When It May Be Time To Draw a Healthy Boundary

LYSA TERKEURST

Lee en español

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) 

I’ll never forget asking my counselor to help me process how I finally got to the place where I said this about a difficult relationship I was walking through: “No more. No more devastation. No more betrayal. No more being lied to. No more.” I wondered if that was the moment I became broken. But he replied, “No, Lysa, that was the moment you declared you were healing.”

Sometimes “no more” means doing the work to fight for the relationship. By implementing good boundaries, each person can be held accountable to healthier relational patterns. Sometimes “no more” means acknowledging the heartbreaking reality that the relationship is no longer sustainable or safe. Though this is really hard, wise counsel has helped me see there’s a big difference between difficulties that can be worked through and destructive patterns that are detrimental to our well-being.

Both dynamics require that we pursue healing. We need solid Truth from God’s Word to help, guide and direct us. Sometimes we may also need a godly professional counselor who is specifically trained to educate, comfort and challenge us. I know what it feels like to be paralyzed by another person’s choices and not know what to do about it. In the past, I’ve been hesitant to draw boundaries both because it felt uncaring and because I didn’t have the confidence to know how to implement and communicate healthy parameters.

Now, I’ve discovered a better way to view boundaries. I don’t draw boundaries hoping to force another person to change in ways they may be unwilling to change or incapable of changing. Instead, I place boundaries on myself to help me exercise self-control over what I will and will not tolerate. Self-control is crucial so that I regulate my reactions and direct my efforts toward myself staying in a healthy place. Good boundaries are the only fighting chance I have for navigating relational challenges in a productive and healthy way.

If you’re in a “no more” kind of place, consider these questions about boundaries and how you might be able to apply this in your own life — beginning today. Remember, this assessment isn’t permission to be selfish and "peace out" on responsibilities. Instead this is meant to help us see where we may be losing self-control because we don’t have appropriate boundaries, like our key verse warns against: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).

• What kind of person do I want to be, not just in this relationship but consistently in all my relationships?

• What do I need to do in this relationship to stay consistent in my character, conduct and communication?

• What are some areas of my life where I have the most limited capacity (for example: at my job, in parenting, during the holidays, etc.)?

• Based on my realistic assessment of my capacity, does this relationship threaten to hyperextend what I can realistically and even generously give?

• Do I feel the freedom in this relationship to communicate what I can and cannot give without the fear of being punished or pushed away?

• What are some realistic restrictions I can place on myself to reduce the access this person has to my most limited emotional or physical resources?

• In what ways is this person’s unpredictable behavior negatively impacting my trust in my other relationships?

• How am I suffering the consequences of another person's choices more than they are?

• What are this person's most realistic and most unrealistic expectations of me? What are my most realistic and most unrealistic expectations of them?

• What boundaries do I need to put in place?

As you consider these questions, you may find it helpful to process them with a trusted godly mentor or Christian counselor. These questions to consider aren’t to further complicate our relational dynamics. Instead, these are meant to help identify where we are dancing with dysfunction.

Toxic realities in relationships will not tame themselves. We cannot ignore them into health. Nor can we badger them into a better place. We have to get honest about the hardships that are complicating and probably preventing the kind of health we not only want but need for some of our relationships to survive. I’ve learned we can’t just “get over” our hurts — we have to work through them. And boundaries are a great way to start experiencing health in your own life. Let’s take this step together.

God, in order to consider areas in my life where I may need to implement some healthy boundaries, I will need Your help. Help me to process these decisions thoroughly, through the lens of wisdom and with godly counsel. I long to see health in all of my relationships, so help me get honest to see where any God-honoring boundaries could make this possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Shout Like No One is Watching! (A Fantasy Football Devotional)

What is a Fantasy Football Devotional? A few years ago, the pastors and some of the members of our Fantasy Football league started by writing one Fantasy Football devotional a week. The goal was to use sports, scriptures, and this crazy fantasy league to help draw people closer to God and each other. Thanks to Steve Urbina, Kim Curry, and Joe Aguilar, there are a few devotionals that are so good we try to share them each year. But what is a devotional? For our purposes, a devotional is a spiritual reflection rooted in God’s word.

With that simple definition in mind, we are going to ask our Fantasy Managers - and maybe even you sometime, to share a devotional that reflects on a favorite passage, a brief story of how you became a believer, or an observation about how God is working in our world. If you happen to be fantasy manager then “voila!”, you have written a Fantasy Football Devotional.

I’ll start:

A favorite passage of mine is Psalm 33:3:

Sing to him a new song;

    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Obviously I love singing new songs and playing skillfully, but I’ve recently felt led to shout more in public worship - especially when the music says, “I feel like shouting.” There are many reasons not to shout: it takes energy, it’s embarrassing, people might question your sanity, and you may not be comfortable doing it. But the Psalmist doesn’t say “shout for joy if you are comfortable. Shout for joy if you feel like it. Shout for joy only when no one is around.” It doesn’t even say, “shout with joy.” The command is simply, “Shout for Joy.” To shout for joy, you only need an understanding of the joy found in Christ.

