of God to His people many times … words of a protective,loving Father to His frightened children. Here is one such verse in 41:10 …
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I willstrengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Let’s look at this verse the way we looked at yesterday’s verse.
Why should you not be afraid? Because God—I am—is with you.
Why should you not be discouraged? I am your God.
How, why, can we not be afraid or discouraged? Because God says. Our fear can bereplaced with His courage.
Listen to today’s verse in The Message …
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give youstrength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
I think we should write that first part of the verse down somewhere we can see itall the time, don’t you? … Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear.
What’s scaring you to death today? What is causing you to panic, whether anyone cansee it or not?
What’s scaring your kids? What creates panic in them?
Remember—God’s presence, His strength, His help, His steady, firm grip is on you … and yourchildren.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give you my fear, my discouragement, mypanic. Please let me experience Your strength, Your help. Help me to know thatYou are holding me and my kids in Your hands. As above, so below.”
Interesting that the scriptures where God talks about worry and struggles seem to be suchpopular verses.
Listen to Philippians 4:6-7 …
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need,and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, whichexceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and mindsas you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
So let’s get this straight, shall we? What does it say we are to not worry about?Anything.
What are we supposed to do instead? Pray. … Pray about what? Everything.
So we are told to turn our worries into prayers. Tell God exactly what we need.Sounds simple, right?
Listen to these verses in The Message …
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape yourworries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, asense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come andsettle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at thecenter of your life.
So if we shape our worries into prayers, then we can experience God’s peace andwholeness … even if we can’t understand how that happens, we just have to doit.
Right now, what’s an anxious thought, a deep worry, that you need to shape into aprayer? To just tell God exactly what you need and don’t need?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, right now, that thing that is absolutelystressing me out, that thing that I know my child is dealing with, I give it toyou. Take it. I want trade it for your peace. Now, please guard my heart and mymind from taking it back. As above, so below.”
Anxietycomes at us in many forms—all the way from a child that’s nervous about takinga test at school to a full-blown freak-out, or even a panic attack. Ourfast-paced and demanding culture creates anxiety as a daily by-product. So learninga biblical response is a great resource and tool for battling the emotions,feelings, and toxicity of anxiety.
1Peter 5:7 is a well-known and often-quoted verse that offers some great advice.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Understanding the original language behind this verse actually brings the concept to life.The Greek word that has been translated to our word “cast” means to violentlythrow, to hurl, to fling something with great force. This verse does not meanto carefully lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus. It literally means tothrow them upon Him as in “Here, take it! I can’t handle this!”
How many times has someone said to you—“Hey, don’t put that on me!”? Isn’t itfascinating that God actually encourages us to throw something on Him?
Let’s look at the passage around verse 7 for more context.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in duetime. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sobermind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking forsomeone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you knowthat the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kindof sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory inChrist, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you andmake you strong, firm and steadfast.
Isn’t it interesting that the Bible always compares us to sheep and never donkeys orcamels or horses? God did not design us to be beasts of burden. Sheep are neverused to carry anything. So we are also not made to carry burdens, cares thatweight us down. So we are to humble ourselves by realizing we can’t handle it.We cast, we throw, we hurl, we fling our cares on God. And He will restore usand make us strong, firm, and steadfast.
Right now, what are you carrying that is creating anxiety for you?
What is your child carrying that is creating anxiousness?
What cares can you cast to God?
Maybe talk to your kids about the difference in sheep and donkeys? Being anxious istrigger to know it’s time to get rid of something.
Let’s pray together:
“Heavenly Father, Thank You that You made us to give burdens to You and not carry them. Help me, remind me, when I start to get weighed downand anxious to throw my cares on You. Help me to teach this to my kids and lead them by example. As above, so below.”
Today, I want us to take a close and honest look at wherewe are spiritually. Guiding our kids spiritually starts with us, in our life.
Here’s a question … was there a time in your life whenyou were closer to Christ? When was that? Why were you closer then? Whathappened?
Regardless of your answer, what will it take for you togrow and mature to the next place God has for you?
Listen to Hebrews 6:1-3 …
So let us stop going over the basic teachings aboutChrist again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in ourunderstanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamentalimportance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’tneed further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, theresurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we willmove forward to further understanding.
Now, granted, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrectionof the dead, and eternal judgement are some heady topics, but we don’t need tomiss the real point of the passage: Don’t keep re-learning what you alreadyknow. Don’t go backwards spiritually. Move forward and grow.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … So comeon, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get onwith the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truthsare in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning intrust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection ofthe dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. Butthere’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!
What has to happen for you to grow in Jesus?
Can we ask Him to reveal what He wants to lead you ingrowth, what might a next step, a new area of focus be?
What needs to happen for you to help your kids grow withyou?
That, my friend, is your next step.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to besolid in what I know to be true about You and then start (or keep) growing andmaturing in You. Help me to be constantly moving forward to a new place in Youand taking my kids with me. As above, so below.”
Today, I want to focus on a very simple yet profoundstatement that I hope you will memorize and repeat as needed.
What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able totransfer to my children.
Let’s repeat that … What I allow God to transform in me,I will be able to transfer to my children Listen to Paul in Romans 12:1-2 …Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform youinto a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to knowGod’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Notice how God transforms us into a new person … bychanging the way we think. And the way God thinks is opposite of the world.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Sohere’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinarylife—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place itbefore God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thingyou can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fitinto it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll bechanged from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, andquickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you downto its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, developswell-formed maturity in you.
If changing your thinking can transform you, what needsto change about your thinking?
How does God want to transform you by changing the wayyou think?
And how will that transformation positively transformyour children?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, change my mind.Change my heart. Help me to be shaped by You and not the world. And please helpme to stay motivated to grow in You for the sake of my kids. As above, sobelow.”
A huge part of training our children in the ways of Godis, first, not being afraid to do it in a culture that is going in the oppositedirection. And two, is to be confident that, regardless of your past andwhatever has happened in your family, God wants you to teach your kids. Let goof your fears. Let go of the “who am I to teach anyone about God?” lies. Pleaseknow that in Christ you have all you need to take your children wherever Godwants you all to go.
Listen to Psalm 34:1-4 …
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys ofthose who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for thosewho fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes gohungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, mychildren, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyonewant to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue fromspeaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintainit.
Is it time for you to believe that you will have all thatyou need?
Can you say it aloud - I have all that I need today Is ittime for you to believe that you lack no good thing?
Can you say it - Thank you Father, I lack no good thingListen to part of today’s passage in the Message … Open your mouth and taste,open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. Come,children, listen closely; I’ll give you a lesson in God worship. Who out therehas a lust for life? Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
As we are halfway through this week, what are you sensingfrom God in our time together? As you hear His Word? What is He saying to you?What is saying to you about your kids?
Whatever you sense God is saying, follow that. And pointyour kids in the same direction.
And always remember—it’s a relationship, not a religion.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please deepen mein my relationship with You. For me, but for my kids. As above, so below.”
The old saying goes: “We can’t take anyone any fartherthan we are.” I can’t teach you things that I don’t know. I can tell you, but Ican’t teach you. So, that is a challenge for us that if we want our kids togrow deep in Christ, we will have to go deep first.
Listen to Psalm 25:4-10 …
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for meto follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who savesme. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion andunfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember therebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he showsthe proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right,teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness allwho keep his covenant and obey his demands. (NLT) So much of the Psalms we canpray as our own prayers. Imagine praying these words. Doing what these versessay. Imagine our kids seeing us do these things and choosing to follow.
Listen to The Message in these same verses … Show me howyou work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down thepath of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercyand love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! Forget that I sowed wild oats;Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! God is fair andjust; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. He givesthe rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step. From now on every road youtravel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charteddirections.
The scripture says - Show me how you work, God; School mein your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.
Let me ask you, How teachable are you right now? So oftenwe get stuck in the way we have always done something that we fail to see newpossibilities.
Can you ask God right now to show you areas that you mayneed to be schooled in His ways? And ask him to take you by your hand and leadyou down the path of truth, open your eyes to His way of seeing things?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me how youwork. School me in your ways. Take me by the hand. Lead me down the path oftruth. You are my Savior. As above, so below.”
Discipling our kids comes in two forms—taught and caught.We need to teach them about our faith, how to have a relationship with Christ,and the value of God’s Word. But what is so crucial is to allow them to catchus living out our faith in front of them. Honestly, the “taught” part is ofteneasier than the “caught”. Because it’s more of a “don’t do as I do, do as Isay” thing. But God wants to use our kids in our lives to make us more likeJesus just as much as He wants to use us in their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 is an often-quoted verse that offers us aclear command but also makes a promise. A promise … not a guarantee.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when theyare older, they will not leave it. (NLT) Let’s take the verse apart … Directyour children … to direct, you have to be engaged, either beside them orleading them.
Onto the right path … in light of being in the Bible, theright path is the one that leads toward God.
And when they are older …. Kids are easier to influencewhen they are young. Leading in the right direction toward God at a young agebuilds a foundation for later.
They will not leave it … again, this can’t be a guaranteebecause people walk away from their faith, or refuse it. But let’s think of itthis way: our job is to pour God into our kids, so later, He can use ourinfluence in their hearts.
Listen once again, this time in The Message … Point yourkids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
So a great place to start on discipling your kids inspiritual training is simply to keep asking: Where am I pointing my kids? Andthen to ask: Is my “caught” pointing the same place as my “taught”?
What is way I can point my kids in the right directionthis week?
What is something that should shift in my day to day walkthat would provide an opportunity for my kids to catch me walking in faith?
Need to make some adjustments? That’s okay, God’s graceand mercy is there to make all the adjustments you need to make, for you andyour kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need You toteach me what you need my kids to know about You. Lead me when I pray. Guide mein Your Word. Help me to catch all I can from you in any way I possibly can. Asabove, so below.
Today, as we close out our focus on the illusion of control and the reality of God being in control, especially in the area of our parenting and connected relationships, a fair question for us to ask is this: “Okay, God, if You are in control, when will you take total control? Like take away all our false ideas and futile attempts to be in control for ourselves?”
Listen once again to Paul, this time in Philippians 3:20-21 … But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (NLT) So we live in a time when God offers His control of our lives as a choice. One option among thousands. But when we choose Him, two things become a reality. First, we live on the earth, but our citizenship changes to Heaven. And second, we live for the day when the choices end and He takes everything over. Whether we die first or He comes back, we will witness Him “bringing everything under His control.” Meanwhile, today, right now, no matter how tough life gets, no matter how unfair life may seem, we can choose Him, choose His power, choose Heaven.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
This week, how did your view of personal control change?
How did your view of God being in control change?
And, as always, the biggest question for any of us, what do you need to give up and give God for your best and your kids best?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope and the promise, whether here or in Heaven, that the best is always yet to come. Please help me to remember that truth when everything seems to go wrong and I want to give up. Just help me to give it to You. As above, so below.”
When we feel like life or parenting, or schedule, or money, or all of it is out of control, we really mean out of our control, don’t we?
It’s very important in those moments to evaluate what is in control. Living in a fallen world, so often we see sin controlling things. Selfishness, self-serving, self-gratification. The crucial thing to do is take an honest look at our own lives and ask, Is sin controlling anything in my life that I need to give to God?
Listen to Paul in Romans 6:11-14 …
So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT) As you heard this passage, did anything come to mind? Did any part stand out to you? Did God speak to you, even if it was just a quick flash in your mind?
If sin is a master, and masters want to control, then what great news to hear we have the option to live in freedom. To be free of control or the need to control … anything … anyone.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
If this passage is true, then let me ask you … what are you not free from today? If something, someone, or any situation quickly comes to mind, how can you apply today’s truth to open your hand, release your grip, and hand it over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, Thank You for Your love. Thank You that You have defeated sin. My sin. Thank You for my freedom. Help me to walk in it—today. As above, so below.”
If there is any story in the Bible that shows the lengths a human will go to stay in control, do his own will, and avoid God, it’s the story of Jonah. It’s funny how over the years we have made this entire book to be all about the apparent bad thing of getting swallowed by a whale, when in reality the whale was sent by God to save the man from self-destruction. That metaphor can be used a lot in all of our lives.
Listen to Jonah 1:1-4 …
One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm … (MSG) Okay, yes, God sent a huge storm, but didn’t Jonah actually bring the storm on himself?
Let that sink in for a moment.
Of course, there are bad things that happen to us that are no fault at all of our own. But then, if we are going to be honest, how many storms do we need to admit we started or had a hand in starting?
Back to the story, I guess sitting in the digestive juices of a whale causes you to re-think your choices, huh?
Listen to just one chapter later …
I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, And my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:6-10 MSG) Is this story a reminder of any situation in your own life? Maybe one from years ago or one you are in right now? So, are you on the ship … in the whale … or standing on the beach, wiping the vomit off?
When we find ourselves out of control, and can even point fingers at other’s poor choices, all we can do is what we can do about ourselves. We have to ask, what part of this do I need to own? And then, we have to learn to recognize that even when a situation may stink, God brought it to us for a reason to get us where He wants us to go. Because He loves us, wants to save us, and He is the One in control.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to not run from You, no matter what life brings, to accept that You are in control of me and You love me—always.” As above, so below.”
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon in all his wisdom worked hard to figure out why life is completely out of his control, even as a powerful king. In his writings, he was frustrated and angry and cynical and flippant and sarcastic. Does that sound familiar at all? Thank God that He gave us such a wide variety of people and circumstances in His Word to show us the collision between the divine and the human.
Listen to Ecclesiastes 8:7-9 in The Message … Yes, there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when. Who’s around to tell us? No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death. No one can stop a battle in its tracks. No one who does evil can be saved by evil. All this I observed as I tried my best to understand all that’s going on in this world. As long as men and women have the power to hurt each other, this is the way it is.
Can you relate to any of Solomon’s words?
When we can’t actually control anything about life but we want to, we usually end up hurting one another, trying to control each other. And we have to be so careful that we don’t end up trying too hard to control our kids. Control is never the point of parenting.
Let’s fast-forward to the end of Ecclesiastes where Solomon finally resolves his search for truth.
The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 MSG) So, evidently it’s okay to run through all of our crazy, mixed-up emotions and express our cynical and sarcastic opinions of how life treats us. Because what matters most after the process is where we end up. Better, not bitter. Realizing we will never be God and He always will be. And that will always be a great place to land.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to realize I can vent with You as my Father. I can tell you exactly what I think. You already know what I’m thinking so I may as well just voice it. But remind me in those moments that all I am saying is that You have to be in control—and to thank You that I’m not. As above, so below.”
One of the toughest things we have to deal with in life is when something we care about is taken completely out of our control. Then anytime it involves our kids, that adds a heightened level of emotions. And if you add issues like hurt, distrust, betrayal, and being unfair, all of life can quickly seem unbearable and confusing.
Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about these very human dynamics because we all deal with them, more than we ever want to. For that reason alone, we have to learn where to go for help.
In chapter 30 in the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon gets very real about life while talking to God … I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (1-5 NLT) Bottom line here … When life wears you out, just admit you are fragile, you don’t know everything, don’t know what to do, don’t know what God is up to, but also … if He has created everything and is control of all you see, then He knows what to do with your life and will protect you … even, yes even, when it does not feel like it.
This passage is not to be taken as someone speaking from a poor self-image, but how we feel when life gets out of our control. All to remind ourselves who we are not and who God is.
Listen once again:
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (30:1-5 NLT) What feels totally out of control in your life right now?
Here’s the odd, yet good news … if you can admit it’s out of your control, then maybe it’s totally in God’s control? Why don’t you take a minute and invite Him to take over anything you are struggling with? Right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I guess feeling like I’m in control of anything is just an illusion, huh? Would you take over everything right now—the things I think I’m controlling and the things I know are completely out of my control? … As above, so below.”
The toughest thing about trying to live as a Christ-follower is being beat down by the world, all the while knowing Heaven is a reality waiting for us one day. But it’s hard to see Heaven when we feel like Hell is constantly on our doorstep, isn’t it?
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. … That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT)
When things are tough, especially inside your own family and dealing with your kids, try and remember this life is temporary … in several ways … one, your children are growing up and there will be a day when they will leave home, and two, there will be a day that Heaven will move from a someday thing to a reality. So hold onto it all loosely and maybe a little less intensly.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory … So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
What problem are you holding onto just a bit too tightly right now?
What issue should you take a little less seriously right now?
What do you need to change your perspective on to see it as temporary? Because it is.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to stand up when I feel like giving up. Help me to release my grip when I feel like taking control. Help me to hand over to You everything I hold on to. As above, so below.”
From a teenage boy in the fields alone with the sheep to a king in the palace, David’s life knew trouble … trouble he made for himself, trouble from others, and a lot of trouble with his kids.
Despite his issues, David constantly showed us how to turn to the Lord with anything and everything.
Listen to Psalm 18:1-6 …
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (NLT)
If you were to composed a psalm of your own, what would you say to God? What would you say about God?
You know what enemies, threats, floods, and distress feel like, don’t you? Do you know the other side David speaks about? To allow God to rescue you? To cry out to Him for help?
Listen to part of this passage again in The New Life Bible …
I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me. The ropes of death were all around me. The floods of death make me afraid. The ropes of the grave were all around me. The traps of death were set for me. I called to the Lord in my trouble. I cried to God for help. He heard my voice from His holy house. My cry for help came into His ears.
Let’s take a few moments to list some of the major troubles you have experienced … maybe something you are walking through right now?
Now list what God has done or what You want to see Him do?
Listing, even writing out your prayers is a great exercise … one you might try doing with your kids too.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my strength, my Rock, my Safe Place, my Covering, my Strong Tower. Thank You for hearing me when I cry out to You. Thank You for answering, not always on my time, but on Yours. As above, so below.”
When we face tough times, when we don’t know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 …
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)
How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I’m going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?
How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?
Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.
What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I’m weak, when I’m being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”
Parenting is a long-haul job. A job we don’t get days off from and we cannot quit. We all need constant emotional, mental, and spiritual fuel to keep on keeping on in raising our kids.
Listen to Romans 5:2-5 …
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT)
Confidence. Joy. Help for problems and trials. Endurance. Character. Strength. Hope that does not disappoint. Our hearts filled with love. Who else could possibly offer that kind of guarantee but God?
Listen to verses 3-5 in The Message …
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Do you believe your current troubles can develop passionate patience in you? Something we all desperately need as parents in today’s culture, right?
The next time you feel hemmed in by trouble, know that you aren’t being short-changed, but God will provide a way out and, then on the other side, you can experience the “tempered steel of virtue.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when trouble comes, especially with my kids, help me to look for You in the midst of the mess. Teach me to anticipate what You are going to do on the other side. As above, so below.”
Galatians 5:22 and 23 offers us a list of qualities and characteristics that God will give us. Then, as parents, can become a blessing to our children.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)
Picture a fruit tree … whatever fruit is your favorite … when that tree begins to show the fruit it grows on its branches, does it then use that for its own food? Of course not. The fruit of the tree is not for the tree, but for those who can take part in its maturity and enjoy its blessing. Does picking the fruit to eat hurt the tree? No. Two reasons why … that’s the purpose of the tree and it can grow more.
The same concept is what God’s fruit produces and provides in us—our maturity and growth that blesses others, but most especially our own kids.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this same passage:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
So, are you strong in kindness but struggle in self-control? Good at expressing love but battle being at peace within your heart? Take a few minutes to do a fruit inspection with God. Let Him show you anywhere you need to submit to Him. Keep in mind, none of us can produce this fruit on our own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love, to find joy, to allow peace, to be patient, be kind, show goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and please help me to have self-control by giving control of everything to You. As above, so below.”
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. … Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9-13, 15-17 NLT)
Did you notice how many times Jesus used the word “love”? And did you also notice He called us “friends”? There is such an incredible intimacy in this passage. Jesus literally commanded us to love with our very lives. A love that impacts eternity, our families, and what our families do and take part in as believers.
Today’s passage in the Message Bible …
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. … I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.
How can you grow in your love for your kids … the kind of love Jesus talked about here?
How can you love one another better inside your own home?
How can you lead your kids to love people … not just certain people or people that look like them but everyone?
The answers to these questions are what your faith is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need to grow in love… my love for You, myself, my kids, and others. Help me to teach my kids how to love … love like You. As above, so below.”
One of the most telling and incredible passages in the New Testament is where Jesus talks about the difference in those who follow Him and those who don’t, and how you can tell them apart here on earth. What is also fascinating here is the things He cares about the most in what we do with our lives.
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT)
So what does it appear God cares a lot about? Did you catch it? Feeding the hungry. Providing for those who have no water or no clean water. The homeless. The naked. The poor. The sick. Those in prison.
Why do you think the righteous responded by asking Jesus…..”when did we see you among those we ministered to”? … Notice they knew they did those things, they were just asking Jesus where He was?
What if once a week, you found some way for you and your kids to do just one of these things? It doesn’t have to take a lot of money … it can just take a little time and energy. Maybe sponsor a child with one of the many aid and education organizations and let your kids write a letter to the child? Let them choose the country and the child. Or you could take a few canned goods to a local food pantry and ask for a tour of what they do? Write a letter to an inmate in prison through one of the many great prison ministry organizations?
And remember and remind your kids—when you do it for someone like this, you are actually doing it for Jesus. He said so.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess I get overwhelmed with the problems of the world and end up doing nothing. Help me to take this passage and focus on just one simple
Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let’s be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it’s called flesh and spirit.
The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in …
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:18-25 NLT)
How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids’ behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids’ hearts?
We get Paul’s frustration, don’t we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.
How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions …
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don’t want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don’t do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT)
It’s so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.
Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?
Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.
But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn’t it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?
And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it’s real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”
Timothy 3:14-17 …
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures …, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)
Wisdom. Inspiration. Teaching. Truth. Correction. What is right and what is wrong. Preparing us and equipping us for good work. We all need all these dynamics, all the time in our lives.
Let’s go back to the first sentence in the passage that states … “if we remain faithful to the things we already have been taught.” So much of our issue is not really reading the Word of God, but applying and obeying it, right? Reading words is easy but doing them is another matter entirely.
I want to encourage you to find a Scripture that fits your family, that speaks to your family. If your single with no kids, one that speaks to your life and your goals. Pray and ask God to help you craft a statement using that verse that you can use to help you make decisions and live a life that will be pleasing to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Help me to allow Your Spirit to show me truth, expose my places of rebellion, correct my mistakes, and train me and my family to live life Your way. As above, so below.”
Today we close out our theme of love for this month, as well as this week as we have been talking about intimacy. We’ve looked at a level of closeness that God can provide that should affect every relationship we have in life—from our families to the groups of people we associate with. God allowing us to be His temple changes everything as to how we approach all of life and every relationship.
In John 17, as Jesus was in the garden knowing the cross was only hours away and all the brutality of sin was about to be placed on Him, He didn’t pray for Himself, but for intimacy and unity among the people who would believe in Him—those who were with Him on that day, those throughout the centuries, all the way to us today.
Imagine Jesus in the Garden alone in the dark, knowing the soldiers were on their own to take Him to the cross. Hear Him crying out to God through the filter of that reality and listen for how He prays for you …
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-26 NLT)
Did you catch the same language as Paul later used as to where God will be?
Did you hear His prayer for you?
Did you hear His cry for intimacy between you and the Father?
Listen once more … this time I’ll abbreviate and focus on Jesus’ prayer for you and I today …
“I am praying … for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. … “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-23, 25 NLT)
How should you respond to the Bible passages we have read this week? What did you hear that encouraged you? Challenged you? Convicted you? Intimacy is such an important concept to understand, grasp, an grow in, especially as Christ-followers, because we have no barriers to be able to love as He loves.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me in all my relationships to be a reflection of intimacy with You. I am Your temple and I want the world to see Your life and Your heart through my life and heart. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we have been talking about intimacy and how important it is to experience this dynamic with God, in relationships, and inside a community. Today, we will look at a different type of intimacy, in fact, the deepest intimacy possible.
In Paul’s teaching to the church at Corinth, he tied an Old Testament reality to the new reality Jesus provided. The temple was once a physical structure where only designated priests could enter. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, allows His to be brought into our own hearts through faith in Christ.
Listen to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 …
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NLT)
Do you see it? As followers of Christ, we literally become His temple. This brings an incredible new type of intimacy and closeness … God with us and God in us. We, of course, do not become God, but He now lives inside our lives.
Let’s read this passage again in The Message Bible.
Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.
As I have asked you a number of times on other days in Sound Mind Set, was there any line or phrase that stood you to you? What was it? … Why do you think it stood out to you? What might God be saying by highlighting that for you?
For the believer, the crucial focus here is that our bodies no longer belong to us. The temple of God is no longer a building or a place only priests can visit. Christ’s death and resurrection, along with the introduction of the Holy Spirit, makes us His temple. Shouldn’t that bring an entirely new focus and meaning to our lives? What we choose to do and not do with His temple?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, seeing myself as Your temple is a tough concept to grasp. But I didn’t say that about me, You did. So help me to believe it, accept it as truth, and live it out. I need to simply believe what You tell me, about me. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. The past two days we have defined intimacy as when people get really close, and also when we choose to be close to God. We also defined intimacy as in-to-me-see—allowing someone to see your heart and grow in love.
Another type of intimacy the Bible talks about is among a group of people, a community. Just like intimacy has its own meaning inside the word, so does community … common unity … community. A group of people can get very close to one another. Oftentimes, this may revolve around some issue, something positive or negative, that the group has in common. Yet, most of the time, as the closeness grows, the focus of the relationships no longer are about the original thing that drew them together. Now, the community is simply unified in their hearts.
Listen to Acts 2:42-47 …
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (NLT)
What was this group’s common thread? A relationship with Christ.
What did this create among them? They all acted like Jesus, individually and as a community.
What happened as a result of the community’s unity? More people wanted to be a part.
Listen once again to The Message Bible’s version …
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Have you experienced this kind of unity among a community?
Maybe you are experiencing this right now?
Or maybe you desperately need this in your life?
If you have it, thank God and pray for your friends in the community. If you don’t, ask God to help you find your community … people in love with Jesus who understand intimacy with Him and others.
In our prayer time today, as I just stated, if you have a community, take a moment to lift them up. If you don’t, ask God now to show you where and how to find yours. … As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, and also when we choose to get close to God. Yesterday, we read that He has made the first move through Jesus and wants to be as close to us as we will allow.
Let me remind you of how we defined intimacy yesterday: In-to-me-see. That means allowing someone to see your heart and who you truly are.
For most of us, one of the big things that brings us to our knees and helps us choose to reach out to God is when our hearts are broken. When life is going incredible and we’re on top of the world, we can fail to see our need for God. But when everything falls apart and goes wrong, we realize we need help, that we cannot do life alone. Especially when people fail us and hurt us, we tend to look up, not out.
Listen to today’s passage …
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:17-19 NLT)
How does God hear us? When we call for help.
When is He close to us? When we are brokenhearted.
Will He keep us from having troubles? No, but He promises to be there when we do.
Listen to this same passage in The Message Bible …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
Have you already discovered this to be true in your relationship with God? Or do you need to test it out for the first time?
There aren’t a lot of guarantees in this life, but I can say this: God will never let you down. There will be trouble and your heart will be broken, but He will be there when you reach out.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You know what to do with my broken heart. Thank You that You will provide help to me when I need it most. When trouble comes, help me to come to You right away and never wait to try and solve my problems on my own. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are going to talk about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, like a dad to a daughter, a mother to her son, a husband to a wife, or God to us.
The best way to remember what intimacy means is to just say the word by its syllables. In-to-me-see. Intimacy is allowing someone to see your heart, who you truly are. No hiding. Being honest.
Love, especially God’s love, allows us to get close to people and then grow in that closeness. We often call this a “two-way street” as in this kind of closeness takes each one to work on the relationship and get closer. When this happens in a healthy manner, love grows, closeness comes, and intimacy deepens. Let’s look at one short, simple verse that talks about intimacy with God and makes a powerful promise.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
When we first read this verse, we can misunderstand the meaning, as if God is saying, “You make the first move and then I’ll respond to you.” But we have to remember this verse was written after Jesus had died on the cross and was resurrected. God has already made the first move toward us through Christ. Now, He is saying when you reach out to me, because of Jesus, we can immediately be close, just like Jesus was close with the Father.
With that thought in mind, let’s read this verse one more time.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
Let’s paraphrase the verse this way, “Whenever you choose to be close to God, He is already there, waiting, ready to receive you.” That is real intimacy, when someone is always there for you, no matter what.
Here’s a question to think about …
How do you think you can know God is close to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise You will be close to me, that You will say, “in-to-me-see”. Help me to trust You and always respond with, ‘God, in-to-me-see.’ As above, so below.”
Today we close out this week on teaching our kids what love is. I know some of the teachings we have looked at from Jesus this week are some of the toughest ones, but isn’t it fascinating that the overall theme of those is still love? Why? Because loving like God loves, in this world, is never going to be easy. That’s why we made a conscious choice to look at the truth about love from the Christian worldview, not the religious worldview or the world’s. So, in light of this, today, we’re going to close out the week on a lighter note from a story about Jesus and how He feels about kids…
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLT)
Can you picture this scene? Well-meaning parents wanting this Teacher and Healer to pray for their kids. Imagine them running up to Jesus, ready to jump in His lap. But the disciples suddenly decide to become a security team and block them from bothering Him. But the kids don’t get rebuked, the disciples do. Then what He says surprises everyone: “Don’t stop them. In fact, you need to act like this with Me.” And the prayer and the blessing happened, just as the parents had hoped.
Here's the passage in the New Life Bible …
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray for them. The followers spoke sharp words to them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not stop them. The holy nation of heaven is made up of ones like these.” He put His hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLV)
The holy nation of heaven is made up of people who are childlike in their love. Wow.
Do you love your kids? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to understand love, real love? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to be able to know authentic, sincere, vulnerable, unconditional love, to be able to receive and to give? Take them to Jesus. Pray for them. Talk to them about Him. Read His words to them. Make Him a part of their lives and He will show them His love.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that You made my kids. You gave me my kids. So no one loves them more than You. Teach me to teach them Your love and help me to love them like You do. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. Let’s be honest … when people talk about God’s love, too often it’s kind of a unicorns and rainbows thing. It sounds religious or like a fantasy and so we really don’t attempt to accept it for ourselves or apply it to others. Well, this week, we are trying to look at what God’s love really means, for the sake of our kids. If anyone is going to help them understand the reality and the balance of His love, it needs to be us.
I know yesterday’s passage from Jesus’ teaching was a tough one. Today is going to be no different. In fact, today’s focus can sound downright questionable. Curious? Okay, listen really closely and then we’ll dig in a little deeper.
“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
What do we do with these words? How do these concepts connect to God’s love?
Passages like this one are where our English translation from the Greek can easily get confusing. Here’s the bottom line: People preach coming together across the aisles and meeting in the middle but how often do we actually see that happen? Jesus tells us that He is the ultimate dividing line for humans. Not politics or race or gender or the things we draw lines against all the time. The real line is do we believe in Him or not? Are we committed to Him or not? Do we love Him more than anyone or anything else in life?
Think of it this way … What if your love for God was so strong that compared to all the other loves in your life, no one would question your commitment to Him? That’s what He means.
If your love for God keeps growing every day, will that cause you to love your kids less? Of course not. But the hard stuff like loving your enemies will get easier. If you love God like Jesus was talking about here, His love will mark your life, His love will mark your relationships, and His love will forever mark your kids’ lives.
What dividing lines do you lay down as gospel in your life? Who do you put on one side while you stand on the other? Who do you teach your kids are different than them? Whenever you hear passages like this, just remember—But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me. … And so will your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want people who stand against You, even well-meaning people, to know You. I want them to see You in my life. Help me to love You so it is clear to everyone that You are the love of my life. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. One of the things we love about God’s love is hearing how much He loves us, will forgive us, and show us incredible mercy and grace, no matter what we do. But then the very tough thing about God’s love is, as sinners, we struggle when He tells us to love others that we do not want to love. Teaching our kids that kind of unconditional love will be one of the hardest things we ever do—to encourage them to follow God in loving someone with His love and grace that we do not want to love and don’t think we even can love.
Much of Jesus’ teaching was counter-cultural then, and it certainly is today. The religious leaders of His day wanted to separate people into two categories: acceptable and unacceptable. And those men would make that determination without God. In fact, Jesus’ teaching against their standards ended up getting Him on their unacceptable list. Listen closely to this passage as I read. No matter how many times you may have heard it, try and listen with fresh ears about how God wants us to love …
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:27-36 NLT)
Love your enemies? … That’s a cute catchphrase until you actually feel like someone is your enemy and is working to make your life miserable. Loving that person feels impossible. Do good to those who hate you? Bless those who curse you? Really, Jesus? But what is so great about Jesus’ teaching here is He told us why He wants us to do that.
In short, Jesus said… “if people who have no God, who don’t believe in God, who care nothing about Me, can be kind to those who are kind to them and love those who love them, then you don’t need Me to do that, do you? But now, loving your enemies? Doing good to those who hate you? You are most definitely going to need Me to help you do that. Why? Because by yourself, you can’t!”
Now, to be clear, turning the other cheek does not have anything to do with abuse or letting someone run all over you. Remember—Jesus was the guy who got angry and cleared people out of the temple with a whip. But to love like God and to teach your kids to love like He does, that’s going to take Jesus giving you the power and ability every time.
Let’s say it this way, if we’re going to call ourselves His kids, we need to act like He’s our Dad.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this loving my enemies thing is so hard. Doing good to someone I deem as bad, blessing people I can’t stand, that feels impossible. But you are the God that makes the impossible possible. Help me, Jesus, to love like You and to teach my kids these really hard things about how to love like You. Because me and my kids are Your children. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. God has assigned us the role of teaching them about love, to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially His love. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. And God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours.
Today, we’re going to look at the first event in Jesus’ life that launched His ministry and started His road to the cross: His baptism. Now, you might ask … what does Jesus’s baptism have to do with love? Well, it’s really about what happened at Jesus’s baptism … listen as I read . …
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” (Matthew 3:16-17 MSG)
Did you hear the words of love and affirmation God spoken over Jesus? Imagine for a moment what John witnessed? The Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—all present at this historic event. Now, listen once again, and afterwards, I’ll tell you how you and I are connected to this moment.
Whenever we choose to enter into a relationship with Jesus, the reconnection of our spirits to His is completed. Please know then, that He will, for the rest of your life, look at you and say, “This is my son, this is my daughter, chosen and marked by my love, the delight of my life.”
I’m betting that is exactly the way you look at your child. But you need to know this is how God sees you. And if you can accept and receive that is the way your Heavenly Father sees you, you will then be able to pass that truth on to your kids. If you believe it, they will more likely come to believe it as well.
Repeat this truth out loud right now … I am chosen … I am marked … by my Father’s love ... and I am the delight of His life. … Say it to Him … You have chosen me … You have marked me … by Your love … and I am the delight of Your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You chose me, thank You that my life is marked by Your love. Thank You that I am the delight of Your life. Help me to show my kids that You and I, together, feel that way about them. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. We have to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially the brand of love God gives us, not what the world throws at us every day. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. For all these reasons, God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours. So with that in mind, let’s get started:
Regardless of your church or spiritual background you likely know some or all of John 3:16. But sometimes when a verse becomes almost cliché, we can miss its meaning. We no longer consider the deep truth behind the words. For that very reason, I want to read verse 16 and 17 today from The Message Bible. But before I read, I want to challenge you to do something that might be tough, especially if you have any sort of issue with God, and what you feel He has allowed to happen in your life … I want you to hear this passage as if it was the first and only thing you have ever heard about God and His love. … Listen closely to every word …
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; (John 3:16-17 MSG)
Hearing this truth with fresh and unbiased ears, what did you hear? Love? Sacrifice? A whole life? No accusations but setting the world right again? And the closing word? … Trust in Him equals acquittal. … Wow.
There is no question that the enemy of God, along with the events that occur in a broken and fallen world muddy up and mess up us seeing God as love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Whatever negative and harmful concepts life has planted in your heart toward God, I want to encourage you to try and erase those lies and replace it with the truth of God’s Word.
Whatever your concept of God is, that is what you will show your kids. Your attitude and actions will far outweigh anything you say. To teach them the correct view of their heavenly Father, who Jesus called Abba or Daddy, you will have to first view Him as the God we hear about in today’s passage. So what needs to happen for you to correct your view of biblical love, not what the world has shown you, but what God wants to give you … and your kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, help me to get rid of any wrong ideas or concepts I have that are not right about You. I never want anyone to misunderstand or misrepresent me, so help me to learn how to get You right … in my attitude, actions, and words … and to teach my kids who you really are. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage from Romans 12
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12;9-18 NLT)
In a divided world - where and how are we called to love?
Think about a situation in your life or one that you have observed lately that impacts you in even a small way.
Listen to this passage from the Message Bible
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
What person or situation do you need to apply this part of the passage to?
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep re-defining love as the way You love, not as the world tells me. Help me to be free from barriers and pain and express You to everyone in all my circles. As above, so below.”
The words of Paul from Ephesians 4 …
Therefore I … beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
A life surrendered and submitted to God will lead to humility, gentleness, patience, making allowance, making every effort, binding together as one. Addition, multiplication, increase not subtraction or division.
With this in mind listen again to the passage in The Message Bible
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to … get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Wouldn’t it be amazing for our kids to see us live lives marked by “humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences? Living lives that are permeated with Oneness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to be someone who adds to people, who multiplies what You give me, that increases in love, grace, and the fruit of Your Spirit. I pray my life be permeated with Oneness. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 2:14-18 NLT
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
When you hear the phrase “hostility towards each other” who comes to mind for you? I doubt it’s a race of people, but a person. Maybe two? We need to see the Bible’s teaching as principles of the heart that apply to all our relationships.
In the quietness of this moment, you know that any hostility that has been built in your heart is not good for you. It’s not good for your kids.
Where do you need God to “break down the wall of hostility that separates you”? Where do you need Him to “end the system of law with its commandments and regulations”? Where do you need Him to bring you peace and put hostility in your heart to a final death? For your sake.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take any hostility I have, that which I realize and that which I don’t, or won’t, or can’t. I need to let go of barriers in my heart and receive what You have provided for me in love, grace, and protection. As above, so below.”
Matthew 9:9-13 NLT
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
The Pharisees called the people Jesus was hanging out with “scum.” Jesus removed the barrier the pharisees had and dismantled the prejudice and in doing that actually established a new boundary. The new boundary was towards prejudice, judgment and even privilege.
What drove Jesus’ actions and words? Freedom, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. When we follow Him, we have the best opportunity to do the same. Tear down barriers made by man and install boundaries built by God.
Is there anywhere in your life that you have created an unhealthy barrier or outlook between the those you consider righteous and those you consider sinners?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit that sometimes I act like You, but sometimes I act like a Pharisee. And all the time, I am a sinner. Teach me, help me, to take down barriers to love in my life and build only the boundaries You are okay with. As above, so below.”
(Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” … Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. ”King David is counting his blessings and includes the fact that he likes where God has placed the boundaries in his life.
Boundaries that both bless and protect him. Part of his spiritual inheritance from God includes proper boundaries.
So, that tells us where our boundaries must also come from … not from pain or revenge or walls around our heart … but from God who knows us and has our best interest in mind at all times.
Choosing to try and protect ourselves on our own terms usually ends up with an emotional wall that just creates more hurt. But when we allow God to lead us, He can provide a way to create a healthy boundary that blesses and protects, just like David referred to.
So, to love in the biblical sense, do you need to tear down a wall and trade it for a boundary? Or maybe there’s been nothing in place for you, and you realize a boundary needs to be installed for your health.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know that walls of protection too often become homemade prison cells. Teach me to create boundaries. Show me how to love the way You love. For myself. For my kids. For those who have hurt me and those who help me. As above, so below.”
You’d be hard-pressed to go to a Christian wedding and not hear some part of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 read, also known as The Love Chapter. But today, let’s look at how Paul defined biblical love in verses 4-7 as we think about being proactive in love to battle hate.
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
I tend to read or hear this passage and think about how I fall short in loving, based on the definition we are given here. Do you feel that way? Why might we hear these words through a negative filter? Because even with those closest to us, and when we work really hard to be good at love, we still have a selfish sin nature.
Can you think of a situation that you are aware of your conditional, maybe self-serving love towards another person?
So, how can we possibly love anyone like this passage talks about? Listen again to this same passage, but I’m going to change out one word throughout. That will give us the only possible way to love as we are taught here. Listen with your heart …
Jesus is patient and kind. Jesus is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Jesus does not demand his own way. He is not irritable, and He keeps no record of being wronged. Jesus does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Jesus never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Isn’t that incredible? Jesus can be interchanged with the word “love” because He is love and the embodiment of God’s love. So, the closer we get to Jesus, the closer we get to love. The more we follow Jesus, the more we walk in the ways of love.
Matthew 5:43-48 MSG - Jesus' Words
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
I ask you what has become a familiar question from me to you in this podcast: What words stood out to you? Say it back to yourself. Then ask why?
We don’t really like the world-turned-upside-down verses like “Love your enemy,” do we? When someone gives you a hard time, pray for them? Really? These are tough and challenging words, but then it’s also the very reason we are drawn to Jesus, right?
With this in mind listen again to part of the passage
“… I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best … to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. … “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Can you think of someone in your life, or maybe even someone you don’t know… but you know of, that you strongly dislike or perhaps even hate? Can you pray for them right now? Prayer changes things… more than changing others and circumstances…it changes us.
Let’s take a few moments and pray for those we don’t like but God says He loves. Pray that they would encounter God and His love the way you have.
What in Jesus’ teaching do you need to “grow up” in, as verse 48 stated? Where have you been rationalizing hate and you have to trade it in for some of God’s love? I love the last line … “live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love my friends more and turn any hatred I have to love and pray like You said. I know you know that’s hard but if anyone can help me get to that place, it’s You, right? Teach me to live generously and graciously. As above, so below.”
We know from history that humans have gone through constant change. When one part of the world is at peace, another is in chaos. Economies rise and fall. Civilizations rise and fall. Life and death are constantly occurring. But the reality is that any season won’t last for long. Things change. Life cycles.
King Solomon gave us one of the most prolific and poetic texts for this concept in Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-8.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
Ask yourself 2 questions.
Where do hear your own life, what time are you in right now?
Where did you hear our culture, where might we be right now?
Regardless of what time, or season you are in, or our culture is in, one truth remains, the other side of the coin, the other “time” will come back around soon enough.
Interestingly, all of these ‘times’ I just read are choices we make. Deliberate mindsets, or as the scripture calls it, ‘activities’ that we choose.
Is there a mindset that you need to reaffirm today? Or maybe readjust?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You created the seasons and the times of our lives. Help me to know what time you want it to be for me in every season. But help me to constantly make the current season a time to gather, embrace, mend, and love. As above, so below.”
Psalm 97:9
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.(NLT)
So what does God hate and tell us to hate? … He says if you love Him then you will hate evil. So is evil a person? … No. Evil is the outcome of disobedience. Disobedience to God is sin, which creates evil. So, we are to hate disobedience to God and its results. Can you picture an outcome of your disobedience to God?
While there most certainly is grace for our disobedience, can you attach a sense of hatred for the outcome of that disobedience you have encountered? We are not to hate ourselves for the disobedience, but the forces that oppose God inside our own hearts and in the world today. So, what good does it do to hate that evil? The answer is a response of avoidance, of abstinence … of evil.
Today, I’m going to provide some current context to hating evil by reading Ephesians 6:1…
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Who are we not fighting? Flesh and blood. Each other. We may do evil things out of disobedience, but we are not evil.
Evil exists, evil is the destruction that comes from sin. We have an enemy, God has an enemy, Satan and his spirits. A force that exists in this fallen world that leads us to disobedience which leads to our destruction. So, how do we guard ourselves from this destruction? By hating the destruction the enemy wants for us and by putting on the full armor of God. We cannot fight an unseen power with our own ‘seen’ efforts. God’s Power, His spirit enables us to resist the enemy.
Psalm 97:9-11 …
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Love God. Hate Evil. Really feel the hate that disobedience to God’s ways brings to your life. Claim God’s power as your own to protect again the evil our enemy has planned for us.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I show love for evil by cooperating with it. But help me to hate that which opposes You, even the sin in me. Teach me to love You more, and help me to show love that can conquer hate. As above, so below.”
In John 17, Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find God’s answer to redeem the Garden of Eden.
John 17 - Starting vs. 13 - THE MESSAGE
“I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing
So my people can experience
My joy completed in them.
I gave them your word;
The godless world hated them because of it,
Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,
Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world.
Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;
Your word is consecrating truth.
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,
I give them a mission in the world.
I’m consecrating myself for their sakes
So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me. (John 17:13-23)
Jesus recognized the hate in the world that is opposite His heart for the world. But He also said while we do not belong here, He leaves us here. Why? To reflect His love in the same world that hates His ways. That simplifies and hones our mission on earth. We are here to be His love to others, even in the midst of hate.
Jesus was praying specifically for his disciples initially here, who are physically with him, then he looks beyond the present to the future - to you and me.
Listen again to what He prays specifically for you -
I’m praying not only for them (his disciples)
But also for those who will believe in me (that’s you)
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are…
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.
Can you ask Jesus right now to unify your heart for the world with His? To be evidence of His love for others - not your love - But becoming His love for others - the world.
Who is one person that comes to mind that you need to extend God’s love, beyond your love, to today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are love and You also know what it feels like to be hated, to the point of death. You were hated centuries ago and You are hated today. Help me to be an expression of Your love, not mine, and to be an answer for the hate in this world. Teach me to love like You. As above, so below."
Today, we live in a world that has lost the true biblical concept of grace and forgiveness. We turn on the news to hear another horrible stat and see that evil somehow seemed to win again. Yet, many passages in the New Testament encourage us that, no matter how bad anyone else gets, how bad the culture gets, we must keep steady in our faith and follow God even if that means walking against the grain and walking alone.
Listen to 2 Peter 3:17-18:
My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.
Scripture warns us that we have to stay away from evil to keep our balance and stay on the right path. How? By growing in the wonderful kindness and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is one area of your life that you tend to follow the ‘path’ of the world? We all struggle with this.
What would it look like to apply these principles of 'kindness and understanding' to that situation or area of your life?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, one thing about the world getting worse is that the disparity between good and evil, right and wrong, You and Satan, are quite clear. Help me every day to stay away from evil by staying close to You. With You, in You, I have nothing to fear and everything to gain. As above, so below.”
Deuteronomy 32:46-47:
“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are to possess.”
In our quote-unquote Christian culture, it is so easy for us to hear Bible verses and treat them like “idle words,” isn’t it? But what did God call His laws, His precepts, His principles? … They are your life. Literally, “Words to live by”.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land …
think for a moment what having a good and long life in this land means to you.
The scripture tells us the living by His word is no small matter, it’s literally your life. Is there an area of life right now that you know you are not living according to God‘s laws?
Instead of just beating yourself up and heaping more shame and guilt on yourself, can you reframe it and see that God‘s commands and God‘s laws are for your benefit. This is not just trying to control behavior… it’s like looking at scripture as an instruction or user guide for our life.
Now, how can we pass that critical principle down to our kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know I am the pathway of Your Word and Your life to my kids. Help me find ways to express You to them and make Your Word a part of our everyday life. For You to be the head of my home. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 55 verses 10 thru 12:
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace.”
Lets think through this
Who sends out God’s Word? … He does.
What does it do when He sends it out? … Produces fruit.
When will it produce fruit when He sends it out? … Always. … Not sometimes, but always.
So, how do we receive His Word? Reading, listening to, ruminating on Scripture. Just as we are doing right now.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
This passage is not a metaphor. It literally means that when we take in God’s Word, it will do a work in our lives. Our part is simply to obey and allow the Word to do the work God intended. That is why you can read a verse a hundred times over many years and get something different out of it almost every time.
As we take a few more deep breathes think about this promise to you from the scripture
So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do… So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I invite Your Spirit to interpret to me what You want to say and do every time I hear any Scripture. Complete Your assignment in me. As above, so below.”
Psalm 1 from the Message Bible
How well God must like you—
you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.
God charts the road you take.
David tells us how much God loves obedience as he contrasts those who follow God versus those who don’t. But verse 2 talks about the concept of rumination on God’s Word, which is exactly what Sound Mind Set is all about. “Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.” The way we find truth and find balance in this life is by repeating, thinking on, considering, and ruminating on His Word, allowing it to have a 24/7 impact on us.
As you have been listening to the passages of the Bible I read each day, do you find yourself thinking on, even repeating back parts of a verse to yourself later in the day or when a difficult circumstance arises? Almost like a song can get stuck in your head that you find yourself singing later? That, my friend, is rumination. And God loves it and can work in your life to bring balance in your heart and your home when that happens.
As you think/ruminate about a phrase that stood out to you from the scripture
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your Word to go deep into my spirit to speak to me and make a difference. Bring the verses You want me to live by back to my mind as I go through my days and my nights. As above, so below.”
If this has been helpful, will you help us in spreading the word by sharing this on your social media. You can do that where you see the three dots below or above the podcast cover on your podcast platform. Share to Facebook and encourage friends to join us each day for a few minutes; to get still and know God more because Scripture promises that He meets us in the stillness.
Today, we look at Proverbs 8, a prophetic chapter where the word “Wisdom” correlates to Christ. The “me” here is Jesus. Verses 32 thru 35:
“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
What do these verses tell us to do? There are 5 action items …
Follow His ways.
Listen to His instruction.
Listen to Him.
Watch for Him.
And the really tough one … Wait for Him.
No one could honestly say that following Jesus is easy in today's world. I have found that the world tends to offer us the easy way in the short-term, which rarely makes the long-term good. With the Lord, the short term is often hard, but the long term turns out right … if we listen … if we don’t ignore Him … if we watch … if we wait. We will find life and we will find favor from the Lord.
… if we listen … if we watch … if we wait.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, so often in my life choosing You over the world or my own way is hard. Please help me to listen for You, to You, to not ignore You, to watch for You, and the hardest one … to wait for You. As above, so below.”
Today, we will read the passage that contains what became known as The Lord’s Prayer—Matthew 6:6-13. The words of Jesus.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
The time we invest in prayer is going to pay dividends as we live our life. The time in private with God is going to be seen in public with others because prayer changes us, changes our thinking, and changes our circumstances. Jesus says that the key to our prayers doesn’t lie in repetition to Him but in relationship with Him.
With this in mind, listen again to the passage from the Message translation. Jesus says to you, and I
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Such a great rendering of The Lord’s Prayer. Did you notice our closing to all our prayers for Sound Mind Set? … As above, so below. … This is where that comes from. As above, so below is our goal for life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I use Jesus’ words today to close in prayer … Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. … As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:3-10 is called the Sermon on the Mount—one of Jesus’s most well-known teachings.
Matthew 5:3-10 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Again, I want to ask you if any line or phrase or word stood out to you? If so, say it out loud now. … Take a moment to ask God why He had that stand out to you?
This time through, I will paraphrase the passage, turning the words into personal language and only reading certain parts for you to hear it differently…
“God … realizes your need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven [is yours]. … mourn, [and you] will be comforted. [be] humble, [and you] will inherit the whole earth. … hunger and thirst for justice, [and you] will be satisfied. [be] merciful, [and you] will be shown mercy. [be] pure, [and you] will see God. … work for peace, [and you] will be called the children of God. Do [what is] right, [and] the Kingdom of Heaven is [yours].
Which of Jesus’ teachings here do you feel like He asking you to focus on right now?
You likely know the reason, but if not, ask Him. He wants you to know … and tell you why.
For those who follow Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven starts here. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours … right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for such incredible teachings and challenges. Thank You for every promise You offer for a balanced and blessed life. I want to experience the Kingdom of Heaven starting here, right now. So I mean it when I say … As above, so below.”
Yesterday we were in Proverbs chapter 2. Today, we turn the page to chapter 3.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (v. 1-6 NLT)
Finding favor with both God and people, as verse 4 states, would be a sign of a fulfilled and balanced life, would it not? Again, God promises He can do these things in our lives when we surrender and submit to Him and His ways.
How might personal expressions like loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and trust help you find better balance with everyone in your life? For these to become genuine in life, we must slow down and focus on others. Exactly the way we win favor and a good reputation.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Did you notice twice in that version of the passage, the words “living well” were used? What we all desire. What we all seek. To live well.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, teach me to take the time to listen for You, teach me to hear when You speak, teach me to know the difference in my voice and Yours, others’ voices and Yours. I want to learn Your voice just as clearly as my closest friend’s. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 2,
King Solomon speaks to our personal bandwidth, mental, spiritual, and physical balance.
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
Was there a sentence or phrase or maybe even a certain word that jumped out at you as I read?
That is often how God speaks to us through His Word. He will pull out a specific message for you for this moment, for this day. If so, focus on that throughout your day.
With this in mind listen to the passage again
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
God promises of Wisdom. Understanding. Insight. Knowledge. Common sense. Integrity. Justice. Protection. All promises from God when we seek Him. This ancient promise is yours. “Wisdom will enter your heart. Knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight. I submit my schedule, my time and energy to You, to teach me the way to live, how to live, with You and for You. As above, so below.”
In Exodus 18, Moses’s father-in-law Jethro watched him do his work one day in serving the people. He saw the stress on both his son-in-law and the people waiting for him. So he shared his wisdom with Moses. Listen Exodus 18
When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”… “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God. Appoint them as leaders … Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” (vv. 14-23 NLT)
Does trying to do everything alone and not bother anyone for help sound familiar to you? Does wearing yourself out hit close to home?
With this in mind listen again to these specific parts of this passage with a bit of adaptation directed at you personally
“You’re going to wear yourself out ... This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … let some capable, honest … [people] … help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
God has placed people in your life that want to help you. Is it time to identify who they are, ask for their help, and finally agree to let them help because they have been offering?
We can’t truly achieve balance in life by ourselves. We need the help of others. Just like Jethro changed Moses’ life and helped the people too with his advice, your life can be blessed and balanced by allowing others into your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for examples like this in Scripture that offer real wisdom for life. Help me to identify who can help me. Help me say yes when someone offers when I know it’s right. I need Your help to balance family, work, and all of life. As above, so below.”
Luke 12:25-31 - The words of Jesus
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Did you catch what Jesus said about thoughts? The details of life …eating, drinking, clothing … are the things non-believers stay focused on … basically, constantly taking care of themselves first.
With this in mind listen again what Jesus says about being consumed with self reliance from this passage
“Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
When we leave the details of life to God, when we fix our thoughts on Him, when we believe that He will take care of our business, that allows us the time, energy, and focus to consider His business, which is ministering to others in His name. Seeking the Kingdom of God first because everything we need will come from Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I already worry takes away from my life. I don’t want to think the way I used to anymore. I don’t want to waste time on things that don’t really matter. Teach me to put You and Your kingdom first and to trust that You will always take care of me. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 26:3-4.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Wow … perfect peace. Who doesn’t want that? But the promise of perfect of peace only comes how? Placing full trust and fixing our thoughts on God. Another way to communicate this would be to always have a bigger focus on God than any problem.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible: People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
To work toward complete wholeness, we must set our minds on God. Depend on Him.
What would it look like if next time we have an insurmountable problem… instead of thinking, fixing our eyes on the problem, we fix our eyes on God. Think about Him and His power. How might that change our experience?
Listen to our original verse once more: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I long for peace. I want balance, to be steady. To have my feet on a rock. Help me to fix my thoughts on You, to keep my eyes on You and not the problems and challenges of my life…not to deny them but to defer them to You. Where they belong. As above, so below.”
Psalm 77
Listen to verses 1-3 and 10-13.
I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. … And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
The psalmist says that just when he feels like God has turned His back on him because of troubles, he remembers everything that God has done. All His mighty works.
When you feel like your back is against the wall and begin to wonder where God is, where does your mind take you? What are your thoughts about God?
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to verses 10-13 again: And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
I once read this quote: “What we think about the most is our God.” … Tough but true.
How can you “remember God’s wonderful deeds”? How can He be constantly in your thoughts? More than your trouble and stresses? More than your fears and doubts?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I feel like life is coming apart, help me to think about You and what You have done, not what might happen to me because of bad things from the past or what might come. Help me to remember You first and give the problem to You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139 is well known, often quoted, and emblazoned on Christian art in many forms. Listen intently to verses 16-18:
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Do you ever think that God has you on His mind? Because you are His child and He loves you, just as your children are on your mind because you love them? It’s true. His Word says so.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
You saw me before I was born. … Every day of my life was recorded in your book. … Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. … How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. … They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
The psalmist states that God’s thoughts about you are precious…they are good thoughts…they are loving thoughts…and there are so many that they cannot be numbered. We can’t even count them.
What situation in your life do you feel like God isn’t aware of, like He isn’t seeing how much it affects you?
Can you accept that He sees all, and loves all of you and all that you are about… or are facing?
Will we trust Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, in our culture we hear “God loves you” more like a greeting card sentiment than a truth. But that’s just not fair. You love me. You love me as Your child. Help me to take that truth in deeper. Help me to think like someone You love. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful passage. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, exhale, and listen closely.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
This is not meant to discourage us but rather to provide understanding. God always sees the big picture we cannot. We have to trust that His vantage point allows Him to choose what is best for us. Listening to Him can help us line up with His thinking.
Verse 8 in The Living Bible says: “This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!”
The Message Bible gives us this take on the passage: “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.”“For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.”
Think for a moment about something that is happening in your life right now…what is on your mind the most this week?
What might change if you prayed, “Father, show me what You are doing. How are you at work in my life right now? Help me to trust that Your higher ways are at work in my situation right now.”
All of our actions and attitudes are driven by our thoughts. What if you chose to “think beyond” what you can see today, handed your situation over to God, and surrendered your thoughts to Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t think like me or work like me. In fact, if you did, You wouldn’t be God. But you are. So help me to trust Your thoughts and Your ways today. As above, so below.”
In Mark 12, Jesus was asked which of the ten commandments was most important. His reply surprised them:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
What is the first key phrase in this passage? The action verb Jesus began with? LOVE - Love the Lord … your God.
We have to start with the very personal question: How much do I love God?
How do we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds with all of our strength? Jesus showed us a road map in this passage.
There are four quadrants mapped out of our being that Jesus mentioned here: Heart, Soul, Mind, and strength.
We start with getting present with God - just me and Him - getting still. It is the premise of what we do here every day. We do this by breathing and getting still.
Notice the passage starts with internal, intimate things - not intellectual things like the mind. It begins with our heart and soul. The order to this is critical
We start by paying attention to our heart - what is going on inside. Approaching God as a child with all our feelings, failures and desires and bringing it to Him.
Then we focus on our Soul by getting still and allowing His presence to speak to our inner being - without words.
Only then do we engage our mind by taking in what God is saying.
Lastly, our strength, what we do with encountering God.
These are the steps Jesus laid out to love him wholly.
Listen again to Jesus words.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Start, as Jesus said, with our heart -our feelings, then move to our soul - experiencing God in stillness caring for the deepest part of us, then move to feeding our minds by taking in what he is saying and then, and only then should we move forward in strength Knowing the source.
What part of the four quadrants do you struggle to let be known by God? Heart, soul, mind, strength?
These are all connected. Your heart matters—your soul matters. Your mind matters. What you do matters. But the order matters most.
Can you allow God to love you today? Can you let him know more of you this next year?
As you ruminate on those feelings, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for taking all of the laws and simply telling us to love You with all we have, through a relationship with Jesus. Today, I seek Your balance. I give you my heart. My mind. My thoughts. My attitude. My spirit. My being. All that I have for all that You are. As above, so below.”
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible. We hear these words read in so many settings. But in this beautiful poetry by the shepherd-turned-king David, he speaks of God the Father as his Shepherd and relates life to what he offers his own flock.
Listen with your heart, and hear about the life that God offers you, just as he did David …
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)
A significant part of finding balance in our spiritual lives is found in the first verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.” When we can arrive at the place where He is truly all that we need to sustain our lives when we find our dependence entirely on Him, then we can find rest, our strength can be renewed, we can learn what it means not to be afraid, we can believe that His goodness and mercy is alive in our lives.
Focus on your breathing in and out, close your eyes, and listen intently to this version of Psalm 23
God, my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty Shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (MSG)
The first version we read, the New Living, placed the text on what God will do for us in the future. The Message placed the text in the present, what He does for us. The reality is that both are true.
What else do you need besides God? Could you use some time in a lush meadow? Beside a quiet pool? Time to catch your breath so you can head in the right direction. God is ready to meet your every need.
Breathe deep … take in His truth today … then slowly exhale and let go of yesterday, the past. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering all I need. Forgive me when I focus on all I want, especially those things that are outside of Your will. Lead me, Lord. I want to be able to say that, in You, I don’t need anything or anyone else. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture focus will be on two of Paul’s prayers found in the book of Ephesians. First, listen to Ephesians 1.
I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Spiritual growth brings wisdom, insight, knowledge, hope, understanding, all from the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
Which of those qualities do you feel you are growing in? Which do you want God to increase in you?
Now, listen to Paul’s prayer in chapter 3
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Because you are in the family of God, these prayers are also for you.
Specifically, what do these words from this passage mean to you personally -
From his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Unlimited resources - absorb that fact.
He will empower you with inner strength - can you claim that today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone offer me every good thing I need in this life. Help me to know how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. I want to experience Your love and the fullness You offer me. As above, so below.”
Today, we will return to Ephesians again.
Ephesians 4
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Paul offered a list of contrasts to balance, usher in new life, and get rid of our old life. The image is much like taking off an old, dirty set of clothes and putting on a brand-new outfit. Listen to his words again in this way …
Take off lying and put on truth
Take off stealing and put on sharing
Take off discouragement and put on encouragement
Take off bitterness and put on forgiveness
Take off rage and put on kindness
Take off anger and put on compassion
Which of these have never been an issue for you? Which have been a problem in the past? And which may be a struggle today?
Some of these are an easy 'change of clothes', while some may be tougher.
Listen to the opening of this passage to be reminded of how we are to accomplish these more challenging changes.
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Thank You for all the things You have helped me to change, to take off. Thank You for the new that You have allowed me to experience. Help me to keeping transforming, changing into Your image. As above, so below.”
We talked about Psalm 23 and David calling God the Good Shepherd this week. Today, we look at where Jesus called His followers sheep. This is one of the most intriguing passages of Scripture because the heart of God is made very clear as to what He cares about and what gets His attention.
Mathew 25
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
We don’t have to complicate things with religion or laws or rules or theology or any of the divisive issues that have hurt the church for thousands of years. We can simply agree that God would have us feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, help the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and help those in prison. The bottom line: see those who the world does not. Take care of those the world will not. Love those the world says are unlovable. Just like Jesus.
Who in your life do you find unlovable in this moment?
Listen again to Jesus’s final words of this passage
‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to see those You see, hear those You hear, and help those You point me toward. Keep me from religion and lead me deeper into a relationship with You. As above, so below.”
Colossians 1:19-20
“For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means to Christ’s blood on the cross.“
What an amazing thought, the God of the universe, in all his fullness and completeness, was pleased to live as a human. And he did it all to reconcile everything; the word reconcile comes from the Latin root words (re) - back and (conciliar) - bring together. Bring back together. As intended. Made right.
