Monday, July 29, 2019

All for Nothing

The weekend has come an gone and we are starting the New Week in the last week of July before we step into the eighth month of the New Year which is August MAN! time is moving but let's not get ahead of ourselves let us take a moment to simply reflect on the words of wisdom to help guides us through the remainder of the week with Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:27 READ PROVERBS 7:10–27 Heroin addiction is poignantly tragic. Users build tolerance, so larger hits are required for the same high. Soon the dosage they seek is more than enough to kill them. When addicts hear someone has died from an exceptionally strong batch, their first thought may not be fear but “Where can I get that?” C. S. Lewis warned of this downward spiral in Screwtape Letters, his imaginative look at a demon’s explanation of the art of temptation. Start with some pleasure—if possible one of God’s good pleasures—and offer it in a way God has forbidden. Once the person bites, give less of it while enticing him to want more. Provide “an ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure,” until finally we “get the man’s soul and give him nothing in return.” Proverbs 7 illustrates this devastating cycle with the temptation of sexual sin. Sex is God’s good gift, but when we seek its enjoyment outside of marriage we’re “like an ox going to the slaughter” (v. 22). People stronger than us have destroyed themselves by pursuing highs that are harmful, so “pay attention” and “do not let your heart turn to [wrongful] ways” (vv. 24-25). Sin can be alluring and addicting, but it always ends in death (v. 27). By avoiding—in God’s strength—the temptation to sin, we can find true joy and fulfillment in Him. By Mike Wittmer REFLECT & PRAY Holy Spirit, I know that I am powerless in myself to resist temptation. I need You. Help me. For more on overcoming addiction, see When We Just Can’t Stop at discoveryseries.org/cb961. When and where do you face temptations? How can you seek God’s wisdom and help in turning from them? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Most of the book of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon. Chapters 5-7 emphasize the seriousness of sexual sin and conclude with a visual of someone being lured into temptation “like an ox going to slaughter” (7:22). This graphic image illustrates the idea of being unaware of the deadly fate to come, which is why Solomon warns that the home of the adulterous woman is “a highway to the grave” (vv. 24-27). Julie Schwab

Friday, July 26, 2019

Making Things Whole

We have made it through another week YES! It's FRIDAY! MAN! I can believe we are nearing the end of July as we take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom let get ready for what lies ahead God is preparing us to walk along someone to Make things Whole in there life so lets heed to God word as we are thinking and meditating on his words in order for God to be able to work his words through you with Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 READ MATTHEW 5:9, 13–16 In the documentary Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry, author Berry spoke of how divorce describes the state of our world. We’re divorced from one another, from our history, from the land. Things that should be whole are split apart. When asked what we should do about this sad fact, Berry said, “We can’t put everything back together. We just take two things and put them together.” We take two things broken apart and make them one again. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus tells us (Matthew 5:9). To make peace is to bring shalom. And shalom refers to the world being set right. One theologian describes shalom as “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight. . . . [It’s] the way things ought to be.” Shalom is taking what’s broken and making it whole. As Jesus guides, may we strive to make things right. He calls us to be peacemakers, to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (vv. 13-14) There are many ways to be peacemakers in the world, but with each may we engage brokenness rather than surrendering to it. In God’s power, let’s choose to not allow a friendship to die or let a struggling neighborhood languish or yield to apathy and isolation. Let’s look for the broken places, trusting God to give us the wisdom and skill to participate in making them whole again. By Winn Collier REFLECT & PRAY There are many broken things around me, God. I don’t know where to begin. Will You show me where to start? What are two things you’re aware of that need to be brought back together? How might God be calling you to participate in making them whole? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The context of Christ’s words here is critical. He has just given “the Beatitudes”—the series of declarations in which He unveils the values of His kingdom. His radical credo turns the world’s values upside down. Jesus pronounces as “blessed” all who are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), “those who mourn” (v. 4), “the meek” (v. 5), “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6), “the merciful” (v. 7), “the pure in heart” (v. 8), “the peacemakers” (v. 9), and those persecuted for the sake of righteousness (v. 10). Living by His values puts us in sharp contrast to the world. When we’re peacemakers, we permit a ray of light to dispel the darkness that threatens our world. When we suffer, those who see our response will notice the difference Jesus makes. Tim Gustafson

