The Accused

By: Anne Ferrell Tata, cbn1.com

Jesus answered, “You’re mistaken because you don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power.” Matthew 22:29 (GW)

When I think about the many years I spent beating myself up for just about everything, I want to cringe. For years, I marched to the drumbeat of voices in my head telling me: “I’m not good enough. I’m a terrible person because I have terrible thoughts. God would not love me because of the choices I made. God could not forgive me because of the things I had done.”

On and on the self-condemnation went. I believed God loved others, but I simply could not believe He loved me.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I understood I had an enemy. I knew his name. What I did not quite comprehend was the accusations I heard loud and clear were essentially from my enemy. Satan must have been delighted knowing one of God’s Covenant daughters was being consumed daily by the weight of a self-imposed guilty verdict.

When Jesus declared to the Sadducees in Matthew 22:29, “You’re mistaken because you don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power,” His declaration was meant for me as well. I was mistaken about the way God thought of me. I did not know the Scriptures nor God’s power.

In the Matthew 22:23-32 passage, Jesus was speaking to the Sadducees about resurrection and the afterlife. The Sadducees were trying to trap Jesus. They didn’t quite understand whom they were talking to. Jesus’ point was appropriate for my situation. How many times do we believe the loud and lying voices we hear in our head? How many times do we worry or fear or fret because we either don’t know or don’t believe in God’s power?

God gave us His Word. He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He made covenants and promises, but if we don’t get to know Him by spending time with Him or in His word, we may live out our lives believing lies.

Things began to change for me when I met a more mature Christian sister. She walked alongside me and encouraged me to get to know God personally by studying His word. The more I studied, the more my eyes opened to truths.

I was overjoyed when I learned the truth of what God thinks about me.

I am “His beloved daughter in whom He is well pleased,” Matthew 3:17 (NLT)

“I am accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV)

I am “the apple of His eye.” Psalm 17:8 (NLT)

As the “apple of His eye,” I am greatly cherished and thoroughly protected.

I found new freedom when I learned “there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Over time I learned my battles were not “of flesh and blood,” and I must fight with the weapons of God’s word!

When I was assaulted with a reminder of some sin, I responded to the thought with, “yes, that is true, but the Blood of my Savior Jesus Christ redeemed me, and He told me in Isaiah 43:25, …”

“I–yes, I alone–will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” (NLT)

I witnessed “when my enemy came in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raised up a standard against it.” Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

When voices try to tell me, I am unworthy or unwanted, I now say, No! I reject that thought! I remember the truth,

“Even before God made the world, God loved me and chose me … and decided in advance to adopt me into his own family through Jesus Christ … and it gave Him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:4,5 (NLT)

Making Your Mission Field

By: Hope TerKeurst, proverbs31.org

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

My two sisters and I always wanted brothers.
Prayed for brothers.
Begged our parents for brothers.
So when the decision was made to adopt two boys from Africa, my sisters and I were in awe the miracle was happening! Our mom and dad assured us it was real and God was behind it all-He had tugged at their hearts, He had prepared these boys and our family, and He had called us all to say “yes.”
Our saying yes to God as a family to adopt our brothers made me want to say yes to Him in all areas of my life.
That’s when I promised God my life would be His mission field and I’d be sold out to serving anywhere He sent me.
When I was 14 years old, I went on my first mission trip to Nicaragua. I fell in love with the whole experience. Even though I had happily said yes, the trip was difficult. I was totally outside my comfort zone. But any initial craziness and chaos gave way to great joy and peace.
The following summer I went to Ethiopia where I got to see a different way of life on the other side of the world. I experienced jitters being in a foreign land with a language, culture, and food I didn’t understand, but the adjustment time was short and my passion grew great.
Since that trip I have taken several more to Nicaragua, including one where I helped run a foot-and-shoe clinic. We welcomed everyone who visited the clinic, washed their feet, prayed for them, and then helped them choose a pair of shoes. It was incredibly humbling to serve the people from these two countries.
They are grateful for their lives. Very few have anything of material value, yet their gratitude and joy flows without ceasing. They laugh, sing, dance, and give generously without holding back … even to a stranger like me. I went to give. Yet, I was the one who received.
I’ve found that when I say yes to God, a joy fills me and motivates me to be close to Him and to walk in His will. It makes me want to keep asking Him how He can use my life as a mission field, any where from my home to my hometown to around the world.
We don’t have to go overseas to do missions work. Opportunities are all around. Who has God placed in front of you that needs help? Who in your family needs support? Which friend has been struggling with a temptation or a broken heart?
When God works through us to meet the needs of others-that’s missions.
Let’s turn our everyday life into God’s mission field. I think we’ll be amazed at what He does as we step out of our comfort zone and partner with Him!
Dear Lord, I want You to use me to love and bless someone today. Show me exactly how I can serve Your people, even if it’s in the smallest way. I’m trusting You to move in my heart and in the hearts of those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Cure for Envy