The almighty, powerful creator - God, the same one that hung the moon and the stars and created everything, lowered himself, became a human, again, here’s the amazing thing - was happy to do it because he wanted to make everything right. To bring everything back together as originally intended. Whole and complete.
And as a result, He brings you and I peace, shalom, which also means completeness and wholeness. All is right; every debt paid, every mistake and failure is forgotten. We can experience peace, being inseparably connected to the God of the universe, with all the power, and love, and grace, and mercy that goes with that, because of what happened. Jesus was born, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again to make peace with everything in heaven and on earth.
The most profound eternal problem you will ever face, separation from your Father God and his Love, Power, and grace, has already been reconciled for you. There is nothing you can do or not do to change that.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
John 14:25-27
I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
In this passage, the baby Jesus we celebrated on Christmas has now lived about 30 years, and he’s coming to the crossroads of what He came to do. He is sharing with his closest friends who, unbeknownst to them, are about to encounter complete chaos and, from the way it seems, the whole plan falling apart. Their Messiah, their friend, is murdered in front of them.
Peace is not a place, Peace is a person, Peace is a Presence. This same Presence is with us now, just as he was with his friends, his disciples, thousands of years ago.
Here Jesus is clearly telling us that: Number one, the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus and the Father, is with us to remind us of everything that he said.
Number two, He says don’t be troubled or afraid even when things seem like they’re all falling apart. Jesus has left us with a gift, peace of mind and heart.
What thoughts are troubling your mind right now that you can ask for peace of mind?
What heartache are you feeling right now that you can ask God to bring peace to your heart?
Jesus says the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid…
Breathe
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians. 4 1-3
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
So many scriptures talk about the peace that God gives us. This passage commands us to create peace actively. This was written from prison, from someone locked up unjustly. He is telling in light of the peace we have been shown to give that peace to others. listen again
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
Paul calls our attention to a few particular things that we are called to do; Number one, we are not to sit around and do nothing or continue down a path that goes nowhere. We are called to be active and intentional about sharing what we have been given.
Number two, we are to do this with humility and discipline, to make these two characteristics a way of life. Constantly humble and pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love.
And Number three, we are called to notice differences between ourselves and others and do everything in our power to make peace.
Is there someone that comes to mind right now that you need to proactively humble yourself and make peace with as an act of love?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians 2:14-15 (The Message)
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
From biblical times, it has been a constant, and even today, we feel the pressure of segregation and separation. Not just racial segregation - social-economic segregation, political, denominational. We are a divided world.
But because of Jesus, he brings peace to division. listen again
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
Are you suspicious of anyone - their motives, agenda - their lifestyle?
This passage so clearly talks about how, because of what Jesus sacrificially did, he got rid of the religious code of law that created division and became more of a hindrance than it was helpful… and he started over.
Because of what he did he ended animosity and suspicion, bringing peace… We no longer need to hold fast, dare I say worship, the idols of preference, position, prestige, or power.
If there someone in your life, like there is in mine, that you view with animosity or suspicion, can you except that that person is on the same footing, the same level as you, in need of the Messiah who leveled the playing failed, see’s us all, loves us all the same?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Philippians 4 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace that transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds.
This passage says we don’t have to be anxious about anything because we bring everything before God as a petition… but don’t skip over this word - with thanksgiving. Gratitude - giving thanks. In other words - equally bring our needs and our gratitude to God, to receive transcendent Peace. This time from the message Bible.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
What would it look like if we shaped our worries into prayers? Instead of spending too much time processing how we’re going to get through something or how we’re going to fix something, we start with bringing that as a prayer before God. If we do that, this passage promises we will know a sense of God’s wholeness, that everything will come together for good, which will settle us down.
What is one worry in your life that you need transcendent Peace with, that doesn’t seem possible?
No matter what happens, no matter what lays before us, if we start the discipline of turning our worries into prayers, we can experience a sense of God wholeness, which displaces worry as the central theme of our life.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:26-38 MESSAGE
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is, six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Can you put yourself in Mary’s place? Everything to that point was normal—everything in its place, just an ordinary day… then a beautiful disruption. An angel appears out of nowhere. It must have been terrifying. But the angel says don’t fear. Something remarkable is going to happen.
Listen again to some of the things the angel says will happen.
“God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
Because of what happened over 2000 years ago, an impossible pregnancy story, is a perfect template for what God continues to do for all of us.
He intersects, disrupts our normal, and says don’t fear something remarkable is going to happen.
Can you hear God saying to you… don’t fear. God has a surprise for you, nothing, you see, is impossible with God.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.
Mary’s response to the Angel’s news started with being amazed that God would choose her, saying, “she is the most fortunate woman on earth" . Then she goes on to say these beautiful words of worship about the character of God:
God’s very name is Holy
His mercy flows
He shows strength, scattering the braggarts
Pulling victims out of the mud
Who did God choose to bring the Savior of the world through? A lowly young girl, out of obscurity… Much like us.
Can you take these words spoken by Mary thousands of years ago and accept them as what God, through this miraculous act, is saying to you?
He embraces me as his chosen child.
He remembers me and piles on mercies, piles them high.
Doing exactly what he promised.
What was foretold thousands of years before Jesus was born is exactly what God continues to do today.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Matthew 1:18-25
The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they enjoyed their wedding night, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic revelation to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Scripture states that Joseph decides he should quietly divorce her, which was legally required of a betrothal or engagement in that day. He didn’t want to expose her to any public disgrace or judgment. Yet, even amidst such great heartbreak, doubt, and question, Joseph put Mary first and protected her at all costs. He loved her, even in what he thought was his darkest moment.
Joseph has a dream where an angel confirms Mary’s story and tells him to name the boy “Jesus.” So, Joseph immediately marries Mary. But, here’s an interesting facet to the story.
Verse 24 - 25
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Joseph does not have sex with his wife before her giving birth. Now, there is nothing in this passage where the angel tells Joseph to abstain; in fact, the angel says “don’t hesitate to get married." Meaning he has all the legal rights of a husband. But Joseph made a choice out of respect to God’s plan to stay out of God’s way, to stay in His will.
The integrity and love that often an unsung hero of the story is so inspiring. Joseph not only obeyed, but he went a step further and honored the purity of the story out of reverence for there being a bigger plan.
Think about that, Joseph was married, anyone around him could’ve said it is possible that this child is Joseph’s, but Joseph’s discipline and self-control elevated God's will about his desires. He honored and highlighted the miraculous story that we celebrate, God with us. So there could be no doubt. This was God’s son.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen!
ISAIAH 35
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.
The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
where desert jackals once lived.
And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
fools will never walk there.
Lions will not lurk along its course,
nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.
Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.—-
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen!
Luke 2:8-14 Living Bible
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.
“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[b] lying in a manger!”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang,[c] “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”
Imagine for a moment that you’re a shepherd back in the B.C. days. It’s just another cold, lonely, pitch-dark night, sitting by the fire, watching the sheep. Then, suddenly, a blinding light pierces through the blackness, and you’re face to face with an angel. He sees the terror in your eyes, knows you think that he has come to kill you because of your sin and low position, so then he declares, “Don’t be scared. I have good news of great joy for all people.” Disbelief overwhelms reality as you think, “Why me? And why here? … Aren’t there some important people somewhere to do this? After all, we’re just shepherds.”
Shepherds, as a stereotype, had a reputation for being low-lives, men of bad reputation. They didn’t observe the ceremonial law and were not religious men. They were so known for stealing and dishonesty that their testimony would not be considered reliable enough to testify in court. Think about that… God chose first to announce He was here to these men of bad reputation. He made His birth announcement to the least of these, setting a pattern for His Son’s ministry.
On that night, that holy night, everything changed and the broken, rejected, lowest of society were the ones that God chose to tell first.
The words of the beautiful song, Oh Holy Night, capture the essence of that encounter.
As we finish our time together - let me read you the words for this beautiful song.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen!
Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE)
Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!
Mountains, send up cheers!
God has comforted his people.
He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.
But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me.
My Master has forgotten I even exist.”
“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I’d never forget you—never.
Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.
The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.
Your builders are faster than your wreckers.
The demolition crews are gone for good.
This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There’s little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way.
Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good.
Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I’d never forget you—never.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
2 Titus 3:4-6 ( Living Bible)
But when the time came for the kindness and Love of God our Savior to appear, then he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness—and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Kindness and Love saved us; It was born onto this earth thousands of years ago. Not because we were good enough, not because we were worthy, but because of a great love, kindness and mercy.
Is there something in your life that feels like it gets in the way of experiencing God’s kindness and Love? Something that blocks you from His unconditional acceptance, kindness and mercy?
This passage tells us because of Jesus, the Christ, ALL our sins are washed away and replaced with new joy by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness. The word fullness is mentioned many times in our advent readings.
This wonderful fullness comes from an indwelling of the Holy Spirit as our sins, our past, our wounds are washed away.
This fullness available to you takes no account of what you have done or not done; it has nothing to do with if you are good enough or not good enough. It has everything to do with the Love that is beyond us.
In what way has God shown his kindness and Love to you this week?
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.[a]
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
This prophecy talks about what came to be, what actually, historically happened. It is undisputed by atheists and believers alike… Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It’s easy to miss the significance of words spoken thousands of years before the facts that actually came to be. Jesus was a living, breathing human, just like you and me. God becomes flesh. God living among us.
This passage is a prophecy, a promise, and a reality.
When was the last time you felt like anyone delighted in you, was full of gladness just because you were here?
That is how your God, who is with you, feels about you.
What is something that you’re afraid of right now?
This passage says with His Love he will calm your fears. It doesn’t say that your fears will be gone entirely, it says because He is with you, your fears will be calmed.
Your Father will rejoice over you with joyful songs. This season is full of happy songs; next time you hear one, think about the joy it represents and imagine this is how you make God feel, happy. He rejoices over you with happy songs.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Philippians 2:7-8 (Message)
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
The amazing thing about Christmas is that the Almighty God on high knew we would ever be able to measure up enough to be worthy of his Kingdom. But that didn’t stop His Love for us. Instead, He came for us.
He stepped aside from his status, position, and Holiness and lowered himself because of Love. And he didn’t just do it one time, as in for one day. He stayed and walked in our shoes for 33 years, without entitled privileges. He came in a humble barn. He died in a humiliating way. This is ultimate Love, that lays down his rights, lays down justice, lays down entitlement, and lowers himself to our level, for our sake.
If we’re honest, we all esteem ourselves better than other people from time to time. Someone who’s wronged us, someone who’s disappointed us or offended us… Someone who we compare ourselves to, saying… we would never do that.
Can you picture a person in your life that fits into that category in your mind right now?
This passage starts with these words - Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. What can you do to humble yourself and reach out to that person and show them Love today?
Maybe it’s a word of encouragement; maybe it’s just letting them know that you were thinking about them, maybe say a prayer for them. Let’s follow the example of Christ and let go of any entitlement or privilege, not just a thought but in deed.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
1 John 4
We’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
We love because we are loved. The kind of Love that this passage is about is exemplified by Jesus sacrificially becoming one of us. Since Jesus was born, a fearful life, a fear of death, a fear of judgment is banished — because well-formed Love vanishes fear.
The Love we have on our own for one another is fragile and transactional. The kind of Love that this passage is talking about goes beyond any kind of love we can have on our own. But it’s a Love that is available. Not only for us but through us to others. A kind of intimacy, acceptance, and without limitation because of the one who first loved us and sacrificially came for us. This kind of Love is a power that wipes out fear. We can know this Love and give this Love because we were shown this Love first. As the scripture says — First we were loved, now we love.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
From now until Christmas we will be focusing each week on a tradition of advent. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.
This week we focus on the first tradition HOPE.
Micah 2-4
But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes
until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,
And the scattered brothers come back
home to the family of Israel.
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.
And the people will have a good and safe home,
for the whole world will hold him in respect—
Peacemaker of the world!
Do you feel like the runt of the liter? Asking, what good can come from you? That’s how Bethlehem felt before the unthinkable happened.
From this runt of the litter, the most unexpected, the least likely event in history happened.
As we prepare our hearts for celebrating the arrival of the Peacemaker of the world, can you offer what you have, as unsightly as you may think it is, as a birthing place of Hope this season.
Often in is in the least likely places that we encounter the closeness of Immanuel - God with us.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 7:14
Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us).
Impossible is a word that comes to mind when reading this passage. God defies, smashes, destroys what we perceive to be impossible.
Even in the word impossible are the words I’m Possible.
What situation in your life right now seems impossible? Think, a virgin womb. Can your dare to believe it is possible for the same God to destroy, defy and crush what you see as impossible and become God with you, where ALL things are possible?
The expectant hope we celebrate this advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the one who makes all things new is summed up in this idea - All things are possible because God is with us - Immanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.
Have you ever turned on a light on your phone in bright sunlight? There is little affect at all. But that same light in pitch darkness illuminates everything around it. There is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of light and darkness. Without darkness there can be no light.
Take a few moments to search your heart for the darkest area that is in your life right now.
Could it be that this Christmas season, and the Hope that it represents, is about the dawning of a great light in your deepest darkness? We live in a dark world, but no darker than it was the night in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. The same God that became a great light in deep darkness is here, and in our hearts, our lives. Our souls are so often like that city of Bethlehem, covered in deep darkness, hidden places, shamed self-assumptions.
But the hope that we have, is that those dark places are exactly where God wants to be with us. Emmanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:6-7
A child is born, a son is given and all authority will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
There are names given to this child that distinguish Him from all others that have come before Him or gone after Him.
Take a few moments and reflect on the names given and identify the hope that He is to us.
Where do you need the son of God to be your wonderful counselor?
What areas of your life do you need him to be mighty God?
How can he play the role of everlasting father in your life?
How can you crown him the prince of peace in your life?
As we close out our time think, about this declaration made from verse 7 of this passage this time from the Message Bible
His ruling authority will grow and there will be no limits to the wholeness He brings
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Romans 15:12-13
Isaiah’s word: There’s the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
The good tidings of great joy from thousands of years ago is that there is a root breaking through and growing big enough for everyone, everywhere to take hope.
That same promise made thousands of years ago is just as true today, on a daily basis. There is a root that has already been planted in your life because of what happened in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. And that root of hope can break through the ‘earth / ground of your life’ and grow.
Because of the root of Jessie, thousands of years ago, and the root of Jesus growing in our lives today, verse 13 comes alive. The hope, that is the fruit of what has already been planted as followers of Jesus, becomes infectious to all of those around us. Let’s personalize this passage.
May God of green hope,
fill me up with joy,
fill me up with peace,
so that my believing life is filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit and flows over with infectious hope.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
With the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s begun, we set our sights on the true meaning of the season: Immanuel—God With Us.
Have you ever considered how a holy, righteous, omnipotent, omniscient God could have simply said to us, “You’re going to need to figure out a way to get to Me,” … or “You’ll need to meet all these strict requirements to reach me.” But the very fact that we can call Him “God With Us” is a miracle. He came to us, to seek and save that which was lost.
This Christmas, each time you hear the word Immanuel, think about what this actually means for you … God came after you… We don’t “find God,” He finds us.
We all have suffered great loss in life. Something at one point you could not imagine being broken was broken. We know what it means for our hearts to be broken and our lives to be wracked with grief, to live in a state of sorrow. For that very reason, the message, the reminder, that Immanuel—God with Us—has come for us is so important for us to focus on this season.
Right now, you may be in the very beginning stages of grief, of sorrow. You may be right in the middle heartache and pain is with you every day. Or you could be coming out of a storm and have begun your journey of healing. No matter where you are, today, right now, God is with you, whether you care right now or not, whether you feel Him or not, He is with You. I want to encourage you to never confuse God allowing something to happen as God not caring for you. He never promised to take us out of this broken and fallen world, but He did promise to be with us when life breaks us and things fall apart.
Listen to Isaiah’s prophecy given to him by God 700 hundred years before Christ was born.
(Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 NLT)
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever… there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. … For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
We have the privilege of living on the other side of this prophecy. Listen to these ancient words and realize what has actually happened.
The Wonderful Counselor that Isaiah promised has come.
The Mighty God has made Himself known.
The Everlasting Father is present right now.
The Prince of Peace is ready to remove the chaos, heal the hurt, and replace your sorrow with joy.
What is most real about God to you right now?
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
He is Immanuel—God with … you.
Pray with me: “Immanuel, when I struggle in my hurt, when I doubt and question Your goodness, when I think no one cares, please allow me to feel Your presence in my soul, my heart, in the air I breathe, and the very life You give. Immanuel - God with us.”
As we go through this Christmas season, there are two categories of people and you fall into one.
Those who have been hurt and know grief and sorrow, and now have a compassion and empathy during the Holidays to see those who are hurting and offer help, to be able to speak hope when and where it is so desperately needed. …
Or those who are hurting right now. You look around and see the lights and decorations and none of it seems to matter, because the last thing you want to do is celebrate … anything.
I want you to know if that is you, I get it. I have felt that way. I know that horrible feeling. All those in the first group of survivors know that heartbreak all too well.
But there is Someone else who understands your pain. He is Immanuel, the Promised One who came and is with you now. Today, we read from Isaiah once again, in chapter 53, and again, the text prophesies about the life of Jesus. If you really listen to what these words say about Christ, you’ll see He knows pain and understands heartbreak. Close your eyes. Tune in. Listen with your heart.
(Isaiah 53NLT)
Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
This is not a far off deity that can’t relate to our heartbreak. Listen to our Immanuel described in this passage - this time reading from the Message Bible.
He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried — disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
This is describing a broken man. Someone that we would say - got the SERIOUS short end of the stick. Yet He chose that. Because He believed you were worth it.
That is the beauty of Immanuel - God with us.
Sorrow, pain, anguish, injustice, feeling despised, harsh treatment … all because of us, all for us, so God could be with us. Who better to invite into your hurt and your healing than Jesus? Can you imagine this God who loved you so immensely being crushed to make your whole? He is acquainted with grief and He is with you right now.
Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You that You came, that You suffered for us, that You endured all this when You didn’t have to do anything at all … but You did. I can be counted righteous today because of You. Thank you for being God with Us. Immanuel - God with us.”
Matthew 1:18-24 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24 NLT)
When we hear this story around Christmas, all we tend to think about is the celebration of the birth of Christ. While true that this is a joyous occasion, that is actually a one-dimensional outlook. Here’s why: In the day that Joseph and Mary were planning their wedding, an engagement or betrothal was very different than today. Once betrothed, there was a legal agreement as if you were already married but not yet living together. For Mary to tell Joseph she was pregnant with him knowing they had not been together was the same as adultery.
The bottom line is that Mary was amazed at what God had told her and was doing in her life, yet fearful and heartbroken at the same time because she knew what this would mean for her relationship to Joseph. Once Mary told Joseph, he was then heartbroken because, imagine for a moment, your fiance telling you she is pregnant and the Father is God. … God? How many people would buy that? There was no joy in these moments of conflict … there was fear, pain, grief, sorrow, and pain. But here’s the game changer for Joseph and Mary, as well as for us today in our pain … God spoke and confirmed the truth, taking away the fear. Would all this have been hard to believe and explain to people? Absolutely. But Joseph being a man of faith, as Mary was a woman of faith, responded in obedience, which was the very reason God chose them. He could trust them both with His plan.
When we are in the midst of a heartbreak … sorrow … feelings of betrayal … pain … He is moving and active in our disappointment. We too must listen for the voice of God to speak. Hear His truth about our circumstances. Allow Him to take away our fear. He is as He promised … Immanuel—God with us. Today, wherever you may be in your circumstances, no matter how things may look today, God has a plan and a purpose even in pain.
Let’s pray: “Father, Mary and Joseph’s faith and belief in You is inspiring. Please help me to trust you with the same heart. Help me to see past my circumstances today and look toward what You will do as You are with me now and already in my future. Immanuel - God with us.”
There are times in these reflections and topics that we address where the best words we can offer you are that of Scripture. Our words fade away, but God ‘s Word stands forever. Once His Word goes out, it always accomplishes what God desires for it to do.
David, before he was king and after, suffered at the hands of many. But the one constant we see in the life of David was no matter how far away he got, he would always return back to the truth he knew of God. No matter how prodigal David got, he always returned back to the Father’s arms.
Take in some of his words from Psalm 31.(Psalm 31:1-5, 6b-10, 14-15a, 16-17a, 19-21a, 22b-24 NLT)
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. … I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. … But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. … Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. … How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. … But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, … So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
What phrase stood out to you? … There is a reason it did. God is speaking to you through His Word.
Often in the Psalms, David went from crying out for help to worship. This season, even through any moments of grief and pain, is there something that comes to mind about how God shows you He is with you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that once we know Heaven is just a matter of time here on earth. That means I am here for a purpose for the time You allow me to accomplish Your will. Please use me, use my circumstances to touch others, to reach others, and glorify You as You are Immanuel, God with me.”
Revelation 21:1-7 NLT
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
Did you hear it? God’s home is among His people. He will live with them. God Himself will be among them. Tears gone. No more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone … forever. And please, please hear these words … “Look, I am making everything new.” And with God, everything indeed means everything.
In this Christmas season, look for God. Listen again to these key phrases written for you.
Look, God’s home is now among his people!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes
Look, I am making everything new!
to all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.
I will be their God, and they will be my children
I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.
This is the message we reflect on in this season - Immanuel—God with … you.
Pray with me: “Immanuel—God with me, thank You for not abandoning me, but coming to save me through Jesus. Thank You that a baby in a manger changed everything through a man on a cross. I invite You to come and be with me now and stay in my heart forever. Help me to make room for You always. As above, so below."
ISAIAH 32:15-20 NLT
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Beautiful words of hope - These verses are in response to what the writer describes just before as -
For your land will be overgrown with thorns and briers.
Your joyful homes and happy towns will be gone.
Is there a place in your life where you feel like your land is over grown with thorns and briers. Your joyful homes and happy towns are gone.
ISAIAH 32:15-20
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Life brings us all ups and downs. When we are down, it can feel permanent.
Focus on these words from this passage -
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
This same verse from the Message says it this way
Right will build a home in the fertile field.
And where there’s Right, there’ll be Peace
What would it mean for you today to live right? Is there one thing you can think of that you can just do the right thing?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank you for this reminder that you rebuild all things. I pray for those areas of my life where it feels like my land is overgrown with thorns. Please bring your peace, healing and righteousness. Help me to day after day just do the right thing for your sake believing that you will make all things right. As above so below.”
The world tends to always take any milestone or accomplishment and respond with, “That’s great. So what’s next?” On and on through life, the question comes on constant repeat.
Today, let’s listen to a passage from King Solomon in his frustration with the “What’s next?”
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 NLT)
Petty cynical, huh? Well, we all have days when we feel this same way. Solomon was simply voicing what we in the human race feel quite often.
Now, listen to him in chapter 3, verses 11-13:
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
We all feel the weight of what Solomon expressed in the first passage: meaningless feelings about our days. But God is the crucial element in life to bring value and purpose, even to the mundane and the seemingly meaningless.
What is one way you can recognize God’s gift in what often seems mundane in your life?
Life itself, even on the meaningless days, is indeed a gift from Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me look for beauty, value, purpose, eternity, and to look for Your work in my world and celebrate your gifts, especially the gift of life. As above, so below.”
Have you ever thought how death is what makes life so valuable and crucial? The end brings value and purpose to the journey, because we don’t know how much time we have. Every day, any day, could be the last. We just don’t know. This creates an urgency that, honestly, few embrace, in fact, most ignore. So many folks live in denial that the end is coming.
But the real tragedy is not a short-lived life, but an un-lived life. Linda Ellis wrote a poem simply called “The Dash.” She refers to the birth year and the death year on every headstone, but writes the line: “What matters most of all is the dash between those years.” When she writes and speaks, she encourages people with this advice: “Live your dash!”
In Deuteronomy 30, we hear God speaking to the children of Israel through Moses:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land …” (Deut. 30:19-20 NLT)
Listen once again to these words in verse 20:
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Funny how every human seeks the key to life and God has told us clearly in just one verse where it can be found. Life has a beginning, an end, and a dash in between. We should live that dash well with no regrets, following the key to life: Loving God, obey Him and committing ourselves firmly to Him.
Today, right now, I challenge us to simplify our perspective and pursuits.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to choose your life and live that in front of my kids. Help me to love You. Help me to obey and commit my life to You and pass that on to those around me. As above, so below.”
Today we are going to spend all our time in gratefulness. I will mention some prompts and I want you to give your full focus to offering thanksgiving to Your Father for what He has given us.
We praise You for Your Holy presence - For Your power that proceeded our existence - Thank you
For Your sacrificial Son who paid the price for my sins - thank you
We thank you for your complete forgiveness
We thank you for your great love for us
We thank you for our family - parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters
We thank you for our friends who bring comfort and strength
We thank you for your provision. Food. Shelter. Safety.
We thank you for the struggles that we would rather avoid - thank you for using them for our good.
We thank you for being with us, close steady and trustworthy
We thank you for being faithful to us and our family
Let’s pray: “On this day, and every day, thank you for the many gifts that you give that sometimes go unnoticed. Thank you that you meet us in stillness and that through Jesus you have made it possible for us to know you intimately, personally and completely. Thank you that you call us your beloved, your children. Protect us, provide for us and bless us and our families. As above, so below.”
Today, as we close out this week, we will listen to a powerful and popular passage from the Apostle Paul.
Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
What is you biggest dream in life right now?
What is the most outlandish thing you could wish for someone you love?
With that in mind, listen again to Paul’s closing blessing.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
What if we make our daily prayer for ourselves and those we love be “Lord, accomplish infinitely more than can ask or think”.
This is not a genie in a bottle request. Not a guarantee that everything will go the way we want. It is a blessing that God will use all of everything in our lives to surprise us because of Him working all things together for good.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Please give me the boldness and the wisdom ask You to do more than I could ask for or imagine through me, for your glory. As above, so below.”
Throughout this week, we’ll be reading from the life of Joseph.
Genesis 37:2-4 NLT
When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half-brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So, one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
Now, fast-forward to Joseph being sent by his dad to check on his brothers who were working in the field …
Genesis 37:23-28 NLT
When Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders … Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.
We all know the end of the story. How God used all of these terrible situations for ultimate good. But before we get ahead of ourselves to the redemption - Do you have a memory in your own life that this story triggered for you? Something tragic? Betrayal? An injustice?
While this story is painful to hear, the bottom line is we all understand family dysfunction that causes pain and creates scars that we have to deal with for a long time. But these events in our lives offer us a choice: will I let this define me or will I allow this to become a defining moment?
Your relationship with God can bring purpose to create a greater, stronger you out of any circumstance. But for this to happen, the pain and the process has to be surrendered to God and then stay submitted to Him on the journey to wholeness and healing.
As we walk through this week, and the story of Joseph, can you ask God to start to reveal his purpose for your pain, maybe like you have never seen it before.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for providing examples in Scripture that show me how to navigate the tragedies of life through You. Right now, I surrender my hurts, my pain, and my process of healing to You. Use it all—the good and bad—to bring me a greater sense of purpose about my life, as You lead me. As above, so below.”
Today, we continue to read the life of Joseph, we’ll see the roller coaster of good and evil in his life. But most importantly, his response to the injustices done to him and God’s response to Joseph’s faith.
Genesis 39:1-21 NLT
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. … This pleased Potiphar, so he … put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. … With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “My master trusts me with everything in his entire household. … How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her … One day … She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “… this Hebrew slave … came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. … Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story … So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison … But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love.
Among the evil Joseph had to endure, what were the two phrases that created game changers for him?
“The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did …”
“But the Lord was with Joseph … and showed him his faithful love.”
“The Lord was with” simply means there was a constant, continual relationship between God and Joseph. Like a hybrid of family and friend. No matter what you have been through, are walking through now, or will endure in your life, that “with” is available to you 24/7.
These same thoughts are what Paul meant when in Romans 8:31, he stated, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Let’s personalize and repeat that phrase right now: “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?”
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that nothing that can happen to me is bigger, stronger, or greater than You. I want my life to be marked by the “with” of being in a relationship with You. I invite You into my life to experience the same closeness as Joseph had. As above, so below.”
If you either didn’t know the story of Joseph or haven’t heard it in a very long time, the back-and-forth that happened to him is mind-boggling. Today is certainly no different. I want, as you hear Joseph’s story, to overlay your own circumstances to know that God desires to create the same type of outcome for you.
Genesis 39:21-23 NLT
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Are you starting to see the pattern? When Joseph is put in a bad situation, he responds by working hard and having the best attitude he can. That has to be true or these people in authority wouldn’t have done the things they did for Joseph. His life must have expressed something very different than other servants or prisoners. His life reflected, not his own, but that of the God who gave purpose to Joseph’s life.
Genesis 39:21-23 MESSAGE
But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
It is so crucial and important for us to not miss the many times Joseph had the opportunity to get bitter, to be vengeful, to hate, to curse, and to decide God had forgotten all about him. But he didn’t. He knew that son or servant, palace or prison, God was with him, showing him the way through, not the way out. Apply these truths to your own life today because they are certainly very real and available to you right now.
Let’s pray: “Father, I know what it feels like to be forgotten by people and start to believe that nothing good is going to happen. But with You, that is simply not true. You never forget. You always see me. You are always with me. Help me to accept and know that truth today and every day. As above, so below.”
We really hope you are enjoying this week and the amazing story of Joseph. God had given him a strange, mystical gift of being ability to hear someone’s crazy-sounding dream and be able to offer a credible interpretation that applied to the person’s future. And would most certainly come true.
After Pharaoh had a very strange dream and no one could tell him what it meant, he was finally made aware of Joseph and called him before the throne to hear the dream, this is in Genesis 41:15
“I dreamed a dream,” Pharaoh told Joseph. “Nobody can interpret it. But I’ve heard that just by hearing a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered, “Not I, but God. God will set Pharaoh’s mind at ease.”
When the dust had settled after Joseph heard, interpreted, and offered solutions for all of Pharaoh’s dreams, the ruler of Egypt made a surprising declaration to everyone, but most especially to Joseph:
We pick up in verse 38
Then Pharaoh said to his officials, “Isn’t this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God’s spirit in him like this?”
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “You’re the man for us. God has given you the inside story—no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. From now on, you’re in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you.”
Every problem that humans threw at Joseph, God always in time provided a promotion for him. Ultimately, he became the second most powerful leader in the known world.
This story is much like when Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 19:26: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
God can overcome anything if we will simply place the circumstance in His hands. The handing-over can be very hard sometimes, because we feel out-of-control. But giving control of something we cannot control anyway to the God who is always in control will be the best decisions we make—every time. Like Joseph told Pharaoh: “It is beyond my power to do this, but God can …”
Is there an impossible situation in your life right now that you can turn over to God?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that whatever happens, You can. What is impossible for me is always possible for You. What seems impossible to happen or not happen, You have control over. I submit my life, my purpose, my own need to be in control to You. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we’ll see how, surprisingly, Joseph’s life was brought full circle for a total and complete redemption. Why? Because he followed the purpose and plan of God.
Genesis 42:1-3 NLT
When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise, we’ll die.” So, Joseph’s ten older brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain.
You know what’s coming, don’t you?
Genesis 42: starting at verse 6 NLT
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them…. Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him.
Finally, the moment came for the reveal.
Genesis 45:4-8 NLT
And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. … God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So, it was God who sent me here, not you!
What if we decided like Joseph to take every tragedy, every injustice, every wrong done to us, and trust God to show us the “why,” the greater purpose that could come from the “what?”
We know the famous verse to end our story from Genesis 50:19
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me, but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
Nothing about this story sounds pleasant or easy. But God provided favor all along the way, even in dark situations.
Is there is a dark situation in your life right now - more than likely, you are not in prison for a false accession like Joseph, but even in that situation can you reflect on one way you can see God’s faithfulness to you, even in the short term as you wait for the long-term promise?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there are things in my life that I know you want to restore and redeem like Joseph’s. Help me to see my life through Your eyes, to hear Your truth, and to live my purpose just as You planned when You created me. As above, so below.”
Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
These are the words of Jesus Himself. Notice his intentional use of the language—you will receive … you will find … the door will be opened. That said, we have to be careful to not manipulate or misinterpret His teaching. This is not like a blank check. God will never go outside of His Word, His ways, or His will. But, inside those holy parameters, He is inviting all of us to ask, seek, and knock.
He is telling us to be proactive. Asking, seeking, and knocking all take both action and faith.
Listen again to the intentionality “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
What might this look like for you?
Notice the transitions. Ask, seek, knock.
Asking is between you and God. What do you specifically need to ask for right now?
Seek is your choice - If we seek / look for the negative we will find it. It is also true is you look for God in situations you will find Him. Where can you see evidence of God at work in your life right now?
Knock is an action, a deliberate move in a direction. What deliberate step do you need to take towards something? Maybe what deliberate step do you need to take away from something?
This interactive prayer that Jesus give is a format for everything in our lives. Ask our Father. Seek for Him. Move in that direction.
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, give me the boldness, the strength, the passion to get up and ask, seek, and knock to discover whatever You have for my life. I believe You spoke these words because You believe we are worthy because of Your sacrifice. May I walk in Your Word, Your will, and Your ways. As above, so below.”
Busyness and distraction are rampant in our culture. Listen to this story about Jesus and his two friends who were sisters.
(Luke 10:38-42 NLT)
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha just knew she was in the right, didn’t she? She was busy fixing a meal for a room full of hungry people and growing impatient with her sister for leaving her to do all the work. Imagine her surprise when Jesus told her that Mary was actually in the right place doing the right thing. … The Bible says Martha was distracted while Mary was discovering. … Notice Jesus’s choice of words, translated into English, of course. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. And Mary has discovered it.
Today, there are things you have to do and things you need to do. But to stay on the path of finding who you are in Christ requires setting aside some to-do list stuff and do what Mary did—intentional time to sit and listen to Jesus. In stillness.
Listen Again
Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Imagine the Lord words from this scripture directed to you today, “My dear friend, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Discover it.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, remind me, help me take the time to stop life and listen, to not be distracted, but discover more of You, to discover more of me. As above, so below.”
The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV)
Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don’t we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth.
What I want to do, I don’t do. The good I really want to do; I can’t seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it!
But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen …
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul’s teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus.
Is there a contradiction, something you don’t want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace?
God knows the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you.
Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”
We want to spend the bulk of our time together in meditation on a powerful chapter that King David wrote. Today, our focus will be to understand who we are, we must first know that God is God and we are not. So much of the issues in our lives regarding our identity is when we try to keep ourselves on the throne when we were never created to sit there. Only our God.
(Psalm 84 NLT)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. … A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
What phrase or thought stood out to you? Consider why. What is God saying to you right now?
Listen to verse 5-7 from the Message Bible
And how blessed all those in whom you live,
whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
Is there a lonesome valley you are facing right now?
Then listen to the closing words once more - For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
Let’s pray: “Father, David used the word ‘joy’ many times in this Psalm. Help me to find more joy in You and in my life. I need You to be my sun and my shield. Please give me Your grace and glory. I want to do what is right in Your eyes so You will withhold no good thing from me. As above, so below.”
The Message Bible—Romans 5:1-5.
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide-open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:1-5 MSG)
Let’s personalize these scriptures… God has made you right with Him through Christ. That’s what He wanted for you when He created you. God has thrown open the doors of Heaven to you. He wants you to throw open the doors of your heart, your mind, your spirit to Him. And now you are standing where you have always hoped to stand—out in the wide-open spaces of His grace and glory.
Let’s take a few moments … I want to ask you to express Your praise to God. Whether you shout or you are silent, take a moment to worship like Paul expressed, as he calls it standing tall and shouting our praise.
Please know that the enemy of God and the ways of this world do not want you to know who you truly are in Christ. So that is exactly why the battle is so strong on so many of your days to pull you down and keep you down. But please, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking … never stop. Know who you are and only go deeper in your relationship with Christ. You will never find the end of Him this side of Heaven, so I want to inspire you to dive deep in His grace and in His glory.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, we worship You today as the One who gives us our life, our breath, and our identity. You alone establish our worth and our value. Help me, lead me, to just keep asking, seeking, and knocking to know You deeper and higher and farther and longer in Your love until I come home to be with You. As above, so below.”
The story is told of Sir Isaac Newton, the famous mathematician and scientist, who had a strong belief in God. One day, Sir Isaac went to a carpentry shop and asked the owner to make a model of our solar system. This model was to be to scale, intricately painted, and designed to resemble, as closely as possible, the actual solar system.
Several weeks later, Newton picked up the model, paid for it, and placed it in the center of a table in his house. One day, a friend who was an atheist came to visit. When the man arrived, the model of the solar system caught his eye, and he asked Sir Isaac if he could inspect it more closely. As the friend looked it over, he was awed by the fine craftsmanship and beauty. The friend then asked Newton who had created this wonderful model of the solar system. Sir Isaac promptly replied that no one had made the model but that it had just appeared on his table one day, evidently by accident.
Confused, the friend asked the question again, and Newton repeated his answer that the model had come out of thin air. As the friend became frustrated, Sir Isaac then explained the purpose of his answer: If he could not convince his friend that this crude replica of the solar system had “just happened by accident,” how could the friend believe that the real solar system, with all its complex design, could have appeared only by chance? The moral to the story: Design always demands a Designer.
(Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
When was the last time you watched your children sleeping? Why do you suppose as parents we do that? Stare lovingly at a perfectly still and peaceful child? It’s because we marvel at how they are created and are a part of us. … Design does indeed demand a Designer.
Listen again to this passage as I personalize it for us. Repeat these truths over yourself today.
For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things he planned for me long ago.
God has already stated clearly that you are His masterpiece … just like those beautiful kids you love so much. He has declared your worth and identity. He created each of you and placed you together as a family.
Pray with me: “Father, I want to accept and receive that I am Your masterpiece, created anew in You to accomplish the things You planned for my life long ago. I claim that same identity and destiny for my incredible kids. Thank You for my life. Thank You for their lives. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:13-16 MESSAGE
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
One thing that is, for sure, being communicated in this passage is the intentionality of a creator creating. Nothing in this passage speaks to accidents. Nothing in this passage speaks to randomness. Everything in this passage speaks of grandeur, beauty and care.
In another translation of the first two verses of this passage it reads
“You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mothers womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex your workmanship is marvelous.
It’s interesting to think of God as a master craftsman, molding something from the inside out to be so wonderfully complex. Often we look at ourselves and we give ‘complex’ a negative connotation. But in this passage there is honor being attached to complexity.
What about you sometimes seems too complex?
A lot of us walk around feeling like, at the very best, we are a random addition to the human race, and we discount what makes us different or complex. Not often do we celebrate ourselves as a unique, complex and marvelous workmanships of a master creator.
Can you look at yourself and accept that the way you are created, in all your wonderful complexity, points to the intentional, deliberate care of a master creator who believed that this world was better with you in it? Nothing about you or your life is random.
Let’s pray together: “Father, while I may struggle to use words about myself like “complex, marvelous, and precious,” thank You that You have expressed those feelings toward me. I want to believe my worth in and through You and I want to receive my identity from You. As above, so below.”
We all know today that the world and media want to tell us our value, our worth, and our identity.
Let’s go back to the first pages of the Bible where God Himself speaks of human origin.
(Genesis 1 NLT)
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
As a human being, this passage talks about your life. God looks at you and says, “Very good!” That is the truth about your personal value, your very worth, the essence of who you are in your identity.
This is what the first verse says about you - Personalize the verse, insert your own name.
Then God said, “Let us make _______________ in our image, to be like us.
Let that sink in. When ever you question your worth, your identity, remember you are created in God’s image, His nature, as another translation says. And He looks at you, just the way you are, and says ‘Very Good”
How would believing that about yourself change the way you approach your day, the way you approach others, The way you carry yourself?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for my life. Thank you for reminding me the way you see me, in your likeness. Help me to accept and embrace what you say about me and the way you see me as ‘Very good”. As above, so below.”
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
And now for the beautiful side of the story, let’s skip to verse 21:
So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” (Genesis 2:21-23 NLT)
Where was God in these scenes? He was in the dirt—involved, creating, engaged. He was crafting man and woman. He breathed His own breath into them.
Listen to verse seven again, this time from The MESSAGE
God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!
If we are going to believe the Bible and what God says, then these are our truths: You were formed out of a deep love from a God who desperately loves you. You didn’t come from apes. You certainly were not an accident. God planned, designed, and made you. That is who you and your family are … God’s very own. Your worth is found in the fact that God breathed His very breath to bring you, specifically you, into life.
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for planning us with and for a purpose—me and my kids. Guide me, lead me to help us all find that purpose through Your plan and with an attitude of worth, value, and identity that only comes from You. As above, so below.”
Of the thousands of questions about our bodies that scientists have answered, there is a certain mystery that has never been successfully resolved: our fingerprints. Why do we have them? What’s their biological purpose? Years of research have not produced a good answer.
The only fact that all scientists agree on is that no two people’s fingerprints are the same—even those of identical twins. Throughout all of human creation, no repetition of fingerprints has ever been found, with every set being original.
What if God gave us fingerprints, making them unique to each person, simply to show us the great detail and care He takes in His creation?
LUKE 12:6-7 NIV
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
In creating us God paid attention to detail. Every fiber of your body is a calculated design. Every function of your mind is a miracle. Our ability to connect with one another, even when we get hurt, is a testament to the eternal character of God that lives in us that is beyond just the physical realm.
Listen again to this passage paying attention, not to the general sense of God’s care for us, but the microscopic view, described about God’s awareness and view of you.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
You are not forgotten. God’s attention and affection for you is as focused on the little things as it is on the big things.
What is a concern that you carry that may feel like God has forgotten about in your life? Can you acknowledge that your Father is keenly aware, and with you, in every situation, big or small?
Look at the tip of your finger. Your fingerprint is used a form of identification, a signature, so to speak, that is unique to only us. There is great value and worth in the fact that you are not like anyone that has ever existed before. Your place on this earth is by design. Your worth and value to those around you is immeasurable and was a calculated plan by God towards those you come in contact with. Your fingerprints are evidence of you on everything that you touch, everyone you interact with. Your unique and special signature of just being you. You are a gift given by the God of the universe to those around you, whether you feel like it or not.
Father, thank you that you see me. Down to the very hairs on my head. There is nothing in my life that you are not aware of or that you don’t care about. Help me to trust in that intimate awareness and care you have for me. Help me to grasp, even a little bit, of how valuable I am to you and to others. As above so below.
Proverbs 27:1
Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.
How many days do we try to have everything mapped out? What we’re gonna do, what our kids are going to do, then what we’re gonna do after that? Nobody knows how much time we actually have available to us. As you reflect on your life, can you look back and notice time that you wish you had back? Time that you foolishly spent pursuing some thing that you had no control over?
Listen again to this passage this time for the Message Bible.
Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
Being self-assured seems to be the ‘name of the game’ in this culture in which we live. This passage suggest the opposite. ‘Don’t be so sure’, but rather the hold things with a loose hand.
Think about something in your life that was completely unexpected. It may be a good thing, it may be a tragic thing. Regardless of that situation being good or bad, one thing is for sure, it wasn’t in your plan.
God calls us to simple living, a surrendered life. A trusting posture. He says all things work together for good for those who trust God.
Is there something in your life right now that you feel fairly sure is going to happen good or bad?
Can you surrender that, let go of being sure and accept that you will take things as they come?
Maybe more often we just need to take a deep breath, yield to the flow of life, so that we can be present in the moments that we don’t get back.
Father, I recognize that you hold all things in your hands. I am grateful for all the gifts you give, all the challenges you take me through. Help me to loosen my grip on feeling like I have to have everything all mapped out. As above, so below.
Today we will be reading excerpts from Solomon’s famous words in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT)
For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
In this famous scripture Solomon is reflecting on the predictable seasons in our life. One thing that we can be sure of is that things change, seasons ebb and flow.
How do you go through your life? Do you try to hold on to the good seasons with all your might? Do you try to rush past the troubled season with everything that you are? It’s important to pay attention to the push and pull, the give-and-take, the good and bad that everyone will experience in their life.
Listen again to the first verse in this passage this time from the King James version
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven
In this translation the word ‘season’ is related with the word ‘purpose'.
Can you look at something good in your life and recognize that it’s a season that has purpose, be grateful for it, but don’t hold on too tight as if it will last forever?
Is there something that you’re facing right now that is a real struggle, can you acknowledge the struggle has purpose and also recognize that it won’t last forever?
God takes us through ups and downs, all to serve a purpose. Calling us to anchor ourselves in the one thing that never changes, his great love and faithfulness to his children.
Father, Help me to not hold on too tightly to the good seasons, not to rush out of the difficult ones. Allow me to sense your purpose in all of them and hold tightly to you. Thank you that you never change although everything around me will. As Above, so below.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
We reflect on this passage every day in our time together. The importance of stilling our minds, getting present, and knowing God.
The essence of this verse is to let go of the awareness of time, demands, expectations and distractions. To get fully present in a moment. We live in a world that is so fast paced, day-to-day our interactions with our kids, people that we encounter, family members can happen so quickly that if we’re not careful we don’t allow ourselves to be fully present in them.
In the original Hebrew of this psalm, Be still, the word is harpu. A more literal translation of harpu would be "cause yourselves to let go". Rather than merely being passive, we are instructed to actively let go. To let go of expectation, let go of preconceived thought, let go of distraction. Be fully present, attentive and available.
Be still and know that I am God is obviously taking about how we are to be present in the presence of God. Can we apply this same principle to our everyday interactions?
Can you think of a time were you look back and said, wait what just happened? Or what did I just say? Or what did you just say?
We let our minds get so far ahead of ourselves that often we don’t take time to be fully present, attentive and available.
One thing that we know for sure is the time we have here on earth is finite, it’s limited. Like grains of sand in an hourglass when it’s gone it’s gone. Let’s make the most of the moments that we have, Be fully present, attentive and available.
Find the beauty in them, find God in them, find connection with those around us in them… Not rush through as if we have unlimited time to spend.
Father, help me to be more present in everyday life. With you, with family, friends and with strangers. Thank you for the time you give us, the opportunities to experience you and others, help me to actively let go of distractions that keep me from all that you have for me, in the moments that I have. As above, so below.
Mathew 7:6 (NLT)
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."
This is pretty explicit language talking about wasting time and effort. We all have situations in our lives that maybe we’re trying to fix, people that we’re trying to fix. If we’re honest, they are not our situations or people to fix in the first place. Sometimes relationships or situations can become unhealthy and no matter what we say or do, we never see them change.
In this passage we reflect on getting very honest with the value proposition of our time. Is there an area in your life that you continue to expend or invest a large amount of your time or focus, that God might be directing you to lighten your efforts?
Listen again to this passage with that question in mind.
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."
The Bible is clear we are to love all men all the time. This passage is not talking about dismissing the person, seeing them is not worthy.
This passage is talking about boundaries, being honest with this question - Is this situation some thing that God has called me to? or am I just expending my own efforts in hopes to gain the outcome that I desire? God‘s desires are different than ours. God uses process, God uses time, sometimes lots of it, to bring people to himself. We seem to want to see results right away.
Maybe there’s a situation, or person in your life which you have done your part, and your part was never to see the harvest, but to plant the seed. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of, that you need to be a greater steward of your time with?
Father, thank you for all that you give me. Let me see all people as you see them, all valuable, equally important. Show me how I should see those things which I invest my time and focus into, choosing to hold close that which you have for me, and letting go of that which you don’t. As above, so below.
Ecclesiastes 3: 14-15 (MSG)
This passage is from the same famous passage that we focused on earlier this week about seasons.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Solomon was a great man, a very wealthy man, a man that you would say had it all and had seen it all. As we conclude this week, this passage reminds us of a summary that Solomon has, as he looks on the timing, the seasons and the gifts of God. He concludes that regardless of what we do, God is in control and it’s not our job to try to figure out why but simply worship.
Listen to the passage again.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Is there a situation, or maybe a person in your life that you just can’t figure out. Is it possible that it’s not your job to figure it out? Is it possible that your job is to surrender it to God and quit asking questions and simply worship Him knowing that,as this passage says. Whatever was, is whatever will be, is. that’s how it always is with God.
Father, thank you for your almighty hand in all of my life. Help me to surrender my time, my focus and my habits to you and your purpose. You do what you will and I will do my best to let go of trying to understand all your reasons. As above, so below.
LUKE 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
I remember someone saying to me once when I was in school… Grow up… Since that time I’ve spent most of my time doing that. Growing up. Getting mature. Being responsible. Today, in this passage Jesus confronts that idea, and instead offers us an opportunity to return to how we were made.
All of us started out as infants, then children. Somehow along the way we’ve lost the beauty of that innocence, the wonder of the world around us, the joy of discovery and the faith that is simple.
What would it look like to confound your daily routine and structure and instead take on a mindset of a child? Content. Curious. No fear. It seems in this passage that God is calling us to live with the simple abandon of a child, listen again as I read part of this passage and notice that not only is Jesus suggesting that the kingdom of God is about a child like mindset, but also, He is refuting what the adults are saying the kingdom is like.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Can you let go? Even if it’s just for 10 minutes and allow yourself to experience the beauty and wonder of knowing that all that you need is freely given to you, and is not reliant on your efforts.
Trusting in your Good father who asks you to just come to him with the innocence of a child.
Father, help me put aside my belief that I need to grow up, clean up, have it all together to come to you. Thanks you for encouraging me to live with the fearless abandon of a child, with You as my Father. As above, so below.
Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
As we look around in our culture today, it’s getting harder and harder to find those who truly treasure God’s commands, those who seek them like hidden treasures.
Let me ask you … do you want to gain the knowledge of God? Would you like a treasure of common sense and to have your integrity be like a shield to protect your life? For your path to be guarded and your life protected?
Let’s personalize Solomon’s words for us today, as our declaration:
I WILL listen to what You say, and WILL treasure Your commands. I WILL tune my ears to wisdom, and WILL concentrate on understanding. I WILL cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I WILL search for them as I would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and I will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants me wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to me as I am honest. He is a shield to me as I walk with integrity. He guards my path to be just and protects me as I am faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT)
Gods wisdom is the only treasure worth seeking. Treasure available to us freely, upon asking. Relying on our understanding is futile when living a committed life in Christ. What is one area of your life that you can bring before the Lord today and ask for His wisdom to guide you?
Let’s pray together: “Father, guide me to align my life priorities with You and Your ways and Your will. Take my life, all I have and don’t have, all I want and all I need and help me to seek You as my Treasure to find contentment and satisfaction in my life. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
In this passage, and throughout the Bible, the writer refers to the reader as ‘my child’. Returning to a position where we don’t have everything figured out on our own seems to be a common theme throughout scripture.
Listen to this passage again from the mindset and the position of your heart of returning to the perspective of a child, with much to learn, not having everything figured out.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT)
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart do not depend on your own understanding’ pretty much sums up what this is saying.
Is there an area in your life that you have been leaning primarily on your own understanding? Can you do what this passage suggests, ‘seek him in all that you do and he will show you which path to take’? Letting go of the preconceived idea that you are required to have this all figured out on your own is foundational in living with the abandon of childlike innocence, living with a healthy sense of dependency and trust in your Father who goes before you.
Let’s pray: Father, help me to surrender my natural way of looking at things, that I have to have everything figured out. Help me to lean on You, help me to seek You in all that I do as I trust you to show me which path to take. As above, so below.
Psalm 34:4-7 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
What does it mean to be radiant? The Psalmist says “those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. As we get older, some would call wiser, we also get our views blurred by man’s measurement of self. Often we can become so consumed with appearances, responsibilities and expectations that we forget that we have actually been freed from all of that.
What would our response be if someone paid off all of our debt, took away all of our stress, took away any reason for us to ever worry again. I suspect we would look radiant. We might even look a little crazy… Wouldn’t living with that realization do something to those closest to us, wouldn’t that kind of freedom be contagious. Listen again to this passage and view yourself from the writers perspective.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
How does it feel to carry no shame.
How does it feel to know that God saves you from all your troubles.
How does it feel to know that the angel of the Lord encamps around you.
How does it feel to know that God will delivers you.
Let’s make those feelings the reality that we live from today, and everyday.
Father, thank you that you promise to deliver me from all my fears. Thank you that you say my face should never be covered with shame. Thank you that you deliver me from all my troubles and that your angels camp around me. Help me to be radiant, shining the grace that you give me to others. As above, so below.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Yesterday we focused on embracing the feelings that freedom brings and living from that sense of security. In today’s passage, Paul directs us towards actions not feelings. He suggests 3 choices for us to make.
Be joyful in hope. Another word for hope is expectant. Will you choose to show joy because your are expectant that God will come through?
Be patient in affliction. Another word for patience is acceptance. Will you choose to accept - to not fight - affliction or trouble?
Be faithful in prayer. Faithful can be defined as loyal and committed. Will you be loyal and committed to praying?
Listen again to this passage, this time from the Message Bible
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
What personal hope do you have for yourself can you choose to be joyful and excited about right now?
What affliction or trouble that you’re facing can you decide to be patient with?
What is something that you need to commit tp praying more earnestly about?
God’s best for you is a combination of feeling, really knowing He has gone before you and is with you, like we explored yesterday, and choosing to follow His path by living in hope, patience and prayer.
Father, I can get so weighed down by all the troubles and concerns around me. Help me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and trouble, and committed to continually praying. I know you want what’s best for me, help me to choose what’s best for me too. As above so below.
David stated in Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
People tend to either believe God created the world or He didn’t. And then if someone believes He did, the next step of faith is believing whether or not He is actively involved in the lives of the people walking on His planet.
King David was clear. The earth belongs to God. Everything in and on the earth belongs to God. The entire world and even all the people belong to Him. If we believe this to be true, then we are never actually owners of anything while we are here.
How do you view what you have, as you being the owner or the steward? How might being a steward change your mindset?
Listen once again to Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
Let’s offer a personalized version: What I have on the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in my life. My world and all the people I know belong to him.
We know the old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go.” Just more evidence that we are merely borrowing everything we have while we are here. To trust God with our lives and to ask Him for help, we must first see everything as His and come to accept we are stewards of His blessings, responsible and accountable to Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, I confess my world is yours and everything in it. Remind me every day that the world and all the people are yours. Help me to be a good steward of all I have and all You allow me to hold while I am here. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 23:4-7 NLT
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
The Bible never says that wealth is a sin, but rather the results of focusing on wealth through greed and being a miser is. While the last two sentences in today’s passage may feel disconnected from the first three, the correlation is the character of a person shows when it comes to money.
Think about this…could you tell a great deal about the habits, focus, and lifestyle of a person by looking at their bank and credit card statements? Absolutely. Our money and its management does not make our character, but rather reflects our character.
Is there something we would be proud for people to find out about you if they saw our accounts or looked at our spending? Something we might want to hide?
Listen again to Proverbs 23:4-7, but this time in The Message Bible: Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. Don’t accept a meal from a tightwad; don’t expect anything special. He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself.
He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself. … Wow. None of us want these words to ever describe us. Generosity of heart and resources are foundational to a life following Jesus.
What area of your life could you be more generous with? Is there someone, or a mission in need, that your contribution might serve right now? Or a person that needs you to give more of yourself to?
Let’s pray together: “Father, What I have is yours. Money, time, focus. No matter what You ever allow me to have, help me to keep You as the Center and Catalyst of my character. Help me to live as though You are always in control of everything, my finances, what I receive, what I spend, and what I give. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Now, first things first … there is a strong likelihood that you, like me, read a passage like this and think, “Well, this doesn’t apply to me because I’m not rich.” But the reality is this: When you take the history of the world into consideration and the great affluence of the western culture, in light of the rest of the world, we are rich. The people in third world nations would love to have even what the worst neighborhoods in our cities have. Just being able to access clean water would feel like a luxury to so many in our world. So, in light of when we live and where we live, being “rich” is relative. Perspective and worldview are vital to interpreting Scripture.
With those thoughts in mind, listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT)
Verse 17 shows us the principle of stewardship once again. Our trust should be in God who richly gives and money should be used for good works and generosity to share with those in need.
Can you recognize the riches you have? Imagine what it would be like to turn on the water in your house and nothing come out…and live with that being the norm every day. Is God prompting you about being rich in good works and generous to those in need? What would that look like?
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to not be proud and not to trust in money. Teach me to trust in You. Lead me to use money for good and to be generous to those in need and share with others. I want to store up Your treasure to experience true life. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. … so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.
A consistent theme throughout Scripture is placing focus on God, His goodness, and His grace while staying away from the attraction of the world and sin. Simply reading the news every day gives us plenty of evidence that money and power do not make people happy and content. Suicide, depression, anxiety, and the like have little to do with the state of income but rather the state of mind.
Let’s do an honest inventory. Knowing that ‘money’ represents security, prestige, pleasure. What is an area of your life that your focus has been the ‘craving’ of money, and what it represents, as the scripture calls it?
Listen once again, this time focusing only on the “do” verses, not the “dont's”:
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. … Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. (1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT)
As we often talk about here, focusing only on the dont's is not sustainable. We need to replace the dont's with the do's. Can you focus today on pursuing these things, not just staying away from the temptations of wealth? Pursue righteousness, love, perseverance, gentleness?
Let’s pray: “Father, teach me to be content. Help me to pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness as I fight the good fight for my faith in You. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we are going to read a tough passage, but we’ll also turn it around and end on a bright spot. Paul shared these words with Timothy in his second letter, chapter 3, verses 1-5:
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
When you heard these words, did it sound like something from today’s news feed? Love only themselves and their money? Boastful? Proud? Scoffing at God? Disobedient? Ungrateful? Nothing is sacred? This is exactly why God’s Word is timeless and always current.
Again we see how the love self, pride, pleasure and the pursuit of wealth is associated with a lack of godly character. The last verse even says the religious people will reject God’s power.
Now, let’s take Paul’s words, and as what would be in line with many of his other passages such as 1 Corinthians 13, for example, turn the phrases around to encourage ourselves to follow God and pursue Him, not the things of this world, to see our money merely as a means, not an end.
For people must love God and not their money. They must not boast and be proud, or scoff at God, be disobedient to their parents, yet be grateful. Consider everything sacred. Be loving and forgiving; never slander others and always have self-control. Never be cruel. Love what is good. Never betray friends, be reckless, puffed up with pride, or love pleasure rather than God. Don’t act religious, and reject the power that can make us godly. Hold strong to people like that!
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You provide us with all that is good in this world and allow us the ability to stay away from what is harmful to us. There is always that choice. Thank You that You died to give us that choice. Help me to follow You and make my money a means, not an end. As above, so below.”
This week we will spend time in simple, quiet worship. Let’s simply focus on God and His goodness. Breathe deep and allow your spirit to connect to His Holy Spirit.
Psalm 29 from The Message — A Psalm of David
Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!
God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters.
God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic.
God’s thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars.
The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
God’s thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
What words, what phrases stood out to you?
What games of God moved your spirit to worship?
Listen once again to the final verses:
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
As you walk through hardships and the challenges of your life, remember that Your God is the God of the thunder, of the rain, and of glory and power. He has you. He holds you. To make you strong. To give you peace.
Let’s pray: “Father, I realize Your power. I recognize Your glory. Today, in this quiet moment, I worship You. Thank You for Your strong arm that protects my life. Thank You for Your gentle Spirit to give me peace. As above, so below.”
Today, again, we will spend time in worship. Simply focusing on God and His character. So, invite His Holy Spirit to pour over You with His presence. Listen intently as we experience His Word together.
From Psalm 33 The Message
Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.
Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano!
Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare.
For God’s Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out.
He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true.
Earth is drenched in God’s affectionate satisfaction.
… bow before God; … down on your knees!
Here’s why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.
God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world’s power-schemes.
God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.
Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he’s put in his will.
He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do.
No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength.
Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.
Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.
He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.
We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need.
What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name.
Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.
Can you add your personal thoughts of worship to these words from David?
What about God are you in awe of?
How has God rescued you?
Will you praise and worship him for the personal way He has shown up recently?
Let’s personalize the last lines of Psalm 33:
I’m depending on You, God; You are everything I need.
What’s more, my heart brims with joy since I’ve taken for my own Your holy name.
Love me, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what I’m depending on.
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, Thank You that I don’t have to worship, but I get to worship. You are a Gentleman who never forces His way, yet loves in such a powerful way that invites a response of gratitude. Thank You for loving me with all You’ve got. As above, so below.”
Continuing our week solely focused on worship, today we will experience Psalm 34.
Be present. Be all in on this moment. No distractions. Listen with your ears and your heart. Let’s experience His Word and our worship together.
Psalm 34‚ NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
… the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
Just as David did here, when was the last time you bragged on God?
When was the last time you shared with someone what He has done for you?
Listen again to the final words of this passage as I personalize David’s words for us.
The Lord hears me when I call to him for help.
He rescues me from all my troubles.
The Lord is close to me when my heart is broken; he rescues me when my spirit is crushed.
I may face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Let’s pray just as we have worshipped: “Father God, thank You for being our guard who surrounds and defends. Thank You that You watch over us and hear us. Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted and though we face troubles, You will rescue like the good Father You are. As above, so below.”
Today, we will experience Psalm 40, another transparent and poetic text from King David. Let’s experience God and His Word together in worship.
Psalm 40 NLT
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
… I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.
… Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles surround me—too many to count!
My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
… may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
These words reflect a grateful heart that recognizes the reality of being rescued. The confession of being poor and needy is met with help from a Savior.
Where are you today? Waiting? In need of rescue? Or grateful that God’s help did arrive? No matter where you are, He is near. God is ever-present. You are in His thoughts.
Listen again to David’s words from the opening of this passage. Let’s personalize them say them out loud as a reminder of our God being close to us right now.
You lift me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
You set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walked along.
You have given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to my God.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will hear our cries and lift us out of our self-laid traps. Thank You that You will then give us a new song and a new life to have the freedom to tell others about what You have done for us. Thank You for Your tender mercies, unfailing love, and faithfulness. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out our meditative walk in worship through the Psalms. Psalm 91 is popular for its incredible promises of God’s protection. Satan even quoted a verse from this passage in his temptation to try and get Jesus to jump off the top of the Temple to prove God would save Him. Whether we consider some of these phrases as literal or metaphor, the reality is that the greatest power we have in our lives to protect us is God Almighty. I want to encourage you to take in every word. Don’t just hear them, but listen to the love in them. Right now, sit before Your Savior and trust these words to be true of you, and for you.
Psalm 91 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
...The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Did you notice the certainty in the words, in the phrases like “will find” and “will cover” and “will shelter”? Words of trust and faith that God does and will answer, rescue, reward, and honor the obedient heart of His followers.
What is one way God has rescued or protected you recently? Will you thank Him for that right now?
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your refuge, Your shelter, Your safety, Your covering. You don’t promise us that trouble won’t come, but thank You that You do promise to be with me when anything threatens. I worship You as my Lord and My God. As above, so below.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 MSG
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up.
The old saying goes: “Timing is everything.” That is especially true when we consider being obedient to God and His timing. Realizing and accepting when we should let go of holding onto something from our past can be so difficult for us on so many levels. But yet letting go is such a right and natural part of life. Navigating seasons in life, we cannot grab hold of the future until we let go of the past.
We cannot die until we are born. We cannot harvest with planting. We cannot tear down that which we never built. We cannot turn away from something we never embraced.
Sometimes letting go can make us feel less-than or create the false assumption that we are giving away a part of our heart we may never get back. But think of it this way: we cannot harvest, heal, mend, or dance while holding onto unhealthy things in our lives.
