Week Five: Hope

Today is Christmas Eve...the wait is over! This has to be my favorite day of the year. I love spending the day at church celebrating the birth of Jesus! After the last service, it’s family time. We will sit together in front of the tree with coffee and cocoa, open a Christmas Eve gift and reflect on the Christmas Story.

We loved spending Girls Night Out with you. It was such a sweet time together! One of the songs we sang, “O Holy Night,” reflects on the night Jesus was born. I thought it would be wonderful to take some time today and think about what that night was like. Before we do, take a moment and read Luke 2:1-20. 

It was a holy night…a night like no other mankind had ever seen. It was a night filled with wonder and amazement…majesty and awe. God’s greatest gift, the long-awaited Promise, had finally arrived. 

Bethlehem, a city in chaos…crowded streets…weary travelers. Mary and Joseph desperate for a place to stay, but there was no room to be found. Can you imagine the fear, frustration and panic Mary felt as the pains of labor swept in? Her mind must have been spinning with questions: Where will the baby be born? A stable? With the animals? Are you kidding me!?! The truth is God’s only Son was born in a stable surrounded by animals. 

Shepherds were called. Kings were drawn. The angels proclaimed His arrival and the brightest star took its place above the town to mark the spot where He lay. A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger…a simple trough filled with hay to hold Him. God’s only Son… the long awaited one…Jesus…born in Bethlehem. You shall call him Emmanuel – God with us. Yes. It was a holy night…it was the night of our dear Savior’s birth. 

A thrill of HOPE, the weary world rejoices. On this night the world rejoiced, because the world was given JOY. On this night the world was given PEACE. On this night the world was given LOVE and, on this night, the world was given HOPE. It all came wrapped in a precious bundle…a baby who came to be our Savior…Jesus Christ the Lord! Do you remember what He was to be called? Emmanuel…God with us. Yes, it was a holy night, but it doesn’t end there. He lived. He died, and He rose to life! So, we aren’t just celebrating what was. We’re celebrating what is. Right here…right now…today! Jesus is still Emmanuel, and God is still with us!

Jesus brought JOY and PEACE to a weary world desperate for relief. Are you weary? Whatever you are yearning for find it in the Savior. He brought LOVE to a harsh world filled with indifference. Do you feel loved and valued? Find it in the Savior. He brought HOPE to a broken world desperate for healing. Have you lost hope? Find it in the Savior. He brought salvation to a world that was desperate for redemption. Do you need salvation? Find it in the Savior! He is HERE! Emmanuel, God is with us. 

Let’s declare Christmas as an “O Holy Night” because Jesus is still giving HOPE… He is still giving PEACE…JOY…LOVE, and He is still the Savior of the world! Don’t miss the holiness of this night. Call on the Savior! You see all who call on Him can boldly proclaim, “He is our HOPE! He is our PEACE, and He is our SAVIOR!” Our hearts rejoice because of who HE is, what HE has done and what HE is still doing. Jesus is worthy of our praise. Never forget…He is here. Emmanuel, God is with us. Let all within us praise His holy name. 

Take time to praise God for the amazing gift we have in Jesus.

Some great ways to do that would be attend a Christmas Eve service, 

Sing or listen to “O Holy Night,” 

Write in a gratitude journal, or 

Simply pray and let God know how grateful you are.

Week Five: Hope is part of a five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.

Week Four: Love

All around the world, the universal language is love. Every tribe, race, religion, culture, and people group “speak” this language. The human heart yearns for love more than any other thing. The theme of love is the message of countless songs, poems, plays, films, books, and artwork because love is the deepest desire of all human beings. In fact, if someone feels unloved or has trouble or loss in this area, it is almost incapacitating. Grief is most often tied to the loss of love and it can be a dark place. But, while loss of love can be truly crippling, finding love is a balm for the soul! 

If Christmas is about anything, it is about LOVE. It is about the GREATEST LOVE of all. Understanding the message of love represented through Christ’s coming to earth can turn a person’s world around. The powerful truth that God’s love is personal and free to all who will receive it has a restorative quality that nothing on this earth can match. In other words, an encounter with God’s love can mend a broken heart and satisfy a lonely soul. ONLY GOD’S LOVE breaks down walls, loosens chains and realigns a fractured identity.

The apostle John describes exactly what this love looks like: 

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (I John 4:9-10)

When you think about  baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, the true picture you should be focusing on is grown-up Jesus on the cross. He didn’t arrive on earth just to form a small group, teach about the kingdom of God, make the lame walk and give sight to the blind, He actually here came to die. God’s love became visible through the death of Christ on the cross.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17).

Human love is wonderful but it can never take the place of divine love. God’s love saves us! It saves us emotionally, physically and eternally! 

During this Christmas season, turn your eyes toward the reality of this amazing love and let it wash over you. The reality that you are wanted; you are accepted; you are cherished; you are LOVED!

Week Four: Love is part of a five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.

Week Three: Peace

Shalom.

If we were in ancient Israel this is how we would greet one another. It is how we would extend a warm welcome to each other, our neighbors, our family, folks we run into around town - “Shalom.” Interestingly enough, “shalom” is the Hebrew word for “peace” meaning, complete or whole. Therefore we are not merely greeting one another with affection and good will, rather we are offering restoration in peace.

Much of our world today begs the opposite. Nothing about recent days echo any sentiment of “Shalom.” This year alone has riddled us with anxiety, unrest, discord, conflict, and disagreement. It feels like a dark cloud looming over our heads while we wait for the other shoe to drop.

However, there is good news this Christmas season. Shalom, or peace, does not only refer to the absence of conflict, but the presence of something else. The presence of One that restores to wholeness.

Read Isaiah 9:5-7. Now, read it again. What does the last part of verse 6 and first part of verse 7 say? “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”

The birth of Jesus Christ was providing the presence of “something else” that was required to achieve Shalom. But He didn’t merely provide peace, Scripture says that His Name is Peace. He is peace, and it’s what He gives to us (John 14:27). Which means, if we are in Christ, we are a people of peace.

In a divisive culture during this Christmas season, may we be known for taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness; participating in the life of Jesus who, “reconciled to himself all things...making peace by the blood of the cross” (Colossians 1:20). It is only through the Person of Jesus Christ that we can accomplish Shalom - He established peace on earth beginning with His birth, carried out through His life, settled by His death, and secured in His resurrection.

Jesus established peace on earth beginning with His birth, carried out through His life, settled by His death, and secured in His resurrection.