  

By: Liz Curtis Higgs, proverbs31.org

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

I was a member of a professional association for just two weeks when I attended their national convention. Since my name badge didn’t sport a single special ribbon, people barely glanced at me.

Alone in my hotel room, I ended each day in tears, feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. I told myself I wasn’t envious. Simply, uh … discouraged.

Years passed, and doors began to swing open. Ribbons dangled from my name badge, and people smiled in my direction.

Soon I found myself dealing with a new set of feelings. How come she’s moving ahead faster than I am, Lord? Why did they honor her instead of me? I wasn’t jealous, of course. Merely, uh … competitive.

The awful truth revealed itself one rainy morning when I received an announcement from a colleague who’d been blessed with an opportunity I was convinced should have been mine. I tossed her letter across the room in an angry huff. “It’s not fair, Lord!”

His response was swift. “Have I called you to succeed or to surrender, Liz?”

Clearly, jealousy and envy were alive and well in my jade-green heart. When I reached out to my writing and speaking sisters – women who love and serve the Lord – I discovered they, too, wrestled with this issue. One said, “I understand competition in the secular marketplace. But I grieve over it in the body of Christ. What are we doing, setting one person’s work above another, if not absorbing the world’s way of doing things?”

Her words echo the Apostle Paul’s: ” … For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” (1 Corinthians 3:3b, NIV). Sadly, we are.

Today’s verse reminds us that envy takes a toll: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). For all of us who struggle, here’s the way out:

Confess. Healing begins when we acknowledge that envy is a sin: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth” (James 3:14, NIV). Humble admission is the single best antidote for prideful ambition.

Avoid comparison. Consider the words of Jesus, when Peter fretted over John’s place in Jesus’ ministry, and asked, “‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘ … what is that to you? You must follow me'” (John 21:21b, 22b, NIV).

Rejoice. Feeling overlooked? Look up and celebrate with others. Send an email or text on the spot, and chase away those negative feelings. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15a, NIV).

Be patient. Many a career or ministry has collapsed under too much, too soon. Embrace the tasks you’ve been given, rather than longing for something bigger, better or faster. Success isn’t money or fame – it’s love for one another. By definition, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV).

Befriend your rival. As one of our sisters explained, “A woman was brought in on a fast track executive management program at my corporation. At our first meeting, I thought, ‘Well, here’s my rival.’ Then I heard God say, ‘She is smart, energetic and sharp – just like you. You could become best buddies.'” And, they did.

Count the cost. Behind every successful woman is a host of sacrifices we never see.

The truth? We’re seldom jealous of all the work a person does – just the outcome. Whether building a tower or building a career, the Bible cautions us, ” … Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money” ? or time or energy ? “to complete it” (Luke 14:28b, NIV).

Lean on the Lord. He stands ready, willing and able to overcome our weaknesses through the power of His Spirit. “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always” (1 Chronicles 16:11, NIV).

Heavenly Father, we know envy and jealousy are no match for Your mercy and grace. Forgive us when we grumble over how You bless others, and help us be grateful for all the ways You have kindly blessed us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Getting Closer to God

By: Joe Stowell, Strength For The Journey

Jun

20

2019

“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.” Isaiah 58:10

With e-mail and text messages, the joy of letter writing—and, better yet, receiving letters—is almost a lost commodity. I love getting mail, especially from someone I deeply admire and appreciate. My dad used to write to me regularly, and at the bottom of each letter he would include his “life verses,” Isaiah 58:10-11.

In the broader context of this passage, the Israelites were feeling disconnected from God, although, in their minds, they were doing all the right things. So they filed a complaint. “Why have we fasted . . . and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?” (Isaiah 58:3).

