SPIRITUALLY RENEWED CHURCHES

“Christ is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”  (Colossians 1:18-20 NKJV)

God has always desired to work through His people, but they have not always recognized His initiative in their lives or His activity around them. But for those churches who repent -- those who take time to hear the Spirit; to believe what He tells them; to adjust their plans, structures, and programs to Him, and then to follow the Lord regardless of how impossible it may seem -- these are the churches that will be spiritually renewed and that will experience God's mighty deeds through them to bring a lost world to Himself in a great spiritual awakening. 

-- Dr. Henry Blackaby in “What the Spirit Is Saying to the Churches”

#5992

GOD-SHAPED QUALITIES

“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words… The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, ‘who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 2:13,15,16 NIV)

Humility, hospitality, and loving-kindness; simplicity and deliberation -- all are God-shaped qualities of life. To have all the mind that was in Christ, however, means that these qualities flow from Christ’s holiness and righteousness in us through loving actions toward others. 

-- Paul Wesley Chilcote in “A Life-Shaping Prayer: 52 Meditations in the Wesleyan Spirit”

#5991

THE VALUE OF SELF-CONTROL

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  (Galatians 5:22-23)

Question: What’s the most important word to know if you want to become the-best-version-of-yourself? Answer: Self-control.

Self-control determines whether you will have a life full of God. Without self-control, the-best-version-of-yourself will never be more than a dream.

There’s a reason self-control arrives at the end of the list of the nine fruit God wants to produce in you: Self-control provides the key to enjoying all of the other eight fruit of God’s Spirit. Self-control gives you the opportunity to choose to do those things that are healthy and helpful and to choose not to do those things that harmful and destructive. Self-control gives you the possibility to be open to God’s Spirit rather than resisting Him. Self-control gives you the strength to resist the temptations that lead you away from God and the-best-version-of-yourself. Self-control will be your best friend, and self-control comes from God. 

-- Allen R. Hunt in “Nine Words”

#5990

ALIGNING OUR LIVES WITH GOD

“If My people would only listen to Me, if Israel would only follow My ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!”  (Psalm 81:13-14 NIV)

God wants us to align our lives with Him so He will accomplish His divine purposes in and through us. God is not our servant to bless our plans and desires. He is our Lord, and we must adjust our lives to what He is doing and to the ways He chooses to accomplish His work. If we will not submit to God and His ways, He will allow us to follow our own devices. But be sure of this: we will miss God’s activity, and we will not experience what God wants to do through us to bless others. As Christians, it is not only important what we do but how we do it…

How you do something is as important as what you do. It is possible to do the right thing in the wrong way or at the wrong time. It is possible to perform a task God assigns but to do it in such an ungodly manner that it actually harms the cause of Christ rather than supporting it. Doing things God’s way is critical. 

-- Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby and Claude King in “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God”

#5989

OUR ENCOUNTER IN PRAYER

“For this is what the high and exalted One says -- He who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”  (Isaiah 57:15)

As I see it, true prayer is neither mystical rapture nor ritual observance nor philosophical reflection: it is the outpouring of the soul before a living God, the crying to God “out of the depths.” Such prayer can only be uttered by one convicted of sin by the grace of God and moved to confessions by the Spirit of God. True prayer is an encounter with the Holy Spirit in which we realize not only our creatureliness and guilt but also the joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven through the atoning death of the divine Savior, Jesus Christ. In such an encounter, we are impelled not only to bow before God and seek His mercy, but also to offer thanksgiving for grace that goes out to undeserving sinners.

-- Donald G. Bloesch, excerpted from “The Struggle of Prayer” 

#5988

THE ROAD OF DISAPPOINTMENT – Part 2 of 2

Following the death of Jesus, at least two of His disciples left Jerusalem, the previous hub of hope for the Jews. Their hearts and hopes clearly were crushed regarding the return of the Jewish kingdom. Disillusionment had so clouded the truth that they considered Jesus to be the “village idiot.” In a move to unmask their tunnel vision, Jesus concealed His identity and played ignorant to the events surrounding His own death. (See Luke 24:13-35)

Disappointment and disillusionment occur when our deepest expectations aren’t met. Either what we hoped for doesn’t happen, or what we dread comes to pass. In either case, the emotional, tangible, or spiritual ground we’re standing on collapses. And we’re left alone with our own thoughts and conclusions. Sometimes it’s the failure of people we highly esteem that triggers our disillusionment. Other times, we may falter from being overly dependent on friends. Our disappointment might come from the sudden loss of financial resources that have always been available, or an unexpected turn of events that robs us of stability and reputation.