Is God calling you to heal but you can’t because you’re still allowing bitterness to hurt your spirit? Is it time for you to experience a final letting go and forgive someone?
Listen again to a personalized version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-7:
A right time [for me] for birth and another for death,
A right time [for me] to plant and another to reap,
A right time [for me] to destroy and another to construct,
A right time [for me] to cry and another to laugh,
A right time [for me] to lament and another to cheer,
A right time [for me] to embrace and another to part,
A right time [for me] to search and another to count your losses,
A right time [for me] to hold on and another to let go,
A right time [for me] to rip out and another to mend,
A right time [for me] to shut up and another to speak up,
Let today be your day to let go, to forgive, to be born, harvest, heal, build up, laugh, dance, gather, embrace, mend, and speak new life.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your timing. That You give us seasons of change. That You allow us to experience freedom from the past, hurts, and harm that we have done and experienced from others. Please grant me the freedom today to forgive and let go. As above, so below.”
Romans 6:12-14 NLT
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Granting forgiveness, experiencing total freedom, and letting go for good is a mental, emotional, and spiritual experience. And yes, it can even be physical. Holding onto bitterness affects our ability to smile, facial expressions, countenance, and body language.
When our hearts are closed, we look closed off. Giving ourselves completely to God, as Paul tells us here, is as much as about what we let go of as what we take up. To block forgiveness from someone is to allow sin to be our master and keep us under the law, not under grace. And when we can’t give grace, we can’t embrace grace.
If there is someone you struggle to let go of and forgive, think about how this makes you feel, even physically, how it affects your being in every manner? Refusing to let go creates more pain as we work harder to hold on.
Listen once again to Paul’s commands:
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:12-14 NLT)
Forgiveness and letting go diminishes sin’s control, allowing us the freedom to give ourselves completely to God, to glorify Him, for Him to be our Master, not sin. To live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Pray with me, using Paul’s words: “Dear Father, help me to not let sin control the way I live; to not give in to sinful desires, to not let any part of my body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Help me to give myself completely to You and experience new life, to use my whole body as an instrument to do what is right for Your glory. I do not want sin to be my master or live under the requirements of the law. Instead, let me live under the freedom of Your grace. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The phrase, “get rid of,” means to leave no trace of what was once there. The idea here is to not just cut the weed off at the ground so it is no longer visible, but to pull it up by the roots as if it had never existed at all. Interesting that we often use the word “root” in connection to bitterness. But as the apostle Paul often did, he told us what to eliminate, but then next, he also told us what to do in its place. He offered us the qualities of God to replace those things that only harm us.
Paul told us to get rid of anger and be compassionate. To get rid of rage and be kind. To get rid of bitterness and forgive. These opposite, contrasting qualities cannot co-exist. They can only be exchanged. Let go of the old and embrace the new.
Think about these truth as you listen again to today’s passage:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
Notice that the reaction to a feeling, like anger, is not a feeling. Paul is not asking us to feel differently - he is asking us to do something. In doing something, in extending grace, we are not condoning any offence, rather we are showing strength, the strength that only a God can supply.
Is there any anger that you need to exchange with showing compassion? Any rage that you need to exchange with showing kindness? Any bitterness that you need to exchange with offering forgiveness?
Let’s pray: “Father, guide me, lead me, help me to get rid of the things that hurt me and displease You. I want to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, to the depths that You have forgiven me. As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:21-25 MSG
“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.
Jesus was crystal clear that His followers must live by a higher standard … His standard. His teaching always pointed to the importance of the intent of our hearts. Anger, verbal insults, careless words, and grudges all come from a troubled heart. But the real point isn’t even about holding a standard, but rather what is right for us to live in peace and righteousness, the best thing for us and everyone in our circles.
As you heard Jesus’s words, did anyone’s face pop into your mind? Did these verses trigger an instance in your memory?
Listen again to some of the key phrases in this passage:
“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” … “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. (Matthew 5:21-25 MSG)
When God brings someone to mind or a circumstance, remember His words: “Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You hold us to a standard, yet You have made provision by Your grace and mercy when we fail. Please forgive my words that have killed, do kill, and can kill. Teach me to make the first move to make things right. To let go and give both my hurts and my sin to You. As above, so below.”
Romans 12:17-21 NLT
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
There is some great relationship advice in this passage: Don’t pay back evil with evil. Live honorably. Never take revenge. Serving even your enemies in times of need proves character comes first. Good will always overcome evil—in His time, in the end.
But one of the best pieces of counsel here is found in verse 18: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” God only expects us to do what we can. We are not responsible for anyone else’s actions. We do our part whether they do theirs or not. And who does this apply to? Everyone. Saints and sinners. The guilty and the innocent.
In your life right now, is peace your agenda or is revenge on the table? Is it time to let God handle something for you so good can conquer evil?
Listen to this priceless passage one more time but this time from The Message Bible:
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (Romans 12:17-21 MSG)
Pray with me:
“Heavenly Father, teach me to live honorably. Show me how to live at peace with everyone. Help me to stay away from revenge and leave that with You. When I encounter evil or am tempted by evil, help me to choose Your way. May I learn how to surprise others with Your goodness. As above, so below.”
King David’s very vocal wrestling to accept God’s forgiveness is a huge help to us as we navigate forgiving ourselves for our mistakes too—past and present.
Psalm 25:4-12 NLT
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love andfaithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.
In David’s personal processing and prayer, He reminds himself of God’s goodness and confesses the truth that that goodness is greater than any sin he could ever commit. Finally, David declares that God is the only one who will lead us out of our sin and into safety and security.
Think of an area of your life that you need help in forgiving yourself?
As I read parts of the passage again, notice how David prays, then in verse 8, he changes to a declaration of what God does, but then in verses 11 and 12 he goes back to personal prayer:
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow....teach me, for you are the God who saves me... I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love...
Here’s the turn: The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
And now back: For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins... He will show them the path they should choose.
David was bold in his brokenness. God is inviting you to the same as you share your heart with Him.
What is an area of your life that you can be bold in your brokenness before God?
Let’s pray using David’s own words: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me. I put my hope in You. Remember me in the light of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O Lord. For the honor of Your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. ...As above, so below.”
Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
David’s detailed and intense description of his battle with sin and confession offers us such a great encouragement to go straight to the Lord and be honest with all our confessions. We see the journey of David trying to ignore his guilt and pain, his loss of even physical health, and then his ultimate surrender of all rebellion. Healthy acceptance of shame through confession brings us in line with authentic humility and our dependency on God.
Is there an area of life that you are trying to rectify on your own? A sin... that you are reluctant to call a sin... or rationalize away? Maybe an attitude or something that we feel entitled to hold onto that we really should confess. something that we know, to use David’s words, “are causing our body to waste away”?
Listen to verses 1, 2 and 5 once again—the result of full confession and acceptance of forgiveness:
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! ...You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-2, 5 NLT)
Can you see the power in confession and surrender?
Today, if you relate to any part of David’s words, take his advice and make things right. Confess and then accept the joy and freedom of total and absolute forgiveness.
Pray with me using David’s words: “Heavenly Father, forgive my disobedience. Put my sin out of sight. Clear my record. Thank You for forgiving me. Now, may I let go of my guilt and accept Your grace. As above, so below.”
Psalm 51:1-4, 7-12 NLT
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. ...Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
David longs to not feel stained or dirty or guilty or broken or disloyal or isolated any longer. We all know these feelings much too well. Reflect on David’s understanding of how absolute the removal of any trace of sin God can bring. Like it never happened. David talks about how his rebellion haunts him day and night.
Is there sin in your past, or even currently, that haunts you day and night?
Listen again to what David asks of God in this passage from the Message bible:
God, give grace! Scrub away my guilt,
I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.
You’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! It is likely that whatever the sin that haunts you day or night is not as drastic as the affair and murder that David carries. In confessing and asking forgiveness we are talking to the same God that David did in this passage. We know that God’s forgiveness is as absolute then as it is now. God’s grace never runs out. His mercy never ends. His love never quits. Can you offer the same grace to yourself that God gives? He promises a clean heart, a loyal spirit, joy of the salvation given to us.
Pray with me: “O God, thank You for Your mercy, Your unfailing love, Your removal of guilt and Your cleansing of stains. Thank You for Your restoration, but most of all, thank You for Your presence in my life. As above, so below."
Psalm 86:1-7 NLT
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
As we learn to go to God with our sin, our guilt, our past, and all our stuff, we can then begin to sense His constant presence, because while He has been right with us all along and never moved, we finally choose to stop running away and attempting to hide. We see that progression in today’s passage as David’s 'Psalm 51 moment' is now in his rearview mirror.
Our brokenness can produce a humble boldness.
Our surrender can provide a sense of security.
Our submission can protect us from falling again.
Do you recognize, can you feel, God’s presence with You as You begin to live in a constant state of forgiveness?
Like King David, you can call to God whenever You are in trouble and He will answer You.
Let’s make Psalm 86 our personal prayer.
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for Iam calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. ...As above, so below.
Psalm 130:1-7
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. If you, Lord, should write down our sins, O Lord, who could stand? But You are the One Who forgives, so You are honored with fear. I wait for the Lord. My soul waits and I hope in His Word. My soul waits for the Lord more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. ...hope in the Lord! For there is loving-kindness with the Lord. With Him we are saved for sure.
David has worked through a great deal in his life. He has literally worked out his relationship with God to live in a state of security and blessing once again. He does not claim to be without sin now, but rather, he knows where to go when he does and to go quickly! Being aquatinted with our shortcomings produces humility and a correct posture of dependency on God for His grace and Power.
David confesses that God is the only One who forgives, He is loving and kind, and the path to certain salvation. Can you confess with same assurance that the same God that David is talking about here from thousands of years ago is active and available today to you in real time.
How would it change the way you approach your day, your relationships to live in the full acceptance of God’s loving and kind forgiveness?
Also, If God has forgiven you, isn’t it time to let the weight of toxic shame go -and be empowered by the grace forgiveness and acceptance that the God of the universe extends to you.
A free life is fully available every day, all the time, with God.
Let’s turn Psalm 130 into our prayer today:
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. You are the One Who forgives. I wait for You, Lord. My soul waits and I hope in Your Word. My soul waits for You, Lord, more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. I put my hope in You, Lord! For there is loving-kindness with You, Lord. With You, I am saved for sure. ...As above, so below.
While Jesus certainly taught us all about God’s love, mercy, and grace, some of the toughest words He spoke were about forgiveness ... and the lack of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-15 NIV
“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus included forgiveness in a very short example of how to talk to God, in what came to be known as The Lord’s Prayer. But then immediately following the prayer, He continued His teaching on forgiveness. It is important that we notice in verse 12 that Jesus says “Forgive us as we forgive.” Connecting that phrase to verses 14 and 15 communicates that God expects us to keep our slate clean and our list empty of what we hold against others. So He can then do the same for us. This does not mean that God is unable to forgive, but because He is God, He has a divine order for everything that He knows is always the best thing for us.
Staying free of bitterness and unforgiveness, along with being forgiven for our offenses, is the healthiest path for us all.
Do you have an “I will never forgive that person” list? An “I can never forgive that person” list? Sometimes it is only through God’s strength that we are able to forgive.
Think of that person as I personalize Jesus’ words from this passage again:
“And forgive me of my sins, as I have forgiven those who sin against me. And don’t let me yield to temptation, but rescue me from the evil one. “If I forgive those who sin against me, my heavenly Father will forgive me. But if I refuse to forgive others, my Father will not forgive my sins.” (Matthew 6:12-15 NIV)
We need to avoid the temptation to view Jesus’s words as harsh, but rather as what it takes for us to be our best and healthiest in the sight of God. Again, often on our strength alone it can feel impossible to take this very important step.
Ask your Father for the strength to forgive as you have been forgiven.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to lay my list of people I can’t, or struggle to, forgive before You right now. I confess I battle with forgiving them. Father, I don’t want anything to come between my relationship with You, so please give me the strength and obedience to follow Your words—to release them and forgive them for good—just as You have forgiven me for my offenses and sins against You and others. As above, so below.”
Matthew 18:21–22
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Jesus was not teaching the disciples that on the four-hundred-and-ninety-first time someone offends you that you can then take action against them. Peter obviously thought adding up to seven was a huge display of grace, but Jesus corrected his math using multiplication.
The idea here is that we forgive so much that you stop counting. We don’t add up offenses. We multiply grace and forgiveness.
Another way of interpreting this passage is: Don’t keep score, just like God doesn’t with us. When you apply Jesus’ answer to the context of all New Testament teaching, the bottom line is we must forgive others as often as God forgives us.
Is there someone in your life that you feel has or is pushing you far past seven times? In fact, you are thinking right now that they might be nearing the “seventy times seven” range? Picture that person in your mind now.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage:
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21–22 MSG)
I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that God doesn’t keep score or have a “sin quota” that once we go over, we run out of His grace. Doesn’t it make sense that as His followers He would expect us to do the same?
Wounded people, like us, tend to want to apply justice to the wrongs that have been done, especially to us. Extending grace does not equal diminishing the offense, or the effect of it. Rather, Grace, in this case, is allowing God to be the judge and jury. Not us. He is our defender. In fact, letting go of offense is actually OUR pursuit of freedom and has nothing to do with the offender. Perhaps, this is why Jesus is so emphatic about it.
As we said yesterday -in our strength alone it can feel impossible to let go of offenses.
Ask your Father for the strength to surrender the offenses against you.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank you that You don’t keep score with my sin. Please help me to stop keeping score with others. Help me to let things go, I confess I have a hard time on my own strength. Teach me to live in Your grace and share Your grace with others. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 1:7 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.
Our confession of sin—one time—triggers God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. What an amazing deal for us once we simply get honest with God about what we have done.
If you struggle with forgiving yourself for any past mistakes and sins, maybe it’s time to visualize a funeral for them.
Confess, place them under the blood of Christ, and ask for forgiveness one final time.
Commit to this being the last time you will bring it up. Just like when a funeral is over, you need to walk away once you’ve said your goodbyes. But now instead of mourning and grief, you say hello to freedom and forgiveness.
What is a specific sin you are willing to confess and bury today?
Listen once again to God’s promises and the finality of what happens once we confess:
But if we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. —Psalm 103:12 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)
It is time to say a final goodbye to something God wants to see you let go of... that you know you need to let go of.
As you can see, He has made your forgiveness and freedom available to you right now.
How does it feel to know that God not only forgives your sins, but He forgets they even happened. What does it look like to accept you are living with a new reality, a clean slate.
Let’s commit this to Him: “Father, I want today to say a final goodbye to the things that have held me back from receiving all You have for me. Today, I hand these things over You. Thank You now for Your faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. As above, so below.”
Romans 5:15-18 NLT
There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But evengreater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought death. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought grace and forgiveness. Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought condemnation. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought righteousness, along with the opportunity for a right relationship with God and new life for ... who? Everyone who believes.
Whose image do you feel like you live in day in and day out? Adam’s or Jesus’s? Through Jesus we are offered ‘new life’ -how does it feel for you to experience that all condemnation is lifted from you right now?
Listen again, but this time, we will focus only on what Christ provides for you: There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. ... But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different ... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. ... But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, ... Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-18 NLT)
The word “gift” is used five times in this passage. God’s wonderful free gift of forgiveness and His righteousness. Today, His gift is yours. Receive it. Open it. Live it. Share it.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your gift. Thank You that You offer this gift to me every day. Help me to receive what You give and be grateful that I can walk in true, real freedom and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
Colossians 1:11-14 NLT
We ... pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred usinto the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Focus on these key words from this passage. Strength ... power ... endurance ... patience ... joy ... inheritance ... belonging ... light ... rescue ... deliverance ... freedom ... and forgiveness.
On this final day of the week, consider this question ...Where does the path to forgiveness lead?
Where does it end and where are we when we arrive?
The answer is a life filled with the words I just read. But all of those amazing gifts, promises, and qualities are found daily in, and through, and from, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Listen again and meditate on these words —these promises that are yours: Strength ... power ... endurance ... patience ... joy ... inheritance ... belonging ... light ... rescue ... deliverance ... freedom ... and forgiveness.
Let’s turn today’s passage into our prayer today:
Father, I pray that You will strengthen me with all Your glorious power so that I will have all the endurance and patience I need. May I be filled with joy, always thankingYou, Father. You have enabled me to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your people, who live in the light. For You have rescued me from the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the Kingdom of Your dear Son, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins. ... As above, so below.
In Luke 7, Jesus was teaching about forgiveness and gratitude
Luke 7:41-47 MSG
Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” “That’s right,” said Jesus. … but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.”
Oftentimes, we view sin as if God has levels of disobedience. We can get into debates on whose sin was the greater. While God in His perfection sees things as black and white, He knows the sin we struggle with causes us to view things in such a skewed way. Here, Jesus was allowing for that mindset by acknowledging that the more we are forgiven of, the more grateful we will be. Why? Because the more shame we feel, the greater relief we experience when forgiven. The farther we have fallen, the higher we can rise up.
In your life, how have you experienced this dynamic—what is something that you have felt the most shame for?
Knowing that, if you have asked for it, that sin is completely forgiven… like it never happened, how does that make your heart feel?
Focus on feeling that great gratitude, let it uplift you spirit.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main points: Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” … speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman?... She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” (Luke 7:41-47 MSG)
The path to avoiding arrogance and staying humble is to maximize our gratitude. The road to staying forgiven before God is to continually acknowledge sin and practice being grateful each day.
Let’s pray: “Father, I never want to take Your forgiveness for granted. I also don’t want to view sin as what I do being less than anyone else’s offense. Help me to stay clean before You. Help me to keep my list short and my gratitude constant. As above, so below.”
Psalm 138:1-3 MSG
Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
In this passage, King David’s gratitude is all encompassing. Everything in him says “Thank you.” Nothing is held back. All of his heart, soul and mind kneel and worship God.
David’s gratitude is expressed specifically about God’s love, His faithfulness, His name, and His Word.
David’s gratitude has an origin and a reason for being: the moment I called out, You stepped in and brought strength.
Gratitude cannot be fully expressed until the reason for gratitude has been fully recognized. Our busy, often distracted lives can cause us to miss God’s goodness. Our self-focused perspective can keep our eyes on our perceived lack, not our realized gain.
Listen again to David’s appeal to God: Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. (Psalm 138:1-3 MSG)
If you know Christ today, if you have a relationship with God, then He has indeed stepped in; He has most certainly made your life large with strength, even in Your darkest moments. There is power for daily living in gratitude.
What are areas of you life, or people in your life that you should express your gratefulness right now?
Can you thank him for the challenges too, knowing He will use them for you good?
Let’s pray using David’s words: “Thank you! Everything in me says ‘Thank you!’ Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. As above, so below.”
In John 11, we find the story of Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb after he had died. When He arrived, Jesus said:
“Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
It’s fascinating that the first thing Jesus did was to have the stone removed that was blocking the tomb. Then to raise a man from the dead, He began by expressing gratitude to God, His Father. After thanking God for listening and responding, He commanded the man’s resurrection and ultimate freedom.
Think about a situation in your life where you are struggling. Is there a situation that seems hopeless - that feels dead and you desire new life.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main commands: “Go ahead, take away the stone.”… Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful … Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, … Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
Our stone can be rolled away to free us. Can you trust God to resurrect hope that seems dead?
You can come out of your struggle with a renewed and transformed life from witnessing God’s miraculous power.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You for resurrection and new life. Thank You that You have power over sin and death. Thank You that You forgive and offer real freedom. I believe You today for all these in my life. As above, so below.”
In John 11, we find the story of Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb after he had died. When He arrived, Jesus said:
“Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
It’s fascinating that the first thing Jesus did was to have the stone removed that was blocking the tomb. Then to raise a man from the dead, He began by expressing gratitude to God, His Father. After thanking God for listening and responding, He commanded the man’s resurrection and ultimate freedom.
Think about a situation in your life where you are struggling. Is there a situation that seems hopeless - that feels dead and you desire new life.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main commands: “Go ahead, take away the stone.”… Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful … Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, … Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
Our stone can be rolled away to free us. Can you trust God to resurrect hope that seems dead?
You can come out of your struggle with a renewed and transformed life from witnessing God’s miraculous power.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You for resurrection and new life. Thank You that You have power over sin and death. Thank You that You forgive and offer real freedom. I believe You today for all these in my life. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we are going to meditate completely on Scripture that expresses gratitude. Take these passages into your mind, heart, and spirit.
(Psalm 100 NLT) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
(Psalm 105:1-4 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
(Psalm 106:1-2 NLT)Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?
(Psalm 107:1-2 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
(Psalm 108:1-5 NLT) My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! … I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
(Revelation 5:11-13 NLT) I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Pray “Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiveness and freedom. As I accept Your forgiveness and freedom, help me always to grant forgiveness and freedom to others. You are worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. As above, so below.”
Philippians 3:12-16 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.
While we all have a past on some level, and things we’ve done that we aren’t proud of, the apostle Paul had the execution and imprisonment of Christ-followers in his recent past. He had overseen the stoning of Stephen recorded in Acts 7. So when he says “forgetting what is behind, straining ahead, and pressing on to his goal,” that effort is no small feat. But Paul lived first and foremost from the knowledge that Christ had forgiven him.
Anyone can set goasl, but reaching for, straining toward, and winning that goal takes great courage. To make major progress and reach new heights in our lives, we must let go of the painful events, relationships, and things of our past that hold us back from becoming who we need to be.
Listen once again to Paul’s action phrases from this passage:
I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. …
one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us … who are mature should take such a view of things. … let us live up to what we have already attained.
(from Philippians 3:12-16 NIV)
Does your past effect you making goals?
Like Paul had to do, let go of your past. Press on towards Christ. Be mature and live up to what He has already provided for you—forgiveness, redemption, freedom, grace, strength, courage and love. … It’s time to move towards the goals He has place in your heart.
Pray with me: “Father, help me to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Help me to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. May I live up to what I have already received from You. … As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Paul used runners in a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. Notice he never mentioned the prospect of losing, only what must be done to win. A major mental and emotional dynamic of serious athletes is to constantly envision winning. For you to set and attain your goals in life, try to take losing off the table. Run to win. Train hard. Give it everything you’ve got. Stay alert. Envision winning. Why? Because we tend fulfill the personal prophesies that we create in our minds.
Listen again to Paul’s inspirational speech: Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG)
What do you need to let go of, or what do you need to start doing to race like you never have before?
Let’s declare Paul’s words out loud: I run to win. I will give it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I will stay alert and in top condition. (from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG)
Let’s pray together: “Father, I desire to win any and everything that You intend for me to win in life. Teach me to think Your thoughts and live as one who desires to win and cross Your finish line. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
This passage from the prophet Isaiah, offering God’s words to the people of Israel, is both beautiful and poetic. As followers of Christ, we can apply these promises to our own lives because God has opened every door and provided every gift He holds in His storehouse for us through Jesus.
God has created for us a way out of the past and into the realm of the new He has made. He wants us to see, understand, and embrace all He has for us. In what was once a wilderness, He makes a way and what once was a wasteland, He creates a stream. That, my friends, opens up the doors for us to not only set new and exciting goals for our lives, but actually see them come true.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Declare this with me: I will forget the former things; I will not dwell on the past. I will see the new thing that God is doing! He is making a way in my wilderness and a stream in my wasteland. (from Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father, thank You for the new thing You are doing in my life. I receive it and want to see it happen. Bring Your way, create Your stream, through my life to live as You desire and designed me to live. As above, so below.”
Joshua 1:6-8 NLT
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
For those who love God, for those who follow Christ, the way to reach the life goals that God created us to attain is only through Him—His way, His will, and His Word. To become everything He planned for us when He formed us in our mother’s wombs.
When God spoke to Joshua on behalf of the people of Israel about moving to the Promised Land, He twice said to “be strong and courageous,” and then to be very careful to follow His Word. Then they would prosper and succeed. The same is true for us today. Follow God’s way, His will, and His Word, which in today’s culture, will take being strong and courageous.
Listen once again to this rephrasing of today’s passage, this time for the Message Bible:
Strength! Courage! Give it everything you have, heart and soul… Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed.” (from Joshua 1:6-8)
It is clear in this passage how important it is to Study and Meditate on God’s word to be successful. The path to success and achieving goals for the believer only comes through an uncompromising path through His Word.
Let’s pray: “Father God, please give me a hunger for Your Word, a desire to study Your Book, to meditate on it, and be careful to obey what You tell me. As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
What does loving others on God’s terms have to do with setting and attaining our personal goals? … Everything. … People, quote-unquote, win and succeed every day and reach amazing goals, but they harm and hurt people along the way. Is a win actually a win if we have made someone else lose? What good can come of a goal met if someone has been pushed aside in the race?
The one who loves like Christ, as Paul defines in this passage, will win. That person will attain their goals because others have been placed first, people have seen Christ, and God has been loved more than self.
Listen to verses 4-7 again from the Message Bible:
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Let love set your goals. Let love drive your goals. Let love be your goal. After all, that is the true goal Christ came, died, and rose again to allow us to gain and attain.
Let’s agree in prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be patient and kind, to not be jealous or boastful or proud or rude, to not demand my own way, to not be irritable, and to keep no record of wrongs, to not rejoice about injustice, but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. May my love for You, in You, and from You, never give up, never lose faith, always stay hopeful, and endure through every circumstance. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath:
1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd’s field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God’s people from the hands of a giant. David didn’t see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places.
Listen to the shepherd-warrior’s words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT)
No, you aren’t fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David’s mindset can be yours today.
Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn’t know you had? Picture that situation.
The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother’s womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life.
Fill in David’s words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to look at the moment of truth in Gideon’s life:
Judges 6:12-16 NLT
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you! “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”
Gideon had the opposite mindset of David, our Bible story from yesterday. But while two different men had two different perspectives of what they could accomplish, one factor was same: God had called them.
Gideon even named himself the least man, in the weakest clan, of all the people. In today’s language, he would say: “Lord, I’m the last guy you want to pick for this job.” But the Lord said, “I will be with you.” That truth is exactly what gave David and Gideon the courage and the confidence they needed to face their enemies.
Do you feel like David today, ready for your big moment, or more like Gideon, “I’m the last person you want to pick, God.”
Listen again to what the Lord said to Gideon this time from the Message Bible: ““God is with you, O mighty warrior!” … “God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?” … God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.” (Judges 6:12, 14, 16 ).
What if God appeared to you right now and called you a hero? How do you know He isn’t? Maybe he looks upon you and what you are pushing through right now in your life and sees your courage? Regardless of how you may feel or see your life, this much is true: He is telling you to go at your life with the strength you have because He is with you. And He is most definitely saying today: “I will be with you.”
Declare this after me: “Lord, I know You are with me.”
Let’s pray: “Dear Lord, thank You for examples like David but also those like Gideon, so we can see that the Source of our courage and victories are You. Help me live today knowing, believing, that You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, we’ll jump into Ruth’s story when she and Boaz first met.
Ruth 2:5-12 NLT
Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? … the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since …” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
You must remember that quite often you are being courageous, but you can’t see it. … But others do. In fact, most often courage is something we experience but may not even recognize until later, once we are past the circumstance. God has a unique way of providing confidence when we don’t know it. Just like Ruth, there is a humility that coincides with that kind of courage.
Think for a moment about the last time you knew you exhibited strong confidence and courage. Did you know it at the time? Did you feel it? Likely not. You may not have seen it in the front windshield but now you clearly see it in your rearview mirror. But like Boaz with Ruth, others were en-couraged by watching you have courage in a tough situation.
Listen again to Boaz’s words: “But I also know about everything you have done… I have heard … [so] May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:11-12 NLT)
Whatever you are walking through today, remember that God is giving you confidence, not in yourself but in Him, to be courageous, not just for you, but for others. He sees you. He knows what you are doing. He hears you. And so do others. Your life is making a difference as you walk through every struggle.
Let’s pray: “Father, Thank You for Your confidence and Your courage. Help me to en-courage others as you give me the confidence to press on. As above, so below.”
Today, we jump into the story of Queen Esther and Mordecai where the most critical decision of Esther’s life is about to take place:
Esther 4:8-16 NLT
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai’s message. Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.” …
Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “… If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
When Esther was suddenly elevated out of nowhere to become queen, the last thing she saw coming was to risk her life to save her people. But that was exactly what happened and the position God placed her in.
So often, our places of greatest responsibility are the same places we must exhibit the greatest courage. The two just seem to go hand in hand.
Where is your greatest place of responsibility right now? Where are you being called to show the most courage? Has God placed you there “for such a time as this?”
Listen to Mordecai’s challenge to Esther and her response one more time: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “I will go … If I must die, I must die.”
If there is a place in your life right now where God is calling you to take action, to speak up, to intervene, to show a confidence like you never have before, then take courage, my friend. Call on God’s strength, know He has called and created for a purpose, and be bold in obedience.
Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father God, where you have given me great responsibility, I know You ask me to display great courage. Help me to make the hard call and do the right thing for You, in Your name. As above, so below.”
Matthew 26:36-39, 45-46
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Then he came to the disciples and said, “… look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
The most courageous moment in the history of humankind is when Jesus made the final decision to redeem us. As fully human, like you or me…He stood at the last crossroads before the actual cross and said yes for us. The turning point in that battle was when He stated, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
In our final day of this week’s series on courage, the way we may live in confidence and express courage in the face of any trial is by stating to God: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Think about the stories we have visited this week, David, Gideon, Ruth, and Esther—each one had to come to the place of saying “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even David the warrior would have preferred to not risk his life that day, but he knew there was a much higher purpose for his life than protecting sheep.
Where in your life today are you battling a decision or struggling with a calling? Where do you need to let go and follow Jesus into saying, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” And even repeat His words: “Look—the time has come. Up—let’s be going.” The reality for you, though, is that your decision will not end in death. In fact, your personal courage could potentially create far more life than you ever knew before.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made the choice for me in the garden. You chose God’s will for redemption and sacrificed your own will and life. Help me now to follow Your example and continually say to You: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” As above, so below.”
Listen to Jesus’s words about the prodigal
Luke 15:18-24 NLT
I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Jesus told this parable for us to get a visual picture of the depth and devotion of God’s love, to visualize the level of grace and mercy available to us. No matter what we have done in the past, our decision today to come to Him can end in a restored and redeemed future.
Is there something that you are carrying in your life that you feel ashamed of right now?
The most powerful scene in this story is that the father was watching the road for his child to come home. His heart was fixed on seeking his child.
Listen again this time from the Message Bible:
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
“But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. (Luke 15:20, 22-24 NLT)
Always remember, God is watching, not to judge, but to love.
But here’s an important question:
Have you, will you, receive His love, His gifts?
Will you allow yourself to FEEL the celebration your Father is throwing for you? And allow yourself to let go of the failures and sin that kept your from Him? He is not interested in revisiting your shortcomings. He is celebrating your return to his arms. He runs to you. Not reluctant of hesitant - but full of excitement - Yes, that’s right. He is excited, happy, full of joy to have you close.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for meeting me on my road, for loving me, giving me Your gifts and Your life, and a home forever. As above, so below. Amen”
1 John 3:1-2 NLT
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is..
One of the primary and consistent names for God throughout the Bible is Father. From the prophets in the Old Testament to the New Testament with Jesus and the disciples who took the Gospel to the world, He is called Father. And of course, only someone with children can be known as Father.
In today’s passage, John describes a loving Father who loves His kids. We are His children and we will come to look like Him and eventually be with Him face to face.
You are a child of your own parents and perhaps you are a parent of your own kids, but accepting … receiving the fact that God is your Father who deeply loves you is a fact you have to believe and embrace for yourself.
Imagine the depth of your love for your child. Now accept the love your Father has for you. The way He thinks about you all the time. The way He fiercely protects you. The way He would give anything to have closeness with you. Sit in the awareness that you are always on the mind of the creator of the universe. Your Father.
Read once again, this time as His child, as we personalize the passage as intended - for you:
See how very much [Your] Father loves [you], for he calls [you] his child, and that is what [you] are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that [you] are God’s child because they don’t know him. Dear friend, [you] are already God’s child, but he has not yet shown [you] what [you] will be like when Christ appears. But [you] do know that [you] will be like him, for [you] will see him as he really is. (1 John 3:1-2 NLT).
Embracing the fact that you are a deeply loved child of God will powerfully impact your life, because that mindset and viewpoint will be passed down to your children and those around you. God’s love alive in you will reinforce God’s love through you to others. His parenting of you will become a powerful part of how you parent.
Declare this: “Father God, I know I am your child and I know that You love me.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that I am a parent because you were a parent first. I can love my kids because You loved me first. Thank You that You know me and call me Your child and thank You that You know my children and call them your own too. As above, so below.”
Matthew 7:9-11 NLT
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Jesus often used a form of exaggeration to make His points and to get people’s attention to deliver a strong truth. As you hear this passage, of course you wouldn’t give your child a rock when they were expecting food. Of course, you wouldn’t put a snake in their happy meal or lunchbox.
While we understand the point clearly, as parents, we can still paint God with an ill intention or subtly accuse Him of some sort of bait-and-switch when things don’t turn out like we thought they might.
Jesus is clear—God does not and will not play games with our lives, with our hearts. Others will, even we will, but He won’t.
Read Jesus’ words once more for the Message Bible: “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
What was the last good gift God gave you?
What good gift are you praying for right now?
In the quietness of this moment, dismiss the tempting thoughts of God giving stones and snakes to you and your children.
Expect and embrace the bread and fish, the good gifts He will multiply in your life.
Let’s pray: “Father, forgive me when I get into a stones and snakes mindset with You. I know that is not your heart for me and my children. I ask Your blessing, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor on my home. As above, so below.”
Hearing the Christmas story outside of the holiday can bring a new context. Today, let’s focus on Mary and Joseph as new parents in this story: (Luke 2:12-19 MSG)
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
Consider for a moment this strange truth: God entrusted His Son that He sent to redeem the world to a man and woman who were sinners. The same scenario that started the mess to begin with. At least, the first couple wasn’t sinners in the beginning. But Mary and Joseph were. Why would He do something so illogical? Simple. To redeem everything that went wrong the first time through the same method: Obeying His direction through free will, free choice.
Read the last verse one more time: Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
When life got hard, when being the Messiah’s mom was difficult, when following God’s plan looked crazy, when Jesus was on His way to the cross, Mary held on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life.
When life gets hard for you, maybe as a parent, when being your kid’s parent is difficult, when following God’s plan looks crazy, when fear, pain, and struggle are in your face, hold on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life. Hold onto the things of God in your heart, deep within you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, what awesome parents You must have had. Help me to take as much care with my children as Mary and Joseph did with You. Hold me close while I keep You in my heart. As above, so below.”
Luke 2:27-33 MSG
As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine for a moment taking your child to what we would think of today as a baby dedication and having a total stranger walk up and tell you more about your child than you know—all because God had told him. Simeon explained Jesus’ entire life mission while holding a baby. Now, that is faith.
In our final day of this series, I want you to know, while of course there was and will only be one Jesus, because of His life, each of your children have a distinct and unique plan, purpose, and mission in their lives. God has their life mapped out.
You don’t have to see it today, just like Jesus’ parents couldn’t, but God does … and God can ... and God will.
Read once again: Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine one day being “speechless with surprise” at watching what God does in the life of your child, with the life of your child. That kind of vision is available to you as a parent through a relationship with Christ. Will you trust there is a plan greater than you can imagine for your child that is already mapped out? Now, can you embrace that God thought you would be the perfect parent for that plan He has for your child? How does it feel to know your are right where you are suppose to be as the parent of your child according to God’s Plan?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have a plan for my child and you even know where they will work with You and where they will fight You, just like I did. Please draw them close to You, guide them, lead them, protect them to be all You want them to be. And I’ll just be grateful to get to watch. As above, so below. Amen”
Luke 6:27-31 NLT
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The world’s definition of courage at times mirrors God’s, but plenty of other times does not at all. One of the greatest examples is that the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah with the type of courage that rides in on a horse, wields a sword, and administers justice by force. But God sent His Son who became a carpenter that taught peace and unconditional love. His courage came to conquers hearts, not kingdoms.
Jesus’ words are just as counter-cultural today as they were back then. To offer love to those who offend … People then thought, “Who does that?” People today think, “Why would someone do that?”
Who is one person that comes to mind that you can do the unexpected, unwarranted act of kindness towards? The person that requires courage to humble yourself and serve?
Listen closely once again to Jesus, this time from the Message Bible: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”
The Kingdom of God has always run in full opposition to the world’s ways. Man says to hate the haters; God says to love the haters. Man says to get revenge; God says to repent. Man says to take; God says to give. Man says you only give to get; God says you get so you can give. Who does that? We should. Why would someone do that? Because He told us we should. That is real courage.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, the only possible way we could have such courage and do any of the things You tell us is because You empower us to do so. Teach us, guide us, lead us, en-courage us to act like You. As above, so below. Amen”
Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
There was confusion amongst the people early on, even among his own disciples, about who Jesus truly was. Was He John the Baptist returned from the grave after his execution? Or was He one of the Old Testament prophets coming back for “round two?” Men were trying to identify Jesus as another man, when He was actually God.
Is your faith your own? Do you feel you inherited it from someone or maybe felt pressure at some point in your life to believe?
Listen closely once again: “Jesus … asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT)
Courage is making your own decision about Jesus and sticking by it. Each person must make their own choice and “own” their own faith. No one should be talked into a relationship with Jesus, so no one can talk them out of it either. As Jesus told Peter, “You didn’t learn this truth from a human, but from God. He reveals the truth to hearts.”
Today, for you, all that matters is who you say Jesus is, to you, for you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, You are who You said and say You are—the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Matthew 25:34-40 NLT
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Christ followers’ lives will be marked by bravery and courage—the kind it takes to love the unlovable, see those invisible to others, and get messy in other people’s messes. Many times the best people to do that are those who have experienced brokenness themselves. Because you learn to operate out of empathy, not sympathy.
Does someone come to mind when you think about the words - sick, naked, thirsty, hungry, stranger? Who are ‘the least of these’ that God might be bringing to your attention, that you might deliberately reach out to?
Listen once more to only Jesus’ words about Himself from the Message Bible:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
The biblical brand of courage will always be intertwined with loving and serving others, not for personal glory, but only for the sake of Christ.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made it very clear what is important to You about our lives here. While we often pray and ask You for Your will in our lives, in verses like these, You already gave us the mission. Help us to simply be courageous and obey. As above, so below. Amen”
Job 42:1-5 NLT
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
The story of Job begins with him being the most blessed man on the planet and then within a short time, he is completely wiped out through the death of his children and the loss of his wealth. Then a horrible illness set in with great pain and embarrassment. By the end of his encounter with some religious friends and a face-to-face stand-off with God Himself, the man is vindicated and blessed far beyond his original state.
Probably the greatest confrontation in this story, however, is when he displayed the deepest level of courage a human can exhibit—facing yourself. Job had to search his heart, humble himself, and come to some tough conclusions that brought him into a relationship with God like few have ever experienced.
Think about your worst moment, your lowest time in life thus far.
Listen again to Job’s culminating confession to God, this time from the Message Bible:
“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
Facing humiliation, shame, guilt, and pain in front of others is humbling and hard. But facing the person in the mirror and admitting truth is the hardest, yet most courageous thing we will ever do.
Let’s pray: “Father, please take my Job moments and help me to process and apply those to realize they have been an opportunity to see You with my own eyes and experience You in a way I may never have otherwise. As above, so below. Amen”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
The bottom line of courage as a Christ follower is not about us at all, but the fact that God has promised us throughout His Word that we can be strong, we can be brave, we can have courage, we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to panic in the face of problems, because His presence is with us.
Oftentimes when our kids are scared, they will ask, “Are you going to stay with me?” We say yes. Then they ask, “So, you won’t leave?” Now our answer must change to no. Interesting how often God will tell us what He will do, but then, just like a perfect Father, He will also tell us what He won’t do! In today’s passage, He adds, “I won’t fail or abandon you.”
What is going on in your life right now where you desperately need God’s courage to fill you?
Take comfort in His words. Take them in as if He were speaking only to you. In fact, let’s personalize this passage: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic. As the Lord your God, I will personally go ahead of you. I will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Picture whatever seemingly impossible situation is in your life right now. Now consider how that situation looks to the God of the universe. Can you accept that is the way your Father wants YOU to see that situation - from His point of view.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for Your strength, Your courage, that I don’t have to be afraid any longer, that there’s no need to panic. Thank You that You go ahead of me to face what I cannot see, that You never fail me or abandon Me. Help me to believe that, feel that, live that truth. As above, so below. Amen”
Proverbs 18:24 MSG
Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.
We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today’s verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.
Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.
Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.
Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.
Let’s pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”
Ruth 1:16 NLT
Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
This is, of course, the well-known answer Ruth gave to her mother-in-law, Naomi, recorded in the Book of Ruth after Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her own family, after both had lost their husbands.
Ruth’s declaration to Naomi that you are now my family and I am committed to you is as admirable as it is poetic.
There is a strong connection in Christ that causes His followers to have deep roots that intertwine and strengthen each other in Him. This level of commitment that Ruth expressed is found in true biblical community. We have the same God, have made the same commitment, therefore we have a heavenly connection that He began and only He will separate if His purposes decide.
Think for a moment about who you have this depth of love toward and who has the same towards you. Maybe this is a reminder to reaffirm and encourage someone in your life, letting them know how grateful and committed to the friendship you are.
Listen once again: Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. (Ruth 1:16 NLT)
The key to this type of community in Christ is never about ourselves, but the other person. We place others first to love and care for them, trusting and knowing they will do the same, without expectation, without fear, in grace and truth. Is there someone in your life that you can say with this conviction - your people are my people? Does that person know your commitment to the connection you have?
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for the freedom we can experience in friendship and community in You to be free to love and trust because ultimately what we share is in You and about You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of sharing life with others, knowing You are our God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Romans 15:4-6 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the first day of creation, God birthed order, purpose, and unity into all things. Even after sin and rebellion entered the world, His ways were still available to practice as we see in the lives of those in the Old Testament. Regardless of how anyone else may choose to live, He has given us the ability to commune together in patience, encouragement, harmony, and unity. Both our individual work and our corporate worship can reflect His nature, producing good and blessing to others.
At any age we are and any stage of life, the community to which we commit our hearts and minds is crucial to our personal quality of life and faith. Those we join together with will determine our life and our future.
Is there a community you need to leave or have outgrown?
Is there a community you need to commit to and add your voice?
As you consider these questions, listen to this passage once more from the Message: …
May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
A community that lives in complete harmony? Sounds a lot like Heaven, doesn’t it? But Scripture is clear that we can get started right here, right now. What is one way you can move towards strengthening the harmony between those in your community today?
Let’s pray: “Father, while I wait for Your promises to be fulfilled, please give me patience and encouragement, help me live in complete harmony with others, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Lead me to join my voice to the community that gives praise and glory to You, Father. As above, so below. Amen”
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
If you take a dull knife and a sharp one and begin to rub the blades against one another for the purpose of sharpening the dull one, the reality is that both are going to be sharpened in the process. Even in mentoring relationships where an older and wiser person is pouring into a younger one, both are blessed by the interaction and learn from each other. So, the reality of our interaction within a Christian community is that iron sharpens iron—both ways. Everyone wins.
For the Christ follower, interacting in a community is always a two-way street. Because of the very nature of Christ’s Spirit living within us and leading us, we will always grow and mature by and through the relationships we share.
Right now in your life, who are you in the sharpening process with?
Listen to The Good News Bible’s version of Proverbs 27:17:
People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.
This slightly different twist allows for the fact that in the kingdom of God, even a brother or sister that we may disagree with on some issues, we can learn something of value from. Being an active part of a biblical community means teachability and humility are necessary dynamics for us all. Growing, challenging, teaching, sharing, and sharpening. Today, who is one person you can thank for being a constant sharpening force in your life - don’t wait to let them know. And who might God bring to mind that you can be an active sharpening tool for in your circle?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all those in my life that sharpen me, whether in full agreement or some disagreement. Thank you for all those who allow me the privilege of sharpening them. May I stay teachable, humble, fully obedient to You. As above, so below. Amen”
Philippians 2:1-5 NLT
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Paul was asking the believers at Philippi, first, have they received any benefit from being in their community of faith. Knowing their answer would be yes, he encouraged them with some basic dos and don’ts of loving one another. He closes the thought with the challenge of having the same attitude as Jesus. Why? Because we all know our attitude drives our thoughts, words, and actions.
A community in Christ is going to be marked and known by its attitude that reflects His nature first. All else will follow from that source.
Think for a moment about the circles you frequent. What is the attitude of each? How do they impact your own attitude?
Listen again to Paul’s very intentional words from the Message:
If you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
This passage is about our attitude. As we close and you breathe a few deep breathes, ask God to reveal your attitude to you. Is it selfless and sacrificial or selfish and self serving?
The good news of the Gospel is you can have the attitude of Christ Himself and your community will benefit by your choice.
Let’s make Paul words our prayer today: “Father, thank You for the encouragement in belonging to Christ, the comfort from Your love, the fellowship together in Your Spirit that allows our hearts to be tender and compassionate. In my own community, guide me to live in wholehearted agreement with others, love, and work with one mind and purpose. Help me to not be selfish; not work to impress others, to be humble, and think of others as better than me, to not look out for my own interests, but take an interest in others. May I have the same attitude as Christ. As above, so below. Amen”
Psalm 127:3-4 NIV
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
When God allows us to be parents, He is blessing us with a responsibility and trusting us with the stewardship of life that He created. God made your children and is entrusting you with their lives. That says a lot about God, but also says a lot about how He feels about you.
If you have never thought of parenting in that light, let that truth sink in for just a moment.
Listen to the psalmist’s words one more time, this time for the Message bible
Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Loving parents are indeed warriors in the eyes of God. The concept in this verse means that one day, as a parent, you will draw back your bow with all the ways that you have invested in your child for so many years. And, like an arrow, each one of your children will fly out into the world, into their adult lives, to be all that God created them to be. So, for now, through prayer, through intentional time, through the grace of God, be a warrior … for your children … in Jesus’s name.
Let’s pray: “Thank You, heavenly Father, for my children, for my heritage in You, in your long line of love and legacy of faith. Strengthen me, empower me, to be a warrior as both a parent and Your child. As above, so below, Amen.”
Psalm 145:3-7 NLT
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Every belief system is always just one generation from extinction. That is exactly why over and over we see in God’s Word, how He wants us, first, to be a witness to our children. He wants us to show our kids through our words and actions that He is real and wants a relationship with us.
Right now, in your life, what is God doing that your kids need to hear about from your heart?
Let’s take the psalmist’s prayer and personalize the words to God from you:
Great are You, Lord! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. I will tell my children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on my tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. I will share the story of your wonderful goodness; I will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Declaring these words is humbling. Telling our children what God is doing in us is powerful. Making Him real to them is a privilege. Allowing them to see Him through your life is exactly what God wants to do in your parenting. Be obedient to Him and He will be faithful to you and the generation you are raising now.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, prompt me by Your Spirit to share with my kids the blessings You give and the burdens You take bear for us. Lead me to share Your story, in my story, as together we write their story. As above, so below, Amen.”
Today, we will focus on three verses on parenting from The Message Bible.
A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. (Proverbs 13:24 MSG)
God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. (Proverbs 20:7 MSG)
Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with. (Proverbs 29:17 MSG)
Because God was the first Parent, the Bible is clear that discipline is a natural and necessary part of the process. It is important to remember that discipline is not punishment. It is guiding, building into and yes, sometimes correcting them. God says He disciplines us because He loves us. If He did not care, He would not care if we changed either.
Regardless of how you were raised, you can look to God to teach you how correct and balanced discipline can benefit both you and your children in a spirit of love and grace.
God disciplines us because He loves us. You are His delight and He desires your relationship with Him to become more loyal and more honest each day. You can reflect that same deliberate guiding love to your children as You receive from God.
Pray: “Thank You, Father, for discipline and correction. Help me when I get it wrong and help me to see when I get it right. Guide me, balance me, in Your love and grace. As above, so below, Amen.”
Luke 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Jesus made His message clear: He wants parents to bring their children to Him to touch and bless. He wants no one to stop His interaction with His kids for any reason. There is no such thing as “bothering” Jesus for you or your kids. In fact, He said His kingdom belongs to children. No matter how old someone is, the way to enter His presence is to have the heart and faith of a child.
Is it time for you to take your kids to Jesus and, all of you, even you as their parent, become like little children before Him?
How would it look different in your life to approach your Father as a little child? Maybe there would be less pressure on trying to be perfect to approach Him? Picture yourself coming to His open arms as the little girl or boy that you were.
Read just verses 15 and 16 again with the emphasis only on the parents, the children, and Jesus:
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. … Jesus called for the children and said …, “Let the children come to me. … For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
Today, for our closing prayer, in this quiet moment, envision bringing each of your children before Jesus.
Ask Him to hold them, love them, and bless them.
And while you’re there, as His child, allow Him to do the same for you.
“As above, so below, Amen.”
Acts 2:42-44 NLT
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
In these few verses, we can feel and sense the community, camaraderie, and commitment among Christ’s followers. God’s Spirit had united His community following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. That same Spirit is alive and available today. To unite us. Lead us. Make us far stronger together than we could ever be alone, sharing our lives with one another and our faith with the world.
Do you have this sense of biblical community with other believers in your life?
Read again for the Message Bible: They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.
Teaching. Fellowship. Sharing. Prayer. Awe. Miracles. Those are the supernatural dynamics that set God’s Kingdom apart from all other communities throughout history. Bringing the supernatural into the natural, the miraculous into the mundane. You were created, born, and destined to be a part of all God is doing today, just as surely as those first disciples. You are here right now for a reason, for a purpose.
Think of your community, those you find harmony with. Can you ask God to set your community apart, that others would be in awe at the depth and commitment your have to one another, through Christ that binds you. Ask God to perform wonderful signs through you and your community so that His presence would be magnified.
Let’s pray: “God of Wonders, thank You that Your Spirit transforms lives from ordinary to extraordinary. You are still the God of miracles and the God of awe. Thank You for giving me a place in Your community of believers and inviting me to help You change the world. As above, so below.”
Psalm 95:6-8 NCV
Come, let’s worship him and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us, because he is our God and we are the people he takes care of, the sheep that he tends. Today listen to what he says.
Once we begin to understand that life itself, our very breath, every heartbeat, is provided by and ordained by the Creator, our response is gratitude and adoration for His care and attention to our lives.
The analogy of God as a Shepherd is a wonderful picture as we are so often like helpless sheep navigating this life.
When was the last time you stopped to just sit quietly and listen to God speak to your heart? Will you do that now
Read the psalmist’s words again of God’s care this time from the Message Bible:
So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
In this moment, worship Him. Bow your heart. Bend your knee. Feel His care. Listen as He speaks to You.
Let’s pray: “Great and Good Shepherd, thank You for Your never-ending care. I worship You. I bow both heart and knee before You. I want to listen now as You speak to my spirit. As above, so below.”
Acts 4:32-35 NLT
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them.
Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth.
Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples.
This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers.
Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.
No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another’s needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”
Various verses from 1 John, chapter 3:
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (v. 1)
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. (v. 16)
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. (vs. 18-19)
And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. (v. 23)
The kind of love we come to understand from God’s Word is vastly different from the love we learn from the world. Today, the definition of love seems to be a moving target. Yet to God, love never changes because He is love. He is the Author of Love. And God wants to write a new message of His love on our hearts every day.
How can today’s verses help you keep re-shaping, re-defining your own definition of love? How can it reorient your thinking about the way to love a specific person that comes to mind?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. (v. 1)
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. (v. 16)
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. (vs. 18-19)
Again, this is God’s command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. (v. 23)
To God, unconditional love is not optional. Love has no on/off switch. Love is to be found, given, accepted, embraced, and given away from knowing the very heart of God, the only endless supply that impacts the course of our lives, every day.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You show us how to love, provide us with the love to share, and then multiply the love we give in Your name. Teach me today to love like You love. As above, so below.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Chosen. Royal. Holy. God’s very own. These are all words He chose to describe us as His redeemed and restored community through the sacrifice of Jesus. This position offers us new identity, access to light in any darkness, mercy and grace that we now share with those in need.
Can you accept and receive God’s identity and position that He offers you as His child? How will this new Identity change the way you approach this day?
Let’s adapt and personalize this verse. Listen to how the God of the universe talks about you:
For “you” are chosen. “You” are a royal priest, part of a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity; now you are God’s. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT)
Right now, in this moment, accept, receive the truth that you are chosen by God. You are a royal priest; God’s very own with a new identity; His child that He now trusts to share His love with all those in your circles. To receive and share His mercy. To embrace and give His grace. To take in His light and be His light.
Pray with me now: “Father of Light, what an awesome privilege to be Your vessel through which Your love, grace, mercy, and light can flow in, out, and through to others. Help me to receive all You have for me, not because of my own merits, but Jesus. Help me to accept what You say about me as what I believe. As above, so below.”
Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. … And that is what happened. … Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
God said “let us”—us being the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“in our image.” We were created by a Community, in community, for community.
The Father made us, the Son saves us, the Spirit guides us. Right now, when God sees you, when He looks at who you are, He sees you as “very good.”
Can you, will you accept today that God looks at you with eyes of love and goodness?
Listen again to these key phrases, this time from the Message Bible:
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. … God created human beings;
he created them Reflecting God’s nature..… God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! (Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT)
Right now, close your eyes and picture Your loving heavenly Father, Your Creator, looking at You, inviting You into His community, caring for You, and pleased with who He made you to be.
Can you accept that He says this of you right now - God looked over everything he had made, He looks over you and says; it is so good, so very good!
Pray with me: “Creator God, Father, thank You that you made me with purpose, for a purpose. You created me to live in community with You and for You. Help me to always remember that I am made in Your image. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:1-5 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Living within the care and community of God means that He sees every aspect of who we are. What we do and what we don’t. What we say and what we won’t. From our hearts to our homes. From our ways to our work. No matter where we go, He is there. Aware. Available. Active.
Can you sense God’s presence everywhere in your life?
Listen to the shepherd, king, and psalmist David’s words again this time from the Message Bible:
God, I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say
before I start the first sentence.… I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going.
Take a moment to reflect on the last verse: “your reassuring presence, coming and going..” Invite … allow … accept … feel … the Lord’s presence on you right now—for no reason other than to bless you.
Let’s pray together: “Thank You, Father, that You know me intimately. My heart. My words. My actions. Everything I do and everywhere I go, You watch over me. Thank You for your blessing today. May my life bless You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:7-12 NLT
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.
Today as we continue in Psalm 139, we are reminded once again that the Kingdom, the community of God is everlasting and ever-present. David’s poetic words paint a picture of a faithful Father always watching, always protecting, always lighting our path, when we find ourselves in dark places, even at times, by our own hand.
Psalm 139:9-12 MESSAGE
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
you’re already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I’m immersed in the light!”
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
On your best days, God is there. On your worst days, He is there. Even in the darkness, even when the light is hard for you to see, His hand is there to guide you. His strength is available to support you. He can overcome any darkness. All you have to do is just call on Him.
There is no where you can go, no depth that you can sink to, no shame that keeps you from your Father’s presence, acceptance and protection.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You there is no darkness with You. You can shine Your light anywhere I am because of Your always-available presence. Today, I invite Your hand into my life. I receive Your light into my life. As above, so below. AMEN”
Psalm 139:13-16
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
The psalmist David tells us how God planned each of us, mapped out our days, every moment with purpose. And then inside our mother’s womb, He formed exactly and accurately the person we would become who could accomplish His plan inside His community of creation.
When you have those days where you think your life is random, or an accident, or you question your purpose, remember this truth about your life.
Have you considered that no one else in history has ever had your fingerprints, as if God signed the masterpiece He created in you?
Listen once again to key phrases this time from the Message Bible:
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
God does indeed have a plan for your life. He made you to fit into His creation and community. No one else can ever be who you are or do what He intends for you alone to accomplish.
PRAYER: “Thank You, Father, for my life. Thank You for forming me, as well as Your plan for my days. Help me to trust You and walk with You in each moment You have mapped out for me. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out Psalm 139 and our focus of how we were each created and designed to be a part of God’s creation and community:
(Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)
As good parents, we think of our kids when they are not with us. We wonder what they’re doing, if they are okay, and hope they know we love them. God as the perfect Father is always with us, but even still He keeps us on His mind. His love, grace, and care keep us on His path to a full life today and eternal life to come.
Invite God into your thoughts, your heart. Give Him room to show You His love and keep You close to Him today.
Take in these words once again, this time from the Message bible:
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! … Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life..
How does it feel to know the God of the universe thought are about you right now? You are on His mind, right now.
Let’s make the psalmist’s words our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As above, so below.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
While the world around us promotes fear and the power to control others, God provides faith, love, and the power of self-control. His Spirit offers us a kind heart and a sound mind ushering His peace to saturate our lives. Those qualities can then become blessings to those around us.
What does God’s Spirit need to take over in you today to stop the noise of the world and bring you a sound mind and peaceful heart?
Faith and fear cannot co-exist. One will overtake the other. Right now, hand God your fears, one by one, take a deep breath, and allow your faith in Him rise up.
Please pray with me: “God of peace, I hand my fears over to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your faith, Your power, and Your love. Lead my mind to be sound, stable, and steady in You. As above, so below.”
(2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
One of the most important aspects of personal peace and a clear mind is unity and harmony in our relationships. The Apostle Paul promised that when we do all we can to keep our connections to others clean and right, God’s love and peace will prevail in us and for us.
Who do you need to restore, encourage or connect with today?
What relationship do you need to give over to God’s peace?
Listen once again for Message Bible:
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure.
A life surrendered to Christ is a life marked by restoration, unity, and harmony, producing peace of mind.
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Which of these ares do you need to focus on this today?
Pray with me:“God, today I want to choose to rejoice in You no matter what is going on around me. Lead me towards restoration with everyone in my life. Remind me to speak encouragement to others. Help me to choose peace in all things. I know You are with me always. As above, so below.”
(Proverbs 14:30 MSG)
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
We all understand more than ever today how our thoughts can affect our over-all health—positively or negatively. Our minds drive our motives, attitudes, emotions, and ultimately our actions. The proper balance of our emotional expression is crucial to our daily peace in both mind and heart.
Name the emotions that you feel have “runaway” in you lately. Consider for a moment why this may be happening.
As the Lord of our lives, Christ can bring balance to every aspect of who we are and what we do. Daily surrender to Him, His will, and His ways which will bring much-needed stability and security to our lives.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, I ask for a sound mind and a peaceful heart. I ask for Your blessing and healing for my total health. Please help me to balance my emotions—to feel what I need to feel and reject those that will only hurt me. As above, so below."
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today’s verse tells us God’s peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers.
What worries today need to turn into prayers?
Listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Apostle Paul says:
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.
Then a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good.
Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
Today’s verse is a continuation from yesterday:
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, … Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
We all see and sense the growing negativity and pessimism in the world. Scripture has so many amazing challenges and charges to ground us and lead us toward thinking, acting, and speaking from the heart of God. Today’s verse provides us a list of positive and uplifting qualities to set our minds and thoughts toward.
Listen to this beautiful inspiration once again from the Message Bible:
Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
On what or where have your thoughts been fixed lately? What is one area of focus that you can redirect your thinking towards today?
What in your life right now is:
True. Honorable. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable. the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Simply speaking those words to feel their strength helps ease our minds and exudes God’s strength and peace.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. You are all of these in their purest form and You alone are worthy of my praise. As above, so below”
Jesus said in John 16:32-33:
“Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
In Christ, you are never alone. There will always be troubles, trials, and sorrows here on earth, but in and through everything you experience, Jesus is there, offering His peace and encouraging you to “take heart.”
What trial are you walking through today that needs to be overcome by the peace of Christ?
You may be dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That’s exactly what it means to lose heart.
When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it’s something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn’t become a reality until we actually make the choice.
What is one area of your life that you can make the choice to take heart? to be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer.
Breathe in - inviting Christ’s peace into your day. Exhale, letting go of weariness and discouragement.
Move into the Balance of Christ’s peace, which is with you.
Pray: “Father, I know I am not alone because You are with me. May I find my peace in You and take heart that You have overcome my world.” As above. So below.
Listen to David’s closing words in Psalm 4, verse 8:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
David had many days and nights where his enemies were stalking, seeking to harm him. Living under threat, confessing that he would fully depend on God to protect him while he slept in peace was a strong statement of faith.
Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like a stalking enemy, seeking to harm you?
You believe in your head that God is capable of keeping you safe?
Can you confess that belief out loud to yourself and to God, just like David did?
Trust God with your safety and security. Let your heart find peace.
Pray:
“Father, grant me Your peace as I lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, will keep me safe.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
David writes in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
In God’s kingdom, strength and peace work in unison. That is why you sense a quiet, calming reassurance when His peace enters your racing mind and struggling heart.
What place of weakness today needs His strength? What struggle needs His peace?
Listen to the passage again from the Message Bible
The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. God knows all about us and what we will be dealing with way before we do and He is quick to come to our rescue at any time.
Notice the passage doesn’t say anything about David’s strength. It says “the Lord GIVES strength to his people”
God’s gift of strength is at the door of your heart right now. His gift of peace is at the threshold to your thoughts in this moment. Open up and embrace them both as His gifts.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, give me Your strength. Please grant me with Your peace.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN
Isaiah 26:3-4 encourages:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
You know that on any given day, where you place your trust, where your thoughts tend to go, determines your level of peace. Isaiah offers that the only “perfect peace” can be found in surrendering your thoughts to the eternal, immovable, unshakable Rock.
To whom, where, or how are your thoughts being displaced and distracted today?
Listen again to Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Message bible:
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Today, can you keep you mind set on God who promises to keep you whole?
This passage promises we will be steady on their feet, because we keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Pray: “Father, keep me in Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Keep my thoughts fixed on You. Help me to trust You today, Lord God, my eternal Rock.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
Jesus’ words of promise in John 14:27-28:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”
Jesus offers you a gift not of this world that can only be found in Him. His heavenly peace for your mind and heart can overcome any temporary trouble or fear. The Prince of Peace is with You now and is coming back for You one day to live in His kingdom.
What trouble, what fear, are you experiencing today that needs to be exchanged right now for Christ’s gift?
Jesus’ words of promise again from the Message Bible:
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
No matter what you may be walking through today, remember, for the Christ-follower, God’s gift of peace is available now and His best is always yet to come.
Prayer- “Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Help me not to look to the world, to not be troubled or afraid, but to look to You and look forward to Your return.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AMEN.
We all know we live in a chaotic world filled with noise coming from all directions. We know that God ordained and blessed the family as the first union and community. So, for ourselves and our kids we need to take every step possible to make our homes into a sanctuary where God’s presence and peace are welcome and manifested.
Let’s start this week with a very familiar passage. Let’s take the words and apply them to our homes. Listen to Psalm 23 …
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)Is there an action or attitude that you do or have that disrupts the scripture describes as ‘rest in green meadows’ or ‘leads by peaceful streams’ in your home?
How can you make your home a place that feels like a green meadow or a peaceful stream where strength is renewed?
We all experience ‘dark valleys” - our kids do too… Is there something that you can do to be what God describes himself as doing - being with us in dark valleys? How can we better be ‘with’ our kids in their dark valley?