There is no better time to assume the posture of peace than in 2020. This doesn’t mean that we deny or dismiss disagreement or conflict. We don’t compromise truth for harmony. But we model after Jesus, and restore what is broken to wholeness.

Shalom.

Reflect:

1. Where are you needing peace to dwell with you?

2. Does it comfort you to know that peace is not only a feeling, but a Person?

3. Encourage one friend today, through text, note, or phone call, with a word of peace.

Week Two: Joy is part of a five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.

Week Two: Joy

Joy. This short, simple word printed on Christmas cards, ornaments, plaques, shirts, plates and almost anything Christmas is possibly the most well-known of all Christmas “words.” Despite its simplicity, the word is anything but simple. Most people equate Joy with happiness, but in truth, joy is much deeper than that. Joy comes from the Greek word “chara” meaning a feeling of inner gladness. In other words, happiness despite what might be happening around us! 

With this definition in mind, isn’t JOY exactly what we need today? If we look around at our world, there are so many circumstances that can make us feel “unhappy.” For many, the holidays themselves are a time of loneliness or deep sadness. The loss of a loved one, financial distress, broken relationships, health worries... can make for a very joyless season. On top of personal melancholy, the state of our country and fear of the future can make us downright depressed! 

We need a deep-down JOY, and this is actually what Christmas is all about. Let’s consider the “first’ Christmas to understand this word more fully. 

Read Luke 2:8-20

Jesus’ birth came after a time of silence in the Jewish nation. God had not spoken for 400 years. His last words were spoken through the prophet Malachai in approximately 430 B.C. and so while many had begun to “forget” about God, the devout continued to study the scriptures waiting patiently for God's promise to be fulfilled. And one starry night in the little town of Bethlehem, the promise came to fruition. The shepherds were the first to learn of the great event proclaimed by angels: 

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” 

The good news was that God was no longer silent. The good news was that God had come to earth to reveal himself to man, the long awaited Messiah had finally come: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the [a] virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). (Isaiah 7:14)

The Good News was that man now had direct access to God through Jesus Christ. The Savior would rescue, redeem and restore man’s relationship with God. And for all who trusted in Him, forgiveness, freedom and eternal life would be their destiny. This message was not just for the shepherds or the Jewish people; it was a message for all mankind. The reality of a Savior who would set people free from the bondage of sin, remove their guilt once and for all and reunite them with the Father for all eternity is not just good news, it is the BEST NEWS IN THE WORLD. 

This is, indeed, a reason for GREAT JOY!

No matter what you are experiencing this Christmas season, let the truth about what Jesus’ birth means cause you to “celebrate!” Joy is not based on our circumstances on the outside but rather on what is inside of us. Trust Christ; accept His sacrifice; claim His power and find true JOY!

Week Two: Joy is part of an five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.

Week One: Introduction

Have you ever had to wait for something? Not just anything but for that one thing you’ve been longing for? I know I have! 

When I was a child I could not WAIT for Christmas morning to get here. I would wake up and make sure my brother and parents were awake because the waiting was over. It was time for PRESENTS! It felt like my parents would take forever to get ready to go downstairs. Before we could rush down the stairs we would have to sit and wait at the top while my dad went to make sure the coast was clear. We sat there waiting and then finally he would call us down. We would fly downstairs into the living room where the celebration would begin!

One year my father “stumbled across Santa” still putting out our gifts. We heard a crazy commotion and my dad yelling, “Come back! Wait!” We ran in the room as the door slammed shut. We had JUST missed Santa! What?!? How he managed to get away so fast, I’ll never know. If we hadn’t waited at the top of the stairs we would have seen him! 

Am I the only one that hates to wait? Waiting is hard, especially when we’re afraid we might miss the one thing that we really want - no - need. Over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born an entire nation was waiting for him. They had been waiting for generations, and yet, most of them completely missed him. Let’s not let that happen to us this year. Let’s pause in this busy time of year to reflect on this baby, Jesus, born in a manger. God’s Son...given for us all. 

In these devotions, we will embark on a little ADVENTure. Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus...our Savior and long-awaited promise. We will journey through scripture to discover some of the incredible gifts God has given to us through Jesus. Gifts that are sitting there just waiting to be unwrapped. Each is a treasure and together they are priceless. We could all use more Joy, Peace, Love and Hope. 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

How do you need to experience Jesus this year? 

What do you most need? Joy, Peace, Love or Hope? 

Take some time to listen to “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and reflect on the longing of this song. Are you longing for Jesus?

Week One: Introduction is part of an five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.

Change It Up!

I struggle. I am my own worst enemy. I go straight to my version of the bleak possibilities of the future rather than taking one day at a time. I think “what will I do if this happens” instead of living in the here and now. I overthink everything…or do I…no, I don’t…maybe… If someone doesn’t respond promptly to a text or email that I’ve sent, I automatically wonder what I might have done or said to make them mad at me. I imagine that some of you are reading this and thinking – WOW! I do that, too. 

Matthew 6:34 (ESV) – “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

I have found myself having to make certain choices to protect my mental health during this time more than ever. The news is typically on the television at my house every morning and evening so we can keep up with current events. Nowadays, not so much. We all know the situation of this pandemic, but we don’t have to dwell on it by watching and listening to every report. That tends to drag me into a dark hole quicker than anything. 

Philippians 4:8 (ESV) – "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

Instead, I find myself reading more, listening to positive and uplifting music, focusing on God’s Word and praying more, intentionally reaching out to people whether by phone calls or notes sent in the mail. That sounds old-fashioned, but who doesn’t love to actually hear another person’s voice or read a thoughtful handwritten note letting you know that you are cared for?

Do something you never have time to do. Get out your paint brushes and capture the beauty that this season has to offer. Cook some of those recipes you’re always too busy to prepare. Start writing that novel you’ve been putting off for years because there’s no time. Play games with your kids. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Have meaningful conversations with friends and family. Whatever this looks like for you, change it up. 

Genesis 2:18 (ESV) – “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” 

These are very trying times for all of us. Maybe your thoughts get the best of you. Maybe you feel alone and cut off from your people. 

My daughter lives out of state, so we’ve been FaceTiming a lot. This doesn’t replace physically being together, but at least we are staying connected. A friend and I met at our local walking trail earlier this week and enjoyed being together while still maintaining social distancing. That little bit of time spent with her made a huge difference in my day. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 

No matter what you’re going through or what stage of life you’re in, someone cares about you. Someone thinks you are special. Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. Go ahead and take that step to reach out to them. You never know what that phone call or handwritten note might mean to a person. It might be just what they need to lift their spirits. We can all be the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Change is hard for some. It certainly isn’t easy for me, but we need to understand our circumstances and adapt so that we can do our best to stay mentally healthy. These times are very uncertain and can be scary, but the most important thing to remember is that Jesus is victorious over all of this mess. 

