** Week #1 ** ** Week #3 ** #1 Reaching Forward #15 Pay It Forward #2 A Small Act of Kindness #16 Red Rover, Red Rover #3 Back to The Future #17 Seeing is Believing #4 Baton Anyone? #18 What Do You Reach For? #5 Filled, Led and Anointed #19 Over The Hedge #6 Higher Praise #20 Junk In The Trunk #7 Stiff Arm #21 Finishing Strong ** Week #2 ** #8 Reach to Open the Door #9 Reach for the Sky #10 Reaching Deeper #11 Out of The Village #12 MacGyver Meets Rambo #13 You Are Going to Make it #14 Missions Outreach? Me?
Table of Contents
Get Ready!
Week #1
#1 Reaching Forward #2 A Small Act of Kindness #3 Back to The Future #4 Baton Anyone? #5 Filled, Led and Anointed #6 Higher Praise #7 Stiff Arm
Day #1 Reaching Forward 2012 is a new year, with fresh challenges and adventures; let’s talk about the challenges first. So often it seems that Christianity is presented as easy and breezy. When the answers that we need in our lives don’t always come right away, people end up thinking that “it” is working for everyone else but not me. When in fact, some things are easy and some things are definitely not easy, not quick or even painless. Everyone is in a struggle of some sort and in some area. Jesus said: “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33) The challenges you faced in 2011 will not go away simply because you turn the page on a calendar. The good news is, if you are reading this, you are still in the fight. The best news is that Jesus, the one who overcame the world is in the fight with you. You are not alone. He said: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) 2012 is a year to keep reaching forward for God’s best in Jesus. You will overcome. Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Last years victories or defeats will not determine what 2012 will be like. The major news networks, financial markets, job surveys, and doctor’s reports will not determine what 2012 will be like. Your family and friends, or any other thing, will not determine what 2012 will be like for you. In the book of Psalms when David was facing great opposition he said:
Psalm 31:14 NKJV But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
Psalm 31:15 NKJV My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. Psalm 31:16 NKJV Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake. 2012 is the year of our Lord and He holds our future in His hand – “You’re in good hands with Almighty God!” The challenges may be many, but if God be for you, who can be against you; stay in the fight! What is our 2012 adventure? Reaching – reaching up, reaching in and reaching out. 2012 is to be the greatest year of your life in growing your relationship with Christ. God wants 2012 to be a great year for us as a church, as a body of believers we are to reach in and get connected like never before. I am sure we have no idea the fullness of His plan for us, but part of our reaching out adventure is Viera. Adventure: 1. An exciting or very unusual experience. 2. Participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: The spirit of adventure. Ephesians 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Most of what we do with God has to be a faith adventure; scripture says; the just shall live by faith. We want to join with you as your 2012 faith adventure call begins. We have provided this devotional, a time of corporate fasting, special messages and services to help you prepare your heart for the new year, and the adventure He has for you. The cool part is, you will be doing it with thousands of other people As a church we are embarking on the adventure of reaching further by starting East Coast Christian Center VIERA. We will be meeting in the Rave Theater at the Avenues in Viera. Our first service will be in early February. It will be a “video venue” with everything live except the message,
which will be delivered via video. There will be a campus pastor, worship leader and ministry team. Sometimes even the preaching will be live. Our heart is to make more room for God’s real treasure – which is people. Our 10 a.m. services, on our Merritt Island campuses have been full for years. We have had hundreds of families visit us from south of Viera in the last couple years, and we have hundreds of families living much closer to Viera, than Merritt Island that attend here. We want you to be able to invite your friends to church and not have church more than 20 minutes or 20 miles away. We want to expand without spending millions of dollars on a huge facility in one spot. We want to follow the Lord’s leading most of all. As much as lies within us, we believe He is encouraging us to start something in Viera. Pray. Believe. Obey His leading, be part of launching the campus by going, or sending by faith. By the way, the word Viera means faith. Pastor Dan
Notes:
Day #2
A Small Act of Kindness Chapter: Matthew 25 Key Verse(s): Matthew 25:35-36 (NKJV) for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. 35
Hear it: Revelation The overall theme of this portion on scripture focuses on the needy. I was hungry and thirsty... Jesus fed thousands you help feed?
with
a
little
boy’s
lunch.
Who
can
I was a stranger... The inn keeper made a place for Joseph and Mary in the stable, because the inn was full. What can you do for someone you don’t know, even if it means going out of your way? Naked and you clothed me... Jesus said if you have two coats to give one away to someone who has none. What can you give away? Sick and you visited me….In prison and you visited me... Do you know someone who is sick, hurting or lonely? Who can you visit? Jesus asks us to help those who are less fortunate, but sometimes we get so focused on our own lives we forget the true essence of the Gospel. It takes a true heart of compassion to
see a need and follow through to help meet it. Regardless of our circumstances we can all reach out to someone. See it: Illustration As I was leaving the local Kmart with my youngest son, who was around 3-4 years old at the time, we stopped by the gum ball machines just inside the automatic doors. At least I only had one small child instead of three to corral. The others were all teenagers at that point in time. I was deciding whether or not to give my little boy some change to purchase a piece of gum or a small trinket, when a kind-looking, older gentleman approached me. “Can I buy your little boy something from the candy machine?” he asked. “Sure you can”, I said. I watched my little boy’s face light up. As I took his small hand in mine and we walked out of the store, a tear came to my eye. Our little boy doesn’t have a grandpa. I will never forget that seemingly small act of kindness, even though it was over fourteen years ago. Do it: Application If you will begin to do things for others, you will be fulfilled and refreshed. Volunteers are some of the happiest people around. It just feels good to lend a hand to someone. So how do we help others? Here are a couple of suggestions: * Pick up a Life-line to the Nations card in the church lobby. * Go online: www.eccc.us/missions/families Here you will find the world missionaries we support, as well as local missions. You can give financially towards any one of these ministries. Did you know some of the food for our food pantry can be purchased for as little as .18 cents per pound? A little help can go a long way. You can also volunteer to help with the local missions. Besides missions you can find many other ways to serve at E.C.C.C. Check out our website or call the church office for more information.