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
No matter how close or how far away you may feel Psalm 23 fits your home or is a place where you sense God’s peace, we want to encourage you to find one, just one, step you can take to invite God’s presence in. As you make your home His home, you and your kids will feel more at home than ever before.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want you to fill my home from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with Your presence. Make my home a Psalm 23 sanctuary, as only You can do by Your peace. As above, so below.”
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 …
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT)
One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God’s peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it’s far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude.
What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God’s hand?
Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
Today, we will focus on one simple and single verse … Listen to Proverbs 29:17 …
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. (NLT)
In our western culture, we tend to always associate discipline only with punishment. But the true definition and connotation of discipline is structure, form, parameters, guardrails. Yes, punishment and consequences are involved, but that is the defense aspect of discipline. The offense is proper training. Think of today’s verse this way … Give your children the proper training and structure and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this verse …
Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did— they’ll turn out delightful to live with.
What if you were able to turn the meaning of discipline around in your home to be associated with delightful? Wouldn’t delightful make your home more peaceful?
Take a step this week toward this new concept of discipline—structure and form to operate within.
What is one form of structure that you can do this week to bring a sense of stability and peace in your home?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, guide me, teach me to bring more of the kind of discipline You as a loving Father want in my home. Bring peace. Bring delight. I’ll take all of that I can get. As above, so below.”
Today, once again we will focus on just one verse … Matthew 5:9 …
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT)
In this world of war, trouble, and conflict, we realize peace never comes easy. Sin causes peace to be elusive. So to get peace, to be at peace, is going to take some work, some effort on our part. Yes, God’s brand of peace is a gift from Him, but even that comes at a cost. We have to choose to sacrifice our own ways and surrender to Him to receive His peace.
In our circles of influence, relationships, families, and homes, we can choose to work toward peace. When we do, God will bless and we will be known as His children.
Listen to this verse in The Message Bible …
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
Where in your life, if you were honest, you know you have given up on peace?
Where does peace seem to come fairly easy in your life? Why is that?
Where do you need to work to show people how to cooperate instead of compete?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, everywhere in my life, especially at home, help me, teach me to show cooperation and not competition. To show who I am in You and my place in Your family. As above, so below.”
Our final passage for this week comes from Jesus, where He again promises peace as only He can give. Listen to John 14:24-28 …
Remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. (NLT)
When life gets crazy and the chaos ensues inside or outside our home, it is easy to forget that His Spirit lives within us. He has left us a gift of heavenly peace of mind and heart. When we are troubled or afraid, He is as close as the breath within. The peace He offers is not a momentary manufactured one, but the kind that has already set the world right and all we have to do is call on and receive what is already there.
Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible …
The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me. “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
What have you learned about peace this week?
What can you do to work peace into more of your life?
How can you make your home a sanctuary where God is always at home with you and your kids?
We pray you have found peace here this week. Words of peace that connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and Your gift of peace. I invite You into my heart and home to make them both what You desire. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, the very first step, is to first, forgive ourselves and next, and for some of us this can be a really tough one, to forgive others. Essentially, we need to clean house of all unforgiveness. If we don’t let go, the past is going to keep haunting us because we are giving it the power to stay current, which then hinders our future.
A great place to start is with Jesus’ own words from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 …
“… and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (NLT)
He continued this theme in verses 14 and 15 …
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT)
When we struggle to forgive ourselves, or someone else for past hurts, Jesus’ words can feel like a threat or some kind of ultimatum. That is not the intention at all. He simply stated a spiritual truth about how God works.
Think about it. It makes sense. Why should we expect to have something happen for us that we are not willing to extend ourselves? God knows our personal freedom lies in our ability to forgive.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
“Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. … In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
To make peace with your past, forgiveness is the first key to unlock freedom. Any bitterness that we carry causes us to also carry around that other person, causing more pain, while he or she is out free and not thinking about us at all. So we have to ask ourselves, is it really worth what I’m losing? Or am I ready to gain back my freedom?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me the grace and the strength to forgive myself, everyone who has hurt me, and then help me keep my list clean, knowing You died to give me that freedom. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.
Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.
Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ’s table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.
In repeating today’s passage, let’s now add verse 8 …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don’t have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.
As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That’s exactly what He wants you to do.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I’m tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”
Our own minds, along with the words of the Accuser, are going to constantly try to bring the past back up, acting as if it is today’s headlines. The more we press into the Lord and His love, the less this will occur, and the more we can deal with it in health.
Listen to Psalm 85:7-10 …
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (NLT)
For many of us, the past had plenty of foolish ways. So we have to constantly take inventory of our lives to invite the words God speaks, to listen carefully to Him as He speaks truth to us. When we hear Him and do what He asks, then our land—our homes—can be filled with His glory and love, truth, righteousness, and peace will mark our lives.
Is there any foolish way from the past that you know needs to be kicked out of your house, so to speak?
Is there a new level of listening to God, a new place of obedience, that you need to commit to hear Him as He speaks peace to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me your unfailing love and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what You say as You speak peace. Help me to not return to foolish ways. My salvation is near, so my home will be filled with Your glory, Your unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace. As above, so below.”
Our Scripture today is Colossians 3:12-16 …
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. (NLT)
In several places throughout Scripture, God used the concept of putting on His qualities just like we choose to put on clothing. The practical side of this is, one, we choose to put on what we wear, and two, that is the majority of what people see on us, our clothing. The same can be true of His qualities.
What we may choose to quote-unquote wear from our past can still show in the present. People can literally see our hurts, pain, victimization, bitterness, and so on. There comes a point when we have to choose a new wardrobe and let people see the person Christ has forgiven and changed. The past is no longer our present and the future is no longer determined by anything, except the present.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
What have you been wearing that you need to take off and throw away? It’s worn out and old and you know it. What once may have been a security blanket is now a funeral shroud.
What of Christ’s qualities listed in today’s passage, do you need to put on and keep on?
If you choose peace in your heart, it will surely show in your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I choose to put on love, humility, compassion, kindness, strength, and peace. As above, so below.”
Our final passage for this week is a familiar one, but has so many great applications for our lives to encourage us to seize the day … Philippians 3:12-16 …
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT)
Let’s focus on what Paul said he focused on … this one thing … forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. When we move on, but are constantly looking backwards, something is wrong. Remember—Paul had a lot of horrible violence in his past, all done in the name of religion. He had a lot to forget, but he stated exactly how he had to choose to move forward into what Christ had for his life. Great advice …
Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible …
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
What has God shown you this week?
What has He called you to let go of … for the last time? Lay it down and never turn back?
What has He called you to take on and never let go of?
We pray you have found some healing and health this week. That’s always our goal, to connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I need to, for the final time, let go of what You have told me to let go of. I need to listen to You and take up what You have called me to take up. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 …
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (NLT)
One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives.
If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
Today, is a very important passage about spiritual growth: Galatians 5:22-23 …
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)
Think about this: If you begin to produce these Christ-like qualities, you are going to have a higher quality of life over-all. But then you will also begin to impact and attract others. Someone who is very peaceful in their spirit has a higher quality of life but also is more enjoyable to be around, right? Like ripe fruit on a tree, people can see it, touch it, and taste it.
This verse can be used as a literal litmus test from which we can evaluate our personal and spiritual growth. Here’s a very simple way to take an honest look at where you are at any given time in your life.
First, on a scale of 0 to 10, as best you can recall, rate where you were in these 9 qualities a year ago. Now, on the same scale, rate where you are today.
Grown a lot in love but struggling with joy? That’s okay. This could just show you where you need to keep praying and improving as you work to be obedient in the Lord. After all, these gifts of fruit will come from Him, not out of ourselves.
Last thought … if you really want an honest evaluation, ask one of your kids to rate you on these from 0 to 10, or maybe a trusted friend. Remember—the goal is never guilt but growth.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please grow me in these 9 fruit of Your Spirit for me to experience them inside my life, but to also reflect them toward others from You. As above, so below.”
Today is another single verse, but once again, a very important one: Hebrews 4:12 …
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT)
In any season of strong personal and spiritual growth, there will always be a connection and correlation to our interaction with God’s Word. Why? Because it is the manual for the Christian life, the guidebook, the map for living, the love letter from our Father.
No other book is called “alive and powerful.” No other book’s words can “cut between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow to expose our innermost thoughts and desires.”
God’s Word can transform and change our minds—literally.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this verse …
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.
Thinking back over your seasons of spiritual growth, do you see the connection between your hunger for God’s Word versus the dry seasons?
It really doesn’t matter whether we read a chapter a day or a verse as long as we are taking His Word into our spirits and minds. If you are a bit out of sync on your own reading or study, let us challenge you to figure out a plan to get in and stay in. After all, the Word is how we can grow consistently in Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that can do surgery on my heart and my attitude. Help me to have a hunger for what You want to share with me each day. Help me to know You have written me a love letter and want to speak personally to me. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 13:5 …
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT)
It’s so easy for us to judge others, isn’t it? Someone does something or says something we don’t like or disagree with and we call their integrity, intelligence, or intentions into question. Even though we all know the Bible tells us not to judge, and that God is the only Judge, we just can’t seem to help ourselves.
But Paul told the believers at Corinth to examine themselves on the authenticity of their faith. Not others. Themselves. Why? Well, if we know we need test ourselves, we aren’t busy looking at other people. Accountability works best when everyone involved chooses to cooperate.
Listen once again to today’s verse in The Message Bible …
Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.
The times we all likely grew the most in knowledge was when we were in school. Why? Because we were constantly having to take tests to prove what we knew.
If you decided to take Paul up on His challenge on a regular basis, don’t you suspect you might become more aware of your personal and spiritual growth?
So, how can you “Test yourself to make sure you are solid in the faith and not drifting along taking everything for granted, and giving yourself regular checkups”?
Let’s pray together: “Father, teach me to be aware of my own growth and not so concerned with others growth—or lack of it. Teach me to take inventory of You in my life. Guide me, show me how I can grow in You to test out my faith and do something about it. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is Ephesians 3:14-21 …
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)
This was Paul’s actual prayer for the spiritual growth of the believers at Ephesus. Such a beautiful and poetic request to God on their behalf. There are so many great aspects of the Gospel included here.
I’m going to read this passage again but I want to adapt the words to first person as a personal prayer for God’s blessing of growth in your life.
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources I will be empowered with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in my heart as I trust in him. My roots will grow down into God’s love and keep me strong. And may I have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May I experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then I will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)
I want to encourage you to find this passage and pray it the way I just did. Or listen to this over again several times. Pray this prayer over your life, your heart, your mind, and your spirit, that God would grow you exactly the way He desires and you will become all He designed you to be.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians over my life. May this become just as true in me as it did the early church. I want to be made complete with all Your fullness and power in Christ. As above, so below.”
When we think of someone in the Bible who experienced dark times, Job has to be near the top of the list. Because he was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, the enemy wiped out his family, his livelihood, and even threatened his health. But when we fast-forward to chapter 42 after many chapters of questions and discussions, we find an amazing revelation as a response to his suffering.
Listen to verses 1-6 …
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT)
Throughout our lives, God gives blessings while He allows suffering. He alone decides what we need, when we need it, and as a good Father, what will keep us close to Him day by day.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
How do you tend to respond when hard things happen in your life? Maybe here we go again? Why me, Lord? I’ll just put my head down and get through this?
Whether blessing or hardship, a great prayer to pray is: God, show me what You are doing. How do you want me to respond to this?
What we can learn from Job’s suffering and his response is that God wants us to have a first-hand experience with Him, not live off of rumors or someone else’s experience. That’s what a close relationship is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit I want all blessing and no suffering. Yet, I know I tend to grow the most when things get tough. Help me to look for how I can know You first-hand, like a Father to His child. As above, so below.”
When we are walking through dark days, reading Scripture and praying Scripture can be very comforting, especially David’s words in the Psalms. Listen to Psalm 40:11-13 …
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (NLT)
Did you notice how brutally honest David was with God? He held nothing back. In fact, he asked God to hold nothing back to help him. But he was also transparent about his own disobedience and need.
As is often the case, the words of The Message Bible get a bit more straightforward …
Now God, don’t hold out on me, don’t hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt. I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help,
Who is the one friend you have that you can say anything at all and know you won’t be judged?
Have you ever considered that is the kind of honesty that God welcomes from you when life is really hard? Remember—unlike a close friend, you aren’t telling Him anything He doesn’t already know.
When darkness falls on your heart, pick a Psalm and read it out loud. Let the words become your own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, keep reminding me that I can say anything to You. Lead me to the words in Psalms that can best reflect my heart when I struggle, and use the words to pray. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is about Jesus in John 1:1-5 …
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT)
If you walk into a well-lit room at night to go to sleep, you don’t think, “I need to turn on the darkness.” No. You think, “I need to turn off the light.” Only the absence of light creates darkness. Even a candle lit on a dark night can be seen for miles.
Next, listen to Jesus’ words further down in John 8:12 …
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
When you walk through darkness in your life, look for how you can let light in. The only way you can affect the darkness is by allowing in light.
Where do you need “the light that leads to life” today? Pray and ask Jesus to be that in your life. Remember our first passage—"the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there is so much darkness today all over. Help me to remember You are the Light, my Light, to dispel the darkness and nothing can put that out. As above, so below.”
Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible for asking God’s protection and provision when troubles come. There is a hopeful tone in the words that cut through the darkness.
Listen to verses 1 and 2 …
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT)
When we struggle, when we are trying to find our way through days filled with trouble, knowing that God is the shelter where we can find rest and the refuge where we can find safety is a huge comfort and encouragement. But the key is in the final words: He is my God and I trust Him.
Listen now to verses 14-16 …
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
When trouble lands on your doorstep, what is your first thought? Your first thought. Is it, how am I going to fix this? Why is this happening to me?
One of the ways we can know we are growing in our faith is when our first thought is to invite God to work. To pray, “Lord, rescue me, protect me, answer me. I need to hear from You.”
I want to encourage you to use Psalm 91 as a prayer for you and your kids. Words like these will help you look to God first when darkness falls.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my Shelter, my Refuge, my Place of safety. My Rescue. My Protector. My answer. As above, so below.”
Luke 22:39-42 …
Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (NLT)
For most of us, when we want to avoid something hard coming at us, we pray for God to remove the suffering. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with that prayer.
But then the key is if He doesn’t, what do we do? How do we respond? Blame Him? Question His goodness? Think He no longer loves us?
First, notice Jesus didn’t say, “Father, if you can …” but rather “Father, if you are willing …”
When we pray about anything hard, any kind of suffering, any sort of difficulty that we have to go through, asking God to take it away makes a lot of sense. But adding Jesus’ last sentence is a huge step of faith and maturity. “Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.” That is an entirely new level of faith and trust to be like Jesus to that extent, because to pray that, we have to know He wants the best for us, no matter what.
Whether you are in a dark time right now, or the next time you are, remember Jesus’ choice in the Garden—to trust God’s will for You.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know wanting Your will isn’t just about blessings. Trusting You in the dark times is what faith is really about. Help me to trust You and Your will with Jesus as my Example and Goal. As above, so below.”
God’s grace … the apostle Paul had much to say on this topic because it is so crucial for us all to understand as Christ-followers.
Listen to Ephesians 2:4-9 …
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT)
How did Paul say we are saved? By working hard to do good? By trying hard to not do anything wrong? No, “only by God’s grace.”
Do you tend to mix your own behavior into your salvation? So many people do.
But what did Paul say was the only action we need to take? “God saved you by His grace … when you believed.”
Listen to verses 7 thru 9 in The Message Bible …
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.
Do you have any past religious beliefs or baggage that taught you somehow you can go in and out of God’s salvation by your behavior on any given day? If that were true, then our salvation would be somewhat up to us, right? Paul is clear it is only up to God … after we believe. Trust.
Here’s a question for your heart … do you think there is anything you can do to make God love you any more? Or any less? This week on grace is all about understanding the amazing truth that He cannot possibly love you more than He does right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that all You want is for me to believe and trust You. I am grateful my salvation is not dependent on my behavior and that You will never love me any more or any less than You do right now. As above, so below.”
Focusing on God’s grace, listen to Romans 3:23-28 …
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. … God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. (NLT)
Can you hear the connection between today’s passage and yesterday’s? The only way we are made right with God is through a relationship with Jesus. Once again, we believe that what God says He has done for us is true. Jesus paid the penalty for sin that we could never pay.
Listen to verses 22 thru 24 in The Message Bible …
The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
Is there anything you could possibly do today to quote-unquote deserve your salvation?
Do you view what God has done for you as His gift to you?
We are free to become what God designed us to be because of Jesus. We pray you really allow that truth to sink in and take it as your own this week.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I don’t believe what You can do in me because of things I have done. Help me to trust You, to believe You, and to live out what You have planned for me. As above, so below.”
Romans 5:18-21 …
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)
Depending on how we were brought up and what we have been taught about God, we must all come to the place of understanding that Scripture is the bottom line of what we should believe and the foundation of what we should build our lives upon. We have to become responsible for what we believe and what we will teach our children—based on our own beliefs, not anyone else’s. The concept of grace is such an important pillar of that personal faith.
Here’s a tough question for you … do you think your own life is ruled more by law or by grace?
Is your faith based on what you do for Jesus or what Jesus has done for you?
Remember—any questions we ask here are only to help you honestly evaluate where you are, and by comparing to Scripture, ask if is there is any part of your belief that You need to hand over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, if there is anything I believe about You that is not right and not fair to You, I invite You to teach me Your ways through Your Word. As above, so below.”
There is a passage in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church where he talks about what he called his “thorn in the flesh.” There’s a powerful lesson for us about grace in what he shared.
Listen to 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 …
… to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NLT)
We are never told what Paul’s thorn is. Probably so we can easily apply this truth to whatever issue plagues our own lives.
Paul said that he asked God three times to take it away and God repeated the same phrase each time. And what did God tell Paul he needed? Grace. Why? So God’s strong power could be shown in Paul’s weakness. And there is no denying that happened as we read his letters to the churches.
Listen once again to part of today’s passage in The Message Bible …
I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
What is your thorn? What creates limitations in you? What have you begged God to get rid of?
How can you apply God’s answer to your life: “My grace is enough. It’s all you need.”?
How can you take your attention off the problem and put it on Christ?
Let’s pray together: “Father, this is a tough one. I need Your help to accept those things in my life that You choose for me to surrender to You and trust in Your grace to carry me. As above, so below.”
2 Timothy 1:8-10 …
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT)
One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God’s grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace?
Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God’s grace so you can share that grace with those you know?
And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with Philippians 2:1-5 …
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (NLT)
Today’s passage starts and ends with Jesus. In the community united in Christ, we can receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, agreement, and humility as we work together in one mind and purpose … and here’s the real key—with the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
As our culture becomes increasingly self-absorbed and self-focused, these Christlike qualities are going to become more and more attractive to our own hearts, to those in the faith, and those outside.
What phrase jumped out at you today?
I love the idea of “deep-spirited friends.” When we choose to put ourselves aside and help others get ahead, we can experience a community of deep-spirited friends. We will find those folks we can trust, lean on, count on, and do life with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the kind of heavenly comfort, encouragement, and fellowship we can have in You. Help me to be the kind of friend in the faith that today’s passage talks about and be a part of Your community that can change the world. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is Romans 12:1-5 …
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT)
We’re all grateful that God no longer requires any sort of physical sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, right? But yet, sacrifice is still a crucial part of following Jesus. In fact, it’s an everyday event. From the desires of our bodies, minds, hearts, and attitudes, we have to give up what we want if we are going to honor God and others. Notice what this sacrifice gains us … we realize we are part of a greater Body of believers, a community of people who belong to and function together.
Listen once again to this passage as I read excerpts from The Message Bible…
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. … we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. … So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
Today, what do you need to sacrifice?
What do you need to embrace?
What do you need to readily recognize that God is wanting to tell you about your life, your community, your role in His kingdom and Body?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life. I give myself to You. I embrace all You have for me. I ask You to bring out the best in me, for You and for the sake of those You desire for me to reach. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is James 5:13 through 16, 19 and 20.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. … My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (NLT)
This entire passage from praying to confessing has to do with being involved in a community of believers who trust one another, desire to help one another, and will even go the extra mile to rescue others.
Confessing our sins to God is a given. But having someone to get real with about the evils and struggles of our own hearts can accelerate our spiritual growth. Especially as we create accountability and pray for one another.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this passage …
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. … My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Where do you go when you’re hurting?
Where do you go when something great happens?
Where do you go when you just can’t seem to get rid of something that’s hurting you?
Who would come after you if you wandered away from your faith?
Who would you go after if you saw them wandering away?
Whoever’s names you answered with … that, my friend, is your faith community.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for those who would work to rescue me and those You have placed in my life that I would rescue. Help me to surrender more to You each day so I can gain everyone in my community that You desire to be in it. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 1 Peter 4:8-13 …
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (NLT)
What gifts do you see in your life that you know God uses?
What service do you do that you just feel the presence of God when You are involved in it? It just feels peaceful to you, almost as if you can sense God smiling?
What do you do that you can tell impacts others even more than it affects you?
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible …
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Did you catch the phrase: “Love each other as if your life depended on it.”? Who do you love like that? Who needs you to love them like that?
Who needs your words? Who needs your “hearty help”? Who needs some of God’s bright presence in their life with you being the one who delivers it?
Our community will be made up of those who love us, but also those we need to love.
Like the last verse said: This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Let’s pray together: “Father, from the love I give to the trials I walk through, help me to reflect Your presence. Help me to love like my life depends on it—just like You do. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is taken from Romans 15:1-13 …
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive …. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. … May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. … I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
Isn’t it interesting that no matter how much we have been hurt, how much we distrust, how guarded we may try to be, when we take our eyes off ourselves and fully focus on meeting someone else’s needs, somehow the world seems right for a few minutes?
That’s because we weren’t designed to be hurt or to hurt, but to help, to serve. We weren’t designed to distrust, but to trust. We weren’t designed to focus on our own needs, but to help others.
When we choose to live in community the way this week’s Scripture passages have encouraged us to do, we line up with our original design because Christ offers that opportunity.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. … God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! … May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
In your community, where do you need to step in and lend a hand?
Who do you need to ask, “How can I help?”
Where does your life need to sing in harmony with others in an anthem for God’s glory?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to expand my community to who I need and who needs me. Help me to receive the help I need while giving my help to whom it’s needed. Help me to find harmony with those You want me to worship with. As above, so below.”
We hear a lot these days, including countless podcasts, about developing self-confidence, self-reliance, and strengthening our self-image. While, of course those are important goals, the context is so critical. As followers of Jesus Christ, the proper way to gain these strengths can be found when we begin to place our confidence in Him. As we learn to trust God. Place our faith in Him. Believe that He is faithful, reliable, and secure. In Him, we can inherit confidence through our relationship with Christ.
As we get started on our topic for this week, let me ask: how many times have you sensed you are starting to build up confidence in who you are and how you are doing, only for someone to do something or say something that rips the rug right out of from under you? In a heartbeat, we feel like all our confidence is gone. That is exactly why understanding this week’s truth as a believer is so crucial to our spiritual and emotional health.
Listen to Psalm 146, verses 3 through 10 …
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord! (NLT)
For many of us, a great deal of our personal pain and emotional baggage has come from placing too much confidence in other people. And certainly the wrong people. Others did something or failed to do something that negatively affected our trust. Today’s passage warns us to be cautious and gives us so many amazing reasons to get our confidence from our Creator.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible …
Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says—he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners—he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. God’s in charge—always. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!
As you think through your life right now, is there anywhere you are “putting your life in the hands of experts” when your trust and confidence really needs to be handed over to God? It’s actually amazing how trusting Him can bring us wisdom and discernment that will also improve our relationship with others.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, heal my hurts where I have placed my trust and confidence in the wrong people. Increase my faith and trust in You and lead me to the right relationships in Your community. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is on placing our confidence in God, which of course means increasing our faith in Him. The Bible is filled with promises to us, offering the great consequences of a life of trusting Him. Listen to Jeremiah 17:7-8 …
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (NLT)
Trust … Hope … Confidence. Several times in Scripture the authors used a tree planted by a river as a metaphor for our lives. For the weary traveler, a large, healthy tree beside a river meant protection from the elements and provision for thirst. The very reason the tree could provide shelter is because its roots were not reliant on the changing weather but on the constant flow of the river. Such a great analogy for our lives rooted in God.
Using this metaphor, is there heat or drought that is causing you to struggle, to wither? What’s the source of that issue?
What places in your life would you connect to blessing, as in having green leaves and lasting fruit? What’s the source of that blessing?
How can you get your roots into the river and not be so reliant on the weather? How can you go deeper with God and place less confidence in the things of the world?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your promises. Thank You that You clearly tell us how life can be when we trust You. Help me to grow deep roots in my faith and place more and more of my confidence in You. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest barriers to salvation itself can be mistakenly believing that we are somehow better than others, and that somehow guarantees Heaven. How many times have we heard someone say, “Well, I’m a good person”? But even after salvation, comparison to others and placing confidence in our ability to do good works can quickly get us off-track in our faith.
In Luke 18, Jesus used a parable to show us how God feels about confidence in our own righteousness.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (vv. 9-14 NLT)
The Pharisees were considered the mega-church pastors of the day, looked up to and revered for their spirituality. Tax collectors were looked at like we view sleazy, ambulance-chasing attorneys. For Jesus to flip this paradigm on its head was very controversial. Both men prayed but one focused on others’ sin, while the other man focused on his own sin. One didn’t think he needed God and the other desperately did.
Being honest, don’t many of us go back and forth between feeling really good about ourselves and flirting with the thinking of the Pharisee or being very convicted and relating to the tax collector?
One of the many paradoxes of the Gospel is that true confidence can only be found in humility. In knowing God, we discover who we are and find our identity in surrender to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ teaching, as controversial as it was then and now. Thank You that Your truth is a paradox to this world. Help me to discover my confidence as I humble myself before You. As above, so below.”
Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we’ll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don’t trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind.
Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 …
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT)
It’s tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right?
It’s hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn’t it?
But doesn’t the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing?
All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father.
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible …
When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post …
Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy?
Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make?
What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”
Today is our final day of a week spent challenging ourselves to place all our confidence not in ourselves or others but in God.
Let’s go back to King David in the Psalms and look at a declaration He wrote for his life that we too need to choose to make:
Listen to chapter 118, verses 5 thru 9 …
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord … (NLT)
Think about the relationship that brings you the most stress right now, even someone that you fear or whose behavior invokes fear. A circumstance that brings you fear. How can this passage encourage you, bring you confidence, offer you safety, set you free?
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible, but this time, I’m going to add down to verse 16.
Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered. God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me? God’s my strong champion; I flick off my enemies like flies. Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities. … I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” (MSG)
Say this declaration with me:
The Lord is for me, …
so I will have no fear. …
What can mere people do to me? …
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. …
Can you hang onto that thought and place your faith in Him with that statement? “The Lord is for me so I will have no fear.” And to do that, your confidence will have to be in your Father, not in yourself. And as have hopefully seen this week, that’s a really good decision.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are for me and I will have no fear. With You, what can anyone do to me? You are for me and I believe and have confidence that You will help me. As above, so below.”
To get serious about wholeness and total health, we have to take a hard look at ourselves. Today is a tough Scripture passage from Jesus, but also a reminder that there is freedom on the other side of our battles. Listen closely … Jesus is not angry here, just being honest …
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT)
As humans, a fact we have to deal with throughout life is the less whole we are in any given season, the more we tend to find fault in others. Whether wanting to justify our own behavior or just being negative about people, we can look around and see the “speck in other’s eyes,” to use Jesus’ words. But notice the important counsel here: “First, get rid of the log in your own eye …”
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Buckle up, this version hits even more closer to home ….
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
The goal of Jesus’ teaching here is not to produce guilt, shame, or self-hatred, but rather getting honest about personal evaluation. Facing our own stuff.
Is there an area of your life that is a ‘speck or log in my own eye’? Can you think of one area to surrender and repent of right now?
Getting real about what we need to surrender to God before we can truly begin the journey toward wholeness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I always love the mercy and grace verses in Your Word, but I know I have to embrace ones like this too. Today, I need to hand over the logs and the specks to You. I want to be whole, so I know some surgery on my heart and work on my attitude are what I need to allow You to do right now. As above, so below.”
So much of our Christian lives is spent trying to get rid of things, things we hold onto and struggle with, all while knowing we need to let them go. From attitudes to toxic behaviors to unhealthy relationships. Today, we read a crucial concept for this process. It’s called the Principle of Replacement. Listen to Ephesians 4:31-32 …
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
If you decide to get rid of bitterness today, that’s going to be tough, right? But what if instead, you placed your focus and energy on being kind? What if day by day, you started to make the intentional choice to replace bitterness with kindness? If something triggers bitterness to come up into your throat and the feelings are overwhelming, then you do something kind. Text a friend a thank you. Find a way to encourage the very next person you encounter.
Paul’s teaching was always practical. Bitterness can be replaced with kindness. Rage and anger can be replaced with choosing compassion. Slander and malice can be replaced with forgiveness. If we only focus on getting rid of things, we can easily set ourselves up for failure. But when we instead find a positive and healthy replacement for what we must get rid of, we have a far better shot at success, as well as just creating a better experience.
What is one ‘replacement principle’ I will commit to practicing this week? Kindness? Compassion? Forgiveness?
We all have things we need to rid ourselves of… let’s remember The Principle of Replacement … whatever you’re trying to get rid of to be whole again, ask God to give you something good to replace it with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to take the toxic things I have held onto and replace them with the good gifts You offer me, gifts like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage is Romans 6:21-23 in The Message Bible …
As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end. But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
The path to spiritual wholeness—holiness—is what Paul described here as “finding you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do.” Christ gives us a new life, a new path, a new way to live. Christ gives us a choice to not choose sin.
Wholeness is a great word, one we chose to focus on this week, but let’s turn the corner now to understanding that holiness is the complete wholeness that God offers us in Christ.
Have you ever really grasped that Christ has given you the constant choice to not sin?
Is there a sin in your life that you feel is not a choice, one that you keep repeating, even though you don’t want to? Identify that, confess it and ask God to give you the strength choose not to sin.
God’s on-going gift is real life here and eternal life to come delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You offer me a free life. Thank You that I don’t have to listen to sin anymore but can choose You. Thank You for Your gift of wholeness and holiness. As above, so below.”
Colossians 2:6-10 …
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT)
Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ.
What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you?
Is there a truth here you didn’t know or didn’t yet fully understand?
The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness.
Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”
Wholeness was our state in the Garden but then the enemy of God came along and, through disobedience, robbed us all of that God-given state. The spiritual battle for us every day is choosing God over that same enemy, just as everyone in the Bible had to deal with as well.
Listen to 1 Peter 5:6-11 …
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. (NLT)
Listen for two things: the commands and the promises.
Did you catch them? Let’s review, all under the concept of wholeness and holiness.
The command? Humble yourself. … The promise? God will lift you up in His time.
The command: Give your worries to God. … The promise: God will care for you.
The command: Stand firm against the enemy. … The promise: God’s calling will bring you into His eternal glory.
The command: Endure suffering. … The promise: God will restore, support, and strengthen you.
Wholeness is found on the firm foundation only God can provide.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering wholeness through holiness. Thank You for Your commands for my obedience and Your promises giving me hope. As above, so below.”
This week is a huge topic for anyone these days—finding stability in a time of instability. For Solo parents, there are several factors in play … the first is working on surrender to God to allow His stability to enter our hearts and minds. The second is working on ourselves to be stable in our own feelings and emotions. The third is finding stability, not in trying to fill the void with another relationship, but rather to find support within a solid and supportive community.
The shepherd turned king David certainly understood chaos in life—from his enemies, those around him, and even by his own hand. Let’s begin our look at stability by going to our Source. Listen to David’s words:
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8 NLT)
As believers in and followers of Christ, just because the world around us shakes does not mean we have to. If we are in Him, then He holds us in His hands. He is our Hope. Our Rock. Our Fortress. Our Refuge.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible …
What is making you feel unstable right now? Can you pinpoint the source of your instability?
Whether your answer is one thing or everything, whether your feelings or your thoughts or your actions feel completely shaky, take the focus off the unstable things in and around you and focus on the One who is always stable. Imagine Him holding you now, like a Dad with a child in a storm. Just for this moment, take your eyes off what is shaking and place them on what is solid … Your Hope. Your Rock. Your Fortress. Your Refuge.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I receive Your hope, I want to live with You as my Rock, My Fortress, my Refuge. My anxious thoughts, feelings, and emotions I give to You now. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is finding stability in a season of instability. Yesterday, we went outside ourselves to God. Today, let’s look into our own hearts.
In Matthew 7, Jesus’ teaching covers quite a few topics, but He offers us a clear metaphor of stability vs. instability and the action we can take to enact His help. Listen to verses 24-27 …
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (NLT)
In life, the storms are going to come and keep coming. The rain will fall, the waters will rise, and the winds will beat against our house. Everything that comes at us makes us feel so unsteady and unstable. Jesus said the difference in the house that stands vs. the ones that crash is those who listen to His teaching and follow what He says. The question is not will He save, but will we allow His salvation?
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible. This time I’m going to leave out what happens to the house that doesn’t listen, only the one that does. That should be our focus: what we can do to help ourselves in unstable times.
For a moment, take your mind off of anything that is shaking your world right now. Focus on Jesus. How can you listen to His words and do what He is asking you?
How can you work Christ’s words into your life today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I certainly know what the rains, the floodwaters, and the wind feels like. Help me to work Your words into my life to build my house on You, the Rock. As above, so below.”
This week as we look at finding stability in a season of instability, this is never going to truly come when we keep trying to avoid loneliness by just filling the void with a person. Jumping into relationships when God is not involved or we are not ready just become major distractions that keep us from growing deep roots and getting our lives built on what we talked about yesterday, the Rock that survives the storms.
So often we have to work on creating a good defense before we can have a solid offense. Or here’s another metaphor—we have to pull some weeds before we can plant some flowers.
Today, I’m going to read a longer passage. I want you to listen to the spirit of what Paul is teaching as much as the actual words he says.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
As I have asked you before here, as I read, did any phrase or sentence jump out at you? Did God run his highlighter over any of this?
Listen to part of today’s passage once again …
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” If you keep yourself pure, … Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone… (NLT)
Is there anything in your life today that is creating instability and you know it’s time to pull it out by the roots? Maybe you need some help? Maybe you need some professional help? If today God showed you something, don’t wait, don’t put it off, do what He told you. Reach up, reach out, reach in, whatever you need to do to make things right for your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give You what You placed on my heart right now. I need Your help. Help me to also get the help I need from others to steady my life. Show me what to do. I need Your answers. As above, so below.”
This week in our look at finding stability in a season of instability, today and tomorrow, we will focus on the support we all need within a solid and supportive community.
When we come to Christ, we are grafted into His family tree. We become a part of His body. That’s what the Bible teaches. We enter into an eternal community where we have a definite and intentional place in which we fit right now.
Listen to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 …
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? … But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. … The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you are included in that passage. You belong to this body that Paul is talking about. You count. You fit. You are in that community with a unique place.
Is there a community you need to separate yourself from?
Are there some toxic relationships you keep allowing to hurt you?
Are you needing a place to fit and do life to secure you inside a healthy community?
You are in the Body of Christ, but are you in a physical community of believers?
If not, what steps do you need to take today to find your place and your space?
But always remember—God has not only prepared a place for you in Heaven, but a place here in His Body, His community, until You join Him. He’s made all the arrangements for eternity but we have a responsibility for what we do while we are here.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the Body of Christ. Thank You for Your community and Your kingdom here. Help me to always take my place in You and with those I need to be connected to. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on stability in a season of instability, we will once again take a look at our available place within a solid and supportive community.
The original Body of Christ should always be our model for our current Body of Christ. God always has one way and what we find in Acts 2 is His way for and to community.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (v. 42-47)
What do we see and hear the Body of Christ was all about?
They met together devoted to worship, teaching, fellowship, eating together, and praying. Just brothers and sisters gathering with the common bond of growing in Christ and encouraging one another. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Sounds pretty cool too, right?
If you desire to get rid of as much instability in your life as possible and secure yourself more and more in your relationship with Christ, the template in today’s passage is the key to true community. Merging your life with other believers who have your same heart, mind, and goals is crucial to finding health and maturity in every way, but most especially spiritually.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, life among the believers in the early church was pretty straightforward. Not much frills. Help me to find that. Help me to find my place in Your Body. I know my security and my kids’ security can be found in You and those who love You. As above, so below.”
One of the aspects of Jesus’ life we can easily miss because we know how often he was in large crowds was how He went away to be alone and to pray. He not only got away from people in general, but also even His small circle of friends and disciples.
Listen to Mark 1:35 …
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
This is one of those verses where you don’t need to study the original language to be able to interpret the real meaning. Because it’s literal. … He got up early before everyone else. He went away from everyone else. To pray. He sought solitude, sanctuary, and solace.
Let’s look at another verse that gets even more interesting …
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
I know of a mom who would need a moment to re-group herself when her kids were little. She would say, Mommy is going in the closet and shutting the door. I need you to be really quiet and I’ll be right back in just a few minutes. Every time, after about three minutes of quiet and prayer, she would open the door and there will be every child, sitting right outside the door, waiting quietly for her.
Whether Jesus was literally hidden as in invisible or He just had to take a moment like that mom, the principle is the same. Jesus had to get away and be alone so we do too. Self-care in silence and solitude in moment of sanctuary is critical to our well-being.
When was the last time you actually sought after solitude - not with your phone or book… but in complete solitude? Just you and silence. What might we be missing if we don’t follow Christ's example in this?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to make a practice of finding that alone time, just like You did. Help me to find silence, solace, and sanctuary in You. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest disruptors in this day in which we live in our relational stability and our personal peace is anger. Especially on-going and unresolved anger.
Listen to Ephesians 4:26-27 …
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT)
99% of anger in our lives is at a person that we are in a relationship with. Yes, we get angry at strangers and even ourselves but mostly at people we know well. Yet anger is a valid emotion. There are plenty of places in Scripture where God got angry. Jesus got angry. But the motive for anger is crucial as well as what we do with our anger. That makes the difference. Paul offered great advice by saying that holding onto anger can poison us. To not take anger into a second day or the devil can use it against us.
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible …
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Is anger robbing your relational stability in any way these days?
Is it actually harming you more than the person or people you are upset with?
Consider how you can get rid of your anger by the end of each day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I hand my anger over to You. I don’t want it to rob me, or hurt me, or become bitterness in my life. Remind me when it comes back up that You know what to do with it as I give it to You. As above, so below.”
One of the most powerful chapters in the New Testament is Colossians 3. Paul reminded us to try and remember Heaven when all Hell is breaking loose in our lives and to not allow the stuff of earth to rule our emotions, thoughts, and actions. We have to have a ground zero for our own hearts and minds, to take care of what we need to do and not do in our own lives.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
What phrase or words stood out to you?
In which of these areas can you say you’re doing really well right now?
What did you hear that you know you’re struggling in that area?
Now listen again to select parts of this passage …
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, … not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. … So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. … You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. … for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Are there any “old nature things” that you know it’s time to let go of?
I want to encourage you again with Paul’s words … put on your new nature, be renewed, and become like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to live out the values of Heaven here on earth as You keep renewing and revealing Your nature in me. As above, so below.”
When the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, He basically answered by boiling them all down to what appears to be two, but is actually three.
Listen to Matthew 22:37-39 …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
So who are we to love? God. Yes. Then our neighbor, which actually just means our fellow human beings. But we so often miss the last part He said. You have to love people “as yourself.”
Sometimes we tend to love ourselves as in we will fight to get what we want or practice self-preservation at all costs. Jesus said if that’s how you love yourself, love others just like that, with that same fervor. But here’s another side to that coin …
Another way we can interpret this statement is “You cannot love others any more than you are able to love yourself.” Are you really bad at loving yourself? Guess what? That’s going to be your level of loving others too.
Do you see it? I hope so, because this is a game changer.
Now that you’ve heard these new thoughts, listen once again …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Have you been hurt so much that you are focused on taking care of you over anyone else? Well, what if you were to love people like that? Then you’d be super-loyal, giving, and protective of everyone.
Or do you struggle to love yourself and you know that makes your level of loving others really low, so it’s time for something to give?
The great news is the key to change for either side of this issue is found in the first part of the verse: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Teach me to love You, then teach me how to love me, then let all that start to create love for everyone around me. As above, so below.”
On our final day we will focus on a very well-known but always powerful chapter in Scripture - this is from Psalm 139. Listen carefully to the words of verses 1 thru 6 …
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
If God really does examine your heart and knows everything about you, then don’t you think it’s okay for you to get real with Him about how you feel and what you are feeling about your life and anyone in it? Isn’t it safe to say He can handle whatever you need to get honest about? Have you ever considered venting your emotions with God? I think the Psalms shows us that’s exactly what we are supposed to do.
Here’s the next six verses of Psalm 139 …
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
So, once again, if you can’t go anywhere to get away from God, even in the dark, and He promises to guide and support you, then let this week be a game changer in your relationship with Him. Talk to Him like a best friend. Need to vent? Get loud? Let out some anger and some steam? Go for it. Tell Him what you think and how you feel. Take care of yourself, your hurts and your healing by opening up completely before God. That really is what prayer is about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, it’s time I got honest with You, like really honest. Actually, it’s kind of funny for us to think You can’t handle how I feel or what I might say. Like verse 4 said, You know what I’m going to say before I say it, so just help me to get honest and tell You my heart. As above, so below.”
The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don’t have enough in the U.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third world country. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there’s not nearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heard ex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about his childhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we were very happy, so as a kid, I really didn’t realize we were poor.” … Perspective. So this week let’s do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for some biblical perspective from God’s Word on a tough topic.
In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision: Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that’s the reason we lost. If we can fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.
Listen to verses 26-28 …
“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).
In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Aramean army fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleys as well.
Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse their defeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blame location?”
Listen once again to the key part of this passage …
Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Here’s how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…
I believe He is God over my family, but I can’t trust Him with my finances.
I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.
I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.
I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can’t heal my heart.
I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.
Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? The limitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area and not another?
Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you are struggling.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—my mountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest prayers in the New Testament was actually a cry for help to Jesus. An honest, vulnerable plea from a dad about his son’s hopeless dilemma. Listen to the story in Mark 9…
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! (NLT)
Of course, Jesus healed the boy and he was fully restored in front of the crowd.
But think about this dad’s prayer. How many times have we all known that we believe God for something yet we also know we have doubts and struggles too? So our belief is in the same heart with our unbelief, somehow all mixed together.
What if the very reason this story and this father’s plea was included in the Bible is to show us that God knows we battle faith and doubt so we should just be honest about our sense of what we lack.
Listen again to the interaction between the dad and Jesus…
Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!
Today, let’s go ahead and join this dad in our confession. Let’s get real about our belief and our unbelief. Be honest with God and ask for His help where we are struggling to believe Him. Because Jesus did heal the boy after the man’s full confession. And what do you think that did to the dad’s faith?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe You in so many ways, but then, being honest, there are so many places where I struggle. Help me overcome my unbelief today. As above, so below.”
I want to encourage you that no matter how many times you have read or heard this passage, try to hear this today with new ears and a fresh heart.
Listen to Matthew 15 …
Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. Then Jesus sent the people home. (32-39 NLT)
Today, in this moment, where are you lacking? Where is there not enough? The difference made in this story was Jesus being given what the people had. He will always be a Gentleman, so He will never take what is not handed over to Him. Wherever you are lacking, hand that over to Jesus right now in this moment.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But Jesus wasn’t finished with them. He called his disciples and said, “I hurt for these people. For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road.” His disciples said, “But where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they said, “plus a few fish.” At that, Jesus directed the people to sit down. He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, he divided it up and gave it to the people. Everyone ate. They had all they wanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers. Over four thousand people ate their fill at that meal.
Even though we live in this world, God also has His Kingdom here. He has His own economy. He has His own people. He has His own way of working. Ask Him to let you see your own version of this miracle and then believe Him for the rest.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this is such a crazy story, yet I know You can do anything You want. Please take the things in my life that I feel are subtracted and divided and add to them and multiply them in Your will. As above, so below.”
Jesus taught some fascinating principles about the persistence we should have in prayer in Luke 11 …
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
There is so much in this passage. But what did you hear? How do these words challenge you to pray? And how should you change your prayers to match these principles? More persistence? More honesty? More expectation? A healthier perspective that God wants to bless you?
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Then he said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open. “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”
So, how much do you ask? Seek? Knock? Do you pray one or two times and then assume you have already prayed for it? Or do you pray for fish but in your heart expect snakes? Jesus made a lot of promises to us here. Maybe we should start to take Him up on them?
As you ruminate on this, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Breathe deep then slowly exhale and let go of your strife and stress. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day by trusting Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I expect but don’t ask. Forgive me when I ask for fish but think you’re going to hand me a snake. Help me change my mind so You can change my heart. Let my prayers be like a child expecting good gifts from a Father. As above, so below.”
While Revelation can certainly be a challenging book for us to understand, there are some very powerful passages of what we are promised as Christ-followers.
Listen to Revelation 21:3-5 …
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
The next time you feel like you are never going to have enough and you may never get to the place you want to be, I want to encourage you to look past this life and remind yourself of your home in Heaven. One day, this life will be a blip on the radar of eternity.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new.
I want to close this week by allowing a few moments to reflect on Heaven. The peace, the provision, the protection. Close your eyes and envision the place that today’s passage described to you. …. The next time life is crashing down, close your eyes and recall this moment. And remember—no matter how things look now, God is making everything new.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when I get to experience no tears and no pain and everything being made new. Thank You for providing me with that hope, now and for eternity. As above, so below.”
Anxiety comes at us in many forms—all the way from a child that’s nervous about taking a test at school to a full-blown freak-out, or even a panic attack. Our fast-paced and demanding culture creates anxiety as a daily by-product. So learning a biblical response is a great resource and tool for battling the emotions, feelings, and toxicity of anxiety.
1 Peter 5:7 is a well-known and often-quoted verse that offers some great advice.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Understanding the original language behind this verse actually brings the concept to life. The Greek word that has been translated to our word “cast” means to violently throw, to hurl, to fling something with great force. This verse does not mean to carefully lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus. It literally means to throw them upon Him as in “Here, take it! I can’t handle this!”
How many times has someone said to you—“Hey, don’t put that on me!”? Isn’t it fascinating that God actually encourages us to throw something on Him?
Let’s look at the passage around verse 7 for more context.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Isn’t it interesting that the Bible always compares us to sheep and never donkeys or camels or horses? God did not design us to be beasts of burden. Sheep are never used to carry anything. So we are also not made to carry burdens, cares that weight us down. So we are to humble ourselves by realizing we can’t handle it. We cast, we throw, we hurl, we fling our cares on God. And He will restore us and make us strong, firm, and steadfast.
Right now, what are you carrying that is creating anxiety for you?
What is your child carrying that is creating anxiousness?
What cares can you cast to God?
Maybe talk to your kids about the difference in sheep and donkeys? Being anxious is trigger to know it’s time to get rid of something.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You made us to give burdens to You and not carry them. Help me, remind me, when I start to get weighed down and anxious to throw my cares on You. Help me to teach this to my kids and lead them by example. As above, so below.”
Interesting that the scriptures where God talks about worry and struggles seem to be such popular verses.
Listen to Philippians 4:6-7 …
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
So let’s get this straight, shall we? What does it say we are to not worry about? Anything.
What are we supposed to do instead? Pray. … Pray about what? Everything.
So we are told to turn our worries into prayers. Tell God exactly what we need. Sounds simple, right?
Listen to these verses in The Message …
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
So if we shape our worries into prayers, then we can experience God’s peace and wholeness … even if we can’t understand how that happens, we just have to do it.
Right now, what’s an anxious thought, a deep worry, that you need to shape into a prayer? To just tell God exactly what you need and don’t need?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, right now, that thing that is absolutely stressing me out, that thing that I know my child is dealing with, I give it to you. Take it. I want trade it for your peace. Now, please guard my heart and my mind from taking it back. As above, so below.”
As we talk about anxiety in our lives and our kids’ lives, we have to take a look at the source. I think we can all agree that somehow, some way, all our anxiety is rooted in fear. We fear something will happen again that will hurt us. We fear that something will go wrong in the future. We fear we will lose control over a certain situation or be forced into a response we don’t want.
The prophet Isaiah spoke the words of God to His people many times … words of a protective, loving Father to His frightened children. Here is one such verse in 41:10 …
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Let’s look at this verse the way we looked at yesterday’s verse.
Why should you not be afraid? Because God—I am—is with you.
Why should you not be discouraged? I am your God.
How, why, can we not be afraid or discouraged? Because God says. Our fear can be replaced with His courage.
Listen to today’s verse in The Message …
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
I think we should write that first part of the verse down somewhere we can see it all the time, don’t you? … Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear.
What’s scaring you to death today? What is causing you to panic, whether anyone can see it or not?
What’s scaring your kids? What creates panic in them?
Remember—God’s presence, His strength, His help, His steady, firm grip is on you … and your children.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give you my fear, my discouragement, my panic. Please let me experience Your strength, Your help. Help me to know that You are holding me and my kids in Your hands. As above, so below.”
Another well-known passage about dealing with anxiety, fear, and worry, one that we have read before here, comes from the words of Jesus. So often His teaching warned about how wealth or the pursuit of wealth can keep people from God. The bottom line is if we think we can take care of ourselves, our pride will act like we don’t need Him. And that is never true.
Today, rather than repeating the passage, we’re going to break it into two reads. Here’s the first part of Christ’s words in Luke 12:22-28 … Regardless of how many times you may have heard this, listen through the lens of battling anxiety for you and your kids …
Listen to the words of Jesus
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
What stood out to you as I read the words? As I often say here, pay attention to what jumps out at you from Scripture. That is one of the ways that God speaks to us, through His Word in the moment.
Verse 26 is key: And if worry can’t accomplish little things like feeding and clothing you, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Now listen to verses 29-32 …
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”
God doesn’t want us to be anxious or worry or carry burdens. He wants us to let Him take care of us, so we won’t feel all those toxic and negative emotions. What is one burden that you are carrying right now that, right now in your mind, you can visualize yourself giving over to Jesus?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess to You that my worrying hasn’t accomplished anything, ever, little or big. Help me to trust that You can and will meet me and my kids’ needs. We just need to look to You. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on dealing with anxiety for our families, we will close with several verses from Psalms that encourage us about God’s care and provision. These can also be turned into great prayers.
Psalm 34:4-7 in The Message …
God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
Now, moving down to verses 17-19 …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
Such great words of encouragement to fight our anxiety and fear. Let’s keep going in Psalm 91 …
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. … Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. …“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.”
Focus your attention on one area that you are struggling with anxiety, can you name it our loud?
What do you think God thinks about that anxiety?
God loves you as His child, How do you feel when your child is carrying around anxiety?
As any loving parent would, God our Father wants to lift that burden of worry from you. You were never meant to carry it. Will you give him the worry, the anxiety about the outcome of a situation and just keep your eyes focused on staying close to Him?
Let’s agree to try turning worries into prayers, fear into faith.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe I have a better and bigger picture of You after this week. You can and want to take care of me and my kids. You want me to be Your sheep and not a beast of burden. Help me to cast my cares on You. Help me to teach my kids to do the same. As above, so below.”
Discipling our kids comes in two forms—taught and caught. We need to teach them about our faith, how to have a relationship with Christ, and the value of God’s Word. But what is so crucial is to allow them to catch us living out our faith in front of them. Honestly, the “taught” part is often easier than the “caught”. Because it’s more of a “don’t do as I do, do as I say” thing. But God wants to use our kids in our lives to make us more like Jesus just as much as He wants to use us in their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 is an often-quoted verse that offers us a clear command but also makes a promise. A promise … not a guarantee.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT)
Let’s take the verse apart …
Direct your children … to direct, you have to be engaged, either beside them or leading them.
Onto the right path … in light of being in the Bible, the right path is the one that leads toward God.
And when they are older …. Kids are easier to influence when they are young. Leading in the right direction toward God at a young age builds a foundation for later.
They will not leave it … again, this can’t be a guarantee because people walk away from their faith, or refuse it. But let’s think of it this way: our job is to pour God into our kids, so later, He can use our influence in their hearts.
Listen once again, this time in The Message …
Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
So a great place to start on discipling your kids in spiritual training is simply to keep asking: Where am I pointing my kids? And then to ask: Is my “caught” pointing the same place as my “taught”?
What is way I can point my kids in the right direction this week?
What is something that should shift in my day to day walk that would provide an opportunity for my kids to catch me walking in faith?
Need to make some adjustments? That’s okay, God’s grace and mercy is there to make all the adjustments you need to make, for you and your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need You to teach me what you need my kids to know about You. Lead me when I pray. Guide me in Your Word. Help me to catch all I can from you in any way I possibly can. As above, so below.”
The old saying goes: “We can’t take anyone any farther than we are.” I can’t teach you things that I don’t know. I can tell you, but I can’t teach you. So, that is a challenge for us that if we want our kids to grow deep in Christ, we will have to go deep first.
Listen to Psalm 25:4-10 …
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (NLT)
So much of the Psalms we can pray as our own prayers. Imagine praying these words. Doing what these verses say. Imagine our kids seeing us do these things and choosing to follow.
Listen to The Message in these same verses …
Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step. From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions.
The scripture says - Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.
Let me ask you, How teachable are you right now? So often we get stuck in the way we have always done something that we fail to see new possibilities.
Can you ask God right now to show you areas that you may need to be schooled in His ways? And ask him to take you by your hand and lead you down the path of truth, open your eyes to His way of seeing things?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me how you work. School me in your ways. Take me by the hand. Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior. As above, so below.”
A huge part of training our children in the ways of God is, first, not being afraid to do it in a culture that is going in the opposite direction. And two, is to be confident that, regardless of your past and whatever has happened in your family, God wants you to teach your kids. Let go of your fears. Let go of the “who am I to teach anyone about God?” lies. Please know that in Christ you have all you need to take your children wherever God wants you all to go.
Listen to Psalm 34:1-4 …
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Is it time for you to believe that you will have all that you need?
Can you say it aloud - I have all that I need today
Is it time for you to believe that you lack no good thing?
Can you say it - Thank you Father, I lack no good thing
Listen to part of today’s passage in the Message …
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. Come, children, listen closely; I’ll give you a lesson in God worship. Who out there has a lust for life? Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
As we are halfway through this week, what are you sensing from God in our time together? As you hear His Word? What is He saying to you? What is saying to you about your kids?
Whatever you sense God is saying, follow that. And point your kids in the same direction.
And always remember—it’s a relationship, not a religion.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please deepen me in my relationship with You. For me, but for my kids. As above, so below.”
Today, I want to focus on a very simple yet profound statement that I hope you will memorize and repeat as needed.
What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children.
Let’s repeat that … What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children
Listen to Paul in Romans 12:1-2 …
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Notice how God transforms us into a new person … by changing the way we think. And the way God thinks is opposite of the world.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
If changing your thinking can transform you, what needs to change about your thinking?
How does God want to transform you by changing the way you think?
And how will that transformation positively transform your children?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, change my mind. Change my heart. Help me to be shaped by You and not the world. And please help me to stay motivated to grow in You for the sake of my kids. As above, so below.”
Today, I want us to take a close and honest look at where we are spiritually. Guiding our kids spiritually starts with us, in our life.
Here’s a question … was there a time in your life when you were closer to Christ? When was that? Why were you closer then? What happened?
Regardless of your answer, what will it take for you to grow and mature to the next place God has for you?
Listen to Hebrews 6:1-3 …
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
Now, granted, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement are some heady topics, but we don’t need to miss the real point of the passage: Don’t keep re-learning what you already know. Don’t go backwards spiritually. Move forward and grow.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!
What has to happen for you to grow in Jesus?
Can we ask Him to reveal what He wants to lead you in growth, what might a next step, a new area of focus be?
What needs to happen for you to help your kids grow with you?
That, my friend, is your next step.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to be solid in what I know to be true about You and then start (or keep) growing and maturing in You. Help me to be constantly moving forward to a new place in You and taking my kids with me. As above, so below.”
One of the toughest things we have to deal with in life is when something we care about is taken completely out of our control. Then anytime it involves our kids, that adds a heightened level of emotions. And if you add issues like hurt, distrust, betrayal, and being unfair, all of life can quickly seem unbearable and confusing.
Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about these very human dynamics because we all deal with them, more than we ever want to. For that reason alone, we have to learn where to go for help.
In chapter 30 in the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon gets very real about life while talking to God …
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (1-5 NLT)
Bottom line here … When life wears you out, just admit you are fragile, you don’t know everything, don’t know what to do, don’t know what God is up to, but also … if He has created everything and is control of all you see, then He knows what to do with your life and will protect you … even, yes even, when it does not feel like it.
This passage is not to be taken as someone speaking from a poor self-image, but how we feel when life gets out of our control. All to remind ourselves who we are not and who God is.
Listen once again:
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (30:1-5 NLT)
What feels totally out of control in your life right now?
Here’s the odd, yet good news … if you can admit it’s out of your control, then maybe it’s totally in God’s control? Why don’t you take a minute and invite Him to take over anything you are struggling with? Right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I guess feeling like I’m in control of anything is just an illusion, huh? Would you take over everything right now—the things I think I’m controlling and the things I know are completely out of my control? … As above, so below.”
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon in all his wisdom worked hard to figure out why life is completely out of his control, even as a powerful king. In his writings, he was frustrated and angry and cynical and flippant and sarcastic. Does that sound familiar at all? Thank God that He gave us such a wide variety of people and circumstances in His Word to show us the collision between the divine and the human.
Listen to Ecclesiastes 8:7-9 in The Message …
Yes, there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when. Who’s around to tell us? No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death. No one can stop a battle in its tracks. No one who does evil can be saved by evil. All this I observed as I tried my best to understand all that’s going on in this world. As long as men and women have the power to hurt each other, this is the way it is.
Can you relate to any of Solomon’s words?
When we can’t actually control anything about life but we want to, we usually end up hurting one another, trying to control each other. And we have to be so careful that we don’t end up trying too hard to control our kids. Control is never the point of parenting.
Let’s fast-forward to the end of Ecclesiastes where Solomon finally resolves his search for truth.
The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 MSG)
So, evidently it’s okay to run through all of our crazy, mixed-up emotions and express our cynical and sarcastic opinions of how life treats us. Because what matters most after the process is where we end up. Better, not bitter. Realizing we will never be God and He always will be. And that will always be a great place to land.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to realize I can vent with You as my Father. I can tell you exactly what I think. You already know what I’m thinking so I may as well just voice it. But remind me in those moments that all I am saying is that You have to be in control—and to thank You that I’m not. As above, so below.”
If there is any story in the Bible that shows the lengths a human will go to stay in control, do his own will, and avoid God, it’s the story of Jonah. It’s funny how over the years we have made this entire book to be all about the apparent bad thing of getting swallowed by a whale, when in reality the whale was sent by God to save the man from self-destruction. That metaphor can be used a lot in all of our lives.
Listen to Jonah 1:1-4 …
One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm … (MSG)
Okay, yes, God sent a huge storm, but didn’t Jonah actually bring the storm on himself?
Let that sink in for a moment.
Of course, there are bad things that happen to us that are no fault at all of our own. But then, if we are going to be honest, how many storms do we need to admit we started or had a hand in starting?
Back to the story, I guess sitting in the digestive juices of a whale causes you to re-think your choices, huh?
Listen to just one chapter later …
I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, And my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:6-10 MSG)
Is this story a reminder of any situation in your own life? Maybe one from years ago or one you are in right now? So, are you on the ship … in the whale … or standing on the beach, wiping the vomit off?
When we find ourselves out of control, and can even point fingers at other’s poor choices, all we can do is what we can do about ourselves. We have to ask, what part of this do I need to own? And then, we have to learn to recognize that even when a situation may stink, God brought it to us for a reason to get us where He wants us to go. Because He loves us, wants to save us, and He is the One in control.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to not run from You, no matter what life brings, to accept that You are in control of me and You love me—always.” As above, so below.”
When we feel like life or parenting, or schedule, or money, or all of it is out of control, we really mean out of our control, don’t we?
It’s very important in those moments to evaluate what is in control. Living in a fallen world, so often we see sin controlling things. Selfishness, self-serving, self-gratification. The crucial thing to do is take an honest look at our own lives and ask, Is sin controlling anything in my life that I need to give to God?
Listen to Paul in Romans 6:11-14 …
So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)
As you heard this passage, did anything come to mind? Did any part stand out to you? Did God speak to you, even if it was just a quick flash in your mind?
If sin is a master, and masters want to control, then what great news to hear we have the option to live in freedom. To be free of control or the need to control … anything … anyone.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
If this passage is true, then let me ask you … what are you not free from today? If something, someone, or any situation quickly comes to mind, how can you apply today’s truth to open your hand, release your grip, and hand it over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, Thank You for Your love. Thank You that You have defeated sin. My sin. Thank You for my freedom. Help me to walk in it—today. As above, so below.”
Today, as we close out our focus on the illusion of control and the reality of God being in control, especially in the area of our parenting and connected relationships, a fair question for us to ask is this: “Okay, God, if You are in control, when will you take total control? Like take away all our false ideas and futile attempts to be in control for ourselves?”
Listen once again to Paul, this time in Philippians 3:20-21 …
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (NLT)
So we live in a time when God offers His control of our lives as a choice. One option among thousands. But when we choose Him, two things become a reality. First, we live on the earth, but our citizenship changes to Heaven. And second, we live for the day when the choices end and He takes everything over. Whether we die first or He comes back, we will witness Him “bringing everything under His control.” Meanwhile, today, right now, no matter how tough life gets, no matter how unfair life may seem, we can choose Him, choose His power, choose Heaven.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
This week, how did your view of personal control change?
How did your view of God being in control change?
And, as always, the biggest question for any of us, what do you need to give up and give God for your best and your kids best?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope and the promise, whether here or in Heaven, that the best is always yet to come. Please help me to remember that truth when everything seems to go wrong and I want to give up. Just help me to give it to You. As above, so below.”
Galatians 5:22 and 23 offers us a list of qualities and characteristics that God will give us. Then, as parents, can become a blessing to our children.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)
Picture a fruit tree … whatever fruit is your favorite … when that tree begins to show the fruit it grows on its branches, does it then use that for its own food? Of course not. The fruit of the tree is not for the tree, but for those who can take part in its maturity and enjoy its blessing. Does picking the fruit to eat hurt the tree? No. Two reasons why … that’s the purpose of the tree and it can grow more.
The same concept is what God’s fruit produces and provides in us—our maturity and growth that blesses others, but most especially our own kids.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this same passage:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
So, are you strong in kindness but struggle in self-control? Good at expressing love but battle being at peace within your heart? Take a few minutes to do a fruit inspection with God. Let Him show you anywhere you need to submit to Him. Keep in mind, none of us can produce this fruit on our own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love, to find joy, to allow peace, to be patient, be kind, show goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and please help me to have self-control by giving control of everything to You. As above, so below.”
Parenting is a long-haul job. A job we don’t get days off from and we cannot quit. We all need constant emotional, mental, and spiritual fuel to keep on keeping on in raising our kids.
Listen to Romans 5:2-5 …
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT)
Confidence. Joy. Help for problems and trials. Endurance. Character. Strength. Hope that does not disappoint. Our hearts filled with love. Who else could possibly offer that kind of guarantee but God?
