Newsletter

Monday, July 6

Throughout Scripture, we find examples of people who longed to encounter God. Moses sought His glory (Exodus 33:18). David asked to meet Him in person (Psalm 27:7-9). And Job directly experienced Him, resulting in humble repentance (Psalm 42:4-5. The stories of these members of God’s family remind us that we’re made to long for the Lord’s presence.

They also remind us of God’s generosity and kindness. Though He gives us many gifts on this earth, He wants us to remember that sharing in His life is the ultimate blessing, that our heart’s true satisfaction is found in Him alone.  What stands in the way of our ability to say with the psalmist, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You” (Psalm 16:2)? Whatever the obstacle is, we can be honest about it with our heavenly Father. God forgives and provides us with the strength we need to follow Him.

For some people, the idea of seeing God is exciting and joyful, while others feel intimidated or overwhelmed. How do you feel at the thought?Experiencing God’s presence often requires small, faithful steps of praying and studying the Bible. How can you move toward Him today?

Memory verse: Psalm 16:2

“Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch, heal people’s soul.” Melody Beattie

Thursday, May 21.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The cross has become the symbol of Christianity, but it’s so much more than a mere piece of jewelry worn around the neck. The crucifixion of Christ is a central doctrine of our faith, and understanding it correctly is essential for eternal life. In fact, Paul was convinced the cross was the most vital subject he could address.

It’s important for us as believers to understand what happened on the cross, then we too can be thoroughly convinced of its supreme significance. It was not simply the execution of a Jewish man. What transpired in that event was the solution to mankind’s biggest problem: sin and our resulting alienation from God. The crucifixion is the divine transaction that saves us. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from sin and reconcile us to the Father. Although the Jews and the Romans viewed the crucifixion as the execution of a criminal, God saw the death of His Son as the perfect atoning sacrifice, which allowed for the justification of sinful mankind.

Nothing else is required to pay for our salvation. To be saved, all we must do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins.

Memory verse: John 3:16

“God prove his love on the Cross. When Jesus hung, bled, and died, it was God saying to you, “I love you.” Billy Graham

Wednesday, May 20.

Isaiah 55:3

Think of a time when you’ve deeply longed for something. Maybe you wished to live somewhere else or felt restless in your job or schoolwork. Or perhaps you were deeply anxious to grow your family, as so many in the Bible were. (Compared Genesis 11:30; Genesis 25:21.) How did you respond? Did you pray for change, escape through temporary satisfaction, or seek support from your friends and loved ones?

As you contemplate your deep yearnings, remember that one longing God has put on your heart transcends all earthly desires: the longing for eternity.  Keep in mind His words to the prophet Isaiah: “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you” (Isaiah 55:3). The Lord calls each of us to everlasting life in Him.

Looking ahead to that eternal promise of redemption, what can you do today, in addition to deepening your prayer life, in order to draw closer to God? Consider things you could start doing as well as things you could give up.

What would it take to have all your longing and restlessness satisfied?

Memory verse: Isaiah 55:3

“What we do now echoes eternity.” Marcus Aurelius

“Surrendering to God”

Monday, September 9.

“Do you not know that your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have received from God? You are not own; you are bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies,” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

It is not an easy thing when someone tells us to surrender all our plans. I mean everything we feel very entitlement, everything that was our right. We may wonder why God would ask this of us.

God has every right to demand this out of us. Scripture tells us that he is sovereign and he rules over the entire universe. We are under his authority, whether we choose to or not. Also, Jesus died to save us from sins. We are indebted to him more than we could ever repay.

It is in our interest to surrender our life to him. Psalms 31:19 reminds us, “How great is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you.” God does only want us to surrender our life because he is Almighty, he cares about us and can take care of us.

Memory verse: Proverbs 18:3

“Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be,” (Sonia Roberts).