Sowing Bountifully

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 (ESV)

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Before I ever worked on my friends farm I had a hobby food forest on my homestead. It is a family tradition. My Grandpa Cowan had grape vineyards in Oregon and roses gardens for my Grandma Nova. My Dad had an impressive home orchard down here in the valley and so do I. Mine is cooler, just saying. But when I first started gardening I would often get disappointed and even upset that I was not reaping much of a harvest. Apparently God would make sure that his birds got their share, then the takuaches, followed by the raccoons getting their portion. Then the ones I missed, the bugs got. After everyone's cut I would be left with a few papayas here, a few mangoes there and so on and so forth. 

At some point the sentiment of this verse became apparent, I wasn't sowing enough. I was sowing sparingly and also was reaping sparingly. Quickly my plan changed to sowing bountifully. One of my projects I started 30 papayas, that yielded about 20 viable, strong plants that got planted in the field. Of course a few died in the transplanting. I hit another one with a tractor.  Then winter came and killed two more. Now I had about 13 left. After God’s little critters took their cut of the fruit, we were still swimming in papayas. We reaped bountifully.

At the time if I talked to you, you were going to be walking away with a couple of papayas. Especially if you said you don't like papayas. I would have joyfully told you “These are different, not like the ones from the store!”. I was definitely a cheerful giver.  At my homestead I sow into pots and then into plots, here at the church we sow into ministries that strive to help our people and others to know God and make Him known. We sow with our hands and feet as volunteers, and we also sow at the offertory plate. We see the work being done and the fruit being harvested. In this season we can not help ourselves from being anything other than cheerful givers.              Lets pray

Father God, thank you for making yourself known to us. Lord you alone are more than enough, yet in your kindness you bless us. Jesus you have pulled us from the flames, thank you. Holy Spirit, continue to point us to Christ, continue to sanctify us, work in us to be more Christ-like. All mighty God, move us to sow in abundance. Show us the fruit that is yielded by our obedience.  God, bless the offering we receive today, may they be sown in the fertile soil of this church’s ministries. May they yield abundantly for your glory. Amen.

Christopher W. Cowan

The Cowboys are Winning the Super Bowl! (A Fantasy Football Devotional)

James 1:19-21

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The Cowboys are Going to the Super Bowl!

The first week of the season is in the books and overreactions abound. While I don’t think that my Cowboy’s prediction is an overreaction, there are plenty of them to go around after just one game: “Mac Jones and Jordon Love will be top 5 QB’s”, “Tyler Allgeier will outscore Bijan Robinson in Fantasy points this year”, “I’m firing all my guys and for such a dismal showing”, or “I’m winning the Fantasy Football Super Bowl,” are just a few possible overreactions based on a limited amount of information.

As the weeks go on, we will have more data points on teams and players with which we can make informed decisions about who the best players and teams are. Being quick to listen and slow to speak is like that. Listening helps you gather more data points about a person or situation so you can make an informed decision on how you can minister to someone in their situation. Truly listening can help you understand and keep your anger in check.

Think about a time recently when you were quick to anger. If you are like me, listening and gathering more data points could have helped you produce the righteousness that God desires, instead of the raised-voice, over-the-top scolding I recently gave my son…confession is good for the soul! After an apology and an honest assessment of where things were, my anger was kept in check and I was closer to the humility needed to accept the word that had been planted in me.

Dear God,

Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

I also pray the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl, but there is a lot of football to be played still!

Stay tuned for the return of our Commissioners’ Report Podcast next week.. You can catch up on old episodes here.

Pastor Ray is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at First Baptist Church Weslaco. He manages the Elisha’s Bears Fantasy Football team in the Baptist Ballers League. His 124 points were the second highest in the league this past week…an impressive feat being that his starting QB was Aaron Rodgers! He also apologized to his son, gave him a hug and told him he is really appreciative of the man he has become.

Flowers and Faith

By Whitney Hopler, as posted on crosswalk.com the devotional

“… See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-33 NIV

After a busy week at work and school, my family and I decided one Saturday to let our long list of chores and errands wait so we could enjoy a botanical garden together. Worries about all I had to do still crept into my mind as I walked around. So, I chose a path toward some rose bushes and decided to literally “stop and smell the roses.” I enjoyed sniffing the fragrances of every single rose variety there. Inhaling those sweet scents felt like inhaling God’s grace because God made it possible for me to enjoy that wondrous nature experience unconditionally. I didn’t have to earn the experience by completing any chores or errands. When I exhaled in between sniffing the roses, I felt like I was letting go of more and more worry each time.