Listen to verses 3-5 in The Message …
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Do you believe your current troubles can develop passionate patience in you? Something we all desperately need as parents in today’s culture, right?
The next time you feel hemmed in by trouble, know that you aren’t being short-changed, but God will provide a way out and, then on the other side, you can experience the “tempered steel of virtue.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when trouble comes, especially with my kids, help me to look for You in the midst of the mess. Teach me to anticipate what You are going to do on the other side. As above, so below.”
When we face tough times, when we don’t know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 …
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)
How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I’m going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?
How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?
Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.
What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I’m weak, when I’m being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”
From a teenage boy in the fields alone with the sheep to a king in the palace, David’s life knew trouble … trouble he made for himself, trouble from others, and a lot of trouble with his kids.
Despite his issues, David constantly showed us how to turn to the Lord with anything and everything.
Listen to Psalm 18:1-6 …
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (NLT)
If you were to composed a psalm of your own, what would you say to God? What would you say about God?
You know what enemies, threats, floods, and distress feel like, don’t you? Do you know the other side David speaks about? To allow God to rescue you? To cry out to Him for help?
Listen to part of this passage again in The New Life Bible …
I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me. The ropes of death were all around me. The floods of death make me afraid. The ropes of the grave were all around me. The traps of death were set for me. I called to the Lord in my trouble. I cried to God for help. He heard my voice from His holy house. My cry for help came into His ears.
Let’s take a few moments to list some of the major troubles you have experienced … maybe something you are walking through right now?
Now list what God has done or what You want to see Him do?
Listing, even writing out your prayers is a great exercise … one you might try doing with your kids too.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my strength, my Rock, my Safe Place, my Covering, my Strong Tower. Thank You for hearing me when I cry out to You. Thank You for answering, not always on my time, but on Yours. As above, so below.”
The toughest thing about trying to live as a Christ-follower is being beat down by the world, all the while knowing Heaven is a reality waiting for us one day. But it’s hard to see Heaven when we feel like Hell is constantly on our doorstep, isn’t it?
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. … That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT)
When things are tough, especially inside your own family and dealing with your kids, try and remember this life is temporary … in several ways … one, your children are growing up and there will be a day when they will leave home, and two, there will be a day that Heaven will move from a someday thing to a reality. So hold onto it all loosely and maybe a little less intensly.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory … So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
What problem are you holding onto just a bit too tightly right now?
What issue should you take a little less seriously right now?
What do you need to change your perspective on to see it as temporary? Because it is.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to stand up when I feel like giving up. Help me to release my grip when I feel like taking control. Help me to hand over to You everything I hold on to. As above, so below.”
Timothy 3:14-17 …
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures …, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)
Wisdom. Inspiration. Teaching. Truth. Correction. What is right and what is wrong. Preparing us and equipping us for good work. We all need all these dynamics, all the time in our lives.
Let’s go back to the first sentence in the passage that states … “if we remain faithful to the things we already have been taught.” So much of our issue is not really reading the Word of God, but applying and obeying it, right? Reading words is easy but doing them is another matter entirely.
I want to encourage you to find a Scripture that fits your family, that speaks to your family. If your single with no kids, one that speaks to your life and your goals. Pray and ask God to help you craft a statement using that verse that you can use to help you make decisions and live a life that will be pleasing to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Help me to allow Your Spirit to show me truth, expose my places of rebellion, correct my mistakes, and train me and my family to live life Your way. As above, so below.”
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT)
It’s so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.
Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?
Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.
But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn’t it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?
And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it’s real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”
Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let’s be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it’s called flesh and spirit.
The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in …
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:18-25 NLT)
How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids’ behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids’ hearts?
We get Paul’s frustration, don’t we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.
How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions …
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don’t want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don’t do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”
One of the most telling and incredible passages in the New Testament is where Jesus talks about the difference in those who follow Him and those who don’t, and how you can tell them apart here on earth. What is also fascinating here is the things He cares about the most in what we do with our lives.
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT)
So what does it appear God cares a lot about? Did you catch it? Feeding the hungry. Providing for those who have no water or no clean water. The homeless. The naked. The poor. The sick. Those in prison.
Why do you think the righteous responded by asking Jesus…..”when did we see you among those we ministered to”? … Notice they knew they did those things, they were just asking Jesus where He was?
What if once a week, you found some way for you and your kids to do just one of these things? It doesn’t have to take a lot of money … it can just take a little time and energy. Maybe sponsor a child with one of the many aid and education organizations and let your kids write a letter to the child? Let them choose the country and the child. Or you could take a few canned goods to a local food pantry and ask for a tour of what they do? Write a letter to an inmate in prison through one of the many great prison ministry organizations?
And remember and remind your kids—when you do it for someone like this, you are actually doing it for Jesus. He said so.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess I get overwhelmed with the problems of the world and end up doing nothing. Help me to take this passage and focus on just one simple
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. … Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9-13, 15-17 NLT)
Did you notice how many times Jesus used the word “love”? And did you also notice He called us “friends”? There is such an incredible intimacy in this passage. Jesus literally commanded us to love with our very lives. A love that impacts eternity, our families, and what our families do and take part in as believers.
Today’s passage in the Message Bible …
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. … I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.
How can you grow in your love for your kids … the kind of love Jesus talked about here?
How can you love one another better inside your own home?
How can you lead your kids to love people … not just certain people or people that look like them but everyone?
The answers to these questions are what your faith is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need to grow in love… my love for You, myself, my kids, and others. Help me to teach my kids how to love … love like You. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, and also when we choose to get close to God. Yesterday, we read that He has made the first move through Jesus and wants to be as close to us as we will allow.
Let me remind you of how we defined intimacy yesterday: In-to-me-see. That means allowing someone to see your heart and who you truly are.
For most of us, one of the big things that brings us to our knees and helps us choose to reach out to God is when our hearts are broken. When life is going incredible and we’re on top of the world, we can fail to see our need for God. But when everything falls apart and goes wrong, we realize we need help, that we cannot do life alone. Especially when people fail us and hurt us, we tend to look up, not out.
Listen to today’s passage …
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:17-19 NLT)
How does God hear us? When we call for help.
When is He close to us? When we are brokenhearted.
Will He keep us from having troubles? No, but He promises to be there when we do.
Listen to this same passage in The Message Bible …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
Have you already discovered this to be true in your relationship with God? Or do you need to test it out for the first time?
There aren’t a lot of guarantees in this life, but I can say this: God will never let you down. There will be trouble and your heart will be broken, but He will be there when you reach out.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You know what to do with my broken heart. Thank You that You will provide help to me when I need it most. When trouble comes, help me to come to You right away and never wait to try and solve my problems on my own. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are going to talk about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, like a dad to a daughter, a mother to her son, a husband to a wife, or God to us.
The best way to remember what intimacy means is to just say the word by its syllables. In-to-me-see. Intimacy is allowing someone to see your heart, who you truly are. No hiding. Being honest.
Love, especially God’s love, allows us to get close to people and then grow in that closeness. We often call this a “two-way street” as in this kind of closeness takes each one to work on the relationship and get closer. When this happens in a healthy manner, love grows, closeness comes, and intimacy deepens. Let’s look at one short, simple verse that talks about intimacy with God and makes a powerful promise.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
When we first read this verse, we can misunderstand the meaning, as if God is saying, “You make the first move and then I’ll respond to you.” But we have to remember this verse was written after Jesus had died on the cross and was resurrected. God has already made the first move toward us through Christ. Now, He is saying when you reach out to me, because of Jesus, we can immediately be close, just like Jesus was close with the Father.
With that thought in mind, let’s read this verse one more time.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
Let’s paraphrase the verse this way, “Whenever you choose to be close to God, He is already there, waiting, ready to receive you.” That is real intimacy, when someone is always there for you, no matter what.
Here’s a question to think about …
How do you think you can know God is close to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise You will be close to me, that You will say, “in-to-me-see”. Help me to trust You and always respond with, ‘God, in-to-me-see.’ As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. The past two days we have defined intimacy as when people get really close, and also when we choose to be close to God. We also defined intimacy as in-to-me-see—allowing someone to see your heart and grow in love.
Another type of intimacy the Bible talks about is among a group of people, a community. Just like intimacy has its own meaning inside the word, so does community … common unity … community. A group of people can get very close to one another. Oftentimes, this may revolve around some issue, something positive or negative, that the group has in common. Yet, most of the time, as the closeness grows, the focus of the relationships no longer are about the original thing that drew them together. Now, the community is simply unified in their hearts.
Listen to Acts 2:42-47 …
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (NLT)
What was this group’s common thread? A relationship with Christ.
What did this create among them? They all acted like Jesus, individually and as a community.
What happened as a result of the community’s unity? More people wanted to be a part.
Listen once again to The Message Bible’s version …
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Have you experienced this kind of unity among a community?
Maybe you are experiencing this right now?
Or maybe you desperately need this in your life?
If you have it, thank God and pray for your friends in the community. If you don’t, ask God to help you find your community … people in love with Jesus who understand intimacy with Him and others.
In our prayer time today, as I just stated, if you have a community, take a moment to lift them up. If you don’t, ask God now to show you where and how to find yours. … As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we have been talking about intimacy and how important it is to experience this dynamic with God, in relationships, and inside a community. Today, we will look at a different type of intimacy, in fact, the deepest intimacy possible.
In Paul’s teaching to the church at Corinth, he tied an Old Testament reality to the new reality Jesus provided. The temple was once a physical structure where only designated priests could enter. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, allows His to be brought into our own hearts through faith in Christ.
Listen to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 …
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NLT)
Do you see it? As followers of Christ, we literally become His temple. This brings an incredible new type of intimacy and closeness … God with us and God in us. We, of course, do not become God, but He now lives inside our lives.
Let’s read this passage again in The Message Bible.
Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.
As I have asked you a number of times on other days in Sound Mind Set, was there any line or phrase that stood you to you? What was it? … Why do you think it stood out to you? What might God be saying by highlighting that for you?
For the believer, the crucial focus here is that our bodies no longer belong to us. The temple of God is no longer a building or a place only priests can visit. Christ’s death and resurrection, along with the introduction of the Holy Spirit, makes us His temple. Shouldn’t that bring an entirely new focus and meaning to our lives? What we choose to do and not do with His temple?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, seeing myself as Your temple is a tough concept to grasp. But I didn’t say that about me, You did. So help me to believe it, accept it as truth, and live it out. I need to simply believe what You tell me, about me. As above, so below.”
Today we close out our theme of love for this month, as well as this week as we have been talking about intimacy. We’ve looked at a level of closeness that God can provide that should affect every relationship we have in life—from our families to the groups of people we associate with. God allowing us to be His temple changes everything as to how we approach all of life and every relationship.
In John 17, as Jesus was in the garden knowing the cross was only hours away and all the brutality of sin was about to be placed on Him, He didn’t pray for Himself, but for intimacy and unity among the people who would believe in Him—those who were with Him on that day, those throughout the centuries, all the way to us today.
Imagine Jesus in the Garden alone in the dark, knowing the soldiers were on their own to take Him to the cross. Hear Him crying out to God through the filter of that reality and listen for how He prays for you …
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-26 NLT)
Did you catch the same language as Paul later used as to where God will be?
Did you hear His prayer for you?
Did you hear His cry for intimacy between you and the Father?
Listen once more … this time I’ll abbreviate and focus on Jesus’ prayer for you and I today …
“I am praying … for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. … “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-23, 25 NLT)
How should you respond to the Bible passages we have read this week? What did you hear that encouraged you? Challenged you? Convicted you? Intimacy is such an important concept to understand, grasp, an grow in, especially as Christ-followers, because we have no barriers to be able to love as He loves.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me in all my relationships to be a reflection of intimacy with You. I am Your temple and I want the world to see Your life and Your heart through my life and heart. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. We have to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially the brand of love God gives us, not what the world throws at us every day. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. For all these reasons, God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours. So with that in mind, let’s get started:
Regardless of your church or spiritual background you likely know some or all of John 3:16. But sometimes when a verse becomes almost cliché, we can miss its meaning. We no longer consider the deep truth behind the words. For that very reason, I want to read verse 16 and 17 today from The Message Bible. But before I read, I want to challenge you to do something that might be tough, especially if you have any sort of issue with God, and what you feel He has allowed to happen in your life … I want you to hear this passage as if it was the first and only thing you have ever heard about God and His love. … Listen closely to every word …
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; (John 3:16-17 MSG)
Hearing this truth with fresh and unbiased ears, what did you hear? Love? Sacrifice? A whole life? No accusations but setting the world right again? And the closing word? … Trust in Him equals acquittal. … Wow.
There is no question that the enemy of God, along with the events that occur in a broken and fallen world muddy up and mess up us seeing God as love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Whatever negative and harmful concepts life has planted in your heart toward God, I want to encourage you to try and erase those lies and replace it with the truth of God’s Word.
Whatever your concept of God is, that is what you will show your kids. Your attitude and actions will far outweigh anything you say. To teach them the correct view of their heavenly Father, who Jesus called Abba or Daddy, you will have to first view Him as the God we hear about in today’s passage. So what needs to happen for you to correct your view of biblical love, not what the world has shown you, but what God wants to give you … and your kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, help me to get rid of any wrong ideas or concepts I have that are not right about You. I never want anyone to misunderstand or misrepresent me, so help me to learn how to get You right … in my attitude, actions, and words … and to teach my kids who you really are. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. God has assigned us the role of teaching them about love, to lead and be their example, to help them see by words and actions that authenticity is the only way to understand love, especially His love. Real love and intimacy require vulnerability and sincerity. And God’s Word is the original love letter from His heart to ours.
Today, we’re going to look at the first event in Jesus’ life that launched His ministry and started His road to the cross: His baptism. Now, you might ask … what does Jesus’s baptism have to do with love? Well, it’s really about what happened at Jesus’s baptism … listen as I read . …
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” (Matthew 3:16-17 MSG)
Did you hear the words of love and affirmation God spoken over Jesus? Imagine for a moment what John witnessed? The Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—all present at this historic event. Now, listen once again, and afterwards, I’ll tell you how you and I are connected to this moment.
Whenever we choose to enter into a relationship with Jesus, the reconnection of our spirits to His is completed. Please know then, that He will, for the rest of your life, look at you and say, “This is my son, this is my daughter, chosen and marked by my love, the delight of my life.”
I’m betting that is exactly the way you look at your child. But you need to know this is how God sees you. And if you can accept and receive that is the way your Heavenly Father sees you, you will then be able to pass that truth on to your kids. If you believe it, they will more likely come to believe it as well.
Repeat this truth out loud right now … I am chosen … I am marked … by my Father’s love ... and I am the delight of His life. … Say it to Him … You have chosen me … You have marked me … by Your love … and I am the delight of Your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You chose me, thank You that my life is marked by Your love. Thank You that I am the delight of Your life. Help me to show my kids that You and I, together, feel that way about them. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. One of the things we love about God’s love is hearing how much He loves us, will forgive us, and show us incredible mercy and grace, no matter what we do. But then the very tough thing about God’s love is, as sinners, we struggle when He tells us to love others that we do not want to love. Teaching our kids that kind of unconditional love will be one of the hardest things we ever do—to encourage them to follow God in loving someone with His love and grace that we do not want to love and don’t think we even can love.
Much of Jesus’ teaching was counter-cultural then, and it certainly is today. The religious leaders of His day wanted to separate people into two categories: acceptable and unacceptable. And those men would make that determination without God. In fact, Jesus’ teaching against their standards ended up getting Him on their unacceptable list. Listen closely to this passage as I read. No matter how many times you may have heard it, try and listen with fresh ears about how God wants us to love …
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:27-36 NLT)
Love your enemies? … That’s a cute catchphrase until you actually feel like someone is your enemy and is working to make your life miserable. Loving that person feels impossible. Do good to those who hate you? Bless those who curse you? Really, Jesus? But what is so great about Jesus’ teaching here is He told us why He wants us to do that.
In short, Jesus said… “if people who have no God, who don’t believe in God, who care nothing about Me, can be kind to those who are kind to them and love those who love them, then you don’t need Me to do that, do you? But now, loving your enemies? Doing good to those who hate you? You are most definitely going to need Me to help you do that. Why? Because by yourself, you can’t!”
Now, to be clear, turning the other cheek does not have anything to do with abuse or letting someone run all over you. Remember—Jesus was the guy who got angry and cleared people out of the temple with a whip. But to love like God and to teach your kids to love like He does, that’s going to take Jesus giving you the power and ability every time.
Let’s say it this way, if we’re going to call ourselves His kids, we need to act like He’s our Dad.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this loving my enemies thing is so hard. Doing good to someone I deem as bad, blessing people I can’t stand, that feels impossible. But you are the God that makes the impossible possible. Help me, Jesus, to love like You and to teach my kids these really hard things about how to love like You. Because me and my kids are Your children. As above, so below.”
Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are focusing on teaching our kids what love is. Let’s be honest … when people talk about God’s love, too often it’s kind of a unicorns and rainbows thing. It sounds religious or like a fantasy and so we really don’t attempt to accept it for ourselves or apply it to others. Well, this week, we are trying to look at what God’s love really means, for the sake of our kids. If anyone is going to help them understand the reality and the balance of His love, it needs to be us.
I know yesterday’s passage from Jesus’ teaching was a tough one. Today is going to be no different. In fact, today’s focus can sound downright questionable. Curious? Okay, listen really closely and then we’ll dig in a little deeper.
“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
What do we do with these words? How do these concepts connect to God’s love?
Passages like this one are where our English translation from the Greek can easily get confusing. Here’s the bottom line: People preach coming together across the aisles and meeting in the middle but how often do we actually see that happen? Jesus tells us that He is the ultimate dividing line for humans. Not politics or race or gender or the things we draw lines against all the time. The real line is do we believe in Him or not? Are we committed to Him or not? Do we love Him more than anyone or anything else in life?
Think of it this way … What if your love for God was so strong that compared to all the other loves in your life, no one would question your commitment to Him? That’s what He means.
If your love for God keeps growing every day, will that cause you to love your kids less? Of course not. But the hard stuff like loving your enemies will get easier. If you love God like Jesus was talking about here, His love will mark your life, His love will mark your relationships, and His love will forever mark your kids’ lives.
What dividing lines do you lay down as gospel in your life? Who do you put on one side while you stand on the other? Who do you teach your kids are different than them? Whenever you hear passages like this, just remember—But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me. … And so will your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want people who stand against You, even well-meaning people, to know You. I want them to see You in my life. Help me to love You so it is clear to everyone that You are the love of my life. As above, so below.”
Today we close out this week on teaching our kids what love is. I know some of the teachings we have looked at from Jesus this week are some of the toughest ones, but isn’t it fascinating that the overall theme of those is still love? Why? Because loving like God loves, in this world, is never going to be easy. That’s why we made a conscious choice to look at the truth about love from the Christian worldview, not the religious worldview or the world’s. So, in light of this, today, we’re going to close out the week on a lighter note from a story about Jesus and how He feels about kids…
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLT)
Can you picture this scene? Well-meaning parents wanting this Teacher and Healer to pray for their kids. Imagine them running up to Jesus, ready to jump in His lap. But the disciples suddenly decide to become a security team and block them from bothering Him. But the kids don’t get rebuked, the disciples do. Then what He says surprises everyone: “Don’t stop them. In fact, you need to act like this with Me.” And the prayer and the blessing happened, just as the parents had hoped.
Here's the passage in the New Life Bible …
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray for them. The followers spoke sharp words to them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not stop them. The holy nation of heaven is made up of ones like these.” He put His hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13-14 NLV)
The holy nation of heaven is made up of people who are childlike in their love. Wow.
Do you love your kids? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to understand love, real love? Of course you do. So take them to Jesus. Do you want them to be able to know authentic, sincere, vulnerable, unconditional love, to be able to receive and to give? Take them to Jesus. Pray for them. Talk to them about Him. Read His words to them. Make Him a part of their lives and He will show them His love.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that You made my kids. You gave me my kids. So no one loves them more than You. Teach me to teach them Your love and help me to love them like You do. As above, so below.”
(Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” … Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:1-3, 5-8 NIV)
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”King David is counting his blessings and includes the fact that he likes where God has placed the boundaries in his life.
Boundaries that both bless and protect him. Part of his spiritual inheritance from God includes proper boundaries.
So, that tells us where our boundaries must also come from … not from pain or revenge or walls around our heart … but from God who knows us and has our best interest in mind at all times.
Choosing to try and protect ourselves on our own terms usually ends up with an emotional wall that just creates more hurt. But when we allow God to lead us, He can provide a way to create a healthy boundary that blesses and protects, just like David referred to.
So, to love in the biblical sense, do you need to tear down a wall and trade it for a boundary? Or maybe there’s been nothing in place for you, and you realize a boundary needs to be installed for your health.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know that walls of protection too often become homemade prison cells. Teach me to create boundaries. Show me how to love the way You love. For myself. For my kids. For those who have hurt me and those who help me. As above, so below.”
Matthew 9:9-13 NLT
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
The Pharisees called the people Jesus was hanging out with “scum.” Jesus removed the barrier the pharisees had and dismantled the prejudice and in doing that actually established a new boundary. The new boundary was towards prejudice, judgment and even privilege.
What drove Jesus’ actions and words? Freedom, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. When we follow Him, we have the best opportunity to do the same. Tear down barriers made by man and install boundaries built by God.
Is there anywhere in your life that you have created an unhealthy barrier or outlook between the those you consider righteous and those you consider sinners?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit that sometimes I act like You, but sometimes I act like a Pharisee. And all the time, I am a sinner. Teach me, help me, to take down barriers to love in my life and build only the boundaries You are okay with. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 2:14-18 NLT
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
When you hear the phrase “hostility towards each other” who comes to mind for you? I doubt it’s a race of people, but a person. Maybe two? We need to see the Bible’s teaching as principles of the heart that apply to all our relationships.
In the quietness of this moment, you know that any hostility that has been built in your heart is not good for you. It’s not good for your kids.
Where do you need God to “break down the wall of hostility that separates you”? Where do you need Him to “end the system of law with its commandments and regulations”? Where do you need Him to bring you peace and put hostility in your heart to a final death? For your sake.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take any hostility I have, that which I realize and that which I don’t, or won’t, or can’t. I need to let go of barriers in my heart and receive what You have provided for me in love, grace, and protection. As above, so below.”
The words of Paul from Ephesians 4 …
Therefore I … beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
A life surrendered and submitted to God will lead to humility, gentleness, patience, making allowance, making every effort, binding together as one. Addition, multiplication, increase not subtraction or devision.
With this in mind listen again to the passage in The Message Bible
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to … get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Wouldn’t it be amazing for our kids to see us live lives marked by “humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences? Living lives that are permeated with Oneness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to be someone who adds to people, who multiplies what You give me, that increases in love, grace, and the fruit of Your Spirit. I pray my life be permeated with Oneness. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage from Romans 12
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12;9-18 NLT)
In a divided world - where and how are we called to love?
Think about a situation in your life or one that you have observed lately that impacts you in even a small way.
Listen to this passage from the Message Bible
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
What person or situation do you need to apply this part of the passage to?
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep re-defining love as the way You love, not as the world tells me. Help me to be free from barriers and pain and express You to everyone in all my circles. As above, so below.”
In John 17, Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find God’s answer to redeem the Garden of Eden.
John 17 - Starting vs. 13 - THE MESSAGE
“I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing
So my people can experience
My joy completed in them.
I gave them your word;
The godless world hated them because of it,
Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,
Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world.
Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;
Your word is consecrating truth.
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,
I give them a mission in the world.
I’m consecrating myself for their sakes
So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me. (John 17:13-23)
Jesus recognized the hate in the world that is opposite His heart for the world. But He also said while we do not belong here, He leaves us here. Why? To reflect His love in the same world that hates His ways. That simplifies and hones our mission on earth. We are here to be His love to others, even in the midst of hate.
Jesus was praying specifically for his disciples initially here, who are physically with him, then he looks beyond the present to the future - to you and me.
Listen again to what He prays specifically for you -
I’m praying not only for them (his disciples)
But also for those who will believe in me (that’s you)
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are…
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.
Can you ask Jesus right now to unify your heart for the world with His? To be evidence of His love for others - not your love - But becoming His love for others - the world.
Who is one person that comes to mind that you need to extend God’s love, beyond your love, to today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are love and You also know what it feels like to be hated, to the point of death. You were hated centuries ago and You are hated today. Help me to be an expression of Your love, not mine, and to be an answer for the hate in this world. Teach me to love like You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 97:9
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.(NLT)
So what does God hate and tell us to hate? … He says if you love Him then you will hate evil. So is evil a person? … No. Evil is the outcome of disobedience. Disobedience to God is sin, which creates evil. So, we are to hate disobedience to God and its results. Can you picture an outcome of your disobedience to God?
While there most certainly is grace for our disobedience, can you attach a sense of hatred for the outcome of that disobedience you have encountered? We are not to hate ourselves for the disobedience, but the forces that oppose God inside our own hearts and in the world today. So, what good does it do to hate that evil? The answer is a response of avoidance, of abstinence … of evil.
Today, I’m going to provide some current context to hating evil by reading Ephesians 6:1…
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Who are we not fighting? Flesh and blood. Each other. We may do evil things out of disobedience, but we are not evil.
Evil exists, evil is the destruction that comes from sin. We have an enemy, God has an enemy, Satan and his spirits. A force that exists in this fallen world that leads us to disobedience which leads to our destruction. So, how do we guard ourselves from this destruction? By hating the destruction the enemy wants for us and by putting on the full armor of God. We cannot fight an unseen power with our own ‘seen’ efforts. God’s Power, His spirit enables us to resist the enemy.
Psalm 97:9-11 …
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Love God. Hate Evil. Really feel the hate that disobedience to God’s ways brings to your life. Claim God’s power as your own to protect again the evil our enemy has planned for us.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I show love for evil by cooperating with it. But help me to hate that which opposes You, even the sin in me. Teach me to love You more, and help me to show love that can conquer hate. As above, so below.”
We know from history that humans have gone through constant change. When one part of the world is at peace, another is in chaos. Economies rise and fall. Civilizations rise and fall. Life and death are constantly occurring. But the reality is that any season won’t last for long. Things change. Life cycles.
King Solomon gave us one of the most prolific and poetic texts for this concept in Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-8.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
Ask yourself 2 questions.
Where do hear your own life, what time are you in right now?
Where did you hear our culture, where might we be right now?
Regardless of what time, or season you are in, or our culture is in, one truth remains, the other side of the coin, the other “time” will come back around soon enough.
Interestingly, all of these ‘times’ I just read are choices we make. Deliberate mindsets, or as the scripture calls it, ‘activities’ that we choose.
Is there a mindset that you need to reaffirm today? Or maybe readjust?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You created the seasons and the times of our lives. Help me to know what time you want it to be for me in every season. But help me to constantly make the current season a time to gather, embrace, mend, and love. As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:43-48 MSG - Jesus' Words
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
I ask you what has become a familiar question from me to you in this podcast: What words stood out to you? Say it back to yourself. Then ask why?
We don’t really like the world-turned-upside-down verses like “Love your enemy,” do we? When someone gives you a hard time, pray for them? Really? These are tough and challenging words, but then it’s also the very reason we are drawn to Jesus, right?
With this in mind listen again to part of the passage
“… I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best … to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. … “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Can you think of someone in your life, or maybe even someone you don’t know… but you know of, that you strongly dislike or perhaps even hate? Can you pray for them right now? Prayer changes things… more than changing others and circumstances…it changes us.
Let’s take a few moments and pray for those we don’t like but God says He loves. Pray that they would encounter God and His love the way you have.
What in Jesus’ teaching do you need to “grow up” in, as verse 48 stated? Where have you been rationalizing hate and you have to trade it in for some of God’s love? I love the last line … “live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love my friends more and turn any hatred I have to love and pray like You said. I know you know that’s hard but if anyone can help me get to that place, it’s You, right? Teach me to live generously and graciously. As above, so below.”
You’d be hard-pressed to go to a Christian wedding and not hear some part of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 read, also known as The Love Chapter. But today, let’s look at how Paul defined biblical love in verses 4-7 as we think about being proactive in love to battle hate.
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
I tend to read or hear this passage and think about how I fall short in loving, based on the definition we are given here. Do you feel that way? Why might we hear these words through a negative filter? Because even with those closest to us, and when we work really hard to be good at love, we still have a selfish sin nature.
Can you think of a situation that you are aware of your conditional, maybe self-serving love towards another person?
So, how can we possibly love anyone like this passage talks about? Listen again to this same passage, but I’m going to change out one word throughout. That will give us the only possible way to love as we are taught here. Listen with your heart …
Jesus is patient and kind. Jesus is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Jesus does not demand his own way. He is not irritable, and He keeps no record of being wronged. Jesus does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Jesus never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Isn’t that incredible? Jesus can be interchanged with the word “love” because He is love and the embodiment of God’s love. So, the closer we get to Jesus, the closer we get to love. The more we follow Jesus, the more we walk in the ways of love.
Today, we look at Proverbs 8, a prophetic chapter where the word “Wisdom” correlates to Christ. The “me” here is Jesus. Verses 32 thru 35:
“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
What do these verses tell us to do? There are 5 action items …
Follow His ways.
Listen to His instruction.
Listen to Him.
Watch for Him.
And the really tough one … Wait for Him.
No one could honestly say that following Jesus is easy in today's world. I have found that the world tends to offer us the easy way in the short-term, which rarely makes the long-term good. With the Lord, the short term is often hard, but the long term turns out right … if we listen … if we don’t ignore Him … if we watch … if we wait. We will find life and we will find favor from the Lord.
… if we listen … if we watch … if we wait.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, so often in my life choosing You over the world or my own way is hard. Please help me to listen for You, to You, to not ignore You, to watch for You, and the hardest one … to wait for You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 1 from the Message Bible
How well God must like you—
you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.
God charts the road you take.
David tells us how much God loves obedience as he contrasts those who follow God versus those who don’t. But verse 2 talks about the concept of rumination on God’s Word, which is exactly what Sound Mind Set is all about. “Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.” The way we find truth and find balance in this life is by repeating, thinking on, considering, and ruminating on His Word, allowing it to have a 24/7 impact on us.
As you have been listening to the passages of the Bible I read each day, do you find yourself thinking on, even repeating back parts of a verse to yourself later in the day or when a difficult circumstance arises? Almost like a song can get stuck in your head that you find yourself singing later? That, my friend, is rumination. And God loves it and can work in your life to bring balance in your heart and your home when that happens.
As you think/ruminate about a phrase that stood out to you from the scripture
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your Word to go deep into my spirit to speak to me and make a difference. Bring the verses You want me to live by back to my mind as I go through my days and my nights. As above, so below.”
If this has been helpful, will you help us in spreading the word by sharing this on your social media. You can do that where you see the three dots below or above the podcast cover on your podcast platform. Share to Facebook and encourage friends to join us each day for a few minutes; to get still and know God more because Scripture promises that He meets us in the stillness.
Isaiah 55 verses 10 thru 12:
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace.”
Lets think through this
Who sends out God’s Word? … He does.
What does it do when He sends it out? … Produces fruit.
When will it produce fruit when He sends it out? … Always. … Not sometimes, but always.
So, how do we receive His Word? Reading, listening to, ruminating on Scripture. Just as we are doing right now.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
This passage is not a metaphor. It literally means that when we take in God’s Word, it will do a work in our lives. Our part is simply to obey and allow the Word to do the work God intended. That is why you can read a verse a hundred times over many years and get something different out of it almost every time.
As we take a few more deep breathes think about this promise to you from the scripture
So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do… So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I invite Your Spirit to interpret to me what You want to say and do every time I hear any Scripture. Complete Your assignment in me. As above, so below.”
Deuteronomy 32:46-47:
“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are to possess.”
In our quote-unquote Christian culture, it is so easy for us to hear Bible verses and treat them like “idle words,” isn’t it? But what did God call His laws, His precepts, His principles? … They are your life. Literally, “Words to live by”.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land …
think for a moment what having a good and long life in this land means to you.
The scripture tells us the living by His word is no small matter, it’s literally your life. Is there an area of life right now that you know you are not living according to God‘s laws?
Instead of just beating yourself up and heaping more shame and guilt on yourself, can you reframe it and see that God‘s commands and God‘s laws are for your benefit. This is not just trying to control behavior… it’s like looking at scripture as an instruction or user guide for our life.
Now, how can we pass that critical principle down to our kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know I am the pathway of Your Word and Your life to my kids. Help me find ways to express You to them and make Your Word a part of our everyday life. For You to be the head of my home. As above, so below.”
Today, we live in a world that has lost the true biblical concept of grace and forgiveness. We turn on the news to hear another horrible stat and see that evil somehow seemed to win again. Yet, many passages in the New Testament encourage us that, no matter how bad anyone else gets, how bad the culture gets, we must keep steady in our faith and follow God even if that means walking against the grain and walking alone.
Listen to 2 Peter 3:17-18:
My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.
Scripture warns us that we have to stay away from evil to keep our balance and stay on the right path. How? By growing in the wonderful kindness and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is one area of your life that you tend to follow the ‘path’ of the world? We all struggle with this.
What would it look like to apply these principles of 'kindness and understanding' to that situation or area of your life?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, one thing about the world getting worse is that the disparity between good and evil, right and wrong, You and Satan, are quite clear. Help me every day to stay away from evil by staying close to You. With You, in You, I have nothing to fear and everything to gain. As above, so below.”
In Exodus 18, Moses’s father-in-law Jethro watched him do his work one day in serving the people. He saw the stress on both his son-in-law and the people waiting for him. So he shared his wisdom with Moses. Listen Exodus 18
When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”… “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God. Appoint them as leaders … Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” (vv. 14-23 NLT)
Does trying to do everything alone and not bother anyone for help sound familiar to you? Does wearing yourself out hit close to home?
With this in mind listen again to these specific parts of this passage with a bit of adaptation directed at you personally
“You’re going to wear yourself out ... This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. … let some capable, honest … [people] … help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
God has placed people in your life that want to help you. Is it time to identify who they are, ask for their help, and finally agree to let them help because they have been offering?
We can’t truly achieve balance in life by ourselves. We need the help of others. Just like Jethro changed Moses’ life and helped the people too with his advice, your life can be blessed and balanced by allowing others into your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for examples like this in Scripture that offer real wisdom for life. Help me to identify who can help me. Help me say yes when someone offers when I know it’s right. I need Your help to balance family, work, and all of life. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 2,
King Soloman speaks to our personal bandwidth, mental, spiritual, and physical balance.
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
Was there a sentence or phrase or maybe even a certain word that jumped out at you as I read?
That is often how God speaks to us through His Word. He will pull out a specific message for you for this moment, for this day. If so, focus on that throughout your day.
With this in mind listen to the passage again
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT)
God promises of Wisdom. Understanding. Insight. Knowledge. Common sense. Integrity. Justice. Protection. All promises from God when we seek Him. This ancient promise is yours. “Wisdom will enter your heart. Knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight. I submit my schedule, my time and energy to You, to teach me the way to live, how to live, with You and for You. As above, so below.”
Yesterday we were in Proverbs chapter 2. Today, we turn the page to chapter 3.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (v. 1-6 NLT)
Finding favor with both God and people, as verse 4 states, would be a sign of a fulfilled and balanced life, would it not? Again, God promises He can do these things in our lives when we surrender and submit to Him and His ways.
How might personal expressions like loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and trust help you find better balance with everyone in your life? For these to become genuine in life, we must slow down and focus on others. Exactly the way we win favor and a good reputation.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Did you notice twice in that version of the passage, the words “living well” were used? What we all desire. What we all seek. To live well.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, teach me to take the time to listen for You, teach me to hear when You speak, teach me to know the difference in my voice and Yours, others’ voices and Yours. I want to learn Your voice just as clearly as my closest friend’s. As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:3-10 is called the Sermon on the Mount—one of Jesus’s most well-known teachings.
Matthew 5:3-10 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Again, I want to ask you if any line or phrase or word stood out to you? If so, say it out loud now. … Take a moment to ask God why He had that stand out to you?
This time through, I will paraphrase the passage, turning the words into personal language and only reading certain parts for you to hear it differently…
“God … realizes your need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven [is yours]. … mourn, [and you] will be comforted. [be] humble, [and you] will inherit the whole earth. … hunger and thirst for justice, [and you] will be satisfied. [be] merciful, [and you] will be shown mercy. [be] pure, [and you] will see God. … work for peace, [and you] will be called the children of God. Do [what is] right, [and] the Kingdom of Heaven is [yours].
Which of Jesus’ teachings here do you feel like He asking you to focus on right now?
You likely know the reason, but if not, ask Him. He wants you to know … and tell you why.
For those who follow Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven starts here. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours … right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for such incredible teachings and challenges. Thank You for every promise You offer for a balanced and blessed life. I want to experience the Kingdom of Heaven starting here, right now. So I mean it when I say … As above, so below.”
Today, we will read the passage that contains what became known as The Lord’s Prayer—Matthew 6:6-13. The words of Jesus.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
The time we invest in prayer is going to pay dividends as we live our life. The time in private with God is going to be seen in public with others because prayer changes us, changes our thinking, and changes our circumstances. Jesus says that the key to our prayers doesn’t lie in repetition to Him but in relationship with Him.
With this in mind, listen again to the passage from the Message translation. Jesus says to you, and I
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Such a great rendering of The Lord’s Prayer. Did you notice our closing to all our prayers for Sound Mind Set? … As above, so below. … This is where that comes from. As above, so below is our goal for life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I use Jesus’ words today to close in prayer … Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. … As above, so below.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful passage. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, exhale, and listen closely.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
This is not meant to discourage us but rather to provide understanding. God always sees the big picture we cannot. We have to trust that His vantage point allows Him to choose what is best for us. Listening to Him can help us line up with His thinking.
Verse 8 in The Living Bible says: “This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!”
The Message Bible gives us this take on the passage: “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.”“For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.”
Think for a moment about something that is happening in your life right now…what is on your mind the most this week?
What might change if you prayed, “Father, show me what You are doing. How are you at work in my life right now? Help me to trust that Your higher ways are at work in my situation right now.”
All of our actions and attitudes are driven by our thoughts. What if you chose to “think beyond” what you can see today, handed your situation over to God, and surrendered your thoughts to Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t think like me or work like me. In fact, if you did, You wouldn’t be God. But you are. So help me to trust Your thoughts and Your ways today. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139 is well known, often quoted, and emblazoned on Christian art in many forms. Listen intently to verses 16-18:
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Do you ever think that God has you on His mind? Because you are His child and He loves you, just as your children are on your mind because you love them? It’s true. His Word says so.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
You saw me before I was born. … Every day of my life was recorded in your book. … Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. … How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. … They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
The psalmist states that God’s thoughts about you are precious…they are good thoughts…they are loving thoughts…and there are so many that they cannot be numbered. We can’t even count them.
What situation in your life do you feel like God isn’t aware of, like He isn’t seeing how much it affects you?
Can you accept that He sees all, and loves all of you and all that you are about… or are facing?
Will we trust Him?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, in our culture we hear “God loves you” more like a greeting card sentiment than a truth. But that’s just not fair. You love me. You love me as Your child. Help me to take that truth in deeper. Help me to think like someone You love. As above, so below.”
Psalm 77
Listen to verses 1-3 and 10-13.
I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. … And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
The psalmist says that just when he feels like God has turned His back on him because of troubles, he remembers everything that God has done. All His mighty works.
When you feel like your back is against the wall and begin to wonder where God is, where does your mind take you? What are your thoughts about God?
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to verses 10-13 again: And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
I once read this quote: “What we think about the most is our God.” … Tough but true.
How can you “remember God’s wonderful deeds”? How can He be constantly in your thoughts? More than your trouble and stresses? More than your fears and doubts?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I feel like life is coming apart, help me to think about You and what You have done, not what might happen to me because of bad things from the past or what might come. Help me to remember You first and give the problem to You. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 26:3-4.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Wow … perfect peace. Who doesn’t want that? But the promise of perfect of peace only comes how? Placing full trust and fixing our thoughts on God. Another way to communicate this would be to always have a bigger focus on God than any problem.
With this in mind listen again to the passage
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible: People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
To work toward complete wholeness, we must set our minds on God. Depend on Him.
What would it look like if next time we have an insurmountable problem… instead of thinking, fixing our eyes on the problem, we fix our eyes on God. Think about Him and His power. How might that change our experience?
Listen to our original verse once more: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I long for peace. I want balance, to be steady. To have my feet on a rock. Help me to fix my thoughts on You, to keep my eyes on You and not the problems and challenges of my life…not to deny them but to defer them to You. Where they belong. As above, so below.”
Luke 12:25-31 - The words of Jesus
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Did you catch what Jesus said about thoughts? The details of life …eating, drinking, clothing … are the things non-believers stay focused on … basically, constantly taking care of themselves first.
With this in mind listen again what Jesus says about being consumed with self reliance from this passage
“Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
When we leave the details of life to God, when we fix our thoughts on Him, when we believe that He will take care of our business, that allows us the time, energy, and focus to consider His business, which is ministering to others in His name. Seeking the Kingdom of God first because everything we need will come from Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I already worry takes away from my life. I don’t want to think the way I used to anymore. I don’t want to waste time on things that don’t really matter. Teach me to put You and Your kingdom first and to trust that You will always take care of me. As above, so below.”
In Mark 12, Jesus was asked which of the ten commandments was most important. His reply surprised them:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
What is the first key phrase in this passage? The action verb Jesus began with? LOVE - Love the Lord … your God.
We have to start with the very personal question: How much do I love God?
How do we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds with all of our strength?Jesus showed us a road map in this passage.
There are four quadrants mapped out of our being that Jesus mentioned here: Heart, Soul, Mind, and strength.
We start with getting present with God - just me and Him - getting still. It is the premise of what we do here every day. We do this by breathing and getting still.
Notice the passage starts with internal, intimate things - not intellectual things like the mind. It begins with our heart and soul. The order to this is critical
We start by paying attention to our heart - what is going on inside. Approaching God as a child with all our feelings, failures and desires and bringing it to Him.
Then we focus on our Soul by getting still and allowing His presence to speak to our inner being - without words.
Only then do we engage our mind by taking in what God is saying.
Lastly, our strength, what we do with encountering God.
These are the steps Jesus laid out to love him wholly.
Listen again to Jesus words.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Start, as Jesus said, with our heart -our feelings, then move to our soul - experiencing God in stillness caring for the deepest part of us, then move to feeding our minds by taking in what he is saying and then, and only then should we move forward in strength Knowing the source.
What part of the four quadrants do you struggle to let be known by God? Heart, soul, mind, strength?
These are all connected. Your heart matters—your soul matters. Your mind matters. What you do matters. But the order matters most.
Can you allow God to love you today? Can you let him know more of you this next year?
As you ruminate on those feelings, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for taking all of the laws and simply telling us to love You with all we have, through a relationship with Jesus. Today, I seek Your balance. I give you my heart. My mind. My thoughts. My attitude. My spirit. My being. All that I have for all that You are. As above, so below.”
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible. We hear these words read in so many settings. But in this beautiful poetry by the shepherd-turned-king David, he speaks of God the Father as his Shepherd and relates life to what he offers his own flock.
Listen with your heart, and hear about the life that God offers you, just as he did David …
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)
A significant part of finding balance in our spiritual lives is found in the first verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.” When we can arrive at the place where He is truly all that we need to sustain our lives when we find our dependence entirely on Him, then we can find rest, our strength can be renewed, we can learn what it means not to be afraid, we can believe that His goodness and mercy is alive in our lives.
Focus on your breathing in and out, close your eyes, and listen intently to this version of Psalm 23
God, my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty Shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (MSG)
The first version we read, the New Living, placed the text on what God will do for us in the future. The Message placed the text in the present, what He does for us. The reality is that both are true.
What else do you need besides God? Could you use some time in a lush meadow? Beside a quiet pool? Time to catch your breath so you can head in the right direction? God is ready to meet your every need.
Breathe deep … take in His truth today … then slowly exhale and let go of yesterday, the past. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering all I need. Forgive me when I focus on all I want, especially those things that are outside of Your will. Lead me, Lord. I want to be able to say that, in You, I don’t need anything or anyone else. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture focus will be on two of Paul’s prayers found in the book of Ephesians. First, listen to Ephesians 1.
I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Spiritual growth brings wisdom, insight, knowledge, hope, understanding, all from the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
Which of those qualities do you feel you are growing in? Which do you want God to increase in you?
Now, listen to Paul’s prayer in chapter 3
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Because you are in the family of God, these prayers are also for you.
Specifically, what do these words from this passage mean to you personally -
From his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Unlimited resources - absorb that fact.
He will empower you with inner strength - can you claim that today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone offer me every good thing I need in this life. Help me to know how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. I want to experience Your love and the fullness You offer me. As above, so below.”
Today, we will return to Ephesians again.
Ephesians 4
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Paul offered a list of contrasts to balance, usher in new life, and get rid of our old life. The image is much like taking off an old, dirty set of clothes and putting on a brand-new outfit. Listen to his words again in this way …
Take off lying and put on truth
Take off stealing and put on sharing
Take off discouragement and put on encouragement
Take off bitterness and put on forgiveness
Take off rage and put on kindness
Take off anger and put on compassion
Which of these have never been an issue for you? Which have been a problem in the past? And which may be a struggle today?
Some of these are an easy 'change of clothes', while some may be tougher.
Listen to the opening of this passage to be reminded of how we are to accomplish these more challenging changes.
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Thank You for all the things You have helped me to change, to take off. Thank You for the new that You have allowed me to experience. Help me to keeping transforming, changing into Your image. As above, so below.”
We talked about Psalm 23 and David calling God the Good Shepherd this week. Today, we look at where Jesus called His followers sheep. This is one of the most intriguing passages of Scripture because the heart of God is made very clear as to what He cares about and what gets His attention.
Mathew 25
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
We don’t have to complicate things with religion or laws or rules or theology or any of the divisive issues that have hurt the church for thousands of years. We can simply agree that God would have us feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, help the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and help those in prison. The bottom line: see those who the world does not. Take care of those the world will not. Love those the world says are unlovable. Just like Jesus.
Who in your life do you find unlovable in this moment?
Listen again to Jesus’s final words of this passage
‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to see those You see, hear those You hear, and help those You point me toward. Keep me from religion and lead me deeper into a relationship with You. As above, so below.”
Colossians 1:19-20
“For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means to Christ’s blood on the cross.“
What an amazing thought, the God of the universe, in all his fullness and completeness, was pleased to live as a human. And he did it all to reconcile everything; the word reconcile comes from the Latin root words (re) - back and (conciliare) - bring together. Bring back together. As intended. Made right.
The almighty, powerful creator - God, the same one that hung the moon and the stars and created everything, lowered himself, became a human, again, here’s the amazing thing - was happy to do it because he wanted to make everything right. To bring everything back together as originally intended. Whole and complete.
And as a result, He brings you and I peace, shalom, which also means completeness and wholeness. All is right; every debt paid, every mistake and failure is forgotten. We can experience peace, being inseparably connected to the God of the universe, with all the power, and love, and grace, and mercy that goes with that, because of what happened. Jesus was born, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again to make peace with everything in heaven and on earth.
The most profound eternal problem you will ever face, separation from your Father God and his Love, Power, and grace, has already been reconciled for you. There is nothing you can do or not do to change that.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
John 14:25-27
I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
In this passage, the baby Jesus we celebrated on Christmas has now lived about 30 years, and he’s coming to the crossroads of what He came to do. He is sharing with his closest friends who, unbeknownst to them, are about to encounter complete chaos and, from the way it seems, the whole plan falling apart. Their Messiah, their friend, is murdered in front of them.
Peace is not a place, Peace is a person, Peace is a Presence. This same Presence is with us now, just as he was with his friends, his disciples, thousands of years ago.
Here Jesus is clearly telling us that: Number one, the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus and the Father, is with us to remind us of everything that he said.
Number two, He says don’t be troubled or afraid even when things seem like they’re all falling apart. Jesus has left us with a gift, peace of mind and heart.
What thoughts are troubling your mind right now that you can ask for peace of mind?
What heartache are you feeling right now that you can ask God to bring peace to your heart?
Jesus says the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid…
Breathe
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians. 4 1-3
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
So many scriptures talk about the peace that God gives us. This passage commands us to create peace actively. This was written from prison, from someone locked up unjustly. He is telling in light of the peace we have been shown to give that peace to others. listen again
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
Paul calls our attention to a few particular things that we are called to do; Number one, we are not to sit around and do nothing or continue down a path that goes nowhere. We are called to be active and intentional about sharing what we have been given.
Number two, we are to do this with humility and discipline, to make these two characteristics a way of life. Constantly humble and pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love.
And Number three, we are called to notice differences between ourselves and others and do everything in our power to make peace.
Is there someone that comes to mind right now that you need to proactively humble yourself and make peace with as an act of love?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Ephesians 2:14-15 (The Message)
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
From biblical times, it has been a constant, and even today, we feel the pressure of segregation and separation. Not just racial segregation - social-economic segregation, political, denominational. We are a divided world.
But because of Jesus, he brings peace to division. listen again
The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
Are you suspicious of anyone - their motives, agenda - their lifestyle?
This passage so clearly talks about how, because of what Jesus sacrificially did, he got rid of the religious code of law that created division and became more of a hindrance than it was helpful… and he started over.
Because of what he did he ended animosity and suspicion, bringing peace… We no longer need to hold fast, dare I say worship, the idols of preference, position, prestige, or power.
If there someone in your life, like there is in mine, that you view with animosity or suspicion, can you except that that person is on the same footing, the same level as you, in need of the Messiah who leveled the playing failed, see’s us all, loves us all the same?
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Philippians 4 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace that transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds.
This passage says we don’t have to be anxious about anything because we bring everything before God as a petition… but don’t skip over this word - with thanksgiving. Gratitude - giving thanks. In other words - equally bring our needs and our gratitude to God, to receive transcendent Peace. This time from the message Bible.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
What would it look like if we shaped our worries into prayers? Instead of spending too much time processing how we’re going to get through something or how we’re going to fix something, we start with bringing that as a prayer before God. If we do that, this passage promises we will know a sense of God’s wholeness, that everything will come together for good, which will settle us down.
What is one worry in your life that you need transcendent Peace with, that doesn’t seem possible?
No matter what happens, no matter what lays before us, if we start the discipline of turning our worries into prayers, we can experience a sense of God wholeness, which displaces worry as the central theme of our life.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.
Mary’s response to the Angel’s news started with being amazed that God would choose her, saying, “she is the most fortunate woman on earth" . Then she goes on to say these beautiful words of worship about the character of God:
God’s very name is Holy
His mercy flows
He shows strength, scattering the braggarts
Pulling victims out of the mud
Who did God choose to bring the Savior of the world through? A lowly young girl, out of obscurity… Much like us.
Can you take these words spoken by Mary thousands of years ago and accept them as what God, through this miraculous act, is saying to you?
He embraces me as his chosen child.
He remembers me and piles on mercies, piles them high.
Doing exactly what he promised.
What was foretold thousands of years before Jesus was born is exactly what God continues to do today.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 1:26-38 MESSAGE
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is, six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Can you put yourself in Mary’s place? Everything to that point was normal—everything in its place, just an ordinary day… then a beautiful disruption. An angel appears out of nowhere. It must have been terrifying. But the angel says don’t fear. Something remarkable is going to happen.
Listen again to some of the things the angel says will happen.
“God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
Because of what happened over 2000 years ago, an impossible pregnancy story, is a perfect template for what God continues to do for all of us.
He intersects, disrupts our normal, and says don’t fear something remarkable is going to happen.
Can you hear God saying to you… don’t fear. God has a surprise for you, nothing, you see, is impossible with God.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Matthew 1:18-25
The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they enjoyed their wedding night, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic revelation to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Scripture states that Joseph decides he should quietly divorce her, which was legally required of a betrothal or engagement in that day. He didn’t want to expose her to any public disgrace or judgment. Yet, even amidst such great heartbreak, doubt, and question, Joseph put Mary first and protected her at all costs. He loved her, even in what he thought was his darkest moment.
Joseph has a dream where an angel confirms Mary’s story and tells him to name the boy “Jesus.” So, Joseph immediately marries Mary. But, here’s an interesting facet to the story.
Verse 24 - 25
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Joseph does not have sex with his wife before her giving birth. Now, there is nothing in this passage where the angel tells Joseph to abstain; in fact, the angel says “don’t hesitate to get married." Meaning he has all the legal rights of a husband. But Joseph made a choice out of respect to God’s plan to stay out of God’s way, to stay in His will.
The integrity and love that often an unsung hero of the story is so inspiring. Joseph not only obeyed, but he went a step further and honored the purity of the story out of reverence for there being a bigger plan.
Think about that, Joseph was married, anyone around him could’ve said it is possible that this child is Joseph’s, but Joseph’s discipline and self-control elevated God's will about his desires. He honored and highlighted the miraculous story that we celebrate, God with us. So there could be no doubt. This was God’s son.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
ISAIAH 35
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.
The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
where desert jackals once lived.
And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
fools will never walk there.
Lions will not lurk along its course,
nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.
Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.—-
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
PRAY:
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Luke 2:8-14Living Bible
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.
“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[b] lying in a manger!”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang,[c] “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”
Imagine for a moment that you’re a shepherd back in the B.C. days. It’s just another cold, lonely, pitch-dark night, sitting by the fire, watching the sheep. Then, suddenly, a blinding light pierces through the blackness, and you’re face to face with an angel. He sees the terror in your eyes, knows you think that he has come to kill you because of your sin and low position, so then he declares, “Don’t be scared. I have good news of great joy for all people.” Disbelief overwhelms reality as you think, “Why me? And why here? … Aren’t there some important people somewhere to do this? After all, we’re just shepherds.”
Shepherds, as a stereotype, had a reputation for being low-lives, men of bad reputation. They didn’t observe the ceremonial law and were not religious men. They were so known for stealing and dishonesty that their testimony would not be considered reliable enough to testify in court. Think about that… God chose first to announce He was here to these men of bad reputation. He made His birth announcement to the least of these, setting a pattern for His Son’s ministry.
On that night, that holy night, everything changed and the broken, rejected, lowest of society were the ones that God chose to tell first.
The words of the beautiful song, Oh Holy Night, capture the essence of that encounter.
As we finish our time together - let me read you the words for this beautiful song.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE)
Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!
Mountains, send up cheers!
God has comforted his people.
He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.
But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me.
My Master has forgotten I even exist.”
“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I’d never forget you—never.
Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.
The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.
Your builders are faster than your wreckers.
The demolition crews are gone for good.
This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There’s little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way.
Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good.
Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I’d never forget you—never.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
2 Titus 3:4-6 ( Living Bible)
But when the time came for the kindness and Love of God our Savior to appear, then he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness—and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Kindness and Love saved us; It was born onto this earth thousands of years ago. Not because we were good enough, not because we were worthy, but because of a great love, kindness and mercy.
Is there something in your life that feels like it gets in the way of experiencing God’s kindness and Love? Something that blocks you from His unconditional acceptance, kindness and mercy?
This passage tells us because of Jesus, the Christ, ALL our sins are washed away and replaced with new joy by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness. The word fullness is mentioned many times in our advent readings.
This wonderful fullness comes from an indwelling of the Holy Spirit as our sins, our past, our wounds are washed away.
This fullness available to you takes no account of what you have done or not done; it has nothing to do with if you are good enough or not good enough. It has everything to do with the Love that is beyond us.
In what way has God shown his kindness and Love to you this week?
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.[a]
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
This prophecy talks about what came to be, what actually, historically happened. It is undisputed by atheists and believers alike… Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It’s easy to miss the significance of words spoken thousands of years before the facts that actually came to be. Jesus was a living, breathing human, just like you and me. God becomes flesh. God living among us.
This passage is a prophecy, a promise, and a reality.
When was the last time you felt like anyone delighted in you, was full of gladness just because you were here?
That is how your God, who is with you, feels about you.
What is something that you’re afraid of right now?
This passage says with His Love he will calm your fears. It doesn’t say that your fears will be gone entirely, it says because He is with you, your fears will be calmed.
Your Father will rejoice over you with joyful songs. This season is full of happy songs; next time you hear one, think about the joy it represents and imagine this is how you make God feel, happy. He rejoices over you with happy songs.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
Philippians 2:7-8 (Message)
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
The amazing thing about Christmas is that the Almighty God on high knew we would ever be able to measure up enough to be worthy of his Kingdom. But that didn’t stop His Love for us. Instead, He came for us.
He stepped aside from his status, position, and Holiness and lowered himself because of Love. And he didn’t just do it one time, as in for one day. He stayed and walked in our shoes for 33 years, without entitled privileges. He came in a humble barn. He died in a humiliating way. This is ultimate Love, that lays down his rights, lays down justice, lays down entitlement, and lowers himself to our level, for our sake.
If we’re honest, we all esteem ourselves better than other people from time to time. Someone who’s wronged us, someone who’s disappointed us or offended us… Someone who we compare ourselves to, saying… we would never do that.
Can you picture a person in your life that fits into that category in your mind right now?
This passage starts with these words - Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. What can you do to humble yourself and reach out to that person and show them Love today?
Maybe it’s a word of encouragement; maybe it’s just letting them know that you were thinking about them, maybe say a prayer for them. Let’s follow the example of Christ and let go of any entitlement or privilege, not just a thought but in deed.
Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
1 John 4
We’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
We love because we are loved. The kind of Love that this passage is about is exemplified by Jesus sacrificially becoming one of us. Since Jesus was born, a fearful life, a fear of death, a fear of judgment is banished — because well-formed Love vanishes fear.
The Love we have on our own for one another is fragile and transactional. The kind of Love that this passage is talking about goes beyond any kind of love we can have on our own. But it’s a Love that is available. Not only for us but through us to others. A kind of intimacy, acceptance, and without limitation because of the one who first loved us and sacrificially came for us. This kind of Love is a power that wipes out fear. We can know this Love and give this Love because we were shown this Love first. As the scripture says — First we were loved, now we love.
Let's pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.
From now until Christmas we will be focusing each week on a tradition of advent. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.
This week we focus on the first tradition HOPE.
Micah 2-4
*But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes
until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,
And the scattered brothers come back
home to the family of Israel.
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.
And the people will have a good and safe home,
for the whole world will hold him in respect—
Peacemaker of the world!*
Do you feel like the runt of the liter? Asking, what good can come from you? That’s how Bethlehem felt before the unthinkable happened.
From this runt of the litter, the most unexpected, the least likely event in history happened.
As we prepare our hearts for celebrating the arrival of the Peacemaker of the world, can you offer what you have, as unsightly as you may think it is, as a birthing place of Hope this season.
Often in is in the least likely places that we encounter the closeness of Immanuel - God with us.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 7:14
Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us).
Impossible is a word that comes to mind when reading this passage. God defies, smashes, destroys what we perceive to be impossible.
Even in the word impossible are the words I’m Possible.
What situation in your life right now seems impossible? Think, a virgin womb. Can your dare to believe it is possible for the same God to destroy, defy and crush what you see as impossible and become God with you, where ALL things are possible?
The expectant hope we celebrate this advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the one who makes all things new is summed up in this idea - All things are possible because God is with us - Immanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:2,
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.
Have you ever turned on a light on your phone in bright sunlight? There is little affect at all. But that same light in pitch darkness illuminates everything around it. There is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of light and darkness. Without darkness there can be no light.
Take a few moments to search your heart for the darkest area that is in your life right now.
Could it be that this Christmas season, and the Hope that it represents, is about the dawning of a great light in your deepest darkness? We live in a dark world, but no darker than it was the night in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. The same God that became a great light in deep darkness is here, and in our hearts, our lives. Our souls are so often like that city of Bethlehem, covered in deep darkness, hidden places, shamed self assumptions.
But the hope that we have, is that those dark places are exactly where God wants to be with us. Emmanuel.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Isaiah 9:6-7
A child is born, a son is given and all authority will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
There are names given to this child that distinguish Him from all others that have come before Him or gone after Him.
Take a few moments and reflect on the names given and identify the hope that He is to us.
Where do you need the son of God to be your wonderful counselor?
What areas of your life do you need him to be mighty God?
How can he play the role of everlasting father in your life?
How can you crown him the prince of peace in your life?
As we close out our time think, about this declaration made from verse 7 of this passage this time from the Message Bible
His ruling authority will grow and there will be no limits to the wholeness He brings
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
Romans 15:12-13
Isaiah’s word:There’s the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
The good tidings of great joy from thousands of years ago is that there is a root breaking through and growing big enough for everyone, everywhere to take hope.
That same promise made thousands of years ago is just as true today, on a daily basis. There is a root that has already been planted in your life because of what happened in Bethlehem thousands of years ago. And that root of hope can break through the ‘earth / ground of your life’ and grow.
Because of the root of Jessie, thousands of years ago, and the root of Jesus growing in our lives today, verse 13 comes alive. The hope, that is the fruit of what has already been planted as followers of Jesus, becomes infectious to all of those around us. Let’s personalize this passage.
May God of green hope,
fill me up with joy,
fill me up with peace,
so that my believing life is filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit and flows over with infectious hope.
Let’s pray: “Immanuel, Lord Jesus, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus! Help us to receive and embrace the Hope eternal that only You bring. Emanuel, God with us. Amen”
With the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s begun, we set our sights on the true meaning of the season: Immanuel—God With Us.
Have you ever considered how a holy, righteous, omnipotent, omniscient God could have simply said to us, “You’re going to need to figure out a way to get to Me,” … or “You’ll need to meet all these strict requirements to reach me.” But the very fact that we can call Him “God With Us” is a miracle. He came to us, to seek and save that which was lost.
This Christmas, each time you hear the word Immanuel, think about what this actually means for you … God came after you… We don’t “find God,” He finds us.
We all have suffered great loss in life. Something at one point you could not imagine being broken was broken. We know what it means for our hearts to be broken and our lives to be wracked with grief, to live in a state of sorrow. For that very reason, the message, the reminder, that Immanuel—God with Us—has come for us is so important for us to focus on this season.
Right now, you may be in the very beginning stages of grief, of sorrow. You may be right in the middle heartache and pain is with you every day. Or you could be coming out of a storm and have begun your journey of healing. No matter where you are, today, right now, God is with you, whether you care right now or not, whether you feel Him or not, He is with You. I want to encourage you to never confuse God allowing something to happen as God not caring for you. He never promised to take us out of this broken and fallen world, but He did promise to be with us when life breaks us and things fall apart.
Listen to Isaiah’s prophecy given to him by God 700 hundred years before Christ was born.
(Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 NLT)
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever… there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. … For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
We have the privilege of living on the other side of this prophecy. Listen to these ancient words and realize what has actually happened.
The Wonderful Counselor that Isaiah promised has come.
The Mighty God has made Himself known.
The Everlasting Father is present right now.
The Prince of Peace is ready to remove the chaos, heal the hurt, and replace your sorrow with joy.
What is most real about God to you right now?
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
He is Immanuel—God with … you.
Pray with me: “Immanuel, when I struggle in my hurt, when I doubt and question Your goodness, when I think no one cares, please allow me to feel Your presence in my soul, my heart, in the air I breathe, and the very life You give. Immanuel - God with us.”
As we go through this Christmas season, there are two categories of people and you fall into one.