No matter what the source might be, we’re confronted with the questions of where our hope is anchored and what we actually need to survive and continue. Disappointment is meant to be a divine “checkpoint” on our journey to Christ-likeness. We must declare to ourselves and to God where we’re seeking our sufficiency from. And if we long to be conformed to the likeness of our Lord, only one answer will suffice. 

-- Fran Sciacca in “To Yield with All Your Soul”

#5987

THE ROAD OF DISAPPOINTMENT – Part 1 of 2

“Now that same day two of [the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’”  (Luke 24:13-18 NIV)

Sometimes, life can unravel like an old sweater – quickly and irreversibly. A lifetime of planning can evaporate in one unexpected phone call, letter, or knock at the door. Disappointment with life divulges the true source of our hope, and where we have anchored our confidence. Often, to our dismay, we discover that our security rests in people rather than in God Himself.

Within what would be a long weekend for us, the entire mission of the “supposed Messiah” seemed to crumble and fade before the eyes of those who had forsaken everything to follow Him. Jesus was arrested, falsely accused, and executed like a common criminal. From the intimate Passover feast on Thursday evening to the misty graveside scene on Sunday morning, those who best knew Jesus had their entire world suddenly shattered. But their disillusionment was more than just a personal misunderstanding. It was to become a vital and useful tool in the plan of God to make them more like the One they had hoped in and followed. And His methods are the same today. The radical dependence upon God that characterized the life of Jesus can only be sustained by the deep conviction that God alone is sufficient. And that conviction rarely takes root apart from disenchantment with oneself and others. Disappointment is a frequent bridge we must cross over on the highway of sanctification. 

-- Fran Sciacca in “To Yield with All Your Soul”

#5986

PERCOLATING PRAYERS

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”  (Ephesians 6:18a NIV)

I have friends who spend hours each day interceding in prayer. Their children are grown and gone, and they can devote extended time to supplication. I’m not in the same place of life. Sure, I pray daily, and I have a prayer journal I write in consistently. But during these busy years when my three children consume most of my waking hours, I also find strength in little prayers. I like to call them “percolating prayers.”

All kinds of these short, power-packed prayers pop up throughout the Gospels: The disciples prayed, “Lord, save us!” The troubled mother prayed, “Lord, help me!” The soldier cried, “Lord, my servant is suffering.…” The teacher of the law said, “Teacher, I will follow You.…” The leper said, “Lord, You can make me clean….” The blind man called out, “Have mercy on us, Lord….”

Today, my little prayers went something like this: “Surround us with Your love.” “Teach me.” “Fill us with Your Spirit.” “Help me to be patient.” “Please give the kids wisdom.” “We need Your guidance.” “Thank You, Lord.” “Wow, God! You are awesome!”

Some prayers are requests for help. Others simply acknowledge the facts. The form or shape of the prayer really doesn’t matter. There are no restrictions on when or where these prayers can percolate.... What matters most is that we connect with God and link our soul with our Power Source. As the gentle touch of a light switch generates power to illuminate a room, so, too, our little prayers connect us with God and release His energy to empower us for the day. 

-- Pam Vredevelt in “Espresso for Your Spirit”

#5985

WHAT DEFINES YOU?

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, Jesus asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.’” (John 5:5-7 NIV)

The fact that the invalid is called invalid is no insignificant detail. It’d be like me introducing myself as asthmatic. I realize it’s a grammatical mechanism used throughout Scripture with a wide variety of nameless people -- the prostitute with the alabaster jar, the man born blind, and the woman caught in adultery, to name a few. They are synonymous with their sin, with their sickness. But there is a lesson to be learned: don’t let what’s wrong with you define you. That’s not who you are. When my children lie to me, I don’t call them liars. I remind them that that’s not who they are. I certainly call it what it is -- a lie. But I don’t let what they’ve done wrong define their identity or destiny.

Our culture has a tendency to reduce people to labels. Not only is that unhealthy and unholy, it’s also dehumanizing. Don’t let anyone label you besides the One who made you. Take your cues from Scripture.

          You are more than a conqueror. (See Romans 8:37)
          You are the apple of God’s eye.  (See Zechariah 2:8)
          You are sought after.  (See Isaiah 62:12)
          You are a joint heir with Christ. (See Romans 8:17)
          You are a child of God. (See John 1:12) 

-- Mark Batterson in “The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible”

#5984

KINGDOM PROMISES: STUFF THAT LASTS

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

If God were teaching us in a classroom setting, He might draw a line down the center of the chalkboard and put these headings at the top of each column -- "Stuff that doesn't last" and "Stuff that does last." And He says to not get too attached to earth-stuff because it "passes away." Our great love, our great passion, and our great pursuit should be for the "will of God" things that we cannot lose. The rest is "just stuff." It's all part of Jesus' command to "seek first the kingdom of God," even though we're surrounded by people who are totally consumed with getting possessions, getting promotions, getting prosperity, or getting prominence.