* Lend a helping hand to a friend, neighbor, relative, co-worker, or a stranger. Everyone can do something. What do you like to do? Whether you are like the nice grandpa who bought my little boy a trinket, a doctor who can provide medical services on the mission field, businessman, construction worker, preacher, billionaire, a single mom... I think you get the point. Each of us has a part to play and a gift to give. No act of kindness goes unnoticed by Jesus. And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40) 40
Notes:
Day #3 Back to The Future Chapter: Exodus 14
Key Verse(s): Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV) Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 13
Hear it: Revelation God chooses Moses to lead the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the land of Canaan, which God has promised to them. The Egyptian pharaoh agrees to their departure, and they travel from Egypt and head to the Promised Land. They are led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God tells Moses to turn back and camp by the Red Sea. But Yahweh (Hebrew name for God) causes the pharaoh to pursue the Israelites with chariots, and pharaoh overtakes them at the edge of the sea. The Israelites feel trapped as they cannot turn back, nor head north. When the Israelites see the Egyptian army, they are afraid, but the pillar of fire and the cloud separate the Israelites from the Egyptians. At God’s command, Moses holds his staff out over the water. Throughout the night, a strong east wind divides the sea and the Israelites pass through with a wall of water on both sides. The Egyptians pursue, but at daybreak Yahweh clogs their chariot wheels and throws them into a panic. With the return of the water, the pharaoh and his entire army are destroyed. When the Israelites see the power of Yahweh, they put their faith in Yahweh and in Moses, and sing a song of praise to the Lord for the crossing of the sea and the destruction of their enemies. See it: Illustration According to Wikipedia, “the point of no return” is the point beyond which one must continue on his or her current course of action because turning back is physically
impossible, prohibitively expensive or dangerous. It is also used when the distance or effort required to get back would be greater than the remainder of the journey or task yet undertaken. When I was a boy, there were some woods at the end of the road I lived on. The woods were nicknamed the “broken bridge”, because a river ran through the center of the woods. There was an old logging bridge that was nothing more than some pilings, and whatever makeshift items various people threw into the river to get across. I had been down in those woods on countless occasions, but this one day about seven of my buddies and I decided to try to cross the “Bridge”. When we set off, I was the last in line. I made it about three quarters of the way across the river, when fear and panic struck me. The water rushing just beneath my feet, mixed with the rocking of whatever I was standing on, and the realization that I could not go back the other way due to a lost board, made me afraid. The only choice I had was to push forward and face the fear head on. I made it across the river and explored a new part of the woods I had never seen before. Do it: Application What is about to overtake you in your life? Is their something that you have been afraid to face? Maybe family, friends, an old boss, fear of heights, or rocking the boat? Whatever you fear, face it with the power of God behind you and see what He does in the situation.
Notes:
Day #4 Baton Anyone? Chapter: 2 Kings 2
Key Verse(s): 2 Kings 2:13-15 (NKJV) He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. 15Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him. 13
Hear it: Revelation Elijah’s season was up. Who would take his place? Who would carry on the work? Elisha was persistent in following Elijah. Chapter 2 tells us of three opportunities he was given to leave Elijah’s side. Each time, Elisha responded that he would not leave Elijah because he was with him when Elijah was taken up in the whirlwind. Elisha was there to receive the mantle, or authority, that had fallen from Elijah. What was the significance of that? Elijah told Elisha in verse 10, “If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if not, it shall not be so”. Elijah was referring to the double portion that Elisha had requested. As a result, Elisha received Elijah’s mantle and was given a double portion. The chapter goes right into telling the miracles that Elisha performed after receiving the mantle. See it: Illustration It was six years ago that I heard the Lord speak to me and ask me if I was ready to leave my job. That may sound strange but the story actually began ten years earlier.
I went back to teaching in the classroom after many years of homeschooling my children. The Lord had spoken to my heart and told me that it was only for a season and that I was in training. He never told me how long the season would be or for what I was training. Each year I would ask the Lord if it was time to leave and He would always reply, “not yet”. In my tenth year of teaching the Lord approached me three times. The first time was during the Fall season. I love Fall, especially with all the fun activities and crafts that take place in the classroom. And my classroom was no exception as it was beaming with both fun and craftiness. One day as I was in my classroom I heard the Lord say, “Can you leave it?” I responded, “I don’t know Lord, I think I can”. Without fear or fret I was confident the Lord would confirm what was being asked of me. In January, He approached me again with the same question. My response was the same but this time I searched my heart more intently. Then a third time, in the Spring, the Lord approached me again just as He had the two times before. With peace and certainty I responded with, “Yes, Lord, I can leave it”. There was an excitement stirring in me for this new season in which the Lord was leading me. Although I had sadness about leaving the work He had me minister in for ten years, the Lord showed me it was time to pass the baton. A spirit-filled friend of mine had accepted a position at the school and I knew the baton was being handed off to her. God had the provision before I even knew there was going to be a need. Do it: Application Legacy means a gift by will, something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past. Synonyms for legacy are birthright and inheritance. The Bible is full of examples where a legacy was passed on. Remember Eli and Samuel, Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples? As a disciple of Christ, who has God placed in your life to whom you could pass the baton? Identify them and begin to impart what God has given to you. Duplicate yourself and if you have children, remember what Psalm 115:14 says, “The Lord will increase you more and more, you and your children.” Expect your children, and those you are able to sow into, to take the baton and run with more fervor than you could have ever imagined.
Notes:
Day #5
Filled, Led and Anointed Chapter: Luke 4
Key Verse(s): Luke 4:1,14,18 (NKJV) Luke 4:1 “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,” Luke 4:14 “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.” Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Hear it: Revelation May I suggest that, according to these scriptures, the secret to Jesus’ success in life and ministry was being filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and anointed by the Holy Spirit? He was filled at the River Jordan. He was led by the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit followed by His obedience. He was anointed (empowered) by the Spirit to accomplish the impossible and miraculous. (Acts 10:38) Would it then be fair to say that we could only expect success in our lives and ministries if we are filled, led and anointed by the Holy Spirit? Jesus clearly stated in Acts 1:8 that the disciples would receive power(the ability to succeed) after the Holy Spirit had come upon them. We can be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and anointed by the Spirit (1 John 2:20). Charles Finney, the great 19th century revivalist, put it like this, “No one has, at any time, the right to expect success unless he first secures this enduement of power from on high.” (Power from on High, p.2)
See it: Illustration 23 year-old Chad Dedmon went to a local grocery store in Redding, California late one evening, and noticed a woman in line with hearing aids. He felt led by the Spirit to ask her if he could pray for her. She agreed. He prayed and her hearing was restored. The miracle touched the cashier’s heart and she and the healed woman were weeping. Chad again felt prompted to ask the cashier if he could make an announcement over the intercom. She agreed. He announced that God was present in the store, to come to the check-out lane, and that God wanted to heal others. A small crowd gathered. A couple more people were healed. Chad shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the grace of God and many were saved. You can watch Chad’s testimony on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MQy5cyhOXQ. Or Google: Chad’s Crazy Grocery Story Testimony Signs and Wonders. I wonder if Chad would have been able to do any of that if he weren’t filled, led and anointed by the Holy Spirit. Do it: Application Chad’s testimony may seem far-fetched. But don’t think that it could never happen to you. I have a suspicion that God wants to use you just like He used Chad. Here are a few things that Chad believes that maybe we should consider. He believes in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He believes in being led by the Holy Spirit. And guess what? He believes that he is anointed by the Holy Spirit. Do you believe that about yourself? Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) Pray this prayer out loud to God: “Father God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and power. Holy Spirit, I yield myself to Your inner promptings and guidance in my life. I believe I receive Your anointing and am empowered now to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to perform impossible and miraculous things, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.” Now you have the same secret to success in your life and ministry that Jesus had - filled, led and anointed.
