Overcoming Challenges

The weekend has come to an end and with only two days left in July before we step in to the Next chapter and the next season of our lives take a moment to just reflect on ALL that has transpired this whole month of July so as we start this New Week take these words of wisdom to heart with Read: Nehemiah 6:1–9, 15 Bible in a Year: Psalms 51–53; Romans 2 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.—Nehemiah 6:15 We gathered monthly to hold one another accountable to our individual goals. My friend Mary wanted to reupholster the seats of her dining room chairs before the year’s end. At our November meeting she wittily reported her progress from October: “It took ten months and two hours to recover my chairs.” After months of not being able to obtain the materials required, or find the quiet hours away from her demanding job and her toddler’s needs, the project took merely two hours of committed work to finish. The Lord called Nehemiah to a far greater project: to bring restoration to Jerusalem after its walls had lain in ruin for 150 years (Nehemiah 2:3-5, 12). As he led the people in the labor, they experienced mockery, attacks, distraction, and temptation to sin (4:3, 8; 6:10-12). Yet God equipped them to stand firm—resolute in their efforts—completing a daunting task in just fifty-two days. Overcoming such challenges requires much more than a personal desire or goal; Nehemiah was driven by an understanding that God appointed him to the task. His sense of purpose invigorated the people to follow his leadership despite incredible opposition. When God charges us with a task—whether to repair a relationship or share what He’s done in our lives—He gives us whatever skills and strength are necessary to continue in our effort to do what He’s asked, no matter what challenges come our way. —Kirsten Holmberg Lord, please equip me with Your strength to persevere and finish the tasks You’ve given me. May my labors bring You glory. God equips us to overcome obstacles and complete the tasks He’s given us to do. INSIGHT: What kinds of challenges have you faced? How has God helped you to overcome them? For further study on the book of Nehemiah, see christianuniversity.org/OT220.

Lavish Expressions of Love

So here we are wrapping up the fourth week of July YES! We have made it to the end of the week it's FRIDAY! lets take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom on how to be more generous as followers of Christ with Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 Bible in a Year: Psalms 43–45; Acts 27:27–44 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.—2 Corinthians 9:11 On our wedding anniversary, my husband, Alan, gives me a large bouquet of fresh flowers. When he lost his job during a corporate restructure, I didn’t expect this extravagant display of devotion to continue. But on our nineteenth anniversary, the color-splashed blossoms greeted me from their spot on our dining room table. Because he valued continuing this annual tradition, Alan saved some money each month to ensure he’d have enough for this personal show of affection. My husband’s careful planning exhibited exuberant generosity, similar to what Paul encouraged when he addressed the Corinthian believers. The apostle complimented the church for their intentional and enthusiastic offerings (2 Corinthians 9:2, 5), reminding them that God delights in generous and cheerful givers (vv. 6-7). After all, no one gives more than our loving Provider, who’s always ready to supply all we need (vv. 8-10). We can be generous in all kinds of giving, caring for one another because the Lord meets all of our material, emotional, and spiritual needs (v. 11). As we give, we can express our gratitude for all God has given us. We can even motivate others to praise the Lord and give from all God has given them (vv. 12-13). Openhanded giving, a lavish expression of love and gratitude, can demonstrate our confidence in God’s provision for all His people. —Xochitl Dixon Lord, please help us trust Your abundant love and generosity, so we can give to others as You so faithfully give to us. Generous giving displays courageous confidence in God’s loving and faithful provision. INSIGHT: Paul reminds us that God provides for us so we can bless others (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). He quotes Psalm 112:9 to encourage generosity: “[The righteous] share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever” (nlt). In what ways can you practice cheerful, generous giving this week? K. T. Sim

Watchful Care

So we have started the New Week Off in the last week of July before we enter into the eighth month of the New Year which is August WOW! time is moving BUT lets not get ahead of ourselves lets take some time to reflect on these words of wisdom to help us get through the rest of the week with Read: Jeremiah 23:20–24 Bible in a Year: Psalms 33–34; Acts 24 “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.—Jeremiah 23:24 Before he raced out the door to school, I asked my son if he had brushed his teeth. Asking again, I reminded him of the importance of telling the truth. Unmoved by my gentle admonishment, he half-jokingly informed me that what I really needed was a security camera in the bathroom. Then I could check for myself if he had brushed his teeth and he wouldn’t be tempted to lie. While the presence of a security camera may help remind us to follow the rules, there are still places we can go unnoticed or ways we can avoid being seen. Although we may evade or trick a security camera, we fool ourselves if we think we are ever outside the gaze of God. God asks, “Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” (Jeremiah 23:24). There is both an encouragement and a warning in His question. The warning is that we cannot hide from God. We can’t outrun or fool Him. Everything we do is visible to Him. The encouragement is that there is no place on earth or in the heavens where we are outside the watchful care of our heavenly Father. Even when we feel alone, God is with us. No matter where we go today, may the awareness of that truth encourage us to choose obedience to His Word and receive comfort—He watches over us. —Lisa Samra Lord Jesus, thank You that there is nowhere I can go that is outside of Your loving gaze. Knowing You see me, help me to honor You with my words and actions. We are never outside the watchful care of our heavenly Father. INSIGHT: The rich theme of God’s constant care for us we see in today’s text is also seen in the psalms. David, threatened by powerful enemies, found great comfort and strength in knowing that God knew everything about him (Psalm 139:1-6). He marveled that the omniscient, omnipotent God was always present with him. Acknowledging there was no place where he was outside of God’s provision and protection, David affirmed: “I can never get away from your presence!” (v. 7 nlt). When we realize the all-powerful God—who knows all about us—is constantly with us, it will impact how we live (vv. 23-24). The writer of Hebrews says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (4:13). Therefore, let’s be quick to run to Him for refuge for “the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Are you hemmed in by life’s trials and troubles? Refresh yourself with knowing that God knows and He cares. K. T. Sim

Home Sweet Home

We are wrapping up the third week of July YES! We have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! as we prepare are selves for the weekend let's take a moment to reflect on the Goodness of God with these words of wisdom Read: John 14:1–14 Bible in a Year: Psalms 26–28; Acts 22 I am going there to prepare a place for you.—John 14:2 “Why do we have to leave our home and move?” my son asked. It’s difficult to explain what a home is, especially to a five-year-old. We were leaving a house, but not our home, in the sense that home is where our loved ones are. It’s the place where we long to return after a long trip or after a full day’s work. When Jesus was in the upper room just hours before He died, He told His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). The disciples were uncertain of their future because Jesus had predicted His death. But Jesus reassured them of His presence and reminded them they would see Him again. He told them, “My Father’s house has many rooms . . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you” (v. 2). He could have used other words to describe heaven. However, He chose words that describe not an uncomfortable or unfamiliar place but a place where Jesus, our loved One, would be. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” We can thank God for the “pleasant inns” in life, but let’s remember that our real home is in heaven where we “will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). —Keila Ochoa Dear Lord, I thank You for heaven, my eternal home. Read more about the life to come at discoveryseries.org/q1205. We look forward to being with the Lord forever.

No Co-Signer Required

We are in the third week of July as we start this New Week lets take a moment to truly reflect on Gods grace and mercy and how it has helped us get through life's challenges but with these words of wisdom it helps us go even deeper with our Heavenly Father Read: Hebrews 6:13–20 Bible in a Year: Psalms 16–17; Acts 20:1–16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said.—Hebrews 6:16 When a person without a long history of paying his or her bills on time wants to obtain a loan to purchase a home or car, lenders are often reluctant to take the financial risk. Without a track record, that person’s promise to repay what he borrows is insufficient for the bank. The would-be borrower usually resorts to finding someone who does have a history of making good on their debts, asking them to put their name on the loan too. The co-signer’s promise assures the lender the loan will be repaid. When someone makes a promise to us—whether for financial, marital, or other reasons—we expect them to keep it. We want to know that God will keep His promises too. When He promised Abraham that He would bless him and give him “many descendants” (Hebrews 6:14; see Genesis 22:17), Abraham took God at His word. As the Creator of all that exists, there is no one greater than He; only God could guarantee His own promise. Abraham had to wait for the birth of his son (Hebrews 6:15) (and never saw how innumerable his offspring would grow to be), but God proved faithful to His promise. When He promises to be with us always (13:5), to hold us securely (John 10:29), and to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), we too can trust Him to be true to His word. —Kirsten Holmberg Lord, thank You for being so trustworthy. I need no other promises but Your word. Help me to trust You more and more each day. God’s promises are sure. INSIGHT: In Hebrews 6:19, the metaphor of an anchor is used to describe the believer’s secure hope. This metaphor was a common one in Greco-Roman literature and was used to describe a person’s security and hope based on their good character. But the author of Hebrews does not describe the believer’s “anchor”—their hope (6:11-12)—as based on their own character. Instead, the author says our hope is found “behind the curtain” (v. 19)—alluding to the “holy of holies” in the temple. In the past, this was the primary place where God’s people could fully experience God’s presence. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. But now Jesus, the One both fully God and fully human, is our priest, the One who gives access to God. Because He has conquered sin and death, our rock-solid hope is anchored in Him. Through Christ we experience the very presence and power of God (v. 20). Monica Brands

He Knows Us

So here we are we have made it through another week YES! it is FRIDAY! with that in mind let's take a minute to rejoice that we have made it through to the end of the week with these words of wisdom Read: Psalm 139:1–14 Bible in a Year: Psalms 7–9; Acts 18 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise.—Psalm 139:1-2 Did God know about me as I drove at night on a 100-mile journey to my village? Given the condition I was in, the answer was not simple. My temperature ran high and my head ached. I prayed, “Lord, I know you are with me, but I’m in pain!” Tired and weak, I parked by the road near a small village. Ten minutes later, I heard a voice. “Hello! Do you need any help?” It was a man with his companions from the community. Their presence felt good. When they told me the name of their village, Naa mi n’yala (meaning, “The King knows about me!”), I was amazed. I had passed this community dozens of times without stopping. This time, the Lord used its name to remind me that, indeed, He, the King, was with me while I was alone on that road in my ailing condition. Encouraged, I pressed on toward the nearest clinic. God knows us thoroughly as we go about our everyday chores, at different locations and situations, no matter our condition (Psalm 139:1-4, 7-12). He does not abandon us or forget us; nor is He so busy that He neglects us. Even when we are in trouble or in difficult circumstances—“darkness” and “night” (vv. 11-12)—we are not hidden from His presence. This truth gives us such hope and assurance that we can praise the Lord who has carefully created us and leads us through life (v. 14). —Lawrence Darmani Thank You, Lord, that You always know where I am and how I am doing. You know me inside and out. I’m thankful I can count on You to care. No matter where we are, God knows about us. INSIGHT: In Psalm 139 David marvels at the Creator God. In these verses the poet-king reflects on God’s omniscience (vv. 1-6), omnipresence (vv. 7-12), and omnipotence (vv. 13-18)—clearly marking God out as distinct and above the creation He has made. This is the God who has welcomed us into relationship with Himself—and that invitation is based on His complete knowledge of who we are and how we have failed. His total awareness of our brokenness makes it all the more amazing that He desires for us to know Him. Bill Crowder

Be Still, My Soul!

So here we are in the second week of July as we start this New Week let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom with Read: Psalm 131 Bible in a Year: Job 38–40; Acts 16:1–21 I have calmed and quieted myself.—Psalm 131:2 Picture a parent poised lovingly over a child, finger gently placed in front of nose and lips softly speaking the words—“hush,” “shhhh.” The demeanor and simple words are meant to comfort and quiet anxious little ones in the midst of disappointment, discomfort, or pain. Scenes like this are universal and timeless and most of us have been on the giving or receiving end of such loving expressions. When I ponder Psalm 131:2, this is the picture that comes to mind. The language and flow of this psalm suggest that the writer, David, had experienced something that provoked serious reflection. Have you experienced a disappointment, defeat, or failure that prompted thoughtful, reflective prayer? What do you do when you are humbled by life’s circumstances? When you fail a test or lose a job or experience the end of a relationship? David poured out his heart to the Lord and in the process did a bit of honest soul-searching and inventory (Psalm 131:1). In making peace with his circumstances, he found contentment like that of a young child who was satisfied with simply being with his or her mother (v. 2). Life’s circumstances change and sometimes we are humbled. Yet we can be hopeful and content knowing that there is One who has promised to never leave or forsake us. We can trust Him fully. —Arthur Jackson Father, when things change in my life, help me not to be anxious but to trust You and find contentment in You alone. Read more: Cultivating a Heart of Contentment at discoveryseries.org/hp052. Contentment is found in Christ alone. INSIGHT: The theme of Psalm 131 is rest or spiritual contentment. Verse 2 says, “I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” This idea of rest connects to the preceding song (Psalm 130) whose theme is forgiveness. Psalm 130:4 affirms, “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” It is forgiveness that gives us true, lasting rest because it brings us into relationship with the God who made us. This was voiced beautifully by the church father Augustine who said, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” Bill Crowder

Hidden Beauty

The week has come to and end YES! It's FRIDAY! after coming off the hills from celebrating 4th Of July Holiday with Family and Friends lets take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom Read: 1 Samuel 16:1–7 Bible in a Year: Job 32–33; Acts 14 People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.—1 Samuel 16:7 Our children needed a little coaxing to believe that it was worth putting on snorkeling gear to peer beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea off the shore of the island of Tobago. But after they dove in, they resurfaced ecstatic, “There are thousands of fish of all different kinds! It’s so beautiful! I’ve never seen such colorful fish!” Because the surface of the water looked similar to freshwater lakes near our home, our children could have missed the beauty hidden just below the surface. When the prophet Samuel went to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be the next king, Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and was impressed by his appearance. The prophet thought he had found the right man, but the Lord rejected Eliab. God reminded Samuel that He “does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). So Samuel asked if there were more sons. The youngest boy wasn’t present but caring for the family’s sheep. This son, David, was summoned and the Lord directed Samuel to anoint him. Often we look at people only on a surface level and don’t always take the time to see their inner, sometimes hidden, beauty. We don’t always value what God values. But if we take the time to peer beneath the surface, we may find great treasure. —Lisa Samra Heavenly Father, thank You for not valuing people based on outward appearances but instead by looking at our hearts. Help me to take the time to see beyond simply what my eyes can see in order to discover true and lasting beauty. God can help me to see the inner beauty in others. INSIGHT: Who taught you how to think about yourself and others? Long before Samuel looked for a king among the sons of Jesse, God was teaching His children to see below the surface of our skin. From the days of Eden, He has been showing people like us that what happens in our hearts is more important than our outward appearance. How has God’s interaction with the men and women of the Bible helped you to think about yourself and Him? Mart DeHaan

Living Out Loud

Welcome! to the seventh month of the New Year YES! It's official we have made it into the month of July as we start this New Week in a New Season let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom Read: 1 Peter 3:8–16 Bible in a Year: Job 22–24; Acts 11 In your hearts revere Christ as Lord.—1 Peter 3:15 While staying at a hotel in Austin, Texas, I noticed a card lying on the desk in my room. It said: Welcome Our prayer is that your stay here will be restful and that your travels will be fruitful. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you. This card from the company that manages the hotel made me want to know more, so I accessed their website and read about their culture, strength, and values. In a winsome way, they seek to pursue excellence and live out their faith in the workplace. Their philosophy reminded me of Peter’s words to the followers of Jesus scattered throughout Asia Minor. He encouraged them to demonstrate their faith in Christ in the society where they lived. Even as they faced threats and persecution, Peter told them not to be afraid, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). A friend of mine calls this “living a lifestyle that demands an explanation.” No matter where we live or work, may we in God’s strength live out our faith today—always ready to reply gently and respectfully to everyone who asks the reason for our hope. —David C. McCasland May our lives cause others to ask the reason we have hope. INSIGHT: When we think of Peter, we often think of young Peter—his rash denials of Christ (John 18:17, 25, 27), his jumping out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31), or his cutting off a servant’s ear in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10). Yet aged Peter—mature Peter—is a much different man who wrote letters to encourage believers in Jesus. The man who called down a curse on himself as he denied Christ (Matthew 26:73-75) now writes that believers should be prepared to give an answer for their hope—something he was once unwilling to do. Such is the difference the Spirit makes in our lives. How has the Spirit been transforming you and helping you to live out your faith? J.R. Hudberg