Please Don’t Give Me a Packaged Christian Answer

By: LYSA TERKEURST, as written and posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotional

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“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV)

I love Jesus. I love God. I love His Truth. I love people. But I don’t love packaged Christian answers.

Those cliches tie everything up in a nice, neat bow and make life a little too tidy. But there just isn’t anything tidy about some awful and sad and so incredibly evil things that happen in our broken world.

And God help me if I think I’m going to make things better by thinking up a clever Christian saying to add to all the dialogue. God certainly doesn’t need people like me — with limited perspectives, limited understanding and limited depth — trying to make sense of things that only make sense to Him.

Is there a place for God’s Truth in all this? Absolutely. But we must, must, must let God direct us. In His time. In His way. In His love. And when things are awful, perhaps we should just say, "This is awful.” When things don’t make sense, we can’t shy away from simply saying,“This doesn’t make sense.”

There is a difference between a wrong word at the wrong time, and a right word at the right time.

When my little sister died a horribly tragic death, it was because a doctor prescribed some medication no child should ever be given. And it set off a chain of events that eventually found my family standing over a pink, rose-draped casket. Weeping. Hurting. Needing time to wrestle with grief and anger and loss.

And it infuriated my raw soul when people tried to sweep up the shattered pieces of our lives by saying things like, “Well, God just needed another angel in heaven.” Besides being off base theologically, statements like that took the shards of my grief and twisted them even more deeply into my already broken heart.

I understand why they said things like this. They wanted to say something — anything — to make it better. Their compassion compelled them to come close. And I wanted them there. And then I didn’t.

Everything was a contradiction. I could be crying hysterically one minute and laughing the next. And then I’d feel so awful for daring to laugh that I wanted to cuss. And then sing a praise song. I wanted to shake my fist at God and then read His Scriptures for hours. There’s just nothing tidy about all that.

But the thing I know now that I wish I knew then is that Jesus understands what it is like to deeply feel human emotions like grief and heartbreak.

We see this in John 11:32-35 when Jesus received the news His dear friend Lazarus had died:

“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother [Lazarus] would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept” (NIV).

Yes, Jesus wept and mourned with His loved ones in that devastatingly heartbreaking moment. And the fact that He can identify with my pain is so comforting to me. He meets us in our grief. And we can bring the hope He promises and the comfort He supplies when others are grieving too.

You want to know the best thing someone said to me in the middle of my grief?

I was standing in the midst of all the tears falling down on black dresses and black suits on that gray funeral day. My heels were sinking into the grass. I was staring down at an ant pile. The ants were running like mad around a footprint that had squashed their home. I was wondering if I stood in that pile and let them sting me a million times if maybe that pain would distract me from my soul pain. At least I knew how to soothe physical pain.

Suddenly this little pigtailed girl skipped by me and exclaimed, “I hate ants.” And that was hands-down the best thing anyone said that day.

She just entered in right where I was. Noticed where I was focused in that moment and just said something basic. Normal. Obvious.

Yes, there is a place for a solid Christian answer from well-intentioned friends. Absolutely. But then there’s also a place to weep with a hurting friend from the depths of your soul. A time when there really aren’t any words that can help the pain.

May God help us to know the difference.

Dear Lord, I know You are the only One who can bring comfort to seemingly impossible situations. Thank You for comforting me in my pain so I can comfort others in their pain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 12:15-16a, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.” (NIV)

Who is someone in your life who you could “live in harmony with” today? Maybe it’s a friend who needs someone to sit with them in their heartache. Or maybe they need a friend to bring laughter or surprise them with their favorite treat.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you need relationship guidance rooted in biblical wisdom instead of one-size-fits-all answers that don't give you the practical help you need, Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource called “Stop Dancing With Dysfunction” just for you. Download it here!

Worship: Enacting God's Story

The Feast of Booths - Leviticus 33:33-43

33 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for seven days is the Feast of Booths[a] to the Lord.35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. 36 For seven days you shall present food offerings to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the Lord. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work.

37 “These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the Lord food offerings, burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day, 38 besides the Lord's Sabbaths and besides your gifts and besides all your vow offerings and besides all your freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord.

39 “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 40 And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. 41 You shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, 43 that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

I watched a worship video the other day where people began debating about the qualities of worship. While there were many definitions given, I was amazed at the domination of the I/me perspective in which each person considered their point of view, their experience, and their feelings as the primary driving force in what true worship was. As the debate raged on, no one seemed to consider any kind of Biblical foundation for their arguments.

In Leviticus we see how our Israelite ancestors were instructed to worship. They were to gather together in holy convocation to start and end their feast. They had to present offerings throughout the week and not do any work on days of worship (v. 35). Not doing any work meant they had to do a lot of preparation in the days leading up to these wonderful celebrations. Furthermore, the offerings and sacrifices were in addition to their normal offerings (v. 38). Then, after resting, there was celebration, rejoicing and living in booths for seven days (v. 39-40). Living in booths, or tents, was a way of re-enacting God’s story of redemption: it reminded generations to come that Israel lived in booths when they were brought out of Egypt.

From this passage we see a pattern of worship that enacts God’s story in order to remember and celebrate God’s mighty deeds in history. God instructed his people to worship through preparation, rest, Holy gatherings, offerings, feasts and camping in tents. Sounds like we need a church campout soon! True Biblical worship, then should involve preparation, rest, gathering together, presenting sacrifices and most importantly, enacting God’s story. Worship often involves emotion, but Biblically based worship involves action that points to God and God’s story.

How can we focus on God and God’s story in worship?

In what ways do we enact God’s story on Sundays?

In what ways can I enact God’s story daily?

How may I take care to not shift focus to myself in worship?

Make plans to worship together with us on Sunday where we sing, proclaim, and enact God’s great story of love, redemption and re-creation!

Pastor Ray is teaching a worship class at Stark College and Seminary this Fall. It is not a class about music, though music will be covered, but instead delves into worship from a Biblical and historical view. If you are interested in signing up, contact our church office or visit the Stark webpage. Pastor Ray is also bad at camping, so he probably won’t be leading any expeditions enacting the feast of booths any time soon.