I have attended many football games in my life. People there have no problem shouting for their team when they win and when they lose. They shout because they are in favor of their team. Shouldn’t we, God’s people who have the ultimate victory in Jesus, be eager to shout for joy? We should shout because we are in favor of the joy we have in Jesus.

Nehemiah reminds God’s people that “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). In light of this joy-driven strength, I challenge you each day to remember all that God has done for you and then shout for joy…maybe you can even try Shouting Like No One is Watching some Sunday when we sing, “Glory Glory God is Able”!

Pastor Ray is the Manager of Elisha’s Bears and spends most Sundays doing his best to sing new songs and play skillfully. For his Fantasy Football Team name, he is also considering Breece’s Reeses, Elijah’s Dry-Bones, and Najee by Nature. All suggestions will be considered in the comments below…

You Are Worth Taking Care Of

Bonnie Gray

Lee en español

September 7, 2022

“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.” 
Matthew 6:28b-29 (NIV)

I forgot I left out the flowers after coming home from the grocery store. I’d spent an embarrassing amount of time deciding whether even to get flowers. When it comes to buying flowers for friends to cheer them up, I don’t hesitate. But flowers for myself? It felt too indulgent. Then I felt torn between buying flowers that cost less or buying the ones I wanted: hydrangeas.

I decided to go for it, placing the hydrangeas in my cart. But they ended up on the countertop at home that night. Because I was rushing to get dinner on the table, by the time the family gobbled up the food and washed the dishes, it was too late. I forgot to put the flowers in water! They were neglected, put to the side. The petals all wilted. So many times, I feel like those wilted flowers, worn and exhausted because I’ve neglected my emotional and physical well-being. I get so busy taking care of everyone else, I forget God cares about my well-being. Do you, too, ever feel like those hydrangeas, in need of nurturing? Do you find it easy to put your heart to the side?

God understands all the hard circumstances surrounding you. Yet your well-being is at the very center of God’s heart. You are His beloved daughter. God cares for you.

 How you feel is important to God. He sees how you’re really doing. He wants you to take care of yourself because He loves you.

Having grown up the oldest child in a single-parent family, I’m an encourager by nature. I find it easier taking care of others, yet so often I forget my own well-being needs tending to … until I end up feeling exhausted and burned out with stress and worry. When you feel overwhelmed, hear Jesus whisper to you in Matthew 6:25-29:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? 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” (NIV).

Do not worry about tomorrow, God says. Look at the wildflowers — they do not toil. Yet how beautiful I’ve made them … How much more you mean to me, more than any of these!

Are you worried about so many needs around you that you’ve forgotten you, too, are worth taking care of?

Let’s get practical. Maybe you’re wondering, What is a simple way to remind myself of God’s care? Soul Care Tip: Buy yourself flowers. A Rutgers University study found that simply looking at flowers improves emotional health; the presence of flowers triggered happy emotions in participants, increasing feelings of life satisfaction. Flowers are a God-given, natural mood enhancer! Today, when you feel pressures pressing in, here is truth you can hold on to and breathe in.

Do something that brings you joy.
Do something that brings you peace.
Do something that brings you beauty.

And hear Jesus whispering: 
I love you. I am with you.
Shine your light. Sing your song.

You are worth investing in, taking care of and nurturing.

The happy ending to my story is that I learned hydrangea petals freshen up when placed in warm water. A few hours later, my flowers were refreshed again! Your heart will also be refreshed, just like flowers blooming in the warmth of the sun, when you take time to rest and enjoy what brings you peace and joy. It’s never too late to run into the arms of our loving Savior, who cares deeply about our well-being!

Dear Jesus, I don’t want to neglect my emotional needs and wellness anymore. Quiet me with Your love. Bring calm and peace to me again. Help me let go of my worries about tomorrow so I can take better care of myself today, safe in Your arms of love for me, just as I am. Thank You. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Seek and Trust God

By Evan Heerema, (Today’s Devotional, ReFrame Ministries https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/learning-to-seek-and-trust-god)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I cannot count the times my mother quoted this verse to me—and with good reason. I was heading down a proverbial path that would only cause me disappointment or pain—yet I was too young to understand. Even though my own understanding seemed good to me at the time, I slowly learned to seek the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Sin has polluted our willingness to submit to the Lord. The devil tempts us to trust our own way and intuition. God seeks to draw us to himself because he knows best. We are constantly caught in that tug-of-war, leaning one way and then the other. There was a time when I thought I knew it all, but the one thing I did not know was that God had a better way that he was waiting to show me. God’s Word taught me to trust him with the directions.

We are taught to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). I need to pray this prayer more often:

Father, I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed by what I have done and not done. I have not loved you with my heart, soul, mind, and strength; nor have I loved my neighbor as myself. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake—that I may be a cleansed servant of yours in the world. Amen.

When Do We Quit and When Should We Not?