-- Ron Hutchcraft 

#5983

A PRAYER FOR THE U.S. ELECTION

“The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6b NLT)

O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, not only of individuals but of nations and governments as well. As the Scripture says, we know that the government rests on Your shoulder, yet we act as if it all depends on us. Grant us the grace and the courage to put our trust and hope in You. You are our Sovereign God, and there is no other. We acknowledge You are Lord of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We confess that we are experiencing fear and anxiety today, yet we know You are greater than those things that come against us. We pray for the 2024 Presidential Election, for Your guidance, and for peace and safety for all.

We are grateful for the privilege of being able to organize ourselves politically. We are grateful for the freedom to vote and to express our political views. But help us remember that what matters most is Your will and reign in our lives.

We confess to you sometimes we are so loyal to our politics that we lose sight of our brothers and sisters. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other not as enemies, but as brothers and sisters, created in Your image.

We confess that our actions, our words, our rhetoric have caused divisions. We pray for this deeply divided and evenly split nation. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do in Micah 6:8 - to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Help us act out of grace, mercy, and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.

Lord, guide us in Your way, Your truth, and Your life.

Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek to make our community, our nation, and the world the creation You intended from the beginning.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and King, we pray. Amen.

– Adapted from First United Methodist Church in Ormond Beach, Florida 

#5982

KINGDOM PROMISES: DIVINE PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”  (Psalm 103:19 NIV)

The Kingdom of God is unlike any earthly government we know. It doesn’t operate on democracy where we have rights and can cast votes. Instead, it’s a divine monarchy, where Jesus is King and Lord. In His Kingdom, we don’t have rights; we have responsibilities. As citizens of His Kingdom, we’re called to live in obedience to His righteous and gracious decrees.

This isn’t about losing our freedom but embracing a life filled with divine purpose and direction. Our King’s decrees are not burdensome; they are life-giving and rooted in love. When we submit to His rule, we align ourselves with His will, which is ultimately for our good and His glory.

In God's Kingdom, our responsibilities are privileges in disguise. We’re tasked with loving one another, serving the needy, and spreading the gospel. These responsibilities transform our lives and the lives of those around us, reflecting the love and grace of our King. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources 

#5981

KINGDOM PROMISES: REFLECTING THE LIFE CHRIST CALLS US TO

How can we actually avoid speaking ill of others? Here’s what I do when I am at my best and exercising restraint. First, I remember the call of Christ to avoid judging and to avoid calling names (Matthew 5:21-22). My aim is to do Christ’s will. Speaking ill of others does not accomplish my aim. Second, I try to search my own heart to see what is behind my need to speak ill of the other person. Usually the motivation will be fear, jealousy, insecurity, or revenge. I remind myself of the words of Mark Twain, “Among human beings jealousy ranks distinctly as a weakness; a trademark of small minds.” Third, I make it a point to look for the good in the other and to focus on lifting that up rather than pointing out the person’s weaknesses. Fourth, I remember the biblical call to humility, and remind myself that I may not be seeing the other the way God sees him or her. I may not know all the facts. And I remember the many ways in which I fall short of God’s plans (Romans 3:23)…

In many ways the evidence of our faith is found in our ability to control our tongue (or our keyboard). When you find Christians who speak ill of others, who tell half-truths, who resort to name-calling, remember the words of Jesus and the apostles and ask if this person reflects the life Christ call us to. The most important time to ask that question is the next time you prepare to hit the “enter” key when you are saying of another “You fool!” or let loose with your own “unwholesome talk” (Ephesians 4:29)…

Looking for the good in those with whom we disagree, expressing humility to admit that you may be wrong, and seeking to remove the log from your own eye before removing the splinter from your neighbor’s eye (Matthew 7:5) -- these are the characteristics of Christ’s followers. And it is in remembering and practicing these Scriptures that Christians will stop being the wedge that divides our nation, and start acting instead as bridge-builders and peace-makers. 

-- Adam Hamilton in “Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White” 

#5980

KINGDOM PROMISES: TAMING THE TONGUE

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”  (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)

The Greek word for “unwholesome” is sapros. It means rotten, putrid, or worthless -- and in this context I believe Paul means to describe, in part, the words we use to destroy others, for in the rest of the verse he contrasts this first form of speech with that which is “helpful for building others up.”