Notes:
Day #6 Higher Praise Chapter: Psalm 149
Key Verse(s): Psalm 149:6 (NIV) “May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,” 6
Hear it: Revelation Notice the pairing here: 1) high praises of God, and 2) two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12 says, The Word of God is like a two-edged sword!). That’s a better combo than rhythm and blues! High praises are what WE declare about who God is. God’s Word is what HE has declared about who He is. When the two are in agreement, they are the bread and butter (another combo!) for a victorious believer. Notice that it says “high praises.” I believe that is because the name of Jesus is supposed to be lifted HIGHER than the name of any other person, place, or thing in our lives. That means we must constantly re-align our hearts whenever other people or pursuits have become of higher focus than Jesus. Also, lifting something HIGH takes much more passion and effort than just lifting it off the ground. I can lift my children off the ground, but to hoist them high up on my shoulders, I have to stoop and basically stand up from a squat while lifting 60 pounds more than my own body weight. That takes extra effort, but so worth it to be close to them and enjoy a “piggy-back” ride with them. When lifting high the name of Jesus during a few songs on Sundays, becomes a continuation of how we’ve already been lifting up His name Monday-Saturday. We learn the joy of the heavy lifting of “the high praises of God” in our lives. Lastly, look at where the high praises originate from... our hearts! “But wait!” you say, “It says, ‘let the high praises of God be in their mouth!’ Yes, but Luke 6:45 says,
“....out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”, which means we should be filling our hearts with praise. The mouth thing takes care of itself when we fix the heart thing by turning our hearts toward God in all that we do. When our hearts are focused on His Word and what He has revealed about His worth, our mouths will have no trouble finding high praises readily available at the tip of our tongues. See it: Illustration Recently I was watching an ESPN broadcast that was being filmed live in front of a college stadium. Behind the four Sportscasters were hundreds of pre-game fans, gathered outside the stadium and passionately hoisting self-made signs with various compliments, slogans, and praises for their favorite players and teams. These fans knew that in order for their praises to be seen, they had to hoist their signs high, and the signs that were hoisted the highest got more “face-time” on camera. I honestly couldn’t even look at the sportscasters’ faces due to the myriad of “praises” being hoisted on signs behind them. What if we are God’s sign holders? Oh, that our churches, streets, neighborhoods, and cities of Brevard County would be festooned with God’s high praises, as we live a life that hoists His name higher than all others! Do it: Application Write these words on a piece of paper (as big or as small as needed): “LIFT JESUS HIGHER”. Now, attach it to the top or highest point of something that you use or see daily (your mirror, your Bible, your day planner, your phone, your TV, your computer screen, etc.) Let this be a reminder to you to lift Jesus as high as you possibly can in those areas and all areas of your life.
Notes:
Day #7 Stiff Arm Chapter: Hebrews 12
Key Verse(s): Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 1
Hear it: Revelation These scriptures fall right after the one of the greatest chapters on faith. Without these Scriptures, I believe it would be impossible to live a life of faith. Let’s explore a metaphor. If a life of faith is a football game, then weight and sin are trying to tackle you. The word weight, in verse 1, means whatever is a prominent burden and the word sin means to miss the mark. Basically when things affect you emotionally and cast a burden on you, and when you make mistakes, it can be very difficult to walk by faith. The solution is two-fold. First, understand you are surrounded by men and women that have gone before you that have made the same mistakes and still were able to walk by faith. Be encouraged. God is not looking for perfect people. Second, we must look to Jesus; the author and finisher of our faith. He has taken our sins upon the cross. 1 Peter 5:7 instructs us to cast our cares upon the Lord because He cares for us. If you do these two things, you can lay aside the sin and the burdens that hold you down. It takes offense and defense to run this life of faith.
See it: Illustration If you know anything about football, then you’ve probably heard of Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow is considered one of the greatest college football players to ever suit up. Not only is Tim Tebow awesome at football, but he is also a godly man. He proclaims Jesus as Lord every chance he gets. He wore John 3:16 on his eye paint, and as a result, 92 million people searched “John 3:16” on Google during or shortly after the game. Consider him a man of faith. Tim Tebow has a secret weapon in the game of football. Despite him being an awesome man of faith, with a weight of 236 pounds, a height of 6 feet 3 inches and the fact that he is equipped with excellent running and passing abilities, he still pulls out his secret weapon. The moment one of his opponents would try to grab him, he would pull out his secret weapon, the “Stiff Arm”. The stiff arm is the move that keeps tacklers from grabbing you. They get their hands on you, but your arm prevents them from grabbing or ensnaring you. Do it: Application Tim Tebow was the first underclassmen to have ever won the Heisman Trophy which features a man holding a football giving a stiff arm. There are two parts of football: moving the ball toward the goal line and keeping out tacklers. The same goes for moving toward Jesus; living a life of faith and keeping out burdens and sin. Write two lists, things to stop doing and things to start doing. In the “stop doing” list, put your burdens or sin. In the “start doing” list, put steps of faith you need to take or continue doing.
Notes:
Reaching
Week #2
#8 Reach to Open the Door #9 Reach for the Sky #10 Reaching Deeper #11 Out of The Village #12 MacGyver Meets Rambo #13 You Are Going to Make it #14 Missions Outreach? Me?