The Enemy Is Relentless

by Anne Peterson


“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8

One thing happened after another. I’d almost catch my breath and another thing would go wrong. My daughter and I looked at each other as we said in unison. “This is warfare.” It was interesting. The first thing Jessie asked me was, “Mom what were you doing right before all this happened?” At first, I wanted to minimize what she was asking me, but instead, I cleared my mind and recalled exactly what I was doing. I was singing to the Lord, praising Him.

And I knew it was warfare. The enemy of our souls doesn’t want us worshipping God. The one he used to worship. And just knowing what was going on helped me know what to do. I needed to focus on truth, instead of believing the lies that were being shot at me.

Satan Is the Father of Lies
Just so you understand, Jesus himself was approached by Satan. And Jesus, the Son of God didn’t try to fight Satan on his own. He continually referred to God’s Word. He responded over and over, with the words, “It is written…" Satan is the one who tries to convince us that God doesn’t care about us. But he doesn’t tell us this when we are confident, or when we’ve just been victorious. He waits till we are weary. He waits till we are weak. But the good news is that the Holy Spirit who lives within those who have trusted Christ is stronger than Satan (1 John 4:4).

His Tactics Have Not Changed
Even back in the Garden of Eden, Satan set out to deceive Eve. He didn’t do it blatantly, but instead, Satan took what God had told Eve and made her question God’s words to her. He loves to just take things and twist them a little. “You shall not surely die,” the serpent said (Genesis 3:4-5). If Satan can get us to question God in any way, we are sliding down a slippery slope.

Satan Wants Us Confused
One helpful thing to do is to call another Christian when you start getting confused about a situation. The ESV version of 1 Corinthians 14:33 states that God is not a God of confusion. So you can bet that the enemy is trying that tactic to muddle up your mind, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the truth.

Satan Hates the Truth
Satan only knows how to lie. He hates the truth, so there is no better way to defeat him than by staying in the truth. Meditating on the truth and even memorizing it. The more we are in the Word of God, the easier we can discern when the enemy is in the picture. For example. Satan will try to convince us of things that would keep us stuck. When we are praying to God about a concern, Satan will either tell us that God doesn’t care about what we’re going through, or he’ll tell us that we don’t deserve for God to help us. Either tactic will get us to doubt the God who loves us.

Satan Wants to Thwart God’s Work
When we are responding to the Lord and using our gifts to follow God, the enemy has to try and stop us. If we’re successful, others may be watching and we may lead others to follow Christ. So Satan is continually trying to stop what God is doing. Being aware of this is so helpful. We can then jump back into the Word, bathing ourselves in what God has told us. And we will be refuting what the enemy is trying to do. But he has more than one tactic.

Another One of Satan’s Tactics

One thing that the enemy of our souls will do again and again is make us feel guilty when we have blown it. What I’m referring to, is when we feel encumbered with guilt. How freeing to learn that guilt is not from God. Paul tells us there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). God’s Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us when we sin, but it is Satan that heaps guilt on us when we do wrong. He tells us how worthless we are and continues from that point on. Knowing what God says about us is the only way we can recognize it is the enemy who is whispering lies to us.

When Jesus took our sins on the cross, God took out His wrath on Jesus. Always be aware of the father of lies.

My Favorite Weapon against the Enemy
1 Peter 2:20 tells us: “When we suffer for doing wrong and we endure it, how is it to our credit? But if we suffer for doing good and we endure it, this is commendable before God.” Wanting to please God is what motivates me to go even further. So I’ve been praising God for who He is when I hurt because of the actions of another person. The truth is God is always worthy of our praise, and yet, sometimes when we’re hurting, we’re not in a place of praising God. I’m so glad we are free to choose. We were the joy set before Jesus when he endured the cross. And we can let Jesus be the joy set before us when we suffer. Because one day, we will no longer have the fiery darts to deal with. One day.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
The longer we walk with the Lord and study His Word, the better equipped we will be when Satan tries to defeat us. What lies has Satan told you? What have you found helpful in those times? Lord, I pray that you give us wisdom as we are in this world. We thank you that we were not left alone, but that you are with us. We thank you that you have given us your Word so that we can stand against the evil one. Thank you, Lord, that one day we will live in a world without Satan. We pray all this in your Son’s precious and Holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Always There

My Child, I see you are burdened 
by the cares of your world day and night.
So please, take my yoke on your shoulders,
 learn of me— for my burden is light.
The enemy tells you the trials you face 
are proof that I never have cared.
But the enemy lies, and he will till he dies.
I have promised I’ll always be there.
-Anne Peterson © 2020

When God Establishes Your Steps

By Lynette Kittle, as posted on Crosswalk the Devotional

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” - Proverbs 16:9

Have you ever prayed, asking God to direct your steps and take you in a specific direction, only to experience what seemed like life was taking you in the opposite direction, away from what you were asking?

When Uncle Sam Messes with Your Plans
Years ago, I wasn’t happy when I learned my husband, a newly promoted sergeant in the United States Air Force, was being sent to a Non-Commissioned Officers’ Leadership School on base. Attending meant he would be living away from home in the dormitory during training, leaving me off base to care alone for our one and three-year-old daughters. Living in Anchorage, Alaska, at the time, far away from my family in Ohio, staying alone just blocks from the site of a recent mass murder, left me on edge and on alert 24/7.

This curveball from the USAF also didn’t fit with our plans. My husband was all set to apply for an early out, to start the Fall Semester of Bible College back in Ohio near our families. Now with the military spending its time and money to train him, made it seem highly unlikely his request would be approved. Still, Jeremiah 32:27 reminds us, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

Struggling through the weeks of training and living apart, as his stint in the NCO leadership school ended, my husband was instructed to bring me to a graduation banquet on base. At first, I said “no,” because it was the last thing I wanted to do. I was still pretty upset with the whole process and felt somewhat fuming about even being asked to attend. Yet in my heart I knew as his wife, God wanted me to support him by going along with him to the event. Begrudgingly I gave in and told him I’d be his date. Still, my mind was set on not enjoying it.

Dinner with the Commander
Half-heartedly, I dressed up for the big occasion. In arriving for the event, we were surprised to find ourselves seated directly across from his squadron’s commander and wife. Unknown to us, he was the only airman out of his squadron to attend the school. We found ourselves having the commander’s full attention for the entire evening. Needless to say, we felt awkward. Having no idea we would be sitting with the commander, I especially felt unprepared and uncomfortable sitting across from him, knowing the lousy attitude I was having toward the whole school and military.