James is perhaps best known for his words about how we speak about others. He writes, “The tongue… is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of [one’s] life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell… No one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse [human beings], who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers [and sisters], this should not be.” (James 3:6, 8-10 NIV)

I would ask, does the Lord give us an exemption from practicing the Scriptures when it comes to our political leaders, those who hold office, and others with whom we disagree? Are we allowed to lay aside the Golden Rule? Do James’ and Paul’s and Jesus’ words regarding our speech and our enemies no longer apply when discussing those whom we disagree with politically? As James says, “This should not be so!”

This does not mean that we are not to practice discernment. Nor does it mean that we should remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. Yet we can make known our disagreements with others while doing so in love and with respect for the other.   

-- Adam Hamilton in “Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White”

#5979

KINGDOM PROMISES: LIKE SHEEP AMONG WOLVES

Jesus said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” (Matthew 10:16 NIV)

The church is always at its best when it goes into the world humbly, like sheep among wolves. Ironically, a few centuries after Jesus, when the church did get some political and financial power, it lost much of its spiritual power. One Christ follower, John Chrysostom, was reflecting on this verse about being sent by Jesus like sheep among wolves and how the concept was getting lost as the church gained power. He said, “Let us then be ashamed, who do the contrary, who set out like wolves upon our enemies. For so long as we are sheep, we conquer… But if we become wolves, we are worsted, for help of our Shepherd departs from us: for He feeds not wolves, but sheep.” 

-- John Ortberg in “All the Places to Go: How Will You Know?”

#5978

KINGDOM PROMISES: ALREADY BUT NOT YET

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”  (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV)

When we think of kingdom, we often think of place, but the kingdom of God is not a place: it refers to the reign of God, or God's in-breaking, saving activity. Eschatological living means envisioning life in light of the saving activity of God in our midst -- not only what He has already done, but also what He promises to do in the future. God's kingdom is not fully manifest yet; we live between the beginning and the completion. 

-- Ben Witherington III in “Christianity Today,” October 15, 2012 

#5977

KINGDOM PROMISES: WHAT LIFE SHOULD BE

“Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”  (Mark 1:14b-15 ESV)

Jesus spoke a lot about the kingdom of God. In one sense that kingdom is all of creation, and God is the "King of the Universes," a phrase my Jewish friends use to address God. But human existence has been marked by rebellions against God. From Adam and Eve on, people have regularly turned aside from God's will (a practice we call sin), with the result that human history is littered with wars, acts of inhumanity, and injustice. As we say in the prayer of confession that often accompanies the Eucharist, "We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves." So when Jesus speaks about the kingdom of God, He is usually articulating a vision not of what life is, but what it should be. Through new birth [in Christ] and the sanctifying work of the Spirit, we seek to reflect that kingdom in our lives. 

-- Adam Hamilton in “Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It”

#5976

KINGDOM PROMISES: OUR PAST AND FUTURE

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”  (Hebrews 12:28 NIV)

Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. 

-- Oswald Chambers in “My Utmost for His Highest”

#5975

REVOLUTIONARY

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”  (Colossians 3:12 NRSV)

This election cycle in the U.S. is pulling people apart. The rhetoric, name-calling, and polarization is extreme. Rather than working together to move our country forward, nothing happens.

I have often thought that a good analogy for what’s happening is this: Two brothers are pulling a red Radio Flyer wagon carrying their little sister. Each has a grip on the handle. They are moving steadily down the street, one gently tugging one way, then the other gently pulling the other way, and the wagon moves steadily forward. But as time goes on, the angle of the pulls gets more extreme and the force exerted has gotten stronger and stronger. Instead of talking about their common goals for the wagon, they are yelling at each other over who is right. And the wagon is no longer moving forward. It is being jostled to the point of dumping its precious cargo.

Josh Wilson sings a song called “Revolutionary” (written by Jason Mater, James Tealy, Steven Fee, and Joshua Wilson). I resonate with the perspective he shares. 

REVOLUTIONARY
 
Maybe you're not like me
Maybe we don't agree
Maybe that doesn't mean
We gotta be enemies
Maybe we just get brave
Take a big leap of faith
Call a truce so me and you
Can find a better way
 
Let's take some time, open our eyes, look and listen
And we're gonna find we're more alike than we are different
 
Why does kindness seem revolutionary?
When did we let hate get so ordinary?
Let's turn it around, flip the script
Judge slow, love quick
God help us get revolutionary
 
I'm turning the TV down
Drowning their voices out
'Cause I believe that you and me
Can find some common ground
See, maybe I'm not like you
But I'll walk a mile in your shoes
If it means I might see
The world the way you do
 
What would Jesus do?
He would love first
Yeah, He would love first
So we should love first
 
God help us get revolutionary

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#5974

DO YOU WANT HELP?