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

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

When To Say When
A failing relationship, a difficult job, a wayward child. Any number of things can happen in life that leaves us questioning whether or not to give up. One of Paul’s most encouraging messages was, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

This verse speaks to our ability as Christians to not only find contentment in difficulty but overcome the impossible. We do so not by our own will, strength, or intellect but with the help of God. While we may possess one or all of those traits, we are not enough to beat every challenge. We need God.

Paul knew this all too well. Whatever was impossible for him was possible with God. His message and example are upbeat, even hopeful, but as Christians, are we meant to overcome everything that happens to us? Will prayers for our boss to stop being rude come to fruition, or should we seek new employment? How long do we wait for our girlfriend to commit before calling it quits?

Sometimes we misappropriate Paul’s words for every occasion. We say yes when God’s actually telling us no. We get wrapped up in incorrectly believing that what we want is what God wants too. And why do we think that? Because of our feelings.

Well, what if that was not the case? What if we’re better off walking away from an issue? Quitting is not always what we want or what we ought to do, but sometimes quitting is just that - the right choice. So when do we quit, and when should we not?

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

These words were also spoken by Paul, and this wisdom is what will lead us to do what’s right and pleasing to God. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:
There are some practical steps each of us can take to help with discerning when and when not to quit.

Pray
The most obvious step to take when discerning anything is to pray. No one possesses more wisdom than God, and no one cares more for your well-being than the Lord. Ask, and you will receive. The issue we often find when praying is not understanding what God wants. We can ascertain details through Scripture, but prayer can leave the specifics a bit confusing. Being confused doesn’t mean we should stop praying, of course. Pray without ceasing, even when the confusion doesn’t cease either.

Asking God with Confidence

By Lynette Kittle, as posted on Crosswalk the Devotional

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” - Matthew 7:7

As a Senior Publicist for the largest publisher in the world, pitching media outlets and asking boldly for author opportunities was hard at first but soon became easy to do. The more I asked, the easier it became to ask. Because publicity work involves constantly making requests, I soon discovered how, in the long run, learning to ask unhindered and without fear is a very beneficial skill to acquire in life.

As well it’s a career where one has to learn to be unafraid of being rejected, hurt, or offended if people say “no thanks,” respond rudely, or totally ignore requests. It's also one that involves unexpected surprises like shooting for the stars and finding out that sometimes they’re reachable.

Most importantly, it teaches how to rely on God’s leading rather than our own ideas. Like Proverbs 3:5,6 urges, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Overall, publicity work is like boot camp training for letting go of the fear of asking, it’s an intense course in how to practice what Hebrews 3:16 urges, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Practice, Practice, Practice
Growing up as the baby in the family and as a “daddy’s girl,” my mother and brother would often push me to ask my dad for things rather than asking themselves. Reluctant to approach him on their own, they routinely asked me to be the messenger, and because I was confident in my dad’s love for me, I had no fear of asking him.

Sometimes my requests surprised him, and he would chuckle at my boldness in asking him, not knowing many times that I had been put up to do so. Most often, my generous father would say “yes” to my requests. Like my dad wanted to meet my requests, James 1:17 explains God’s heart as our Father, towards us. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Looking back, I see how my family’s push to be the one to ask my dad was great training for my future publicity work but even better preparation in teaching me how to be bold in approaching and asking my Heavenly Father.

It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask
Like in publicity work, where it doesn’t hurt to ask, isn’t it better to ask God than not ask at all? Although some Christians might believe it’s not right to ask God for anything or impose heavy restrictions on what is okay or not okay to ask Him, He encourages us to ask. As James 4:2 explains, many Christians are experiencing lack because they aren’t asking God.

Others think they can’t ask God because of who they are or what they’ve done but asking God isn’t dependent on our failures or our accomplishments but rather on whom He is. “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). As well, God is a giver, and it’s not His nature to withhold from us. As Psalm 84:11 describes, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

Start Asking God
God is the ultimate giver (John 3:16), “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) He is the God who longs to fulfill the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). So keep asking Him and if you haven’t been asking, start asking today.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Have you been hesitant in asking God for anything, thinking He doesn’t care, isn’t listening, or you’re undeserving to receive? If so, step out in the coming weeks and start turning to Him when needs come up, asking Him to lead you in your requests, and see what happens.

And All That Jazz

KAREN EHMAN, as posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotional

Lee en español

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (CSB)

A few days ago, my Instagram scrolling was interrupted when I saw a surprising ad emerge on my screen. The ad was promoting a sale on some Bible study accessories such as colorful highlighters, trendy bookmarks and a set of creative tabs for all 66 books of the Bible. These products looked whimsical and even helpful. But what stood out to me most was the tease at the top of the post, which told readers it was about time they finally “jazzed up” their Bibles.