John 16:33 (ESV) – “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.” 

If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, I pray that today will be that day. Don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean that you will not experience trouble, but you will have a peace and joy like you’ve never known. 

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Father's Table

THE TABLE

I grew up in a rather large family. By “rather large” I mean there were 11 kids. Yes, my parents were crazy enough to have 11 children. And yes, they know about birth control. Seriously though, you would think that by the time the fourth child came along (me) that they would have gotten the hint that we were a strong-willed, rowdy bunch of kids. My dad jokes about the fact that they kept going for the perfect child...He said it’s yet to happen.

As our family grew, our dining room table became more and more crowded. As you can imagine, it takes a large table to host 13 individuals every morning at breakfast. At some point my parents realized the need for a larger table. I guess the alternative was to stop having children, but they were still under the illusion that perfection could be achieved so a larger table it was.

It was October, and the plan for us to purchase the new table was to pick up walnuts as a family. So we packed up in the ole 15-passenger and went for it. We’d drive around and Mom would spot a walnut grove or a tree in someone's yard, so we’d stop and ask the property owners if we could pick up their walnuts. I was embarrassed as a kid because it seemed so desperate. But we did it. We picked up 20,000 lbs of hulled walnuts. We worked in the rain, in the heat, in the fun, in the exhaustion. We didn’t stop until walnut season was over. Our hands became stained, our backs hurt, and we never wanted to see another walnut tree again.

Post walnut season the new table was purchased. It was like Christmas morning at our house, excitement all around! The chairs and benches were newly stained, and the table large enough to host everyone with elbow room to spare. It was ours. The Kent family table. And we each had a place at our new table.

​THE NAME

I love going home to my parents’. The rush of childhood memories is imminent as we pull into the drive. Everything from the smell of pancakes and black Folger’s coffee to the crisp breeze in the air takes me back to early mornings, family devotionals, and movies on Sunday nights. It’s a fresh reminder of who I am: a Kent.

Names have the potential to carry weight with them. There’s power and identity in them. Sometimes we stand on the shoulders of the last generation and build. One generation builds into the next, all with the same identity found in the family name. My family name has meaning and purpose to it. It carries with it the identity of a large family, hard workers, creative individuals, and a commitment to others. We have little choice in the imposition others place on us due to our family name. I am a Kent and proud of it. My parents carried the name well.

Here’s the best part about being a Kent though: I belong at my parents’ table. Let that sink in. I always have a place at my parents’ table. I belong there simply because I am their son. They’ve never made me pay for a spot at their table. I naturally belong there because of who I am and knowing whose I am. I am the son of Bob and Jan Kent.

THE MEAL

My mom is an amazing cook! Growing up I never wondered if she was going to burn our dinner, if breakfast would be awful, or if lunch would be fast food. She always had food prepared for us.

Growing up our table hosted many meals; meals my mom would prepare for us and meals we kids would help prepare. Breakfast and dinner we would gather, as a family around the table, and share a meal together. We would talk about the activities of the day while eating what was before us. Some meals were rushed, others would linger on for hours. This was life. This was our family, sitting around the table, eating, talking, singing, reading, praying, crying, sharing news, and speaking of the future.

As an adult, I love what my parents instilled in me. Family is meant to gather and eat together. Sit. Be in the moment. Wait until everyone is finished. Be present and enjoy the food and the company of those around you.

THE FATHER’S TABLE

I believe our Heavenly Father has a table as well. At this table we, who bear His name, have a place. We gather and share a meal together, with the Father at the head sharing His goodness, mercy, grace, love, peace. There is laughter at the table as the dishes are passed. We share about our day, our brothers and sisters encourage us, and the Father wipes our tears. He invites us to gather around and share with Him all that He has prepared for us. We come together because He has invited us, and we are His.

There are no limits as to who is invited or how many may come. It was not built by us. We did nothing to earn a place. We didn’t pay for the table, the meal, or our name. Our Father made the table. Our Father prepared the meal. Our Father made us His children through His son Jesus. We simply accept the invitation and come.

I like to imagine that our corporate gatherings, “Church,” are His table moments for us here on Earth. We gather because He has invited us. “Hey, come share a meal with Me. Come. Sit. Enjoy what I have prepared for you.” He invites us into a conversation with Him.

“How’s life? What’s been going on? How is the job I gave you? How is the family I have placed around you?” You can almost hear Him saying, “Why didn’t you bring them? They have a place here too.”

We gather around the table, but we often sit there acting like there is nothing set before us worth having. We fail to feast on His goodness, mercy, love, and grace. We act like we already have all we need. We pretend He is not even there. We gather. We sit. We endure the hour and fifteen minutes gathered around the table, and we can’t wait to leave and get back to our lives. And the whole time our Father sits there, excited that His children have come to share in what He has prepared for us.

What would our table moments look like if we came with a proper perspective and healthy expectation? I imagine excitement, joy, laughter, wonder, amazement, and transformation. I imagine a heart of service toward our brother or sister in the row, an understanding that all belong here regardless of (insert whatever your bias is), and an excitement to bring anyone and everyone with us! We gather together, as brothers and sisters, and eagerly wait to see what our Father has prepared. Our expectation becomes one of constantly knowing He will show us more of who He is and who we are in His eyes.

Everything changes when we understand we are sitting at the table of our Father; a Father who prepares the absolute best for His children and desires for us to just sit with Him. He never leaves us hungry but always leaves us wanting more. And in the midst of our apathy, He continually says, “I love you. Are you listening? I love you. I love you for no other reason other than I just love you.”

Equip Me According to Your Word

The start of a new year brings so many mixed emotions. From excitement and anticipation, to renewed hopes and goals, to relief and renewal. So many of us set out to accomplish new goals; long-term and short-term at the start of the year. We quickly jump on the band-wagon of “New Year, New Me” by setting fitness goals, spiritual renewals, and personal mantras.

However, somewhere in between we tend to lose them, the excitement of a fresh start quickly turns into survival mode or worse, disappointment… We start to miss the day-in and day-out excitement that we first had at the beginning of the year.