Those who have been hurt and know grief and sorrow, and now have a compassion and empathy during the Holidays to see those who are hurting and offer help, to be able to speak hope when and where it is so desperately needed. …
Or those who are hurting right now. You look around and see the lights and decorations and none of it seems to matter, because the last thing you want to do is celebrate … anything.
I want you to know if that is you, I get it. I have felt that way. I know that horrible feeling. All those in the first group of survivors know that heartbreak all too well.
But there is Someone else who understands your pain. He is Immanuel, the Promised One who came and is with you now. Today, we read from Isaiah once again, in chapter 53, and again, the text prophesies about the life of Jesus. If you really listen to what these words say about Christ, you’ll see He knows pain and understands heartbreak. Close your eyes. Tune in. Listen with your heart.
(Isaiah 53NLT)
Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
This is not a far off deity that can’t relate to our heartbreak. Listen to our Immanuel described in this passage - this time reading from the Message Bible.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
This is describing a broken man. Someone that we would say - got the SERIOUS short end of the stick. Yet He chose that. Because He believed you were worth it.
That is the beauty of Immanuel - God with us.
Sorrow, pain, anguish, injustice, feeling despised, harsh treatment … all because of us, all for us, so God could be with us. Who better to invite into your hurt and your healing than Jesus? Can you imagine this God who loved you so immensely being crushed to make your whole? He is acquainted with grief and He is with you right now.
Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You that You came, that You suffered for us, that You endured all this when You didn’t have to do anything at all … but You did. I can be counted righteous today because of You. Thank you for being God with Us. Immanuel - God with us.”
Matthew 1:18-24 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24 NLT)
When we hear this story around Christmas, all we tend to think about is the celebration of the birth of Christ. While true that this is a joyous occasion, that is actually a one-dimensional outlook. Here’s why: In the day that Joseph and Mary were planning their wedding, an engagement or betrothal was very different than today. Once betrothed, there was a legal agreement as if you were already married but not yet living together. For Mary to tell Joseph she was pregnant with him knowing they had not been together was the same as adultery.
The bottom line is that Mary was amazed at what God had told her and was doing in her life, yet fearful and heartbroken at the same time because she knew what this would mean for her relationship to Joseph. Once Mary told Joseph, he was then heartbroken because, imagine for a moment, your fiance telling you she is pregnant and the Father is God. … God? How many people would buy that? There was no joy in these moments of conflict … there was fear, pain, grief, sorrow, and pain. But here’s the game changer for Joseph and Mary, as well as for us today in our pain … God spoke and confirmed the truth, taking away the fear. Would all this have been hard to believe and explain to people? Absolutely. But Joseph being a man of faith, as Mary was a woman of faith, responded in obedience, which was the very reason God chose them. He could trust them both with His plan.
When we are in the midst of a heartbreak … sorrow … feelings of betrayal … pain … He is moving and active in our disappointment. We too must listen for the voice of God to speak. Hear His truth about our circumstances. Allow Him to take away our fear. He is as He promised … Immanuel—God with us. Today, wherever you may be in your circumstances, no matter how things may look today, God has a plan and a purpose even in pain.
Let’s pray: “Father, Mary and Joseph’s faith and belief in You is inspiring. Please help me to trust you with the same heart. Help me to see past my circumstances today and look toward what You will do as You are with me now and already in my future. Immanuel - God with us.”
There are times in these reflections and topics that we address where the best words we can offer you are that of Scripture. Our words fade away, but God ‘s Word stands forever. Once His Word goes out, it always accomplishes what God desires for it to do.
David, before he was king and after, suffered at the hands of many. But the one constant we see in the life of David was no matter how far away he got, he would always return back to the truth he knew of God. No matter how prodigal David got, he always returned back to the Father’s arms.
Take in some of his words from Psalm 31.(Psalm 31:1-5, 6b-10, 14-15a, 16-17a, 19-21a, 22b-24 NLT)
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. … I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. … But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. … Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. … How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. … But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, … So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
What phrase stood out to you? … There is a reason it did. God is speaking to you through His Word.
Often in the Psalms, David went from crying out for help to worship. This season, even through any moments of grief and pain, is there something that comes to mind about how God shows you He is with you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that once we know Heaven is just a matter of time here on earth. That means I am here for a purpose for the time You allow me to accomplish Your will. Please use me, use my circumstances to touch others, to reach others, and glorify You as You are Immanuel, God with me.”
Revelation 21:1-7 NLT
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
Did you hear it? God’s home is among His people. He will live with them. God Himself will be among them. Tears gone. No more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone … forever. And please, please hear these words … “Look, I am making everything new.” And with God, everything indeed means everything.
In this Christmas season, look for God. Listen again to these key phrases written for you.
Look, God’s home is now among his people!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes
Look, I am making everything new!
to all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.
I will be their God, and they will be my children
I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.
This is the message we reflect on in this season - Immanuel—God with … you.
Pray with me: “Immanuel—God with me, thank You for not abandoning me, but coming to save me through Jesus. Thank You that a baby in a manger changed everything through a man on a cross. I invite You to come and be with me now and stay in my heart forever. Help me to make room for You always. As above, so below.”
ISAIAH 32:15-20 NLT
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Beautiful words of hope - These verses are in response to what the writer describes just before as -
For your land will be overgrown with thorns and briers.
Your joyful homes and happy towns will be gone.
Is there a place in your life where you feel like your land is over grown with thorns and briers. Your joyful homes and happy towns are gone.
ISAIAH 32:15-20
Until at last the Spirit is poured out
on us from heaven.
Then the wilderness will become a fertile field,
and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Life brings us all ups and downs. When we are down, it can feel permanent.
Focus on these words from this passage -
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
This same verse from the Message says it this way
Right will build a home in the fertile field.
And where there’s Right, there’ll be Peace
What would it mean for you today to live right? Is there one thing you can think of that you can just do the right thing?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank you for this reminder that you rebuild all things. I pray for those areas of my life where it feels like my land is overgrown with thorns. Please bring your peace, healing and righteousness. Help me to day after day just do the right thing for your sake believing that you will make all things right. As above so below.”
The world tends to always take any milestone or accomplishment and respond with, “That’s great. So what’s next?” On and on through life, the question comes on constant repeat.
Today, let’s listen to a passage from King Solomon in his frustration with the “What’s next?”
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 NLT)
Petty cynical, huh? Well, we all have days when we feel this same way. Solomon was simply voicing what we in the human race feel quite often.
Now, listen to him in chapter 3, verses 11-13:
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
We all feel the weight of what Solomon expressed in the first passage: meaningless feelings about our days. But God is the crucial element in life to bring value and purpose, even to the mundane and the seemingly meaningless.
What is one way you can recognize God’s gift in what often seems mundane in your life?
Life itself, even on the meaningless days, is indeed a gift from Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me look for beauty, value, purpose, eternity, and to look for Your work in my world and celebrate your gifts, especially the gift of life. As above, so below.”
Have you ever thought how death is what makes life so valuable and crucial? The end brings value and purpose to the journey, because we don’t know how much time we have. Every day, any day, could be the last. We just don’t know. This creates an urgency that, honestly, few embrace, in fact, most ignore. So many folks live in denial that the end is coming.
But the real tragedy is not a short-lived life, but an un-lived life. Linda Ellis wrote a poem simply called “The Dash.” She refers to the birth year and the death year on every headstone, but writes the line: “What matters most of all is the dash between those years.” When she writes and speaks, she encourages people with this advice: “Live your dash!”
In Deuteronomy 30, we hear God speaking to the children of Israel through Moses:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land …” (Deut. 30:19-20 NLT)
Listen once again to these words in verse 20:
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Funny how every human seeks the key to life and God has told us clearly in just one verse where it can be found. Life has a beginning, an end, and a dash in between. We should live that dash well with no regrets, following the key to life: Loving God, obey Him and committing ourselves firmly to Him.
Today, right now, I challenge us to simplify our perspective and pursuits.
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to choose your life and live that in front of my kids. Help me to love You. Help me to obey and commit my life to You and pass that on to those around me. As above, so below.”
Today we are going to spend all our time in gratefulness. I will mention some prompts and I want you to give your full focus to offering thanksgiving to Your Father for what He has given us.
We praise You for Your Holy presence - For Your power that proceeded our existence - Thank you
For Your sacrificial Son who paid the price for my sins - thank you
We thank you for your complete forgiveness
We thank you for your great love for us
We thank you for our family - parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters
We thank you for our friends who bring comfort and strength
We thank you for your provision. Food. Shelter. Safety.
We thank you for the struggles that we would rather avoid - thank you for using them for our good.
We thank you for being with us, close steady and trustworthy
We thank you for being faithful to us and our family
Let’s pray: “On this day, and every day, thank you for the many gifts that you give that sometimes go unnoticed. Thank you that you meet us in stillness and that through Jesus you have made it possible for us to know you intimately, personally and completely. Thank you that you call us your beloved, your children. Protect us, provide for us and bless us and our families. As above, so below.”
Today, as we close out this week, we will listen to a powerful and popular passage from the Apostle Paul.
Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
What is you biggest dream in life right now?
What is the most outlandish thing you could wish for someone you love?
With that in mind, listen again to Paul’s closing blessing.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
What if we make our daily prayer for ourselves and those we love be “Lord, accomplish infinitely more than can ask or think”.
This is not a genie in a bottle request. Not a guarantee that everything will go the way we want. It is a blessing that God will use all of everything in our lives to surprise us because of Him working all things together for good.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Please give me the boldness and the wisdom ask You to do more than I could ask for or imagine through me, for your glory. As above, so below.”
Throughout this week, we’ll be reading from the life of Joseph.
Genesis 37:2-4 NLT
When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
Now, fast-forward to Joseph being sent by his dad to check on his brothers who were working in the field …
Genesis 37:23-28 NLT
When Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders … Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.
We all know the end of the story. How God used all of these terrible situations for ultimate good. But before we get ahead of ourselves to the redemption - Do you have a memory in your own life that this story triggered for you? Something tragic? Betrayal? An injustice?
While this story is painful to hear, the bottom line is we all understand family dysfunction that causes pain and creates scars that we have to deal with for a long time. But these events in our lives offer us a choice: will I let this define me or will I allow this to become a defining moment?
Your relationship with God can bring purpose to create a greater, stronger you out of any circumstance. But for this to happen, the pain and the process has to be surrendered to God and then stay submitted to Him on the journey to wholeness and healing.
As we walk through this week, and the story of Joseph, can you ask God to start to reveal his purpose for your pain, maybe like you have never seen it before.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for providing examples in Scripture that show me how to navigate the tragedies of life through You. Right now, I surrender my hurts, my pain, and my process of healing to You. Use it all—the good and bad—to bring me a greater sense of purpose about my life, as You lead me. As above, so below.”
Today, we continue to read the life of Joseph, we’ll see the roller coaster of good and evil in his life. But most importantly, his response to the injustices done to him and God’s response to Joseph’s faith.
Genesis 39:1-21 NLT
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. … This pleased Potiphar, so he … put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. … With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. … How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her … One day … She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “… this Hebrew slave … came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. … Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story … So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison … But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love.
Among the evil Joseph had to endure, what were the two phrases that created game changers for him?
“The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did …”
“But the Lord was with Joseph … and showed him his faithful love.”
“The Lord was with” simply means there was a constant, continual relationship between God and Joseph. Like a hybrid of family and friend. No matter what you have been through, are walking through now, or will endure in your life, that “with” is available to you 24/7.
These same thoughts are what Paul meant when in Romans 8:31, he stated, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Let’s personalize and repeat that phrase right now: “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?” … “If God is for me, who can ever be against me?”
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that nothing that can happen to me is bigger, stronger, or greater than You. I want my life to be marked by the “with” of being in a relationship with You. I invite You into my life to experience the same closeness as Joseph had. As above, so below.”
If you either didn’t know the story of Joseph or haven’t heard it in a very long time, the back-and-forth that happened to him is mind-boggling. Today is certainly no different. I want, as you hear Joseph’s story, to overlay your own circumstances to know that God desires to create the same type of outcome for you.
Genesis 39:21-23 NLT
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Are you starting to see the pattern? When Joseph is put in a bad situation, he responds by working hard and having the best attitude he can. That has to be true or these people in authority wouldn’t have done the things they did for Joseph. His life must have expressed something very different than other servants or prisoners. His life reflected, not his own, but that of the God who gave purpose to Joseph’s life.
Genesis 39:21-23 MESSAGE
But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
It is so crucial and important for us to not miss the many times Joseph had the opportunity to get bitter, to be vengeful, to hate, to curse, and to decide God had forgotten all about him. But he didn’t. He knew that son or servant, palace or prison, God was with him, showing him the way through, not the way out. Apply these truths to your own life today, because they are certainly very real and available to you right now.
Let’s pray: “Father, I know what it feels like to be forgotten by people and start to believe that nothing good is going to happen. But with You, that is simply not true. You never forget. You always see me. You are always with me. Help me to accept and know that truth today and every day. As above, so below.”
We really hope you are enjoying this week and the amazing story of Joseph. God had given him a strange, mystical gift of being ability to hear someone’s crazy-sounding dream and be able to offer a credible interpretation that applied to the person’s future. And would most certainly come true.
After Pharaoh had a very strange dream and no one could tell him what it meant, he was finally made aware of Joseph and called him before the throne to hear the dream, This is Genesis 41:15
“I dreamed a dream,” Pharaoh told Joseph. “Nobody can interpret it. But I’ve heard that just by hearing a dream you can interpret it.”Joseph answered, “Not I, but God. God will set Pharaoh’s mind at ease.”
When the dust had settled after Joseph heard, interpreted, and offered solutions for all of Pharaoh’s dreams, the ruler of Egypt made a surprising declaration to everyone, but most especially to Joseph:
We pick up in verse 38
Then Pharaoh said to his officials, “Isn’t this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God’s spirit in him like this?”
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “You’re the man for us. God has given you the inside story—no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. From now on, you’re in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you.”
Every problem that humans threw at Joseph, God always in time provided a promotion for him. Ultimately, he became the second most powerful leader in the known world.
This story is much like when Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 19:26: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
God can overcome anything if we will simply place the circumstance in His hands. The handing-over can be very hard sometimes, because we feel out-of-control. But giving control of something we cannot control anyway to the God who is always in control will be the best decisions we make—every time. Like Joseph told Pharaoh: “It is beyond my power to do this, but God can …”
Is there an impossible situation in your life right now that you can turn over to God?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that whatever happens, You can. What is impossible for me is always possible for You. What seems impossible to happen or not happen, You have control over. I submit my life, my purpose, my own need to be in control to You. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we’ll see how, surprisingly, Joseph’s life was brought full circle for a total and complete redemption. Why? Because he followed the purpose and plan of God.
Genesis 42:1-3 NLT
When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we’ll die.” So Joseph’s ten older brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain.
You know what’s coming, don’t you?
Genesis 42:starting at verse 6 NLT
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them….Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him.
Finally, the moment came for the reveal.
Genesis 45:4-8 NLT
And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. … God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you!
What if we decided like Joseph to take every tragedy, every injustice, every wrong done to us, and trust God to show us the “why,” the greater purpose that could come from the “what?”
We know the famous verse to end our story from Genesis 50:19
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
Nothing about this story sounds pleasant or easy. But, God provided favor all along the way, even in dark situations.
Is there is a dark situation in your life right now - more than likely, you are not in prison for a false accession like Joseph, but even in that situation can you reflect on one way you can see God’s faithfulness to you, even in the short term as you wait for the long term promise?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there are things in my life that I know You want to restore and redeem like Joseph’s. Help me to see my life through Your eyes, to hear Your truth, and to live my purpose just as You planned when You created me. As above, so below.”
(Matthew 7:7-8 NLT)
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
These are the words of Jesus Himself. Notice his intentional use of the language—you will receive … you will find … the door will be opened. That said, we have to be careful to not manipulate or misinterpret His teaching. This is not like a blank check. God will never go outside of His Word, His ways, or His will. But, inside those holy parameters, He is inviting all of us to ask, seek, and knock.
He is telling us to be proactive. Asking, seeking, and knocking all take both action and faith.
Listen again to the intentionality “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
What might this look like for you?
Notice the transitions. Ask, seek, knock.
Asking is between you and God. What do you specifically need to ask for right now?
Seek is your choice - If we seek / look for the negative we will find it. It is also true is you look for God in situations you will find Him. Where can you see evidence of God at work in your life right now?
Knock is an action, a deliberate move in a direction. What deliberate step do you need to take towards something? Maybe what deliberate step do you need to take away from something?
This interactive prayer that Jesus give is a format for everything in our lives. Ask our Father. Seek for Him. Move in that direction.
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, give me the boldness, the strength, the passion to get up and ask, seek, and knock to discover whatever You have for my life. I believe You spoke these words because You believe we are worthy because of Your sacrifice. May I walk in Your Word, Your will, and Your ways. As above, so below.”
Busyness and distraction are rampant in our culture. Listen to this story about Jesus and his two friends who were sisters.
(Luke 10:38-42 NLT)
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha just knew she was in the right, didn’t she? She was busy fixing a meal for a room full of hungry people and growing impatient with her sister for leaving her to do all the work. Imagine her surprise when Jesus told her that Mary was actually in the right place doing the right thing. … The Bible says Martha was distracted while Mary was discovering. … Notice Jesus’s choice of words, translated into English, of course. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. And Mary has discovered it.
Today, there are things you have to do and things you need to do. But to stay on the path of finding who you are in Christ requires setting aside some to-do list stuff and do what Mary did—intentional time to sit and listen to Jesus. In stillness.
Listen Again
Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Imagine the Lord words from this scripture directed to you today, “My dear friend, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Discover it.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, remind me, help me take the time to stop life and listen, to not be distracted, but discover more of You, to discover more of me. As above, so below.”
The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV)
Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don’t we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth.
What I want to do, I don’t do. The good I really want to do, I can’t seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it!
But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen …
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul’s teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus.
Is there a contradiction, something you don’t want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace?
God know’s the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you.
Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”
We want to spend the bulk of our time together in meditation on a powerful chapter that King David wrote. Today, our focus will be to understand who we are, we must first know that God is God and we are not. So much of the issues in our lives regarding our identity is when we try to keep ourselves on the throne when we were never created to sit there. Only our God.
(Psalm 84 NLT)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. … A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
What phrase or thought stood out to you? Consider why. What is God saying to you right now?
Listen to verse 5-7 from the Message Bible
And how blessed all those in whom you live,
whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
Is there a lonesome valley you are facing right now?
Then listen to the closing words once more - For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
Let’s pray: “Father, David used the word ‘joy’ many times in this Psalm. Help me to find more joy in You and in my life. I need You to be my sun and my shield. Please give me Your grace and glory. I want to do what is right in Your eyes so You will withhold no good thing from me. As above, so below.”
The Message Bible—Romans 5:1-5.
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:1-5 MSG)
Let’s personalize these scriptures… God has made you right with Him through Christ. That’s what He wanted for you when He created you. God has thrown open the doors of Heaven to you. He wants you to throw open the doors of your heart, your mind, your spirit to Him. And now you are standing where you have always hoped to stand—out in the wide open spaces of His grace and glory.
Let’s take a few moments … I want to ask you to express Your praise to God. Whether you shout or you are silent, take a moment to worship like Paul expressed, as he calls it standing tall and shouting our praise.
Please know that the enemy of God and the ways of this world do not want you to know who you truly are in Christ. So that is exactly why the battle is so strong on so many of your days to pull you down and keep you down. But please, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking … never stop. Know who you are and only go deeper in your relationship with Christ. You will never find the end of Him this side of Heaven, so I want to inspire you to dive deep in His grace and in His glory.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, we worship You today as the One who gives us our life, our breath, and our identity. You alone establish our worth and our value. Help me, lead me, to just keep asking, seeking, and knocking to know You deeper and higher and farther and longer in Your love until I come home to be with You. As above, so below.”
The story is told of Sir Isaac Newton, the famous mathematician and scientist, who had a strong belief in God. One day, Sir Isaac went to a carpentry shop and asked the owner to make a model of our solar system. This model was to be to scale, intricately painted, and designed to resemble, as closely as possible, the actual solar system.
Several weeks later, Newton picked up the model, paid for it, and placed it in the center of a table in his house. One day, a friend who was an atheist came to visit. When the man arrived, the model of the solar system caught his eye, and he asked Sir Isaac if he could inspect it more closely. As the friend looked it over, he was awed by the fine craftsmanship and beauty. The friend then asked Newton who had created this wonderful model of the solar system. Sir Isaac promptly replied that no one had made the model but that it had just appeared on his table one day, evidently by accident.
Confused, the friend asked the question again, and Newton repeated his answer that the model had come out of thin air. As the friend became frustrated, Sir Isaac then explained the purpose of his answer: If he could not convince his friend that this crude replica of the solar system had “just happened by accident,” how could the friend believe that the real solar system, with all its complex design, could have appeared only by chance? The moral to the story: Design always demands a Designer.
(Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
When was the last time you watched your children sleeping? Why do you suppose as parents we do that? Stare lovingly at a perfectly still and peaceful child? It’s because we marvel at how they are created and are a part of us. … Design does indeed demand a Designer.
Listen again to this passage as I personalize it for us. Repeat these truths over yourself today.
For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things he planned for me long ago.
God has already stated clearly that you are His masterpiece … just like those beautiful kids you love so much. He has declared your worth and identity. He created each of you and placed you together as a family.
Pray with me: “Father, I want to accept and receive that I am Your masterpiece, created anew in You to accomplish the things You planned for my life long ago. I claim that same identity and destiny for my incredible kids. Thank You for my life. Thank You for their lives. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:13-16 MESSAGE
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
One thing that is, for sure, being communicated in this passage is the intentionality of a creator creating. Nothing in this passage speaks to accidents. Nothing in this passage speaks to randomness. Everything in this passage speaks of grandeur, beauty and care.
In another translation of the first two verses of this passage it reads
“You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mothers womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex your workmanship is marvelous.
It’s interesting to think of God as a master craftsman, molding something from the inside out to be so wonderfully complex. Often we look at ourselves and we give ‘complex’ a negative connotation. But in this passage there is honor being attached to complexity.
What about you sometimes seems too complex?
A lot of us walk around feeling like, at the very best, we are a random addition to the human race, and we discount what makes us different or complex. Not often do we celebrate ourselves as a unique, complex and marvelous workmanships of a master creator.
Can you look at yourself and accept that the way you are created, in all your wonderful complexity, points to the intentional, deliberate care of a master creator who believed that this world was better with you in it? Nothing about you or your life is random.
Let’s pray together: “Father, while I may struggle to use words about myself like “complex, marvelous, and precious,” thank You that You have expressed those feelings toward me. I want to believe my worth in and through You and I want to receive my identity from You. As above, so below.”
We all know today that the world and media want to tell us our value, our worth, and our identity.
Let’s go back to the first pages of the Bible where God Himself speaks of human origin.
(Genesis 1 NLT)
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
As a human being, this passage talks about your life. God looks at you and says, “Very good!” That is the truth about your personal value, your very worth, the essence of who you are in your identity.
This is what the first verse says about you - Personalize the verse, insert your own name.
Then God said, “Let us make _______________ in our image, to be like us.
Let that sink in. When ever you question your worth, your identity, remember you are created in God’s image, His nature, as another translation says. And He looks at you, just the way you are, and says ‘Very Good”
How would believing that about yourself change the way you approach your day, the way you approach others, The way you carry yourself?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for my life. Thank you for reminding me the way you see me, in your likeness. Help me to accept and embrace what you say about me and the way you see me as ‘Very good”. As above, so below.”
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
And now for the beautiful side of the story, let’s skip to verse 21:
So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” (Genesis 2:21-23 NLT)
Where was God in these scenes? He was in the dirt—involved, creating, engaged. He was crafting man and woman. He breathed His own breath into them.
Listen to verse seven again, this time from The MESSAGE
God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!
If we are going to believe the Bible and what God says, then these are our truths: You were formed out of a deep love from a God who desperately loves you. You didn’t come from apes.You certainly were not an accident. God planned, designed, and made you. That is who you and your family are … God’s very own. Your worth is found in the fact that God breathed His very breath to bring you, specifically you, into life.
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for planning us with and for a purpose—me and my kids. Guide me, lead me to help us all find that purpose through Your plan and with an attitude of worth, value, and identity that only comes from You. As above, so below.”
Of the thousands of questions about our bodies that scientists have answered, there is a certain mystery that has never been successfully resolved: our fingerprints. Why do we have them? What’s their biological purpose? Years of research have not produced a good answer.
The only fact that all scientists agree on is that no two people’s fingerprints are the same—even those of identical twins. Throughout all of human creation, no repetition of fingerprints has ever been found, with every set being original.
What if God gave us fingerprints, making them unique to each person, simply to show us the great detail and care He takes in His creation?
LUKE 12:6-7 NIV
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
In creating us God paid attention to detail. Every fiber of your body is a calculated design. Every function of your mind is a miracle. Our ability to connect with one another, even when we get hurt, is a testament to the eternal character of God that lives in us that is beyond just the physical realm.
Listen again to this passage paying attention, not to the general sense of God’s care for us, but the microscopic view, described about God’s awareness and view of you.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
You are not forgotten. God’s attention and affection for you is as focused on the little things as it is on the big things.
What is a concern that you carry that may feel like God has forgotten about in your life? Can you acknowledge that your Father is keenly aware, and with you, in every situation, big or small?
Look at the tip of your finger. Your fingerprint is used a form of identification, a signature, so to speak, that is unique to only us. There is great value and worth in the fact that you are not like anyone that has ever existed before. Your place on this earth is by design. Your worth and value to those around you is immeasurable and was a calculated plan by God towards those you come in contact with. Your fingerprints are evidence of you on everything that you touch, everyone you interact with. Your unique and special signature of just being you. You are a gift given by the God of the universe to those around you, whether you feel like it or not.
Father, thank you that you see me. Down to the very hairs on my head. There is nothing in my life that you are not aware of or that you don’t care about. Help me to trust in that intimate awareness and care you have for me. Help me to grasp, even a little bit, of how valuable I am to you and to others. As above so below.
Proverbs 27:1
Don’t brag about tomorrow,
since you don’t know what the day will bring.
How many days do we try to have everything mapped out? What we’re gonna do, what our kids are going to do, then what we’re gonna do after that? Nobody knows how much time we actually have available to us. As you reflect on your life, can you look back and notice time that you wish you had back? Time that you foolishly spent pursuing some thing that you had no control over?
Listen again to this passage this time for the Message Bible.
Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
Being self-assured seems to be the ‘name of the game’ in this culture in which we live. This passage suggest the opposite. ‘Don’t be so sure’, but rather the hold things with a loose hand.
Think about something in your life that was completely unexpected. It may be a good thing, it may be a tragic thing. Regardless of that situation being good or bad, one thing is for sure, it wasn’t in your plan.
God calls us to simple living, a surrendered life. A trusting posture. He says all things work together for good for those who trust God.
Is there something in your life right now that you feel fairly sure is going to happen good or bad?
Can you surrender that, let go of being sure and accept that you will take things as they come?
Maybe more often we just need to take a deep breath, yield to the flow of life, so that we can be present in the moments that we don’t get back.
Father, I recognize that you hold all things in your hands. I am grateful for all the gifts you give, all the challenges you take me through. Help me to loosen my grip on feeling like I have to have everything all mapped out. As above, so below.
Today we will be reading excerpts from Solomon’s famous words in
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT)
For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
In this famous scripture Solomon is reflecting on the predictable seasons in our life. One thing that we can be sure of is that things change, seasons ebb and flow.
How do you go through your life? Do you try to hold on to the good seasons with all your might? Do you try to rush past the troubled season with everything that you are? It’s important to pay attention to the push and pulll, the give-and-take, the good and bad that everyone will experience in their life.
Listen again to the first verse in this passage this time from the King James version
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven
In this translation the word ‘season’ is related with the word ‘purpose'.
Can you look at something good in your life and recognize that it’s a season that has purpose, be grateful for it, but don’t hold on too tight as if it will last forever?
Is there something that you’re facing right now that is a real struggle, can you acknowledge the struggle has purpose and also recognize that it won’t last forever?
God takes us through ups and downs, all to serve a purpose. Calling us to anchor ourselves in the one thing that never changes, his great love and faithfulness to his children.
Father, Help me to not hold on too tightly to the good seasons, not to rush out of the difficult ones. Allow me to sense your purpose in all of them and hold tightly to you. Thank you that you never change although everything around me will. As Above, so below.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God
We reflect on this passage every day in our time together. The importance of stilling our minds, getting present, and knowing God.
The essence of this verse is to let go of the awareness of time, demands, expectations and distractions. To get fully present in a moment. We live in a world that is so fast paced, day-to-day our interactions with our kids, people that we encounter, family members can happen so quickly that if we’re not careful we don’t allow ourselves to be fully present in them.
In the original Hebrew of this psalm, Be still, the word is harpu, A more literal translation of harpu would be "cause yourselves to let go". Rather than merely being passive, we are instructed to actively let go. To let go of expectation, let go of preconceived thought, let go of distraction. Be fully present, attentive and available.
Be still and know that I am God is obviously taking about how we are to be present in the presence of God. Can we apply this same principle to our everyday interactions?
Can you think of a time were you look back and said, wait what just happened? Or what did I just say? Or what did you just say?
We let our minds get so far ahead of ourselves that often we don’t take time to be fully present, attentive and available.
One thing that we know for sure is the time we have here on earth is finite, it’s limited. Like grains of sand in an hourglass when it’s gone it’s gone. Let’s make the most of the moments that we have, Be fully present, attentive and available
Find the beauty in them, find God in them, find connection with those around us in them… Not rush through as if we have unlimited time to spend.
Father, help me to be more present in everyday life. With you, with family, friends and with strangers. Thank you for the time you give us, the opportunities to experience you and others, help me to actively let go of distractions that keep me from all that you have for me, in the moments that I have. As above, so below.
Mathew 7:6 (NLT)
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
This is pretty explicit language talking about wasting time and effort. We all have situations in our lives that maybe we’re trying to fix, people that we’re trying to fix. If we’re honest, they are not our situations or people to fix in the first place. Sometimes relationships or situations can become unhealthy and no matter what we say or do, we never see them change.
In this passage we reflect on getting very honest with the value proposition of our time. Is there an area in your life that you continue to expend or invest a large amount of your time or focus, that God might be directing you to lighten your efforts?
Listen again to this passage with that question in mind.
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
The Bible is clear we are to love all men all the time. This passage is not talking about dismissing the person, seeing them is not worthy.
This passage is talking about boundaries, being honest with this question - Is this situation some thing that God has called me to? or am I just expending my own efforts in hopes to gain the outcome that I desire? God‘s desires are different than ours. God uses process, God uses time, sometimes lots of it, to bring people to himself. We seem to want to see results right away.
Maybe there’s a situation, or person in your life which you have done your part, and your part was never to see the harvest, but to plant the seed. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of, that you need to be a greater steward of your time with?
Father, thank you for all that you give me. Let me see all people as you see them, all valuable, equally important. Show me how I should see those things which I invest my time and focus into, choosing to hold close that which you have for me, and letting go of that which you don’t. As above, so below.
Ecclesiastes 3: 14-15 (MSG)
This passage is from the same famous passage that we focused on earlier this week about seasons.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Solomon was a great man, a very wealthy man, a man that you would say had it all and had seen it all. As we conclude this week, this passage reminds us of a summary that Solomon has, as he looks on the timing, the seasons and the gifts of God. He concludes that regardless of what we do, God is in control and it’s not our job to try to figure out why but simply worship.
Listen to the passage again
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That’s how it always is with God.
Is there a situation, or maybe a person in your life that you just can’t figure out. Is it possible that it’s not your job to figure it out? Is it possible that your job is to surrender it to God and quit asking questions and simply worship Him knowing that, as this passage says. Whatever was, is whatever will be, is. that’s how it always is with God.
Father, thank you for your almighty hand in all of my life. Help me to surrender my time, my focus and my habits to you and your purpose. You do what you will and I will do my best to let go of trying to understand all your reasons. As above, so below.
LUKE 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
I remember someone saying to me once when I was in school… Grow up… Since that time I’ve spent most of my time doing that. Growing up. Getting mature. Being responsible. Today, in this passage Jesus confronts that idea, and instead offers us an opportunity to return to how we were made.
All of us started out as infants, then children. Somehow along the way we’ve lost the beauty of that innocence, the wonder of the world around us, the joy of discovery and the faith that is simple.
What would it look like to confound your daily routine and structure and instead take on a mindset of a child? Content. Curious. No fear. It seems in this passage that God is calling us to live with the simple abandon of a child, listen again as I read part of this passage and notice that not only is Jesus suggesting that the kingdom of God is about a child like mindset, but also, He is refuting what the adults are saying the kingdom is like.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Can you let go? Even if it’s just for 10 minutes and allow yourself to experience the beauty and wonder of knowing that all that you need is freely given to you, and is not reliant on your efforts.
Trusting in your Good father who asks you to just come to him with the innocence of a child.
Father, help me put aside my belief that I need to grow up, clean up, have it all together to come to you. Thanks you for encouraging me to live with the fearless abandon of a child, with You as my Father. As above, so below.
Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
As we look around in our culture today, it’s getting harder and harder to find those who truly treasure God’s commands, those who seek them like hidden treasures.
Let me ask you … do you want to gain the knowledge of God? Would you like a treasure of common sense and to have your integrity be like a shield to protect your life? For your path to be guarded and your life protected?
Let’s personalize Solomon’s words for us today, as our declaration:
I WILL listen to what You say, and WILL treasure Your commands. I WILL tune my ears to wisdom, and WILL concentrate on understanding. I WILL cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I WILL search for them as I would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and I will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants me wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to me as I am honest. He is a shield to me as I walk with integrity. He guards my path to be just and protects me as I am faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT)
Gods wisdom is the only treasure worth seeking. Treasure available to us freely, upon asking. Relying on our understanding is futile when living a committed life in Christ. What is one area of your life that you can bring before the Lord today and ask for His wisdom to guide you?
Let’s pray together: “Father, guide me to align my life priorities with You and Your ways and Your will. Take my life, all I have and don’t have, all I want and all I need and help me to seek You as my Treasure to find contentment and satisfaction in my life. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
In this passage, and throughout the Bible, the writer refers to the reader as ‘my child’. Returning to a position where we don’t have everything figured out on our own seems to be a common theme throughout scripture.
Listen to this passage again from the mindset and the position of your heart of returning to the perspective of a child, with much to learn, not having everything figured out.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT)
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart do not depend on your own understanding’ pretty much sums up what this is saying.
Is there an area in your life that you have been leaning primarily on your own understanding? Can you do what this passage suggests, ‘seek him in all that you do and he will show you which path to take’? Letting go of the preconceived idea that you are required to have this all figured out on your own is foundational in living with the abandon of childlike innocence, living with a healthy sense of dependency and trust in your Father who goes before you.
Let’s pray: Father, help me to surrender my natural way of looking at things, that I have to have everything figured out. Help me to lean on You, help me to seek You in all that I do as I trust you to show me which path to take. As above, so below.”
Psalm 34:4-7 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
What does it mean to be radiant? The Psalmist says “those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. As we get older, some would call wiser, we also get our views blurred by man’s measurement of self. Often we can become so consumed with appearances, responsibilities and expectations that we forget that we have actually been freed from all of that.
What would our response be if someone paid off all of our debt, took away all of our stress, took away any reason for us to ever worry again. I suspect we would look radiant. We might even look a little crazy… Wouldn’t living with that realization do something to those closest to us, wouldn’t that kind of freedom be contagious. Listen again to this passage and view yourself from the writers perspective.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
How does it feel to carry no shame.
How does it feel to know that God saves you from all your troubles.
How does it feel to know that the angel of the Lord encamps around you.
How does it feel to know that God will delivers you.
Let’s make those feelings the reality that we live from today, and everyday.
Father, thank you that you promise to deliver me from all my fears. Thank you that you say my face should never be covered with shame. Thank you that you deliver me from all my troubles and that your angels camp around me. Help me to be radiant, shining the grace that you give me to others. As above, so below.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Yesterday we focused on embracing the feelings that freedom brings and living from that sense of security. In today’s passage, Paul directs us towards actions not feelings. He suggests 3 choices for us to make.
Be joyful in hope. Another word for hope is expectant. Will you choose to show joy because your are expectant that God will come through?
Be patient in affliction. Another word for patience is acceptance. Will you choose to accept - to not fight - affliction or trouble?
Be faithful in prayer. Faithful can be defined as loyal and committed. Will you be loyal and committed to praying?
Listen again to this passage, this time from the Message Bible
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
What personal hope do you have for yourself can you choose to be joyful and excited about right now?
What affliction or trouble that you’re facing can you decide to be patient with?
What is something that you need to commit tp praying more earnestly about?
God’s best for you is a combination of feeling, really knowing He has gone before you and is with you, like we explored yesterday, and choosing to follow His path by living in hope, patience and prayer.
Father, I can get so weighed down by all the troubles and concerns around me. Help me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and trouble, and committed to continually praying. I know you want what’s best for me, help me to choose what’s best for me too. As above so below
David stated in Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
People tend to either believe God created the world or He didn’t. And then if someone believes He did, the next step of faith is believing whether or not He is actively involved in the lives of the people walking on His planet.
King David was clear. The earth belongs to God. Everything in and on the earth belongs to God. The entire world and even all the people belong to Him. If we believe this to be true, then we are never actually owners of anything while we are here.
How do you view what you have, as you being the owner or the steward? How might being a steward change your mindset?
Listen once again to Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
Let’s offer a personalized version: What I have on the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in my life. My world and all the people I know belong to him.
We know the old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go.” Just more evidence that we are merely borrowing everything we have while we are here. To trust God with our lives and to ask Him for help, we must first see everything as His and come to accept we are stewards of His blessings, responsible and accountable to Him.
Let’s pray: “Father, I confess my world is yours and everything in it. Remind me every day that the world and all the people are yours. Help me to be a good steward of all I have and all You allow me to hold while I am here. As above, so below.”
Proverbs 23:4-7 NLT
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
The Bible never says that wealth is a sin, but rather the results of focusing on wealth through greed and being a miser is. While the last two sentences in today’s passage may feel disconnected from the first three, the correlation is the character of a person shows when it comes to money.
Think about this…could you tell a great deal about the habits, focus, and lifestyle of a person by looking at their bank and credit card statements? Absolutely. Our money and its management does not make our character, but rather reflects our character.
Is there something we would be proud for people to find out about you if they saw our accounts or looked at our spending? Something we might want to hide?
Listen again to Proverbs 23:4-7, but this time in The Message Bible: Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. Don’t accept a meal from a tightwad; don’t expect anything special. He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself.
He’ll be as stingy with you as he is with himself. … Wow. None of us want these words to ever describe us. Generosity of heart and resources are foundational to a life following Jesus.
What area of your life could you be more generous with? Is there someone, or a mission in need, that your contribution might serve right now? Or a person that needs you to give more of yourself to?
Let’s pray together: “Father, What I have is yours. Money, time, focus. No matter what You ever allow me to have, help me to keep You as the Center and Catalyst of my character. Help me to live as though You are always in control of everything, my finances, what I receive, what I spend, and what I give. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Now, first things first … there is a strong likelihood that you, like me, read a passage like this and think, “Well, this doesn’t apply to me because I’m not rich.” But the reality is this: When you take the history of the world into consideration and the great affluence of the western culture, in light of the rest of the world, we are rich. The people in third world nations would love to have even what the worst neighborhoods in our cities have. Just being able to access clean water would feel like a luxury to so many in our world. So, in light of when we live and where we live, being “rich” is relative. Perspective and worldview are vital to interpreting Scripture.
With those thoughts in mind, listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT)
Verse 17 shows us the principle of stewardship once again. Our trust should be in God who richly gives and money should be used for good works and generosity to share with those in need.
Can you recognize the riches you have? Imagine what it would be like to turn on the water in your house and nothing come out…and live with that being the norm every day. Is God prompting you about being rich in good works and generous to those in need? What would that look like?
Let’s pray: “Father, help me to not be proud and not to trust in money. Teach me to trust in You. Lead me to use money for good and to be generous to those in need and share with others. I want to store up Your treasure to experience true life. As above, so below.”
1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. … so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.
A consistent theme throughout Scripture is placing focus on God, His goodness, and His grace while staying away from the attraction of the world and sin. Simply reading the news every day gives us plenty of evidence that money and power do not make people happy and content. Suicide, depression, anxiety, and the like have little to do with the state of income but rather the state of mind.
Let’s do an honest inventory. Knowing that ‘money’ represents security, prestige, pleasure. What is an area of your life that your focus has been the ‘craving’ of money, and what it represents, as the scripture calls it?
Listen once again, this time focusing only on the “do” verses, not the “dont's”:
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. … Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. (1 Timothy 6:6-12 NLT)
As we often talk about here, focusing only on the dont's is not sustainable. We need to replace the dont's with the do's. Can you focus today on pursuing these things, not just staying away from the temptations of wealth? Pursue righteousness, love, perseverance, gentleness?
Let’s pray: “Father, teach me to be content. Help me to pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness as I fight the good fight for my faith in You. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we are going to read a tough passage, but we’ll also turn it around and end on a bright spot. Paul shared these words with Timothy in his second letter, chapter 3, verses 1-5:
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
When you heard these words, did it sound like something from today’s news feed? Love only themselves and their money? Boastful? Proud? Scoffing at God? Disobedient? Ungrateful? Nothing is sacred? This is exactly why God’s Word is timeless and always current.
Again we see how the love self, pride, pleasure and the pursuit of wealth is associated with a lack of godly character. The last verse even says the religious people will reject God’s power.
Now, let’s take Paul’s words, and as what would be in line with many of his other passages such as 1 Corinthians 13, for example, turn the phrases around to encourage ourselves to follow God and pursue Him, not the things of this world, to see our money merely as a means, not an end.
For people must love God and not their money. They must not boast and be proud, or scoff at God, be disobedient to their parents, yet be grateful. Consider everything sacred. Be loving and forgiving; never slander others and always have self-control. Never be cruel. Love what is good. Never betray friends, be reckless, puffed up with pride, or love pleasure rather than God. Don’t act religious, and reject the power that can make us godly. Hold strong to people like that!
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You provide us with all that is good in this world and allow us the ability to stay away from what is harmful to us. There is always that choice. Thank You that You died to give us that choice. Help me to follow You and make my money a means, not an end. As above, so below.”
Luke 5:15
"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
This passage is in the middle of describing many things that were happening in Jesus's ministry. Healing leprosy, a paralyzed man, teaching crowds, and ministering to tax collector over dinner.
Then right in the middle of all the activity it says “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”.
No doubt you have many things going on in your life right now. When was the last time you removed yourself from the daily grind and prayed? Maybe that is what you are doing now?
If this idea of sequestering oneself to an isolate place, a lonely place was important enough for Jesus to do, paying attention to our capacity, our 'tank', so to speak, and making room to refill it, is vitally important to self care.
Listen again to the this passage about Jesus paying attention to self care, for the sake of pouring Himself out.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Let’s pray. Father show me how to withdraw myself when I need to. I admit, I don’t do this enough. I need you to refill what gets depleted. You are the only source that can refill me with what I need. As above, so below.
One of the most fascinating conversations recorded in Jesus’s life was with the “rich, young ruler,” evidently a young man that “had it all.”
Matthew 19:16-22 NLT
Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
This young man’s life was all about what he had, what he had done, and what he hadn’t done. His focus was on behavior, not his heart. How things looked to others, not how things actually were. Jesus knew his treasure was not in pleasing God, so He challenged the man to find a greater, more valuable life than the one he had.
For many of us, we treasure how things look, how we are perceived and how we measure up to others. Imagine this conversation is with you and Jesus asks you to let go of all worldly possessions and perceptions...
How do you respond?
What comes to mind as the hardest thing to let go of?
You are not alone... in our current culture, how we look, what we have, and what we want can be more important than a relationship with Jesus.
For our purposes in this time together, let’s close with a focus on Jesus’s words: “You will have treasure in Heaven when You follow Me.” Can we be satisfied with that? Will you allow His treasure be enough today?
Let’s pray: “Dear Father, I am grateful that when I first encountered You, I said ‘yes’ and didn’t walk away. But help me every day to keep saying ‘yes’ to You, to put You before money, stuff, and the things of this world that distract and attract. Help me to keep selling out for You and following You. As above, so below.”
Luke 10:38
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So many of us like Martha can be so consumed with all the details of life that we neglect the source of all things, including a Sound Mind Set.
In this passage it is also admirable that Martha speaks up out of her authentic feeling and points out the stress and comparison she is experiencing by essentially saying, Jesus, shouldn’t someone be helping with all these details.
Notice Jesus‘s response was compassion with correction
“Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed, only one.”
What are you worried about today, what details are causing a bit of stress?
What might it look like for you to let go of worries and just be present? Making a choice to pause for self-care can be surprisingly difficult when we're used to chasing all the details. We may feel guilty or anxious about not getting everything done.
Pausing actually takes a lot of courage in the face of all that needs to be done throughout our days.
Let’s personalize Jesus’s from His response to Martha from this passage.
(Say your name then repeat Jesus’s words, to you), you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed or indeed only one.
Let’s pray: “Jesus, help me to let go of the the things that I worry about and be present in your care. Thank you that you just call me to sit at your feet and soak up your love and strength. Help me to prioritize letting go of thinking I have to get everything right all the time. Help me relax and know that your presence is all I need. As above, so below.”
Today, we will be looking at the words of Jesus and what He had to say about money. Regardless of our financial circumstances, we can find some peace and hope in this often volatile area of life.
The wording of Matthew 6:19-24 in the New Life Bible is intriguing. Listen to the words of Jesus …
“Do not gather together for yourself riches of this earth. They will be eaten by bugs and become rusted. Men can break in and steal them. Gather together riches in heaven where they will not be eaten by bugs or become rusted. Men cannot break in and steal them. For wherever your riches are, your heart will be there also. The eye is the light of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. If your eye is bad, your whole body will be dark. If the light in you is dark, how dark it will be! No one can have two bosses. He will hate the one and love the other. Or he will listen to the one and work against the other. You cannot have both God and riches as your boss at the same time.
Now, Jesus is not saying that it’s wrong to have a savings account. That’s not the point. The concept here is not about our bank account, but our motives and focus. It’s interesting to think of money as a boss. In fact, we will often put up with a lot in our lives in work with actual bosses because money is our ultimate boss. But Jesus is saying that mindset easily competes with God’s place in our lives.
If you are honest with yourself right now, what tends to be the boss in your life right now? What drives your actions and attitudes? Security? Money?
Verse 21 is a great litmus test to constantly evaluate our lives:
For wherever your riches are, your heart will be there also.
The converse is also true: Whatever has your heart, that’s also where your riches will be found.
What has your heart right now? What or who is your mind set on?
We put our efforts into what we love most. Money, security, self reliance all can be rusted or eaten away by things beyond our control. Only God’s riches and security are reliable. So let’s let that love be our driving force—where our riches, our treasure, our hearts, are.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep money and security in perspective—a heavenly perspective. I want you to be my security. I give my self reliance and confess that you are my security, my treasure and where my heart is. As above, so below.”
These are the words of Jesus
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.
We are told by Jesus to love God with all of us - heart, soul, mind and strength. That is not possible if we are living a fragmented and splintered life. If we not take care to integrate all those facets of our lives - our mind, our heart, our soul and strength we are not bringing our all to Him.
To integrate our whole self requires a discipline of self care - to know all those parts of us. That is why we check in with ourselves everyday in our time together to know ourselves so that our Father can know us.
Jesus goes a step further in this passage, in two words that we very often overlook.
Listen carefully as I read Jesus words to us again.
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Loving yourself is foundational to loving others. Not loving yourself in a superficial way, but in a holy way.
Psalm 139
You shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
Do you see yourself they way Gods sees you? Can you recognize the beauty He sees in you? Because He does - and He wants you to see it too.
Let's use this Psalm to pray:
Father, You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! And with all that I am, I love and worship you. As above, so below.
This week we will spend time in simple, quiet worship. Let’s simply focus on God and His goodness. Breathe deep and allow your spirit to connect to His Holy Spirit.
Psalm 29 from The Message — A Psalm of David
Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!
God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters.
God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic.
God’s thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars.
The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
God’s thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
What words, what phrases stood out to you?
What games of God moved your spirit to worship?
Listen once again to the final verses:
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.
As you walk through hardships and the challenges of your life, remember that Your God is the God of the thunder, of the rain, and of glory and power. He has you. He holds you. To make you strong. To give you peace.
Let’s pray: “Father, I realize Your power. I recognize Your glory. Today, in this quiet moment, I worship You. Thank You for Your strong arm that protects my life. Thank You for Your gentle Spirit to give me peace. As above, so below.”
Today, again, we will spend time in worship. Simply focusing on God and His character. So, invite His Holy Spirit to pour over You with His presence. Listen intently as we experience His Word together.
From Psalm 33 The Message
Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.
Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano!
Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare.
For God’s Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out.
He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true.
Earth is drenched in God’s affectionate satisfaction.
… bow before God; … down on your knees!
Here’s why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.
God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world’s power-schemes.
God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.
Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he’s put in his will.
He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do.
No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength.
Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.
Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.
He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.
We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need.
What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name.
Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.
Can you add your personal thoughts of worship to these words from david?
What about God are you in awe of?
How has God rescued you?
Will you praise and worship him for the personal way He has shown up recently?
Let’s personalize the last lines of Psalm 33:
I’m depending on You, God; You are everything I need.
What’s more, my heart brims with joy since I’ve taken for my own Your holy name.
Love me, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what I’m depending on.
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, Thank You that I don’t have to worship, but I get to worship. You are a Gentleman who never forces His way, yet loves in such a powerful way that invites a response of gratitude. Thank You for loving me with all You’ve got. As above, so below.”
Continuing our week solely focused on worship, today we will experience Psalm 34.
Be present. Be all in on this moment. No distractions. Listen with your ears and your heart. Let’s experience His Word and our worship together.
Psalm 34‚ NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
… the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
Just as David did here, when was the last time you bragged on God?
When was the last time you shared with someone what He has done for you?
Listen again to the final words of this passage as I personalize David’s words for us.
The Lord hears me when I call to him for help.
He rescues me from all my troubles.
The Lord is close to me when my heart is broken; he rescues me when my spirit is crushed.
I may face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Let’s pray just as we have worshipped: “Father God, thank You for being our guard who surrounds and defends. Thank You that You watch over us and hear us. Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted and though we face troubles, You will rescue like the good Father You are. As above, so below.”
Today, we will experience Psalm 40, another transparent and poetic text from King David. Let’s experience God and His Word together in worship.
Psalm 40 NLT
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
… I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.
… Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles surround me—too many to count!
My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
… may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
These words reflect a grateful heart that recognizes the reality of being rescued. The confession of being poor and needy is met with help from a Savior.
Where are you today? Waiting? In need of rescue? Or grateful that God’s help did arrive? No matter where you are, He is near. God is ever-present. You are in His thoughts.
Listen again to David’s words from the opening of this passage. Let’s personalize them say them out loud as a reminder of our God being close to us right now.
You lift me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
You set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walked along.
You have given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to my God.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will hear our cries and lift us out of our self-laid traps. Thank You that You will then give us a new song and a new life to have the freedom to tell others about what You have done for us. Thank You for Your tender mercies, unfailing love, and faithfulness. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out our meditative walk in worship through the Psalms. Psalm 91 is popular for its incredible promises of God’s protection. Satan even quoted a verse from this passage in his temptation to try and get Jesus to jump off the top of the Temple to prove God would save Him. Whether we consider some of these phrases as literal or metaphor, the reality is that the greatest power we have in our lives to protect us is God Almighty. I want to encourage you to take in every word. Don’t just hear them, but listen to the love in them. Right now, sit before Your Savior and trust these words to be true of you, and for you.
Psalm 91 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
… The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Did you notice the certainty in the words, in the phrases like “will find” and “will cover” and “will shelter”? Words of trust and faith that God does and will answer, rescue, reward, and honor the obedient heart of His followers.
What is one way God has rescued or protected you recently? Will you thank Him for that right now?
Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your refuge, Your shelter, Your safety, Your covering. You don’t promise us that trouble won’t come, but thank You that You do promise to be with me when anything threatens. I worship You as my Lord and My God. As above, so below.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 MSG
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up.
The old saying goes: “Timing is everything.” That is especially true when we consider being obedient to God and His timing. Realizing and accepting when we should let go of holding onto something from our past can be so difficult for us on so many levels. But yet letting go is such a right and natural part of life. Navigating seasons in life, we cannot grab hold of the future until we let go of the past.
We cannot die until we are born. We cannot harvest with planting. We cannot tear down that which we never built. We cannot turn away from something we never embraced.
Sometimes letting go can make us feel less-than or create the false assumption that we are giving away a part of our heart we may never get back. But think of it this way: we cannot harvest, heal, mend, or dance while holding onto unhealthy things in our lives.
Is God calling you to heal but you can’t because you’re still allowing bitterness to hurt your spirit? Is it time for you to experience a final letting go and forgive someone?
Listen again to a personalized version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-7:
A right time [for me] for birth and another for death,
A right time [for me] to plant and another to reap,
A right time [for me] to destroy and another to construct,
A right time [for me] to cry and another to laugh,
A right time [for me] to lament and another to cheer,
A right time [for me] to embrace and another to part,
A right time [for me] to search and another to count your losses,
A right time [for me] to hold on and another to let go,
A right time [for me] to rip out and another to mend,
A right time [for me] to shut up and another to speak up,
Let today be your day to let go, to forgive, to be born, harvest, heal, build up, laugh, dance, gather, embrace, mend, and speak new life.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your timing. That You give us seasons of change. That You allow us to experience freedom from the past, hurts, and harm that we have done and experienced from others. Please grant me the freedom today to forgive and let go. As above, so below.”
Romans 6:12-14 NLT
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Granting forgiveness, experiencing total freedom, and letting go for good is a mental, emotional, and spiritual experience. And yes, it can even be physical. Holding onto bitterness affects our ability to smile, facial expressions, countenance, and body language.
When our hearts are closed, we look closed off. Giving ourselves completely to God, as Paul tells us here, is as much as about what we let go of as what we take up. To block forgiveness from someone is to allow sin to be our master and keep us under the law, not under grace. And when we can’t give grace, we can’t embrace grace.
If there is someone you struggle to let go of and forgive, think about how this makes you feel, even physically, how it affects your being in every manner? Refusing to let go creates more pain as we work harder to hold on.
Listen once again to Paul’s commands:
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:12-14 NLT)
Forgiveness and letting go diminishes sin’s control, allowing us the freedom to give ourselves completely to God, to glorify Him, for Him to be our Master, not sin. To live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Pray with me, using Paul’s words: “Dear Father, help me to not let sin control the way I live; to not give in to sinful desires, to not let any part of my body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Help me to give myself completely to You and experience new life, to use my whole body as an instrument to do what is right for Your glory. I do not want sin to be my master or live under the requirements of the law. Instead, let me live under the freedom of Your grace. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The phrase, “get rid of,” means to leave no trace of what was once there. The idea here is to not just cut the weed off at the ground so it is no longer visible, but to pull it up by the roots as if it had never existed at all. Interesting that we often use the word “root” in connection to bitterness. But as the apostle Paul often did, he told us what to eliminate, but then next, he also told us what to do in its place. He offered us the qualities of God to replace those things that only harm us.
Paul told us to get rid of anger and be compassionate. To get rid of rage and be kind. To get rid of bitterness and forgive. These opposite, contrasting qualities cannot co-exist. They can only be exchanged. Let go of the old and embrace the new.
Think about these truth as you listen again to today’s passage:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
Notice that the reaction to a feeling, like anger, is not a feeling. Paul is not asking us to feel differently - he is asking us to do something. In doing something, in extending grace, we are not condoning any offence, rather we are showing strength, the strength that only a God can supply.
Is there any anger that you need to exchange with showing compassion? Any rage that you need to exchange with showing kindness? Any bitterness that you need to exchange with offering forgiveness?
Let’s pray: “Father, guide me, lead me, help me to get rid of the things that hurt me and displease You. I want to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, to the depths that You have forgiven me. As above, so below.”
Matthew 5:21-25 MSG
“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.
Jesus was crystal clear that His followers must live by a higher standard … His standard. His teaching always pointed to the importance of the intent of our hearts. Anger, verbal insults, careless words, and grudges all come from a troubled heart. But the real point isn’t even about holding a standard, but rather what is right for us to live in peace and righteousness, the best thing for us and everyone in our circles.
As you heard Jesus’s words, did anyone’s face pop into your mind? Did these verses trigger an instance in your memory?
Listen again to some of the key phrases in this passage:
“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” … “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. (Matthew 5:21-25 MSG)
When God brings someone to mind or a circumstance, remember His words: “Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You hold us to a standard, yet You have made provision by Your grace and mercy when we fail. Please forgive my words that have killed, do kill, and can kill. Teach me to make the first move to make things right. To let go and give both my hurts and my sin to You. As above, so below.”
Romans 12:17-21 NLT
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
There is some great relationship advice in this passage: Don’t pay back evil with evil. Live honorably. Never take revenge. Serving even your enemies in times of need proves character comes first. Good will always overcome evil—in His time, in the end.
But one of the best pieces of counsel here is found in verse 18: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” God only expects us to do what we can. We are not responsible for anyone else’s actions. We do our part whether they do theirs or not. And who does this apply to? Everyone. Saints and sinners. The guilty and the innocent.
In your life right now, is peace your agenda or is revenge on the table? Is it time to let God handle something for you so good can conquer evil?
Listen to this priceless passage one more time but this time from The Message Bible:
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (Romans 12:17-21 MSG)
Pray with me:
“Heavenly Father, teach me to live honorably. Show me how to live at peace with everyone. Help me to stay away from revenge and leave that with You. When I encounter evil or am tempted by evil, help me to choose Your way. May I learn how to surprise others with Your goodness. As above, so below.”
King David’s very vocal wrestling to accept God’s forgiveness is a huge help to us as we navigate forgiving ourselves for our mistakes too—past and present.
Psalm 25:4-12 NLT
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.
In David’s personal processing and prayer, He reminds himself of God’s goodness and confesses the truth that that goodness is greater than any sin he could ever commit. Finally, David declares that God is the only one who will lead us out of our sin and into safety and security.
Think of an area of your life that you need help in forgiving yourself?
As I read parts of the passage again, notice how David prays, then in verse 8, he changes to a declaration of what God does, but then in verses 11 and 12 he goes back to personal prayer:
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow….teach me, for you are the God who saves me… I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love…
Here’s the turn: The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
And now back: For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins… He will show them the path they should choose.
David was bold in his brokenness. God is inviting you to the same as you share your heart with Him.
What is an area of your life that you can be bold in your brokenness before God?
Let’s pray using David’s own words: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me. I put my hope in You. Remember me in the light of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O Lord. For the honor of Your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. … As above, so below.”
Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
David’s detailed and intense description of his battle with sin and confession offers us such a great encouragement to go straight to the Lord and be honest with all our confessions. We see the journey of David trying to ignore his guilt and pain, his loss of even physical health, and then his ultimate surrender of all rebellion. Healthy acceptance of shame through confession brings us in line with authentic humility and our dependency on God.
Is there an area of life that you are trying to rectify on your own? A sin… that you are reluctant to call a sin… or rationalize away? Maybe an attitude or something that we feel entitled to hold onto that we really should confess. something that we know, to use David’s words, “are causing our body to waste away”?
Listen to verses 1, 2 and 5 once again—the result of full confession and acceptance of forgiveness:
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! … You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-2, 5 NLT)
Can you see the power in confession and surrender?
Today, if you relate to any part of David’s words, take his advice and make things right. Confess and then accept the joy and freedom of total and absolute forgiveness.
Pray with me using David’s words: “Heavenly Father, forgive my disobedience. Put my sin out of sight. Clear my record. Thank You for forgiving me. Now, may I let go of my guilt and accept Your grace. As above, so below.”
Psalm 51:1-4, 7-12 NLT
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. … Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
David longs to not feel stained or dirty or guilty or broken or disloyal or isolated any longer. We all know these feelings much too well.
Reflect on David’s understanding of how absolute the removal of any trace of sin God can bring. Like it never happened. David talks about how his rebellion haunts him day and night.
Is there sin in your past, or even currently, that haunts you day and night?
Listen again to what David asks of God in this passage from the Message bible:
God, give grace! Scrub away my guilt,
I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.
You’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!
It is likely that whatever the sin that haunts you day or night is not as drastic as the affair and murder that David carries. In confessing and asking forgiveness we are talking to the same God that David did in this passage. We know that God’s forgiveness is as absolute then as it is now. God’s grace never runs out. His mercy never ends. His love never quits. Can you offer the same grace to yourself that God gives? He promises a clean heart, a loyal spirit, joy of the salvation given to us.
Pray with me: “O God, thank You for Your mercy, Your unfailing love, Your removal of guilt and Your cleansing of stains. Thank You for Your restoration, but most of all, thank You for Your presence in my life. As above, so below.”
Psalm 86:1-7 NLT
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
As we learn to go to God with our sin, our guilt, our past, and all our stuff, we can then begin to sense His constant presence, because while He has been right with us all along and never moved, we finally choose to stop running away and attempting to hide. We see that progression in today’s passage as David’s 'Psalm 51 moment' is now in his rearview mirror.
Our brokenness can produce a humble boldness.
Our surrender can provide a sense of security.
Our submission can protect us from falling again.
Do you recognize, can you feel, God’s presence with You as You begin to live in a constant state of forgiveness?
Like King David, you can call to God whenever You are in trouble and He will answer You.
Let’s make Psalm 86 our personal prayer.
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. … As above, so below.
Psalm 130:1-7
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. If you, Lord, should write down our sins, O Lord, who could stand? But You are the One Who forgives, so You are honored with fear. I wait for the Lord. My soul waits and I hope in His Word. My soul waits for the Lord more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. … hope in the Lord! For there is loving-kindness with the Lord. With Him we are saved for sure.
David has worked through a great deal in his life. He has literally worked out his relationship with God to live in a state of security and blessing once again. He does not claim to be without sin now, but rather, he knows where to go when he does and to go quickly! Being aquatinted with our shortcomings produces humility and a correct posture of dependency on God for His grace and Power.
David confesses that God is the only One who forgives, He is loving and kind, and the path to certain salvation. Can you confess with same assurance that the same God that David is talking about here from thousands of years ago is active and available today to you in real time.
How would it change the way you approach your day, your relationships to live in the full acceptance of God’s loving and kind forgiveness?
Also, If God has forgiven you, isn’t it time to let the weight of toxic shame go - and be empowered by the grace forgiveness and acceptance that the God of the universe extends to you.
A free life is fully available every day, all the time, with God.
Let’s turn Psalm 130 into our prayer today:
O Lord, I have cried to You out of the deep places. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears hear the voice of my prayers. You are the One Who forgives. I wait for You, Lord. My soul waits and I hope in Your Word. My soul waits for You, Lord, more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning. I put my hope in You, Lord! For there is loving-kindness with You, Lord. With You, I am saved for sure. … As above, so below.