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, Jesus asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’”  (John 5:5-6 NIV)

Who wouldn’t want help? Someone in denial of reality.

I imagine after so many years, the man at the pool no longer has a healthy idea of what life could be if he stood and moved about town and took ownership of his life. Time did its thing, but so did environment. He spent every day and every night surrounded by hurting people. The world was compressed to the bounds of those five colonnades that defined the pool at Bethesda. He wasn’t around too many healthy people, so unhealthy had become his new normal.

I watched a documentary about a thirty-four-year-old woman who had a three-hundred-pound tumor removed from her body. The tumor itself was twice the size of her initial body weight. It was a very horrific thing to see, needless to say. As the filmmakers documented this surgery, it was clear that they wondered why she had waited until the tumor was the size it was. All she could really say was that she didn’t get help because she figured it would go away on its own.

The tumor was unique, but the attitude was not. We figure that our finances will sort themselves out it time. But the credit card debt keeps piling up, and still we keep spending. The tumor is growing.

We figure our teenage daughter will change her behavior and get with the program. Meanwhile, she’s starting to cut herself. She’s beginning to fall in with a very unhealthy group of kids, and she’s moving further away from God by the day, but we decide to be patient. The tumor is growing.

We figure the problems in our marriage will fade away on their own if we don’t address them. Who says we need help? Just ordinary husband-and-wife-stuff, and it is nobody else’s business. And within a few months, we’re sleeping in separate rooms and he’s feeling an attraction to someone at work. The tumor is growing.

Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” Why not ask for help? 

-- Kyle Idleman in “The End of Me: Where Real Life in the Upside-Down Ways of Jesus Begins” 

#5973

BECOMING VASTLY MORE

"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." (Romans 12: 2 NLT)

God accepts us as we are, but longs for us to become more. When we learn to cooperate with Him and seek His will as the supreme good for our lives, then we can believe what He already believes about us -- that we can be vastly more than we are. We need not forever be the victims of our earlier conditioning. God has put within us the power to change, to overcome our handicaps, and to grow. 

-- Adapted from Cecil Osborne in “The Art of Understanding Yourself” 

#5972

CONFORMING TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

There is a change that should be occurring in every Christian’s life right now. It is a progressive change that begins the moment one becomes a Christian and continues until the day one dies. God is in the business of changing Christians to become just like Jesus Christ in character: “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29 NIV). The verse that immediately precedes this verse is one of the most-loved and oft-quoted passages of the Bible: “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.”

Yes, God does work all things together for good. But what is “good”? And what about the qualifying phrase “of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”? Verse 29 answers both of those questions. God’s idea of “good” is to use every circumstance in your life to mold you into the image of His Son. How much difference is there between your character and the character of Jesus Christ? The answer to that question will give you a clue as to how much change you can expect in your life!

God’s sovereign purpose is to change us into the image of His Son. 

-- Robert Jeffress in “Choose Your Attitude, Change Your Life” 

#5971

ALL-SUFFICIENT GRACE

And the Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

There is power in the grace of God. The verb translated “is sufficient” is in the present tense – as is God’s grace, which is always present. In every situation, we can rely on Him to provide strength and courage. He will never give us all that we want, but He will give us all that we need.

Compare our Lord to the gods of all the world’s religions and you’ll find that grace is the difference maker. It is the X factor that radically sets Him apart. Our God is “the God of all grace” (1 Peter 5:10). He is kind, benevolent, and long-suffering. We need not beg Him, bribe Him, or appease Him. He actually longs to bless us every single moment, every single day. He comes down to us rather than demanding that we climb the impossible ladder to infinity to reach Him. Grace is God taking the initiative.

In this same letter, Paul explained, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV).

Notice the repetition of the word “all.” All grace abounds toward us so that we are all sufficient in all things. He is all we need in all we face, so that for all we do, we can overflow with His grace and power. 

-- David Jeremiah in “Keep the Faith: How to Stand Strong in a World Turned Upside Down” 

#5970

A WORLD IN NEED OF A SAVIOR

Let us remember that it is a full salvation we offer. Some movements have been content to save their people and then leave them to heaven. [From early on] Methodism has insisted that we are saved so that we can grow. John and Charles Wesley believed that their somewhat ragtag group of butchers, miners, and household servants could become saints. We are challenged to believe as grandly for the computer generation, for a century of skeptics, and for the spiritually cautious.

And we are saved to serve our present age. Traditionally, we have believed we could “spread scriptural holiness throughout the land.” Now we must do so in a time when family structures are under assault while political systems build their new Babels, and when evils of misery, poverty, and war seem more entrenched than ever.