Now, of course the entrepreneur of these items was talking about adding functionality and a little pop of color to the pages of a physical Bible, which so many of us love to do when studying the Word. But the ad caused me to ponder this idea of “jazzing up” the Bible in a different and spiritual sense. So often in our culture, we try to jazz up God’s Word — God’s very words. We display Scripture verses on a lovely social media graphic or on a rustically stenciled sign for our home. While there is certainly nothing wrong with using Scripture in our decorating — whether at home or online — let’s remember what the real purpose of Scripture is in the first place. The writer of Psalm 119 declared: “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). In ancient times, a lamp was used to help people find their way in the dark. The lamp was suspended over their feet as they walked along a dim pathway. This illumination helped keep them from stumbling and falling.

The original Hebrew meanings of the three items depicted in this verse — a lamp, feet and a light — are straightforward. Their English meanings identically match. However, the phrase “your word” has a multifaceted meaning we would do well to pay attention to. The Hebrew connotation for “word” can be all the following: a message, command, edict, advice, thought, verdict, conversation, counsel or promise. This myriad of meanings is remarkable! Do you need advice? Go to God’s Word. Would you like to know God’s thoughts? His Word lights the way. Could you use a good conversation with Jesus today? You will find it in the pages of Scripture. Want to be sure you are following the Lord’s commands? Crack open your Bible.

And if you’d like to explore the promises of God, you will find them lovingly penned on Scripture's pages. While it’s fun and even beneficial to “jazz up” the physical pages of our Bibles with bright highlighters, colorful pens, and helpful bookmarks and tabs, Scripture itself doesn’t need to be jazzed up at all. Instead, it should be diligently read, carefully studied and prayerfully applied. Let God’s holy Word light your path and show you the best way forward. May it illuminate our minds, causing us to eliminate ungodly behavior. We develop a closer relationship with our Creator through times spent soaking in Scripture. Let’s carve out time to encounter Jesus personally through God’s Word very soon. (Cute Instagram picture of said encounter is optional.)

Almighty God, I want the light of Your Word to be what guides my life. Help me to make studying my Bible a priority in my life this week. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

United in Mind and Thought

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

1 Corinthians 1:10 says, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

I Appeal to You Brothers and Sisters
In this passage of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul is addressing a challenging issue among the church at Corinth. He uses the word appeal. This word carries weight. We normally think of appeal used in the context of legal cases or a serious plead. However, Paul is using this verb to bring up the topic of unity. There were, unfortunately, divisions among the people of God. They were split over church leaders. Paul begins his message with a plea from the Lord to the men and the women.

In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
There is no true power in anything that we say or do if Jesus is not in it. Paul makes the point that he is bringing a message in the name of Jesus. He is coming with a word from the Lord. People can have many different opinions, but ultimately, we too should be seeking what God says through His Word. If what we want to share is not in agreement with what the Lord already has said, then it is not from Him. We cannot claim that we are carrying a message from God if it does not aline with the Bible.

1 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

That All of You Agree with One Another in What You Say and That There Be No Divisions Among You
Divisions seem to be everywhere. The enemy has been loving the chaos He has set forth among the believers of today. If people want their positions more than Jesus, they miss the point. God calls us to agree with one another in what we say and not to let there be any divisions among believers.

Unfortunately, we know good and well that divisions have happened and continue to happen due to sin and the work of the enemy. However, we are called to stand up and live in unity among believers in Jesus. We are called to be discerning and wise. We will not agree on a lot in this world, but we are called to agree with one another in Christ. Jesus is the way, and we are exhorted to keep the main thing the main thing.

But That You Be Perfectly United in Mind and Thought
Humanly speaking, we cannot accomplish perfect unity of mind and thought. So what did Paul mean? 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, “The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ.” When we as the church body all have the Holy Spirit, we have access to the mind of Christ. We can think and live like Jesus, not our sinful flesh, through the power of His Spirit in us. This means that barriers that would naturally stand in our way no longer matter. We can come together in perfect unity of the gospel. We can stand arm and arm next to people who are different from us but who place their faith in Christ, believe His Word, and have His Holy Spirit. There is nothing we can do to force unity; all we can do is surrender to the work of the Spirit and live our lives in a way that models it and welcomes oneness to other believers. By the power of the Living God, we can be one church with one mission serving under our one Savior.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How is God appealing to you to be more unified in the body of Christ? What divisions are in your community of believers? How can you move towards being perfectly unified in mind and thought?

Are You up for a Fight?

JESS CONNOLLY as posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotional

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“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)

Until I was 15, I was a docile wallflower.

Picture me as the classic middle child, shrinking behind the success of my older sister and the sweetness of my younger one. I didn’t make excellent grades or terrible ones. I didn’t have hobbies but also didn’t pitch any fits. I never picked a fight and usually did everything I could to avoid being corrected or called to account. And then everything changed.

At age 15, I became known as the family member most likely to start hard conversations. I began asking intense and thoughtful questions that demanded answers or serious consideration. Provocation and challenge became my favorite tools for engaging with others. What was the shift?

At 15, I met Jesus. I walked down the aisle at a church event and prayed some honest words to the God I had genuinely believed in but had yet to put my trust in. And everything immediately changed, as if the tiny, invisible strings that held my mild personality in place were cut, and I was set free to be the fighter God made me to be. It seemed to me that if He was real, if all His words were true, there was so much at stake to be contended, defended and obtained. So here are the serious questions: Who are we fighting? Who or what are we fighting for? And … are you up for a fight?