In this fallen world that’s full of stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to find ourselves consumed by worry. However, Jesus calls us to a different way of living – one marked by faith and trust in God. Jesus tells us that flowers can serve as beautiful reminders of God’s care and provision for us. In both Matthew chapter 6 and Luke chapter 12, Jesus uses the example of flowers (which some translations identify as lilies) to illustrate a powerful truth about God’s provision. He points out how these simple yet exquisite creations of God don’t worry, yet God makes it possible for them to bloom with beauty that surpasses even the grand clothes of King Solomon. Jesus highlights this awe-inspiring reality to remind us that if God takes such good care of plants like flowers and even grass – which live only briefly – how much more will God provide for us, his beloved children? 

Jesus recognizes our tendency to worry about our daily needs – what we will eat, drink, or wear. Yet, Jesus reminds us that worry doesn’t bring us any closer to fulfilling our purpose in God’s kingdom. When we catch ourselves worrying, that’s an invitation to shift our focus and seek God, who promises to meet all of our needs. Just as the flowers of the field trust in God’s care, we, too, can find peace of mind in knowing that God will take care of our needs. Flowers don’t anxiously strive for their sustenance. They don’t worry about their survival. Instead, they surrender to the rhythm of God’s creation, fully relying on him to provide what they need to flourish. Likewise, as we grow in faith and deepen our trust in God, we can experience the same freedom from anxiety. We can learn from the flowers’ silent testimony of trust and give our worries to God, resting assured that God will faithfully provide for us. 

The next time you find yourself entangled in the worries of life, give yourself the gift of a break with some flowers. Enjoy their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and delicate fragrances. Allow the beauty and simplicity of flowers to reignite your trust in God’s loving care. Instead of striving and fretting, choose to seek God, knowing that God will meet your needs so you, too, can bloom and thrive in life. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:

As you reflect on flowers and faith, consider these questions: 

• What are some specific worries that you need to surrender to God, trusting that he will provide for you? 

• What practical steps can you take to release your worries to God? 

• How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God’s provision in both big and small situations? 

• How can you plan to enjoy flowers regularly to remind yourself that God will help you bloom and thrive when you trust him? 

While You Wait

BY: TRACIE BRAYLOCK 

Lee en español

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5(NIV)

The phone hanging on the waiting-room wall is used by families to call into the operating room, acting as a lifeline for those wanting to know what’s taking place.

As the operating-room nurse, I’d often answer the phone and hear a concerned voice on the other end requesting information about their loved one’s condition.

“Excuse me, doctor, the family would like an update,” I’d say.

Often, the response would be something like, “Everything is proceeding as expected.”

Because of these experiences, I’ve developed a great deal of empathy for those waiting for answers, for those who simply want to know their loved ones are safe and still in good hands.

I’m also keenly aware of the work taking place in the operating room that very few get to witness. The spaces being surgically opened, cleaned out, newly constructed and masterfully stitched back together. The work that relieves pain, mends wounds, makes way for healing, and ensures living this life remains possible.

You see, sometimes, for those on the other end of the phone, the information that everything is proceeding as expected is enough to calm their obvious concern and curiosity. Other times, this answer isn’t enough. The person standing in the waiting room wants more detail, certainty or even a definitive timeline.

Maybe these people have been in the waiting room so long that they've noticed others, who had previously been waiting with them, have left. Others’ prayers seem to have been answered. Others’ operations have already been completed. Others have gotten to move on while they are still waiting and pacing the floor.

My friend, if you find yourself in one of life’s waiting rooms — watching and wondering when you’ll get to move on — I encourage you to focus your attention on this passage of Scripture: “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5).

You don’t have to spend another moment doubting, worrying or pacing the floor. You and your whole being can wait for the Lord as you redirect your attention and put your hope in His Word.

Even though it seems like you’ve been waiting for so long and there’s no end in sight, know that everything is proceeding as He expected. You don’t need the details or a definitive timeline to know that God will keep every promise He has made concerning you and your future. He is opening doors, cleaning out debris, constructing new paths and masterfully stitching together more than you could imagine.

You may not be standing in the operating room of your situation, able to see what’s happening or witness the process firsthand, but you can trust that God is moving on your behalf, and the work is indeed taking place.

Dear God, in Your Word I put my hope. My whole being waits for You, oh Lord, and I thank You for the work You’re actively doing in my life. I trust that whether or not I can see what’s taking place, it will all work for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer for Father's Day

Our culture can be tough on dads these days. If you’re a father, you might be fighting a lot of battles—for your marriage, your family . . . even for your own heart.

