Rain
“Rain, rain go away come again another day”. I’d say most of us have heard or even sang those lyrics at some point in our lives. During a recent rain shower, that was pretty much my attitude, “rain go away!” I started to complain, “ugh rain!” or something to that effect and while I was in the middle of complaining, I had a nudge from the Holy Spirit, reminding me of the adage “April showers bring May flowers” and to be thankful for the rain. Would you laugh if I told you I’ve recently asked for rain? My husband and I put out two hundred pounds of grass seed and fertilizer. Not to mention planted a variety of flowers. All of which need rain. I enjoy flowers immensely. The different colors, shapes, smells, each bloom being beautiful and unique. I look at them as little treasures. And yet will still complain sometimes when I need to water them throughout the season, wishing ironically, it would rain. Let’s think about what rain does. It cleanses. It nourishes. It helps flowers bloom. It helps crops grow. It relieves drought. And much more… The Bible speaks of rain in various scriptures to help remind us, to not only be thankful for rain but to show us tangible ways rain is needed. Hebrews 6:7 “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God.” Isaiah 55:10 “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,” Zechariah 10:1 “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” Psalm 147:8 “Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.” Did certain words jump off the page for you like they did me? “Who provides?” “Bud, flourish?” What about Zechariah 10:1 when it says to ask the Lord for rain? Remember the adage mentioned, ‘April showers bring May flowers?’ The rain helps nourish the soil so the flowers bloom. The same way a rainy season may cleanse our hearts and help us let go of unforgiveness or when we sit silently for a moment, listening to the rainfall and hear the voice of God, or when the rainy season starts to clear and we see the same situation with a fresh perspective. When we find ourselves in a season of rain, let’s be encouraged that those seasons help us grow. Now, there’s the crux in the rainy season. It’s up to us what our attitude is while we’re waiting for the beauty of the bloom. We can complain about the rain or make the decision to keep an attitude of praise, knowing that God is intentional with every raindrop and that our bloom won’t happen without it. No rain, no flowers. Lord, I praise You for the rain and thank you for all it provides. When I find myself in a rainy season may I trust that there is a purpose. You alone create the beauty of the bloom within our hearts and lives, and it is worth it. Hallelujah grace like rain! May this be a constant praise of my mouth and heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen This week’s playlist: Grace Like Rain Todd Agnew Fresh Chance River Valley Worship Clean Natalie Grant
Faith: What Is It, Really?
Faith. That word is tossed around a lot. We are told to “have faith,” “take a leap of faith,” and that “faith is blind.” Some people think that faith is simply believing in someone or something. That is true, but faith is so much more than that. So what is faith, really? Faith is difficult to fully capture in human language. Faith is supernatural. Only faith can explain faith. When you have faith, you know that you know that you know. Clear as mud, right? The writer of Hebrews, moved by the Holy Spirit, described faith like this: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV To better understand this verse, let’s break it down by looking at the words in their original language, Greek. Faith Faith is the Greek word “pistis” and means confident trust. The root word of faith is peithô, which means to persuade, to be persuaded, to come to trust. Assurance Assurance is the Greek word “hupostasis” and can mean a foundation on which you can be assured of something, a guarantee of a promise. Hope Hope is the Greek word “elpis” and means actively waiting for the fulfillment of a promise or expectation. Conviction Conviction is the Greek word “elegchos” and means proof that persuades and brings confidence that you will receive the things you hope for. From these root meanings, we can conclude two things about faith: Faith gives confidence in God’s promises; and Faith persuades us and gives us confidence, allowing us to live with confidence in realities we cannot yet see. I like how the International Standard Version puts it: “Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.” ISV Faith is Not Blind Believing without seeing is challenging, especially in a culture where people are conditioned to believe that if you can’t see it, touch it, taste it, or hear it, you can’t be sure it exists. They think faith is foolish and leads people to believe in things that are unreasonable or don’t exist. They say faith is blind. But that’s not the case. Recently, I heard an analogy that helped explain what