12/17/2021 0 Comments Why I'm Thankful for ForgivenessWhen we make the decision to turn from our sin and embrace Jesus Christ as our Savior, a whole lot of incredible things happen. One amazing gift that I am thankful for is God’s provision in Christ for my forgiveness. I can work in my own effort all I want and never gain God’s favor. Only the blood of Christ, offered freely to all who believe can release us from the condemnation of sin. But there are other reasons why we should be thankful. I’m thankful for God’s forgiveness because I am a sinner. I’m thankful for God’s forgiveness because it destroys the fear of death. I’m thankful for God’s forgiveness because it’s freely given. Now the question is… Do you have it? Many people are on the “try harder and we’ll see” approach to forgiveness but that was not God’s plan.
Questions for further thought: 1. Have I embraced the forgiveness of my sins through the finished work of Jesus Christ suffering, death, and resurrection? 2. If not, what is stopping me from doing that right now? Challenge: We serve a big God. He is mighty to save and He desires to forgive. Meditate on and consider God’s gracious gift given freely in Christ.
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12/16/2021 0 Comments The Missing PieceI was thinking about a time when my children were putting together a 500 piece puzzle and they got to the end only to find that they only had 499 pieces. They were one little piece short. What a drag! Interestingly, it got me thinking about people that may also be missing just one piece of the puzzle. These are good and moral people and most of them would admit they believe in God. However, have they had that initial moment of brokenness where they’ve realized their sin and recognized their need for a Savior? You should be able to recall a “time” in your life when you CHOSE to follow Christ – the missing piece. How has this reality shaped your faith journey? Or has it?
Questions for further thought: 1. When was my “time”? 2. How do I daily live out that “time”? Challenge: To ensure you’re not missing this piece, try this. Commit to daily time in God’s Word. Commit to daily prayer asking for complete dependence on Christ. Evaluate the day for times when not depending on Christ. Make a plan and get accountability. Live it out. 12/15/2021 0 Comments Woe, HypocrisyIn this passage, Jesus once again is addressing the Jewish religious leaders. He starts out by pointing out once again that He is in fact “the Christ” (v.10) and that surrender to Him will indeed come by “exalting oneself and being humbled” or by “ humbling oneself and being exalted”. Since Christ offered Himself as a humble servant, He apparently challenged society’s norms of that day since the Pharisees’ attitudes were completely shaped by external appearances and religious piety. The Pharisees lived their lives as if external appearances were much more important than the internal reality. It was the very essence of their hypocrisy and Jesus rebuked them for it repeatedly. Is it possible that we, too, could be guilty of such an offense?
Questions for further thought: 1. Have I ever placed keeping man-made rules above keeping God’s laws? 2. Have I ever insisted others should keep the rules, but been unwilling to follow them myself? Challenge: Make a concerted effort going forward to practice humility and maintain a servant’s heart in everything you do. Ask for God’s Spirit to guide you in truth. 12/14/2021 0 Comments Put on the New SelfIn this passage, Paul is describing some attributes of true Christian behavior. He starts on stressing the importance of keeping a Heavenly perspective by “setting our minds on the things that are above, not on the things of this earth.” This can be better understood by striving to put Heaven’s priorities into daily practice; concentrating on the eternal rather than the temporal. While it is true that our service and conduct do not earn our salvation, they do serve as tangible results of it. If you’ve turned from your sin and put your faith in Christ alone, take heart that your salvation is sure and live each day for Him.
Questions for further thought: 1. What does it mean to “put on the new self”? 2. Have I committed my life to putting on the new self? Can I call out some evidences in my life that would prove this to be true? Challenge: Every Christian is in a continuing education program. Commit to maturing in your faith and growing in holiness. 12/13/2021 0 Comments Surrender, Me??In this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jews that had expressed belief in Him. He challenges them and the caliber of their “belief” by pointing them toward complete submission to Him and relaying the truth of their utter dependence on Him alone for their salvation. John emphasizes the reality of genuine salvation and discipleship by stressing truth and freedom. It focuses on those who were exercising the beginnings of faith in Jesus as Messiah and the Son of God; however, Jesus desired them to mature in their faith. Genuine saving faith is not fickle, but firm and settled. This true saving faith makes sure that it is placed rightly in the only one that is strong enough to save, Jesus Christ alone. Such maturity expresses itself in full commitment to the truth in Christ resulting in true freedom.