Day #8 Reach to Open the Door Chapter: Acts 17
Key Verse(s): Acts 17:6 (NKJV) “But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” 6
Hear it: Revelation The world accuses Christians of alot of things these days but unfortunately we are rarely accused of, “turning the world upside down.” Jesus’ last words here on earth were, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel...” and from that point on the disciples did exactly that, they “went” and quite literally turned the world upside down. They took Jesus’ command seriously. As followers of Christ we have that same responsibility, to be sharing the love of Jesus to those close to us and around the world, no matter the cost. If we call ourselves a child of God, we have no excuse for not being a part of missions in some way, shape, or form. We must be going, sending, supporting, or praying. We can’t just sit on the sidelines; we must get up and reach to open the door for missions in our life. Just like Jesus’ disciples, we must take Jesus’ command seriously. People all over the world are living in sin, poverty, and despair, and have yet to have heard about the saving grace of Jesus. It has been almost 2,000 years since our Savior left the earth, let’s get busy! The great missionary C.T. Studd wisely said, “True religion is like the smallpox. If you get it, you give it to others and it spreads.” Are you contagious? See it: Illustration Matthew tells us to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into the fields. This verse clearly shows that we have the responsibility of praying people onto the mission field. There are always more souls to be saved, projects to finish, villages to visit to preach the gospel,
wounds to be cleansed, tears to be dried. The fields are white, but this world is in need of more harvesters. How did we end up on the mission field, serving the Lord in Cameroon, Africa? We both felt called to full-time missions while on short-term mission trips as teenagers. If it hadn’t been for the committed people that supported us financially, and through their prayers, we may not be on the mission field today. We praise God for those individuals that decided to invest in our lives and held open the door of missions for us. We are so grateful for their faithfulness to Jesus’ command. Do it: Application What can you do to open the door to missions in your life (or open it wider)? If we are all honest with ourselves, we can all be doing so much more. Are missions in your monthly budget? Maybe, you are thinking of going on a mission trip. I encourage you to pursue it! Perhaps you know someone who is going on a mission trip, why not give toward it? Possibly the Lord is calling you to go to the mission field long term, don’t be afraid, listen to the Lord’s leading. Spend time in prayer today, asking God what He wants you to do to open the door for missions and be obedient to His answer. Let’s turn this world upside down for Jesus!
Notes:
Day #9 Reach for the Sky Chapter: Psalm 134
2
Key Verse(s): Psalm 134:2 (NASB) Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD.
Hear it: Revelation I remember as a kid growing up that Saturday’s were a day for movies. Cowboy movies were some of my favorites. I loved the good guy and hated the bad guy. At one point in the movie, someone always got the drop on the other guy and shouted “Reach for the sky.” This is the position of surrender. This thought caused me to think about my surrender to God. You see, just because I surrendered my life to God many years ago, I am still faced with making the decision everyday. I like the verse above because it gives me specific directions. First, it is to lift my hands. This causes my face and my heart to be exposed and vulnerable. Second, it tells me where to lift my hands. There is always the private side of our relationship with Jesus. What I do in private is between Him and me. But God is asking my surrender to be public as well. The sanctuary is the place where other believers and non-believers gather in a corporate setting to seek God and discover His great love for them. In the sanctuary also means, I leave the safety of my private devotion and publicly let my position be displayed for others to see. In other words, I need to live out loud, in public, what my private life is also doing. Jesus dealt with this concerning the religious leaders of the day. They said one thing but lived another way. God has hard wired us to demonstrate our love and affection for Him and towards Him. Third, the verse tells me what I am to do, “Bless the Lord”. That means I use my mouth to declare my surrender, my hands to demonstrate for others what their ears can’t hear, and I
assume the posture of international surrender to my Lord and King! See it: Illustration I remember going to bible school and seeing more hands raised than I had ever seen in my entire life. Two thousand students were gathered, and eighty percent had their hands raised in worship (mine were not). After watching them for several weeks, I realized that they were not thinking about others; but about God. Their expressions were priceless. I saw smiles, grins, tears, some weeping, all outward expressions of what was going on in them. I liked so much of what I saw, I thought I would “test out” raising my hands and discovered it felt quite natural to sense God’s pleasure, and act on what the Word of God said to do. Do it: Application Practice at home raising your hands and thanking God for loving you so much. Thank Him for His life in you; His Grace towards you. This week go and raise your hands in worship in the service you attend. Maybe get wild and go to more than one service and continue to practice. Please note how that feels in your heart. Are you embarrassed? Close your eyes and focus on the One who died for you. Tell Him how grateful you are and I promise you will soon forget what others might be thinking about you. Other verses: I Timothy 2:8, Nehemiah 8:6 & Psalm 141:2
Notes:
Day #10 Reaching Deeper Chapter: Psalm 73
Key Verse(s): Psalm 73:28 (NKJV) “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.� 28
Hear it: Revelation What do you think about when you hear the word deeper? Stop and think about it for a few seconds. I think about digging, diving, swimming, plowing, and reaching; all action words, and all for specific reasons. Nobody plows a field for no reason. Nobody goes deep sea diving without a sense of intrigue, fear, excitement, or expectation of what they might encounter. There are plenty of activities and hobbies that we can explore to go deeper into something, but there are realms in the spiritual that we have yet to experience. It is going to take some action to get there, and you can be sure it is going to be an exciting trip! See it: Illustration How is this for excitement? Imagine Moses tending sheep on Mount Horeb, when he sees a mysterious bush that is on fire but is not burning up. He is filled with intrigue and decides to turn aside and investigate. What he finds changes the course of his life and the course of the entire nation of Israel, from bondage to freedom. In each of our lives, there is a burning bush just waiting for us to investigate. Not literally a bush that burns, but a place where God wants to meet with us to reveal mysteries to our hearts that will literally change our lives. He wants to speak direction and vision to people and families. He wants to speak comfort to those who have been hurting, and peace and rest to areas of anxiety. He wants to impart grace to those who are struggling. He wants us to be stunned by His beauty and know what it is to be speechless in His Holy, burning presence. He wants more for us than what we are experiencing right
now. Ultimately, He wants us to go deeper with Him because He knows that we were made for intimacy! We have all heard the expression “still waters run deep”, in reference to a shy person that is deeply personal, once you get to know him. But in our hearts, each one of us “runs deep” whether our waters look choppy or still on the surface. We all long for greater depth of intimacy. Some look for it in all the wrong places, while others seek God and find priceless, eternal treasure and purpose. Do it: Application So what does this look like, practically, when I wake up in the morning and don’t see bushes burning outside the window? The simple answer is that it’s time to dig deeper. It’s time to go on a burning bush expedition. God doesn’t make it difficult for us. If we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us. It’s that simple. We don’t have to plow through all our sin, shame, regret, and mental gymnastics to get to God and hear His voice. His blood covers the multitude of our sins, and we can boldly approach Him by His beautiful, powerful grace to enjoy His presence and hear His heartbeat. If you haven’t slotted out some time during the day to spend with God, then start there. Make that your most deliberate priority and then start digging. Dig into the Word. Dig into some heart to heart prayer time. Dig into some worship time with just you and God. Dig into a devotional or good Christian book from our resource center. Just start digging because a revelation at the burning bush is waiting!
