Victory Over Suffering

The cross teaches us that there is suffering in this world. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 There is no doubt that Jesus suffered through a horrible death and he did it for us. Because of this, Jesus knows what it means when we suffer. “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil…” Heb.2:14

We humans have a tendency to seek out God in times of distress, sometimes for relief, sometimes in anger, and many times with questions. This is a turn in the right direction! Jesus cares for us and wants to help us through our struggles. “ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  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.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Turn to Jesus with whatever is causing you trouble, talk to him, knowing that he is working on your behalf! And most of all, remember that he has overcome the world and because you walk with him, you are overcoming daily with him!

Thought Question: What have you been struggling with lately, that you need to put in his hands?

Joe's Rollercoaster Life!

Life can seem like a rollercoaster ride. It certainly did for Joseph in the book of Genesis, starting in chapter 37.

His life started off well. He was his father’s favorite child. He was a dreamer and thought life would meet his expectations. But he had a few issues, he was a tattle tale and his brothers, well, they hated him.

One day as he was on his usual fact finding mission for his father on his brother’s activities, his life took a sudden downhill drop and turned upside down. Now, it could have been worse, his brothers pondered on the idea of killing him! But instead, they sold him into slavery. Not a good thing but God was with Joseph and he did well in the household of his master. Until there was another nasty turn and Joe ended up in prison through no fault of his own. Can you imagine how discouraging all this was?

See, life can be like that. Even when God is with us and we are doing the right things, the rollercoaster may still take another dip. It doesn’t mean I’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere. It doesn’t mean God isn’t right there.

You see Joseph would go through all these trials and would wind up in the perfect place to solve a monumental problem of the world at that time with God’s help! He would save the lives of his family because of the position he was in. He was right where he was supposed to be. God had been working through Joseph’s life all along, through the good times and the bad.

Thoughts for Reflection: It is so hard to see any reason when things are going badly. We even feel like God has abandoned us in some of those times. But try to take a step back and imagine God at work on the bigger picture. And remember, to trust in his love and presence!

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
    miracles that cannot be counted. Job 5:9

Who is God?

• Creator… Gen 1:1

• Sustainer…. Acts 17:24-28 He is our #1 fan and support system

• Abba Father….. 1 John 1:3 Our loving father

• Love….. 1 John 4:8 He seeks what is best for us.

• Almighty…. Rev. 1:8 Yes, He is “all that” and more!

• Everlasting Goodness…. Rev. 4:8-11

• The Ultimate Giver….. John 3:16-17

Identity Theft

Who are you?

Who are you deep inside? Where do you get your identity from?

The evil one is a master at stealing our identity. John 10:10 tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” He is constantly trying to make us think that worth should be determined by our accomplishments, our looks, our income, our heritage, ect. But we all have those fears and whispers about it all not being enough.

God tells us a different story. He gives us a story of hope. “For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,  I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13, 14 It’s not about my accomplishments or my weaknesses or my trying harder and harder. It's about God’s goodness.

God is inviting us into a story of newness. “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT. God is inviting me into a story of living my design that he made in me. That sounds like a much more enjoyable life to me!

Challenge for the week: Take some quiet time and reflect on the unique things God made in you. Talk with God about how he wants to shine through those things.

The Power of Praise

Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
    how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1

WHAT IF…we took seriously this concept of focusing on and praising (truly appreciating) God daily?

Think about how it would change our outlook on life! It would eliminate so much negative thinking and give us hope.

WHAT IF…we took this one step further and focused on praising and encouraging other people?

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

Think about how this would change not only our lives but others. Think about how this would make the world a better place!

Challenge for the week: Live each day intentionally praising God and look for opportunities to praise and encourage others!

The Magic of Community

“Thus the very purpose of his self-giving on the cross was not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate their loneliness, but to create a new community whose members would belong to him, love one another, and eagerly serve the world.” John Stott

Jesus Loves the Church

As we look at the scriptures, we know that the church had nothing to do with the building but it was the people, the lovers of God, the followers of Christ. These are the people who are trying to put their faith into practice. The ones who are helping and serving others in love. The ones walking with Christ and trying to constantly learn from him. This is what the church is about.

1 Thess. 1:3 Paul says, “ For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love motivates you to serve others, and how unrelenting is your hope-filled patience in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now that is the church!

Be Imitators of God

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph. 5:1,2

In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of the apostles and told them that they needed to do the same. To be imitators of God, it takes action not just talk. It also takes humility. Jesus knew who he was, that he was the son of God. He had nothing to prove to anyone. Because of that, he had no problem humbling himself to wash their feet. When we are sure of who we are, children of God, we too have nothing to prove! And this opens the door for us to also humble ourselves.

The beautiful thing about all this is that this imitation leads to blessings! John 13:17 says, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:9

Thought Question: What act of service can you do this week to show your love for others?

In Search of...

Today our passage is Matt. 13:44-46. It tells about the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Both of those who found them knew that they had found something very valuable and that it was worth great sacrifice. Did you know that Jesus looks at us in that way? We were valuable enough for him to give his life and go through great suffering for!

What about us, what are we seeking? Answers to our problems, relationship issues, money problems, just trying to understand what this life is all about? Where do we go for answers? Jesus says that he is the way, the truth, the life. (John !4:6) Is it time to take a risk and seek Jesus? The Bible tells us, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you…” (1 Chron. 28:9) I think you will find that it is worth the time and effort!

The Journey to the Unknown

Our journey with God is filled with mystery. And mystery can be exciting but it can also be scary! How do we navigate this quest?

Q…Question There is nothing wrong with asking questions. Ask God, he is big enough to handle it! Ask others, to help us understand our way.

U…Unknown It is good to look for answers and try to understand more but when it comes right down to it, we are just not going to understand it all in this life.

E…Enlighten The more we walk with Jesus, the more we understand. The more we get to know him and his way of thinking, the clearer things will be.

S….Struggle Sometimes, we assume that because we walk with God, we won’t have any struggles. God clearly tells us, “in this world, you will have trouble.” It can seem like God is silent in some of these times. But remember that he is there.

T…Trust We need to keep walking toward our north star even when we don’t understand! Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

Thought Question: What question do you need to bring before God this week?

What Pleases God?

It is so easy in this world to feel like you fall short, that you are just not “good enough”. So when it comes to God, we are often certain that we fall short. Let’s see what God’s word says.

Hebrews 11:5,6 says, “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

And chapter 13:15, 16 adds, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

These passages tell us that it takes faith and loving others to please God. Now this faith is much more than just believing that God exists but it is accepting that we have a God that wants to walk with us in our daily life because he loves and accepts us. The Bible tells us that he delights in us. What good news!

And this is not based on our superior performance but on the love and goodness of God. God is the ultimate loving parent, if we will allow him to be. God wants to work in your life and make you the best you can be.

Psalm 37:23, 24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Challenge for the Week: Start your morning by inviting God into your day. Walk in faith with him. See what a difference it makes in your week!

A Little Lagniappe

“Lagniappe” is a word used fairly frequently here in Louisiana. It means, “a little something extra.” This idea can actually be found in the Bible! In Matt. 5:41 it says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” A little history will help us understand this. In New Testament times, Rome was in power. The Romans had a law that stated a nobleman or soldier could command a citizen to leave what they were doing and be a guide or a load bearer for exactly one mile. For obvious reasons, this was not popular with people.

Now, you see, Jesus was pointing out that the first mile was the law mile…I do it because I have to. But the 2nd mile would be the love mile…I do it because I choose to.

Let me illustrate the difference that this could make with a story:

A man is working in his fields when a soldier comes along and commands him to come and carry his pack. The man has literally put pegs in the ground one mile from his home so he knows exactly where his responsibility ends. He heard Jesus’ sermon but thought that it was ludicrous! He saw no point in wasting his time like that! So, at the peg he throws down his load and stomps back home. He is so aggravated that he can’t keep his mind on his work and heads home. On the way in, he kicks the dog in his foul mood and he proceeds to treat everyone in his home harshly.

Another man is working in his fields. He heard Jesus’ bold statement and has been deeply pondering the meaning of it. A soldier comes along and commands this man in the same way. The man goes with a good attitude and soon strikes up a conversation with the soldier about his home and family. He walks the one mile and continues on. By the time he gets to the second mile, the soldier takes his things and thanks the man and tells him to go home and enjoy the rest of his day. The man goes home, finishes his work and has an interesting story to tell his family that evening. His mindset was different and his experience was totally different also.

Question: Where can you give a little lagniappe this week?

Overcoming Discouragement

Sometimes in life we find ourselves sitting in discouragement, depression or even despair. Maybe it’s an unfortunate turn of events, a relationship problem, stress at work, a health issue or even a loss. We want to be positive but we just can’t get there right now!

David seems to have this same problem in Psalms 42. He’s crying out about how down he is and yet he knows the answer is in God. He reminds himself over and over in this chapter and the next. So, what can we do to find help?

First of all, before we rush off, we need to sit and take a deep look within and ask ourselves, “What is really going on with me and how did I get here?” Look at the decisions we made or am I too busy. Have I let worry and negative thinking reign in my mind, have I spent time with others who bring me down or is this just an outright attack by the enemy?

Next, we need to go to the Father! We need to remember that we are children of God and we can cry out to him as David did. Maybe the only thing we can say is, “Help!”. Our God hears us. The Spirit will intercede for us. Take hold of Jesus hand and walk with him, even if it is just baby steps!

Thought Questions:

Are you struggling? Ask God to show you one small step that you can make this week to move in a new direction!

Keeping Our Relationships Afloat

Some preventative maintenance for our relationships from the book of Proverbs:

S…how Consideration- Prov. 11:25, 25:17 Relationships need space and freedom.

H…old Your Tongue - “If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start - just bite your tongue and be strong!” Prov.10:19 TPT

I…nvest in Building Others Up - “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18 NIV

P…ersonally Admit Shortcomings and Your Need for God - No one is perfect. Be humble and honest Prov. 11:2

S…how love at all times - Prov. 3:3, 17:7, 21:21

Relationships are worth the work. We need to put all our heart into them!

Thought Question:

What one point is most needed in your relationship this week?