faith is and is not: Imagine the following: A stranger, or at least someone you have no reason to trust, takes you to a swimming pool blindfolded. This person leads you into the pool area to the high dive ladder and tells you to climb up. You climb up. Then they ask you to “have faith” and take a leap off the high dive. If you jump, that is not faith; that is downright foolishness. Why? Because you have no idea what you are leaping into – maybe there is, maybe there isn’t water in the pool, you just don’t know. You have no foundation for trusting that there is water in the pool. BUT, if someone you trust, someone you know and can rely on, tells you there is water in the pool, leads you to the high dive ladder, tells you to climb up and jump, and you do, that is faith. Although you can’t see the water, you don’t have to wonder whether there is water; you are certain of it. You have a foundation for trusting that there is water in the pool. You have the word of the person you trust, know, and rely on. You jumped because you knew there was water in the pool. This is faith. Faith is not irrational; it is grounded in the character and promises of God. It is not blind or just a shot in the dark. Faith is not trusting in something uncertain or unreliable simply because it cannot be seen. Faith Comes from Hearing Ok, we have established that faith is based on knowledge, but where do we get this knowledge that helps us have faith? The Apostle Paul in Romans 10:17 tells us that “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Faith comes through God’s Word! Faith has a foundation, and that is the WORD OF GOD. The more we hear or read His Word, the more we have faith in the author, God HIMSELF! God’s Word is filled with His promises, including the promises God made to Abraham, whom we call the “Father of Faith.” ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD Faith is not just believing in God but believing God. Abraham believed God. Believing means trusting in, relying on, and having faith in someone or something. Oh, how Abraham trusted in, relied on, and had faith in God. He was one of the heroes of faith that “won God’s approval” through his faith. Hebrews 11:2 HCSB Most of us have heard the story about Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22). This story is difficult, no doubt. But as you read it, remember that before God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Abraham had walked with God for a long time. Through smaller tests, God had stretched and grown Abraham’s faith. Sometimes Abraham’s faith failed, and he made a mess of things. He was human just like you and me. The writer of Hebrews describes Abraham’s act of faith like this: “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac even though God had told him ‘Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Hebrews 11:17-18 Abraham offered up his son as a sacrifice. Many people think Abraham acted foolishly, that his faith was blind, causing him to believe something he couldn’t be sure of. They think Abraham blindly leaped off that high dive without having any way of knowing there was water. They are wrong. Hebrews 11:19 says this about Abraham’s decision to offer Isaac as a sacrifice: “Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life
Promises: God the Ultimate Promise Maker & Keeper
When my kids were little, I used to say “pinky promise” to them as a way of noting I was sincere and serious in making the promise. I spoke to my now-adult son and asked him if he remembered this gesture and what it meant to him when I did it. He said, “I knew you were serious and would keep your promise.” Have you ever found yourself wanting a “pinky promise” from God? That little extra assurance that He means his promises and will keep them. Sometimes we desire this despite his perfect record of promise-keeping. Let’s look at just a few examples in God’s track record, starting with the Old Testament. God promised to bless Abraham and, through his descendants, the whole world (Genesis 12:2–3). This promise, called the Abrahamic Covenant, pointed to the coming Messiah for whom Abraham looked (John 8:56). God promised that if we search for Him we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). God promised that His love will never fail (1 Chronicles 16:34). He is faithful in every way. The New Testament continues to highlight God’s perfect record in promise-keeping. God promised to finish the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). God does nothing in half measures. He started the work in us, and He will be sure to complete it. God promised new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) God promised peace when we pray (Philippians 4:6–7) These are just a small measure of the hundreds of promises God makes and keeps. I’m thankful for how my son remembers the pinky promise gesture and what it meant to him at the time. I wish I could say with absolute certainty that I had a perfect promise-keeping track record with him and his sister, but truthfully, that’s not the case. That’s the beauty and comfort of God being the ultimate Promise Keeper because it’s in part how we know He is faithful and trustworthy and has no need to “pinky promise” because he has a flawless record, we know God is sincere and serious with all his promises. Lord, thank you for being the ultimate promise maker and keeper. May the words of my mouth and beat of my heart be to praise You for every promise you have given and kept. Help me be a promise keeper like you. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. This week’s playlist- Kim Walker-Smith – Hurry (Official Live Video) – YouTube Reason To Praise (Lyric Video) – Cory Asbury feat. Naomi Raine – YouTube Your Love Never Fails – Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture – Jesus Culture Music – YouTube
How to Find Strength In God When You Feel Like Quitting
“Who is doing this—you or Me? ~God” That’s the question I read recently, and it was interesting timing considering within a week’s time the messages “don’t give up” and “keep praying” came up. Especially, because it can feel deflating and wearisome when we keep praying for the same thing and don’t see results. Does a conversation like this ever happen with you? “Lord, I’m wore out. I can’t do this anymore, please give me strength, …” I know I’ve had that exact conversation. And in a fallen world where the list is entirely too long of things that may impact how weak and wore out we feel it’s not surprising. I’ve noted just a few. Conflict with family Healing for loved ones Toxic workplace Children that are lost Broken marriage A miscarriage The circumstances life brings is one reason it is important we know the answer to the question above “Who is doing this- you or Me?” With that question in mind, I started a journey of revisiting scriptures on God’s promises, and His strength. “The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5 “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 “My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 Judges 7 is a wonderful story of strength. If you’re not familiar with the details the summary is, it’s a story of Gideon, thru Christ, defeating the Midianites. It also cautions us about thinking that we can do everything in our own strength. But the deeper, richer story here is one of battle, knowing who truly had the strength to defeat the enemy, how Gideon trusted God in crazy circumstances, and ultimately that God deserved the glory. Here’s an excerpt from my bible that helps paint the picture. “Facing overwhelming odds, Gideon was afraid. God understood his fear but didn’t excuse Gideon from his task. Instead, he allowed Gideon to slip into the enemy camp and overhear a conversation that would give him courage. God can give you the strength you need for any situation. And don’t be startled by the way he helps you. Like Gideon, you must listen to God and be ready to take the first step. After you begin to obey God you will find the courage to move ahead.” When we start to think we can do things in our strength it can be dangerous, and we can begin to become self-sufficient instead of God reliant. We weren’t designed to do things in our strength. Look at the definition for strength and it becomes even more evident that as humans we would feel weary or worn out. Strength: firmness; solidity or toughness; power or vigor of any kind; capacity for exertion or endurance All of us feel weak and tired at some point, that’s one reason we place our hope in the Lord and his promise that he doesn’t ever do either of those things. He never gets tired. He never gets weary. And a scripture from Isaiah points us to this unshakeable truth of where our true strength comes from. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28-29 Abba, praise your Holy Name! You are the ultimate promise keeper, it brings comfort that when we feel weary and weak, we can find hope in Your word that you will give us strength. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen This week’s playlist Michael W. Smith – Surrounded (Fight My Battles) – YouTube You Keep On Getting Better Lyrics – Maverick City Music – YouTube Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs (Lyrics) – YouTube
Thank You