And finding the courage to keep fighting every day isn’t easy.

That’s why I want you to know—you are appreciated. God sees the silent sacrifices you make. The hard work you put in. The obstacles you overcome to protect the ones you love.

So I want to share this prayer of blessing with you to remind you how incredibly valuable you are. The battles you fight matter.

You can also download a copy of the prayer and print it to keep close by. If you’re not a father, I ask you to pray for the fathers or father figures in your life—then download the prayer and share it with them.

Let me share God’s faithful promise in Psalm 37:23-24 with you as well: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (NIV).

God is the only perfect father there is. Though you may stumble, the Lord will uphold you with his hand—always.

May God bless you richly and fill you with his strength as you delight in him and walk in his ways.

Happy Father’s Day!

Pastor Rick

A Timeless Pastoral Message

20:1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. (Acts 20)

A Timeless Pastoral Message

Acts 20 

·      What was the “must” that was driving Paul’s ministry journey and this timeless pastoral message?  What are some of the “musts” that drive our journey of faith and our message?

·      What lessons can we learn from the Eutychus story besides the “don’t fall asleep in church” message?

·      Why was this such an emotional farewell between Paul and the Ephesian congregation?  What kind of relationships are we building within our fellowship?  What would the farewell be like if today was your last day in our fellowship?  How can we strengthen the relationships within our congregation?

·      Spend a few moments praying that we might take this timeless pastoral message to heart.

The One Test That Proves You Love Jesus

By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

“If you love me, keep my commands.” - John 14:15 

We live in a world where people use the word love loosely. We say things like I love food, sports, or other inanimate objects. Yet, in expressing love, you will also hear people tell you how much they love Jesus. So my question is, how do you know you love God? What measuring stick are you using to define what it means to really love Jesus? In John’s Gospel, Jesus gives us one, which he reinforces three times in the same chapter.

• “If you love me, keep my commands.” - John 14:15

• “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” - John 14:21

• “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” - John 14:23

On three separate occasions, Jesus identifies the one piece of evidence that proves you really love God. That is your obedience. It is impossible to say you love God if you are going to blatantly and continually do the things that break his heart. It would be like me declaring to the world how much I love my wife, but I do something I know will be offensive to her every chance I get. That may be a lot of things, but that is not love. 

3 Ways Your Obedience Connects to Your Love of Jesus:
1. Your obedience acknowledges you agree with his position.
When you choose to obey God, and yes, obedience is a choice, you tell God he is right and agree with his position. The agreement does not mean you immediately like his position, but you agree that his position is correct. For example, someone may hurt you, and you choose to forgive them. Now you may not want to forgive them, and it may be difficult to forgive them, but you do it because God commands you to, and you know it is the right thing to do. Even though it hurts, you do it because you agree with God’s position.

2 . Your obedience tells Jesus he is welcome.
Obedience is a welcomer. It tells Jesus you are welcome in my life to do what you want. When you choose to disobey, you are telling Jesus I don’t want your ways, and in this area of my life, I don’t want you, and I don’t want you interfering. I know those seem like harsh words, but when you reject his commands, that is what you are doing. Disobedience, which is sin, says you trust or desire something more than you desire God or your relationship with him. When you put it in that language, it stings a bit more. Your obedience or disobedience will determine which one you really want, sin or the things of God; your choice will show where your love resides.

3. Your obedience is about your actions, not just your words.
When Jesus made these statements in John, he was really saying this. Don’t tell me you love me, show me. It can be very easy to declare how much you love Jesus with your lips. Anyone can do that. It is far different to make the choices, sometimes difficult ones, which show that you love him. However, it is in these places that your obedience becomes evidence of your love because you will do the hard things, even when you may not want to. Not because you are motivated by fear of retaliation but because you are motivated by a love that desires to please God.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
I want to leave you with a simple challenge today. Think of your life and see if there are any areas where you are wrestling with disobedience. It could be something you should be doing or need to stop doing. Either way, let the motivation to change come from your love of Jesus, which drives you to walk in obedience. After all, if you love him, you will do what he says. Hearing God’s Word, receiving God’s Word, and even believing God’s Word means nothing if you don’t obey God’s Word.