There could hardly be a better time to preach the gospel of Christ, and surely no better time to sing it. The gospel has always been needed, since it is God’s solution for the human race, but in our day the need is more poignant and more dramatic. Whether one looks at the penultimate threat of nuclear destruction, or the private anguish of the lonely soul in an impersonal society, one cannot imagine a world more starkly in need of a Savior. There could hardly be a more demanding, more exhilarating time to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

But we must have a song to sing. Without a song, we will only add to the dissonance of our times… On one of his birthdays, Wesley wrote:

          In rapture of joy
          My life I employ,
          The God of my life to proclaim:
          ‘Tis worth living for this,
          To administer bliss, 
          And salvation in Jesus’ name.

-- J. Ellsworth Kalas in “Our First Song: Evangelism in the Hymns of Charles Wesley”

#5969

 

TO DIE IN THE LORD

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.’”  (Revelation 14:13 NRSV)

Several older women were having lunch together in a café.  They were discussing how they wanted to die.  One lady said, "I want to die in Arizona.  I've always loved the climate, and when I go I hope it's there."  Another lady quickly responded, "Not me!  I want to die right here at home.  I want my family close by."  A third lady said, "I'd like to die in the spring.  Just one last look at the flowers, you know."  The fourth lady said, "Me?  I should like to die in Hawaii having a fling and spending my last nickel."  Finally, the last lady took her turn.  "When I die," she said, "I want to pass away in the Lord. In Florida, in Arizona, in the spring of the year, all is of little consequence.  But to die in the Lord, that is Paradise!" 

How about you?  Which way do you want to die?  Rich or poor, here or there, suffering or in your sleep – all that is ultimately of little consequence.  But to die in the Lord, that is happiness. 

-- Rev. Keith Schroerlucke in a sermon entitled "When Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow"

#5968

IT REFLECTS ON JESUS

“People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:15-16 NRSV)

In coming to know Jesus, you have come to know yourself, too: naturally, this is more pleasant for some than for others, but to see yourself as you really are can never be entirely pleasant.  And when a Christian fails at something he ought to have done, it isn't just the failure that hurts -- there is also the knowledge that he has let Jesus down.  And those little shortcomings of ours, that used to matter so little, compared with the glaring faults of others: we know now that our temper, or our gloom, or our selfishness, reflects on Jesus; and knowing that people are judging your Lord by you is not always a joyous thought to live with. 

-- Robert MacColl Adams (1913-1985) in “Of Rice and Men” 

#5967

THE GREATNESS OF GOD’S SALVATION

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”  (1 John 4:9-12 NIV)

The deepest longing in a person's heart is to have a relationship with God. When we open the Scriptures, we are surprised to discover how much God desires for His people to have a love relationship with Him. In fact, the more we study the Scriptures, the more we are overwhelmed at the greatness of God's salvation and the love relationship that He seeks to develop with us. God's salvation set in motion everything He intended to accomplish in us. If we do not understand the extent of God's accomplished work on our behalf, we will never experience abundant life, nor will we fulfill God's purpose for our lives. God is not primarily interested in making us successful; instead, His heart desires for us to experience the full measure of His great salvation.

-- Henry Blackaby and Melvin D. Blackaby in “Experiencing God Together: God's Plan to Touch Your World”

#5966

A PLACE IN GOD’S HEART

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  (John 3:16-18 NKJV)

Augustine wrote (in “Confessions”): "Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee."

Could it be true that there is a place in God's heart that only you can fill, that only I can fill -- that God is restless until we rest in Him?

What a thought -- that there is a place in God's heart that only you can fill! That's more than a thought; it's a truth verified in the most dramatic and convincing way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV)

Think about that for a moment. I don't know of a more exhilarating truth. If you love someone, you need that someone to return that love, don't you? Sure you do! So it is with God. God loves you and needs your love. God will not allow death to destroy you. If you are forever separated from God, it will be your choice, not God's. In God's heart there is a place that only you can fill.

-- Maxie Dunnam in “Living the Psalms: A Confidence for All Seasons” 

#5965

A PRAYER FOR OUR CLERGY

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”  (Philippians 1:3-5 NIV)

For Clergy Appreciation Month may this prayer bring comfort and encouragement to all those who serve in ministry.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, lifting up our local church pastors, chaplains, and retired clergy. We thank You for their dedication, their tireless service, and their unwavering commitment to caring for Your flock.

For our local church pastors, we ask for Your continued guidance and strength. Bless them with wisdom as they lead their congregations, and fill them with Your Spirit so they may preach Your Word with boldness and clarity. Grant them the endurance to face the challenges of ministry and the joy of seeing lives transformed by Your grace.

