DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 8.20.22

 Nowand Then “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I knoweven as also I am known.” (1Corinthians 13:12) There is a great contrast between now and then. We see only dimly now, but at least we see! We only know partially, but we do know! What we shall see and know in the future is already ours, but only in hope and promise. “For what a man seeth, why doth he yethope for?” (Romans8:24). The Christian life knows many such paradoxes. We now “are the sons of God,” and yet we are “waiting for the adoption” (vv. 14, 23). Us “he also glorified,” but still “we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (vv. 30, 17). Right now in Christ, “we have redemption through his blood,” but the Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians1:7, 14). We only have “the firstfruits of the Spirit” while we are awaiting “the redemption of our body” (Romans8:23), but by “the Holy Spirit of God” we “are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians4:30), and therefore we already possess “redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians1:14). Similarly, the Father already “hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (v. 13), but “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts14:22). Salvation has past, present, and future dimensions in all its aspects. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John3:36) as a present possession on the basis of a transaction already accomplished; yet still we must be encouraged to “lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called” (1Timothy 6:12). We know our Savior by faith, but the day will come when we truly know Him as He knows us! HMM ---------------------------- Unsearchableand Unspeakable “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments,and his ways past finding out!” (Romans11:33) Scientists and philosophers have been able to learn many wonderful things about the universe when they have attempted reverently to think God’s thoughts after Him, but His majesty and purposes are still far beyond human words and understanding—unspeakable andunsearchable. He “doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number” (Job5:9). Not only are His judgments unsearchable and His ways past finding out, but so are His resources. The apostle Paul spoke about “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians3:8), and he once had the unique experience of being caught up somehow into the very paradise of God, where he “heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2Corinthians 12:4). We shall learn more, in the ages to come, of “the exceeding riches of his grace” (Ephesians2:7), as well as the depth of “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge” (3:19). We can have a good measure of peace and joy right now in Christ, but there is much more yet to learn. In the new earth some day we shall really experience “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians4:7) and be able to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1Peter 1:8). His great gift of salvation and eternal life we comprehend only faintly now, but we know it is indeed a gift of love and grace and peace and joy! Although we cannot begin to describe it now, we can simply say in gratitude, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakablegift” (2Corinthians 9:15). HMM ---------------- Listento Jesus! “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my belovedSon: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.” (Mark 9:7-8) The transfiguration of Jesus is the greatest miracle during His time on Earth outside of His resurrection. Jesus led His inner circle, Peter, James, and John, to a “high mountain” to pray. While Jesus was praying, He was transfigured (metemorphothe,English metamorphosis) into a glorified state. Moses and Elijah then appeared “in glory” and spoke with Him of His coming death in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31).At this time, Jesus was preparing for His death, and His disciples couldn’t accept it (Mark 8:31-33). When the three disciples saw Jesus’ glory and who was with Him, Peter suggested building three tabernacles, or booths, like those used in the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus23:33-43), one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—placing Jesus on the same level as these Old Testament prophets. But a terrifying, Mount Sinai-like “bright” cloud overshadowed the mountaintop, engulfing them (Matthew17:5). The First Person of the Trinity rebuked Peter for marginalizing His Son by declaring, “This is my beloved Son: hear him” (Mark 9:7). In otherwords, God called on them to honor His Son. Listen to Him! When the cloud cleared, only one person remained in front of them—the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s our implication? Every believer is to listen to the Lord Jesus Christ and experience an equally radical “metamorphosis” in our thinking. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [metemorphothe] by the renewing of your mind,that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). CM ----------------------- ANon-Citizen's Role in Society “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the householdof God.” (Ephesians 2:19) Speaking primarily to new Gentile believers, Paul welcomes them into the body of Christ, made up of all true believers, either Jew or Gentile. Each new member enjoys full privileges and benefits given to all “saints,” those “of the household of God.” “For ourconversation [literally ‘citizenship,’ same root word as in our text] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians3:20). Regarding our former state, Christ declared: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (John 8:44). However, we have brokenwith this former alliance and transferred our allegiance to “God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:18). “Therefore, ifany man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (v. 17). Our function as non-citizens still living to a degree in our prior realm is revealed, for “God...hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18). God is in the business of reconciling others who are now estranged back to Himself, and even though Hecould do it all Himself, without any help from His feeble creation, He has in His grace given us a part in this blessed work. The work will involve a struggle, for our warfare is against the ruler of this world and his henchmen, but we will, through God’senablement, be victorious (Ephesians 6:10-18). “Now then [since] we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians5:20). Let us be about this blessed business. JDM -------------------- Positionand Condition “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right handof God.” (Colossians 3:1) Christians have a glorious position before God. As our text indicates, God has in effect already “raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians2:6). Yet, our actual spiritual condition here on Earth often seems to belie our exalted position in heaven, so we repeatedly need to be exhorted not only to believe the truth but also to live the truth. Theoretically, we are dead to the world, and our “life is hid with Christ in God,” yet we must continually be exhorted to “mortify [that is, put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Colossians3:3, 5). We “have put on the new man” but nevertheless must repeatedly be “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (v. 10). While in doctrine we are “complete in him,” in practice we must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,” yet each believer is commanded to “follow after righteousness” and to “work out your own salvation” (Romans10:10; 1 Timothy 6:11; Philippians 2:12). We are “all the children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), and we are to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians5:8). Paul prays that “Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (3:17), yet already we have “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). These truths are not contradictions, of course, but exhortations. “If” (and the Greek word actually means “since”) we are “risen with Christ,” then by all means we ought to live as those that are alive unto God! HMM ---------------------- The Priority of Obedience John 14:23-26 The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen.1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden. The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. Hisdisobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule. By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through thedeath of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power. Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4).Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor andinfluence others for Him. -------------------------- Taking a Look at Looking Back By Lynette Kittle “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” - Philippians 3:13,14 Looking back can be a two-edged sword, on one side offering gained wisdom from former experiences, and on the other side, stirring up a longing for former things that aren’t in God’s will or plan for us. Like Proverbs 4:25, urges, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” The High Cost of Looking Back In stories like Lot and his family, Scripture gives strong caution in looking back. During their evacuation from Sodom and Gomorrah, although instructed by an angel to not look back at the destruction taking place, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist and ended up payingthe ultimate price by turning into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17-26). Likewise, looking back occurredas Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, away from a life of slavery and bondage, a place where they should have been overjoyed to leave with no desire to turn back. Yet Scripture describes how they hadn’t even crossed through the Red Sea when some were already looking back with longing, already unhappy and dissatisfied on their journey to freedom, remembering their lives of captivity through rose-colored glasses (Exodus14:11-14). Both examples warn of the danger second thoughts can bring, of coloring what’s left behind in deceptive ways. Sodom and Gomorrah was the most evil and wicked place of its time, so why would anyone want to return there? As well, Egypt was a place of forced labor for the Children of Israel, so why would they ever be tempted to return there over being free? Past things often lures individuals who have been set free, back to places of entrapment and oppression. What Does Jesus Say about Looking Back In Luke 9:62, Christ cautions about looking back. “Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” If we take our eyes off what we’re doing to look back, our purpose can be marred the instant we turn away to look at the past with desire; even if we’re not actually planning on returning there. Although it may seem what’s the harm because it’s just a physicallook, yet in reality, it’s revealing a serious heart issue. As Jesus warns about lust in Matthew 5, looking back at former things with a longing to return to them, even without actually taking a physical step to go back, indicates a heart looking to turn away from God. How Looking Back Can Benefit In many ways though, looking back