Questions for further thought: 1. Am I living a life that others would characterize as a life of submission and obedience to God’s commands? Why or why not? 2. Am I actively seeking God’s truth and how it intersects with my life? Challenge: I submit that we would do well to heed Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12 where he writes “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” What is stopping me from doing that today? 12/10/2021 0 Comments For Our GoodThis verse gives me great hope that no matter what happens in this life, all who believe will be with God in heaven when we leave this earth. When tragedy strikes, when we get bad medical news, when loved ones get sick and pass away – it is natural to question why this is happening. This passage promises God works all things for the good of those who love him and have been called for His purpose.
Questions for further thought: 1. What has happened in your life that seemed like no good could come from it? 2. Looking back, can you identify the blessing that came from the situation? Challenge: This can be a difficult truth to take in when we are in the midst of a tragedy or major life struggle. It is hard to imagine how something good could come from a loved one passing away too early, a possession taken away, or a major disappointment in life. We must remember God has an eternal perspective, and He acts with that in mind. Sometimes His way of healing someone is to give them the ultimate healing and take them to heaven. Or he may take that “perfect” job away because he has an even better one for you instead. Trust in Him even when it hurts or doesn’t make sense, because I promise it does to Him. 12/9/2021 0 Comments When God AsksJoseph had a choice to make, and he stepped up and followed God when asked to walk the hard path. The easy thing to do would have been to walk away from this situation, but Joseph chose to carry through and complete his part of God's plan. This would have been the more difficult and at times even embarrassing role for him to play in their culture and time period. Definitely not an easy ask for Joseph, but he followed through! Thank God he did!
Questions for further thought: 1. What tough decision has God asked you to make lately? 2. Did you make the correct decision or take the easier path? Challenge: Now it is true that God is not going to ask any of us to be the earthy father to his son, but what he does ask of us is no less important. When we are asked to step out in faith, we have no idea what God has planned. It could be something huge we can't even fathom. The next time He is putting something on your heart and is asking you to move, please take that step. I don't believe you will regret it! 12/8/2021 0 Comments Imperfect PeopleWhen Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, he made plans to divorce her quietly, which at that time would have been the acceptable action according to the law. Also, he was going to do it in a way that would protect Mary from public disgrace. This shows that Joseph still cared about Mary, but believed she had been unfaithful.
Questions for further thought: 1. If faced with the same situation today, what would you think about Mary? 2. How can we open our minds and hearts to the possibilities of miracles occurring today? Challenge: We can't be too hard on Joseph for not believing in the immaculate conception upon first learning of Mary's pregnancy. He was a good man, but imperfect like we all are. I believe any of us would be suspicious of a miracle like this if it happened today, unless we also heard from God – proof that He does use imperfect people every day to achieve his plan. 12/7/2021 0 Comments No Worries!The holiday season can be the best of times for some and the worst of times for others. Many of us are blessed with family around us to share this season, some are alone and this time of year is a reminder of how alone they think they are. Regardless of your situation, God is always there for you in joy or loneliness; trust in Him and He will bring you through whatever holidays lie ahead.
Questions for further thought: 1. Does anything cause you anxiety or worry about the holiday season we are in? 2. What practical things can you do to allow God to carry those worries for you? Challenge: If you are struggling with worry this holiday season, I encourage you to give it over to God, He is the great healer and the antidote for worry. Please find someone to share this with that can help you carry this burden. If you know someone who is experiencing this right now, ask God how you can reach out and help them. Let God use you! 12/6/2021 0 Comments Be ThankfulWith Thanksgiving so recent it is fitting to remind ourselves in this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to remain thankful for the things that truly matter. Our current society values gifts and “stuff” that comes in boxes and store shelves over what truly matters, time and relationships. Ask God this year how to make this Christmas season one you will always remember for all the right reasons.
Questions for further thought: 1. What practical way can you express your thankfulness this year? 2. How will your actions convey God's love for others? Challenge: If God has laid something on your heart to change things up this year, please have the courage to follow through. Many times, it is tough to change family plans or go against the norm to better celebrate the holidays in a way that would better express God's love to others. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
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