For our chaplains, who serve in hospitals, military, prisons, and other institutions, we pray for Your protection and peace. May they be a source of comfort and hope to those in need, and may their presence be a reflection of Your love and compassion demonstrated through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give them the words to speak in difficult situations and the strength to carry out their duties with grace and mercy.

For our retired clergy, we offer our deepest gratitude for their years of faithful service. May they find rest and fulfillment in their retirement, knowing that their labor in Your vineyard has not been in vain. Bless them with good health, joy, and the continued assurance of Your presence in their lives.

Lord, we ask that You surround all these faithful servants with Your love and encouragement. May their hearts be uplifted by the appreciation and support of their communities. Strengthen them in their calling, and may they always feel valued and cherished for the work they do in Your name.

We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

#5964

FACING THE STORMS OF LIFE

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

Life often brings unexpected storms -- challenges that test our faith and resilience. In these moments, it can be tempting to seek refuge in our own understanding, trying to navigate the tempest with our limited perspective. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of a profound truth: our ultimate refuge and strength come from trusting in the Lord.

Religious faith is not merely a shelter from life’s storms; it is the inner strength that empowers us to face them with hope and serenity. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart, we acknowledge that His wisdom far surpasses our own. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to lean into His guidance and surrender our need for control.

By acknowledging God in all our ways, we invite Him to direct our paths. This means seeking His will in every decision, big or small, and believing that He will lead us through the storm. It is in this surrender that we find peace, knowing that we are not alone and that God’s plans for us are good.

As we face the storms of life, let us remember that our faith is not a mere escape but a source of strength. Trusting in the Lord transforms our perspective, allowing us to see beyond the immediate turmoil to the greater purpose He has for us. With our hearts anchored in His promises, we can weather any storm, confident that He will guide us safely to calmer waters.

– SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

#5963

THE PSALMIST’S REMINDER

Tragedies can hit us like emotional earthquakes.  What can we do when shattering experiences come upon us?  "Come and see the works of the Lord" (Psalm 46:8), counsels the Psalmist.  When we contemplate the might and grace of God, we will have confidence that He will sustain us amid life's most devastating circumstances.

The Psalmist reminds us of:

- God's Protection: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

- God's Presence: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells" (Psalm 46:4).

- God's Power: "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire" (Psalm 46:9).

"Therefore we will not fear."  In contrast to the devastation about him, the Psalmist sees God's grace bringing sustenance to the believer.  We can experience this renewal by entering the stillness to which He directs us: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

-- Colonel Henry Gariepy (1930–2010), The Salvation Army 

#5962

TREATING OTHERS WITH RESPECT AND LOVE

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

I know a man who lives in another state and claims to be very religious.  Many people regard him as a man of great faith.  He can quote scripture with the best of them. He can rattle off important dates in church history.  He can recite the creeds eloquently.  He can spout high-sounding theology in the air.  But I'm not impressed, because I've seen how he treats his wife and children.  I've seen how he treats his neighbors and those who work for him.  He is harsh with people.  He is tough and hostile and critical.  He's judgmental, ill-tempered, and impatient with everyone around him.

All the outer religious fervor and activity mean nothing if we are cruel and hateful toward other people.  When we show love, compassion, and kindness to others, that's when they really begin to see our faith.  If you want to do good for Christ, then treat others with respect and love.

Does the way you speak bring others to Christ?  And how about the way you treat other people?  Does that bring them to Christ and Christian faith? 

--  James W. Moore in “When You're a Christian, the Whole World is from Missouri” 

#5961

GOD LIVES WITHIN YOU

Jesus said to His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17 NKJV)

Dwell on the fact that God lives within you.  Think of the power that gives your life.  The realization that God is dwelling within you may change the places you want to go and the things you want to do today.

-- Max Lucado

#5960

SUMMING UP CHARACTER

Character comes from the Greek word describing a marking and engraving instrument. The picture is of an artist who wears a groove on a metal plate by repeatedly etching in the same place with a sharp tool. My character is forged as a set of distinctive marks that, when taken together, draw a portrait of who I really am.

Behavior and character are linked together, but they are not the same thing. Behavior is what I do, one action at a time. “I behaved badly in that situation.” Character is the sum of all my behavior, both public and private, arranged as patterns across the entire spectrum of my life. Any behavior, duplicated and reduplicated, forms a part of my character.

Repeated patterns of behavior wear a series of grooves, which, when put together, form a portrait of me as a person or show a picture of my character…

I have control over my character. I can improve it, change it, modify it, and compromise it. In a world where we seem to have little control, we call the shots when it comes to whether or not our character is diminished. Job said to his friends concerning his character: “I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” (Job 27:5-6)

If my character goes down, I am the only one who can be blamed. No other person apart from me can allow my character to be compromised.  