I noticed this a few years back in my own life so I started approach the New Year differently. What if I chose a word for the year? What if this word could help me accomplish all of those fitness goals, spiritual renewals, and personal mantras I had made? What if this word helped me regain my perspective and helped me refocus?

This past year I chose the word “Equipped: to be supplied with all the necessary equipment.” Setting out at the beginning of 2018, I was not sure what kind of meaning this word would take. You see there have been times in my life where I have not felt prepared, especially in this stage of my life as a twenty-something… As I have read, prayed, and pressed into this word, I now believe that when the Apostle Paul went on to say that may the people be EQUIPPED he meant a resounding blessing not just for them, but for you and me.

I don’t know what kind of load you are carrying. I don’t know what kind of year lies ahead for you or what year you’ve had, but I do know that with whatever happens you can walk into the New year with confidence knowing that you are EQUIPPED to walk through it, that you have been supplied with ALL the necessary equipment to face a new day, to face this new year. Time and time again throughout 2018 this was proven to be true, this word has shown me its meaning in more ways than one.

The words we speak to others and the words we speak to ourselves hold immense power. Throughout scripture we are reminded of the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. James 3:5 tells us that although our tongues may seem small, our words can speak big things. 

I have not yet settled on a word for 2019, but I am excited and expectant to see how God will use that chosen word to renew my thoughts and revive my spirit. I encourage you to choose a word for the year and see just how it takes on its meaning.

Praying that you would be equipped according to HIS word and would enter 2019 with great joy and a sense of refreshment... Happy New Year, my friends!

Championing and Reviving a Spirit of Joy

Have you ever thought, “Church is just boring.” No? Just me? Go ahead then, judge me, I can take it. I have sat through many services criticizing everything going on, imagining how I could do it better, and just wishing the service would end so I could leave. I was bored. It was boring. I wanted more. 

The Holy Spirit began convicting me through this season. He challenged me with the thought, “What would it look like to champion and revive a spirit of joy in you life?” I believe the local gathering of believers should be the most joyful place on earth. But that begins with me. It begins with God calling me to walk in joy through my attitudes, my speech, and my life. 

Let’s look at Psalm 84 (ESV):

“How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
   for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.

As we unpack this together, I believe Psalm 84 gives us three ways we can champion and revive a spirit of joy in our lives. 

Loving the Local Gathering of Believers

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s armies.” (NLT)

During the time that this psalm was written, there was a physical temple God had built in Jerusalem. In the temple there was a place called The Holy of Holies. It's where the Ark of the Covenant rested. On the lid of the Ark were two carved cherubim with their wings stretch towards each other. This was God’s dwelling place. This is where His presence rested. 

Today, we carry the very presence of God in us through the Holy Spirit. When we gather as local believers, the Church, God has said that He will be present with us. His presence, in that moment, being made known to everyone there. 

It’s easy for us to go to church and criticize how things are done. We say things like, “I don’t like the music. I don’t like what he’s wearing. He preaches too long. The area could use some work. I didn’t like how they did that…” We find ourselves focusing on the visual things, and we begin to criticize and tear down.

Here is where we need to remember the big picture, God is present. He is there in our midst. Instead of criticizing we should be asking, “God, what do you want to do through me in this moment?” When we ask this we go from criticizing to encouraging. We move past ourselves and see the needs of those around us. We being to love the local gathering of believers.

Having an Eager Expectation and Meeting with God

Let’s check out the first part of verse 2, “My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord”

Have you ever thought, “Why we are bored with church?” Like really thought about it. I’ve read this psalm so many times, and every time I’m struck by the language of verse 2. The psalmist cannot wait to be in the very presence of God. Eugene Peterson puts it beautifully in the Message, “I’ve always longed to live in a place like this, always dreamed of a room in Your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive!”

I desire for everything in me to feel this way! I ask myself, “Do I have an eager expectation to meet with God? Do I expect to open up God’s Word and that He’ll speak to me? Do I expect that God wants to speak in the moments when I meet with other believers?”

Things in our lives become mundane too easily, and we start to go through the motions. We have moments when reading the Bible feels like a duty instead of an opportunity for God to speak. We have seasons where praying feels like a chore not a conversation. But let’s take a moment to remind ourselves we get to meet with the God of the universe! The one who created us, breathed life into our lungs, knew us before we were formed, and says “I love you, and I’ve adopted you as my son or my daughter.” We are meeting with the God who spoke things into existence. The God who pursues me. The God who pursues you. 

This reminder should change things for me. I should have an eager expectation in my life. I should have a longing to meet with God. 

I’ve changed behaviors and language in my life because of this. My “quiet time” is now “the speaking place” because I believe that God will speak to me in those moments. I step into every service with an expectation to hear from God. I ask myself continually, “Am I going through the motions, or am I longing to meet with God?”

Our Whole Being Praising God

The last part of verse 2 says, “my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”

My heart and my flesh - This one is challenging for me. 

Have you ever had moments where your heart feels it, but your body is not acting with it? Or the opposite, where your body is singing out, but there is little to no joy in your heart? I’ve been there. I still am there. I find myself in the tension of believing in my heart yet feeling nothing outwardly. Or outwardly praising yet feeling empty inside. The psalmist reminds us our whole being needs to be praising God. 

In life, we can’t praise God just when we feel like it. Whatever we do, we do with whole being for God. The reality is that our whole being should be into praising God. We praise Him because of who He is. We praise Him because of what He’s done. We praise Him because of what He will do. We praise God with our heart and body. Everything in us should be shouting His praise.

If we believe in Jesus we have gone from death to life! The church should be the most joyful place on earth. Our hearts should be so full of joy we cannot help but sing to God. 

So why am I bored with church? Why do I leave a gathering feeling empty? I don’t want to anymore. I want to be a person championing a spirit of joy! I want to be known for loving the local church, having an eager expectation to meet with God, and praising God with everything in me.

Are You Limiting Yourself?

I believe God has created individual plans for His followers that are as unique and creative as each one of us. Sadly, I also believe many of us will never even begin to tap into the potential that God has placed within us. What could Christians achieve for God’s Kingdom if each one of us walked in faith following God’s true plan for our lives?

Do you dream of things you would like to do for God but never do anything about it? What is it that keeps us from moving forward and taking that step of faith? Fear? Self-doubt? Laziness? Worry? Busyness?

I love this quote by Francis Chan: “But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”

Do you trust God that much? I wish I could say I do. There have been times when I felt God nudging me to speak to someone, give something away, or get rid of things in my life. I never regretted the times in which I obeyed; however, I hate to admit that many times I make excuses for ignoring His leading rather than following it.