To add to our ill-at-ease feelings, the commander and his wife brought alcohol to share and consistently throughout our chatting kept trying to fill our glasses. All the while we kept saying, “No thank you,” and turning down their offers. Trying not to offend them, my husband thanked them for their generosity and explained we just don't drink. They seemed taken aback by his response like it was something they hadn’t ever heard before or knew was an option for people, it was just a really odd concept to them. Throughout the evening they kept questioning us about our non-drinking.

Following and throughout the evening, as they drank the commander asked us about our lives and future goals. We shared with him my husband’s desire to return home and attend Bible College and Seminary to become a pastor. With all their drinking, I really thought our conversation was lost on them and of little importance in the long run. From my perspective, the entire evening seemed like a disaster.

God’s Plan All Along
Still, despite this sidetrack in our plans, and with not much hopeful expectation for his request to be approved, my husband filed for an early out to attend school, all the while praying and asking others to pray with us. In a God-like twist to the situation, it turned out the commander we dined with at the banquet was the very one to make the final decision. When my husband’s paperwork came across his desk, he remembered our evening spent together, recalling our conversation and my husband’s plans to begin training for ministry. Without hesitation, he approved my husband’s early out.

In hearing my husband’s good news, I was stunned, to say the least. Thinking over what took place, I realized how a situation that looked like it was taking us in the opposite direction of what we were planning, was really God orchestrating and directing our steps to accomplish His plans and purposes in our lives. Although NCO school seemed like it would ruin our plans, it actually turned out to be the catalyst God worked through to answer our prayers.

Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are you experiencing a time where it looks like your prayers and hopes for the future are being hijacked by life? If so, where can you turn? What can you do? Instead of resisting, trust that God is establishing your steps, turning to Him and trusting He is directing your steps and working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

Remembering Praise Psalm 103

Dr. Steven K. Parker

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103) 

Remembering Praise

Psalm 103

         The last few weeks have been difficult for my family.  Though we’ve had our share of hardships the past few years, we’d, up to this point, steered clear of contracting Covid ourselves.  That perfect record was quickly marred when, after two and a half years of pandemic, I tested positive and the other five members of our household and a member of our extended family followed suit in the days that followed.  Being sick at the same time is no fun and your prayers, a spaghetti delivery from my father-in-law at our low point, and a timely grocery delivery helped get us through a lousy week.  A day and a half before I tested positive, I had met Kim Curry for lunch and the evening before I tested positive, I had taught my class.  A prayerful week later, I was so relieved to hear that I had not shared Covid with Kim and though I may have shared Covid with one of my star students and his family, they had recovered well.  I don’t know why our world has been so ravaged by this terrible disease and its accompanying troubles.  I don’t know why we fared so well while so many struggled so badly.  Through it all, I am grateful for the Lord who has been good to us through the trials of the last few years.  On this side of our experience with illness, I feel like I still haven’t returned to full strength, but I am so grateful for our blessed LORD who forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies.  And, though my youth has not yet been fully “renewed like the eagle’s,” I still declare with the Psalmist: “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”  Will you join me in that praise this week?

Like Father

By Carlos Santiago, as posted on Family Life’s I Do Everyday Devotional

When my son was younger, he loved to follow me around and mimic my every move. 

He was especially interested in the way I romanced his mom. He listened to me tell stories about how we met. He watched as we interacted. And whenever I hugged her, he was right there trying to wiggle in between.

I didn’t realize how closely he had been paying attention until one spring afternoon when my then 5-year-old boy walked into the kitchen with his hands hiding behind his back. He marched up to his mother, dropped to one knee, presented a big red tulip he had just cut from our garden, and asked her to marry him.
It was adorable. I knew right then he’d make some girl very happy one day.

When Paul told the Ephesian church to be imitators of God as beloved children (check out Ephesians 5:1), this is the picture that comes to my mind: a son, eyes fixed on his dad, learning and watching his every move.
To be imitators of God, we need to do the same: Study His Word. Stay close to Him through prayer.  When we do, we learn how He operates. Then we can step out courageously and try to follow His example. 

Thankfully, we can rely on even more than imitation. Listening and staying in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25), we’re made new within, given hearts with the capacity to obey, love, and long for God at soul-level.

THE GOOD STUFF: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1–2)

Choose Peace

John 16:32-33 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Last year was our first year to go to Disney World! We had never been and were fortunate to have my cousin show us the ropes. We did our best to do all the main attractions… partly because many are incredibly fun, but partly because everybody has to ride it’s a small world after all!  This year we were on our own, but we knew which rides we really enjoyed so we judiciously worked through our favorite parts of the park trying to time everything so we could get home early and enjoy the pool!

Don’t you wish our regular lives could be scheduled like that? New job you love, successful band at UIL contest, successful VBS, kids doing great at school, marriage working well…let’s do those again. Old job you can’t stand, second divisions, kids struggling at school, frustrations in marriage, or the loss of a beloved family member…can we say we’ve done all that and move on? Wouldn’t it be great to be able to schedule only the things we love in life and then get back early to relax in the pool everyday?

Yet that is not what normal life is like. We struggle through the ups and downs of life, often being caught off guard by unscheduled times of frustration, sickness, pain and sorrow. Jesus tells his disciples that they will have tribulation. This is not just tribulation because of the normal woes that everyone faces. This is tribulation because they were followers of Jesus. But in the midst of it all, the good, the bad, the ups and downs, Jesus promised peace grounded in his victory over the world.

We will never get to pick and choose what life events we get to deal with; and most of our normal life will be a long way from an a day at an amusement park. But we can choose to have God’s peace as we face whatever comes our way.

Dear Heavenly Father,

May our lives that we try to order so carefully reflect a willingness to follow you no matter what comes our way. May we take heart and choose peace even in the middle of tribulation because you have overcome the world!

Amen

Pastor Ray was a band director for 11 years before coming to FBCW as a worship pastor (hence the UIL Contest references). He has gone to Disney World with his family for the last two summers and told his children that the next time he goes is when they can pay for his trip! This year they went to support Antonio and the Weslaco Panther Marching Band!

