5/18/2021 0 Comments ListenDo we truly listen? That is a great question. The first chapter of Proverbs talks about wisdom, and how we need to listen to God. We are good at trying to follow our own way, fill our lives with things that we think will satisfy us. The truth is the only thing that will satisfy is Christ’s love and plan for our life. We must be careful to listen to God and follow His plan for our life. As it says in verse 33, “Whoever listens to me will live securely and will be at ease from the dread of the evil one.”
Questions for further thought: 1. Do you take time to listen to God each day? 2. With what things do you try to fill your life with? Challenge: Make time each day to spend time in God’s word and learn what God’s plan is for your life.
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5/17/2021 0 Comments TempleWe have been bought for a price. That price was God sending His son to the cross for our sins. Knowing that our bodies are a temple, what we do with them is an example of our faith. In everything we do, we can show that we are aware of this. We must be careful to be humble, but at the same time we must make decisions that show others that God is in charge of what we do. Careful not to be vain, but walking in a way that shows how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is evident in our life.
Questions for further thought: 1. What is evident in your life, because of your faith in Christ? 2. Why do we have to act different, knowing that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit?” Challenge: Make changes in your life to show that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 5/14/2021 0 Comments God Provides a WayJesus went to the cross to pay for our sin. His death has set us free from the bondage of sin. We must stand firm, make a commitment to move away from the addiction / slavery of whatever has a hold on us. God promises he is faithful and is there to help us. He is only a prayer away. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle, so we can stand up to the temptation. God is on our side. He is the answer to how we can be successful this time. He will show us the way out.
Questions for further thought: 1.Have you miraculously escaped a temptation? Explain. 2. From what do you need freedom? Challenge: Pray, calling upon God’s strength to help you identify what is holding you captive. Share this with someone today. 5/13/2021 0 Comments Anything is Possible with GodFor anyone who has struggled with an addiction, whether it is your phone, video games, Netflix / Disney +, food, drugs, medication, alcohol, sports, or relationships can feel impossible to walk away. That struggle is between sinful natures desires and the Holy Spirit. They conflict with one another, and it can feel like a real battle of wanting to do what is right and not being able to. So, what can we do? We must use weapons not of this world- but weapons that have divine power to destroy things that are holding us hostage. Use of these weapons allows us to take captive those internal struggles and make them obedient to Christ.
Questions for further thought: 1. Did any of those items listed above make you feel like a prisoner? 2. Do you find comfort or hope in either of these verses? Challenge: Read the verses. Insert your name and the item holding you prisoner. You can do this anytime. 5/12/2021 0 Comments Bring in the LightSometimes internal injuries or hurts cannot begin to heal until they are brought out into the open. There once was a young man who knew a big secret about a family member. He was asked to keep that secret. He did and then prayed for God to heal that secret sin. That healing did not happen until that sin was revealed. Bringing the secret into the light provided the opportunity for others to join in the prayer and helping the healing begin. There is no guarantee of a miraculous healing, but it could at least begin.
Questions for further thought: 1. Do you know of something that needs to be brought out into the open? 2. Is there someone you can talk to? Challenge: Is there a first step you can take to bring light to a situation that needs healing? 5/11/2021 0 Comments Addiction Is IdolatryIs there anything in your life that is causing problem with your finances, your job, your relationships, or the law? A yes answer may cause you to consider you may have an issue with an addiction. Many things in moderation or done occasionally may be perfectly harmless. Those things are permissible or OK. When something begins to take over our time, our finances or impacts our judgement we may have crossed a line. That thing may be controlling us.
Questions for further thought: 1. Which item did you answer yes to? Finances, work, relationships, or the law? 2.Have you considered the possibility of addiction? Challenge: You may want to discuss your answers to the above questions with a trusted friend or family member. 5/10/2021 0 Comments Man-Made IdolsIn the Old Testament we saw places where people formed idols. Isaiah tells us of idols made from cedar. The Israelites left captivity in Egypt and were led out of slavery by Moses.
While they became impatient waiting for Moses to come down the mountain after meeting with God, the people formed a golden calf out of their jewelry and worshipped it instead of God. The Jeremiah scripture identifies the worship of idols as disobedience to God. It is important enough to be one of the 10 Commandments given to us by God. We are not to make an idol or worship it. These days we may not form our own idol, but we may very well purchase one. Questions for further thought: 1. Do you have things in your life that take time away from other important things? 2. Could those things be seen by others as an addiction? Challenge: Do an inventory of how you spend your time today. Notice any patterns? 5/7/2021 0 Comments Bad Corrupts GoodPastor Doug has said, “show me who your friends are and I will show you the way your life is going”. How accurate this statement is! Surround myself with ungodly people, and that is who I will become. Bad company corrupts good character. Misery loves company.
Questions for further thought: 1. What kind of people am I surrounding myself with? 2. What changes do I need to make regarding the company I keep? Challenge: Tell somebody about Jesus. You can evangelize in your own family. 5/6/2021 0 Comments A God Who GivesChrist held back nothing when He died for me on the cross. Because giving is inherent in His nature, He searches for people who are able to receive in full measure. To increase my intimacy with Him, the two traits I need the most are receptivity and attentiveness. Receptivity is opening up my innermost being to be filled with His abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing my gaze to Him, searching for Him in all of my moments.
Questions for further thought: 1. Where have I been overlooking Christ? 2. How can I be receptive to Christ’s calling? Challenge: Spend time alone with Christ. Revisit the plan you should have created yesterday. 5/5/2021 0 Comments Be Still in My PresenceNothing is as important as spending time with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He does His best work in me when I wait in His presence. He transforms me by renewing my mind. If I skimp on my time with Him, I will be at great risk of plunging headlong into the wrong activities and way of thinking.
Questions for further thought: 1. Am I spending enough time with Christ? Is He at the center of my life? How can I fix that? 2. What idols are taking priority over Christ in my life? Challenge: Create a plan for yourself so that you are in the Word at least 4 times a week. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
May 2024
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