Notes:
Day #11 Out of the Village Chapter: Mark 8
Key Verse(s): Mark 8:22-23 (MSG) 22-23They arrived at Bethsaida. Some people brought a sightless man and begged Jesus to give him a healing touch. Taking him by the hand, He led him out of the village. He put spit in the man’s eyes, laid hands on him, and asked; “Do you see anything?” Hear it: Revelation Some people brought a blind man to Jesus and asked Him if He would cure the man’s blindness. Jesus responded very differently than what the crowd expected. He gently took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. There, Jesus healed the man after two attempts to remove the blindness. You will see at the end of the verses as you read on, Jesus tells the man not to go back into the village. (Verse 26) I spent a long time thinking that this part of scripture was just a story about healing. Then, God spoke to my heart that I needed to read it again. After reading it the second time, it became clear to me that Jesus wasn’t just healing a man in this story, He was restoring him also. See it: Illustration We can be just like that blind man. The only difference is that our blindness is in how we think about God in our lives. We go through life feeling defeated in areas because we have suffered loss or pain. We shut down to what the Word says to us and what God promises us. We become blind to how big and loving God is. We need to get out of that mindset. For the blind man, that meant having to leave the village. What is your “village mindset” that could be blinding you to the truth?
Thankfully, Jesus is not willing to leave you where you’re at; He wants to GENTLY lead you to a better place. Just like He took the blind man by the hand, He wants to guide you out of the areas of your life where you are struggling. God is not looking for you to make some drastic and crazy move to change your life; He wants you simply to allow Him into your heart. Let Him guide you on what you need to do. All you have to do is trust and follow Him. Follow Jesus out of your village so you can follow Him in life. Do it: Application Today, write down one area in your life where you are struggling in and need to trust God. Next, go to the Bible and find one of God’s promises that speaks about victory over that area. Spend the day focusing on how good God’s promise is instead of worrying about the problem.
Notes:
Day #12 MacGyver Meets Rambo Chapter: 2 Kings 4
Key Verse(s): 2 Kings 4:2 (NKJV) 2So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” Hear it: Revelation MacGyver, a television series now defunct, featured an anti-gun, super scientific, “use anything available” hero that could get out of any situation with a stick of bubble gum and a twist tie. He literally took whatever was available to him in the situation he was in and used it to make his escape and to capture the criminal. I always liked the show. Rambo, on the other hand, always had a cache of weapons on hand which he used to “blow” his enemies out of the water and shoot his way out of any impossible situation. As corny as Rambo was and is, it was still entertaining to me. I believe whether you are more like MacGyver or more like Rambo, you can find your solution with something close at hand. What is in your hand? See it: Illustration The woman in our bible story was facing an impossible situation with no apparent solution. The prophet asked her: “what do you have in the house?” Or, what is in your hand? I believe God has never been surprised by anything, anywhere or at anytime. Many times when we need deliverance from the circumstance we are facing, God has already put in you what you need to get out of trouble. Unlike MacGyver and Rambo though, we are not left alone to face life’s trial; Jesus is with us. In 2 Kings we see God adding His super to her natural and finding a solution. Don’t minimize what you have or what you have been given. “And she said, ‘Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.’” She said she had nothing but... What you have, if given to
Jesus, becomes much. Do not minimize what God has done or what God has given you. When we do, we miss opportunities. Do it: Application The widow who put in two mites while Jesus was watching people give, took all she had in her hand and put it in God’s hand. Little becomes much when God gets involved. A little boy’s lunch could not do much to feed the 5,000, until it was given to Jesus – then it multiplied to feed them all, with much left over. Little becomes much when we give it to God. What is your need today? A job? Sow some time working for someone. Need money? Take what little you have and give some away. Your body racked with pain? Serve somebody hurting worse than you. Faith has action. Take what little you have and give it to God, because little becomes much when it is in the hands of Jesus. What is in your house? What is in your hand? Reach up to Christ for wisdom. Reach in to your family at church. There just may be a connection there, where your blessing is hidden. Need a job? Ask all your friends if they have heard anything. Reach out with the love of God. Someone out there in the world may be who God uses to bring deliverance to your life. Be crafty, like MacGyver, but also be aggressive in finding the answer, like Rambo. In my experience, God never requires out of us anything unless He puts it in us. Take a few moments to look, not at how small what you have is, but how big God is, and what He can do with what you put back in His hand. Even if you see a roadblock, it may only be a detour. Remember, God has a good plan for you. Reach out and take it. Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Notes:
Day #13
You Are Going to Make It Chapter: Proverbs 9 Key Verse(s): Proverbs 9:10-11 (NKJV) 10“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Hear it: Revelation Fear, whether real or imagined, is a powerful force. It can cause anxiety, worry and even death. The enemy would like to put fear in your heart. He wants you to fail. But the fear of the Lord is wisdom and understanding, strength, joy and long life. See it: Illustration Where do you go when you need your teeth cleaned? How about when you need to buy groceries? Where do you go to get gas? These are silly questions with simple answers. What if you can’t seem to manage your schedule, budget, or something even bigger, your life? What do you do when you are stressed, overwhelmed or lonely? As the questions get narrower, it gets harder to figure out what to do and where to go for the answers. You can always go to the internet, it is full of information, but you might end up wasting a lot of time and on a dead-end road, going nowhere fast. So how do you get God’s wisdom? You might think the answer is simple and in some respects it is. God’s Word has the answer for all of your questions in life. Do it: Application Go to church. I have been a Pastor’s wife for over 28 years, so obviously, I spend a lot of time at church. Through learning God’s Word you learn about Him. Keep getting your weekly feedings of God’s Word.
