6/16/2022 0 Comments Search MeDavid asked God to search his heart for sin and point it out, even to the level of testing his thoughts. This is exploratory surgery for sin. How are we to recognize sin unless God is merciful to point it out? Then when He shows us, we can repent and be forgiven. Make this verse your prayer asking God to search your heart and to lead you in the “way everlasting”.
Questions for further thought: 1. Where are you most defensive? What don’t you want others to know? 2. What do you tend to criticize in others? Challenge: Pray this with boldness and power. Father, You are the ultimate example of integrity. No matter what happens, Your behavior matches Your thoughts and heart. Your words and actions are trustworthy, true, and in line with each other. Help us to follow Your example and show the sort of integrity that will shock the world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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6/15/2022 0 Comments HypocriteHypocrisy is the opposite of integrity. Hypocrisy causes confusion, strife, and misunderstanding. The Pharisees were experts in this practice. Their pride would not allow them to truly understand the depth of their depravity as they were blinded by their “self” righteousness.
Questions for further thought: 1. Is there an area in your life where your behavior doesn’t always match up with your beliefs? 2. How has that difference affected you and others? Challenge: Beware of the tendency to point the finger at the Pharisees as the poster boys of hypocrisy. If you have been dealing with hypocrisy in some area of your life, this is an opportunity to acknowledge it, confess it, and let God empower you to repent of it. 6/14/2022 0 Comments IntegrityReputation is who others think you are. Integrity is who you really are, especially when no one is watching. When people are watching we all put our best foot forward to maximize how others see us. Have you ever done something just because you thought others might see it and give you a pat on the back? If you have, you’re not alone.
Questions for further thought: 1. Who is most integrity-filled person you know? Why? 2. Is there a way to thank that person and thank God for the privilege of knowing this person? Challenge: Think about your answer to question #1. Describe that person to someone you know and find something to emulate going forward. 6/13/2022 0 Comments SolidIntegrity is when your behavior matches your belief. In most situations in life we are making judgments and taking actions based on our beliefs. Beliefs inform thinking which ultimately informs actions. So, what do you believe?
Questions for further thought: 1. Think of a time in which you were shocked by someone who had integrity. What happened? 2. When you think about the integrity definition above, how will it affect the way you think about and show integrity in the future? Challenge: Commit to showing integrity in your life in some form this week. 6/10/2022 0 Comments Honor Each OtherThese passages are jam-packed full of encouraging advice for how to honor others, especially those we live amongst such as family, friends, and neighbors. Paul goes so far as to say we should “take delight in honoring each other.” In the culture of the world, people seem to take delight in tearing others down, getting revenge for past mistakes, and perpetuating an “us verses them” mentality. As Christians, our lives should be flavored with genuine love and a desire to live peacefully.
Questions for further thought: 1. How do you usually respond when someone treats you poorly? 2. Who can you lift up in honor today? Challenge: Actively seek opportunities to honor those around you. Start with your closest family and friends and move outward to people you encounter at work, school, or other activities. Remember that being loving toward others is ultimately a sign of honoring the Lord! 6/9/2022 0 Comments Honor Your Spiritual LeadersHonoring our pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, and mentors means respecting the responsibility they have taken on and the work they do for the church. We don’t want to put them on a pedestal or think them infallible, but we do want to always believe the best about them. They honor God with their service, so we should be thankful for them, forgiving of faults, and encouraging of their efforts.
Questions for further thought: 1. When is the last time you thanked one of your spiritual leaders? How could you honor them with your gratitude? 2. When you hear something negative about a church leader, do you immediately assume the worst? How can you change that reaction? Challenge: Find a way to honor your spiritual leaders in the next few weeks. Get creative or keep it simple, just develop a plan and act on it. We don’t have to wait until October to show our appreciation! 6/8/2022 0 Comments Honor Those in AuthorityUnfortunately, many Christians in the U.S. today struggle with the practice of honoring government authorities they don’t like. Remember that respect and honor don’t require agreeing with their policies or behavior. In our polarized political environment, it is difficult to speak respectfully about authorities we disagree with, but we must. As followers of Christ, we are to be set apart – different than the often disrespectful world.
Questions for further thought: 1. What person or group in authority do you have a particularly hard time honoring? 2. What can you do to change your perspective to one of respect for the position God has placed them in? Challenge: Broaden the variety of news media you consume. Review your social media posts and ask yourself if they are respectful. Let every word you say (or post) about those in authority be honoring to them and to God. 6/7/2022 0 Comments Honor Your ParentsThe fifth commandment tells us to “Honor you father and mother,” so it’s obvious God considers this a priority. Jesus reemphasizes this when he chastises the religious leaders of Israel for twisting the interpretation to satisfy their traditions. Notice the command does not say to honor them only if they are good parents. This honor is to be unconditional and even includes a promise for those who obey the command.
Questions for further thought: 1. What can you do to actively honor your parents? 2. Where do you need to seek forgiveness for dishonoring your parents? Challenge: If your relationship with your parents is/was strained or nonexistent, you might have some work to do to be able to honor them. Remember that God desires your heart to be pure (your thoughts, desires, perspectives) so that your relationship with Him is not hindered. For starters, try honestly praying for God’s blessings on your parents. See if over time your feelings change, and you can truly honor your father and mother. For more help, check out the book The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents by Dennis Rainey. The Lord has always asked us to give our best and “first fruits” back to Him. One way to honor God is to use the money and possessions He has blessed us with to bless others. Helping the poor, widows, orphans, and anyone else in need is a type of worship that truly pleases Him. Even simple hospitality offered to neighbors, family, and friends is a great way to honor the Lord with our possessions. Remember that all of it belongs to Him anyway!
Questions for further thought: 1. How can you shift your perspective on who “owns” your possessions? 2. What is God prompting to you to give away to honor Him? Challenge: The next time you feel a pull in your spirit to give, don’t hold tightly to what God is asking for. Instead say, “yes” and experience the joy of honoring your Heavenly Father with a small piece of what He has given you! 6/3/2022 0 Comments Benefits of Keeping God FirstWhen we decide to serve God and live our lives for Him, He promises to bless us and make us prosper. Your joy and peace will increase. He doesn’t expect you to be able to live for Him in your own strength or ability. If you mess up, keep going. God will give you grace to do what you need to do.
Questions for further thought: 1. Do things in your life change when you are keeping God a priority? 2. Do you think your actual circumstances change or is it possibly your point of view about the situations that change when you are keeping God first in all you do? Challenge: Read Psalm 63:1 |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
April 2024
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