While Jesus certainly taught us all about God’s love, mercy, and grace, some of the toughest words He spoke were about forgiveness … and the lack of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-15 NIV
“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus included forgiveness in a very short example of how to talk to God, in what came to be known as The Lord’s Prayer. But then immediately following the prayer, He continued His teaching on forgiveness. It is important that we notice in verse 12 that Jesus says “Forgive us as we forgive.” Connecting that phrase to verses 14 and 15 communicates that God expects us to keep our slate clean and our list empty of what we hold against others. So He can then do the same for us. This does not mean that God is unable to forgive, but because He is God, He has a divine order for everything that He knows is always the best thing for us.
Staying free of bitterness and unforgiveness, along with being forgiven for our offenses, is the healthiest path for us all.
Do you have an “I will never forgive that person” list? An “I can never forgive that person” list? Sometimes it is only through God’s strength that we are able to forgive.
Think of that person as I personalize Jesus’ words from this passage again:
“And forgive me of my sins, as I have forgiven those who sin against me. And don’t let me yield to temptation, but rescue me from the evil one. “If I forgive those who sin against me, my heavenly Father will forgive me. But if I refuse to forgive others, my Father will not forgive my sins.” (Matthew 6:12-15 NIV)
We need to avoid the temptation to view Jesus’s words as harsh, but rather as what it takes for us to be our best and healthiest in the sight of God. Again, often on our strength alone it can feel impossible to take this very important step.
Ask your Father for the strength to forgive as you have been forgiven.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want to lay my list of people I can’t, or struggle to, forgive before You right now. I confess I battle with forgiving them. Father, I don’t want anything to come between my relationship with You, so please give me the strength and obedience to follow Your words—to release them and forgive them for good—just as You have forgiven me for my offenses and sins against You and others. As above, so below.”
Matthew 18:21–22
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Jesus was not teaching the disciples that on the four-hundred-and-ninety-first time someone offends you that you can then take action against them. Peter obviously thought adding up to seven was a huge display of grace, but Jesus corrected his math using multiplication.
The idea here is that we forgive so much that you stop counting. We don’t add up offenses. We multiply grace and forgiveness.
Another way of interpreting this passage is: Don’t keep score, just like God doesn’t with us. When you apply Jesus’ answer to the context of all New Testament teaching, the bottom line is we must forgive others as often as God forgives us.
Is there someone in your life that you feel has or is pushing you far past seven times? In fact, you are thinking right now that they might be nearing the “seventy times seven” range? Picture that person in your mind now.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage:
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21–22 MSG)
I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that God doesn’t keep score or have a “sin quota” that once we go over, we run out of His grace. Doesn’t it make sense that as His followers He would expect us to do the same?
Wounded people, like us, tend to want to apply justice to the wrongs that have been done, especially to us. Extending grace does not equal diminishing the offense, or the effect of it. Rather, Grace, in this case, is allowing God to be the judge and jury. Not us. He is our defender. In fact, letting go of offense is actually OUR pursuit of freedom and has nothing to do with the offender. Perhaps, this is why Jesus is so emphatic about it.
As we said yesterday - in our strength alone it can feel impossible to let go of offenses.
Ask your Father for the strength to surrender the offenses against you.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank you that You don’t keep score with my sin. Please help me to stop keeping score with others. Help me to let things go, I confess I have a hard time on my own strength. Teach me to live in Your grace and share Your grace with others. As above, so below.”
Ephesians 1:7 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Our confession of sin—one time—triggers God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. What an amazing deal for us once we simply get honest with God about what we have done.
If you struggle with forgiving yourself for any past mistakes and sins, maybe it’s time to visualize a funeral for them.
Confess, place them under the blood of Christ, and ask for forgiveness one final time.
Commit to this being the last time you will bring it up. Just like when a funeral is over, you need to walk away once you’ve said your goodbyes. But now instead of mourning and grief, you say hello to freedom and forgiveness.
What is a specific sin you are willing to confess and bury today?
Listen once again to God’s promises and the finality of what happens once we confess:
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. —Psalm 103:12 NLT
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)
It is time to say a final goodbye to something God wants to see you let go of… that you know you need to let go of.
As you can see, He has made your forgiveness and freedom available to you right now.
How does it feel to know that God not only forgives your sins, but He forgets they even happened. What does it look like to accept you are living with a new reality, a clean slate.
Let’s commit this to Him: “Father, I want today to say a final goodbye to the things that have held me back from receiving all You have for me. Today, I hand these things over You. Thank You now for Your faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. As above, so below.”
Romans 5:15-18 NLT
There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought death. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought grace and forgiveness. Through Adam’s choice to disobey God, he brought condemnation. Through Christ’s obedience to God, He brought righteousness, along with the opportunity for a right relationship with God and new life for … who? Everyone who believes.
Whose image do you feel like you live in day in and day out? Adam’s or Jesus’s? Through Jesus we are offered ‘new life’ - how does it feel for you to experience that all condemnation is lifted from you right now?
Listen again, but this time, we will focus only on what Christ provides for you: There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. … But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different … God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. … But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, … Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-18 NLT)
The word “gift” is used five times in this passage. God’s wonderful free gift of forgiveness and His righteousness. Today, His gift is yours. Receive it. Open it. Live it. Share it.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You for Your gift. Thank You that You offer this gift to me every day. Help me to receive what You give and be grateful that I can walk in true, real freedom and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
Colossians 1:11-14 NLT
We … pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Focus on these key words from this passage. Strength … power … endurance … patience … joy … inheritance … belonging … light … rescue … deliverance … freedom … and forgiveness.
On this final day of the week, consider this question …
Where does the path to forgiveness lead?
Where does it end and where are we when we arrive?
The answer is a life filled with the words I just read. But all of those amazing gifts, promises, and qualities are found daily in, and through, and from, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Listen again and meditate on these words — these promises that are yours: Strength … power … endurance … patience … joy … inheritance … belonging … light … rescue … deliverance … freedom … and forgiveness.
Let’s turn today’s passage into our prayer today:
Father, I pray that You will strengthen me with all Your glorious power so that I will have all the endurance and patience I need. May I be filled with joy, always thanking You, Father. You have enabled me to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your people, who live in the light. For You have rescued me from the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the Kingdom of Your dear Son, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins. … As above, so below.
In Luke 7, Jesus was teaching about forgiveness and gratitude
Luke 7:41-47 MSG
Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” “That’s right,” said Jesus. … but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.”
Oftentimes, we view sin as if God has levels of disobedience. We can get into debates on whose sin was the greater. While God in His perfection sees things as black and white, He knows the sin we struggle with causes us to view things in such a skewed way. Here, Jesus was allowing for that mindset by acknowledging that the more we are forgiven of, the more grateful we will be. Why? Because the more shame we feel, the greater relief we experience when forgiven. The farther we have fallen, the higher we can rise up.
In your life, how have you experienced this dynamic—what is something that you have felt the most shame for?
Knowing that, if you have asked for it, that sin is completely forgiven… like it never happened, how does that make your heart feel?
Focus on feeling that great gratitude, let it uplift you spirit.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main points: Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” … speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman?... She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” (Luke 7:41-47 MSG)
The path to avoiding arrogance and staying humble is to maximize our gratitude. The road to staying forgiven before God is to continually acknowledge sin and practice being grateful each day.
Let’s pray: “Father, I never want to take Your forgiveness for granted. I also don’t want to view sin as what I do being less than anyone else’s offense. Help me to stay clean before You. Help me to keep my list short and my gratitude constant. As above, so below.”
Psalm 138:1-3 MSG
Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
In this passage, King David’s gratitude is all encompassing. Everything in him says “Thank you.” Nothing is held back. All of his heart, soul and mind kneel and worship God.
David’s gratitude is expressed specifically about God’s love, His faithfulness, His name, and His Word.
David’s gratitude has an origin and a reason for being: the moment I called out, You stepped in and brought strength.
Gratitude cannot be fully expressed until the reason for gratitude has been fully recognized. Our busy, often distracted lives can cause us to miss God’s goodness. Our self-focused perspective can keep our eyes on our perceived lack, not our realized gain.
Listen again to David’s appeal to God: Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. (Psalm 138:1-3 MSG)
If you know Christ today, if you have a relationship with God, then He has indeed stepped in; He has most certainly made your life large with strength, even in Your darkest moments. There is power for daily living in gratitude.
What are areas of you life, or people in your life that you should express your gratefulness right now?
Can you thank him for the challenges too, knowing He will use them for you good?
Let’s pray using David’s words: “Thank you! Everything in me says ‘Thank you!’ Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. As above, so below.”
Matthew 8:2-4 MSG
Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, “Master, if you want to, you can heal my body.” Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, “Don’t talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.”
The famous saying by St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel everywhere and if necessary, use words”. Francis’s wisdom reflects Jesus’s teaching in that a radically healed and changed life will always speak louder and be respected more than any sermon from a life that just looks like everyone else’s.
When God forgives any sinner and sets that person free, the reality of a changed life will result in a constant reflection of gratitude to Him that flows out of a transformed heart.
How has your heart been changed or transformed through Jesus? What is noticeable about your life that points towards God and His Grace ?
Listen once again to Jesus’s final instructions to the healed leper: Just quietly present your healed body … along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” (Matthew 8:2-4 MSG)
St. Francis was certainly right in his day, and most especially today in our current culture. People are longing to witness a forgiven, grateful, and transformed life. That message never gets old and always makes a difference. Today, choose to let your cleansed and grateful life bear witness to what Jesus has done in your attitudes, words, and actions.
Let’s pray to that end: “Father, may all I am be a reflection of all You are. May my life speak loud about You and all You have done for me. Today, I am forgiven. Today, I am grateful. As above, so below.”
In John 11, we find the story of Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb after he had died. When He arrived, Jesus said:
“Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
It’s fascinating that the first thing Jesus did was to have the stone removed that was blocking the tomb. Then to raise a man from the dead, He began by expressing gratitude to God, His Father. After thanking God for listening and responding, He commanded the man’s resurrection and ultimate freedom.
Think about a situation in your life where you are struggling. Is there a situation that seems hopeless - that feels dead and you desire new life.
Listen once again to Jesus’s main commands: “Go ahead, take away the stone.”… Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful … Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, … Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG)
Our stone can be rolled away to free us. Can you trust God to resurrect hope that seems dead?
You can come out of your struggle with a renewed and transformed life from witnessing God’s miraculous power.
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You for resurrection and new life. Thank You that You have power over sin and death. Thank You that You forgive and offer real freedom. I believe You today for all these in my life. As above, so below.”
For our final day this week, we are going to meditate completely on Scripture that expresses gratitude. Take these passages into your mind, heart, and spirit.
(Psalm 100 NLT) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
(Psalm 105:1-4 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
(Psalm 106:1-2 NLT)Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?
(Psalm 107:1-2 NLT) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
(Psalm 108:1-5 NLT) My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! … I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
(Revelation 5:11-13 NLT) I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Pray “Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiveness and freedom. As I accept Your forgiveness and freedom, help me always to grant forgiveness and freedom to others. You are worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. As above, so below.”
Philippians 3:12-16 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.
While we all have a past on some level, and things we’ve done that we aren’t proud of, the apostle Paul had the execution and imprisonment of Christ-followers in his recent past. He had overseen the stoning of Stephen recorded in Acts 7. So when he says “forgetting what is behind, straining ahead, and pressing on to his goal,” that effort is no small feat. But Paul lived first and foremost from the knowledge that Christ had forgiven him.
Anyone can set goasl, but reaching for, straining toward, and winning that goal takes great courage. To make major progress and reach new heights in our lives, we must let go of the painful events, relationships, and things of our past that hold us back from becoming who we need to be.
Listen once again to Paul’s action phrases from this passage:
I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. …
one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us … who are mature should take such a view of things. … let us live up to what we have already attained.
(from Philippians 3:12-16 NIV)
Does your past effect you making goals?
Like Paul had to do, let go of your past. Press on towards Christ. Be mature and live up to what He has already provided for you—forgiveness, redemption, freedom, grace, strength, courage and love. … It’s time to move towards the goals He has place in your heart.
Pray with me: “Father, help me to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Help me to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. May I live up to what I have already received from You. … As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Paul used runners in a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. Notice he never mentioned the prospect of losing, only what must be done to win. A major mental and emotional dynamic of serious athletes is to constantly envision winning. For you to set and attain your goals in life, try to take losing off the table. Run to win. Train hard. Give it everything you’ve got. Stay alert. Envision winning. Why? Because we tend fulfill the personal prophesies that we create in our minds.
Listen again to Paul’s inspirational speech: Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG)
What do you need to let go of, or what do you need to start doing to race like you never have before?
Let’s declare Paul’s words out loud: I run to win. I will give it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I will stay alert and in top condition. (from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG)
Let’s pray together: “Father, I desire to win any and everything that You intend for me to win in life. Teach me to think Your thoughts and live as one who desires to win and cross Your finish line. As above, so below.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
This passage from the prophet Isaiah, offering God’s words to the people of Israel, is both beautiful and poetic. As followers of Christ, we can apply these promises to our own lives because God has opened every door and provided every gift He holds in His storehouse for us through Jesus.
God has created for us a way out of the past and into the realm of the new He has made. He wants us to see, understand, and embrace all He has for us. In what was once a wilderness, He makes a way and what once was a wasteland, He creates a stream. That, my friends, opens up the doors for us to not only set new and exciting goals for our lives, but actually see them come true.
Listen to The Message Bible’s version of this passage: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Declare this with me: I will forget the former things; I will not dwell on the past. I will see the new thing that God is doing! He is making a way in my wilderness and a stream in my wasteland. (from Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father, thank You for the new thing You are doing in my life. I receive it and want to see it happen. Bring Your way, create Your stream, through my life to live as You desire and designed me to live. As above, so below.”
Joshua 1:6-8 NLT
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
For those who love God, for those who follow Christ, the way to reach the life goals that God created us to attain is only through Him—His way, His will, and His Word. To become everything He planned for us when He formed us in our mother’s wombs.
When God spoke to Joshua on behalf of the people of Israel about moving to the Promised Land, He twice said to “be strong and courageous,” and then to be very careful to follow His Word. Then they would prosper and succeed. The same is true for us today. Follow God’s way, His will, and His Word, which in today’s culture, will take being strong and courageous.
Listen once again to this rephrasing of today’s passage, this time for the Message Bible:
Strength! Courage! Give it everything you have, heart and soul… Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed.” (from Joshua 1:6-8)
It is clear in this passage how important it is to Study and Meditate on God’s word to be successful. The path to success and achieving goals for the believer only comes through an uncompromising path through His Word.
Let’s pray: “Father God, please give me a hunger for Your Word, a desire to study Your Book, to meditate on it, and be careful to obey what You tell me. As above, so below.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
What does loving others on God’s terms have to do with setting and attaining our personal goals? … Everything. … People, quote-unquote, win and succeed every day and reach amazing goals, but they harm and hurt people along the way. Is a win actually a win if we have made someone else lose? What good can come of a goal met if someone has been pushed aside in the race?
The one who loves like Christ, as Paul defines in this passage, will win. That person will attain their goals because others have been placed first, people have seen Christ, and God has been loved more than self.
Listen to verses 4-7 again from the Message Bible:
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Let love set your goals. Let love drive your goals. Let love be your goal. After all, that is the true goal Christ came, died, and rose again to allow us to gain and attain.
Let’s agree in prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be patient and kind, to not be jealous or boastful or proud or rude, to not demand my own way, to not be irritable, and to keep no record of wrongs, to not rejoice about injustice, but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. May my love for You, in You, and from You, never give up, never lose faith, always stay hopeful, and endure through every circumstance. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath:
1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd’s field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God’s people from the hands of a giant. David didn’t see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places.
Listen to the shepherd-warrior’s words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT)
No, you aren’t fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David’s mindset can be yours today.
Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn’t know you had? Picture that situation.
The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother’s womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life.
Fill in David’s words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, we’re going to look at the moment of truth in Gideon’s life:
Judges 6:12-16 NLT
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you! “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”
Gideon had the opposite mindset of David, our Bible story from yesterday. But while two different men had two different perspectives of what they could accomplish, one factor was same: God had called them.
Gideon even named himself the least man, in the weakest clan, of all the people. In today’s language, he would say: “Lord, I’m the last guy you want to pick for this job.” But the Lord said, “I will be with you.” That truth is exactly what gave David and Gideon the courage and the confidence they needed to face their enemies.
Do you feel like David today, ready for your big moment, or more like Gideon, “I’m the last person you want to pick, God.”
Listen again to what the Lord said to Gideon this time from the Message Bible: ““God is with you, O mighty warrior!” … “God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?” … God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.” (Judges 6:12, 14, 16 ).
What if God appeared to you right now and called you a hero? How do you know He isn’t? Maybe he looks upon you and what you are pushing through right now in your life and sees your courage? Regardless of how you may feel or see your life, this much is true: He is telling you to go at your life with the strength you have because He is with you. And He is most definitely saying today: “I will be with you.”
Declare this after me: “Lord, I know You are with me.”
Let’s pray: “Dear Lord, thank You for examples like David but also those like Gideon, so we can see that the Source of our courage and victories are You. Help me live today knowing, believing, that You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, we’ll jump into Ruth’s story when she and Boaz first met.
Ruth 2:5-12 NLT
Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? … the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since …” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
You must remember that quite often you are being courageous, but you can’t see it. … But others do. In fact, most often courage is something we experience but may not even recognize until later, once we are past the circumstance. God has a unique way of providing confidence when we don’t know it. Just like Ruth, there is a humility that coincides with that kind of courage.
Think for a moment about the last time you knew you exhibited strong confidence and courage. Did you know it at the time? Did you feel it? Likely not. You may not have seen it in the front windshield but now you clearly see it in your rearview mirror. But like Boaz with Ruth, others were en-couraged by watching you have courage in a tough situation.
Listen again to Boaz’s words: “But I also know about everything you have done… I have heard … [so] May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:11-12 NLT)
Whatever you are walking through today, remember that God is giving you confidence, not in yourself but in Him, to be courageous, not just for you, but for others. He sees you. He knows what you are doing. He hears you. And so do others. Your life is making a difference as you walk through every struggle.
Let’s pray: “Father, Thank You for Your confidence and Your courage. Help me to en-courage others as you give me the confidence to press on. As above, so below.”
Today, we jump into the story of Queen Esther and Mordecai where the most critical decision of Esther’s life is about to take place:
Esther 4:8-16 NLT
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai’s message. Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.” …
Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “… If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
When Esther was suddenly elevated out of nowhere to become queen, the last thing she saw coming was to risk her life to save her people. But that was exactly what happened and the position God placed her in.
So often, our places of greatest responsibility are the same places we must exhibit the greatest courage. The two just seem to go hand in hand.
Where is your greatest place of responsibility right now? Where are you being called to show the most courage? Has God placed you there “for such a time as this?”
Listen to Mordecai’s challenge to Esther and her response one more time: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “I will go … If I must die, I must die.”
If there is a place in your life right now where God is calling you to take action, to speak up, to intervene, to show a confidence like you never have before, then take courage, my friend. Call on God’s strength, know He has called and created for a purpose, and be bold in obedience.
Let’s commit this to prayer: “Father God, where you have given me great responsibility, I know You ask me to display great courage. Help me to make the hard call and do the right thing for You, in Your name. As above, so below.”
Matthew 26:36-39, 45-46
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Then he came to the disciples and said, “… look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
The most courageous moment in the history of humankind is when Jesus made the final decision to redeem us. As fully human, like you or me…He stood at the last crossroads before the actual cross and said yes for us. The turning point in that battle was when He stated, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
In our final day of this week’s series on courage, the way we may live in confidence and express courage in the face of any trial is by stating to God: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Think about the stories we have visited this week, David, Gideon, Ruth, and Esther—each one had to come to the place of saying “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even David the warrior would have preferred to not risk his life that day, but he knew there was a much higher purpose for his life than protecting sheep.
Where in your life today are you battling a decision or struggling with a calling? Where do you need to let go and follow Jesus into saying, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” And even repeat His words: “Look—the time has come. Up—let’s be going.” The reality for you, though, is that your decision will not end in death. In fact, your personal courage could potentially create far more life than you ever knew before.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made the choice for me in the garden. You chose God’s will for redemption and sacrificed your own will and life. Help me now to follow Your example and continually say to You: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” As above, so below.”
Listen to Jesus’s words about the prodigal
Luke 15:18-24 NLT
I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Jesus told this parable for us to get a visual picture of the depth and devotion of God’s love, to visualize the level of grace and mercy available to us. No matter what we have done in the past, our decision today to come to Him can end in a restored and redeemed future.
Is there something that you are carrying in your life that you feel ashamed of right now?
The most powerful scene in this story is that the father was watching the road for his child to come home. His heart was fixed on seeking his child.
Listen again this time from the Message Bible:
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
“But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. (Luke 15:20, 22-24 NLT)
Always remember, God is watching, not to judge, but to love.
But here’s an important question:
Have you, will you, receive His love, His gifts?
Will you allow yourself to FEEL the celebration your Father is throwing for you? And allow yourself to let go of the failures and sin that kept your from Him? He is not interested in revisiting your shortcomings. He is celebrating your return to his arms. He runs to you. Not reluctant of hesitant - but full of excitement - Yes, that’s right. He is excited, happy, full of joy to have you close.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for meeting me on my road, for loving me, giving me Your gifts and Your life, and a home forever. As above, so below. Amen”
1 John 3:1-2 NLT
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is..
One of the primary and consistent names for God throughout the Bible is Father. From the prophets in the Old Testament to the New Testament with Jesus and the disciples who took the Gospel to the world, He is called Father. And of course, only someone with children can be known as Father.
In today’s passage, John describes a loving Father who loves His kids. We are His children and we will come to look like Him and eventually be with Him face to face.
You are a child of your own parents and perhaps you are a parent of your own kids, but accepting … receiving the fact that God is your Father who deeply loves you is a fact you have to believe and embrace for yourself.
Imagine the depth of your love for your child. Now accept the love your Father has for you. The way He thinks about you all the time. The way He fiercely protects you. The way He would give anything to have closeness with you. Sit in the awareness that you are always on the mind of the creator of the universe. Your Father.
Read once again, this time as His child, as we personalize the passage as intended - for you:
See how very much [Your] Father loves [you], for he calls [you] his child, and that is what [you] are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that [you] are God’s child because they don’t know him. Dear friend, [you] are already God’s child, but he has not yet shown [you] what [you] will be like when Christ appears. But [you] do know that [you] will be like him, for [you] will see him as he really is. (1 John 3:1-2 NLT).
Embracing the fact that you are a deeply loved child of God will powerfully impact your life, because that mindset and viewpoint will be passed down to your children and those around you. God’s love alive in you will reinforce God’s love through you to others. His parenting of you will become a powerful part of how you parent.
Declare this: “Father God, I know I am your child and I know that You love me.”
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that I am a parent because you were a parent first. I can love my kids because You loved me first. Thank You that You know me and call me Your child and thank You that You know my children and call them your own too. As above, so below.”
Matthew 7:9-11 NLT
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Jesus often used a form of exaggeration to make His points and to get people’s attention to deliver a strong truth. As you hear this passage, of course you wouldn’t give your child a rock when they were expecting food. Of course, you wouldn’t put a snake in their happy meal or lunchbox.
While we understand the point clearly, as parents, we can still paint God with an ill intention or subtly accuse Him of some sort of bait-and-switch when things don’t turn out like we thought they might.
Jesus is clear—God does not and will not play games with our lives, with our hearts. Others will, even we will, but He won’t.
Read Jesus’ words once more for the Message Bible: “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
What was the last good gift God gave you?
What good gift are you praying for right now?
In the quietness of this moment, dismiss the tempting thoughts of God giving stones and snakes to you and your children.
Expect and embrace the bread and fish, the good gifts He will multiply in your life.
Let’s pray: “Father, forgive me when I get into a stones and snakes mindset with You. I know that is not your heart for me and my children. I ask Your blessing, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor on my home. As above, so below.”
Hearing the Christmas story outside of the holiday can bring a new context. Today, let’s focus on Mary and Joseph as new parents in this story: (Luke 2:12-19 MSG)
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
Consider for a moment this strange truth: God entrusted His Son that He sent to redeem the world to a man and woman who were sinners. The same scenario that started the mess to begin with. At least, the first couple wasn’t sinners in the beginning. But Mary and Joseph were. Why would He do something so illogical? Simple. To redeem everything that went wrong the first time through the same method: Obeying His direction through free will, free choice.
Read the last verse one more time: Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
When life got hard, when being the Messiah’s mom was difficult, when following God’s plan looked crazy, when Jesus was on His way to the cross, Mary held on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life.
When life gets hard for you, maybe as a parent, when being your kid’s parent is difficult, when following God’s plan looks crazy, when fear, pain, and struggle are in your face, hold on to the God of messes and miracles, of shepherds and angels, of death and new life. Hold onto the things of God in your heart, deep within you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, what awesome parents You must have had. Help me to take as much care with my children as Mary and Joseph did with You. Hold me close while I keep You in my heart. As above, so below.”
Luke 2:27-33 MSG
As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine for a moment taking your child to what we would think of today as a baby dedication and having a total stranger walk up and tell you more about your child than you know—all because God had told him. Simeon explained Jesus’ entire life mission while holding a baby. Now, that is faith.
In our final day of this series, I want you to know, while of course there was and will only be one Jesus, because of His life, each of your children have a distinct and unique plan, purpose, and mission in their lives. God has their life mapped out.
You don’t have to see it today, just like Jesus’ parents couldn’t, but God does … and God can ... and God will.
Read once again: Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words.
Imagine one day being “speechless with surprise” at watching what God does in the life of your child, with the life of your child. That kind of vision is available to you as a parent through a relationship with Christ. Will you trust there is a plan greater than you can imagine for your child that is already mapped out? Now, can you embrace that God thought you would be the perfect parent for that plan He has for your child? How does it feel to know your are right where you are suppose to be as the parent of your child according to God’s Plan?
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have a plan for my child and you even know where they will work with You and where they will fight You, just like I did. Please draw them close to You, guide them, lead them, protect them to be all You want them to be. And I’ll just be grateful to get to watch. As above, so below. Amen”
Luke 6:27-31 NLT
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The world’s definition of courage at times mirrors God’s, but plenty of other times does not at all. One of the greatest examples is that the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah with the type of courage that rides in on a horse, wields a sword, and administers justice by force. But God sent His Son who became a carpenter that taught peace and unconditional love. His courage came to conquers hearts, not kingdoms.
Jesus’ words are just as counter-cultural today as they were back then. To offer love to those who offend … People then thought, “Who does that?” People today think, “Why would someone do that?”
Who is one person that comes to mind that you can do the unexpected, unwarranted act of kindness towards? The person that requires courage to humble yourself and serve?
Listen closely once again to Jesus, this time from the Message Bible: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”
The Kingdom of God has always run in full opposition to the world’s ways. Man says to hate the haters; God says to love the haters. Man says to get revenge; God says to repent. Man says to take; God says to give. Man says you only give to get; God says you get so you can give. Who does that? We should. Why would someone do that? Because He told us we should. That is real courage.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, the only possible way we could have such courage and do any of the things You tell us is because You empower us to do so. Teach us, guide us, lead us, en-courage us to act like You. As above, so below. Amen”
Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
There was confusion amongst the people early on, even among his own disciples, about who Jesus truly was. Was He John the Baptist returned from the grave after his execution? Or was He one of the Old Testament prophets coming back for “round two?” Men were trying to identify Jesus as another man, when He was actually God.
Is your faith your own? Do you feel you inherited it from someone or maybe felt pressure at some point in your life to believe?
Listen closely once again: “Jesus … asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT)
Courage is making your own decision about Jesus and sticking by it. Each person must make their own choice and “own” their own faith. No one should be talked into a relationship with Jesus, so no one can talk them out of it either. As Jesus told Peter, “You didn’t learn this truth from a human, but from God. He reveals the truth to hearts.”
Today, for you, all that matters is who you say Jesus is, to you, for you.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, You are who You said and say You are—the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Matthew 25:34-40 NLT
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Christ followers’ lives will be marked by bravery and courage—the kind it takes to love the unlovable, see those invisible to others, and get messy in other people’s messes. Many times the best people to do that are those who have experienced brokenness themselves. Because you learn to operate out of empathy, not sympathy.
Does someone come to mind when you think about the words - sick, naked, thirsty, hungry, stranger? Who are ‘the least of these’ that God might be bringing to your attention, that you might deliberately reach out to?
Listen once more to only Jesus’ words about Himself from the Message Bible:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
The biblical brand of courage will always be intertwined with loving and serving others, not for personal glory, but only for the sake of Christ.
Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You made it very clear what is important to You about our lives here. While we often pray and ask You for Your will in our lives, in verses like these, You already gave us the mission. Help us to simply be courageous and obey. As above, so below. Amen”
Job 42:1-5 NLT
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
The story of Job begins with him being the most blessed man on the planet and then within a short time, he is completely wiped out through the death of his children and the loss of his wealth. Then a horrible illness set in with great pain and embarrassment. By the end of his encounter with some religious friends and a face-to-face stand-off with God Himself, the man is vindicated and blessed far beyond his original state.
Probably the greatest confrontation in this story, however, is when he displayed the deepest level of courage a human can exhibit—facing yourself. Job had to search his heart, humble himself, and come to some tough conclusions that brought him into a relationship with God like few have ever experienced.
Think about your worst moment, your lowest time in life thus far.
Listen again to Job’s culminating confession to God, this time from the Message Bible:
“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
Facing humiliation, shame, guilt, and pain in front of others is humbling and hard. But facing the person in the mirror and admitting truth is the hardest, yet most courageous thing we will ever do.
Let’s pray: “Father, please take my Job moments and help me to process and apply those to realize they have been an opportunity to see You with my own eyes and experience You in a way I may never have otherwise. As above, so below. Amen”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
The bottom line of courage as a Christ follower is not about us at all, but the fact that God has promised us throughout His Word that we can be strong, we can be brave, we can have courage, we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to panic in the face of problems, because His presence is with us.
Oftentimes when our kids are scared, they will ask, “Are you going to stay with me?” We say yes. Then they ask, “So, you won’t leave?” Now our answer must change to no. Interesting how often God will tell us what He will do, but then, just like a perfect Father, He will also tell us what He won’t do! In today’s passage, He adds, “I won’t fail or abandon you.”
What is going on in your life right now where you desperately need God’s courage to fill you?
Take comfort in His words. Take them in as if He were speaking only to you. In fact, let’s personalize this passage: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic. As the Lord your God, I will personally go ahead of you. I will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Picture whatever seemingly impossible situation is in your life right now. Now consider how that situation looks to the God of the universe. Can you accept that is the way your Father wants YOU to see that situation - from His point of view.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for Your strength, Your courage, that I don’t have to be afraid any longer, that there’s no need to panic. Thank You that You go ahead of me to face what I cannot see, that You never fail me or abandon Me. Help me to believe that, feel that, live that truth. As above, so below. Amen”
Proverbs 18:24 MSG
Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.
We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today’s verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.
Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.
Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.
Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.
Let’s pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”
Ruth 1:16 NLT
Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
This is, of course, the well-known answer Ruth gave to her mother-in-law, Naomi, recorded in the Book of Ruth after Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her own family, after both had lost their husbands.
Ruth’s declaration to Naomi that you are now my family and I am committed to you is as admirable as it is poetic.
There is a strong connection in Christ that causes His followers to have deep roots that intertwine and strengthen each other in Him. This level of commitment that Ruth expressed is found in true biblical community. We have the same God, have made the same commitment, therefore we have a heavenly connection that He began and only He will separate if His purposes decide.
Think for a moment about who you have this depth of love toward and who has the same towards you. Maybe this is a reminder to reaffirm and encourage someone in your life, letting them know how grateful and committed to the friendship you are.
Listen once again: Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. (Ruth 1:16 NLT)
The key to this type of community in Christ is never about ourselves, but the other person. We place others first to love and care for them, trusting and knowing they will do the same, without expectation, without fear, in grace and truth. Is there someone in your life that you can say with this conviction - your people are my people? Does that person know your commitment to the connection you have?
Pray with me: “Father, thank You for the freedom we can experience in friendship and community in You to be free to love and trust because ultimately what we share is in You and about You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of sharing life with others, knowing You are our God. As above, so below. Amen.”
Romans 15:4-6 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the first day of creation, God birthed order, purpose, and unity into all things. Even after sin and rebellion entered the world, His ways were still available to practice as we see in the lives of those in the Old Testament. Regardless of how anyone else may choose to live, He has given us the ability to commune together in patience, encouragement, harmony, and unity. Both our individual work and our corporate worship can reflect His nature, producing good and blessing to others.
At any age we are and any stage of life, the community to which we commit our hearts and minds is crucial to our personal quality of life and faith. Those we join together with will determine our life and our future.
Is there a community you need to leave or have outgrown?
Is there a community you need to commit to and add your voice?
As you consider these questions, listen to this passage once more from the Message: …
May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
A community that lives in complete harmony? Sounds a lot like Heaven, doesn’t it? But Scripture is clear that we can get started right here, right now. What is one way you can move towards strengthening the harmony between those in your community today?
Let’s pray: “Father, while I wait for Your promises to be fulfilled, please give me patience and encouragement, help me live in complete harmony with others, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Lead me to join my voice to the community that gives praise and glory to You, Father. As above, so below. Amen”
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
If you take a dull knife and a sharp one and begin to rub the blades against one another for the purpose of sharpening the dull one, the reality is that both are going to be sharpened in the process. Even in mentoring relationships where an older and wiser person is pouring into a younger one, both are blessed by the interaction and learn from each other. So, the reality of our interaction within a Christian community is that iron sharpens iron—both ways. Everyone wins.
For the Christ follower, interacting in a community is always a two-way street. Because of the very nature of Christ’s Spirit living within us and leading us, we will always grow and mature by and through the relationships we share.
Right now in your life, who are you in the sharpening process with?
Listen to The Good News Bible’s version of Proverbs 27:17:
People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.
This slightly different twist allows for the fact that in the kingdom of God, even a brother or sister that we may disagree with on some issues, we can learn something of value from. Being an active part of a biblical community means teachability and humility are necessary dynamics for us all. Growing, challenging, teaching, sharing, and sharpening. Today, who is one person you can thank for being a constant sharpening force in your life - don’t wait to let them know. And who might God bring to mind that you can be an active sharpening tool for in your circle?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all those in my life that sharpen me, whether in full agreement or some disagreement. Thank you for all those who allow me the privilege of sharpening them. May I stay teachable, humble, fully obedient to You. As above, so below. Amen”
Philippians 2:1-5 NLT
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Paul was asking the believers at Philippi, first, have they received any benefit from being in their community of faith. Knowing their answer would be yes, he encouraged them with some basic dos and don’ts of loving one another. He closes the thought with the challenge of having the same attitude as Jesus. Why? Because we all know our attitude drives our thoughts, words, and actions.
A community in Christ is going to be marked and known by its attitude that reflects His nature first. All else will follow from that source.
Think for a moment about the circles you frequent. What is the attitude of each? How do they impact your own attitude?
Listen again to Paul’s very intentional words from the Message:
If you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
This passage is about our attitude. As we close and you breathe a few deep breathes, ask God to reveal your attitude to you. Is it selfless and sacrificial or selfish and self serving?
The good news of the Gospel is you can have the attitude of Christ Himself and your community will benefit by your choice.
Let’s make Paul words our prayer today: “Father, thank You for the encouragement in belonging to Christ, the comfort from Your love, the fellowship together in Your Spirit that allows our hearts to be tender and compassionate. In my own community, guide me to live in wholehearted agreement with others, love, and work with one mind and purpose. Help me to not be selfish; not work to impress others, to be humble, and think of others as better than me, to not look out for my own interests, but take an interest in others. May I have the same attitude as Christ. As above, so below. Amen”
Psalm 115:13-15 NLT
He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
In today’s passage, the word “fear” is best thought of as great respect and awe. No matter how great or lowly we might be or feel at the moment, God is worthy of our praise and admiration. We look to Him for blessing us and our children.
In seasons of good times, we can find it easy to feel blessed. But in the tough seasons of life or in a crisis, when blessings seem far away, that is actually the best time for us to look toward and ask for God’s blessing. All He asks is to acknowledge Him for Who He is—Creator, Father, and God.
Today, in this moment, can you, will you, receive the rich blessings that the Lord has for you and your children?
Read again this time from the Message Bible. Take in these words meant for you, no matter how you may feel today:
And let God bless all who fear God—
bless the small, bless the great.
Oh, let God enlarge your families—
giving growth to you, growth to your children.
May you be blessed by God,
by God, who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heavens is for God,
but he put us in charge of the earth.
Right now, believe with all your heart, soul, and mind that those words are written for you and your children. If you have committed the lives of you and your children into His hands, with God as the perfect Father, He desires to bless you all today and in the seasons to come.
Pray: “Father God, I receive and accept Your blessing for me, my children, and our home. I believe You desire to bless me. I ask You to bless (take a moment to name each of your children and ask Him to bless each one.) Please help me to have Your heart for my children and to bless them as their parent as You bless us. As above, so below.”
Psalm 127:3-4 NIV
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
When God allows us to be parents, He is blessing us with a responsibility and trusting us with the stewardship of life that He created. God made your children and is entrusting you with their lives. That says a lot about God, but also says a lot about how He feels about you.
If you have never thought of parenting in that light, let that truth sink in for just a moment.
Listen to the psalmist’s words one more time, this time for the Message bible
Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Loving parents are indeed warriors in the eyes of God. The concept in this verse means that one day, as a parent, you will draw back your bow with all the ways that you have invested in your child for so many years. And, like an arrow, each one of your children will fly out into the world, into their adult lives, to be all that God created them to be. So, for now, through prayer, through intentional time, through the grace of God, be a warrior … for your children … in Jesus’s name.
Let’s pray: “Thank You, heavenly Father, for my children, for my heritage in You, in your long line of love and legacy of faith. Strengthen me, empower me, to be a warrior as both a parent and Your child. As above, so below, Amen.”
Psalm 145:3-7 NLT
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Every belief system is always just one generation from extinction. That is exactly why over and over we see in God’s Word, how He wants us, first, to be a witness to our children. He wants us to show our kids through our words and actions that He is real and wants a relationship with us.
Right now, in your life, what is God doing that your kids need to hear about from your heart?
Let’s take the psalmist’s prayer and personalize the words to God from you:
Great are You, Lord! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. I will tell my children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on my tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. I will share the story of your wonderful goodness; I will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Declaring these words is humbling. Telling our children what God is doing in us is powerful. Making Him real to them is a privilege. Allowing them to see Him through your life is exactly what God wants to do in your parenting. Be obedient to Him and He will be faithful to you and the generation you are raising now.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, prompt me by Your Spirit to share with my kids the blessings You give and the burdens You take bear for us. Lead me to share Your story, in my story, as together we write their story. As above, so below, Amen.”
Today, we will focus on three verses on parenting from The Message Bible.
A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. (Proverbs 13:24 MSG)
God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. (Proverbs 20:7 MSG)
Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with. (Proverbs 29:17 MSG)
Because God was the first Parent, the Bible is clear that discipline is a natural and necessary part of the process. It is important to remember that discipline is not punishment. It is guiding, building into and yes, sometimes correcting them. God says He disciplines us because He loves us. If He did not care, He would not care if we changed either.
Regardless of how you were raised, you can look to God to teach you how correct and balanced discipline can benefit both you and your children in a spirit of love and grace.
God disciplines us because He loves us. You are His delight and He desires your relationship with Him to become more loyal and more honest each day. You can reflect that same deliberate guiding love to your children as You receive from God.
Pray: “Thank You, Father, for discipline and correction. Help me when I get it wrong and help me to see when I get it right. Guide me, balance me, in Your love and grace. As above, so below, Amen.”
Luke 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Jesus made His message clear: He wants parents to bring their children to Him to touch and bless. He wants no one to stop His interaction with His kids for any reason. There is no such thing as “bothering” Jesus for you or your kids. In fact, He said His kingdom belongs to children. No matter how old someone is, the way to enter His presence is to have the heart and faith of a child.
Is it time for you to take your kids to Jesus and, all of you, even you as their parent, become like little children before Him?
How would it look different in your life to approach your Father as a little child? Maybe there would be less pressure on trying to be perfect to approach Him? Picture yourself coming to His open arms as the little girl or boy that you were.
Read just verses 15 and 16 again with the emphasis only on the parents, the children, and Jesus:
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. … Jesus called for the children and said …, “Let the children come to me. … For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
Today, for our closing prayer, in this quiet moment, envision bringing each of your children before Jesus.
Ask Him to hold them, love them, and bless them.
And while you’re there, as His child, allow Him to do the same for you.
“As above, so below, Amen.”
Acts 2:42-44 NLT
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
In these few verses, we can feel and sense the community, camaraderie, and commitment among Christ’s followers. God’s Spirit had united His community following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. That same Spirit is alive and available today. To unite us. Lead us. Make us far stronger together than we could ever be alone, sharing our lives with one another and our faith with the world.
Do you have this sense of biblical community with other believers in your life?
Read again for the Message Bible: They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.
Teaching. Fellowship. Sharing. Prayer. Awe. Miracles. Those are the supernatural dynamics that set God’s Kingdom apart from all other communities throughout history. Bringing the supernatural into the natural, the miraculous into the mundane. You were created, born, and destined to be a part of all God is doing today, just as surely as those first disciples. You are here right now for a reason, for a purpose.
Think of your community, those you find harmony with. Can you ask God to set your community apart, that others would be in awe at the depth and commitment your have to one another, through Christ that binds you. Ask God to perform wonderful signs through you and your community so that His presence would be magnified.
Let’s pray: “God of Wonders, thank You that Your Spirit transforms lives from ordinary to extraordinary. You are still the God of miracles and the God of awe. Thank You for giving me a place in Your community of believers and inviting me to help You change the world. As above, so below.”
Psalm 95:6-8 NCV
Come, let’s worship him and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us, because he is our God and we are the people he takes care of, the sheep that he tends. Today listen to what he says.
Once we begin to understand that life itself, our very breath, every heartbeat, is provided by and ordained by the Creator, our response is gratitude and adoration for His care and attention to our lives.
The analogy of God as a Shepherd is a wonderful picture as we are so often like helpless sheep navigating this life.
When was the last time you stopped to just sit quietly and listen to God speak to your heart? Will you do that now
Read the psalmist’s words again of God’s care this time from the Message Bible:
So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
In this moment, worship Him. Bow your heart. Bend your knee. Feel His care. Listen as He speaks to You.
Let’s pray: “Great and Good Shepherd, thank You for Your never-ending care. I worship You. I bow both heart and knee before You. I want to listen now as You speak to my spirit. As above, so below.”
Acts 4:32-35 NLT
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them.
Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth.
Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples.
This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers.
Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.
No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another’s needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”
Various verses from 1 John, chapter 3:
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (v. 1)
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. (v. 16)
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. (vs. 18-19)
And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. (v. 23)
The kind of love we come to understand from God’s Word is vastly different from the love we learn from the world. Today, the definition of love seems to be a moving target. Yet to God, love never changes because He is love. He is the Author of Love. And God wants to write a new message of His love on our hearts every day.
How can today’s verses help you keep re-shaping, re-defining your own definition of love? How can it reorient your thinking about the way to love a specific person that comes to mind?
Read once more this time from the Message Bible:
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. (v. 1)
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. (v. 16)
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. (vs. 18-19)
Again, this is God’s command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. (v. 23)
To God, unconditional love is not optional. Love has no on/off switch. Love is to be found, given, accepted, embraced, and given away from knowing the very heart of God, the only endless supply that impacts the course of our lives, every day.
Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You show us how to love, provide us with the love to share, and then multiply the love we give in Your name. Teach me today to love like You love. As above, so below.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Chosen. Royal. Holy. God’s very own. These are all words He chose to describe us as His redeemed and restored community through the sacrifice of Jesus. This position offers us new identity, access to light in any darkness, mercy and grace that we now share with those in need.
Can you accept and receive God’s identity and position that He offers you as His child? How will this new Identity change the way you approach this day?
Let’s adapt and personalize this verse. Listen to how the God of the universe talks about you:
For “you” are chosen. “You” are a royal priest, part of a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity; now you are God’s. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT)
Right now, in this moment, accept, receive the truth that you are chosen by God. You are a royal priest; God’s very own with a new identity; His child that He now trusts to share His love with all those in your circles. To receive and share His mercy. To embrace and give His grace. To take in His light and be His light.
Pray with me now: “Father of Light, what an awesome privilege to be Your vessel through which Your love, grace, mercy, and light can flow in, out, and through to others. Help me to receive all You have for me, not because of my own merits, but Jesus. Help me to accept what You say about me as what I believe. As above, so below.”
Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. … And that is what happened. … Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
God said “let us”—us being the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“in our image.” We were created by a Community, in community, for community.
The Father made us, the Son saves us, the Spirit guides us. Right now, when God sees you, when He looks at who you are, He sees you as “very good.”
Can you, will you accept today that God looks at you with eyes of love and goodness?
Listen again to these key phrases, this time from the Message Bible:
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. … God created human beings;
he created them Reflecting God’s nature..… God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! (Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT)
Right now, close your eyes and picture Your loving heavenly Father, Your Creator, looking at You, inviting You into His community, caring for You, and pleased with who He made you to be.
Can you accept that He says this of you right now - God looked over everything he had made, He looks over you and says; it is so good, so very good!
Pray with me: “Creator God, Father, thank You that you made me with purpose, for a purpose. You created me to live in community with You and for You. Help me to always remember that I am made in Your image. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:1-5 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Living within the care and community of God means that He sees every aspect of who we are. What we do and what we don’t. What we say and what we won’t. From our hearts to our homes. From our ways to our work. No matter where we go, He is there. Aware. Available. Active.
Can you sense God’s presence everywhere in your life?
Listen to the shepherd, king, and psalmist David’s words again this time from the Message Bible:
God, I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say
before I start the first sentence.… I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going.
Take a moment to reflect on the last verse: “your reassuring presence, coming and going..” Invite … allow … accept … feel … the Lord’s presence on you right now—for no reason other than to bless you.
Let’s pray together: “Thank You, Father, that You know me intimately. My heart. My words. My actions. Everything I do and everywhere I go, You watch over me. Thank You for your blessing today. May my life bless You. As above, so below.”
Psalm 139:7-12 NLT
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.
Today as we continue in Psalm 139, we are reminded once again that the Kingdom, the community of God is everlasting and ever-present. David’s poetic words paint a picture of a faithful Father always watching, always protecting, always lighting our path, when we find ourselves in dark places, even at times, by our own hand.
Psalm 139:9-12 MESSAGE
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
you’re already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I’m immersed in the light!”
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
On your best days, God is there. On your worst days, He is there. Even in the darkness, even when the light is hard for you to see, His hand is there to guide you. His strength is available to support you. He can overcome any darkness. All you have to do is just call on Him.
There is no where you can go, no depth that you can sink to, no shame that keeps you from your Father’s presence, acceptance and protection.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You there is no darkness with You. You can shine Your light anywhere I am because of Your always-available presence. Today, I invite Your hand into my life. I receive Your light into my life. As above, so below. AMEN”
Psalm 139:13-16
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
The psalmist David tells us how God planned each of us, mapped out our days, every moment with purpose. And then inside our mother’s womb, He formed exactly and accurately the person we would become who could accomplish His plan inside His community of creation.
When you have those days where you think your life is random, or an accident, or you question your purpose, remember this truth about your life.
Have you considered that no one else in history has ever had your fingerprints, as if God signed the masterpiece He created in you?
Listen once again to key phrases this time from the Message Bible:
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
God does indeed have a plan for your life. He made you to fit into His creation and community. No one else can ever be who you are or do what He intends for you alone to accomplish.
PRAYER: “Thank You, Father, for my life. Thank You for forming me, as well as Your plan for my days. Help me to trust You and walk with You in each moment You have mapped out for me. As above, so below.”
Today, we close out Psalm 139 and our focus of how we were each created and designed to be a part of God’s creation and community:
(Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)
As good parents, we think of our kids when they are not with us. We wonder what they’re doing, if they are okay, and hope they know we love them. God as the perfect Father is always with us, but even still He keeps us on His mind. His love, grace, and care keep us on His path to a full life today and eternal life to come.
Invite God into your thoughts, your heart. Give Him room to show You His love and keep You close to Him today.
Take in these words once again, this time from the Message bible:
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! … Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life..
How does it feel to know the God of the universe thought are about you right now? You are on His mind, right now.
Let’s make the psalmist’s words our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As above, so below.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
While the world around us promotes fear and the power to control others, God provides faith, love, and the power of self-control. His Spirit offers us a kind heart and a sound mind ushering His peace to saturate our lives. Those qualities can then become blessings to those around us.
What does God’s Spirit need to take over in you today to stop the noise of the world and bring you a sound mind and peaceful heart?
Faith and fear cannot co-exist. One will overtake the other. Right now, hand God your fears, one by one, take a deep breath, and allow your faith in Him rise up.
Please pray with me: “God of peace, I hand my fears over to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your faith, Your power, and Your love. Lead my mind to be sound, stable, and steady in You. As above, so below.”
(2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
One of the most important aspects of personal peace and a clear mind is unity and harmony in our relationships. The Apostle Paul promised that when we do all we can to keep our connections to others clean and right, God’s love and peace will prevail in us and for us.
Who do you need to restore, encourage or connect with today?
What relationship do you need to give over to God’s peace?
Listen once again for Message Bible:
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure.
A life surrendered to Christ is a life marked by restoration, unity, and harmony, producing peace of mind.
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Which of these ares do you need to focus on this today?
Pray with me:“God, today I want to choose to rejoice in You no matter what is going on around me. Lead me towards restoration with everyone in my life. Remind me to speak encouragement to others. Help me to choose peace in all things. I know You are with me always. As above, so below.”
(Proverbs 14:30 MSG)
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
We all understand more than ever today how our thoughts can affect our over-all health—positively or negatively. Our minds drive our motives, attitudes, emotions, and ultimately our actions. The proper balance of our emotional expression is crucial to our daily peace in both mind and heart.
Name the emotions that you feel have “runaway” in you lately. Consider for a moment why this may be happening.
As the Lord of our lives, Christ can bring balance to every aspect of who we are and what we do. Daily surrender to Him, His will, and His ways which will bring much-needed stability and security to our lives.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, I ask for a sound mind and a peaceful heart. I ask for Your blessing and healing for my total health. Please help me to balance my emotions—to feel what I need to feel and reject those that will only hurt me. As above, so below."
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today’s verse tells us God’s peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers.
What worries today need to turn into prayers?
Listen again to today’s passage from the Message Bible:
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Apostle Paul says:
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.
Then a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good.
Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
Today’s verse is a continuation from yesterday:
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, … Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
We all see and sense the growing negativity and pessimism in the world. Scripture has so many amazing challenges and charges to ground us and lead us toward thinking, acting, and speaking from the heart of God. Today’s verse provides us a list of positive and uplifting qualities to set our minds and thoughts toward.
Listen to this beautiful inspiration once again from the Message Bible:
Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
On what or where have your thoughts been fixed lately? What is one area of focus that you can redirect your thinking towards today?
What in your life right now is:
True. Honorable. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable. the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Simply speaking those words to feel their strength helps ease our minds and exudes God’s strength and peace.
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. You are all of these in their purest form and You alone are worthy of my praise. As above, so below”
Jesus said in John 16:32-33:
“Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
In Christ, you are never alone. There will always be troubles, trials, and sorrows here on earth, but in and through everything you experience, Jesus is there, offering His peace and encouraging you to “take heart.”
What trial are you walking through today that needs to be overcome by the peace of Christ?
You may be dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That’s exactly what it means to lose heart.
When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it’s something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn’t become a reality until we actually make the choice.
What is one area of your life that you can make the choice to take heart? to be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer.
Breathe in - inviting Christ’s peace into your day. Exhale, letting go of weariness and discouragement.
Move into the Balance of Christ’s peace, which is with you.
Pray: “Father, I know I am not alone because You are with me. May I find my peace in You and take heart that You have overcome my world.” As above. So below.
Listen to David’s closing words in Psalm 4, verse 8:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
David had many days and nights where his enemies were stalking, seeking to harm him. Living under threat, confessing that he would fully depend on God to protect him while he slept in peace was a strong statement of faith.
Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like a stalking enemy, seeking to harm you?
You believe in your head that God is capable of keeping you safe?
Can you confess that belief out loud to yourself and to God, just like David did?
Trust God with your safety and security. Let your heart find peace.
Pray:
“Father, grant me Your peace as I lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, will keep me safe.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
David writes in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
In God’s kingdom, strength and peace work in unison. That is why you sense a quiet, calming reassurance when His peace enters your racing mind and struggling heart.
What place of weakness today needs His strength? What struggle needs His peace?
Listen to the passage again from the Message Bible
The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. God knows all about us and what we will be dealing with way before we do and He is quick to come to our rescue at any time.
Notice the passage doesn’t say anything about David’s strength. It says “the Lord GIVES strength to his people”
God’s gift of strength is at the door of your heart right now. His gift of peace is at the threshold to your thoughts in this moment. Open up and embrace them both as His gifts.
Pray: “Heavenly Father, give me Your strength. Please grant me with Your peace.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN
Isaiah 26:3-4 encourages:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
You know that on any given day, where you place your trust, where your thoughts tend to go, determines your level of peace. Isaiah offers that the only “perfect peace” can be found in surrendering your thoughts to the eternal, immovable, unshakable Rock.
To whom, where, or how are your thoughts being displaced and distracted today?
Listen again to Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Message bible:
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Today, can you keep you mind set on God who promises to keep you whole?
This passage promises we will be steady on their feet, because we keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Pray: “Father, keep me in Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Keep my thoughts fixed on You. Help me to trust You today, Lord God, my eternal Rock.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
AMEN.
Jesus’ words of promise in John 14:27-28:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”
Jesus offers you a gift not of this world that can only be found in Him. His heavenly peace for your mind and heart can overcome any temporary trouble or fear. The Prince of Peace is with You now and is coming back for You one day to live in His kingdom.
What trouble, what fear, are you experiencing today that needs to be exchanged right now for Christ’s gift?
Jesus’ words of promise again from the Message Bible:
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
No matter what you may be walking through today, remember, for the Christ-follower, God’s gift of peace is available now and His best is always yet to come.
Prayer- “Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Help me not to look to the world, to not be troubled or afraid, but to look to You and look forward to Your return.”
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AMEN.
We all know we live in a chaotic world filled with noise coming from all directions. We know that God ordained and blessed the family as the first union and community. So, for ourselves and our kids we need to take every step possible to make our homes into a sanctuary where God’s presence and peace are welcome and manifested.
Let’s start this week with a very familiar passage. Let’s take the words and apply them to our homes. Listen to Psalm 23 …
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)Is there an action or attitude that you do or have that disrupts the scripture describes as ‘rest in green meadows’ or ‘leads by peaceful streams’ in your home?
How can you make your home a place that feels like a green meadow or a peaceful stream where strength is renewed?
We all experience ‘dark valleys” - our kids do too… Is there something that you can do to be what God describes himself as doing - being with us in dark valleys? How can we better be ‘with’ our kids in their dark valley?
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
No matter how close or how far away you may feel Psalm 23 fits your home or is a place where you sense God’s peace, we want to encourage you to find one, just one, step you can take to invite God’s presence in. As you make your home His home, you and your kids will feel more at home than ever before.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want you to fill my home from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with Your presence. Make my home a Psalm 23 sanctuary, as only You can do by Your peace. As above, so below.”
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 …
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT)
One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God’s peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it’s far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude.
What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God’s hand?
Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
Today, we will focus on one simple and single verse … Listen to Proverbs 29:17 …
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. (NLT)
In our western culture, we tend to always associate discipline only with punishment. But the true definition and connotation of discipline is structure, form, parameters, guardrails. Yes, punishment and consequences are involved, but that is the defense aspect of discipline. The offense is proper training. Think of today’s verse this way … Give your children the proper training and structure and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this verse …
Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did— they’ll turn out delightful to live with.
What if you were able to turn the meaning of discipline around in your home to be associated with delightful? Wouldn’t delightful make your home more peaceful?
Take a step this week toward this new concept of discipline—structure and form to operate within.
What is one form of structure that you can do this week to bring a sense of stability and peace in your home?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, guide me, teach me to bring more of the kind of discipline You as a loving Father want in my home. Bring peace. Bring delight. I’ll take all of that I can get. As above, so below.”
Today, once again we will focus on just one verse … Matthew 5:9 …
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT)
In this world of war, trouble, and conflict, we realize peace never comes easy. Sin causes peace to be elusive. So to get peace, to be at peace, is going to take some work, some effort on our part. Yes, God’s brand of peace is a gift from Him, but even that comes at a cost. We have to choose to sacrifice our own ways and surrender to Him to receive His peace.
In our circles of influence, relationships, families, and homes, we can choose to work toward peace. When we do, God will bless and we will be known as His children.
Listen to this verse in The Message Bible …
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
Where in your life, if you were honest, you know you have given up on peace?
Where does peace seem to come fairly easy in your life? Why is that?
Where do you need to work to show people how to cooperate instead of compete?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, everywhere in my life, especially at home, help me, teach me to show cooperation and not competition. To show who I am in You and my place in Your family. As above, so below.”
Our final passage for this week comes from Jesus, where He again promises peace as only He can give. Listen to John 14:24-28 …
Remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. (NLT)
When life gets crazy and the chaos ensues inside or outside our home, it is easy to forget that His Spirit lives within us. He has left us a gift of heavenly peace of mind and heart. When we are troubled or afraid, He is as close as the breath within. The peace He offers is not a momentary manufactured one, but the kind that has already set the world right and all we have to do is call on and receive what is already there.
Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible …
The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me. “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’
What have you learned about peace this week?
What can you do to work peace into more of your life?
How can you make your home a sanctuary where God is always at home with you and your kids?
We pray you have found peace here this week. Words of peace that connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and Your gift of peace. I invite You into my heart and home to make them both what You desire. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, the very first step, is to first, forgive ourselves and next, and for some of us this can be a really tough one, to forgive others. Essentially, we need to clean house of all unforgiveness. If we don’t let go, the past is going to keep haunting us because we are giving it the power to stay current, which then hinders our future.
A great place to start is with Jesus’ own words from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 …
“… and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (NLT)
He continued this theme in verses 14 and 15 …
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT)
When we struggle to forgive ourselves, or someone else for past hurts, Jesus’ words can feel like a threat or some kind of ultimatum. That is not the intention at all. He simply stated a spiritual truth about how God works.
Think about it. It makes sense. Why should we expect to have something happen for us that we are not willing to extend ourselves? God knows our personal freedom lies in our ability to forgive.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
“Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. … In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
To make peace with your past, forgiveness is the first key to unlock freedom. Any bitterness that we carry causes us to also carry around that other person, causing more pain, while he or she is out free and not thinking about us at all. So we have to ask ourselves, is it really worth what I’m losing? Or am I ready to gain back my freedom?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me the grace and the strength to forgive myself, everyone who has hurt me, and then help me keep my list clean, knowing You died to give me that freedom. As above, so below.”
To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.
Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.
Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ’s table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.
In repeating today’s passage, let’s now add verse 8 …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don’t have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.
As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That’s exactly what He wants you to do.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I’m tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”
Our own minds, along with the words of the Accuser, are going to constantly try to bring the past back up, acting as if it is today’s headlines. The more we press into the Lord and His love, the less this will occur, and the more we can deal with it in health.
Listen to Psalm 85:7-10 …
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (NLT)
For many of us, the past had plenty of foolish ways. So we have to constantly take inventory of our lives to invite the words God speaks, to listen carefully to Him as He speaks truth to us. When we hear Him and do what He asks, then our land—our homes—can be filled with His glory and love, truth, righteousness, and peace will mark our lives.
Is there any foolish way from the past that you know needs to be kicked out of your house, so to speak?
Is there a new level of listening to God, a new place of obedience, that you need to commit to hear Him as He speaks peace to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me your unfailing love and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what You say as You speak peace. Help me to not return to foolish ways. My salvation is near, so my home will be filled with Your glory, Your unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace. As above, so below.”
Our Scripture today is Colossians 3:12-16 …
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. (NLT)
In several places throughout Scripture, God used the concept of putting on His qualities just like we choose to put on clothing. The practical side of this is, one, we choose to put on what we wear, and two, that is the majority of what people see on us, our clothing. The same can be true of His qualities.
What we may choose to quote-unquote wear from our past can still show in the present. People can literally see our hurts, pain, victimization, bitterness, and so on. There comes a point when we have to choose a new wardrobe and let people see the person Christ has forgiven and changed. The past is no longer our present and the future is no longer determined by anything, except the present.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
What have you been wearing that you need to take off and throw away? It’s worn out and old and you know it. What once may have been a security blanket is now a funeral shroud.
What of Christ’s qualities listed in today’s passage, do you need to put on and keep on?
If you choose peace in your heart, it will surely show in your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I choose to put on love, humility, compassion, kindness, strength, and peace. As above, so below.”
Our final passage for this week is a familiar one, but has so many great applications for our lives to encourage us to seize the day … Philippians 3:12-16 …
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT)
Let’s focus on what Paul said he focused on … this one thing … forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. When we move on, but are constantly looking backwards, something is wrong. Remember—Paul had a lot of horrible violence in his past, all done in the name of religion. He had a lot to forget, but he stated exactly how he had to choose to move forward into what Christ had for his life. Great advice …
Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible …
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
What has God shown you this week?
What has He called you to let go of … for the last time? Lay it down and never turn back?
What has He called you to take on and never let go of?
We pray you have found some healing and health this week. That’s always our goal, to connect you to Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I need to, for the final time, let go of what You have told me to let go of. I need to listen to You and take up what You have called me to take up. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 …
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (NLT)
One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives.
If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
Today, is a very important passage about spiritual growth: Galatians 5:22-23 …
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)
Think about this: If you begin to produce these Christ-like qualities, you are going to have a higher quality of life over-all. But then you will also begin to impact and attract others. Someone who is very peaceful in their spirit has a higher quality of life but also is more enjoyable to be around, right? Like ripe fruit on a tree, people can see it, touch it, and taste it.
This verse can be used as a literal litmus test from which we can evaluate our personal and spiritual growth. Here’s a very simple way to take an honest look at where you are at any given time in your life.
First, on a scale of 0 to 10, as best you can recall, rate where you were in these 9 qualities a year ago. Now, on the same scale, rate where you are today.
Grown a lot in love but struggling with joy? That’s okay. This could just show you where you need to keep praying and improving as you work to be obedient in the Lord. After all, these gifts of fruit will come from Him, not out of ourselves.
Last thought … if you really want an honest evaluation, ask one of your kids to rate you on these from 0 to 10, or maybe a trusted friend. Remember—the goal is never guilt but growth.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please grow me in these 9 fruit of Your Spirit for me to experience them inside my life, but to also reflect them toward others from You. As above, so below.”
Today is another single verse, but once again, a very important one: Hebrews 4:12 …
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT)
In any season of strong personal and spiritual growth, there will always be a connection and correlation to our interaction with God’s Word. Why? Because it is the manual for the Christian life, the guidebook, the map for living, the love letter from our Father.
No other book is called “alive and powerful.” No other book’s words can “cut between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow to expose our innermost thoughts and desires.”
God’s Word can transform and change our minds—literally.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this verse …
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.