Monday, July 22, 2019

Faithful in Captivity

So here we are in the third week of July as we begin this New Week Hope everyone had a restful and beautiful weekend now that the weekend has come to an end lets take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom to help guide us into the truth about Gods words and let's try and Stay Faithful no matter what type of situation and circumstances we may face in our very own lives with While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. Genesis 39:20-21 READ GENESIS 39:6–12, 20–23 Haralan Popov had no idea what turn his life would take when the doorbell rang early one morning in 1948. Without any warning, the Bulgarian police took Haralan away to prison because of his faith. He spent the next thirteen years behind bars, praying for strength and courage. Despite horrible treatment, he knew God was with him, and he shared the good news of Jesus with fellow prisoners—and many believed. In the account from Genesis 37, Joseph had no idea what would happen to him after he was mercilessly sold by his angry brothers to merchants who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. He found himself in a culture surrounded by people who believed in thousands of gods. To make things worse, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. When Joseph refused repeatedly, she falsely accused him, leading to his being sent to prison (39:16-20). Yet God didn’t abandon him. Not only was He with Joseph, but He also “gave him success in everything he did” and even “showed him kindness and granted him favor” with those in authority (39:3, 21). Imagine the fear Joseph must have felt. But he remained faithful and kept his integrity. God was with Joseph in his difficult journey and had a master plan for him. He has a plan in mind for you too. Take heart and walk in faith, trusting He sees and He knows. By Estera Pirosca Escobar REFLECT & PRAY God, thank You for being with me always, even when life’s circumstances cause me to be uncomfortable. Help me to be faithful to You. What difficult situation have you experienced—perhaps one in which you were falsely accused? Why is it vital for you to maintain your integrity? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Genesis 39 covers about ten years of Joseph’s life, beginning with him being sold into slavery by his brothers and ending with him being unjustly thrown into prison. In between, he was a slave in Egypt, serving in Potiphar’s house. He had learned to live in the presence of God—a reality mentioned no less than four times in this chapter (vv. 2, 3, 21, 23). Bill Crowder

Friday, July 19, 2019

Who Is He?

So here we are we have made it to the end of another week YES! It's FRIDAY! Boy it seems like time is moving so fast I can't believe that we are in the third week of July with only two more weeks left in this month as we take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom let's not take anything for granted because time is moving so fast. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10 READ PSALM 24 On our way home from our honeymoon, my husband and I waited to check in our luggage at the airport. I nudged him and pointed to a man standing a few feet away. My spouse squinted. “Who is he?” I excitedly rattled off the actor’s most notable roles, then walked up and asked him to take a photo with us. Twenty-four years later, I still enjoy sharing the story of the day I met a movie star. Recognizing a famous actor is one thing, but there’s Someone more important I’m thankful to know personally. “Who is this King of glory?” (Psalm 24:8). The psalmist David points to the Lord Almighty as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He sings, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (vv. 1-2). In awestruck wonder, David proclaims God is above all, yet intimately approachable (vv. 3-4). We can know Him, be empowered by Him, and trust Him to fight on our behalf, as we live for Him (v. 8). God provides opportunities for us to declare Him as the only Famous One truly worth sharing with others. As we reflect His character, those who don’t recognize Him can have more reasons to ask, “Who is He?” Like David, we can point to the Lord with awestruck wonder and tell His story! By Xochitl Dixon REFLECT & PRAY Lord, thanks for blessing us with the pleasure and privilege of seeking You and giving us opportunities to share You with others every day. What has the Lord shown you about Himself? How might you share that with someone? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Psalm 24 is often paired with Psalm 15 as a liturgy that was sung when people entered the temple for worship. In Psalm 24:7-10 David describes the God who deserves our worship. He is the “King of glory” and the “Almighty.” The Hebrew word for glory, kābôd, literally means “weight, substance, significance”; it emphasizes God’s status and splendor. The word translated Almighty suggests the idea of God conquering and ruling in a battle or an army. Both psalms identify who can enter the Lord’s “mountain”: one “whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous” (15:2); “one who has clean hands and a pure heart” (24:4). The Hebrew word for blameless means “without defect.” This word is used elsewhere to describe both the righteous (2 Samuel 22:24) and acceptable sacrifices (Leviticus 14:10; 22:19). However, it’s impossible to be “righteous” or “blameless” on our own. It’s only through Christ’s sacrifice that we can be declared righteous (Philippians 3:8-9). Julie Schwab