When You Feel Stuck

By Anne Peterson, as posted on crosswalk.com the devotional

“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” - Habakkuk 3:19

Being a soldier’s wife in Germany was an adventure. The hardest part was when our husbands went on 30-day field trips, twice a year. I discovered I liked Volksmarches. That’s where you walk designated paths that totaled about 3 miles or so. There are check-in points with refreshments, and at the end of the walk, you receive a little memento. I’m a token reinforcement kind of person, so it was fun to have these little prizes to show my efforts. And I loved seeing the German landscapes. 

One day it was quite challenging. It had rained the night before, and everywhere you looked was mud. But my friend, Kathy, and I decided to tough it out. We had a great time, but I learned quickly that jeans covered in mud are much heavier. And more than once, I felt stuck in the mud. Sometimes the circumstances in our lives cause us to feel stuck, too. God knows that, and He is always ready to lift us out of those hard places. We just need to call on Him, wait for Him, and follow His lead.

Calling on God
I learned early in life I can do hard things. As a young person losing my mom, I grew up way too fast. I’m so thankful God led me to a Bible study where I accepted the Lord as a young adult. Our Bible teacher taught us early on that life would have it’s challenges. She taught us how God is always available. I had to learn to call on God instead of figuring things out for myself. 

The more I called on God, the easier it became. Years later, I’ll never forget the time my daughter and I were on our way to church one freezing, winter day. We drove onto the highway ramp when all of a sudden, our car started sliding. “Lord, help,” I called out, picturing us hitting the side rail. And the next thing I knew, our course had changed. There was no impact, but instead our car slowed, and we were out of harm’s way. Fortunately, no car was behind us.

Looking down, my daughter asked, “How did we get in neutral, Mom, did you do that?”
“No,” I responded, catching my breath.
“I didn’t do it either!” she said. Calling on God was the thing to do.

King David learned the benefits of calling on God. David decided he would do it as long as he liv

Waiting on God continues to be a challenge, but I am getting better at it. I have spiral notebooks full of times I spent in the Bible. At the end of each book is a handwritten prayer list. There are asterisks which indicate my prayers were answered. Some unanswered prayer requests were transferred to subsequent books. I must say, waiting on God is not as painful as it used to be. The longer I know the Lord, the more I learn about His character. 

God’s ways are perfect. Something I never would have realized if God always answered my prayers as I wanted. God is more interested in what He’s doing inside of me than whatever is going on in my life. God is making me like Jesus. And yet, there are still times I have wanted to take the lead.

Letting God lead
Giving up control of things has always been a struggle for me. When you grow up in an abusive house, you never know what’s going to happen next. Control is one survival technique. You swore to yourself you would never be in a powerless position again, and you spend your life making sure that never happens. The problem is, those survival mechanisms don’t work in real life. People don’t like to be controlled. And Almighty God will not be controlled. And yet, there are times I smile, thinking about how I hung on with all my might rather than submitting to Him. But the more I learned about God and who He is, the more I loosened my grip. 

Sometimes we do get stuck in life, but when that happens and we can’t seem to move, we need to call on the one who is waiting to hear us, to wait for His answer and to follow His lead.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Where in your life have you found yourself stuck? Which part do you find most challenging, calling on Him, waiting on God’s timing, or letting God lead? Hindsight is 20/20, but those times I have let God lead have been the most rewarding. For God knows what is ahead of us. He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). And God can make our feet as his feet so we can walk on high places. Only He can do that.

Let Go, Anne Peterson ©2019
My hands are clenched,
My knuckles tight,
I’m hanging on with all my might,
And then I hear God whisper low,
Come on, My Child, let go.

Lord, I pray that you continue to lead us each day. And Father, when we resist you, I thank you that you are patient with us. You are tenderhearted and You have given us free will. Because you are long-suffering, you will wait as long as it takes. God, I pray that you help us so we call on you sooner, wait for you better, and follow you wherever you lead us. We pray this in your Son’s precious and Holy name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is Able

By Emma Danzey, as posted on crosswalk.com the devotional

Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Able to Do Immeasurably More 
Can you think of a time when you just got back from your favorite vacation? Or perhaps you just achieved a huge goal in life? Maybe you got one step closer to your dream? There were likely feelings of great happiness, accomplishment, amazement, and celebration. Whether it was an experience or a tangible award, whatever it might be, the mountain top moment is for sure to go down in your life history as a memorable one.

Ephesians 3:20-21 does not just say that God can do more than we ask or imagine, he can do immeasurably more. This means we cannot even estimate how much more our God can do. When we have that challenging work or homework assignment, He is able to help us through. When we go through a season of difficulty, He can give insurmountable strength. When we are raising the next generation, He can do a new work in them and use us in powerful ways. When we have a deep and unmet longing in our hearts, the Lord can fulfill us and reveal Himself as a treasure that is far greater than anything we could want. The fact is that our Creator and Savior is not just able to do more, He can do far greater things than our small human minds can wrap around. This is a Biblical truth, but how often do we forget this in our daily lives, in our prayers, and in our churches? We serve the God who is beyond our beyond.

Invited into His Work
What is beautiful about these verses, is that God not only does incredible work, He invites us into what He is doing. We have the privilege of the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. The Lord gives us His power and equips us to do amazing things on His behalf to share His love to the world. We are not only experiencing His immeasurably more, we are sharing it. He has given us the right to be His children and co-heirs. Our salvation in and of itself is exceedingly more than we could think up. Now, He has sealed us with His very own Spirit, commissioned us to share His gospel, and actively working through us for His glorious plans to be revealed.

To Him Be the Glory 
I love how Ephesians 3:20-21 ends on giving God the full glory in the church, in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever. This is a reminder to us that no matter what God allows us to be a part of in His kingdom work, that is never about our own names, it is about fully glorifying the only worthy one, Jesus. We might get to experience some immeasurably more moments in our lifetimes. However, may we always remember that the Giver of the gifts is greater than the gifts themselves. The Savior of the world is better than the messenger. The glory goes to God and never to us. 

I am sure in each of our lives there have been times when we have been tempted to take credit for what the Lord has done. If we are not keeping check, pride can easily creep in when we use our talents, or serve, or get recognized for a ministry we are involved in. We must be on our guard and regularly humble ourselves and remember that only the name of Jesus is to be worshiped and lifted up.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How has God done immeasurable more than you could imagine in your life? How has He invited you into the work that He is doing? Remember that we can be tempted to take the glory for ourselves, but may we always redirect it to Him in all things.