Today’s devotional is relatively short but written with heartfelt thanks and hopefully still serves as a valuable takeaway for those of you reading it. The definition of thanks shows a deeper meaning than when we typically use the word in today’s culture. To show thanks means “kindly or grateful thoughts; and expression of gratitude.” Today is Good Friday, for Christ-followers it should be a day of reflection, a humble reminder of God’s mercy, and a day of thanks. Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified. It’s on this day in the moments before he took his last earthly breath, John 19:30 tells us Jesus’ final words from the cross“…it is finished, then bowed his head and released his spirit”. What is finished exactly? The sacrifice for our sins. That is something we should be abundantly thankful for especially when we consider what happened on Sunday. What happened on Sunday? Jesus rose from the dead showing hope lives and salvation is offered through the surrendering of our free will and choosing his good and perfect will! These days should be full of thanks for God’s abundant grace, the gift of salvation, His love, and the hope that is alive. “It is finished, Jesus is risen!” Hallelujah!! Thank you, Lord! There is a song by Sarah Hart Pearsons titled, “It is Finished”, it is one of my very favorites. The lyrics are a heartfelt thanks for the gift we’ve been given and have the choice to choose it. In response I say, “Thank You, I receive”This is sweet salvation, this is sweet salvationI believe because You said itBut I trust because I know YouIt is finished, it is doneYou have risen, I have wonIt is finished, it is doneNow I’m singing hallelujah Father, thank you for such a precious gift. May my heart and actions reflect what these days mean, my love for you, and how thankful I am. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. This week’s playlist: Sarah Hart Pearsons—It Is Finished – YouTube Carrie Underwood – I Surrender All (Lyrics) – YouTube Vertical Worship – “This We Know” (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Liar, Liar: Extinguishing the Lies of Satan
“Don’t let one lie spoil a thousand truths.” ~unknown When I read that, it struck a chord with me. Any of these lies sound familiar? That healing will never come. They always… They never… That relationship is too broken. I’m alone. No one understands. I’m not good enough. The list of lies Satan uses is extensive. He is a liar. Period, no wiggle room because scripture tells us so in John 8:44. And one day quite literally his pants will catch fire. Well, maybe not his pants, but you get the idea. Ok, back to the point. The enemy of our souls, he thrives when we start to believe the lie. He likes to use the same hurts and old triggers to start us down a slippery slope of believing the lie. He isn’t picky, he’ll use the one that strikes us, the one that causes discomfort, pain, or doubt. That’s the one he’ll keep coming at. In his limited abilities and limited creativity, he may use a slightly tweaked version, a different person, a new hurt that feels like an old one, a circumstance that feeds the word “always/never.” But God, He is unlimited in his ability and creativity. That’s the truth we each need to stand on… We need to remember what God has already healed, in body, heart, or spirit. Praise Him for the relationship already restored and blossoming. Believe we are called His, we are enough and never alone. He is always there for us but in His unlimited wisdom gave us family and friends to share life with. Understand that “always” and “never” are strong words when it comes to imperfect and flawed humans because each one of us needs God’s grace, daily. Pause for just a moment and look at this image. For the most part, they look the same; however, if you really looked, you may have noticed one is slightly different. The image on the right is courser, not as refined as the one on the left. However, here’s the full picture and a reminder that our God is always a truth-teller. It’s up to us not to trust everything we see or feel. Even sugar looks like salt sometimes. Or as a friend recently said to me, “Shahla, your feelings are real, but that doesn’t make them reality.” So, what lie do you need to stop in its tracks? What one lie are you allowing to destroy a thousand truths? Let’s allow the truth to push back the lie. That’s where the enemy loses, that’s where victory is found. “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50 “Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together.” Ephesians 2:4-5 Oh Jesus, thank you for being unlimited in power, grace, and mercy. Thank you for being the ultimate truth-teller. Lord, for any lie being believed or any crack the enemy is trying to sneak into, may Your word make him flee, may the salt you offer and call us to be make the enemy shrivel as we stand firm and hold tightly to Your truth. Help give us discernment to recognize lies, to see clearly the liar the enemy is, and know the difference between the enemy’s course false sugar and Your refined truth giving salt. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. This weeks playlist:https://www.youtube.com/embed/XE2NAzqSDPQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent Haven’t Seen It Yet Danny Gokeyhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/NT2SPCP-PZ4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent See A Victory Caleb and Kelsey Cover (Elevation Worship)https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2XtRuPfaAU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent Raise A Hallelujah Bethel