Finding the Courage to Be Different

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown, as posted on crosswalk.com the devotional

 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18

Against the Grain
My father used to say the times have changed, a sentiment I now echo. The world looked so different during childhood; some resulted from my imaginings, and some from a reality long past. Today, the world, especially my country, looks darker, uncertain, and divided. My faith now shines brighter than ever, and I’ve never felt so alone and out of place. I grew up when being Christian was in fashion, even ubiquitous. Kids pretended to be Christian even when they weren’t. Not anymore. 

Nowadays, many people hide their faith for fear of being offensive. There seem to be fewer open prayers when out in public and less mention of God in school. Abortion. Homosexuality. Race. Transgender. Many other things. Uttering an opinion or a fact that goes against the grain is far more consequential than just taboo. So for those of us seeking to stand firm in the faith, what exactly are we left to do? Finding the courage to be different today comes with consequences like job loss, ostracization, legal repercussions, fines, and maybe at some point, death. It's undoubtedly counter-cultural to be Christian in today’s society. The question is, do we have the courage to be different?

Intersecting Faith and Life:
The world hated Jesus. There should be no surprise when we receive the same treatment. If you are a Christian who finds yourself in harmony with the world, that’s an indication to rethink your faith. We are called live differently, like Christ. He didn’t have an easy life. Why would we? Christ told His disciples there would be suffering in the world. Yet, despite suffering, through Him, they could find peace. Through Him, they found the strength needed to live out their faith. That same peace and strength are available to us today. We’ll need it if we are to be different.

Different in the Way We Talk
Scripture prescribes a certain way to communicate. Our words are supposed to build another up, those in the faith and outside. That doesn’t mean every word spoken from our mouths is soft and gentle, but that also doesn’t mean our words should be harsh. Where the world seeks to offend, we should make peace. Where the world stresses peace, we should boldly speak the truth in love to people who need to hear it.

Different in the Way We Walk
Modern society glorifies the value of an individual's happiness, priorities, needs, and wants. Our faith prioritizes the values of God. We recognize we are not the center of the universe, which causes us to value getting married and starting families. We value serving others as opposed to ourselves. We value children in and outside of the womb.

Different in How We Think
Our primary motivations as Christians should be to love God and, secondly, to love others. These are the greatest commandments. Society commands the love of self. If we aren’t happy, the culture encourages us to change our circumstances through divorce, jobs, etc. Scripture helps us understand happiness is not just transitory but something we aren’t entitled to for simply existing. God blesses us with good, but He also allows for bad - and for very good reasons!

Different in What We Believe
Those in the world reject God when they can’t see the evidence but are quick to believe science without viewing the evidence - the methodology, the variables, the data, etc. Knowing ‘the science’ proves something is enough for some people. As Christians, we believe science helps us understand the natural world, but we also recognize there is also a supernatural one. God allows us to see where conventional insight fails or deceives. Being different is a challenge today, but walking with God was never meant to be easy. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are proof. We must find the courage to be different today and every day, no matter how dark they may be.

A Prayer for Courage
God, I come before you now with a prayer for courage. Please be with me on these dark and challenging days. No matter how alone I may feel, remind me you are my ever-present company. Whatever obstacles I face help me to live out the faith consistently and constantly. When the world seeks to deceive and sell me on falsehoods, direct me again towards truth. Please direct me to you. Being different is hard and scary, and some days God, I wonder what life would be like to be of the world. But I want to remain steadfast. I wish to remain with you. So, Lord, please give me the courage to be different, especially when I need it the most. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Isn’t It Ironic: The Unexpected Twists of the Gospel

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:16-39)

Isn’t It Ironic: The Unexpected Twists of the Gospel

Mark 15:16-39

·      Yesterday we talked about irony and the unexpected twists of the gospel story.  Read through Mark’s crucifixion narrative again and list ironic elements that you find there.

·      How might these unexpected outcomes draw us into the story and give us hope?

·      What unexpected conclusion would you dare to pray for in your story today?  Reflect on that prayerfully as you cry out to the Author of our faith who loves to write stories with unexpected endings.

Lord of Lords, we humble ourselves before your amazing story of undeserved grace.  Jesus came to suffer with us.  Jesus died to redeem us from sin.  Jesus was willing to go through all of this to show us Your love.  Remind us of that wonderful irony when we face circumstances that seem to invalidate our hope.  Help us to remember that You love to add twists like deliverance, rescue, and transformation into stories of hardship, pain, and despair.  In the mighty name of our crucified and resurrected Lord, Jesus, Amen.

