3/17/2021 0 Comments Choosing PainSin separates us from God. It’s not that God stops loving us – God’s very essence is love. C.S. Lewis thought of Hell as a permanent separation from God; certainly David felt tortured and sapped of strength when he dwelled in his guilt. If the circumstances had been caused by some external force, he might have still been in pain, like Job – but knowing that his choices were responsible for the situation made it so much worse.
Questions for further thought: 1. Have you ever been overcome with guilt because of a choice you made? 2. Why is it that we still can be so consumed with guilt, even knowing that Christ died for our sins? Challenge: If you currently feel like a sin, big or small, is causing a separation between you and God, focus on Jesus; His forgiveness, if we seek it, covers all sins.
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3/16/2021 0 Comments Choosing SelfThe story of David’s relationship with Bathsheba is simply shocking. He sleeps with another man’s wife; when she gets pregnant, he attempts to trick Uriah into sleeping with her to cover it up. Finally, David successfully plots to strand Uriah on the battlefield in a conspiracy to murder him. Each of these choices would have been avoidable; each time David chose his own pleasure and convenience over God’s will. This wilderness is of his own making.
Questions for further thought: 1. How would you react if you heard of a politician committing such acts today? Are they forgivable? 2. Have you ever committed a sin that you felt was unforgivable? Challenge: Remember a time when you were in the wilderness – and you knew that it was your own choices that led you there. How did you escape from that wilderness? 3/15/2021 0 Comments Choosing GodDavid spent a lot of time in the wilderness early in his life, whether tending sheep or running from Saul. When he was in danger, he continuously turned toward God, depending on His strength to defeat wild beasts, slay Goliath, and elude the king’s wrath. He chose wisely.
Questions for further thought: 1. Think of a time in your life when you chose to follow God’s will; what were the circumstances? 2. Are we more likely to choose God in times of high stress, when we have no other options? Challenge: Think of the Goliaths in your life; instead of stressing out about them, make a conscious effort to hand the whole issue over to God. 3/12/2021 0 Comments Fear Not!Fear and doubt are common human emotions when we go through difficult experiences in our lives. In this passage we are called to draw on His strength and power to overcome these feelings and emotions. It is true if we apply the instructions in these verses our lives won't necessarily be easier, but we will experience much more peace and composure in hard times. Fear and doubt have the ability to paralyze us and do not allow us to positively affect those around us. God wants to comfort us so we can show His love to others.
Questions for further thought: 1. What are items or events in your life that create fear or doubt? 2. What are you doing to prevent fear and doubt from affecting you in a negative way? Challenge: Having a support system of fellow Christians is very important when the inevitable storms of life hit. Someone you can lean on and count on during struggles is invaluable to keep fear and doubt in check. If you don't have this in your life, take steps to get into a small group where you can connect with other believers. 3/11/2021 0 Comments Will He Really ProvideGod promises to provide for His people, and He will always give us the things that we really need. I have personally witnessed this hold true in my own life as well as the lives of others. However, when the storms of life are raging it is easy to allow doubt to enter into our thoughts. It seems there is no solution or the problem is just too big to overcome. Too often we forget He made everything, including our money and our ability and talents that make it possible to earn it.
Questions for further thought: 1. What are you struggling with right now? 2. What are the steps you need to take to allow God to intercede and help you with this struggle? Challenge: Faith is important and necessary when overcoming doubt in our lives. God understands our struggles with doubt and wants to help us, but we need to be honest with Him and talk with him about our doubts and seek others around us for help. Here at Hillcrest we have Pastors and Elders who would love you come along side you and help you with anything you are struggling with. All you need to do is ask, so what are you waiting for? 3/10/2021 0 Comments Trials Will ComeWe are not promised a trouble-free life when we choose to follow Christ. As a matter of fact, we learn in this passage that we will have many trials and sorrows, at times possibly more than if we were living as this world would have us live. The important thing to remember is God has already overcome everything we face in this world, nothing surprises Him. We must come to Him in humbleness and faith that He can get us through anything we experience here on this earth.
Questions for further thought: 1. What is a trial or problem you are facing right now? 2. Have you turned it over to Him or are you trying to carry it yourself? Challenge: No matter what kind of issue or problem you are experiencing God wants to take that burden from you. There is no shame in admitting you need His help, and the help of others. I challenge you to seek out a trusted believer and share with them your struggle, ask for prayer and let someone walk with you through this, you don't have to do it alone! 3/9/2021 0 Comments Today's StrugglesWe have all experienced struggling in one way or another the past year with COVID affecting our daily lives. Hopefully you have stayed heathy during this time, many have not or their family members have been affected by it. In this passage we are reminded that we will suffer or struggle a little while, but God as the ultimate healer will release, restore and strengthen us as believers.
Questions for further thought: 1. In what ways have you been affected by the events of the past year? 2. How have you witnessed God working, restoring or strengthening you or believers around you? Challenge: The past year has been an experience like no other from recent memory. Everyone staying home from normal activities, not able to get together with loved ones, activities and special events cancelled or postponed. At a time like this we need to lean on each other but more importantly on our Heavenly Father who is always with us...no 6 ft distance required! 3/8/2021 0 Comments Highs and LowsThis is a story we know well, Joseph starts out as a slave, then he has power, responsibility and the trust of the king. In the blink of an eye, he is in prison falsely accused and he has a decision to make. No one would fault him for getting depressed, being bitter and feeling sorry for himself. Joseph sees opportunity instead of what most of us would see, despair and hardship yet again.
Questions for further thought: 1. What struggles have you experienced that seemed hopeless at the time? 2. How did God use the experience for his plans? Challenge: When struggles or challenges arise it is easy to get negative and not look for opportunities for God to work. When struggles and pain come, we need to ask God to open our eyes to what he is teaching us or how good can come from it. 3/5/2021 0 Comments My SalvationIn this passage, David is confident that God will deliver him from his enemies. There is no fear or worry. He knows that God will take care of him and see him through it all. This is the faith God asks all of us to have in Him and His plans for us.
Questions for further thought: 1. How confident are you in God’s plan for your life? 2. What is God asking you to do to help further His plan? Challenge: Be confident in what God has planned and take the action He is asking you to take this day. 3/4/2021 0 Comments To PersevereIn this passage, we are reminded to persevere in times of troubles. We must remember that God’s timing is not our timing. Perseverance requires patience along with prayer and reliance on God’s promises in the Bible. When we persevere, God will bless and deliver us.
Questions for further thought: 1. When have you had to persevere in the past? 2. What helped you persevere at that time? Challenge: While waiting for our blessing, we need to be a blessing to others. Find a need to be met and meet it. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
April 2024
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