Many years ago, we moved to a small town. Shortly after our relocation, I went to a local bakery to order a birthday cake for my son who was turning three. The ladies at the bakery informed me that they only put icing flowers on their cakes, no exceptions. Their solution to my son’s birthday cake was “We can do blue flowers.” Needless to say, I went somewhere else to buy his cake.

How often do we do we limit ourselves like this small town bakery? How often do we tell ourselves or others, “I only do flowers.” Or do you say, “But I’ve always done it this way. I’ve never tried that before. People might think I’m strange.” The excuses go on and on. We aren’t only disobeying God when we ignore His direction, but we also restrain and limit our personal spiritual growth.

Have you ever felt God was encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk? Maybe learn a new skill that seems impossible? Reach out to a group of people that are your exact opposite? Or use a talent to start a brand new mission?

The possibilities are exciting and terrifying all rolled into one. The good news is when God prompts us to step out, He promises to go with us. If God sends you out of your comfort zone, He will go with you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

Let’s dream big. Imagine your testimony after accomplishing something radical for God. If God has placed a huge idea or a small act of kindness on your heart, try acting on it today. Our world desperately needs us to follow God’s plans for our lives.

5 Ways to Practice Spiritual Disciplines

As we learn what it means to follow Jesus and how to be more like Him, it can be difficult to know how to put it into practice. It’s usually said that we should read our Bible and pray, but what are some more practical ways to connect with God? 

There are effective spiritual disciplines that we can practice that will help us to become the person God has called us to be. The more ways that we connect with Him, the more that we can understand where He is leading us. Sometimes, it can be difficult to hear from God and know how to pursue Him. 

Richard Foster gives a great guide on spiritual disciplines in his book, Celebration of Discipline. Let’s take a look at some of the disciplines that he suggests. These help me so much when I feel like I’m in a “spiritual rut.”

Prayer

We know that we are supposed to pray, but how can we practice prayer? A great way to start is to dedicate a time each day to pray. Grab a journal or turn on some worship music to get focused. If I pray without writing it out, I get distracted, so I usually use a journal to help.

If it’s difficult for you to remember to stop and set aside 30 minutes or so to prayer, set a reminder on your phone and schedule it into your daily activities! It’s okay to schedule prayer. It’s a discipline!

If you need help knowing what to pray about each day, maybe just choose a topic: friends, family, your community, your church, your country, your world…There are so many things that we can pray about! I personally like to start with just telling God about my day and processing life with Him. He speaks so much when we dedicate that time to Him.

Fasting

These days, fasting sounds old school. Fasting seems like something that was done in the Bible and that shouldn’t be a priority today. But fasting is another discipline that we can learn. Again, we are dedicating our time and needs to God. When we dedicate important parts of our lives to Him, it draws us closer to Him, and He speaks in crazy ways!

Fasting may include many different things. Some people fast from foods, others from social media, and even from certain music. For me, I can’t fast from all foods all day because my blood sugar will get all messed up, but I can fast from some foods or other things that I feel may be keeping me from connecting to God more.

What is something that may be keeping YOU from connecting with God? Think about how you could fast from it. 

Solitude

One of the best experiences that I ever had was a particular time when I was assigned to practice solitude. I was attending a Christian leadership program, and every student was asked to spend five hours of solitude in the middle of the woods. We were on a hiking trip, and each one of us got dropped off at a different place, left in the silence of the woods by ourselves. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was honestly not very excited about it! I couldn’t imagine being confined to a certain spot with one book and one journal for five hours. 

Today, I am so happy that I had the opportunity to do that! It was difficult to figure out what to do at first, but as time went on during those five hours, I learned so much about myself and my relationship with God. When you dedicate your time and your focus to God, He doesn’t let that return void.

You may be thinking, “When in the world am I going to find time to have five hours of solitude?” But you don’t have to do five hours! You can do 30 minutes. Give whatever amount you can to dedicate your time and all of your focus to Him. There are always going to be reasons for us to avoid practicing this spiritual discipline, but we should really be carving out time for it regularly.

Simplicity

Practicing the discipline of simplicity means to first focus on the purity of your heart and then live out a lifestyle of simplicity. Without a change of heart and without knowing your identity in Christ, you will really struggle to live the simple lifestyle. Living in simplicity means living without fear and obsession of status. 

In our culture, everything revolves around living a certain lifestyle and upholding that lifestyle. Without the certain looks and the certain nice things, we are frowned upon. Jesus asked us to give things up for Him. It’s easy to try to live up to the standards of our culture and forget about the standards of the Bible.

Celebration

One of the spiritual disciplines that I think we forget about the most is the discipline of celebration. Celebration basically means joy, according to Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline. Don’t the words “celebration” and “joy” make you smile when you think about them and the things in life associated with them? That’s the kind of feeling in your heart that makes you stronger and energized! Why would we not want to feel this way all of the time? That’s why it’s so important to practice thoughts of joy. 

What are some things that you can celebrate right now? A great way to keep track and remind yourself is to write them down. Look at them daily and come back to them when you’re in need of some celebration. In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp was dedicated to writing out even the tiniest of things that bring her joy, making a list of 1,000.

Ultimately, when it feels like there’s nothing else to celebrate, as Christians, we always have the celebration of what Jesus has done for us and that God is actively present in our lives! If you’re having trouble seeing that, spend time in one of the other spiritual disciplines to give opportunity for God to speak to you in new ways.

To find all of the spiritual disciplines that Richard Foster talks about, check out his book, Celebration of Discipline! I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who is looking to grow spiritually. It is very helpful and gives a great path on how to connect with God in practical ways.

10 Verses for Finding Joy

Let’s face it. It’s hard to find joy these days. Looking at the news can be devastating. We live in a society where every other day the flags are at half mast. People immediately choose sides, and emotions rule our actions rather than reason. It’s easy to feel like the junk of this world is constantly swirling around us like an vicious tornado.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33b

So, what exactly does “take heart” mean? I believe it means we focus on the fact that nothing surprises God. God is always in control even when our surroundings and circumstances feel like chaos.

Christians have a hope beyond this temporary world. Focusing on eternity allows us to find joy in the midst of the insanity. If we have joy ourselves, we can use it to encourage others. If the people around us are overwhelmed and beat down, demonstrating joy in our lives may open a door to share our ultimate reason for joy: salvation through Jesus.

How do we get there? How do we find joy? Reflecting on and memorizing scripture is a great place to begin.