The Grace-Filled Gift of a Do-Over

AMY WHITE, COMPEL Training Member as posted on Encouragement for Today daily devotional

Lee en español

“And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.’” Mark 10:49 (ESV)

I messed up. Quick, thoughtless words flew out of my mouth and hurt my daughter.

I could see it written all over her face. Her shoulders sagged, her face grew long, and her eyes filled with tears. I cringed inside and sighed, feeling disappointed in myself. My daughter was hurt, and I felt like a failure as a mom.

I began to condemn myself … but then I remembered Jesus handling a similar situation. The end of Mark 10 tells the story of Bartimaeus, who was blind and sat by the roadside asking for support from passersby. Jesus was walking on the road with a crowd of people when Bartimaeus heard Jesus was passing by.

Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, NIV).

The crowd of people with Jesus reacted by shushing Bartimaeus, sternly telling him to be quiet! But Jesus stopped walking. He heard the commotion, heard Bartimaeus’ cries for mercy, and also heard the nasty response of the crowd.

It is Jesus’ response to the unkind crowd that moves me: Jesus said to them, “Call him” (Mark 10:49).

With two words, Jesus offered grace. Jesus could have walked over to Bartimaeus or reprimanded the crowd for their pitiless response to someone in need. Instead, Jesus, in His wisdom and love, didn’t scold them but gave them what they needed most: an experience of grace rather than condemnation, a chance to try again to show love to their neighbor. With these simple words, Jesus offered the grace-filled gift of a do-over.

Notice the attitude transformation of the crowd when they were offered a chance to do it over! The same people who were heartlessly trying to silence Bartimaeus’ pleas now said to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you” (Mark 10:49). The words the crowd spoke this time were encouraging and helpful, delivering the sweetest message: Jesus is calling you.

Had they succeeded in shushing him, the crowd’s initial response might have kept Bartimaeus in a life of blindness. Accepting Jesus’ grace-filled do-over allowed them to lead a blind man to Jesus. To a miracle. To a new life.

What might it mean if you were willing to accept the grace-filled gift of a do-over? What healing might it bring to your heart or another’s?

Friend, instead of berating ourselves for our mistakes, let’s remember Jesus didn’t scold the crowd — He offered them grace. He does the same for us. He loves us and gently invites us to try again to offer love to one another.

I knew instantly that my words to my daughter were unkind and uncaring. So I accepted Jesus’ grace-filled gift of a do-over. I went to my daughter and apologized for what I had said. I told her what I should have said instead, words to care for her heart, build her up and show her love.

A do-over is a grace-filled gift from Jesus.

God, You first gave grace to us. Help us to accept this grace, to walk daily in this grace, and to extend this grace to others as You continue to transform our lives into the likeness of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Vacation Bible School

A devotion by Janice Curry

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand.  Isaiah 41:13a

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.  Matthew 19:14

Just shy of 6 years old, I knew I wanted to become a Christian.  I walked the aisle alone here at First Baptist Church.  Of course, I didn't understand completely how or why the sacrifice of Jesus took care of all my sins, I only knew that it did.  My parents and pastor didn't dissuade me, and I joyfully became one of his own.  A tiny hand reached up to a holy God and met His hand already reaching down to grasp mine.  He knew my heart.  He has never let go and holds that very same hand today.  

I'd like to say that what followed has been 61 years of selfless, sinless service to my Lord but many of you know me too well for me to get by with that!  Granted, there have been times of sweet fellowship walking hand in hand but also periods of time where I strained against His firm but gentle grasp wanting to go my own way.  As much as I pulled, He held firm.  I was His.  I have always known it.  Through teenage years, young adulthood, middle age and now senior years, He still holds that same hand. No longer tiny but lined and wrinkled.  The same hand he will hold as I someday walk from 'earth to eternity'.  

As Vacation Bible School approaches, please be in prayer for the children of our church and community.  This is a unique time of saturated Bible study for them.

Please note you can register students for Vacation Bible School (June 5-8) here.

You never know whose tiny hand will be reaching up to grasp the hand of a waiting Father.

Tip of the Iceberg

By Robin Wiley

Back in January 2018, I wrote this devotional for one off our Sunday services and then we put the story in our newsletter that year. I remember as if it was yesterday, where my husband Scott, was sitting at our kitchen table going over physics problems/questions with Hannah regarding the MCAT exam she was planning on taking later that month.  

One example that really resonated with me, was how he had explained density – by giving her examples of practical things she was used to hearing – such as the saying “the tip of the iceberg.”  You know that idiom, right?  You are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” with that person. or the way this team is playing, you are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” on how they can be successful.

