February 23 – A CHANGED HEART

 Simon, I have prayed for you; that your faith may not fail. And when you repent, and your heart is changed, let your experience – your weakness – help you to strengthen the others. (Luke 22:32)

                Do you harbor shame or guilt in your life that haunts you? Have you overlooked, mistreated, or even betrayed another person? Did you selfishly cower in fear at a time you should have helped someone? Are you struggling to believe that you are forgiven? Stop It – Now - Today!

                Notice – Jesus assures you that He is on your side in such times of struggle – an advocate, interceding and ready to comfort and give you His peace and joy. With the changed heart Jesus had promised, Peter later spoke from his experience. He encouraged other followers both to have a faith that could survive Satan’s attacks (1 Peter 4:12-19), and to be assured of God’s blessing, favor, and presence with them as they suffer those challenges (1 Peter 5:6-11).

                Confess your fear, turn away from the life that is focused on yourself, and let God heal and change your heart as He did for Simon Peter.

February 22 – LIVING WATER

 Anyone who is believing and trusting in me – as the Scripture has said, “From deep within will rush rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

                What a promise! Here Jesus uses a powerful image to illustrate that, just as water sustains physical life, those who believe will be the source of living water that brings spiritual life to others. He chose the Feast of Tabernacles to say this, and Scripture says he, “cried out,” broadcasting the assurance while at this feast.

Tabernacles is a feast to remind Israel of their time spent living in the wilderness, totally depending on God every day. From the time of Moses, it has also been a time for people of all nations to be included, foreshadowing the day when everyone is offered relationship with God. The writer of John explained the source of this living water is the Holy Spirit, living in believers. So, another way to understand this is, “out of and through those who truly believe, the Holy Spirit will send rushing streams of life.”

Is your life a stream of refreshing, life-giving hope and comfort? Jesus made it clear that is His expectation for you.

February 21 – A NEW PLAN?

 I thought, “The Philistines are coming to attack me at Gilgal, and the sacrifice has not been offered to seek God’s favor.” So, I felt pressured and forced myself to do it. (1 Samuel 13:12)

                In the middle of the battle, when everything is going crazy around you, where is your focus? Are your eyes glued to the problem, or do you stay focused on the vision God has given to you? Your answer to this question will determine the fate of both you and your people.

                Saul looked around. No Samuel –no word from the prophet to encourage the troops. The troops had heard that the Philistines were brutal. Men were beginning to pack up and go home. There was no way humanly possible to win. What should Saul do? He panicked! He decided to abandon the role he was given, because he stopped believing that God would show up. How about you? When everything is falling apart, and your people are blaming you; looking to you to “fix it,” do you panic? Do you abandon the plan that God has given you? Do you violate your principles, step out of your role, or try to escape?

               Choose to stand your ground, relying on the God who gave you the plan. Otherwise, you may hear the words Samuel spoke to Saul when he arrived, “Your rule is over (1 Samuel 13:14).”

February 20 – SECURITY

 The Lord is pleased by those who fear Him, worship Him, and place all their hope in Him that He will show His great love for them. (Psalm 147:11)

                Where do you find security? Stocks and bonds, warehouses and trucks? Or, do you trust in your wits and your ability to find the answer in a difficult situation?

                Even if you have become so diverse that your risks are lowered, and think you are so big that you cannot fail – God is not impressed. Remember, He opposes the proud (Isaiah 2:12). The Psalmist here contrasts the things that people trust and value – the strongest horses of a mighty cavalry and the courageous men of a powerful army – with the simple humility and submission that pleases the Lord. No matter what your wealth or strength; no matter how many weapons and defense systems you may have, you are not secure apart from God. Everything you value can be gone in an instant. God’s love is forever.

                Recognize this truth today, and you will learn to appreciate and experience God’s love in a new, exciting way.

 

February 19 – MOSTLY GOD’S WAY

 And don’t let this world determine who you are, making you live by their values. No, let God change your mind – change you, so that you mature and become living proof of His perfect will for you. (Romans 12:2)

                What do you want – Most? Most is what you will pursue. Most becomes only. Television advertisers may disagree, but - the truth is - you cannot have it all. Each person has one life to spend. Every choice is important. So, what will be your most? You will either choose to follow God’s plan, or you will choose an alternative that is not God’s plan. And, remember, failure to choose God’s plan is also making a choice.

                A person who leads must know where he or she is going. The people whom the Lord has called for His purposes, are being prepared for that work. God has said that He will not share you with the world (Revelation 3:15-16). Listening for His voice, and experiencing life with the new vision God provides will give you understanding. That understanding will be a vision that builds hope. That hope will help you show courage and be consistent when you are opposed; especially as He works through you to change the lives of others.

                Prove God’s love for you. Make Him your most!

February 18 – LIVING FULLY

 For in Him (the Lord) we live, we are moved, and we exist. As some of your poets have taught, “We are God’s children.” (Acts 17:28)

                As you think about what it means to follow Jesus, do your thoughts turn to what you must do and say, or to what you must be very careful not to do or say? Do those thoughts have a negative voice? Do they sound like a rule book?

                Paul did not see harsh rules when he pictured life lived God’s way. Paul is speaking to Greek listeners, many of whom thought the ideal life was about logic, reason, and ancient wisdom. Reminding them of a poem written to honor Zeus, he explains that His God really is a loving father (Isaiah 1:2). Many first century Greeks saw such emotion as a hindrance, believing the brain should always control your actions. Paul argued that the Lord wants to help you understand life with your mind, be moved by your emotion to love others in His name, and respond based on obeying His will that He shows you each time you act.

                If your life is tied to your rulebook, consider Paul’s view. Learn from your Father how to live freely and fully in Jesus.

February 17 – THE RIGHT WORDS

…. And will make the words I have spoken to you come to life in your hearts. (John 14:26)

                Personal trainers, coaches, teachers, and mentors are often helpful. They provide encouragement, help you to see the long-term and focus on important goals. Often, they bring knowledge; even wisdom, that comes from solid experience. If you could find a trusted friend who could know you completely, always seek your best interests, and have God’s ideal answer for every moment of life – would you hire that person to help you?

               That is exactly what Jesus promised of the Holy Spirit – constant help, advocate, counselor, who will teach you everything. This Holy Spirit will make God’s word come to your heart and mind at exactly the time you need to hear it. He will provide the perfect answer every time. Consider Peter’s story as he was called to step outside his own knowledge and his experience to do something dangerous and new (Acts 11). The Holy Spirit was there to show him God’s will in Joppa, to help him understand the vision and the way forward. Then, as he stood in Caesarea and saw the response the Spirit brought to his mind Christ’s words that he now heard with understanding.

               That is the life Jesus offers you today. Accept His promise and let His word come to life in you.