I’ve settled on the truth that I’m fighting the enemy of my soul, not other humans, and I want to be fighting for the good of others and God’s glory. The most recent battle I’ve been engaging in on behalf of myself and my sisters in Christ is in the area of body shame. I know that our enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy, (John 10:10) but this passage from 2 Corinthians gives me so much encouragement about our capacity to fight in the name of Jesus.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Our weapons — the Word of God and worship — have the power to demolish the arguments that set themselves up against God’s knowledge. In this case, God's knowledge is that He made our bodies good, loves them and purchased our freedom on the cross of Christ. And our opportunity is to walk into the combat with full confirmation that our side wins. Whatever your current battle is, here’s an important reminder:

You were born for a fight — but know your enemy. Remember that the warfare might look more like worship than yelling, and always hold fast to the truth that the contest is over — Jesus wins in the end. Amen?

Father, help me to fight in a holy way — against the enemy and not people. Give me courage and faith to believe that You win. It’s my honor to engage in spiritual battle for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

The Invisible Becomes Visible

From Evan Heerema (https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/the-invisible-becomes-visible)

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

If a god is something or someone you trust in to guard you, provide for you, and keep you healthy, wealthy, and wise, the Colossian people had no shortage of gods. In their culture, there was a god for almost anything.

Fortunately, today we are free of those misguided ideas, right? Wrong! Look at television commercials, internet ads, highway billboards, and magazine spreads, and they will tempt you to depend on money, pearly white teeth, the right outfit, gambling, and much more. May the God of heaven help us—and he has!

Paul taught clearly that Jesus, the Son of God, is the visible image of the invisible God. He is the author of creation, the Lord of lords and King of kings. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” All the fullness of God is in him. Jesus made peace between God and humanity through his blood, sacrificed on the cross for the world that God has so loved since the beginning.

The Colossians needed to hear this and to believe it with such commitment that they would flee from everything else that was tempting them.

It is good for us to hear these words too—and to memorize them. Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and we need to remember this always, trusting in him and seeking to live for him day by day.

Lord of all, we submit ourselves to you. We confess that we often trust other things more than we want to admit. Hear our confession now, and forgive us our sins, we pray. In Jesus’ Precious Name - Amen.

A Special Challenge

A special challenge that we’re extending to all of our members, reflecting on Sunday’s message about the God who sees https://youtu.be/943If3Ik9T8: think of 5 people you can reach out to by phone call or text or messenger and let them know they’re on your heart and you’re praying for them. I look forward to hearing testimonies about how God uses this experience to bless others this week and open doors to ministry.

~Dr. Steven Parker

Nothing to boast.

Romans 3:21-31

For all have sin and fallen short to the glory of God. This words in the letter to the Romans, reminds us that we all have sin, and because of this we have been found guilty before God. All summer in the Spanish group we have been studying Romans, and as we had been discussing the letter. We had the conversation that many times in our walk with Christ, we forget to see people as image bearers, and we only see their sin. We find ourselves just as the pharisees, were we look down on those who are guilty before God, and we are not gracious to them or merciful. Then we forget how Jesus has been merciful with us, patient, and we sometimes tend to not be this way to those who do not know Christ.

Mainly the problem is that we want people to come to Christ, but if we don’t treat them as image bearers with patience and mercy, they may never come to Christ. The sinners came to Jesus as they were, but once they had meet Jesus, they were never the same again. They were transformed by the power of grace, and as they were changed, we were changed also, and those who come to meet Jesus today, they too will be transformed.

Let us remember that we all have sin and haven fallen short to the glory of God, and there is nothing for us to boast from only thru Jesus can we find salvation, he has washed our sin, by his blood we have been redeemed. By his sacrifice we can come to the holies of holies to be in the presence of God, not by our works but by the work of Jesus in the cross. We did not do anything to earn that salvation, but it was given to us by grace.                     

My prayer this week is that if we have been like the pharisees in judging others, for God to forgive us of this, and also for us to remember that none of us is worthy of the salvation that God has given us, but thanks to his grace we are redeemed, and for us to show that same grace and mercy to those who don’t know him, for us to let him be known and for other to know him  may God bless you Familia of faith.

Pastor Luis.

Unchanging God - Reflections on My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62)

Devotional from praisecharts.com

Psalm 62

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

62 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will all of you attack a man
    to batter him,
    like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
    They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
    but inwardly they curse. Selah

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
    according to his work.

This psalm contains two groups of vivid images. References to a rock, fortress, and refuge begin and end the psalm. But in between, we read of a leaning wall, a tottering fence, and something lighter than breath. The contrast is stark. The strong, unmoving, powerful images describe God himself. The fragile and wispy images describe humanity. The words, imagery, and structure of the psalm point us to God as the only secure and trustworthy place.

The heart of the psalm calls us to a response. We’re reminded, “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress” (v. 6). Then we’re instructed to take action: “Trust in him at all times, O people” (v. 8).