Monday, July 15, 2019

Out of the Trap

The weekend has come to an end and we are jump-starting the third week of July as we start this New Week take a moment to be Thankful for ALL that God has brought you through we all know that it gets rough sometimes but we as believers must know that God is with us as we take a look at these words of wisdom it's always good to take a self-examination of yourself to check in with you so these words of wisdom can guide you through the remainder of the week with I have learned the secret of being content. Philippians 4:12 READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:6–10 The Venus flytrap was first discovered in a small area of sandy wetlands not far from our home in North Carolina. These plants are fascinating to watch because they’re carnivorous. Venus flytraps release a sweet-smelling nectar into colorful traps that resemble open flowers. When an insect crawls inside, triggering sensors along the outer rim, the trap clamps shut in less than a second—capturing its victim. The trap then closes further and emits enzymes that consume its prey over time, giving the plant nutrients not provided by the sandy soil. God’s Word tells of another trap that can capture unexpectedly. The apostle Paul warned his protégé Timothy: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” And “some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Money and material things may promise happiness, but when they take first place in our lives, we walk on dangerous ground. We avoid this trap by living with thankful, humble hearts focused on God’s goodness to us through Jesus: “godliness with contentment is great gain” (v. 6). The temporary things of this world never satisfy like God can. True, lasting contentment is found only through our relationship with Him. By James Banks REFLECT & PRAY Loving Lord, You are the greatest blessing of my life! Help me to live contentedly with all that You are today. Which do you think more about—money or your relationship with God? How can you give Him the highest priority today? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Paul invested heavily in training young men for ministry, including Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father. His grandmother Lois was also a follower of Christ (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). We’re not told how Timothy came to faith, but it apparently was through the influence of his mother and grandmother, for 2 Timothy 3:14-15 says that he had from childhood been taught the Scriptures “which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Nevertheless, Paul viewed Timothy as one of his own, calling him “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul was so concerned for Timothy that, although he was in a Roman prison awaiting death (2 Timothy 4:6), he took the time to write to him to encourage him in his ministry at Ephesus. Bill Crowder