The tip of the iceberg – if you were actually looking at it scientifically and factually  -the tip is only 10% of the iceberg.  The other 90% you do not see – it’s under water.  The same goes for when you use it for a situation, you mean that there is more to it than what can be seen or experienced.

Isn’t that amazing?  Same could be said with the ministries we do here at FBC.  You give 10% and you might see only 10% if you just only come on Sundays and/or Wednesdays – you are only seeing 10% of what our ministries do during the week.  The other 90% that you might not see are the many other soul care activities we do – such as visitations and hospital visits, counseling sessions, music lessons and practices, researching and writing sermons, Bible studies and lesson plans, being prayer warriors, helping to keep someone’s lights on, feeding our community once a month and many other things – too many to list here.

There is certainly a lot going on with “being the church.” Your tithing, whatever amount, goes to support the many ways we “know Him and make Him known.” When you serve or volunteer to “be the church” – you are serving the kingdom with what you were given by God by sharing it with others, whether it’s your time, talents, or treasures.

“We will never change the world by going to church. We will only change the world by being the church.”–Unknown.

“When the church is being the church, there is no community that can compare to the church.”  Eric Mason.

“Don’t let a building confine your faith because we will never change the world by just going to church, we need to be the church.”- Unknown.

“Don’t just go to church, be the church.”  -Unknown[1]

Come join us at the’ tip of the iceberg’ and ‘be the church’! 

 
Prayer:

Father God – thank you for the Good News of Jesus! Help me to be part of the people who are working together, using our gifts to serve others and to live out your grace, love and truth in our daily walks. Thank you for this day – may it be blessed beyond measure! In Jesus’ name – Amen.

[1] Ann Marie with Busy Blessed Women Blog,  https://busyblessedwomen.com/be-the-church/

Don't pick up what you weren't meant to carry.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble.” Hebrews 12:15

If someone has hurt you, intentionally or not, you try to reconcile. You explain how you feel. You accept any responsibility you have for the problem and apologize. You listen to what the other person has to say.

If that person is willing to work things out, you forgive the same way God forgave you- without conditions. If they aren’t interested in fixing things, you still do the same thing. Forgive. Easy to do? No. The right thing to do? Always.

Just because that’s what God asks doesn’t mean it isn’t tempting to pick up a little something as you leave. It’s called a grudge. But the only thing a grudge changes is you. It weighs you down and makes you bitter. The bitterness can spill over into angry, complaining words or a self-righteous attitude. Neither of these reflects the true woman God created you to be.

Carrying a grudge is like toting around someone else’s dirty laundry. Ask God to help you pick up forgiveness instead.

-As shared by the Women of Joy conference team

To Gossip or Not to Gossip?

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:25 and 29

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Our 6 AM Men’s Bible Challenge this morning was about gossip. At first, most of us thought that men don’t really gossip, so this wasn’t for us. But then we realized there is always the potential for gossiping about others: especially when dealing with Christ Ramirez…Just Kidding Chris…when dealing with difficult situations. What is the difference between gossip and just talking about someone? If talking about someone is not going to improve their situation or your relationship with them, it is probably gossip.

It is much easier to talk about someone than to them when we have a problem with something. All relationships take work. Unfortunately, most people avoid doing the work and simply allow tension to slowly build over time, hoping it just goes away. Eventually, that tension will explode back into the relationship when least expected. This can truly harm our relationships at work, at home, and at church.

The easiest way to not gossip is to stay humble and pray for the person you want to talk about. Ask God to help you and the person resolve the issue. Pray for wisdom to know when and how you can talk to them. Jesus’ insight into going to your brother in private is sound. I’ve been in many situations that could have been resolved if this first step had been taken. Unfortunately, many do not have the courage to follow Jesus’ command or the wisdom to know how to do it with humility, counting others more significant than themselves.

Dear God,

Give me wisdom to know how I can confront those who have sinned against me. Give me the humility I need to consider others better than myself. Help me to speak truth with my neighbors and build up those you have placed around me. Change my heart so I may deal with all people the Jesus way.

Amen

In Christ,

Pastor Ray

P.S.

Here is a good video on drama triangles, the roles we assume in them, and how to avoid them.

Empty Phrases

Jesus said that when we pray we should “not heap up empty phrases” (Matthew 6:7). Later he lamented a hypocritical form of worship by quoting the indictment that first came through Isaiah: “These people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew15:8).
 