If God is the only stable, safe, and unmoving thing in all the world, the only appropriate response is run to him with trust. And this trust is exclusive. We must trust “God alone” (v. 1). “He alone” is our rock (v. 2), for “God alone” is our hope (v. 5) and “He only” is our rock (v. 6). We’re called to do more than trust God above other things; we are to give him all our trust.

And yet the psalm acknowledges that in between trusting in God and seeing his full salvation, we often have to wait. We might continue to be battered by evil and find ourselves falling. But the waiting tries and proves our trust. God truly is our rock and salvation. So we wait confidently, knowing our hope is sure, placed in the fortress and refuge of our Christ, our rock.

I'm Not Busy; I'm Where I Belong

RACHEL MARIE KANG, as posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional

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“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

I can’t tell you when it happened because I don’t remember, but I can tell you how it happened — how the words became a trigger, sending shock waves up my spine and chills down my cheeks. The trigger comes in different phrases, sometimes decorated with sarcasm and sighs. Sometimes it comes with a smile or sometimes as a slight. Sometimes it comes from strangers, or it even comes from those I know and love.

You’re so busy, they say.
You’re never available.
You must have your hands full.

The words cut and sting, seeping deeply into me and dancing with the old me who tried so hard to be and do all things for all people, at all times, in all places. And I want nothing more than to say, “I’m not distant! I’m not preoccupied, and I’m not busy — I’m where I belong.”

I’m reminded of Luke 10, the story of a holy scenario where a woman named Martha opened up her home to Jesus while her sister Mary opened up her heart. (Luke 10:38-39) In the midst of my season, in the midst of the swirling feelings that tell me I’m failing or letting everyone down, Jesus’ words echo within me: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42).

I am Mary, standing in an ordinary home and paying no mind to piles of dishes. I am Mary, staring into the holy here-and-now, holding out my hands to embrace the one(s) immediately before me. I am Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, back bent and knees bowed right where I belong, right where I’ve always needed to be.

Can it be that Martha, comparing and complaining, was begging and beckoning Mary to leave a place where she belonged? Can it be that this story is not as much about busyness as it is about being and embracing where you belong? Neither of the two women were wrong in the way they welcomed Jesus. Can it be that the tension between them came because of comparison? This tension — this misunderstanding of another’s calling to do and be — happens in relationships anytime we deem anyone obliged to the obvious.

But Jesus comes and calls to us in different ways. And in this, we are invited to uniquely respond in the many authentic and different ways we desire to work for and worship Him. Sometimes this looks like cleaning carpets and preparing programs. Sometimes it looks like saying “no” and abiding in slow and unseen seasons. You might be tucked away with toddlers, or you might be in the quiet of your writing room. You might be bent over at the feet of an aging parent, or you might be lost in worship on your way home from work. You might be stepping into Bible study or cleaning the only toilet in your home for the umpteenth time. You might be saying “no” to someone or something — sports games or serving — all so you can say “yes” to the one(s) in front of you.

I don’t know what calls you’ve missed or the meetings you’ve rescheduled. I don’t know the shaded boxes on your calendar that serve as boundaries around your giving, serving, doing and being. But this I do know: We don’t have to break our sight from the one(s) before us. We don’t have to make the world believe we’re making the most of our time. We don’t have to come up with excuses; we don’t have to strain to explain ourselves. Hear and heed the call to be and do for Jesus above all others. Until Jesus calls us further and deeper, we will keep leading and loving right where we are, in the ways we are.

Father, help us to be OK with being where we are — no matter what that looks like. We want to see You in whatever ways You call us to serve or be still. In Your presence is where we belong. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wait For It!

A Year of Daily Prayers and Reflections on the Words of David – by Eugene H. Peterson

Food for thought today:

Read Psalm 27:7-14

13“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.

14Wait for the Lord;

            be strong, and let your heart take courage;

            wait for the Lord!”

To wait for the Lord is not to stand around lazily, wondering what will turn up next. It is an intense seeking after God and a devout believing in His goodness. He is worth waiting for!

RW comment: Sometimes it is hard to wait for something or someone. Most humans are not really known for their patience, including myself. I tend to want to control things, and the more I can do to help out God in meeting my needs is more like letting my pride get in the way of God’s plans for my life. God is so good and always faithful – these promises I can depend on and wait for with anticipation.

Prayer: Come Lord, bring us your goodness! Teach us to wait patiently upon Your timing. Let our hearts seek only You to satisfy our every need. Your goodness, mercy and grace are all we need. Thank you for loving us.  In Jesus name – Amen.

A Prayer to Remember You Matter to God

By: Alisha Headley, as posted on Your Daily Prayer daily devotional

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples…you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” (John 15:8,16)

We all want to matter in this world. The truth is we do matter, already, exactly as we are, wherever we are, and no matter what we’ve done up unto this point. Everything changes when you let your Maker show you why you matter. The One who fashionably knit you together one thread at a time in your mother’s womb, who created you and the world we live in, says that you matter immensely to Him. It’s God that we must look to, to truly recognize our worth in this world.