A God of interruptions

John 4:5-30

The woman was on her way to get water, but she never realizes that her life would change that day, our God is a God that works in the middle of interruptions, he interrupted the woman on her work to offer her something better.

Many times, in life we feel unworthy, especially when it comes to serving God. We feel that we cannot do the work that He wants us to do, maybe because of our failures, our lack of preparation, or our situation in life. Many times, we romanticize how God will call us to a certain ministry or work, but God is looking for people who want to serve with a grateful heart. We see this in the Samaritan woman, she was someone that we would not consider worthy, because of her lifestyle, but Jesus shows her grace, and offers her salvation. In her gratefulness she goes into the town to preach to the men of the city to come and meet a man that has told her everything she has ever done. Her message was simple, and many came to meet Jesus. Maybe our message to others is like the one from the Samaritan woman, come and meet a man that has told me everything I have ever done.

Finally she would have never experience this blessing of being able to preach a simple message like hers so that many would come to meet Jesus, if her life was not interrupted by Jesus she would have missed this opportunity to be restored and to be of blessing, maybe we should stop seeing God’s interruptions as an inconvenience, but as an opportunity to serve God, and to be able to be a part of God’s purpose, and be grateful that we were found worthy by God for such a work and to come along him in his story.

In our prayer today let us thank God for his interruptions in our lives, and for us to have a grateful heart when he invites us to be part of the longer story in God’s kingdom.

 Pastor Luis.

What it Means to Believe in Jesus by Charles Stanley

Posted June 23, 2022 at https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions

John 3:16-18

16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Saving faith has three elements: knowledge, conviction, and trust. Today, let’s look at the first component: the knowledge required to believe in Jesus as our Savior.

Who is Jesus? He is the Son of God. At the request of God the Father, Jesus set aside His divine rights, took on human form, and dwelled on earth (Philippians 2:6-7).

What did He accomplish? To be acceptable to God, sacrifices had to be without defect (Leviticus 22:20). Jesus lived a perfect life, which qualified Him to be our substitute, bearing God’s judgment for our sins. Through His death on the cross, we are forgiven for our transgressions and have peace with God.

Why did He have to die? We could not save ourselves, since even our best deeds are marred by sin. When we accept Christ’s atoning work on our behalf, we are no longer God’s enemy but a member of His family.

When I was saved at age 12, I understood only the simplest aspects of these truths. I knew that I was a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and that only Jesus could save me. But knowledge alone does not bring salvation—even the demons understood that Jesus was the Son of God (Luke 4:41). Salvation also requires conviction and trust. I believed these truths, and the Lord saved me. Do you believe the same is true for you?

Accidental Shopping Trip

by Lynette Kittle

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” - Psalm 91:4

Have you ever felt when something unexpected happens like a natural disaster, car accident, or violent act that God let you down? During these events, have you ever felt like maybe He didn’t care what happened to you, or somehow you were being punished for something you had done?

Just Another Lovely Day
It was a beautiful sunny, bright Saturday Spring afternoon when three of my four daughters and I were returning from a fun-filled shopping outing at the local mall. Just minutes from home, we had spent the day finding bargains, eating lunch, and being together. Driving back the fun continued in the car as we discussed sales we found and sang along to our favorite songs on the radio.

Then suddenly our leisurely trip home changed as we spotted cars stopped in multiple lanes and debris strewn across the roadway. Slowing down to miss hitting the vehicles and debris, before we knew what was happening, a truck made a u-turn crossing the median and headed straight towards us with no intentions of stopping. Coming windshield-to-windshield, we could see the frantic look on the driver’s face

Although hitting our bumper head-on, he continued to step on the gas, smashing and ramming into the front of our car, making no effort to stop or swerve away from us, seeming like he was going to keep pushing our car down the street. For us, it seemed to be happening in slow motion like a movie, as we watched in disbelief. Although a frightening situation, none of us screamed or panicked during the accident. Rather there was a calmness and peace surrounding us, tucking us in around the edges and buffering us from the impacts.

Instead of fear and panic, we experienced what John 14:27 describes. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Help from Strangers
Soon nearby witnesses in other cars ran to the truck, opening the driver’s door, turning it off, and pulling out the keys. With this action, the driver jumped out of the truck and took off running down the street. As the driver ran, strangers came over from their cars and off the street to see if we were okay or needed help. Soon the police showed up to assist us.

“We’re okay,” we answered and none of us were injured. Before leaving the scene, we learned we had been hit head-on by a drunk driver, one who had hit several cars in front of us before making a U-turn and hitting us.

God Had Us Covered
Later I discovered how just minutes before the accident, one of my daughters sitting in the back seat had an unusual experience concerning our safety in the car. “All of a sudden, a fear and panic tried to come over me,” she recalled, “but I thought, ‘no,’ I don’t need to be afraid. We prayed for God’s protection before leaving today and everything is okay. We’re safe.”

Gratefully, I believe my daughter’s strong resistance to panic’s call to be afraid, along with her confidence in God’s divine protection over us, helped us to experience and rest in His peace during the accident. Just like Philippians 4:7 explains, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Consider times when the unexpected has happened in your life. Although you may have been surprised and caught off guard, are you able to look back and see how God prepared you ahead of time to go through the experience? Like our family’s prayer before going shopping, what are ways you can prepare you and your family to be ready for the unexpected? Like Philippians 4:9 suggests, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

I Am the Good Shepherd

By Emma Danzey, as poste on crosswalk.com the devotional

John 10:11 says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

What Is a Shepherd’s Role?

Jesus is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. He says that He lays down His life for us. This is not because we deserved it, but out of His great love for us. It can be very easy to try to be independent from God. We so often get into our own mindsets in thinking we are in control and we do not need the Lord. However, this verse makes it clear that we not only need Jesus, we cannot survive without Him. We are called in Christ to be dependent as sheep are on their shepherd.

Our great Savior Jesus calls Himself our Good Shepherd. A shepherd’s main role is to love the sheep, protect them, guide them, and care for their needs. Sheep are completely dependent upon their shepherd. Sheep are helpless without the guidance of a shepherd.