10 Verses on Joy

1. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. -Psalm 30:5

2. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24

3. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. -Psalm 119:111

4. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. -Proverbs 17:22

5. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. -Isaiah 12:3

6. Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and a delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. -Jeremiah 15:16

7. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. -Matthew 2:10

8. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. -John 15:11

9. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. -Acts 71:23

10. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Romans 15:13

The Bible speaks of joy in many other verses. Use this list as a starting point for building a foundation of joy in your life.

The Discontentment of a Pastor

How about that title for an attention grabber? Yes folks, it is true that even pastors experience discontentment. That is not to say that it is right to be discontent. Actually it is quite the opposite. It is sin, and one that we all too often excuse and even embrace. In my life, I have seen how sinful and troubling discontentment can be. See if this resonates with you.

Anxiety Starts It All

I have anxiety when I worry about the uncertainty of the ministries I lead. Will people sign up for events? Will folks come to church? Will the folks I lead day-to-day follow where I am trying to lead them? All these are my fears and my sinful worrying over things that I have no control over and have not even happened yet. God speaks directly to this in 1 Peter.  

1 Peter 5:6-7  6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Anxiety Leads to Frustration

I am frustrated when my hopes and dreams don’t pan out. I find my mood and attitude towards the rest of life is dictated by circumstances that I don’t always have control over. All of this frustration is rooted in my desire to please men. I am not seeking to please God first when these frustrations rule my life. I want to be seen as important. I want to be someone that leads big things. I want to be exalted. I want to have no weakness and no difficulty. That is the essence of sin! God speaks directly to this as well.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10  7 So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Frustrations Left Unchecked Create Discontentment

At times I live in the mire of discontentment. I forget to cast my anxiety on God with my job, my family, my friends, my hobbies; you name it, I have been discontent with it all. Unless I confess my fears and my frustrations, I will never see a way out of this discontentment.

What about you? What are your fears? Those fears lead to frustrations when what you hope would happen doesn’t happen. Maybe you have to kill yourself to get the job done, the promotion you are wanting doesn’t come, you don’t have the money and the bills are coming in, you don’t know what to do in a tough time in your marriage, you feel set aside by folks that you want to be closest to. You have to think through these questions. You have to deal with what is really going on in your heart. If you cannot do that, pray what the Psalmist prayed.  

Psalm 139:23-24  23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

When as children we were afraid of the monster in our closet, we were comforted by the words of our parents assuring us there was nothing to fear. When as children we were frustrated over some disappointment in our lives, it was the assurance and love of our parents that showed us there would still be tomorrow and that perhaps God had another way. In the same way, we must listen to the words of our heavenly Father.

Dear friend… You must understand that lasting contentment will never be found in your desires or in your ability to avoid frustration. It will only be found when your desire is for God’s will. Discontentment will always be our problem when we refuse to hear what our loving heavenly Father says to dispel our fears and frustrations. We must begin to see past what we want to what God is doing in our lives.  

Philippians 4:11-13  11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Are you discontented? Do you feel like I have felt? Discontentment is a sin because it takes our eyes off of the eternal truth that God is sovereign and is at work in His world. Your circumstances aren’t random, and they are not a surprise to God. Your path to freedom today begins when you confess and receive God’s grace in forgiveness. Then you begin to obey what we see in God’s word and joyfully follow your loving Father in His plan and work in His world.

Read more from Matt Smith HERE

Firm and Secure

The two words, Firm and Secure, remind me of a particular trip with my family. We were camping in the North Georgia Mountains and decided to go hiking. We were walking through this area and then all of a sudden the terrain changed, and we found ourselves amongst boulders of granite as big as homes and cars. We were so amazed and excited that we did what everyone does when they see big rocks...We starting climbing all over them! Of course we had to get to the top of the biggest one, right!?

I don’t mean to make myself sound all spiritual, but to be honest, in that moment I did think of the Scriptures that describe God as our rock and refuge. I had my wife take a picture of me standing on the rock as I held my walking stick over my head like I was the victor! This was personal because, to be honest, I was at a low point in my life where I did not feel like I was strong or the winner of anything! I wanted a picture to always remind me of the truth that God is my Rock.

Just this morning I read Hebrews 6 and the words “Firm and Secure” jumped out to me from verses 18-19. “…we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul," ‘Firm and Secure’…

These two words describe our hope and faith! The writer to the Hebrews wanted them to be strong in their faith and to not waiver or “fall away” from the truth of who Jesus is and what He had done for them. Honestly, there are times, and probably will be times ahead of each of us, when our faith is challenged, and, if we are dependent upon ourselves and our own footing, we will most likely slip and fall. But here’s the beauty of it…our faith is “Firm and Secure,” not because of our strength but because of who our God is. He is our Rock! The Bible says in Psalm 18:2  - “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (CSB)

Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know your name trust in you…” (CSB). One of God’s names is El Sal’i, God my Rock! The more you get to know someone the more you will trust that person, and that's the simple truth of Psalm 9:10. Get to know your God, and you will trust Him because of who He is…your Lord is El Sal’i, your rock! The next time you see a rock, big or small, remember…because of who He is, you are and can always be…”Firm and Secure!”

You're God's "Plan A"

There are 7,609,617,230 people besides you living on planet Earth right now. That number increases by an average of 97,400 people every day. Over 326,000,000 of those people live in the United States of America, the third most populated nation on Earth. 10,500,000 Americans reside in the state of Georgia, and close to 140,000 Georgia residents live right here in our county. 

For a guy with my personality, these are exciting numbers. I am a relationally driven extrovert with a natural desire for connection and conversation. A day filled with abundant human interaction excites and energizes me, especially when the dialogue moves beyond ordinary small talk or a brief greeting. I cannot interact with every person on the planet, but population data reminds us that there are plentiful connection opportunities for us each day. More importantly, there are lots and lots of unique souls alive right now that God loves deeply and sent His son to die for.

Whether your personality is like mine or not, God’s clear design is for human beings to interact with one another regularly. No one is wired for or intended to live in isolation, but sadly, modern research indicates our world is more lonely and socially deprived than ever. The non-stop progression of technology and increasing consumer convenience are making everyday interaction less common or even necessary. Some of us no longer shop for our own groceries, and perhaps the majority of your daily “socializing” occurs while staring at a soul-less screen. “Social” media has hardly made us more social; more likely, it has made us more cynical and judgmental of the people around us. 