God uses everything in your life for His purpose, Everything. It all matters – every ounce of it. Nothing is dropped, nothing is discredited. God wants you to flourish and grow in Him, and bear fruit for Him. We do this by giving ourselves fully to His faithful ways, trusting our lives in the hands of the master Gardner. It is then that we can grow and bear fruit and come to realize it all matters.

Every small or large seed He plants in your life is intended to grow into fruit. Yes, even the painful, hurtful things planted in your life can become fruit for His greater purpose. He will use it all for His glory just as He promises us in Romans 8:28, saying “He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

Your failures matter, your relationships matter, your childhood matters, your past matters, your present matter, your dreams matter, your work matters, your tears matter, your pain matters, your prayers matter, your voice matters. You dear brother and sister in Christ, YOU matter.

We were chosen to bear fruit, so take every seed planted and surrender it to the Lord for it all matters. Allow Him to water and flourish it so we can bear fruit for the glory of Him, our Maker.

Let’s pray.

Dear God,
Thank you for forming us uniquely, making us one-of-a-kind and choosing us for a purpose. Thank you that you appointed us as modern-day disciples to bear fruit for your Kingdom. Often, we wish away seasons and seeds of pain, but Lord, we pray that we would learn to embrace everything you plant in our life, for we know that trials of any kind still produce fruit.

James 1:2 says, “to count it all joy when trials come in any form because it produces the fruit of perseverance, so let it grow, for when our endurance is fully developed, we will be perfect and complete, not lacking anything.” Please remind us in moments where we feel like what we have around us doesn’t matter, that it all matters to you. It’s all a part of your bigger purpose.

Uplift us today, reminding us that our story, no matter how messy it is, matters to you and will be used for good. Our mess ultimately is our message we can use to be lights in this dark world. We surrender and sacrifice everything to you today Lord. Our past, our present and our future. We want to bear fruit for you and your Kingdom. May your Word water our souls today so the seeds planted can grow and flourish into who you’ve designed and called us to be. Thank you for choosing us to partake in your beautiful garden. We love you, Lord.

Making room in our life.

This week I went to Houston to help my brother move our mom closer to him, because when we were living back in Houston she lived halfway between my brother and I, but since our move to Weslaco it just made sense to have her closer to him. As we loaded all her belongings and furniture a thought came to me, our houses in a way represent our lives, we fill our homes with many things, some good and valuable that we cherish because of the memories we have made thru them, and some just take space and we don’t really need them, and in a way, we would be better off without those things that just clutter our lives.

All of this made me think of the word in Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.” Many times we fill our lives with things, and we doit just to fill the space, and we tend to do the same in our homes and we buy in to the idea that we need stuff to be happy, just because we can does not mean we should and because we do this we lose our focus in God, because then our mission becomes one to fill our space with whatever we can find. Because our society has programed us to be consumers, but this word in Hebrews is a reminder for us to be content with what we have, to be happy with what God has given us, to not fill our space with useless things but for us to fill it with things of worth, with things that will help our spiritual lives.

This rememinds me when Sophia and I bought our first home, I remember telling myself, I cannot imagine ever filling this house. Because at the time we moved in all we owned was our bedroom furniture and our living room set, and because the house was so big for the both of us it seemed impossible that we will ever fill that house with things, and by the time we moved I had to rent a dumpster just to throw away many of those things that we had collected thru the years, and were just taking space and as we were packing we realize that we did not need them moving forward, and what seemed impossible at first all of sudden was accomplished we had a house full of stuff. Maybe we need to rent a metaphorical dumpster to throw away those things in our lives that we have collected and are just taking space in it, and for us to be content with what God has provided for us, may it be our physical or spiritual life, and for us to always remember that he is with us always.   

My prayer this week is that God may show us what are those things that need to go into the dumpster that are just filling our lives and we don’t need, and for us to be able to come to a point to be content with what God has given us, may God bless you.

Pastor Luis.

Godly and Wise

as posted on YouVersion Bible App on Sunday, 08.14.2022

“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” Proverbs 23:24

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

If you’re a parent figure, you know that raising children can be the greatest joy you ever experience and the biggest struggle you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.

In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life? While there are different ways, here are two to start with: Find a Christ-centered community. As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so that way you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, invite friends over for dinner, or get to know a neighbor.

Teach kids to ask for help. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear. It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help your kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom. Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this: The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise.

Before you leave this devotional, reflect on this: What’s one thing I can do today to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?

Testing Positive

By Annie Yorty

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV).

“Elizabeth tested positive for Covid. Were you around her at all?” Worry tinged my friend’s voice. I had met Elizabeth at the three-day conference that just ended. “Yeah, I sat at lunch with her one day.” My brain automatically calculated my proximity and amount of time spent with Elizabeth. Did I hug her? Hundreds of people attended the same event where I sat with Elizabeth for lunch. In the week after it concluded, social media messaging flurried with the same question: 

Did you test positive?