The Love of our Good Shepherd

Jesus loves us each individually. We might be our own persons among many sheep,however, we are specially known and loved by our Good Shepherd. Scripture tells us in Matthew 18:12 that if one sheep wanders from His flock, He goes after that one and leaves the ninety-nine to rescue that particular sheep. This is the love and care that our God has for us. He values each person in His family of faith.

We live in a society where numbers matter and people are often seen as just faces in a crowd or on a social media app. Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” When we ponder Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we need to remember that He truly cares about us individually. Just like a Shepherd knows His sheep by name, our God knows us each by name, thinks about us and desires relationship with us. This love is truly amazing.

An Enemy Is After the Flock

Matthew 7:15 says, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

The Bible warns us of wolves that try to disguise themselves as sheep in God’s family, however they are deceivers and false prophets. Our Good Shepherd is aware of our weaknesses and our susceptibility to deceit, so He reminds us constantly that His voice alone is the One we are to ultimately follow. There are many voices in this world, some will direct us to the Lord in Scripture, but others will twist the Word of God just like Satan did when tempting Jesus in the wilderness. It is our responsibility as sheep to always go back to what our Good Shepherd says. We can fully trust in Him and know that He has the best plan for our lives. We can confidently test the teachings of pastors, the health of a church, and the authenticity of a person with the Bible in our hands and hearts.

The Good Shepherd Leads Us Daily 

Our Good Shepherd leads us each day. He meets our needs and walks with us. He shows us the best path. Psalm 23:2-3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Jesus leads us down the best paths for His glory. This does not say the easy path or the popular path, but it is that path of blessing and the journey of walking closely with our Savior. It can be very challenging to walk the narrow path of faith and not stray from it. However, our Good Shepherd is always there to guide us. When a question comes up or we are seeking direction in life, we can pray with confidence and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in the way that we should go. No, this may not always be the easiest route, but it will always be the best one when our Shepherd is leading.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How is remembering that you are a sheep helpful when thinking about Jesus as your Good Shepherd? How does this parable teach you about the great love that Jesus has for you? How can you be more careful to listen to the voice of God in your life rather than the world around you?

A Prayer to Trust God for Provision

By Victoria Riollano, as written and posted on Your Daily Prayer

“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.’” - Gen. 16:13

My son was five years old. Yet, he was growing fast. Clothes that fit him at the start of the school year were now tight, uncomfortable, and far too short for his growing legs only two months later. As I got him ready for the bus stop, I quietly prayed “Lord, please provide for my son, we need help.” I can recall that aching feeling of knowing my child was in need but not having the means to provide it. I didn’t whisper a word to anyone out of shame and continued my day. Later that day, while leaving my son’s bus stop after school, I heard a neighbor calling my name. “Victoria, Victoria, I have something for you.” As she approached me, she handed me three oversized paper bags bursting with clothes. Barely able to carry it all she exclaimed, “I am so sorry I have been meaning to give this to you for weeks.” Needless to say, my eyes filled with tears. Before I had even prayed the prayer earlier that morning, God had already provided the need. He had already put the need in my neighbor’s heart to bless me. Not only was my son blessed but he had enough clothes to last him for many more growth spurts. The Lord had provided.

Moments like this lead me back to His Word. He assures us that He will never leave us or forsake us. He reminds us that He owns it all and that He has limitless resources. He tells us that if we would ask for anything according to His will, we shall receive it. He even knows our thoughts and inner desires. What marvelous love is this! 

In Genesis, we see a story of a mother who also found herself in need. Hagar, a woman, who was pregnant and was being mistreated by those who should have been protecting her, was hurting, and decided to run away. It was here that God met her. He spoke life into her situation and vision of who her son would become. In this moment she says these words, You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” God saw her pain; He saw her situation. He saw her need and He saw her future! In this moment, she was reminded that she was not alone and that God would provide for every need.

Today, may we be reminded that we have a God who sees us. He hears our cries for help, even the silent ones. He knows what those we care for are in need of, and it is His good pleasure to show us His goodness. May you be encouraged to seek the Lord and know that He answers.

Let’s pray:

Lord, I thank you for noticing my need. You prepare blessings for me before I even get a chance to ask. You place my name in the hearts of many and use others to bless me when hard times come. God, I thank you that I can trust you. I praise you for the provision and help in my time of need. Help me to never take you for granted or forget that you see me. Be with me and guide me closer to you in every situation. Help me to have peace and rest knowing that you care for your creation and that I am your beloved child. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Where our true citizenship lies.

By Pastor Luis.

This past weekend I was blessed to attend my oath ceremony for my citizenship, as I sat in the room in which I found myself surrounded by another 139 people that were there for their oath alongside me. I started to think that maybe this is how heaven will be like. There we stood from all peoples and all nations, ready to swear alliance to the United States of America and give up our previous identity to our country of birth. Then I thought, many people try to obtain this citizenship, many people die trying to get into this country, because as a Mexican expat I can say that the U.S has provided me with many opportunities that I would have not had if I was still living in Mexico. People are willing to die trying to get into this country that has been bless and just as the song says “America! America! God shed his grace on thee” for it is a country that its worth dying for.

But this brought the following thought, for us Christians we enjoy a citizenship that surpasses any nation on this earth, one that gives us rights and justice, one that gives us eternal life, but people are not lining up to become citizens of this great heavenly nation, on the contrary people reject the invitation to it, in a way it is baffling that a nation that enjoys of all the goodness of God, people would reject its invitation. God’s country is the only nation that sends its ambassadors to invite people to come and be part of it, but as Christians, we must ask ourselves the question, am I willing to die for people to come into God’s country? As my wife and I talked about this, I mention to her that the Kingdom of Heaven is like America but in reverse, people are willing to die to get to America, and people are willing to die to not get into the Kingdom of Heaven. America has a strict immigration screening process that one must go through in order to become a U.S citizen, the Kingdom of Heaven has an open border policy all are invited not just the Jew but the Greek and the gentile and thank God for that because I don’t think I would have passed that screening process.

On that day when we are all together with our Lord Jesus, I imagine that it will be like my oath ceremony where I stood alongside 139 others that were from all peoples and all nations, but instead of swearing allegiance to a flag, we will all praise the one that its worthy of all praise, singing Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lam.