Despite these cultural shifts and the decrease of everyday human interaction, God’s plan to the reach the world remains unchanged. We, God’s dearly loved sons and daughters, are Plan A for reaching those around us. There is no Plan B. 2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds us that we are Christ’s ambassadors, and He is making His appeal to the world through us. Therefore, we must pursue one another with the love of Christ and consistently connect with each other through conversation and shared community. It’s not a convenient or narcissistic plan. It’s not the path of least resistance, and it will require that we tear down the barriers we have put in place to shield ourselves from others. Godly love and authentic connection require self denial, sacrifice, and a servant’s heart. 

I challenge you to renew your commitment to connection, conversation, and community with others this week. Invite people to church or work on building relationships with those around you. Don’t be afraid of strangers! Everyone you come in contact with deserves a warm, personalized invitation. Don’t let your non-social media platforms do all your talking and interacting for you. God didn’t have Facebook posts and creative digital graphics in mind when He commanded us to love others and make disciples. Jesus began His ministry on Earth by establishing genuine relationships and personally inviting people to be a part of the greatest mission of all time. The strategy of God has been the same ever since. It works, and you were designed to be a part of it. Make it your priority to speak up and speak into the lives of those around you!

The God Who Sees Me

The story about Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian slave, has always intrigued me and pulled on my heart. A few years ago I realized why her story connected with me so much. Although we didn’t have the same situation, we experienced the same feelings. I have learned a lot about my relationship with God through the name that Hagar gave Him in the midst of her struggles with loneliness and hurt. Because I have also felt hurt and alone, this story continues to speak to me every day.

Who is Hagar?

In Genesis 16, Hagar was pregnant with Abraham’s son, Ishmael, because Abraham’s wife, Sarai, had not been able to conceive a baby. Sarai wanted to have a child through Hagar because she thought that she and Abraham could fulfill God’s promise if they did this (Crazy, right?). But when Hagar got pregnant, Sarai became jealous and started treating her badly. Because of this, Hagar fled, risking her and her baby's life. She was hurt and conflicted about her situation and didn't know what else to do.

When Hagar ran away, she felt alone and hurt in the middle of nowhere, but God showed up and spoke to her. He encouraged her and gave her hope. 

Hagar felt hurt, broken, and confused. Why had she been treated poorly when she was only doing what she was told? Hagar didn’t feel safe, and she didn’t know what to do with her life. God came to her in the desert when she was hopeless and helpless, and He showed her that she was not alone. 

El Roi - The God Who Sees Me

She gave this name [El Roi] 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.” -Genesis 16:13

In Genesis 16:13, Hagar responded to God by giving Him the name El Roi, “the God who sees me.” She didn’t call Him this because He saw her faults. She called Him this because He saw her in her loneliness. He saw her in her pain. He saw her in her struggles. He saw her in her confusion. He was with her and came to her when she ran away, so He could encourage her. 

Many of us feel like we live life in the shadows. Our efforts go unseen. Our pain goes unseen. The lack of encouragement wears us down. Our identity is easily shaken by the people around us and the circumstances we face. But the truth is we have the God of the universe meeting us where we are, because He sees every little thing in us. The crazy thing is that He sees everything in us, and He still pursues us and is excited about who we are. When we feel brought down by the people around us, He is working on our hearts and building us into who HE wants us to be, not who everyone else does or doesn’t see us as.

You Are Seen

We don’t have to try to get God’s attention. He already sees us, and He reaches out. He meets us where we are whether we are happy, sad, hurt, confused, trying our best, or at our worst. Even when we don't realize it, He is pursuing us. We don't have to rely on people's opinions, impressing others, or proving ourselves. We don't have to rely on compliments or affirmation from anyone, because we have God our Father meeting us where we are and giving us everything we need. In Genesis 16:13 Hagar says, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” She realized this piece of God's identity, and she responded. All you have to do is respond to knowing that our God is the God who sees you.

Be Still and Know

I am a worrier. I have always been a person who worries. Once I became a mom, my worry hit a whole new level. I think about the bad that can happen, and many times it truly ruins my day. Do you do that? Do you worry to the point of taking the joy out of the day? If so, you know exactly what I am talking about.

As I have grown deeper in my relationship with the Lord my worries are less frequent, but Satan, the prowling lion, waits until I am vulnerable and pounces. That's how Satan works. He waits until you are vulnerable, and then he strikes. But lucky for us, the Lord has already won!  

In the midst of our vulnerability we must remember Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Why must we Be Still? In order to hear from the Lord, you must listen. You can't hear in the chaos; you need to be still.  The Lord can't speak to you when your complete attention is on something else...whether it be work, social media, simple everyday tasks, or just being plain busy. When we are focused on the day-to-day grind, we lose sight of the Lord. Satan gets us where he wants us. That's the perfect time for the worry to strike, or maybe for you, it's not worry but stress, or anxiety, or temptation. Whatever it may be, you are under attack. You lose sight of what the Lord has already done and will continue to do for you.  

So how can we be still? Remember how I said the closer I am to the Lord the less I worry? That's the key - your relationship with the Lord. Make time daily for the Lord. Spend time with the Lord, read His word, pray and disconnect from the distractions for a little bit. Allow this to be the time that you are still and listening. To be still is to stop, to be quiet, to be patient, to wait and listen.

We can't forget that our Lord is the Creator, the one who has numbered every hair on our heads. Talk to the Lord during your stillness and remember during this time you are building your relationship with Him. No relationship is going to be successful with one way communication. I guess I should go ahead and say, sometimes even when you are still and listening, the Lord won’t answer right away. The answer could possibly be found in the waiting or maybe just knowing He is the Almighty is enough.

This brings me to the next part of the verse. "And Know!…Know that I am God." God created the world for us. Then He created you and He created me in His image. Not because He didn’t care, but because He cared so much for you to have a relationship with Him. He values knowing you, and He desires for you to know Him. In order for you to know God, you must realize how valuable you are to Him. We are so valuable that He sent His one and only Son to DIE on a cross to save US from the sin of the world.

God is with us, and He never leaves us nor forsakes us! During points in life there are both mountain peaks and valleys. God is there through it all. Knowing Him is trusting Him, knowing is having faith that can’t be shaken. In your times of vulnerability you must be still and know. To know is to realize that God is larger than this world and has overcome the battle of death, so you may have eternal life with Him.

Proverbs 3:5 tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Trust God in this journey and know that He is for you. I encourage you today to take time to Be Still and Know. In the busyness, Be Still and Know. In the chaos, Be Still and Know. 

How to Defeat Anxiety

Anxiety is an inappropriate fear. Now before you completely check out on me, give me a minute and follow me through the full argument. The dictionary definition of anxiety is as follows:  "Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome." 