-- Dr. Stephen Graves and Dr. Thomas Addington in “A Case for Character”

#5959

CHOOSING HUMILITY OVER PRIDE

“For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  (1 Corinthians 4:7 NASB)

Former Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey tells the story of a humbling visit to a restaurant. The waiter brought over the rolls, but no butter. “May I have some butter, please?” Bradley asked.

The waiter gave a slight nod and wandered off, but ten minutes later, no butter. Bradley caught the waiter’s eye. “May I please have some butter?” The waiter barely acknowledged the request. After ten more minutes, still no butter.

“Maybe you don’t know who I am,” said Bradley. “I’m a Princeton graduate, a Rhodes scholar, and an All-American basketball player who played for the New York Knicks in the pros. I’m currently a United States senator from New Jersey, chairman of the International Debt Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, chairman of the Water and Power Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and a member of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee.”

“Maybe you don’t know who I am,” said the waiter. “I’m the guy who’s in charge of the butter.”

What happened after that is unknown, but occasionally we all need to have someone burst our balloon of self-importance and bring us back to reality. Such experiences are healthy because they help us maintain a proper perspective about our accomplishments. Pride is an attitude that causes us to credit ourselves for our accomplishments and to blame others for our failures. On the other hand, humility is an attitude that views both our accomplishments and our failures from God’s perspective.

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  (James 4:6b NASB)  

-- Robert Jefferies in “Choose Your Attitude, Change Your Life”

#5958

 

THE RIGHT MAP

[Jesus said to His disciples,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  (John 14:1-5 NIV)

Maps are certainly important for giving direction. But, the only thing worse than having no map is having the wrong map. Stephen Covey writes about the importance of having the right map in his book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”:

“Suppose you wanted to arrive at a specific location in central Chicago. A street map of the city would be a great help to you in reaching your destination. But suppose you were given the wrong map. Through a printing error, the map labeled ‘Chicago’ was actually a map of Detroit. Can you imagine the frustration, the ineffectiveness of trying to reach your destination? You might work on your behavior – you could try harder, be more diligent, double your speed. But your efforts would only succeed in getting you to the wrong place faster. You might work on your attitude – you could think more positively. You still wouldn’t get to the right place, but perhaps you wouldn’t care. Your attitude would be so positive, you’d be happy wherever you were. The point is, you’d still be lost. The fundamental problem has nothing to do with your behavior or your attitude. It has everything to do with having the wrong map.”

It seems that there are a great deal of people today trying to find their way with the wrong map. If I just put out the right effort… If I just have a positive attitude… If I just do enough good works… then I’ll get there. That’s why Jesus answered Thomas’ question by saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7 NIV)

Jesus is not only the right map, He is the way. The Son will take you to His Father’s house.

– Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#5957

MAKING DISCIPLES IS A JOURNEY – Part 2 of 2

In small groups, we find a community of believers who support and encourage one another. It is in these intimate, face-to-face settings that we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in our faith. Small groups offer a safe space for honest conversations, deep reflections, and mutual accountability.

COMMITT TO A SMALL GROUP: If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one. Look for a group that aligns with your spiritual goals and where you feel comfortable sharing and growing.

ENGAGE IN PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY: Make prayer and Bible study a regular part of your small group meetings. These practices are essential for spiritual growth and for understanding God’s will for our lives.

FOSTER CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION: Encourage open and honest conversations about faith, life, and challenges. These discussions can lead to deeper insights and stronger relationships.

PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE: Find opportunities as a small group to serve in your church and community. It will be a witness to the impact Christ is having through small groups.

SEEK ACCOUNTABLITY: Find a trusted member of your small group to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey. Accountability helps us stay committed and focused on our growth.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of community and the opportunity to grow together in faith. Help us to be diligent in our journey of discipleship, seeking You with all our hearts. May our small groups be places of transformation, where we are molded into the likeness of Christ. Guide us, strengthen us, and fill us with Your Spirit as we strive to make disciples and grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

#5956

MAKING DISCIPLES IS A JOURNEY – Part 1 of 2

“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.”  (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Making disciples of Jesus Christ is not instantaneous. It takes work. Faith formation is a constant movement of God’s people who are desiring and seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

In our “we-want-it-now” world, we often look for quick fixes and instant results. However, the process of making disciples is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and intentionality. It is a journey that involves the heart, mind, and soul, and it is deeply rooted in our desire to seek and know God in Christ more intimately.

Faith formation is the work of small groups. Small groups are vehicles for those who desire God and who seek to be molded by God. This molding happens when people strive to strengthen their faith through prayer, Bible study, Christian conversation, and service. Small groups provide the best place for this molding to take place. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

#5955