Friday, July 12, 2019

Son Followers

Oh My, We have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! How Thankful are we to have made it through another week as we take a moment to reflect on God Gratefulness lets take these words of wisdom to heart with The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15 READ LUKE 8:11–15 Sunflowers sprout in a carefree manner all over the world. Pollinated by bees, the plants spring up on the sides of highways, under bird feeders, and across fields, meadows, and prairies. To produce a harvest, however, sunflowers need good soil. Well-drained, slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil “with organic matter or composted,” says the Farmer’s Almanac, finally produces tasty sunflower seeds, pure oil, and also a livelihood for hard-working sunflower growers. We also need “good soil” for spiritual growth (Luke 8:15). As Jesus taught in His parable of the farmer scattering seed, God’s Word can sprout even in rocky or thorny soil (see vv. 6-7). It only thrives, however, in the soil of “honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (v. 15 nlt). Young sunflowers are just as patient in their growth. Following the sun’s movement throughout the day, they turn sunward daily in a process called heliotropism. Mature sunflowers are just as deliberate. They turn eastward permanently, warming the face of the flower and increasing visits from pollinator bees. This, in turn, produces a greater harvest. As with those who care for sunflowers, we can provide a rich medium for God’s Word to grow by clinging to His Word and following after His Son—developing honesty and a good heart for God’s Word to mature us. It’s a daily process. May we follow the Son and grow. By Patricia Raybon REFLECT & PRAY What’s the condition of your spiritual soil? Rocky, thorny, or rich in spiritual “nutrients”? Why? When you follow the Son daily, how does this practice impact your honesty and heart? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Luke’s gospel is different from the other three gospels—Matthew, Mark, and John—in several ways. First, Luke was written by the only gentile gospel writer (and the only gentile contributor to the New Testament). Also, while Matthew and John were eyewitnesses to the events they recorded, and it’s believed that Mark recorded Peter’s memoirs, Luke’s gospel was the result of careful research (Luke 1:1-4). Being a doctor (Colossians 4:14), Luke uniquely shows interest in medical matters. For instance, while all four gospels record Peter’s attack in the garden of Gethsemane on Malchus, the high priest’s servant, only Luke tells us that Jesus healed him (Luke 22:51). Luke also is interested in how women fit into the story (8:1-3). Finally, Luke’s gospel was volume one of a two-volume history (along with Acts). In Luke and Acts together, Luke provides more New Testament content than any other New Testament writer, including Paul. Bill Crowder

Monday, July 8, 2019

Sovereign Intervention

The holiday weekend has come to an end as we are gearing up to start a New Week in the second week of July I hope everyone enjoyed there 4th of July Celebrations with Family and Friends here are some words of wisdom to help you get through the remainder of the week with God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:25 READ EXODUS 3:1–9 Barbara grew up under the care of the British government in the 1960s, but when she turned sixteen, she and her newborn son, Simon, became homeless. The state was no longer obligated to provide for her at that age. Barbara wrote to the Queen of England for help and received a response! The Queen compassionately arranged for Barbara to be given a house of her own. The Queen of England had the right resources to help Barbara, and her compassionate assistance can be seen as a small picture of God’s help. The King of heaven knows all of our needs and sovereignly works out His plans in our lives. As He does, however, He longs for us to come to Him—sharing our needs and other concerns—as part of our loving relationship with Him. The Israelites brought their need for deliverance to God. They were suffering under the burden of Egyptian slavery and cried out for help. He heard them and remembered His promise: “God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them” (Exodus 2:25). He instructed Moses to bring liberty to His people and declared that He would once again release them “into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (3:8). Our King loves it when we come to Him! He wisely provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Let’s rest in His sovereign, loving provision. By Ruth O’Reilly-Smith REFLECT & PRAY Loving God, thank You that I can bring my needs to You. Help me to be content in whatever paths and provisions You choose. Why is it important for us to bring our needs to God in prayer? How can you learn to rest in God’s provision—whatever that may be? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT When God introduced Himself to Moses from a burning bush, the bush didn’t burn up (Exodus 3:2). Later Moses would speak of the same God as a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24). Through both Testaments, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus uses the image of fire to reveal His resolve to consume what’s worthless—while lovingly protecting, preserving, and perfecting what’s good (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Mart DeHaan