Read the Bible. I never liked to read. You older folks might remember those blue Bible Story books. Often times they would be in the waiting rooms at the doctor’s office. We had the entire set of them when I was a kid and my dad tried to pay me to read them, but even that didn’t work. After I got married we started having kids. With a toddler, three teenagers, caring for my mother-in-law, who lived with us for seven years, my house and church cleaning jobs which took 20-30 hours a week, I was doing good to just make it through the day, let alone read anything. Now, our three older children are married with families of their own. Our youngest son graduated from high school and is the only one left at home. The house can be full of laughter and noise when all the kids and grandkids are here or quiet and peaceful. I enjoy reading, but it took me a long time to get to where I am now. In this new season of my life, I spend most mornings enjoying a cup of coffee as I sit at my desk reading the Bible and a daily devotional book. Proverbs is a great place to start. There are 31 short chapters, one for each day of the month. Pray. Prayer is simple – it is talking to God from your heart. Go to God first and ask Him to help you find the wisdom for whatever you need. He has all the answers. Although I am married to the Pastor, I can’t make it in this life on my husband’s faith and wisdom. Serve Him. I encourage you to get involved somewhere in the church. There are numerous opportunities to serve. While serving, you will get to know others and form friendships. No one can make it alone. We have an amazing (and good-looking) Pastor who hears from God, but he can’t make it by himself. We have an invaluable group of associate pastors, and their wives, who love and support each other, a hard-working office staff, and of course, there are all of you who attend here. Together, we make up a congregation of gifted people who serve faithfully week after week. We are expanding and we want you to grow with us. Join us as we move forward together to reach Merritt Island, Brevard County, and the world for Jesus.
Notes:
Day #14 Missions Outreach? Me? Chapter: 2 Corinthians 9
Key Verse(s): 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 10“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.” Hear it: Revelation When my husband and I were first married, we had a very small budget (e.g. no disposable diapers or wipes). We didn’t make much money, so we wanted to trim all the excess out of our budget wherever possible. At some point, most of us have done this little financial ritual. We have always given ten percent of our income to the church, and above that; we sponsored a child through World Vision. The latter would have been an easy budget cut. After all, we didn’t even know the kid! But at the time, it was our one and only attempt to reach out and change the world with our finances. We decided to continue the sponsorship, and by God’s grace, we continued it until the boy (Raul) graduated high school. There have been seasons in our lives when we could only give the “widow’s mite”, and other seasons when we have been able to give the extravagant “alabaster box”, but both are holy to the Lord, and both touch the world with Jesus’ love. When we made very little money, all we could do was be faithful with the little we made in obedience to God, and a young man named Raul will never be the same because of our small, faithful contribution. So often, we only see the mere beginning of how far-reaching our gift will be! See it: Illustration Growing up, I was a missionaries child, and my family lived on the financial gifts of those who supported us. I came to know first hand what a blessing it was when people chose to
be generous. Now that I live in the United States, I see how easy it is to forget what is going on in other countries, and I get tempted to place less value on, or sometimes forget about, the mission’s work that I don’t see every day. But when I remember growing up, I think about the passions that God burned in my heart. He has called each of us to touch the world through missions outreach; both going to the mission field, and financially supporting those who go, whether short term trips or long term missions. Every single gift is priceless, and God wants us to stir up our hearts and stir up our gifts for a world that needs Him desperately! Now is not the time to bury our talents. We need to pray and seek that we wouldn’t miss any of the good works that God had ordained for us to walk in before we were even born! Do it: Application I want to encourage you to ask God what part He would have you play. Every follower of Christ is called and privileged to take part in mission’s outreach. We must give of ourselves, our time or our money, however God leads us. Even if you don’t see any way you could get involved in missions, step out in faith in the One who provides seed to the sower! Even those who thought they could never take a shortterm mission’s trip have found themselves able, by God’s strength. Aggressively lay hold of this promise and watch God provide the seed for you to sow. It is an exciting time to be alive and make the most of every opportunity!
Notes:
Reaching
Week #3
#15 Pay It Forward #16 Red Rover, Red Rover #17 Seeing is Believing #18 What Do You Reach For? #19 Over The Hedge #20 Junk In The Trunk #21 Finishing Strong
Day #15 Pay It Forward Chapter: Matthew 10
Key Verse(s): Matthew 10:8 (NKJV) 8“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Hear it: Revelation “When someone does you a big favor, don’t pay it back… pay it forward.” This was the slogan for the movie Pay It Forward released in 2000. The story line involves 11-year-old Trevor doing a 7th grade class project where he does random favors for three people. Instead of paying him back, he asks them to pay it forward by doing a favor for others. Then he encourages them to pay it forward and so on. The movie follows a trail of good deeds that lead to some pretty surprising results. In today’s passage Jesus instructed His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give.” They had been receiving from Jesus’ ministry and now it was time to give out. In essence, don’t pay it back, pay it forward. The only thing was that it seemed like such a tall order. It wasn’t just to do some random act of kindness; it was…heal the sick and raise the dead. Heal the sick? Raise the dead? In the natural that’s impossible. Maybe for you Jesus, it’s no problem; but for us regular folks, are you sure about that? I can imagine the questions and even doubts. Despite their questions, the disciples went out that day in the power of the Spirit and saw great and mighty results. Now, take a moment and think of the huge favor the Father has done for you. He sent Jesus, the Lamb of God, to take away all of your sins and the sins of the world. You’ve been born-again of the Spirit of God and have been filled with His Spirit and power. Can you actually accomplish the things He asks you to do for others on His behalf?
See it: Illustration We have a friend that is a very talented vocalist, actress-type person. A few years back, she mentioned she had a mass growing on her vocal chords and was scheduled for a very risky surgery. She was visibly shaken because there was a chance that she may never sing or act again. In my heart I felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit that He wanted to heal her. I laid hands on her throat, cursed the growth and prayed for a manifestation of God’s healing power. The next time we saw her, she reported that she went to her pre-surgery appointment and to the amazement of all, the growth was gone. Through the power of His Spirit and at His direction, this precious lady was miraculously healed. Freely we have received, freely give. Do it: Application We have freely received of the grace of God, which means, we can’t pay Him back but we can pay it forward. He will provide the power to get the results. With your own power you can’t heal the sick or raise the dead. Use His power, not yours. You can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens you (Phil 4:19). You are the free receiver of His grace and the free giver of His grace; the results are up to Him. Jesus said in John 5:30, “I can, of my own self, do nothing.” Yet how was it that He was able to accomplish so much? The ability to accomplish came from the power of the Spirit, and at the word of the Father. Jesus went on to say in John 14:12, “he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” How? Through the power of the Spirit and at the word of God. You’ve received a big favor from God; don’t pay it back, pay it forward.