without a desire to return, can be helpful to moving forward as we learn wisdom, insight, and knowledge through the various experiences. Hindsight can also offer us wisdom for future situations. As James 1:1-4 describes, we can see how various trials and testing in life help us to grow in our faith and push us forward in perseverance. Like Peter learned after denying Christ three times, reflecting on past actions can help us to move ahead in making better choices (Luke22:54-62). As well, it’s comforting to know even with things of the past that once tripped us up, God finds a way to work through them to fine tune and strengthen us. As Romans 8:28 assures, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Looking Ahead In looking ahead in life, how we look back reveals the current condition of our heart. Looking back at things in a way that stirs up longing for something God has freed us from leads to disobedience. But looking back in the light of God’s word and wisdom canhelp to enrich our lives, as we move forward in life. Intersecting Faith and Life: Are there things from your past trying to lure you back again and away from God? If so, ask God to help keep your eyes fixed on Him and to look forward to your future in Christ Jesus (Hebrews12:2). Further Reading: Galatians 5:1 2 Corinthians 3:17 Romans 8:15 --------------- Who Does God Say You Are? By Laura Bailey “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Friendships that once offered relief began to be the source of strife. Once friendly chatter was replaced with girl gossip. Best friends transformed into playground nemesis overnight. Trying to hold back the flood of tears forming in her eyes, my daughterasked, “ I don’t understand; what’s wrong with me?” The last few weeks had been a series of ups and downs as my daughter navigated life in her new world as a tween. I was filled with compassion for her because even as an adult, I still asked myself this same question. Why don’t those moms at playgroup talk to me? Why can’t I just lose these last few pounds and look like her? Why do I feel like I can barely keep my head above water, and she sails through life? What’s wrong with me? How often do we question how God created us based on what we feel or how others treat us? These questions, often prompted by hurtful circumstances, drive us to the deeper questions we are all asking. Who am I? Do I matter? Am I significant? God doesn't leave us stuck wondering what's wrong with us, He tells us who we are in His Word. Loved “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” - 1 John 3:1 Chosen “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” - 1 Peter 2:9 Forgiven “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 Redeemed ‘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 New Creation “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Holy “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Hebrews 10:10 Set apart “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k]neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39 Temple of the Holy Spirit “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 God’s Handiwork “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Ephesians 2:10 The struggle to rest confidently in our identity in Christ starts at a young age and for a lot of women, continues to be a battle into adulthood. But, our Heavenly Father loves His children, knits them in their mother’s wombs( Psalm 139:13-14), and knows the number of hairs on their heads ( Luke 12:7). It is painful as a mother to watch my daughter go through the challenges of growing up. My inner mamma bear wants to protect her from all hurt and pain. Unfortunately, I can't shield her from all of it! However, I can use these moments as great opportunitiesto remind her of what God says about her. Remember what God says about who you are when those questions creep in. Whether it’s on the playground, in the school cafeteria, during mom and me story time, or in the boardroom, remember only God defines you. Cling tightly to the truths found in Scripture,and walk confidently into the life you were called (Ephesians 4:1). Intersecting Faith and Life: Has there ever been a time when the words someone spoke over you became lies you believed or sources of doubt? Maybe you were told you were heavy as a child, and you always see yourself that way in the mirror. Did a teacher say you were a slower learner, andnow you accept that as truth? What lies have you believed in the past about yourself? Take a few moments and write down those lies. Then find truth from Scripture to refute this broken narrative. Pray God would help you remember and understand your true identityin Him. For Further Reading: •What Does God Say about Our Identity? •1 John 3:1-3 ---------------------- What to Do When You’re Anxious By Anne Peterson
 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests toGod.” Philippians 4:6 With everything happening in our world today, does God really expect us not to be anxious? The short answer is yes. God tells us not to be anxious about anything. And he goes on to say when he expects this of us. In every situation. Our heavenly Father is aware of everything that is going on in our world. God is sovereign, which means God is the ultimate power. He’s omnipotent, which means God can do anything. And if things look impossible, that’s okay. Because we’re told in scripturethe things which are impossible with man are possible with God (Luke 18:27). All we must do is look all around us, and we will see evidenceof God’s power. Did you know God placed all the stars in the sky and named them? That alone shows me God’s infinite power. So how are we supposed to be able to be calm when things around us seem to be out of control? It’s because of two things: 1) things mayseem out of control to us, but they are never out of God’s control, and 2) God has given us the privilege of prayer. By prayer and petition. We are told to pray without ceasing. That means our lives can just be one continual conversation with God almighty. I don’t know about you, but I am always talking to God. I let him know my needs, however small, and I love it when God meets those needs. Oneof God’s names is Jehovah Jireh, which means the Lord will provide. It doesn’t mean God might provide. Paul reminds us that God will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). God even likes to give his childrenthe desires of their hearts (Psalms 37:4). Petitions are appealing to authority with a respect to a particular cause. God is our authority,and God gives us the invitation to let him know what it is we need. And the exciting thing is we have an open invitation. We are told to come boldly to God’s throne of grace, we don’t have to have wobbly knees like the cowardly lion who approached the Wizardof Oz. We have the God-given right, knowing that can ease our anxiety. Because God himself tells us to bring him our requests. But how we do that is paramount. With thanksgiving. Why is it important that God tells us to do it with thanksgiving? I believe it’s because when we are thankful as we bring God our requests, the Holy Spirit reminds us of other requests God has granted. He reminds us of other needs our loving Father has metfor us. Right now, take a few moments and jot down some of those answered prayers. It’s what makes our faith in God grow. When David stood before Goliath and David remembered how God had helped him when he faced a lion and a bear, David’s faith in God grew. David knew if God was faithful when facing a lion and a bear, God doesn’t change. So, God would faithfullyhelp David with this Philistine before him. When our hearts are full of gratitude, there is no room for anxiety. We know that we don’t deserve anything, and yet God showers us with so many blessings we can’t help but feel overwhelmed at times. And when can we give thanks? God tells us to give thanksin all circumstances (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). And God explains that it is God’s will that we do that. I have found when we feel we cannot do something that God tells us to do, we can trust that He will empower us to do it. Otherwise, God is not a loving God.And I know He is loving. Present your requests to God. All we’re asked to do is lay our requests before God. Sometimes we don’t have, God tells us, because we don’t ask. It can never be yes if we don’t ask. And one thing I know of God is that when He chooses not to grant a request, it’s because God has somethingbetter in mind, or it’s just not the right time. This is something we will learn the longer we walk with the Lord. The one verse I’m reminded of is a wonderful verse to memorize. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all—how will he not alongwith him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32). God gave us Jesus. What could we possibly ask for that would be of more value? Godtells us not to be anxious, but being the loving Father he is, God also instructs us how to do that. Intersecting Faith and Life: When have you struggled with anxiety? Are you willing to try God’s method of dealing with your anxiety? How loving of God to spell it out for us. He really does want his children to have peace. Then the world will see something different in us, and perhapsthey will want to know about our Jesus. Lord, I pray for anyone who is anxious. There are so many things happening in our world right now. We thank you, Lord, that you are on the throne. We thank you that nothing will happen to us that you are not aware of. I’m thankful you are sovereign.We love you, Lord, and we pray this in your Son’s precious name. In Jesus’ name, Amen. On the Throne (a poem) Peace amidst the chaos, shelter from the storm, God protects His children from every kind of harm. Lord, we bow before you, for You are God alone. No matter what we face today, You’re always on the throne. - Anne Peterson © 2022 ----------------------- Breaking the Cycle of Sin - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, �I will never leave you nor forsake you� �Hebrews 13:5 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/breaking-the-cycle-of-sin-2/Listen People talk about generational curses, about how there�s a curse on their family and there�s no way to break the curse. They say things like, �It�s too late for me. I�ve madeso many mistakes, and I�m in this messed-up family. I know that I�m going to do the same bad things that my mom and dad did, and then my kids are going to do them. There�s no way to break the cycle of sin.� Nonsense. When Jesus died on the cross, all curses�all sins�were broken. And when you put your faith in Christ, you�re free from it. Jesus can change your story. If statistics went their natural direction, I would have been divorced multiple times by now, because my mom was married and divorced seven times. If statistics went theirnatural direction, I�d probably be a drunk, because my mom was an alcoholic. But God interrupted my story. And He can do the same for you. The Bible says that Samson �didn�t realize the Lord had left him� (Judges 16:20 NLT). In the Old Testament, we read of the Spirit of God coming upon someone or speaking tosomeone. But in Samson�s case, the Lord left him. The good news is that Jesus has promised believers that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever. God will never leave you, no matter what you have done. God won�t leaveyou, but you can leave Him. God won�t abandon you, but you can abandon Him. And maybe you�ve done that. Maybe you�ve made the worst decisions . . . and the worst decisions on top of that. Own it. Admit it. Repent. Ask God to help. Call out to Him. The Lord will answer your prayer,and He will change your story. You can come back to Him today. ---------------------- Three Ways Sin Will Destroy Your Life - by Greg Laurie � www.dailyjot.com But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out �Numbers 32:23 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/three-ways-sin-will-destroy-your-life-2/- Listen When people get caught up in sin, they think everyone is against them. �No one understands,� they say. �Everyone�s judging me. You don�t get it. I�m different.� No, you�re not different. We�re all vulnerable. And we all are capable of doing foolish things. We have to know that about ourselves. We can come under the sway and influenceand intoxicating effects of sin if we�re not careful. That is what happened to Samson. He thought he could shake himself free of his enemies, just as he had done on other occasions. Instead, the Philistines took Samson, gougedout his eyes, bound him with bronze chains, and made him grind grain in the prison. Sin blinds you. Sin finds you. And sin grinds you. First it blinds you. You end up doing irrational things. Men walk away from their wives and children who love them to go have some stupid fling. Women abandon their familiesto go �find� themselves. Sin blinds you to the truth. It seems so appealing at first, but then suddenly you realize that you�re trapped. That�s when sin finds you. The Bible says, �And be sure your sin will find you out� (Numbers 32:23 NKJV). You may be getting away with something right now, but it will catchup with you sooner or later. The Bible speaks of �the passing pleasures of sin� (Hebrews 11:25 NKJV). It�s passing . . . for a season . . . for a time. And then sin grinds you. The repercussions, likea ton of bricks, come crashing down on you: broken families, betrayed trust, a damaged witness and reputation, and devastated children with deep wounds, which they may carry for the rest of their lives. Sin blinds you, sin finds you, and sin grinds you�that�s what sin can do. ----------------------- ICharge You �Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.� (1Timothy 1:5) The Greek noun parangelia and its corresponding verb paranello appear six times in the book of 1 Timothy, translated as either �charge� or �commandment.� Paul was quite concerned for his young disciple Timothy and went to great effort to remind him of the truth and charge him to keep it and encourage its keeping in thelives of those in his care. Let us briefly look at these charges. First, Paul wanted to charge Timothy to remain strong in his personal faith. �This charge I commit unto thee...that thou...mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience� (1:18-19). �I give thee charge in the sight of God....That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ� (6:13-14). In a similar vein, Paul knew the dangers of false doctrine. �I besought thee...that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine� (1:3). Following a discussion of specific false teachings (4:1-10) and their refutations, Paul concludes, �These things command and teach� (4:11). Even those who nominally adhere to proper teaching need direction. �Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God� (6:17). Living up to these charges (commandments) brings real benefit in this life as well as in eternity, as we see in our text a pure heart full of agape love, a conscience unfettered by sin and false doctrine, and a strong faith not weakened by hypocrisy. If we would be disciples, we should mind the charges given to Timothy. JDM -------------------------- Abusing God's Patience Romans 2:4-5 Have you ever ignored the press of conviction upon your heart? Maybe you rationalized your wrongdoing with the thought that if God were really upset, He'd put a stop to things by disciplining you. Psalm50:21 reminds us that the silence of heaven does not mean approval. Remaining in sin is an abuse of the Lord's patience. When God seems slow to react, we might hope He's overlooking our transgressions--we'd like to continue in sin because the momentary pleasure is more appealing than obedience. But thankfully, the Father knows our weaknesses, our innate carnality, and thestate of our spiritual growth, and He therefore measures His response. Motivated by love and a desire to gently restore His children to righteousness, God refrains from doling out immediate punishment. Instead, He waits for the Holy Spirit's proddings to impact the believer's heart. The weight of conviction is actually an invitation to turn from wrongdoing and return to godliness. However, we're a stubborn people. There are times when we persist in sin because the sentence against an evil deed isn't executed quickly (Eccl. 8:11). In this dangerous situa-tion, it's possible to immerse ourselves in sin and harden our hearts againstthe Lord. Then the Holy Spirit's call to repentance falls on spiritual ears rapidly going deaf. As we learn and understand more about God and His ways, we are increasingly responsible to live righteously. The Lord is not slow; He's patient. Do not abuse His patience with callous disregard for His statutes. Repent and be holy in the sight of the Lord. ------------------- Before I Formed You, I Knew You By Emma Danzey Jeremiah 1:5 says, �Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet tothe nations.� Jeremiah�s Call In Jeremiah 1, we read the sweet words of our Creator God telling Jeremiah that He knew him before He formed him. This is the beauty of our relationship with the Lord. He made us each individually. In Jeremiah 1, Jeremiah refutes God�s call on his life. He blames his age and abilities. Within his insecurities, the Lord reminds him of the confidence that is found in Him. Even though Jeremiah felt inadequate, the Creator made him to accomplish this task.The Lord was giving Jeremiah the words to say and leading Jeremiah to walk by faith. How often does the Lord do this with us? We come up with excuses as to why He has the �wrong person for the job.� Yet, He knows us better than we know ourselves. He has called us to Himself and purposed our lives to share His love with the world. We caneasily tell ourselves that we are disqualified when in fact, it is our Maker who has not only qualified us but Who has already given us victory in Him. Before You Were Formed in the Womb, I Knew You I think this is the most spectacular verse. It reminds us that even before we were conceived, God knew us. There is a comfort in being known. We desire to be known. I remember the feeling of being fully known with the good and the bad when I got married. Itwas a wonderful experience that pointed to the greater love that Christ has for us. He made us, and He knows us better than we even know ourselves. He knows our darkest moments and our brightest days. He chose to come to sacrifice His life so that we couldlive with Him forever. There is great love found in our Creator. We are like the beautiful masterpiece of art that the painter made and adores. Before we were formed, we were known. Before You Were Born, I Set You Apart A follower of the Living God was set apart before birth. He knew us before we were born, He knows us now, and He knows who we will become. Jeremiah was given these exact words, and they echo into the lives of believers everywhere. We have gone from being enemiesto our Creator to now being His beloved children and friends. We do not look like this world when we live for Christ. We are set apart because of Jesus. This means that we will look different, and that is a good thing. We have to be careful not to compareour journeys to the paths of others. Whatever path God has for each of us is unique to us. I Appointed You As a Prophet to the Nations Although this was a specific calling and promise to Jeremiah, we can learn from it. We are not Old Testament prophets, but we are disciples of Jesus. We have been given a similar calling in Matthew 20:19-20, which says, �Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.� Anyone who gives his or her life to Jesus will be saved and invited into the family of God. Then, he or she will be given a new life and a new purpose. There is a beauty in being called to use our unique individual gifts to share the hope that we have inChrist. Intersecting Faith and Life: How is God calling you to share the gospel of Jesus with the world? How can you rest in being born with a purpose? In what ways can you allow the Lord to remove your insecurities with HIs confident plan for your life? Further Reading: •Psalm 139:15-16 •Mark 16:15 •Acts 1:8 ------------------------ The God Who Suffers - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows �Isaiah 53:3�4 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-god-who-suffers-6/- Listen When we think of God, we usually consider the fact that He is righteous, holy, loving, and good. But here is something else to consider about God: He is the God who has suffered.We don�t tend to think that a perfect Creator would experience such a human trait as human pain and suffering. After all, why would you suffer if you did not have to? But God has suffered, and more deeply than any of us could ever imagine. In his book The Cross of Christ, John Stott said, �Our God is a suffering God.� And I think he isright. Listen to Isaiah�s description of what Jesus (who was God) went through at Calvary: �He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken,smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.� (Isaiah 53:3�5) �A man of suffering.� That was Jesus. But why did God suffer? Because He loved and loves. That means He also enters into our suffering as well. Hebrews 2:17�18 tells us: �Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Thenhe could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted� (nlt). You are not alone in your suffering today. Jesus has been there and walked in your shoes and He is here for you right now. Call out to Him. ------------------------------- Small Things Become Big Things - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won�t be honest with greater responsibilities �Luke16:10 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/small-things-become-big-things-2/- Listen I read about a study that a business group conducted on infidelity in the workplace. Not surprisingly, they concluded that extramarital affairs in the workplace ultimatelyled to breakdowns in other areas of life. In other words, if people were being unfaithful to their spouses, they also would pad their business expenses and cut corners in other areas of their jobs. It makes sense,doesn�t it? If someone is willing to take down one wall, then why not kick down other walls too? Small things become big things. If you�re willing to cheat on a test in school, then will you also lie on your r�sum�? And if you�re willing to cheat in school and lie onyour r�sum�, then in what other areas will you be willing to cheat? Little compromises turn into big problems. Little things turn into big things. We don�t think about this sometimes. We�ll say, �It�s all right. This is just a minor infraction.� But we�re not thinking about the repercussions yet. In the Bible we find story after story of lifelong repercussions that came as a result of a single decision. Adam ate of the forbidden fruit, and it cost him paradise. Esaucompromised for a single meal and lost his birthright. Samson�s sexual compromises cost him his strength, his eyes, and ultimately his life. Are there some small areas where you�re making compromises now? Deal with those, because the Lord is revealing them for your own good. Little compromises turn into big problems. Jesus said, �If you are faithful in little things, you willbe faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won�t be honest with greater responsibilities� (Luke 16:10 NLT). In a single moment in time, you can make a decision that affects your entire life. -------------------------- UnansweredPrayer �For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the faceof the Lord is against them that do evil.� (1Peter 3:12) There are many wonderful promises of answered prayer in the Bible, some of which seem both unlimited and unconditional. On the other hand, there are also many warnings of unanswered prayer. This seeming anomaly merely cautions us again that every Scripturemust be interpreted in context�both the immediate context and the broader context of all the Scriptures. For example, Jesus said, �If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.� But in the same upperroom discourse, He also said, �If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you� (John14:14; 15:7). This is a very significant condition, attached to what�out of context�might have seemed an unconditional promise. Our text indicates that overt sin in one�s life will certainly hinder God in answering our prayers. So will selfish praying: �Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts� (James4:3). And so will unbelief: �When ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them� (Mark11:24). Poor home relations also could be a factor. �Husbands...[give] honour unto the wife...that your prayers be not hindered� (1Peter 3:7). Even when we are confident that we are fully right with God, the desired answer must still be in His will. �If we ask any thing according to his will...we have the petitions that we desired of him� (1John 5:14-15). Finally, there is the question of timing. �Men ought always to pray, and not to faint� (Luke18:1). Therefore, the believing prayer of a man righteous before God surely will be answered in God�s time and way. HMM ------------------------ Choosing Faith over Fear Isaiah 41:8-13 These days, there are plenty of reasons to fear. Our world seems to be in a continuous state of war and crisis. The jobs market is dismal, natural disasters wreak havoc, and stories of crime dominate the headlines. As Christians, we know that fear shouldhave no place in our lives, but how can we ignore what's going on around us? Basically, there are two paths you can walk: faith or fear. It's impossible to simultaneously trust God and not trust God. Another way of saying this is that you cannot both obey and disobey Him--partial obedience is disobedience. So, which road are youtraveling? Some people who read the Bible and believe in God nevertheless choose to live with fear. Seeing others experience hardship, they start wondering if it could happen to them: Someone at my office lost his job; will I be next? Someone died in an accident--I could die too. But thiskind of "logic" places your circumstances above your relationship to God. If Satan can get you to think like this, he has won the battle for your mind. But when you focus on God rather than your circumstances, whatever the situation is, you win. The Bible tells us, "God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and loveand discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7). Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He's sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I foundthat my worrying stopped. --------------------- Hardship and Trust - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God. . . . Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocksgrow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery �Deuteronomy 8:11�14 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/hardship-and-trust-2/- Listen As they were (at long last) poised to enter the Promised Land, God warned the Israelites that the real danger to their lives had just begun. Prior to this point, Israel had wandered in a desolate wilderness for forty years, completely dependent on God for everything. Every day they would step outside their littletents, and there would be manna waiting for them, just like the morning paper. God gave them fresh water to drink, a cloud to guide and shade them by day, and a pillar of fire to light their camp by night. Yes, wilderness living came with plenty of hardships. But those very difficulties compelled them to look to the Lord every day, depending on Him for everything. But then He brought them to the brink of the Promised Land, and they could look across the Jordan and see lush green hills, rippling fields of wheat, flowing rivers, and treesloaded with fruit. They could hardly wait to get in! But God was saying, �Be careful! Watch out, or you�ll get fat and sassy and forget all about Me. Then your troubles will really begin.� We�ve all experienced it: when our lives are hit with uncertainty, danger, or pain, we fall to our knees and cry out to God. God can use adversity to bring us closer to Him�whichis actually where we will experience the greatest blessings of life. S. Lewis wrote, �God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.� The psalmist said, �Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word. . . . It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees� (Psalm 119:67,71,NIV).