God replied to their self-righteous grumbling by pointing out that though they were into all the rituals, they had neglected the things that were dear to His heart. So He tells them, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice . . . to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked to clothe him?” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

The point is clear. When we are actively doing what God really cares about, extending His love and compassion to the disadvantaged, we will find His favor and experience His presence. He assures us, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness” (Isaiah 58:10)

These verses were more than just a footnote on my dad’s letters. They guided his life and ministry.  I watched him pour himself out for those who were hungry and homeless, caring for their physical needs as well as nurturing the hunger of their souls that were longing for an eternal home. Even on holidays, he would take the time to visit the widow who lived down the street. For my dad, ministering to the needs of people was not a job. It was his way of loving God and living out Isaiah 58:10-11.

If you wonder why God seems far away, could it be that you have ignored caring for those He cares about?

When God has a Plan for our Weakness

By: Alicia Bruxvoort, proverbs31.org

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

“What if God is inviting you to serve out of your weakness instead of your strength?”

We were sitting on a saggy couch surrounded by clamoring kids when my friend posed the question.

Our preschoolers were singing, and our toddlers were shrieking. The baby on my lap was whimpering, and the phone in my purse was ringing. But those words soared above the clatter and landed in my heart with quiet clarity.

I’d been offered an opportunity to serve the Lord in a new way, and I felt completely unqualified for the challenge. The position didn’t line up with my natural gifting or maximize my strengths. It didn’t plant me in my sweet spot or ignite my personal passions.

Yet, after weeks of prayer, I felt like God was asking me to say yes to the assignment. I wanted to walk in obedience, but it didn’t make much sense. I could think of a dozen other people more equipped for the challenge.

Then my friend’s wise words reminded me of a truth I don’t often consider:

God has a script for our strengths, but He also has a plan for our weaknesses.

That thought is uncomfortable, don’t you think?

We’d rather build God’s kingdom through our gifts, not our gaps.

We’d prefer to serve our Savior from our savvy, not our shortcomings.

Yet, in today’s key verse, we’re reminded that when our weaknesses are infused with God’s grace, they don’t foil His plans. Instead, they frame His power.

“Each time he said ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

My friend’s words were running through my mind as we followed the kids to the backyard where a swing set beckoned their play.

My 4-year-old daughter climbed on the swings while her 6-year-old brother climbed to the top of the monkey bars.

We all applauded as he glided across the silver rungs with ease.

My daughter watched with wide eyes, then climbed up the ladder and reached for those monkey bars, too.

She took hold of the first bar and let her slender frame dangle free. She shrieked with delight and stretched to take hold of the next rung. She kicked her legs and wiggled her hips, but the bar exceeded her reach. Instead of gliding across the monkey bars, she merely dangled, stuck.

Soon, her little arms grew tired, and her lips began to tremble. “I guess I can’t do it,” she whimpered.

In an instant, her big brother was at her side. He wrapped his arms around her swaying torso and steadied her flailing frame. “It’s okay,” he soothed. “I’m right here. Try again.”

With her brother’s hands holding her up, my girl crossed the monkey bars with a yelp of joy. When she dropped to the ground, she stepped back and studied her brother with 4-year-old admiration. “I never knew you were so strong!” she declared with a sigh of wonder.

We laughed as my son took a sheepish bow.

My friend caught my eye with a wordless wink, and I returned her gaze with a knowing nod. Right then and there, I gave God my humble yes.

Perhaps God was asking me to serve in weakness so I could more fully know His strength.

Maybe He was inviting me out of my comfort zone so I could find my comfort in Him alone.

I didn’t know where my yes would lead, but I knew I’d been called to trust in God’s sufficiency, not mine.

It still felt awkward. And vulnerable. Frightening and risky. But I knew God was asking for my surrender, not my strength. And I knew His arms would hold me every step of the way.

My daughter was climbing back up that silver ladder, her hands reaching for the monkey bars once again. And right below, her brother stood with a giddy grin and arms lifted high.

Dear Jesus, thank You for inviting me to partner with the King of Heaven, even when my knees are quaking here on earth. Take all of me — my weaknesses and my strengths — to use for Your story and for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.