You see, anxiety is simply fear of an outcome that we cannot control. Because we cannot control the situation, we are gripped by the fear of what may or may not come to pass. Fear in and of itself is not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, we see in scripture that it is a good thing when put in its proper place.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!" -Psalm 111:10

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction." -Proverbs 1:7

There is no worry or unease when we fear God. God is perfect and just, forgiving our sins and giving us new mercies every day. When we fear him we actually become wise and have true incorruptible knowledge. There is an “equation” that will help us understand this better.

God’s Sovereignty + God’s Purposes = Our Good and His Glory

When we understand that God is sovereign and that He has a purpose in all He does, we can truly trust that is it for our good and for his glory, and there is nothing to fear in what we cannot control!

Philippians 4:4-9 says:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Secret to True Peace: Prayerfully Trust in God.

Our action -our call to duty- is to reject the worry caused by dwelling on our own wants and desires, but instead to constantly think on the true and life-giving properties of God’s nature. We have to trust Him, and we will have peace!

We don’t often seek God in our troubles. We look to fix them ourselveS…

Where are the places that we seek to escape our inappropriate fear? How do we manifest our anxiety? We chase lustful desires and turn to pornography. We escape the world and turn to the virtual world of video games where we can control everything. We lose ourselves in TV and movies that only reinforce our fears and anxieties. Perhaps we even self medicate with alcohol and drugs looking to forget the anxiety for a time...

Do NOT seek refuge or peace in the world. There are no actions and habits that you cultivate today that will not affect you in the future. Becoming a person of prayer and seeking refuge in God when you have crushing fear is the only true peace giving habit and escape. You see, peace is a fruit that is born out of trust. We must stare straight into our doubt and worry and remind ourselves that God is on his throne. He loves us and His peace will guard our hearts when we trust in Him.

Prayer Guide for You Today:

• Praise God for the peace that he provides. Praise Him for the things He has done and will do in your life.
• Confess the things that you worry about. Spend time telling God about the weights that hold you down and thoughts that plague your mind.
• Ask God to forgive our nation and heal our land. Pray for revival in our hearts and the hearts of the people of Newnan. Thank God for the good in your life. What can you praise Him for?
• Pray for members of your small group and their daily needs. If you don’t have a group or know their concerns, pray for yours.

Living a Spirit-Filled Life

Today is a new day! A new year is underway, and it is filled with potential as each new day brings a fresh start….a reset…a time to pause and allow the Creator of all things, God, our heavenly Father, to transform our lives one morning at a time. I’m talking 365 days a year.

A day becomes a week, becomes a month, becomes an entire year of seeking God and experiencing the transforming power of His presence 24/7…365. Can you imagine the possibilities? Every time I begin to imagine the possibilities of what God can do in my life, I am reminded of what it says in Ephesians 3:20.     

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.

Where do you need to see the power of God displayed in your life? What would happen in your broken relationships? Do you need a plan for your finances? Where are you struggling? Are you just going through the motions lost without purpose? Do you want to change, but just don’t know where or how to start? 

The great news is that you aren’t alone! God is able to do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine. That is an incredible promise straight from God’s word. As a child of God, His power (the Holy Spirit) is at work within you. If that doesn’t fill you with hope, I don’t know what will.  

Too many times we live a defeated life because we simply refuse to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in our every day lives. We look to God and call on Him for the really BIG things, but when it comes to our everyday lives, we approach it with an "I’ve got this" attitude. I don’t know why we do this, but, before you know it our prideful, self-sufficient attitude gets in the way and keeps us from experiencing immeasurably more that we could ask or imagine. 

It’s time we set our pride aside…no, it’s time we hand our pride over to the Holy Spirit and exchange it for humility. We need to come humbled before God, and ask Him to take not just the big things but our moment-by-moment everyday lives also. Here are some passages of scripture I’ve incorporated into my time with God to help me become less self-sufficient and more God dependent.

• Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8
• Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10
• Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
• I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8
• Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

Each day is filled with possibilities. Where we end up this year is determined greatly by how we begin each day. Will we set our hearts and minds on God, surrendering to His Holy Spirit, or will we let pride and self-sufficiency continue to reign over our lives? My prayer is that this year will be a year yielded to the Holy Spirit fulfilling the purposes of God in my life. What about you?

Victory Is Yours!

Everybody loves it when their team wins. When you’re a real fan of a team and your team has the lead, you watch the game in peace and confidence and generally find yourself in a fairly good mood. But when the other team starts coming back, that mood begins to change, and that peace you felt now becomes tension. You find yourself no longer enjoying the comfort of confidence in having the lead! If by chance, your team loses that lead, then suddenly you are ill, frustrated, and fearful the worst is going to happen…you might get defeated!  

How many times have you felt this scenario? I felt it just last week and the week before that, as I watched some of my favorite football teams lose sizable leads and ultimately lose the game. Not everyone is the same, but for me, I get ill, frustrated, and bummed out…I even get down and defeated! My wife asks me, “Why do you watch it if it's going to affect you like that?” 😳

Now the beauty of the sports scenario is that it's temporary! I mean, after all, it's just football! It's just a game! But how many times has that same scenario of defeat hit our lives spiritually? I know it has affected me. At times, I believed I was doing well spiritually. I felt strong and even confident, only to notice that my peace and confidence started slipping away and turned into discouragement and sometimes even into a feeling of full blown defeat.

I love reading the book of Psalms. The writer, David, often shares that same experience. David writes in Psalm 108:11, “God, why have you rejected us?” He wrote in other Psalms, “Where are you Lord,?” “Why am I downcast?” He knew what it was like to experience the feeling of defeat.

In Psalm 108, David prays, “Give us aid against the foe for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly, he will trample our foes!” (vs.12-13) Our Enemy is the one who is defeated! He is not going to start coming back toward victory. The score has already been set. Jesus took care of that when He walked out of the tomb! There is no need to hang our heads in defeat, be bummed, or feel ill, frustrated, or fearful because Jesus is victorious and has given that victory to us!  

We can live and walk and breathe in victory, not in defeat! Too many Christians live a life of defeat and do not live as conquerors, when actually we are MORE than conquerors through Jesus (Rom. 8:37). Sometimes we live as if we cannot win because we forget the truth. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4). The truth is that you are in an ongoing spiritual battle. There will be some wins and some losses, but you need to always remind yourself of the truth that Victory IS Yours! Enjoy the win!

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