Friday, July 5, 2019

Practicing What We Preach

WOW! We have made it to the end of the week Yes! It's FRIDAY! already Hope everyone enjoyed there 4th Of July with Family and Friends I hope these words of wisdom help encourage you as you continue on your own personal journey with Christ Jesus with Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 1 John 2:9 READ 1 JOHN 2:7–11 Pastor and writer Eugene Peterson had the opportunity to hear a lecture by Swiss physician and highly respected pastoral counselor Paul Tournier. Peterson had read the doctor’s works, and admired his approach to healing. The lecture left a deep impression on Peterson. As he listened, he had the feeling that Tournier lived what he spoke and spoke what he lived. Peterson chose this word to describe his experience: “Congruence. It is the best word I can come up with.” Congruence—it’s what some refer to as “practicing what you preach” or “walking your talk.” The apostle John stresses that if any of us “claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister,” then we’re “still in the darkness” (1 John 2:9). In essence, our lives and our words simply don’t match up. John goes further to say such people “do not know where they are going” (v. 11). The word he chose to describe how incongruence leaves us? Blind. Living closely aligned to God by allowing the light of His Word to illuminate our paths keeps us from living blind. The result is a godly vision that gives clarity and focus to our days—our words and actions match up. When others observe this, the impression is not necessarily that of someone who knows everywhere they’re going, but of someone who clearly knows who they’re following. By John Blase REFLECT & PRAY Jesus, I want my words and actions to match up. There are times I fall short, but my desire is to grow more consistent each day. Help me, please, so that everyone listening and watching my life will be drawn to You. In what ways does the word congruence describe you? How can you grow to live a more consistent life? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Part of John’s purpose in 1 John is to address those who were stirring up controversy in the Christian community. The exact situation is uncertain, but John confronts it by urging the church to assess whether a person confesses the truth about Christ in both words and lifestyle (3:7-9). And the primary way to assess someone’s way of life is whether or not their life is filled with Christlike love (v. 10). In the Bible “hatred” and “love” are not seen as primarily referring to an emotional reaction to someone or something, but to an attitude reflected in actions. John teaches that true love is sacrificial like Christ’s (vv. 16-18). Living with Christ’s love is possible because we live “in him” (2:5-6). Through the Spirit, Christ’s power and light shines in believers, filling them with His self-giving love (vv. 8-10). Monica Brands

Monday, July 1, 2019

Are You Hungry Now?

Welcome into the third quarter of the New Year as we jump start a New week in the seventh month of the New Year YES! we have made it to the month of July so let us take a moment to reflect on ALL that God has done for us and get ready for some AWESOME! things that are going to transpire in this third quarter with these words of wisdom What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? James 2:14 READ JAMES 2:14–18 Thomas knew what he needed to do. Having been born to a poor family in India and adopted by Americans, upon a return trip to India he witnessed the dire needs of the children in his hometown. So he knew he had to help. He began making plans to return to the US, finish his education, save a lot of money, and come back in the future. Then, after reading James 2:14-18 in which James asks, “What good is it . . . if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” Thomas heard a little girl in his native country cry out to her mother: “But Mommy, I’m hungry now!” He was reminded of the times he had been intensely hungry as a child—searching through trash cans for food. Thomas knew he couldn’t wait years to help. He decided, “I’ll start now!” Today the orphanage he began houses fifty well-fed and cared-for children who are learning about Jesus and getting an education—all because one man didn’t put off what he knew God was asking him to do. James’s message applies to us as well. Our faith in Jesus Christ provides us with great advantages—a relationship with Him, an abundant life, and a future hope. But what good is it doing anyone else if we don’t reach out and help those in need? Can you hear the cry: “I’m hungry now”? By Dave Branon REFLECT & PRAY Direct my steps, O God, toward the actions You want me to take to help someone in need. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your work on earth. What needs around you touch your heart? What’s one thing you can do to help others—even if it seems insignificant? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT James’s letter begins, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1). So who was James? Evangelical scholars are largely convinced that he was the half-brother of Jesus. In Mark 6:3, Jesus’s siblings are listed, and James is among them. While those siblings were slow in coming to faith, Paul tells us that Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). As a result, James and his brothers are listed among the believers in Christ in the upper room in Acts 1:14. Following the execution of James the son of Zebedee and the brother of John (Acts 12:2), Christ’s brother James would become a leader in the church (v. 17), arbitrating the first church council in Jerusalem (15:13-29). Sometimes called “James the Just,” he was martyred for his faith around ad 60. Bill Crowder