We must be so careful when we bow our heads to pray, or lift our voices to sing. God is not impressed when we utter mere words such as “Praise the Lord!” or “Hallelujah!” He is looking for worshippers whose spirits (i.e., minds, hearts, and thoughts) are engaged in expressing the meaning of those words (cf. John 4:23). It is easy to melodically recite lyrics of Christian songs, but it takes concentration, sincerity and thoughtfulness to truly worship in song.
 
We should never hide behind fine sounding words while our minds wander through a set of thoughts about something else. This is a special challenge when someone else is leading us in prayer during a church service or at a Bible study. Those words coming from the one composing and vocalizing the prayer must be echoed in our own minds and then thoughtfully directed to God from our own hearts. When we are leading in prayer or praying privately, we must be careful to never “heap up empty phrases” which our minds never grasp or our hearts never direct to God.
 
Real prayer and real worship require our minds. Don’t switch them off. Don’t let them wander. God deserves our full attention and desires our attentive communication.

In Christ,
Mike Fabarez

As written for and posted on Focal Point Ministries weekly devotional. This devotional was shared by Janice Curry. If you have a devotional that was especially meaningful to you, please feel free to share with us! Email to eramirez@fbcweslaco.org

The Light of the World

A servant of God distinctly gives off light in darkness with hardly a word being said.

— Charles R. Swindoll

Taken from Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:14–16

Does it seem important to you that Christ calls us what He called Himself? "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12). "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).

Servants of Christ shine with His light in a society that is hopelessly lost, left to itself. Now, answer two questions:

1. What is the basic function of light?

2. How can that function best occur?

The answer to the first question is obvious—to dispel darkness. Darkness cannot remain when a light is turned on. I don't care how thick the darkness may be. And the answer to the second question is found in Jesus's own words:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." (Matthew 5:14–15)

How can darkness be dispelled? First, by not hiding the light—it must be "set on a hill." And second, by not limiting the light—"on the lampstand . . . it gives light to all who are in the house." What stars are to the night sky, Christ's servants are to a darkened world.

Those in the light are a weird phenomenon to those in darkness. And that is exactly as Jesus planned it.

Think of some distinctive characteristics of light:

• Light is silent. No noise, no big splash, no banners—light simply shines. It's like a single lighthouse along a dark, rugged shoreline. All it does is shine.

• Light gives direction. No words, no sermon. Jesus says that others "see" a Christian's actions; He says nothing about nonbelievers "hearing" what a believer says.

• Light attracts attention. You don't have to ask people to look at you when you turn on a light in a dark room. It happens automatically.

If you are a Christian on an athletic team with non-Christians, you are the light in darkness. If you are a Christian family in a non-Christian neighborhood, you are the light in darkness. The same is true if you are the only Christian nurse on your floor, or student in your school, or professional in your firm, or salesperson in your district. You are the light in darkness—a servant of God who is being watched, who gives off light . . . a very distinct message with hardly a word being said.

At first they may hate the light, but don't worry. They are still attracted to it. Let it shine! Don't attempt to show off how bright and sparkling you are; just shine!

Prayer:

Father – Thank you for Jesus who is our shining example of how to honor God with our lives. Show me how I can shine your goodness and grace on others in my own family and in my community. Give me courage to speak boldly and share the Good News of Christ of what He has done for me in my life with others.  I pray this the precious name of Jesus – Amen!

All Things New: That Great Culmination of Our Lives of Faith

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

All Things New: That Great Culmination of Our Lives of Faith

Revelation 21:1-5

·      Prayerfully rewrite this passage in your own words.

·      In what ways does marriage illustrate the coming of the new “holy city” of God’s kingdom at the end of the age?

·      In what ways does John seem to be saying that living in family relationships and community points us toward the time when God Himself will dwell with us?

·      Does the idea of a day when God will wipe away tears and abolish death, eliminating mourning, crying, and pain bring you comfort as you work through an experience of grief and loss?

This week, from the vantage point of our hurting and broken world, let us look toward the God who is seated on the throne and says, “Behold I am making all things new,” praying, “Even so, come, Lord, Jesus.” Amen.

Why Your Story Matters

By: SHARON JAYNES, as posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotional

Lee en español

“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” Psalm 66:16 (NLT)

I was 16 years old and a fairly new Christian. My friend’s dad, Mr. Evans, gathered up a few of us teenagers and drove us to a church just outside my hometown. We were going to give our testimonies at a Saturday-night gathering of strangers. I’d never stood behind a podium, spoken into a microphone, or stared at a sea of faces who thought I had something to say. I had been in a Bible study for teenagers for two years, but I certainly didn’t feel qualified to talk to a room full of adults and kids about Jesus. What in the world am I doing here? I thought as I waited for my turn to walk up the steps that led to the podium.