We all felt relieved when we could answer “no.”

Shouldn’t Christians be asking themselves the same question? If there were a test kit for attitudes, would a red stripe reveal that you are positive? What does it mean to be positive? Positive thinking gurus would say it’s all about affirmative thoughts and self-talk. Visualize yourself winning, and you’ll win. Verbalize that you’ll have enough finances for your needs, and you’ll be rolling in money. Everything turns out okay if you think it will. A kernel of truth may underlie this belief about the importance of thoughts, but the positive thinking solution always falls short. It depends on man’s foolish thinking and desires rather than on the perfect mind and will of Christ. A fake smile plastered on your face covering the pain and ugliness below the surface never produces true and lasting positivity. True and lasting positivity flows from a transformed mind, manifesting in words and actions that please God. 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2 ESV).

If we could peek into the mind of Christ, we would see that Jesus never glossed over the sin and suffering that demanded He sacrifice His body on a cross to save us. He acknowledged the whole, sordid truth. Yet He remained positive because He knew the future joy salvation would bring (Hebrews 12:2). We can exhibit a positive attitude by following Jesus’ example. In His fully human state, Jesus was tempted by ideas that oppose His Father God. In every instance of temptation, He battled its lure with God’s Word. Likewise, we must pinpoint every thought that runs contrary to God’s will and capture it to conform it to the truth found in the Bible. Running our thoughts through the filter of God’s Word strains out lies and any desire against God. Like Jesus, we can trust God’s goodness. It’s not because we believe He’ll make our lives rainbows and lollipops. Indeed, we all face struggles, pain, and disappointment. But God commits to helping you and staying with you through any situation. With Him by your side, there is nothing to fear (Hebrews 13:6). Freedom from fear produces the power to test positive by kicking two positivity killers out of our minds.

How often has worry darkened your thoughts?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6 ESV).

What about bitterness?

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV).

Some believe a good God would never allow a bad thing to happen. But in a sin-stained world, people make sinful choices with terrible results. If we misunderstand God’s character, we’ll be overrun by worry and bitterness. God promises to be with you and use every difficulty for a good purpose in your life (Romans 8:28). God’s sovereign control over this world guarantees ultimate good for each of His children. So, my friends, do you test positive? And is your positivity contagious? We all know how quickly a virus can spread from person to person. In the same way, do we disperse our belief in God’s goodness to everyone we meet? Can we contact trace our positivity?

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What worries and bitterness might be festering in a corner of your heart, destroying your positivity? Can you find any additional Scripture references to help you understand the mind of Christ?

Finding Strength in Weakness

[A GuidePosts Daily Devotional, August 19, 2020 by Susanna Foth Aughtmon From “Mornings with Jesus” in Devotions for Faith/Prayer]

Scripture

II Corinthians 12:9-10

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In this ever-changing and chaos filled season of our lives, we are often left feeling hopeless. We see our own weaknesses and issues rising to the surface. Confused by what is going on around us, we realize that no matter how much we try, we still don’t seem to get it right.

What is weakness? Paul shows us in verse 10 what he means by weakness. In this passage, weakness isn’t a sin issue that he has, but it’s hardships, insults and persecution. Things that when they happen to us, make us look weak. Things that when our pride steps in, make us want to fight back. And “pride cometh before the fall”… people!

Paul pleads with God to remove these weaknesses, but yet, boasts in them while he has them. Not to bring glory to himself but to bring glory to Christ. The past few months have been challenging for all of us. Paul declares for us all to be content in our weakness, our hardships and our persecutions.

As Christians we can choose to defend our pride and fight for ourselves, or we can lay down our pride in humility to Christ and allow His strength to be enough. When the world insults us, Christ is enough. When our beliefs are challenged, Christ is enough. For the sake of Christ, are you willing to be content in your weakness to allow Christ to be glorified?

Reflection:

When faced with weaknesses, as described by Paul in verse 10, how are you responding? Do your words and actions bring glory to Christ or does your pride try to steal that glory for yourself?

Prayer:

Father God, humble me so that I can allow you to be glorified in my weakness. Forgive me when my pride stands in front of your strength. Jesus, I know that your strength is enough for me but I often forget that in my actions and words. You are enough for me. Strengthen me this week so that my words and actions can bring glory to you. In your powerful name – Amen!

RW Comments: I would like to reference Pastor Parker’s recent Sunday sermon on “holiness” and what it means for us believers because we all carry weaknesses. It can be hard to believe we could obtain holiness, but that is what Paul is talking about with Jesus’ grace being enough for us. Enough to be perfect in our weaknesses. Mine is my impatience. It is like that thorn Paul mentions he, himself has in chapter 12. I need to have “the patience of Job”! So I pray to the steadfast God to pour out that same steadfastness in my own story. In my walk of holiness, for me it means to make a conscious daily commitment to behave more like Christ in words and deeds. Thank you Jesus for your sufficient grace for my weakness!

Blessings on your week - may we all make this our first priority in the morning before we start our busy days this fall!