Thinking back over your seasons of spiritual growth, do you see the connection between your hunger for God’s Word versus the dry seasons?
It really doesn’t matter whether we read a chapter a day or a verse as long as we are taking His Word into our spirits and minds. If you are a bit out of sync on your own reading or study, let us challenge you to figure out a plan to get in and stay in. After all, the Word is how we can grow consistently in Christ.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that can do surgery on my heart and my attitude. Help me to have a hunger for what You want to share with me each day. Help me to know You have written me a love letter and want to speak personally to me. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 13:5 …
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT)
It’s so easy for us to judge others, isn’t it? Someone does something or says something we don’t like or disagree with and we call their integrity, intelligence, or intentions into question. Even though we all know the Bible tells us not to judge, and that God is the only Judge, we just can’t seem to help ourselves.
But Paul told the believers at Corinth to examine themselves on the authenticity of their faith. Not others. Themselves. Why? Well, if we know we need test ourselves, we aren’t busy looking at other people. Accountability works best when everyone involved chooses to cooperate.
Listen once again to today’s verse in The Message Bible …
Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.
The times we all likely grew the most in knowledge was when we were in school. Why? Because we were constantly having to take tests to prove what we knew.
If you decided to take Paul up on His challenge on a regular basis, don’t you suspect you might become more aware of your personal and spiritual growth?
So, how can you “Test yourself to make sure you are solid in the faith and not drifting along taking everything for granted, and giving yourself regular checkups”?
Let’s pray together: “Father, teach me to be aware of my own growth and not so concerned with others growth—or lack of it. Teach me to take inventory of You in my life. Guide me, show me how I can grow in You to test out my faith and do something about it. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is Ephesians 3:14-21 …
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)
This was Paul’s actual prayer for the spiritual growth of the believers at Ephesus. Such a beautiful and poetic request to God on their behalf. There are so many great aspects of the Gospel included here.
I’m going to read this passage again but I want to adapt the words to first person as a personal prayer for God’s blessing of growth in your life.
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources I will be empowered with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in my heart as I trust in him. My roots will grow down into God’s love and keep me strong. And may I have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May I experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then I will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)
I want to encourage you to find this passage and pray it the way I just did. Or listen to this over again several times. Pray this prayer over your life, your heart, your mind, and your spirit, that God would grow you exactly the way He desires and you will become all He designed you to be.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians over my life. May this become just as true in me as it did the early church. I want to be made complete with all Your fullness and power in Christ. As above, so below.”
When we think of someone in the Bible who experienced dark times, Job has to be near the top of the list. Because he was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, the enemy wiped out his family, his livelihood, and even threatened his health. But when we fast-forward to chapter 42 after many chapters of questions and discussions, we find an amazing revelation as a response to his suffering.
Listen to verses 1-6 …
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT)
Throughout our lives, God gives blessings while He allows suffering. He alone decides what we need, when we need it, and as a good Father, what will keep us close to Him day by day.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
How do you tend to respond when hard things happen in your life? Maybe here we go again? Why me, Lord? I’ll just put my head down and get through this?
Whether blessing or hardship, a great prayer to pray is: God, show me what You are doing. How do you want me to respond to this?
What we can learn from Job’s suffering and his response is that God wants us to have a first-hand experience with Him, not live off of rumors or someone else’s experience. That’s what a close relationship is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit I want all blessing and no suffering. Yet, I know I tend to grow the most when things get tough. Help me to look for how I can know You first-hand, like a Father to His child. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is about Jesus in John 1:1-5 …
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT)
If you walk into a well-lit room at night to go to sleep, you don’t think, “I need to turn on the darkness.” No. You think, “I need to turn off the light.” Only the absence of light creates darkness. Even a candle lit on a dark night can be seen for miles.
Next, listen to Jesus’ words further down in John 8:12 …
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
When you walk through darkness in your life, look for how you can let light in. The only way you can affect the darkness is by allowing in light.
Where do you need “the light that leads to life” today? Pray and ask Jesus to be that in your life. Remember our first passage—"the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there is so much darkness today all over. Help me to remember You are the Light, my Light, to dispel the darkness and nothing can put that out. As above, so below.”
When we are walking through dark days, reading Scripture and praying Scripture can be very comforting, especially David’s words in the Psalms. Listen to Psalm 40:11-13 …
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (NLT)
Did you notice how brutally honest David was with God? He held nothing back. In fact, he asked God to hold nothing back to help him. But he was also transparent about his own disobedience and need.
As is often the case, the words of The Message Bible get a bit more straightforward …
Now God, don’t hold out on me, don’t hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt. I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help,
Who is the one friend you have that you can say anything at all and know you won’t be judged?
Have you ever considered that is the kind of honesty that God welcomes from you when life is really hard? Remember—unlike a close friend, you aren’t telling Him anything He doesn’t already know.
When darkness falls on your heart, pick a Psalm and read it out loud. Let the words become your own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, keep reminding me that I can say anything to You. Lead me to the words in Psalms that can best reflect my heart when I struggle, and use the words to pray. As above, so below.”
Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible for asking God’s protection and provision when troubles come. There is a hopeful tone in the words that cut through the darkness.
Listen to verses 1 and 2 …
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT)
When we struggle, when we are trying to find our way through days filled with trouble, knowing that God is the shelter where we can find rest and the refuge where we can find safety is a huge comfort and encouragement. But the key is in the final words: He is my God and I trust Him.
Listen now to verses 14-16 …
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
When trouble lands on your doorstep, what is your first thought? Your first thought. Is it, how am I going to fix this? Why is this happening to me?
One of the ways we can know we are growing in our faith is when our first thought is to invite God to work. To pray, “Lord, rescue me, protect me, answer me. I need to hear from You.”
I want to encourage you to use Psalm 91 as a prayer for you and your kids. Words like these will help you look to God first when darkness falls.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my Shelter, my Refuge, my Place of safety. My Rescue. My Protector. My answer. As above, so below.”
Today, our final Scripture on growing in dark times is about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Listen to Luke 22:39-42 …
Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (NLT)
For most of us, when we want to avoid something hard coming at us, we pray for God to remove the suffering. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with that prayer.
But then the key is if He doesn’t, what do we do? How do we respond? Blame Him? Question His goodness? Think He no longer loves us?
First, notice Jesus didn’t say, “Father, if you can …” but rather “Father, if you are willing …”
When we pray about anything hard, any kind of suffering, any sort of difficulty that we have to go through, asking God to take it away makes a lot of sense. But adding Jesus’ last sentence is a huge step of faith and maturity. “Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.” That is an entirely new level of faith and trust to be like Jesus to that extent, because to pray that, we have to know He wants the best for us, no matter what.
Whether you are in a dark time right now, or the next time you are, remember Jesus’ choice in the Garden—to trust God’s will for You.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know wanting Your will isn’t just about blessings. Trusting You in the dark times is what faith is really about. Help me to trust You and Your will with Jesus as my Example and Goal. As above, so below.”
God’s grace … the apostle Paul had much to say on this topic because it is so crucial for us all to understand as Christ-followers.
Listen to Ephesians 2:4-9 …
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT)
How did Paul say we are saved? By working hard to do good? By trying hard to not do anything wrong? No, “only by God’s grace.”
Do you tend to mix your own behavior into your salvation? So many people do.
But what did Paul say was the only action we need to take? “God saved you by His grace … when you believed.”
Listen to verses 7 thru 9 in The Message Bible …
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.
Do you have any past religious beliefs or baggage that taught you somehow you can go in and out of God’s salvation by your behavior on any given day? If that were true, then our salvation would be somewhat up to us, right? Paul is clear it is only up to God … after we believe. Trust.
Here’s a question for your heart … do you think there is anything you can do to make God love you any more? Or any less? This week on grace is all about understanding the amazing truth that He cannot possibly love you more than He does right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that all You want is for me to believe and trust You. I am grateful my salvation is not dependent on my behavior and that You will never love me any more or any less than You do right now. As above, so below.”
Focusing on God’s grace, listen to Romans 3:23-28 …
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. … God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. (NLT)
Can you hear the connection between today’s passage and yesterday’s? The only way we are made right with God is through a relationship with Jesus. Once again, we believe that what God says He has done for us is true. Jesus paid the penalty for sin that we could never pay.
Listen to verses 22 thru 24 in The Message Bible …
The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
Is there anything you could possibly do today to quote-unquote deserve your salvation?
Do you view what God has done for you as His gift to you?
We are free to become what God designed us to be because of Jesus. We pray you really allow that truth to sink in and take it as your own this week.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I don’t believe what You can do in me because of things I have done. Help me to trust You, to believe You, and to live out what You have planned for me. As above, so below.”
Romans 5:18-21 …
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)
Depending on how we were brought up and what we have been taught about God, we must all come to the place of understanding that Scripture is the bottom line of what we should believe and the foundation of what we should build our lives upon. We have to become responsible for what we believe and what we will teach our children—based on our own beliefs, not anyone else’s. The concept of grace is such an important pillar of that personal faith.
Here’s a tough question for you … do you think your own life is ruled more by law or by grace?
Is your faith based on what you do for Jesus or what Jesus has done for you?
Remember—any questions we ask here are only to help you honestly evaluate where you are, and by comparing to Scripture, ask if is there is any part of your belief that You need to hand over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, if there is anything I believe about You that is not right and not fair to You, I invite You to teach me Your ways through Your Word. As above, so below.”
There is a passage in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church where he talks about what he called his “thorn in the flesh.” There’s a powerful lesson for us about grace in what he shared.
Listen to 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 …
… to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NLT)
We are never told what Paul’s thorn is. Probably so we can easily apply this truth to whatever issue plagues our own lives.
Paul said that he asked God three times to take it away and God repeated the same phrase each time. And what did God tell Paul he needed? Grace. Why? So God’s strong power could be shown in Paul’s weakness. And there is no denying that happened as we read his letters to the churches.
Listen once again to part of today’s passage in The Message Bible …
*I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.*
What is your thorn? What creates limitations in you? What have you begged God to get rid of?
How can you apply God’s answer to your life: “My grace is enough. It’s all you need.”?
How can you take your attention off the problem and put it on Christ?
Let’s pray together: “Father, this is a tough one. I need Your help to accept those things in my life that You choose for me to surrender to You and trust in Your grace to carry me. As above, so below.”
In our final day on grace, let’s take a look at what we can do after we receive God’s gift.
2 Timothy 1:8-10 …
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT)
One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God’s grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace?
Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God’s grace so you can share that grace with those you know?
And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
We’ll begin our week with Philippians 2:1-5 …
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (NLT)
Today’s passage starts and ends with Jesus. In the community united in Christ, we can receive encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, agreement, and humility as we work together in one mind and purpose … and here’s the real key—with the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible …
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
As our culture becomes increasingly self-absorbed and self-focused, these Christlike qualities are going to become more and more attractive to our own hearts, to those in the faith, and those outside.
What phrase jumped out at you today?
I love the idea of “deep-spirited friends.” When we choose to put ourselves aside and help others get ahead, we can experience a community of deep-spirited friends. We will find those folks we can trust, lean on, count on, and do life with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the kind of heavenly comfort, encouragement, and fellowship we can have in You. Help me to be the kind of friend in the faith that today’s passage talks about and be a part of Your community that can change the world. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is Romans 12:1-5 …
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT)
We’re all grateful that God no longer requires any sort of physical sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, right? But yet, sacrifice is still a crucial part of following Jesus. In fact, it’s an everyday event. From the desires of our bodies, minds, hearts, and attitudes, we have to give up what we want if we are going to honor God and others. Notice what this sacrifice gains us … we realize we are part of a greater Body of believers, a community of people who belong to and function together.
Listen once again to this passage as I read excerpts from The Message Bible…
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. … we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. … So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
Today, what do you need to sacrifice?
What do you need to embrace?
What do you need to readily recognize that God is wanting to tell you about your life, your community, your role in His kingdom and Body?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life. I give myself to You. I embrace all You have for me. I ask You to bring out the best in me, for You and for the sake of those You desire for me to reach. As above, so below.”
Today, our passage is James 5:13 through 16, 19 and 20.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. … My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (NLT)
This entire passage from praying to confessing has to do with being involved in a community of believers who trust one another, desire to help one another, and will even go the extra mile to rescue others.
Confessing our sins to God is a given. But having someone to get real with about the evils and struggles of our own hearts can accelerate our spiritual growth. Especially as we create accountability and pray for one another.
Here’s The Message Bible’s take on this passage …
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. … My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Where do you go when you’re hurting?
Where do you go when something great happens?
Where do you go when you just can’t seem to get rid of something that’s hurting you?
Who would come after you if you wandered away from your faith?
Who would you go after if you saw them wandering away?
Whoever’s names you answered with … that, my friend, is your faith community.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for those who would work to rescue me and those You have placed in my life that I would rescue. Help me to surrender more to You each day so I can gain everyone in my community that You desire to be in it. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is 1 Peter 4:8-13 …
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (NLT)
What gifts do you see in your life that you know God uses?
What service do you do that you just feel the presence of God when You are involved in it? It just feels peaceful to you, almost as if you can sense God smiling?
What do you do that you can tell impacts others even more than it affects you?
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible …
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Did you catch the phrase: “Love each other as if your life depended on it.”? Who do you love like that? Who needs you to love them like that?
Who needs your words? Who needs your “hearty help”? Who needs some of God’s bright presence in their life with you being the one who delivers it?
Our community will be made up of those who love us, but also those we need to love.
Like the last verse said: This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
Let’s pray together: “Father, from the love I give to the trials I walk through, help me to reflect Your presence. Help me to love like my life depends on it—just like You do. As above, so below.”
Today, our Scripture is taken from Romans 15:1-13 …
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive …. We must not just please ourselves.We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. … May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. … I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
Isn’t it interesting that no matter how much we have been hurt, how much we distrust, how guarded we may try to be, when we take our eyes off ourselves and fully focus on meeting someone else’s needs, somehow the world seems right for a few minutes?
That’s because we weren’t designed to be hurt or to hurt, but to help, to serve. We weren’t designed to distrust, but to trust. We weren’t designed to focus on our own needs, but to help others.
When we choose to live in community the way this week’s Scripture passages have encouraged us to do, we line up with our original design because Christ offers that opportunity.
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible …
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. … God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! … May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
In your community, where do you need to step in and lend a hand?
Who do you need to ask, “How can I help?”
Where does your life need to sing in harmony with others in an anthem for God’s glory?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to expand my community to who I need and who needs me. Help me to receive the help I need while giving my help to whom it’s needed. Help me to find harmony with those You want me to worship with. As above, so below.”
We hear a lot these days, including countless podcasts, about developing self-confidence, self-reliance, and strengthening our self-image. While, of course those are important goals, the context is so critical. As followers of Jesus Christ, the proper way to gain these strengths can be found when we begin to place our confidence in Him. As we learn to trust God. Place our faith in Him. Believe that He is faithful, reliable, and secure. In Him, we can inherit confidence through our relationship with Christ.
As we get started on our topic for this week, let me ask: how many times have you sensed you are starting to build up confidence in who you are and how you are doing, only for someone to do something or say something that rips the rug right out of from under you? In a heartbeat, we feel like all our confidence is gone. That is exactly why understanding this week’s truth as a believer is so crucial to our spiritual and emotional health.
Listen to Psalm 146, verses 3 through 10 …
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord! (NLT)
For many of us, a great deal of our personal pain and emotional baggage has come from placing too much confidence in other people. And certainly the wrong people. Others did something or failed to do something that negatively affected our trust. Today’s passage warns us to be cautious and gives us so many amazing reasons to get our confidence from our Creator.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible …
Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says—he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners—he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. God’s in charge—always. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!
As you think through your life right now, is there anywhere you are “putting your life in the hands of experts” when your trust and confidence really needs to be handed over to God? It’s actually amazing how trusting Him can bring us wisdom and discernment that will also improve our relationship with others.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, heal my hurts where I have placed my trust and confidence in the wrong people. Increase my faith and trust in You and lead me to the right relationships in Your community. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is on placing our confidence in God, which of course means increasing our faith in Him. The Bible is filled with promises to us, offering the great consequences of a life of trusting Him. Listen to Jeremiah 17:7-8 …
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (NLT)
Trust … Hope … Confidence. Several times in Scripture the authors used a tree planted by a river as a metaphor for our lives. For the weary traveler, a large, healthy tree beside a river meant protection from the elements and provision for thirst. The very reason the tree could provide shelter is because its roots were not reliant on the changing weather but on the constant flow of the river. Such a great analogy for our lives rooted in God.
Using this metaphor, is there heat or drought that is causing you to struggle, to wither? What’s the source of that issue?
What places in your life would you connect to blessing, as in having green leaves and lasting fruit? What’s the source of that blessing?
How can you get your roots into the river and not be so reliant on the weather? How can you go deeper with God and place less confidence in the things of the world?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your promises. Thank You that You clearly tell us how life can be when we trust You. Help me to grow deep roots in my faith and place more and more of my confidence in You. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest barriers to salvation itself can be mistakenly believing that we are somehow better than others, and that somehow guarantees Heaven. How many times have we heard someone say, “Well, I’m a good person”? But even after salvation, comparison to others and placing confidence in our ability to do good works can quickly get us off-track in our faith.
In Luke 18, Jesus used a parable to show us how God feels about confidence in our own righteousness.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (vv. 9-14 NLT)
The Pharisees were considered the mega-church pastors of the day, looked up to and revered for their spirituality. Tax collectors were looked at like we view sleazy, ambulance-chasing attorneys. For Jesus to flip this paradigm on its head was very controversial. Both men prayed but one focused on others’ sin, while the other man focused on his own sin. One didn’t think he needed God and the other desperately did.
Being honest, don’t many of us go back and forth between feeling really good about ourselves and flirting with the thinking of the Pharisee or being very convicted and relating to the tax collector?
One of the many paradoxes of the Gospel is that true confidence can only be found in humility. In knowing God, we discover who we are and find our identity in surrender to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ teaching, as controversial as it was then and now. Thank You that Your truth is a paradox to this world. Help me to discover my confidence as I humble myself before You. As above, so below.”
Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we’ll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don’t trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind.
Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 …
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT)
It’s tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right?
It’s hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn’t it?
But doesn’t the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing?
All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father.
Listen once again to today’s passage in The Message Bible …
When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post …
Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy?
Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make?
What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him?
Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”
Today is our final day of a week spent challenging ourselves to place all our confidence not in ourselves or others but in God.
Let’s go back to King David in the Psalms and look at a declaration He wrote for his life that we too need to choose to make:
Listen to chapter 118, verses 5 thru 9 …
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord … (NLT)
Think about the relationship that brings you the most stress right now, even someone that you fear or whose behavior invokes fear. A circumstance that brings you fear. How can this passage encourage you, bring you confidence, offer you safety, set you free?
Listen to this passage in The Message Bible, but this time, I’m going to add down to verse 16.
Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered. God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me? God’s my strong champion; I flick off my enemies like flies. Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people; Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities. … I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” (MSG)
Say this declaration with me:
The Lord is for me, …
so I will have no fear. …
What can mere people do to me? …
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. …
Can you hang onto that thought and place your faith in Him with that statement? “The Lord is for me so I will have no fear.” And to do that, your confidence will have to be in your Father, not in yourself. And as have hopefully seen this week, that’s a really good decision.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are for me and I will have no fear. With You, what can anyone do to me? You are for me and I believe and have confidence that You will help me. As above, so below.”
To get serious about wholeness and total health, we have to take a hard look at ourselves. Today is a tough Scripture passage from Jesus, but also a reminder that there is freedom on the other side of our battles. Listen closely … Jesus is not angry here, just being honest …
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT)
As humans, a fact we have to deal with throughout life is the less whole we are in any given season, the more we tend to find fault in others. Whether wanting to justify our own behavior or just being negative about people, we can look around and see the “speck in other’s eyes,” to use Jesus’ words. But notice the important counsel here: “First, get rid of the log in your own eye …”
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible … Buckle up, this version hits even more closer to home ….
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
The goal of Jesus’ teaching here is not to produce guilt, shame, or self-hatred, but rather getting honest about personal evaluation. Facing our own stuff.
Is there an area of your life that is a ‘speck or log in my own eye’? Can you think of one area to surrender and repent of right now?
Getting real about what we need to surrender to God before we can truly begin the journey toward wholeness.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I always love the mercy and grace verses in Your Word, but I know I have to embrace ones like this too. Today, I need to hand over the logs and the specks to You. I want to be whole, so I know some surgery on my heart and work on my attitude are what I need to allow You to do right now. As above, so below.”
So much of our Christian lives is spent trying to get rid of things, things we hold onto and struggle with, all while knowing we need to let them go. From attitudes to toxic behaviors to unhealthy relationships. Today, we read a crucial concept for this process. It’s called the Principle of Replacement. Listen to Ephesians 4:31-32 …
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
If you decide to get rid of bitterness today, that’s going to be tough, right? But what if instead, you placed your focus and energy on being kind? What if day by day, you started to make the intentional choice to replace bitterness with kindness? If something triggers bitterness to come up into your throat and the feelings are overwhelming, then you do something kind. Text a friend a thank you. Find a way to encourage the very next person you encounter.
Paul’s teaching was always practical. Bitterness can be replaced with kindness. Rage and anger can be replaced with choosing compassion. Slander and malice can be replaced with forgiveness. If we only focus on getting rid of things, we can easily set ourselves up for failure. But when we instead find a positive and healthy replacement for what we must get rid of, we have a far better shot at success, as well as just creating a better experience.
What is one ‘replacement principle’ I will commit to practicing this week? Kindness? Compassion? Forgiveness?
We all have things we need to rid ourselves of… let’s remember The Principle of Replacement … whatever you’re trying to get rid of to be whole again, ask God to give you something good to replace it with.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to take the toxic things I have held onto and replace them with the good gifts You offer me, gifts like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. As above, so below.”
Today’s passage is Romans 6:21-23 in The Message Bible …
As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end. But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
The path to spiritual wholeness—holiness—is what Paul described here as “finding you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do.” Christ gives us a new life, a new path, a new way to live. Christ gives us a choice to not choose sin.
Wholeness is a great word, one we chose to focus on this week, but let’s turn the corner now to understanding that holiness is the complete wholeness that God offers us in Christ.
Have you ever really grasped that Christ has given you the constant choice to not sin?
Is there a sin in your life that you feel is not a choice, one that you keep repeating, even though you don’t want to? Identify that, confess it and ask God to give you the strength choose not to sin.
God’s on-going gift is real life here and eternal life to come delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You offer me a free life. Thank You that I don’t have to listen to sin anymore but can choose You. Thank You for Your gift of wholeness and holiness. As above, so below.”
Colossians 2:6-10 …
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT)
Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ.
What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you?
Is there a truth here you didn’t know or didn’t yet fully understand?
The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness.
Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.”
Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”
Wholeness was our state in the Garden but then the enemy of God came along and, through disobedience, robbed us all of that God-given state. The spiritual battle for us every day is choosing God over that same enemy, just as everyone in the Bible had to deal with as well.
Listen to 1 Peter 5:6-11 …
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. (NLT)
Listen for two things: the commands and the promises.
Did you catch them? Let’s review, all under the concept of wholeness and holiness.
The command? Humble yourself. … The promise? God will lift you up in His time.
The command: Give your worries to God. … The promise: God will care for you.
The command: Stand firm against the enemy. … The promise: God’s calling will bring you into His eternal glory.
The command: Endure suffering. … The promise: God will restore, support, and strengthen you.
Wholeness is found on the firm foundation only God can provide.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering wholeness through holiness. Thank You for Your commands for my obedience and Your promises giving me hope. As above, so below.”
This week is a huge topic for anyone these days—finding stability in a time of instability. For Solo parents, there are several factors in play … the first is working on surrender to God to allow His stability to enter our hearts and minds. The second is working on ourselves to be stable in our own feelings and emotions. The third is finding stability, not in trying to fill the void with another relationship, but rather to find support within a solid and supportive community.
The shepherd turned king David certainly understood chaos in life—from his enemies, those around him, and even by his own hand. Let’s begin our look at stability by going to our Source. Listen to David’s words:
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8 NLT)
As believers in and followers of Christ, just because the world around us shakes does not mean we have to. If we are in Him, then He holds us in His hands. He is our Hope. Our Rock. Our Fortress. Our Refuge.
Listen once again to this passage in The Message Bible …
What is making you feel unstable right now? Can you pinpoint the source of your instability?
Whether your answer is one thing or everything, whether your feelings or your thoughts or your actions feel completely shaky, take the focus off the unstable things in and around you and focus on the One who is always stable. Imagine Him holding you now, like a Dad with a child in a storm. Just for this moment, take your eyes off what is shaking and place them on what is solid … Your Hope. Your Rock. Your Fortress. Your Refuge.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I receive Your hope, I want to live with You as my Rock, My Fortress, my Refuge. My anxious thoughts, feelings, and emotions I give to You now. As above, so below.”
This week as we look at finding stability in a season of instability, this is never going to truly come when we keep trying to avoid loneliness by just filling the void with a person. Jumping into relationships when God is not involved or we are not ready just become major distractions that keep us from growing deep roots and getting our lives built on what we talked about yesterday, the Rock that survives the storms.
So often we have to work on creating a good defense before we can have a solid offense. Or here’s another metaphor—we have to pull some weeds before we can plant some flowers.
Today, I’m going to read a longer passage. I want you to listen to the spirit of what Paul is teaching as much as the actual words he says.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
As I have asked you before here, as I read, did any phrase or sentence jump out at you? Did God run his highlighter over any of this?
Listen to part of today’s passage once again …
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” If you keep yourself pure, … Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone… (NLT)
Is there anything in your life today that is creating instability and you know it’s time to pull it out by the roots? Maybe you need some help? Maybe you need some professional help? If today God showed you something, don’t wait, don’t put it off, do what He told you. Reach up, reach out, reach in, whatever you need to do to make things right for your life.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give You what You placed on my heart right now. I need Your help. Help me to also get the help I need from others to steady my life. Show me what to do. I need Your answers. As above, so below.”
This week our focus is finding stability in a season of instability. Yesterday, we went outside ourselves to God. Today, let’s look into our own hearts.
In Matthew 7, Jesus’ teaching covers quite a few topics, but He offers us a clear metaphor of stability vs. instability and the action we can take to enact His help. Listen to verses 24-27 …
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (NLT)
In life, the storms are going to come and keep coming. The rain will fall, the waters will rise, and the winds will beat against our house. Everything that comes at us makes us feel so unsteady and unstable. Jesus said the difference in the house that stands vs. the ones that crash is those who listen to His teaching and follow what He says. The question is not will He save, but will we allow His salvation?
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible. This time I’m going to leave out what happens to the house that doesn’t listen, only the one that does. That should be our focus: what we can do to help ourselves in unstable times.
For a moment, take your mind off of anything that is shaking your world right now. Focus on Jesus. How can you listen to His words and do what He is asking you?
How can you work Christ’s words into your life today?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I certainly know what the rains, the floodwaters, and the wind feels like. Help me to work Your words into my life to build my house on You, the Rock. As above, so below.”
This week in our look at finding stability in a season of instability, today and tomorrow, we will focus on the support we all need within a solid and supportive community.
When we come to Christ, we are grafted into His family tree. We become a part of His body. That’s what the Bible teaches. We enter into an eternal community where we have a definite and intentional place in which we fit right now.
Listen to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 …
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? … But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. … The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you are included in that passage. You belong to this body that Paul is talking about. You count. You fit. You are in that community with a unique place.
Is there a community you need to separate yourself from?
Are there some toxic relationships you keep allowing to hurt you?
Are you needing a place to fit and do life to secure you inside a healthy community?
You are in the Body of Christ, but are you in a physical community of believers?
If not, what steps do you need to take today to find your place and your space?
But always remember—God has not only prepared a place for you in Heaven, but a place here in His Body, His community, until You join Him. He’s made all the arrangements for eternity but we have a responsibility for what we do while we are here.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the Body of Christ. Thank You for Your community and Your kingdom here. Help me to always take my place in You and with those I need to be connected to. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on stability in a season of instability, we will once again take a look at our available place within a solid and supportive community.
The original Body of Christ should always be our model for our current Body of Christ. God always has one way and what we find in Acts 2 is His way for and to community.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity —all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (v. 42-47)
What do we see and hear the Body of Christ was all about?
They met together devoted to worship, teaching, fellowship, eating together, and praying. Just brothers and sisters gathering with the common bond of growing in Christ and encouraging one another. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Sounds pretty cool too, right?
If you desire to get rid of as much instability in your life as possible and secure yourself more and more in your relationship with Christ, the template in today’s passage is the key to true community. Merging your life with other believers who have your same heart, mind, and goals is crucial to finding health and maturity in every way, but most especially spiritually.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, life among the believers in the early church was pretty straightforward. Not much frills. Help me to find that. Help me to find my place in Your Body. I know my security and my kids’ security can be found in You and those who love You. As above, so below.”
One of the aspects of Jesus’ life we can easily miss because we know how often he was in large crowds was how He went away to be alone and to pray. He not only got away from people in general, but also even His small circle of friends and disciples.
Listen to Mark 1:35 …
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
This is one of those verses where you don’t need to study the original language to be able to interpret the real meaning. Because it’s literal. … He got up early before everyone else. He went away from everyone else. To pray. He sought solitude, sanctuary, and solace.
Let’s look at another verse that gets even more interesting …
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
I know of a mom who would need a moment to re-group herself when her kids were little. She would say, Mommy is going in the closet and shutting the door. I need you to be really quiet and I’ll be right back in just a few minutes. Every time, after about three minutes of quiet and prayer, she would open the door and there will be every child, sitting right outside the door, waiting quietly for her.
Whether Jesus was literally hidden as in invisible or He just had to take a moment like that mom, the principle is the same. Jesus had to get away and be alone so we do too. Self-care in silence and solitude in moment of sanctuary is critical to our well-being.
When was the last time you actually sought after solitude - not with your phone or book… but in complete solitude? Just you and silence. What might we be missing if we don’t follow Christ's example in this?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to make a practice of finding that alone time, just like You did. Help me to find silence, solace, and sanctuary in You. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest disruptors in this day in which we live in our relational stability and our personal peace is anger. Especially on-going and unresolved anger.
Listen to Ephesians 4:26-27 …
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT)
99% of anger in our lives is at a person that we are in a relationship with. Yes, we get angry at strangers and even ourselves but mostly at people we know well. Yet anger is a valid emotion. There are plenty of places in Scripture where God got angry. Jesus got angry. But the motive for anger is crucial as well as what we do with our anger. That makes the difference. Paul offered great advice by saying that holding onto anger can poison us. To not take anger into a second day or the devil can use it against us.
Listen to these verses in The Message Bible …
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Is anger robbing your relational stability in any way these days?
Is it actually harming you more than the person or people you are upset with?
Consider how you can get rid of your anger by the end of each day.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I hand my anger over to You. I don’t want it to rob me, or hurt me, or become bitterness in my life. Remind me when it comes back up that You know what to do with it as I give it to You. As above, so below.”
One of the most powerful chapters in the New Testament is Colossians 3. Paul reminded us to try and remember Heaven when all Hell is breaking loose in our lives and to not allow the stuff of earth to rule our emotions, thoughts, and actions. We have to have a ground zero for our own hearts and minds, to take care of what we need to do and not do in our own lives.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
What phrase or words stood out to you?
In which of these areas can you say you’re doing really well right now?
What did you hear that you know you’re struggling in that area?
Now listen again to select parts of this passage …
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, … not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. … So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. … You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. … for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Are there any “old nature things” that you know it’s time to let go of?
I want to encourage you again with Paul’s words … put on your new nature, be renewed, and become like Jesus.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to live out the values of Heaven here on earth as You keep renewing and revealing Your nature in me. As above, so below.”
When the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, He basically answered by boiling them all down to what appears to be two, but is actually three.
Listen to Matthew 22:37-39 …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
So who are we to love? God. Yes. Then our neighbor, which actually just means our fellow human beings. But we so often miss the last part He said. You have to love people “as yourself.”
Sometimes we tend to love ourselves as in we will fight to get what we want or practice self-preservation at all costs. Jesus said if that’s how you love yourself, love others just like that, with that same fervor. But here’s another side to that coin …
Another way we can interpret this statement is “You cannot love others any more than you are able to love yourself.” Are you really bad at loving yourself? Guess what? That’s going to be your level of loving others too.
Do you see it? I hope so, because this is a game changer.
Now that you’ve heard these new thoughts, listen once again …
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Have you been hurt so much that you are focused on taking care of you over anyone else? Well, what if you were to love people like that? Then you’d be super-loyal, giving, and protective of everyone.
Or do you struggle to love yourself and you know that makes your level of loving others really low, so it’s time for something to give?
The great news is the key to change for either side of this issue is found in the first part of the verse: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Teach me to love You, then teach me how to love me, then let all that start to create love for everyone around me. As above, so below.”
On our final day we will focus on a very well-known but always powerful chapter in Scripture - this is from Psalm 139. Listen carefully to the words of verses 1 thru 6 …
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
If God really does examine your heart and knows everything about you, then don’t you think it’s okay for you to get real with Him about how you feel and what you are feeling about your life and anyone in it? Isn’t it safe to say He can handle whatever you need to get honest about? Have you ever considered venting your emotions with God? I think the Psalms shows us that’s exactly what we are supposed to do.
Here’s the next six verses of Psalm 139 …
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
So, once again, if you can’t go anywhere to get away from God, even in the dark, and He promises to guide and support you, then let this week be a game changer in your relationship with Him. Talk to Him like a best friend. Need to vent? Get loud? Let out some anger and some steam? Go for it. Tell Him what you think and how you feel. Take care of yourself, your hurts and your healing by opening up completely before God. That really is what prayer is about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, it’s time I got honest with You, like really honest. Actually, it’s kind of funny for us to think You can’t handle how I feel or what I might say. Like verse 4 said, You know what I’m going to say before I say it, so just help me to get honest and tell You my heart. As above, so below.”
This week we’ll focus on the theme of “How to Have Enough When You Don’t Have Enough.” The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don’t have enough in the U.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third world country. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there’s not nearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heard ex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about his childhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we were very happy, so as a kid, I really didn’t realize we were poor.” … Perspective. So this week let’s do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for some biblical perspective from God’s Word on a tough topic.
In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision: Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that’s the reason we lost. If we can fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.
Listen to verses 26-28 …
“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).
In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Aramean army fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleys as well.
Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse their defeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blame location?”
Listen once again to the key part of this passage …
Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Here’s how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…
I believe He is God over my family, but I can’t trust Him with my finances.
I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.
I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.
I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can’t heal my heart.
I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.
Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? The limitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area and not another?
Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you are struggling.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—my mountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, so below.”
One of the greatest prayers in the New Testament was actually a cry for help to Jesus. An honest, vulnerable plea from a dad about his son’s hopeless dilemma. Listen to the story in Mark 9…
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! (NLT)
Of course, Jesus healed the boy and he was fully restored in front of the crowd.
But think about this dad’s prayer. How many times have we all known that we believe God for something yet we also know we have doubts and struggles too? So our belief is in the same heart with our unbelief, somehow all mixed together.
What if the very reason this story and this father’s plea was included in the Bible is to show us that God knows we battle faith and doubt so we should just be honest about our sense of what we lack.
Listen again to the interaction between the dad and Jesus…
Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!
Today, let’s go ahead and join this dad in our confession. Let’s get real about our belief and our unbelief. Be honest with God and ask for His help where we are struggling to believe Him. Because Jesus did heal the boy after the man’s full confession. And what do you think that did to the dad’s faith?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe You in so many ways, but then, being honest, there are so many places where I struggle. Help me overcome my unbelief today. As above, so below.”
When we deal with a topic like “How to have enough when we don’t have enough” and we are going to look at Scripture for guidance and inspiration, it might feel like a very Sunday school place to go but we cannot overlook the times when Jesus multiplied food to feed the masses. I want to encourage you that no matter how many times you have read or heard this passage, try to hear this today with new ears and a fresh heart.
Listen to Matthew 15 …
Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. Then Jesus sent the people home. (32-39 NLT)
Today, in this moment, where are you lacking? Where is there not enough? The difference made in this story was Jesus being given what the people had. He will always be a Gentleman, so He will never take what is not handed over to Him. Wherever you are lacking, hand that over to Jesus right now in this moment.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But Jesus wasn’t finished with them. He called his disciples and said, “I hurt for these people. For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road.” His disciples said, “But where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they said, “plus a few fish.” At that, Jesus directed the people to sit down. He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, he divided it up and gave it to the people. Everyone ate. They had all they wanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers. Over four thousand people ate their fill at that meal.
Even though we live in this world, God also has His Kingdom here. He has His own economy. He has His own people. He has His own way of working. Ask Him to let you see your own version of this miracle and then believe Him for the rest.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, this is such a crazy story, yet I know You can do anything You want. Please take the things in my life that I feel are subtracted and divided and add to them and multiply them in Your will. As above, so below.”
Jesus taught some fascinating principles about the persistence we should have in prayer in Luke 11 …
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead?Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
There is so much in this passage. But what did you hear? How do these words challenge you to pray? And how should you change your prayers to match these principles? More persistence? More honesty? More expectation? A healthier perspective that God wants to bless you?
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Then he said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open. “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”
So, how much do you ask? Seek? Knock? Do you pray one or two times and then assume you have already prayed for it? Or do you pray for fish but in your heart expect snakes? Jesus made a lot of promises to us here. Maybe we should start to take Him up on them?
As you ruminate on this, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.
Breathe deep then slowly exhale and let go of your strife and stress. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day by trusting Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I expect but don’t ask. Forgive me when I ask for fish but think you’re going to hand me a snake. Help me change my mind so You can change my heart. Let my prayers be like a child expecting good gifts from a Father. As above, so below.”
While Revelation can certainly be a challenging book for us to understand, there are some very powerful passages of what we are promised as Christ-followers.
Listen to Revelation 21:3-5 …
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
The next time you feel like you are never going to have enough and you may never get to the place you want to be, I want to encourage you to look past this life and remind yourself of your home in Heaven. One day, this life will be a blip on the radar of eternity.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new.
I want to close this week by allowing a few moments to reflect on Heaven. The peace, the provision, the protection. Close your eyes and envision the place that today’s passage described to you. …. The next time life is crashing down, close your eyes and recall this moment. And remember—no matter how things look now, God is making everything new.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when I get to experience no tears and no pain and everything being made new. Thank You for providing me with that hope, now and for eternity. As above, so below.”
Anxiety comes at us in many forms—all the way from a child that’s nervous about taking a test at school to a full-blown freak-out, or even a panic attack. Our fast-paced and demanding culture creates anxiety as a daily by-product. So learning a biblical response is a great resource and tool for battling the emotions, feelings, and toxicity of anxiety.
1 Peter 5:7 is a well-known and often-quoted verse that offers some great advice.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Understanding the original language behind this verse actually brings the concept to life. The Greek word that has been translated to our word “cast” means to violently throw, to hurl, to fling something with great force. This verse does not mean to carefully lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus. It literally means to throw them upon Him as in “Here, take it! I can’t handle this!”
How many times has someone said to you—“Hey, don’t put that on me!”? Isn’t it fascinating that God actually encourages us to throw something on Him?
Let’s look at the passage around verse 7 for more context.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Isn’t it interesting that the Bible always compares us to sheep and never donkeys or camels or horses? God did not design us to be beasts of burden. Sheep are never used to carry anything. So we are also not made to carry burdens, cares that weight us down. So we are to humble ourselves by realizing we can’t handle it. We cast, we throw, we hurl, we fling our cares on God. And He will restore us and make us strong, firm, and steadfast.
Right now, what are you carrying that is creating anxiety for you?
What is your child carrying that is creating anxiousness?
What cares can you cast to God?
Maybe talk to your kids about the difference in sheep and donkeys? Being anxious is trigger to know it’s time to get rid of something.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You made us to give burdens to You and not carry them. Help me, remind me, when I start to get weighed down and anxious to throw my cares on You. Help me to teach this to my kids and lead them by example. As above, so below.”
Interesting that the scriptures where God talks about worry and struggles seem to be such popular verses.
Listen to Philippians 4:6-7 …
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
So let’s get this straight, shall we? What does it say we are to not worry about? Anything.
What are we supposed to do instead? Pray. … Pray about what? Everything.
So we are told to turn our worries into prayers. Tell God exactly what we need. Sounds simple, right?
Listen to these verses in The Message …
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
So if we shape our worries into prayers, then we can experience God’s peace and wholeness … even if we can’t understand how that happens, we just have to do it.
Right now, what’s an anxious thought, a deep worry, that you need to shape into a prayer? To just tell God exactly what you need and don’t need?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, right now, that thing that is absolutely stressing me out, that thing that I know my child is dealing with, I give it to you. Take it. I want trade it for your peace. Now, please guard my heart and my mind from taking it back. As above, so below.”
As we talk about anxiety in our lives and our kids’ lives, we have to take a look at the source. I think we can all agree that somehow, some way, all our anxiety is rooted in fear. We fear something will happen again that will hurt us. We fear that something will go wrong in the future. We fear we will lose control over a certain situation or be forced into a response we don’t want.
The prophet Isaiah spoke the words of God to His people many times … words of a protective, loving Father to His frightened children. Here is one such verse in 41:10 …
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Let’s look at this verse the way we looked at yesterday’s verse.
Why should you not be afraid? Because God—I am—is with you.
Why should you not be discouraged? I am your God.
How, why, can we not be afraid or discouraged? Because God says. Our fear can be replaced with His courage.
Listen to today’s verse in The Message …
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
I think we should write that first part of the verse down somewhere we can see it all the time, don’t you? … Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear.
What’s scaring you to death today? What is causing you to panic, whether anyone can see it or not?
What’s scaring your kids? What creates panic in them?
Remember—God’s presence, His strength, His help, His steady, firm grip is on you … and your children.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I give you my fear, my discouragement, my panic. Please let me experience Your strength, Your help. Help me to know that You are holding me and my kids in Your hands. As above, so below.”
Another well-known passage about dealing with anxiety, fear, and worry, one that we have read before here, comes from the words of Jesus. So often His teaching warned about how wealth or the pursuit of wealth can keep people from God. The bottom line is if we think we can take care of ourselves, our pride will act like we don’t need Him. And that is never true.
Today, rather than repeating the passage, we’re going to break it into two reads. Here’s the first part of Christ’s words in Luke 12:22-28 … Regardless of how many times you may have heard this, listen through the lens of battling anxiety for you and your kids …
Listen to the words of Jesus
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
What stood out to you as I read the words? As I often say here, pay attention to what jumps out at you from Scripture. That is one of the ways that God speaks to us, through His Word in the moment.
Verse 26 is key: And if worry can’t accomplish little things like feeding and clothing you, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Now listen to verses 29-32 …
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”
God doesn’t want us to be anxious or worry or carry burdens. He wants us to let Him take care of us, so we won’t feel all those toxic and negative emotions. What is one burden that you are carrying right now that, right now in your mind, you can visualize yourself giving over to Jesus?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess to You that my worrying hasn’t accomplished anything, ever, little or big. Help me to trust that You can and will meet me and my kids’ needs. We just need to look to You. As above, so below.”
On our final day of focusing on dealing with anxiety for our families, we will close with several verses from Psalms that encourage us about God’s care and provision. These can also be turned into great prayers.
Psalm 34:4-7 in The Message …
God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
Now, moving down to verses 17-19 …
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
Such great words of encouragement to fight our anxiety and fear. Let’s keep going in Psalm 91 …
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. … Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. …“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.”
Focus your attention on one area that you are struggling with anxiety, can you name it our loud?
What do you think God thinks about that anxiety?
God loves you as His child, How do you feel when your child is carrying around anxiety?
As any loving parent would, God our Father wants to lift that burden of worry from you. You were never meant to carry it. Will you give him the worry, the anxiety about the outcome of a situation and just keep your eyes focused on staying close to Him?
Let’s agree to try turning worries into prayers, fear into faith.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I believe I have a better and bigger picture of You after this week. You can and want to take care of me and my kids. You want me to be Your sheep and not a beast of burden. Help me to cast my cares on You. Help me to teach my kids to do the same. As above, so below.”
Discipling our kids comes in two forms—taught and caught. We need to teach them about our faith, how to have a relationship with Christ, and the value of God’s Word. But what is so crucial is to allow them to catch us living out our faith in front of them. Honestly, the “taught” part is often easier than the “caught”. Because it’s more of a “don’t do as I do, do as I say” thing. But God wants to use our kids in our lives to make us more like Jesus just as much as He wants to use us in their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 is an often-quoted verse that offers us a clear command but also makes a promise. A promise … not a guarantee.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT)
Let’s take the verse apart …
Direct your children … to direct, you have to be engaged, either beside them or leading them.
Onto the right path … in light of being in the Bible, the right path is the one that leads toward God.
And when they are older …. Kids are easier to influence when they are young. Leading in the right direction toward God at a young age builds a foundation for later.
They will not leave it … again, this can’t be a guarantee because people walk away from their faith, or refuse it. But let’s think of it this way: our job is to pour God into our kids, so later, He can use our influence in their hearts.
Listen once again, this time in The Message …
Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
So a great place to start on discipling your kids in spiritual training is simply to keep asking: Where am I pointing my kids? And then to ask: Is my “caught” pointing the same place as my “taught”?
What is way I can point my kids in the right direction this week?
What is something that should shift in my day to day walk that would provide an opportunity for my kids to catch me walking in faith?
Need to make some adjustments? That’s okay, God’s grace and mercy is there to make all the adjustments you need to make, for you and your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need You to teach me what you need my kids to know about You. Lead me when I pray. Guide me in Your Word. Help me to catch all I can from you in any way I possibly can. As above, so below.”
The old saying goes: “We can’t take anyone any farther than we are.” I can’t teach you things that I don’t know. I can tell you, but I can’t teach you. So, that is a challenge for us that if we want our kids to grow deep in Christ, we will have to go deep first.
Listen to Psalm 25:4-10 …
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (NLT)
So much of the Psalms we can pray as our own prayers. Imagine praying these words. Doing what these verses say. Imagine our kids seeing us do these things and choosing to follow.
Listen to The Message in these same verses …
Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step. From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions.
The scripture says - Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.
Let me ask you, How teachable are you right now? So often we get stuck in the way we have always done something that we fail to see new possibilities.
Can you ask God right now to show you areas that you may need to be schooled in His ways? And ask him to take you by your hand and lead you down the path of truth, open your eyes to His way of seeing things?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me how you work. School me in your ways. Take me by the hand. Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior. As above, so below.”
A huge part of training our children in the ways of God is, first, not being afraid to do it in a culture that is going in the opposite direction. And two, is to be confident that, regardless of your past and whatever has happened in your family, God wants you to teach your kids. Let go of your fears. Let go of the “who am I to teach anyone about God?” lies. Please know that in Christ you have all you need to take your children wherever God wants you all to go.
Listen to Psalm 34:1-4 …
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Is it time for you to believe that you will have all that you need?
Can you say it aloud - I have all that I need today
Is it time for you to believe that you lack no good thing?
Can you say it - Thank you Father, I lack no good thing
Listen to part of today’s passage in the Message …
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. Come, children, listen closely; I’ll give you a lesson in God worship. Who out there has a lust for life? Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
As we are halfway through this week, what are you sensing from God in our time together? As you hear His Word? What is He saying to you? What is saying to you about your kids?
Whatever you sense God is saying, follow that. And point your kids in the same direction.
And always remember—it’s a relationship, not a religion.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please deepen me in my relationship with You. For me, but for my kids. As above, so below.”
Today, I want to focus on a very simple yet profound statement that I hope you will memorize and repeat as needed.
What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children.
Let’s repeat that … What I allow God to transform in me, I will be able to transfer to my children
Listen to Paul in Romans 12:1-2 …
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Notice how God transforms us into a new person … by changing the way we think. And the way God thinks is opposite of the world.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
If changing your thinking can transform you, what needs to change about your thinking?
How does God want to transform you by changing the way you think?
And how will that transformation positively transform your children?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, change my mind. Change my heart. Help me to be shaped by You and not the world. And please help me to stay motivated to grow in You for the sake of my kids. As above, so below.”
Today, I want us to take a close and honest look at where we are spiritually. Guiding our kids spiritually starts with us, in our life.
Here’s a question … was there a time in your life when you were closer to Christ? When was that? Why were you closer then? What happened?
Regardless of your answer, what will it take for you to grow and mature to the next place God has for you?
Listen to Hebrews 6:1-3 …
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
Now, granted, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement are some heady topics, but we don’t need to miss the real point of the passage: Don’t keep re-learning what you already know. Don’t go backwards spiritually. Move forward and grow.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!
What has to happen for you to grow in Jesus?
Can we ask Him to reveal what He wants to lead you in growth, what might a next step, a new area of focus be?
What needs to happen for you to help your kids grow with you?
That, my friend, is your next step.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to be solid in what I know to be true about You and then start (or keep) growing and maturing in You. Help me to be constantly moving forward to a new place in You and taking my kids with me. As above, so below.”
One of the toughest things we have to deal with in life is when something we care about is taken completely out of our control. Then anytime it involves our kids, that adds a heightened level of emotions. And if you add issues like hurt, distrust, betrayal, and being unfair, all of life can quickly seem unbearable and confusing.
Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about these very human dynamics because we all deal with them, more than we ever want to. For that reason alone, we have to learn where to go for help.
In chapter 30 in the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon gets very real about life while talking to God …
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (1-5 NLT)
Bottom line here … When life wears you out, just admit you are fragile, you don’t know everything, don’t know what to do, don’t know what God is up to, but also … if He has created everything and is control of all you see, then He knows what to do with your life and will protect you … even, yes even, when it does not feel like it.
This passage is not to be taken as someone speaking from a poor self-image, but how we feel when life gets out of our control. All to remind ourselves who we are not and who God is.
Listen once again:
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (30:1-5 NLT)
What feels totally out of control in your life right now?
Here’s the odd, yet good news … if you can admit it’s out of your control, then maybe it’s totally in God’s control? Why don’t you take a minute and invite Him to take over anything you are struggling with? Right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I guess feeling like I’m in control of anything is just an illusion, huh? Would you take over everything right now—the things I think I’m controlling and the things I know are completely out of my control? … As above, so below.”
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon in all his wisdom worked hard to figure out why life is completely out of his control, even as a powerful king. In his writings, he was frustrated and angry and cynical and flippant and sarcastic. Does that sound familiar at all? Thank God that He gave us such a wide variety of people and circumstances in His Word to show us the collision between the divine and the human.
Listen to Ecclesiastes 8:7-9 in The Message …
Yes, there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when. Who’s around to tell us? No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death. No one can stop a battle in its tracks. No one who does evil can be saved by evil. All this I observed as I tried my best to understand all that’s going on in this world. As long as men and women have the power to hurt each other, this is the way it is.
Can you relate to any of Solomon’s words?
When we can’t actually control anything about life but we want to, we usually end up hurting one another, trying to control each other. And we have to be so careful that we don’t end up trying too hard to control our kids. Control is never the point of parenting.
Let’s fast-forward to the end of Ecclesiastes where Solomon finally resolves his search for truth.
The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 MSG)
So, evidently it’s okay to run through all of our crazy, mixed-up emotions and express our cynical and sarcastic opinions of how life treats us. Because what matters most after the process is where we end up. Better, not bitter. Realizing we will never be God and He always will be. And that will always be a great place to land.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to realize I can vent with You as my Father. I can tell you exactly what I think. You already know what I’m thinking so I may as well just voice it. But remind me in those moments that all I am saying is that You have to be in control—and to thank You that I’m not. As above, so below.”
If there is any story in the Bible that shows the lengths a human will go to stay in control, do his own will, and avoid God, it’s the story of Jonah. It’s funny how over the years we have made this entire book to be all about the apparent bad thing of getting swallowed by a whale, when in reality the whale was sent by God to save the man from self-destruction. That metaphor can be used a lot in all of our lives.
Listen to Jonah 1:1-4 …
One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm … (MSG)
Okay, yes, God sent a huge storm, but didn’t Jonah actually bring the storm on himself?
Let that sink in for a moment.
Of course, there are bad things that happen to us that are no fault at all of our own. But then, if we are going to be honest, how many storms do we need to admit we started or had a hand in starting?
Back to the story, I guess sitting in the digestive juices of a whale causes you to re-think your choices, huh?
Listen to just one chapter later …
I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, And my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:6-10 MSG)
Is this story a reminder of any situation in your own life? Maybe one from years ago or one you are in right now? So, are you on the ship … in the whale … or standing on the beach, wiping the vomit off?
When we find ourselves out of control, and can even point fingers at other’s poor choices, all we can do is what we can do about ourselves. We have to ask, what part of this do I need to own? And then, we have to learn to recognize that even when a situation may stink, God brought it to us for a reason to get us where He wants us to go. Because He loves us, wants to save us, and He is the One in control.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to not run from You, no matter what life brings, to accept that You are in control of me and You love me—always.”As above, so below.”
When we feel like life or parenting, or schedule, or money, or all of it is out of control, we really mean out of our control, don’t we?
It’s very important in those moments to evaluate what is in control. Living in a fallen world, so often we see sin controlling things. Selfishness, self-serving, self-gratification. The crucial thing to do is take an honest look at our own lives and ask, Is sin controlling anything in my life that I need to give to God?
Listen to Paul in Romans 6:11-14 …
So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)
As you heard this passage, did anything come to mind? Did any part stand out to you? Did God speak to you, even if it was just a quick flash in your mind?
If sin is a master, and masters want to control, then what great news to hear we have the option to live in freedom. To be free of control or the need to control … anything … anyone.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
If this passage is true, then let me ask you … what are you not free from today? If something, someone, or any situation quickly comes to mind, how can you apply today’s truth to open your hand, release your grip, and hand it over to God?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, Thank You for Your love. Thank You that You have defeated sin. My sin. Thank You for my freedom. Help me to walk in it—today. As above, so below.”
Today, as we close out our focus on the illusion of control and the reality of God being in control, especially in the area of our parenting and connected relationships, a fair question for us to ask is this: “Okay, God, if You are in control, when will you take total control? Like take away all our false ideas and futile attempts to be in control for ourselves?”
Listen once again to Paul, this time in Philippians 3:20-21 …
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (NLT)
So we live in a time when God offers His control of our lives as a choice. One option among thousands. But when we choose Him, two things become a reality. First, we live on the earth, but our citizenship changes to Heaven. And second, we live for the day when the choices end and He takes everything over. Whether we die first or He comes back, we will witness Him “bringing everything under His control.” Meanwhile, today, right now, no matter how tough life gets, no matter how unfair life may seem, we can choose Him, choose His power, choose Heaven.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
This week, how did your view of personal control change?
How did your view of God being in control change?
And, as always, the biggest question for any of us, what do you need to give up and give God for your best and your kids best?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope and the promise, whether here or in Heaven, that the best is always yet to come. Please help me to remember that truth when everything seems to go wrong and I want to give up. Just help me to give it to You. As above, so below.”
Galatians 5:22 and 23 offers us a list of qualities and characteristics that God will give us. Then, as parents, can become a blessing to our children.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)
Picture a fruit tree … whatever fruit is your favorite … when that tree begins to show the fruit it grows on its branches, does it then use that for its own food? Of course not. The fruit of the tree is not for the tree, but for those who can take part in its maturity and enjoy its blessing. Does picking the fruit to eat hurt the tree? No. Two reasons why … that’s the purpose of the tree and it can grow more.
The same concept is what God’s fruit produces and provides in us—our maturity and growth that blesses others, but most especially our own kids.
Listen to The Message Bible’s take on this same passage:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
So, are you strong in kindness but struggle in self-control? Good at expressing love but battle being at peace within your heart? Take a few minutes to do a fruit inspection with God. Let Him show you anywhere you need to submit to Him. Keep in mind, none of us can produce this fruit on our own.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love, to find joy, to allow peace, to be patient, be kind, show goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and please help me to have self-control by giving control of everything to You. As above, so below.”
Parenting is a long-haul job. A job we don’t get days off from and we cannot quit. We all need constant emotional, mental, and spiritual fuel to keep on keeping on in raising our kids.
Listen to Romans 5:2-5 …
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT)
Confidence. Joy. Help for problems and trials. Endurance. Character. Strength. Hope that does not disappoint. Our hearts filled with love. Who else could possibly offer that kind of guarantee but God?
Listen to verses 3-5 in The Message …
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Do you believe your current troubles can develop passionate patience in you? Something we all desperately need as parents in today’s culture, right?
The next time you feel hemmed in by trouble, know that you aren’t being short-changed, but God will provide a way out and, then on the other side, you can experience the “tempered steel of virtue.”
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when trouble comes, especially with my kids, help me to look for You in the midst of the mess. Teach me to anticipate what You are going to do on the other side. As above, so below.”
When we face tough times, when we don’t know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 …
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)
How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I’m going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.
Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible …
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?
How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?
Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.
What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I’m weak, when I’m being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.”As above, so below.”
From a teenage boy in the fields alone with the sheep to a king in the palace, David’s life knew trouble … trouble he made for himself, trouble from others, and a lot of trouble with his kids.
Despite his issues, David constantly showed us how to turn to the Lord with anything and everything.
Listen to Psalm 18:1-6 …
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (NLT)
If you were to composed a psalm of your own, what would you say to God? What would you say about God?
You know what enemies, threats, floods, and distress feel like, don’t you? Do you know the other side David speaks about? To allow God to rescue you? To cry out to Him for help?
Listen to part of this passage again in The New Life Bible …
I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me. The ropes of death were all around me. The floods of death make me afraid. The ropes of the grave were all around me. The traps of death were set for me. I called to the Lord in my trouble. I cried to God for help. He heard my voice from His holy house. My cry for help came into His ears.
Let’s take a few moments to list some of the major troubles you have experienced … maybe something you are walking through right now?
Now list what God has done or what You want to see Him do?
Listing, even writing out your prayers is a great exercise … one you might try doing with your kids too.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my strength, my Rock, my Safe Place, my Covering, my Strong Tower. Thank You for hearing me when I cry out to You. Thank You for answering, not always on my time, but on Yours. As above, so below.”
The toughest thing about trying to live as a Christ-follower is being beat down by the world, all the while knowing Heaven is a reality waiting for us one day. But it’s hard to see Heaven when we feel like Hell is constantly on our doorstep, isn’t it?
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. … That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT)
When things are tough, especially inside your own family and dealing with your kids, try and remember this life is temporary … in several ways … one, your children are growing up and there will be a day when they will leave home, and two, there will be a day that Heaven will move from a someday thing to a reality. So hold onto it all loosely and maybe a little less intensly.
Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible …
And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory … So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
What problem are you holding onto just a bit too tightly right now?
What issue should you take a little less seriously right now?
What do you need to change your perspective on to see it as temporary? Because it is.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to stand up when I feel like giving up. Help me to release my grip when I feel like taking control. Help me to hand over to You everything I hold on to. As above, so below.”
Our theme this month is parenting. This week we will cover several facets: Creating a family mission statement and also three connected concepts: Eternal: God’s Purpose, Internal: Family dynamics, and External: Your family serving others. Think of it as Up, In, and Out, which very simply sums up our views of life and where we can look. With that in mind, let’s get started:
This week as we encourage you to consider creating a family mission statement, first, let’s define that a bit. It’s simple. Think of it as a filter through which your family can pour a decision. What is best for us? Will this hurt us in any way? Is this allowing God’s best for our family? Apply the issue or decision or dilemma to your statement to see how it answers or connects or applies. A great way to sift out any decision in life, mission statement or not, is through God’s Word. Listen to 2 Timothy 3:14-17 …
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures …, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)
Wisdom. Inspiration. Teaching. Truth. Correction. What is right and what is wrong. Preparing us and equipping us for good work. We all need all these dynamics, all the time in our lives.
Let’s go back to the first sentence in the passage that states … “if we remain faithful to the things we already have been taught.” So much of our issue is not really reading the Word of God, but applying and obeying it, right? Reading words is easy but doing them is another matter entirely.
I want to encourage you to find a Scripture that fits your family, that speaks to your family. If your single with no kids, one that speaks to your life and your goals. Pray and ask God to help you craft a statement using that verse that you can use to help you make decisions and live a life that will be pleasing to Him.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Help me to allow Your Spirit to show me truth, expose my places of rebellion, correct my mistakes, and train me and my family to live life Your way. As above, so below.”
In our theme this month of parenting, today let’s look at eternity and be reminded that life here can simply be to fit and ready us for Heaven. Yet while we are here, we are constantly looking up to Him and for Him.
Today, I want to read a passage from Jesus, but, even if you think you know it well, I want you to hear it as an assurance about the deep love of your heavenly Father and the promise of a real home for you in eternity.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT)
It’s so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.
Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?
Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.
But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn’t it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?
And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it’s real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”
In our theme this month of parenting, today let’s take a look at the internal dynamics inside our families. Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let’s be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it’s called flesh and spirit.
The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in …
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:18-25 NLT)
How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids’ behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids’ hearts?
We get Paul’s frustration, don’t we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.
How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions …
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don’t want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don’t do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”
In our theme this month of parenting, today let’s take a look at the external dynamics that affect and influence our own families. Not the negative, but the positive, the ways as a family we can change the world by changing someone’s world. In this self-centered society we live in, helping our kids know the joy of serving others can be such an amazing experience for us.
One of the most telling and incredible passages in the New Testament is where Jesus talks about the difference in those who follow Him and those who don’t, and how you can tell them apart here on earth. What is also fascinating here is the things He cares about the most in what we do with our lives.
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT)
So what does it appear God cares a lot about? Did you catch it? Feeding the hungry. Providing for those who have no water or no clean water. The homeless. The naked. The poor. The sick. Those in prison.
Why do you think the righteous responded by asking Jesus…..”when did we see you among those we ministered to”? … Notice they knew they did those things, they were just asking Jesus where He was?
What if once a week, you found some way for you and your kids to do just one of these things? It doesn’t have to take a lot of money … it can just take a little time and energy. Maybe sponsor a child with one of the many aid and education organizations and let your kids write a letter to the child? Let them choose the country and the child. Or you could take a few canned goods to a local food pantry and ask for a tour of what they do? Write a letter to an inmate in prison through one of the many great prison ministry organizations?
And remember and remind your kids—when you do it for someone like this, you are actually doing it for Jesus. He said so.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess I get overwhelmed with the problems of the world and end up doing nothing. Help me to take this passage and focus on just one simple
Today we close out this week on our monthly theme of parenting, as we have looked specifically at a mission statement, the eternal, the internal, and the external. The bottom line of thinking and living with an eternal perspective will affect life inside our own families and also how we share our lives to help and serve others in Jesus’ name. Today, I want to read a passage that ties all these thoughts together …
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. … Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9-13, 15-17 NLT)
Did you notice how many times Jesus used the word “love”? And did you also notice He called us “friends”? There is such an incredible intimacy in this passage. Jesus literally commanded us to love with our very lives. A love that impacts eternity, our families, and what our families do and take part in as believers.
Today’s passage in the Message Bible …
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. … I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.
How can you grow in your love for your kids … the kind of love Jesus talked about here?
How can you love one another better inside your own home?
How can you lead your kids to love people … not just certain people or people that look like them but everyone?
The answers to these questions are what your faith is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need to grow in love… my love for You, myself, my kids, and others. Help me to teach my kids how to love … love like You. As above, so below.”