Notes:
Day #16 Red Rover, Red Rover Chapter: Philippians 2
Key Verse(s): Philippians 2:1-5 (NKJV) 1“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Hear it: Revelation An exhortation is language intended to incite and encourage. This passage is inciting us to do many things. Chapter 1:27-28 tells us to stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way be terrified by our adversaries. Paul is speaking to the church at Philippi because they are at odds and hindering the work of the Lord. The church at Philippi is like a frayed cord and he is encouraging them to unify. See it: Illustration Picture how a cord is woven together. Now picture a cord that represents Christ. The strands of this cord could include having the mind of Christ, being like-minded, having love, being of one mind, esteeming others better than ourselves, and looking out for the interests of others. As a child, we played a game called Red Rover, Red Rover. You may remember it. You’d gather all the neighborhood kids together and form two lines facing each other, your hands and arms would lock together and you’d taunt the other team by calling out, “Red Rover, Red Rover send ‘so and so’ right
over…” The kid that was called out would come charging to the other side and attempt to break the line. The goal was to keep the link so tight that they could not break through. Each line had kids that were really strong and some kids that were, well... not so strong. The team banded together to hold the line. The smart thing to do was to pair a stronger kid with a weaker or smaller kid. This way the line was not easily penetrated. It would be disaster in the making if the line had a weak link of two smaller or weaker kids. In reality, we don’t call for the adversary to attack us. However, we are called to link hands, arms, hearts, and minds together. We are called to be one in Christ. The exhortation in our passage today was that we not be terrified of the adversary, Satan. When you are linked or woven together in one mind - the mind of Christ - there is no fear, but rather strength. 2 Timothy 2:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Do it: Application Have you desired to find a place where there is support and connection with other believers, a place to mentor or to be mentored? Connecting with fellow believers can be achieved through church attendance, serving in the various ministry opportunities in the church, and joining a life group. Life groups offer an array of activities and Bible studies. They provide a place where the young and mature in Christ can meet together. Life groups provide an opportunity to be accountable to other believers. They are an opportunity to stand in the proverbial Red Rover line and link hands with other believers - the young and mature hand in hand. Life groups provide a place of “no fear,” where vulnerability is actually a place of strength and not weakness. Be challenged to join a Life Group to link arms with fellow believers and find your connection to the church body.
Notes:
Day #17 Seeing is Believing Chapter: Matthew 5
Key Verse(s): Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” 14
Hear it: Revelation The light of the world! That is what the Scripture says about you. If you’ve been born again, you’ve got the Savior of the world living on the inside of you. With the God of the universe on the inside of you, you are the light of the world. There’s nothing brighter in this world that will outshine you! Craziness. You are set apart for the work of the Lord, as if sitting on a hill. You are a beacon of hope, life, and righteousness in the earth. We are encouraged here as believers to shine before men, that they cannot miss the good works that flow out of our love for God. I’ve heard it said recently that God doesn’t need our good works but our neighbor does. Your neighbor needs to see you doing good in every situation, honoring God with all that you are, laying down your life for the Kingdom’s sake. Who else will show them the grace of God and the peace of God that passes all understanding? Who will show them the favor of God and godly friendship? You’ve got plenty to show off for His sake. Scripture is clearly painting a picture that our behavior here on earth matters when a person’s eternal destiny is at stake. What a great opportunity! See it: Illustration Jeffrey Dahmer was a gruesome mass murderer who was, considered by many, more of a creature than a man.
Regardless of his reputation, a couple of Christians went to visit his prison cell to witness to him. Almost unbelievably, Dahmer confessed Christ and was baptized a couple of weeks later. Shortly thereafter, he was murdered by a fellow prisoner. If Dahmer was sincere, he is in heaven right now. Jesus clearly stated, “...him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT” (John 6:37). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1st John 1:9). What a blessed promise! Anyone, no matter how seemingly wicked or sinful, can come to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. If Jeffrey Dahmer came to Jesus Christ as a wicked sinner seeking forgiveness, he found it. Never underestimate the power of the Gospel through you! Do it: Application To whom might God be sending you in your neighborhood or neighboring cubicle in order to reach out? Does someone in your sphere of influence need you to reach into their world with the love of Jesus? Edwin Louis Cole once said that if you win them to you, you can lead them to Jesus. How might you win someone to you this week? Is there a random (or not so random, but God motivated) act of kindness that you can perform? Is there someone you can share your testimony with this week?
Notes:
Day #18 What Do You Reach For? Chapter: Philippians 3
Key Verse(s): Philippians 3:12-13 (NASB) “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” 13“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” 12
Hear it: Revelation Today people are reaching for alot. Our society has moved away from the concept, I am experiencing what I am experiencing because of decisions I have made, or I did not make. We now have as the predominate thought, I am where I am because of others’ decisions/choices. I know this is not an overall statement for everybody in every situation, but I have noticed that it is one that has momentum and is gathering strength in our country. Now, let’s go back to the question at the top of this devotion. What do people reach for when times are bad? What do they reach for when times are good? What do you reach for? God has wired us up to reach for “something” all the time. What is this “something”? Do we run to or run away? Do we fill up or dump out? It can be so many different things. Everyday we read about someone reaching for pills, drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, entertainment, relationships, travel, sports, etc. Looking, but never finding what they were created for. God wants us reaching up to Him thereby filling up the vacuum that is in us (Romans 1:19).
See it: Illustration I was recently invited to go to a conference that was being held close to home. The topic being covered was one of my favorite subjects. The speakers were well known, but I really wasn’t interested in going. However, God had other plans. He gently encouraged me to go. So after much pondering I finally said yes. I must admit I was not reaching for anything when I went. After being there for four days, I wasn’t sure that I had reached out for anything. I was stirred but not shaken. I was not really reaching up to God strongly, but God was reaching out to me, and touched me deeply and profoundly. I have to say that those four days have forever changed my life. He reached out to me in such a way that I now must reach up to Him, that I might experience Him more deeply and intimately. Do it: Application I want you to know that God is reaching out to you right now. Your first step is to say yes to Him. Get in a place by yourself and begin to reach up to God. This is done through you expressing to God how grateful and thankful you are for Him loving you. This is the best way and the quickest way I know to experience God’s love in a practical way. Do not tell God how much you love Him, but thank Him for loving you. This causes the Presence of God to come and flood your heart. He becomes magnified – so large, so great that He swallows up what causes you to not reach up to Him. Next, look at your environment. What do you watch on TV? Where do you spend your free time? When you practice His Presence, it will become greater and greater in your life. Go and become who God has called you to be and “reach what you have been reached out for.”