When Mr. Evans called my name, I walked up the stage steps, took a deep breath, and simply told all those staring eyes my story. I told them about how Jesus plucked me out of a very difficult home situation, about parents who fought all the time, and about hiding in the closet. I also told them about the woman who introduced me to Jesus and how I accepted Him as my Savior when I was 14. I told them how Jesus was making me not so afraid anymore and how I was praying for my parents to know Jesus too. Was I eloquent? No. Did I quote Scripture? No. Were there tears? Yes. Several of my peers also shared that night. Like me, they didn’t know a lot of theology, but they knew their stories, and that was enough. There wasn’t much room left at the front of the sanctuary when Mr. Evans gave the altar call that night.

And so it began … my journey of learning just how important stories are.

In Mark 5:1-20, we read a story of Jesus casting out a legion of demons from a man who lived in the tombs across from the shore of Galilee. This unrestrainable man broke chains, shattered shackles, cried out in the night, and cut himself with stones. After Jesus delivered him, he was miraculously healed. When Jesus got in the boat to leave, this man wanted to hop in the boat and go with him. I would have too! But Jesus said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19, NIV). I didn’t know this verse when I was 14, but I know now that it sounds a lot like Psalm 66:16: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” Every redemptive story, like a seed, realizes its potential when it is planted in the heart of another human being. And that plant, born of a seed, will become a plant that bears more seeds.

Make no mistake about it: Your story matters. Don’t be afraid to tell it!

There is an enemy, the devil, who doesn’t want you to tell what God has done in your life. He wants you to keep it bottled up and hidden away. He doesn’t want you to tell how you traded in your broken pieces for a beautiful masterpiece. But if we listen to the wrong voice, we will make the wrong choice. The devil will do everything he can to keep us silent, yet the Bible says God's people will overcome the devil “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11, NKJV). Your willingness to place your story in God’s holy hands will lead to full redemption, where the pain loses its power to do you harm and gains the power to do others good.

So don’t hide your story. Own it! Tell it! Rejoice in it! Realize that no matter what has happened in your life, your lows, your disappointments and your struggles can be the most compelling parts of your story as God redeems them all. People will rally around you, and you will find love and connection in the process. With God, your wounds can become the source of your greatest strengths.

Father, thank You for giving me a new ending to my story. I pray that You will give me opportunities to tell others what You’ve done for me and that I won’t hold anything back. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Path to Freedom by Chuck Swindoll

From Insight For Living

Do you need to be set free? Honestly now, is your next step the need to forgive? Do it. Don't let anything or anyone talk you out of it. I know, I know. After all the misery you have had to endure, why should you have to be the one who humbles yourself and forgives?

Christ could have asked the same question at Golgotha. Perhaps He did at Gethsemane. But once He discerned the Father's determination, there was no looking back . . . no turning back.

Remember His cry from the cross? "Father, forgive them . . . " (Luke 23:34).

Look up "forgive" and "forgiveness" in your Bible concordance and read the Scriptures listed. One you will find there is:

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32).

Devocional en Espanol

Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo!
(2 Corintios 5:17)

Son muchas las personas que conocen este versículo. Piensa en esto, ¿eres una nueva criatura? Eso significa abandonar las prácticas antiguas a través de la renovación de Cristo en nuestra vida. Ser nueva creación en Cristo nos hace estar abiertos a anunciar las buenas nuevas del Evangelio.

Si has aceptado a Jesús como tu único Salvador, ya eres una nueva criatura. Pero para mantener esa renovación en tu vida debes buscar a Dios de todo corazón. Siempre que buscamos a Dios, él se nos revela y recibimos algo nuevo para nuestra vida.

• Evita las viejas prácticas, renueva tu mente. Piensa con la mente de Cristo, imítale a él.

• Habla con tus colegas sobre cómo Cristo te cambió y te hizo una nueva criatura. Comparte tu experiencia.

• Deja atrás lo que pasó, perdona y pide perdón. Anda un nuevo camino a través de la fe.

Señor Jesús, el antiguo yo ya murió y hoy soy una nueva criatura a través de tu poderosa sangre. Muchas gracias por tu favor. Quiero vivir todas las promesas que has reservado para mi vida. Quiero más de ti. Amén.

Pastor Luis