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” Just as the words from this verse reminds us that we don’t belong to this world anymore, that our true home is in heaven with Jesus, lets us be good ambassadors for Christ, so that many may come and know him, and they too can enjoy the benefit of being citizens of the greatest kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

My prayer this week is that we become better ambassadors of Christ, that we can live by our church motto, “To know Him and make Him known” so that many may come and be part of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Along this prayer keep our children and volunteers that are going to their summer camp this week, for them to have fun and be able to know Him, so that they too can make Him known to others.

Peace beyond Our Understanding

By Emma Danzey, as posted on crosswalk the devotional

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do Not Be Anxious about Anything
The Bible says, “Fear not” 365 times. This is significant when thinking about the normal year having 365 days in it. People take this as an encouragement to trust in God each day because He has told us not to be afraid. 

Reading or hearing, “Do not be anxious about anything” sounds like an extreme command. What about the difficult news we just got from the doctor? Or what about my child who is in college away from home? Or how about our financial struggle to pay rent next month? This is the great gift that we have been given as believers in Christ. We have eternal hope and confidence. We do not have to be worried about anything because the enemy has been defeated and we have eternal life through Jesus. This does not mean that our tough days and bad news moments will not be challenging. 

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We will have troubles and trials in this sinful and broken world. We will feel real pain and experience death and suffering. However, we are to take heart because Jesus has overcome. When He tells us not to be anxious about anything. He means it. He is telling us that He is over everything and we can find rest in Him.

Prayer and Petition, with Thanksgiving
Philippians tells us how we can fight the temptation to worry. We can present our requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving. This means that we pour out our hearts to God and tell Him our requests and our desires. We do this with thanksgiving. Gratitude unlocks joy. When we are tempted to sit in our anxious thoughts, we can combat this with thankfulness. We can find the amazing blessings around us and praise the Lord. This resets our hearts in times of trouble and helps us to think on the many spiritual gifts rather than on the “what ifs.”

The Peace of God
When we have the Holy Spirit, one of the fruits that He gives us is peace. Do you ever wonder how people can have peace in a tragedy or how they can have peace in continual challenges? In these moments, the peace that could only come from God shines through. The peace that comes from God is spiritual. It is not about a temporary fix of a massage or a bubble bath. This is the kind of peace that does not have to leave us. It guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

There are good methods to have a peaceful moment, but only Jesus can bring true and lasting peace. We can have peace from God because we now have peace with God through Christ. We have the ability to tap into and receive His peace. When we know that we are not able to do something on our own, we can humbly ask the Lord to bring us His peace. I find it no coincidence that when sharing about the armor of God, Paul shares in Ephesians 6:15 that we are to put on the shoes of peace. The peace of God helps us to take steps forward when we would otherwise be paralyzed by fear. He gives us the strength to walk.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Are you anxious about anything right now? God tells us not to be anxious, go to Him with your prayer and requests with thanksgiving believing that His peace that is beyond your understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Through His gift of the Holy Spirit, you can walk in the shoes of peace today, knowing that God cares for you.

When You’re Afraid of the Enemy, Remember God Is Your Light

By Jessica Van Roekel, as posted on crosswalk the devotional

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (NIV)

The flashlight sputtered in the dark. I hit it against my hand, and it flickered a little brighter. The shadows from the pine trees stretched their bony fingers to grab me as I walked down the path. The way back to the cabin seemed longer than I remembered. I hurried, wishing for more than the little spotlight lighting my next step. The way was dark and lonely.

Have you ever wandered in the dark wishing for more light? I breathed a sigh of relief once I made it back to my cabin. The pool of light spilling from the door was a welcome sight and I ran the last few steps with my faulty flashlight hanging limp beside me. I stood in the doorway’s light and glanced back at the dark path. I had made it without being accosted by shadows.

Many times in our lives, we face situations where it feels as though the darkness weighs heavy. Our minds swirl with imaginary conversations and worst-case scenarios. The enemies seem near, and invasion seems imminent. Gideon experienced this. The Midianites invaded on a regular basis to steal and destroy anything the Israelites grew. Gideon’s own people turned to Baal worship but eventually called on the Lord for help. The help came when the Lord called Gideon to courage. Gideon had much to fear. He had enemies in the Midianites and within his own people. He destroyed his town’s altar to Baal in the dark of night because he was afraid of them.

Have you ever been too afraid to act because of people? I find myself cowering behind the fear of what people are saying or might say instead of standing in faith that God has my back. Like Gideon, I will do my work hidden in a winepress, trying not to be seen. But sometimes, God calls us to shine his light into the darkness by standing strong on his promises.

The Lord whittled down Gideon’s army and provided a battle strategy that didn’t make sense. Gideon took his small army of 300 men to the camp of thousands with only two items that we wouldn’t consider as weapons. The Lord’s strategy of limiting Gideon’s army and weapons was brilliant. There were two battles to be fought. The obvious one with the Midianites and the hidden one with Israel’s tendency to boast in their own strength instead of the Lord’s. Gideon passed out trumpets and empty jars with torches inside and divided the men into three companies surrounding the Midianite camp. At his leading, the men blew their trumpets, broke the jars to let the light shine, and shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon” (Judges 7:20). They held their position with their trumpets and their lights, and the Lord saved them.

Have you ever felt as though the Lord was asking you to do something that didn’t make sense? Sometimes it’s as simple as staying the course in the face of slander and gossip. Other times it’s gearing up with the shield of faith and the sword of truth. We might feel like we go into battles unequipped, but the Lord is our light and our salvation. We don’t have to be afraid.

If you find yourself facing a difficult battle right now, let yourself be encouraged by this reminder: God is your light. He will guide your steps. He will show you where to stand and where to retreat. He will act on your behalf.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Jesus was clear in John 16:33 that in this world, we will have trouble. Trouble can look like sickness and disease. It can be broken relationships with friends and families. It can even be our own broken perspective. You might feel like you’re going through life with a faulty flashlight to guide you and you long for a well-lit path. But the Lord is with you. He is your light, and you don’t have to fear. Place your trust in him. He guides you through dark valleys and over mountains and all the while, he is your light. Keep your eyes fixed on him. Look for his goodness in your darkness. Stay in his light.

What's Your Priorities?

By Robin Wiley

Scripture

Mark 1:35-39

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Jesus knew why he had come. He could have amassed a large following. He could have allowed the opportunity to grow in popularity to steer his decisions. He could have sought fame and glory for himself… but he didn’t.

If Jesus was living in the flesh in contemporary times, I think it’s safe to say he wouldn’t have spent much time worrying about how many social media followers he had. I doubt he would’ve spent much time taking the perfect selfie and finding just the right filter to use on Instagram. In fact, if we read the second half of the first chapter of Mark, we’ll find Jesus instructing those around him NOT to tell anyone about the miraculous things he was doing. Drawing attention to himself wasn’t the point. Introducing and advancing God’s kingdom was what motivated Jesus. I wonder how many of us would have the same attitude?

We know from Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus must have been tempted by fame. The thought of building an earthly kingdom surely crossed his mind, after all, he was half human. In fact, when Satan tempted Jesus in the dessert, Satan plants the very idea. (Father of lies!) When we find ourselves consumed with gaining status among others, whether through likes and followers on social media, or in terms of popularity in the hallways of our schools, or within the space of our offices (at home or at the workplace), we know that we are not alone in this struggle.

But how do we resist the temptation to build up ourselves? Mark 1:35 shows us a good place to start. Jesus was connected to his Father, our Heavenly Father, through prayer. It reminded him of why he had come and helped him focus on God’s mission.

Perhaps we all need to be reminded of how we can plug into God’s plans, rather than following our own agenda. Why not try starting each day with that kind of prayer?

Prayer:

Jesus, you knew exactly why you had come and you stuck to your Father’s mission. Thank you for never giving up us! May your example of going to God in prayer early in the morning lead us to do the same. Father God, help us to resist the temptation to build up our own kingdoms, but instead help us to seek your will so that we can play the role in your kingdom that you have designed. In the precious name of Jesus -- Amen.

Jesus Wants Your Tonka Truck

By Kyle Norman

“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him, and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.”  (Luke 15:20)

When I was five, I tried to run away from home. I forget what offended me at the time. I gathered my treasured possession, put on my shoes and jacket, and opened the front door. With my bright, yellow, metal, Tonka truck in my arms, I declared to my father that I was running away and that he would not see me again. 

As I walked down our driveway, I heard the door slam behind me. Instantly I was worried that I had been cast out, shunned by the parent I had had just defied. Yet as I looked behind me, I saw that my father had put on his shoes and jacket and had begun to follow me down the laneway. He said nothing to me; he simply followed along as I tried to run away from him.

I had probably gone no farther than a couple of blocks when my Tonka truck began to weigh heavy upon my tiny arms. I turned to my father and asked, “can you carry this for me?” My father responded firmly, yet lovingly, “not if you are running away,” he said. Even at five years old I couldn’t fault his logic. So, I kept walking, each step getting harder and harder. My arms hurt; my legs hurt. Running away wasn’t’ the delight I had thought it would be. In fact, I felt more weighed down, more trapped, than I had while under in my father’s house. 

Running away from the Lord never works out the way we want. The spiritual baggage we hold has nowhere to go. It digs into us, weighs us down, and saps our strength. The very things we believed would bring us freedom and independence becomes heavily laden keeping us bound. 

Jesus tells a parable about this very thing. An impetuous son demands his inheritance from his father. He wants to break free from his father’s rules; he wishes to be his own man and make his own decisions. As if his demand wasn’t enough, the son then sells off his birthright and leaves his family. He takes his Tonka Truck and runs away to a distant land. Of course, things don’t work out as he had hoped. His freedom quickly became his slavery. His riches turned into emptiness. And as he longed for home, he feared he would never be welcome. The son believed that the father he rejected would reject him. After all, he had done too much and gone too far.

Do you feel this way today? Are you struggling with a weight that you do not want to carry?   

Eventually, my Tonka Truck burden became far too much for me to handle. I swallowed my five-year-old pride, turned to my father, and confessed: “I want to go home.” My father wasn’t angry. He wasn’t vengeful. The words “I told you so”, or “how could you” were never found on his lips. Upon my repentance, he smiled. “Good”, he replied. He then took the Tonka truck from me, held my hand, and led me home.

The father in Jesus’ parable does the same. Jesus describes the father as continually looking out for his son. Each new day was met with the hope that the son would return. And when that day finally came, the father picked up his robes and ran to meet him. Symbols of redemption and sonship were placed on the wayward child, as the father rejoiced in his presence. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Forgiveness is a reality upon which we can be assured. Jesus tells this parable to describe how he is waiting to receive us. Jesus treats our waywardness in love and grace, not in anger or punishment. Jesus delights in our presence and longs for us to return to him. Nothing we have done will cause him to reject us, and there is no distance we can run for which he will not be with us. This is the good news.

So, if you feel lost and alone, or if you feel exhausted from carrying your burdens, simply turn around and face your Lord. Even though you ran from him, Jesus has never left you. He has been with you each step of your life. Furthermore, the Lord is infinite in mercy and resolute in compassion. Like the father in the parable, Jesus promises to throw his arms around you, kiss your wounds with healing, and lead you home. Don’t you think it’s about time?

Lean on Me ... When You're Not Strong

By Leslie J. Barner

While we were on our power walk one afternoon, my husband, Aubrey, began to struggle with shortness of breath. Concerned, I asked why his breathing was so labored. Barely able to talk, he pointed to his crossbody bag.

You’re probably thinking, Why was he wearing a heavy bag while going for a power walk? Good question.

Aubrey has a heart pump implanted in his chest to help his heart beat efficiently while he waits on a new heart. That bag carries the batteries that keep the heart pump operating.

So basically, that bag goes wherever he goes.

But I had an idea!

I offered to wear the bag across my body while we walked to lighten his load. This meant we'd have to walk closely together because the cords that extend from the batteries to the heart pump are connected to a driveline going into his abdomen and up to the heart.

At first, in light of his masculinity, he didn't want me to lighten his load.

But I insisted. And it wasn't long before his breathing improved.

I can’t tell you how honored I felt to be able to share this burden with him, even in this small way. After all, he has been my biggest supporter, provider, load-lightener, best friend, and shoulder to lean on for 39 years.

I was reminded of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.” Leaning on each other when we need someone to help us carry on—that helps keep a marriage strong.

But more importantly, I was reminded of Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” 

To love each other the way God calls us to love is to assure our spouse/friend/neighbor they are never alone; that we will be there to help them get through life struggles, big or small. And to know they will do the same for us.