Notes:
Day #19 Over The Hedge Chapter: Mark 15
Key Verse(s): Mark 16:15 (NKJV) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 15
Hear it: Revelation GO INTO ALL THE WORLD! I have been to many countries. I have also partnered to send many missionaries all over the world. When I go, I feel like I am on a mission. I have been in life and death situations and continued to preach the Gospel. One trip I had a fever and a lung, eye, ear, throat and sinus infection for 5 days, and still preached at an all day conference and continued to minister the whole time. So many young preachers I know have a vision to preach all over the world. Despite all my experience, I still shudder with fear when I think about going over the hedge. Yes, that’s right. Stepping around my beautiful hedges and reaching my next door neighbors. AKA: The people that are sleeping less then 10 feet from my townhouse wall. Jesus is proclaiming here to his disciples to go into all the world. If you watch Jesus’ life, He went to his “neighbors” first, He ministered to children, the overlooked, the people He walked by everyday. His first miracle was at a wedding that He was attending. When Jesus said to his disciples, “go into all the world,” they knew He meant “all the world” which meant everyone, including neighbors, enemies, and foreigners across the world. See it: Illustration I recently moved from a neighborhood where I knew 15 or so of my neighbors. They went to my church and were very kind and friendly. The new neighborhood I moved into had several people that looked intimidating, unfriendly, and wild. I was getting worried and a little frustrated and I mentioned
it to a friend. He took one look at me and glanced at the neighborhood and said, “It looks like you have a lot of great ministry opportunities here.” This is exactly what I needed to hear. It melted my heart and with that, all my fears were washed away. I have now been on a mission to meet all my neighbors and to show them love and kindness; to give them the best parking places and to keep my area neat and clean. I have been trying to help them with anything I can. I am no longer looking at my house as an impenetrable castle meant to keep away the evil neighbors, but rather a place where I can “Go over the Hedge” and into all the world. Do it: Application Take a look at your neighbors and make a large or small effort of kindness to anyone in your neighborhood. Especially if you’ve had some rough times in the past, especially if they are different and especially if they are “over the hedge.” Examples: Before you throw out anything or bring it to the Goodwill, think would any of my neighbors need this? Be friendly. Don’t talk bad about other neighbors. If you see someone needing help loading or unloading, offer your services. If a neighbor has a baby, offer to cook for them or get them a gift card. Try to stay consistent. Win the kids over too, they are usually the key to the parents.
Notes:
Day #20 Junk In The Trunk Chapter: Hebrews 12
Key Verse(s): Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 1
Hear it: Revelation As believers, all of us are in the race of faith together, not solo. So there are times when all of us need to lay aside a certain “encumbrance” as the verse talks about. Along any journey, if we knew that there was something along a certain path that was sure to entangle us, we would do our best to avoid that path and make sure our friends were not entangled as well. The same is true in the journey of our Christian faith. We don’t need to list all of the sins that can entangle us. The point is that Satan likes to keep us thinking that our mess is best left locked in the trunk. He knows what a free, wonderful, powerful life we can live if we ditch that junk. His tricks are old and we must be wise to them. Satan loves for us to feel guilty, condemned, dirty, isolated, and without hope of freedom from sin. The answer is to get our sin out into the light. Bring it before God and put it under the blood of Jesus. Jesus gave His life so that we would not have to carry all that junk, and it is utterly foolish for us to continue on with it stinking up our trunk. See it: Illustration Growing up, my family loved to take road trips. All six of us would pile into the mini-van and take off. It was usually to visit family across country, but whatever the purpose of the trip, there was always anticipation in the air. One of the traditions of the road trip was that my dad was in “go-mode” the morning of the trip. He liked it
best when we packed lightly. Everybody had to go to the bathroom, grab all their own belongings and bring them out to dad for the most efficient fit in the trunk. We always prayed for traveling mercies and a good tail wind for the best gas mileage. Once the trip started, we all rolled our eyes at the first person that had to make us pull off and stop. Classic family fun! There is a ton of family fun to be had in the body of Christ on this road trip of life as well. If we help each other out, we can have a much smoother ride. Some people like to travel solo, smile at those who drive by, and act as though all is well but the reality is, they have a lot of junk in the trunk that is slowing them down in their Christian walk, and they need some help out of their mess. Do it: Application Since I was a teenager, I have made sure that there was always a godly, Christian friend in my life who I could go to for encouragement and accountability. If you do not have someone like this in your life, then it’s time to get into a life group or bible study in order to form some solid relationships. Life is too short to cut this corner; it is imperative that we stay in fellowship with our fellow believers. We are running the race that is set before us-together! And together we can throw off our encumbrances and run this race successfully!
Notes:
Day #21 Finishing Strong Chapter: Hebrews 12
Key Verse(s): Hebrews 12:12-13 (NLT) “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” 12
Hear it: Revelation The first 13 scriptures of this passage deal with the discipline and refining of God. It’s speaking of the weight that holds us back and letting go of the extra baggage. The sin that so easily entangles us and trips us up, also holds us down and keeps us from finishing the race set before us. It speaks of God, and how He disciplines His children. Our journey with Christ is not always an easy one, we endure and suffer through hard times. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, the initiator and finisher of our faith, if we think on what Jesus endured and suffered through on His way to the cross, then by His strength and power, being strong in our weakness we can overcome. Verses 12 & 13 say: “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” The second half of this chapter is a call to listen, to hear, what God is speaking to us. Verses 14-21 paints a picture of who God was, before Christ came as Savior. When the Israelites encountered the God of Moses in the wilderness, there was no mediator for them. Today, we would have had the same tough road as they encountered in the wilderness that was full of “flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind.”, if it were not for our mediator, Jesus. In verse 24, the Lord speaks and says; “You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of
forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel�. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. Jesus, who paved the way for us, has given us an immeasurable blessing. See it: Illustration I watch the reality show, The Biggest Loser every chance I can. The show centers on overweight contestants competing to lose the most weight. I am most inspired by the final test the contestants must endure. The slimmed-down finalist must carry, on their back, all the weight they lost in 12 weeks. When we run the race that is set before us in our own strength, it is like we pick up all that excess weight and become bogged down and defeated. As God refines and disciplines us, at every new section of our race, we can drop some of that weight as we realize that in our weakness, God’s power is made perfect. Therefore, we can run faster to the prize that God has for us. Do it: Application No matter where you are in your own journey with Christ, pray that God would help you shed some of that extra weight. Ask Him what those things are in your life to remove, that extra weight, so you can finish strong on the road that God has set before you.
Notes:
Notes:
Notes:
Notes:
Notes: