11/16/2020 0 Comments Fighting TemptationOften, we’re tempted to do what we know, intrinsically, is wrong. We do forget, though, that temptation by itself is not sinful; giving into it is. One thing that helps is to feed the good things, and to starve those things that lead us into those temptations in the first place. The Bible tells us which are which.
Questions for further thought: 1. What, then, are the things that lead us (you) into temptation? Are you feeding them, even inadvertently? 2. What are some good things that you could fill your mind and heart with instead? What things has God been placing on your heart to think about, or to act on, instead of the previous? Challenge: It’s a truth that “what you feed in your life will grow, and what you starve will die.” Pray to the Lord that He will show you those things that you should be feeding, and starving. Temptations come, but they need not rule us. Pray to the Lord that He will show you the things of His that should, and then think and act on those instead.
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11/13/2020 0 Comments Light is the Cure for HeavyAs we know from experience, all the things we’ve touched on—letting go of the past, dealing with current troubles and minimizing future worries—are challenging to accomplish. The most effective solution is a lifelong pursuit—doing everything we can to increase and maintain our focus on Jesus, the light of the world. He has the power to rewire our minds and transform our thinking.
Questions for further thought: 1. What do you do to maintain a daily focus on God? 2. Last week, Pastor Doug challenged us to be still before God for 2 minutes. How is that going? Challenge: Mindset has almost become a buzz word in our culture today. What do you think about mindset? Do you believe if you think positively you will act positively? Or vice versa? I cannot think of a more positive influence than Jesus. Let your heart, mind, and soul focus on Him today through study, music, prayer, kind deeds, and positive thinking. 11/12/2020 0 Comments You Can't control TomorrowA recent Penn State study sought to measure how many things that people worried about actually happened. They found a whopping 91 percent of worries were false alarms. Of the remaining 9 percent of worries that did come true, the outcome was better than expected about a third of the time. God is in control, and His advice not to worry about tomorrow not only unburdens the soul, but is apparently scientifically sound.
Questions for further thought: 1. We’ve all found ourselves worrying about tomorrow at times. What circumstances tend to cause you to worry? 2. When you find that worry is weighing you down, how do you deal with it? Challenge: Worry is a funny thing. It steals our time, money, thoughts, joy, and gets us nowhere! What if today each time a worry comes to your mind, you pray over it and move forward? Give it a try! 11/11/2020 0 Comments Defeating the Daily GrindHow many times have we said, “As soon as I get through _______, things will be a lot better.” Sometimes, that’s even true…briefly. Jesus spoke to His disciples directly about the troubles they would face. Those words prove true for us, too. Equally true is His assurance that He has overcome the world. Thanks to His power at work within us, we have the same ability to deal with our daily troubles.
Questions for further thought: 1. Knowing that you will face challenges most days, how do you prepare yourself each morning? 2. What are the worries that are weighing you down right now? Challenge: What is heavy for one may be light for another. Have you ever thought about that? I mean, I know we all say, “It could be worse,” but what we are thinking is, “This is the worst.” Today I challenge you to encourage someone who really has it worse. You will feel lighter. 11/10/2020 0 Comments The Past Is Just ThatWe can change the present and impact the future through our actions, but the past is beyond our reach. Yet many of us struggle with the hurts, missed opportunities and sins of the past. When we struggle to forgive ourselves, it’s critically important to remember the depth of Jesus’ love for us and His promises of God’s forgiveness. If Jesus and the Father choose not to dwell on our past, we should extend that same grace to ourselves.
Questions for further thought: 1. What past issues continue to weigh you down and shape how you see yourself? 2. What is keeping you from accepting God’s forgiveness and letting those issues go? Challenge: Today I put a roast in the crockpot so that dinner would be easy. The hard part was I put it on warm instead of high…so no roast for supper. I have apologized for this at least 10 times in the last few hours. If I cannot forgive myself over this tiny mistake, have I forgiven myself over much weightier events? How about you? Think of something you need to forgive yourself for and do it so that Jesus can move you on in your life. 11/9/2020 0 Comments That's Heavy, ManI’m sure that every human who has ever lived has dealt with a heaviness of spirit at some point. That includes the greatest figures in the Bible. As Pastor Doug pointed out, even Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow in the Garden. Many of David’s psalms were written when he was in a very dark place. Jesus’ example here is a good one for us. When our soul is heavy, it’s a good idea to ask those close to us to help us bear and lift the burden through prayer.
Questions for further thought: 1. Can you identify a specific time when your soul felt burdened? What did you do? 2. Who would you feel comfortable asking to pray for you when struggling with a heavy soul? Challenge: Now is the time for us to practice the stillness Pastor Doug spoke of in Week One. If you have not tried it yet, sit still and think about God and how He alone can make your heart light. Share this with one person. 11/6/2020 0 Comments It's Friday!!You have made it through the week. The task list you had at the beginning of the week is now probably shorter. You can look forward to the weekend and a break from work. Take your days off to step away from work and spend time on relaxing the soul. Enjoy time with your family and let the rest re-charge you for the next week.
Questions for further thought: 1. Where do you need to invest time on your days off? 2. How do you need to rest on your day off? Challenge: Sure, you have tasks around the house that need to get done, but treat yourself (and your family) with something unique this weekend. 11/5/2020 0 Comments Here to HelpUnlike election cycles, many of our stresses do not have a known end date or resolution. The unknowns force us to test and affirm our faith. We need to use and trust the two instruments He provided to guide us through challenging times, the Bible and the Holy Spirit. The Lord uses these two resources to work behind the scenes to show His goodness in our trials.
Questions for further thought: 1. What stresses are you facing that do not have a known resolution? 2. How is God using your Bible reading and the Holy Spirit behind the scenes? Challenge: Let God show you how he is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Then share that with friends that may be feeling the same burdens. 11/4/2020 0 Comments Handling the StressEvery election cycle is a stressful time for many Americans, including me. The day after reminds me of a day of deep breaths. No matter who won or who lost, we know that God will still be exalted. It is a matter that is not too big for God. He will be in control over any elected leader.
Questions for further thought: 1. What is currently causing you stress? 2. Is this stress bigger than God? Challenge: Find a believer with whom you can discuss your stresses. Hillcrest is a place and community for healing. Let our church family serve you if and where you need help. 11/3/2020 0 Comments Leader or Follower?One thing I have been learning from God is that I too often try to lead God. I get in front of God and tell Him this is what I want, instead of letting Him lead the way. Too often I am in a hurry. David writes in these two different psalms to wait for the Lord. He advises to let the Lord lead the way and follow Him, instead of leading Him.
Questions for further thought: 1. How do you “lead” God? 2. How do you change the order so that God is leading you? Challenge: Ask God to show you when you are getting too far ahead of Him. Ask for forgiveness and for Him to show you how to follow His lead. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
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