Are you discouraged by so much negativity in conversations? How do negative discussions disillusion you from being around some people? Despite all the doom and gloom views, we have a hope that needs to be shouted from every Christ follower. The heavens declare the glory of God. Creation groans as it anxiously awaits the Day when all will be made right. Lives are being changed by the good news of the gospel, just like New Testament times. Let’s guard our hearts from the vortex of negativity that draws us into discouragement and disillusionment. The evil systems of this world are working together to divide and disorient us, lying to us that Good will not prevail. Corrie ten Boom, Nazi Holocaust survivor, said “When everything looks like it’s falling apart, it’s recalling falling into place.” How can you and I change conversations from negativity to the reality of our hope?
“True Christian hope is more than “hope so.” It is confident assurance of future glory and blessing.” - Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Hopeful
Dan Britton - One of my favorite life principles that @JonGordon11 always says is, “Invest in the root if you want more fruit.” Great leaders focus on developing the heart. The amount of fruit we produce is the result of how much we take care of the root.
Could it be that we have actually become comfortable with missing the heart of Christ?
Could it be that we are comfortable to fit into our culture, not to stand out as all in forJeaus?
The devil’s tactics - doubt, disillusionment, disappointment, discouragement
False gods - passion, prestige, power, possessions
It’s time for us as the people of God to recalibrate our priorities and realize our purpose. Whether you’re a student, a senior adult, or anywhere in between, it is right to praise God for the gifts he has given you and me in a country that has freedom, resources, and opportunity like no other in the world.
David Platt witnessed everyone praying loudly hearing: “Some are praising God. Some are thanking God for his grace in their lives and families and the church. Others are confessing sin. Others are interceding for people in need.”
Philippians 2:13 [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Romans 12:1-5 A Living Sacrifice [1] I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Gifts of Grace [3] For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. [4] For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, [5] so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
We need each other to be transformed
Philippians 4:4-9 [4] 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. [8] 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. [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.
Psalm 139:13-16 [13] For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
John 16:33 [33] 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.”
Matthew 6:33 [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Look for the kingdom
Matthew 22:37-40 [37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [38] This is the great and first commandment. [39] And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [40] On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Hebrews 3:15 [15] As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
Power to change
There are few things more frustrating than knowing i need to change, and I want to change, but the process seems to take so long! Other times I know I should change some aspect in my life but I don’t want to change it. If I become dissatisfied with my poor habits or lack of progress, I stay stuck in my rut . But God’s grace, His divine appointments with inspiring brothers, or a crisis awakens me to recalibrate how I’m operating. Instead of staying groggy in my sleepy comfort, God shakes me loose to ask for His wisdom he promises to complete what He began when we started following Christ
Each person brings baggage from the past that does not fit with how God views us. Following Christ involves a lot of change to make us into the person God intended us to be. Change is not by self effort, trying ove and over to do better. True and lasting ‘change is by God-empowered spiritual transformation, which happens when you embrace your true God-given identity.’ Surrendering ourselves to Him is not a program for self development, but an infusion of His power to allow His grace to take residence moment by moment. “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.” - Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness
Our journey won’t be perfect as we follow Christ. At times I get disappointed and discouraged with my lack of wisdom or my frequent blunders. But His grace and mercy override my inadequate emotions and lack of confidence. This devotional is a good reminder that our goal is not perfection but it’s progress - in honoring Him. I’m not sure ‘success’ is always our calling, but to live on purpose for Him. Our journey in following Christ is not a one decision, but multiple choices training us to be faithful. One outcome is teaching others to avoid our mistakes and live for Him. “If we are going to learn to trust God in adversity, we must believe God will allow nothing to subvert His glory so He will allow nothing to spoil the good He is working out in us and for us.” - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
We all can make disastrous decisions that could result in maximum collateral damage. How many people do you know who have ruined their reputation after working hard to build a legacy of success? Temptations abound in our culture. ‘We don’t wreck our lives all at once but a little at a time. We’re all tempted to slide down that 56,250-step slope every day.’ I’m not sure that temptations to do wrong will ever be eliminated in this life, but we can replace the strength of a tempting sin by our passion to follow Christ. Surrendering an area of our lives to Him can be one of the most rewarding things we do, even if it involves sacrifice of time, emotions or resources. Samson had every opportunity to honor God but his worst enemy was himself. It’s a good day when we grasp the fact that Jesus saves us from ourselves. “Every day that we're not practicing godliness we're being conformed to the world of ungodliness around us.” - Jerry Bridges, The Fruitful Life
It’s obvious that I often need to relearn the process of change in my heart. It’s easy to get disappointed with myself and discouraged when I repeatedly try to make a change. Trying harder is ok, but it does not work over the long haul. Bitterness, resentment or anger are supposed to be eliminated but I often need to relearn the fact that God gives grace when I am weak. Realizing that forgiveness is a gift when I focus on how much He has forgiven me is the power needed to handle difficult people and repetitive conflicts. Trying to work up courage or stamina is rarely effective. I like the statements in the devotional: “Choosing to walk by the Spirit is not a one-time decision or event but an ongoing, habitual way of life. From this moment on, and every moment from now on, you can trust in and rely on God’s power, not your limited willpower!”
Abiding should be constant, but I waiver Taking the first few steps to make a change, is often difficult. But each step into the unknown and unusual difference leads to the habitual. God’s Word is living and active as we walk in the Spirit of God. Trying to make changes without the Spirit’s leading will ne short lived because our self efforts are rooted in pride. I’ve attempted many times to make a change without the Spirit’s leading, which ends in being disappointed with myself. I want to walk in the Spirit of God, not in my flesh, in humility, not pride. How are you feeling the tension between the Spirit’s leading vs prideful self effort? “As we grow in the knowledge of God's holiness, even though we are growing in the practice of holiness, it seems the gap between our knowledge and our practice always gets wider. This is the Holy Spirit's way of drawing us to more and more holiness.” - Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness / The Pursuit of Holiness / The Pursuit of Holiness
“If you want to talk about grace, if you want to talk about revelation, talk about your life with some depth, which doesn't mean lurid revelations as much as simply looking at your own deep experiences and describing them as they are.” — Frederick Buechner
Revival observation
A normal worship meeting? NO 1) At first they worshipped for 8 days straight (literally) at nights a smaller group prayed and worshipped. 2) Meetings after went 4-6+ hours 3) Everyone felt the presence of God and did not want to leave 4) Great joy fell on people at times that caused them to cry out to even jump! 5) People had healings, restoration, repentance all without much preaching, the Holy Spirit was preaching. 6) "It felt like heaven" Could God be preparing the body of Christ for His coming? 7) Jesus wants intimacy from us, He is restoring the first great commandment. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, strength. God wants to be adored. Luke 7 the woman at Jesus feet. What is stopping you or your Church to gather and ask God to work in the same way in your local area? -Don't set a time limit on God. -Don't schedule anything just pray and worship -Consider to not use powerpoint or any technical equipment -Have no agenda but Jesus. -Rotate singers and have several people help lead the meeting -Don't look at others or judge them how they worship (Luke 7) #asburyrevival 🔥
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