by Jessica Fields | Jan 14, 2025 | Life and Faith
“Now Moses took a tent and pitched it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. Anyone who wanted to consult the Lord would go to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand up, each at the door of his tent, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. As all the people saw the pillar of cloud remaining at the entrance to the tent, all the people would stand and worship, each at the door of his tent. The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent.” — Exodus 33:7-11 (CSB)
The tent of meeting, as described in Exodus 33:7-11, was a place where anyone could meet with God—but the Bible specifically mentions only a few people actually going there. While anyone had access to that holy space, only some took that step forward.
The Bible says that Moses spoke with God face-to-face as one would a friend (Exodus 33:11). Moses’ unique, close relationship with God shows that the tent was more than just a physical structure—it was a space where true, intimate connection with God took place. Anyone who sought God was welcome to come to the tent of meeting, yet the Bible only specifically records that Moses went while others stood by and watched.
This brings me to a personal confession: I’ve found myself watching others grow closer to God, walking in great power, anointing, and true intimacy with Him. I’ve seen others step into places of deep relationship with God, wishing for what they had but not willing to make the effort to go into the tent myself. Whether it was laziness, distraction, or fear, I remained idle when it came to meeting God where He was waiting for me.
But change requires change. If we want to be closer to God in 2025, we must move closer to God. We must step out of the crowd and into the presence of the One who invites us. Joshua, Moses’ assistant, shows us what this looks like. Joshua didn’t just watch; he stepped in and stayed. He decided to pursue God, not merely follow Moses’ example.
Just as Joshua chose intimacy with God, we have the same choice before us. We can remain onlookers, wishing for something deeper, or we can move into God’s presence and cultivate a personal relationship with Him. The invitation stands—God waits for us to draw #Closer.
Action Challenge: Commit to stepping closer to God. If you’ve been watching from the outside, now is the time to enter the tent. A practical way to take this step is by coming to Pursuit Worship Night this Friday at 7 p.m. It’s not just a time to observe but to engage, worship, and meet with God. Change begins with the choice to draw near. Don’t just wish for more of God—take that step toward Him and experience His presence like never before.
by Jessica Fields | Jan 9, 2025 | Life and Faith
What if you could experience God’s presence not just in moments of prayer or worship, but in the mundane tasks of everyday life? Would your relationship with God grow deeper if you recognized His nearness in the simplest routines?
This year at Hope Church, we’re focusing on one word: Closer. What does it mean to draw closer to God in every part of our lives? Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, offers an example of how we can pursue this. Like most of us, his life wasn’t marked by public platforms or extraordinary achievements, but by an unwavering commitment to being aware of God’s presence in everything — even while scrubbing pots and peeling potatoes.
Brother Lawrence’s journey to knowing God didn’t start with a heart close to Him. Born in France, he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame, believing he wasn’t good enough for God’s love. For years, he lived with a sense of distance from God, unsure how to draw near. His turning point came in a harsh winter, he noticed a barren tree, and the image sparked a revelation: just as the tree would bloom again, God’s grace could revive his soul. This moment awakened his desire to know God personally — not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Following this, Brother Lawrence joined a monastery and served in the kitchen, where he experienced God’s presence in every task. What’s remarkable about Brother Lawrence isn’t that he stumbled into God’s presence by accident. He chose it. In the chaos of the kitchen, surrounded by noise and demands, he made a daily decision to intentionally fix his thoughts on God. He understood that closeness with God doesn’t just happen — it requires discipline and deliberate action.
In today’s fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions, the idea of experiencing God in the middle of our busy lives might seem impossible. We rush from one task to the next, and spiritual connection often feels like something we’ll “get to later.” But Brother Lawrence’s life reminds us that closeness with God doesn’t require a perfect schedule or uninterrupted hours of prayer. It requires a heart set on finding God in the time we do have — and intentionally meeting Him there.
Practicing God’s Presence
Brother Lawrence realized we don’t need special moments to draw close to God. He practiced turning his thoughts to God in everything, whether in devoted times of praying or cooking. His approach was simple: speaking to God as a friend, in every task.
Brother Lawrence wrote: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees.”
It’s important to remember that practicing God’s presence in the everyday is not meant to replace devoted time in prayer, Scripture, or communal worship. It’s a way to stay connected to God in between those moments — to carry His presence with you throughout the day. But what happens on those days when you miss your quiet time? Or when life gets overwhelming, and routines are disrupted? God is still nearby.
Brother Lawrence’s practice shows us that we can still draw near to God even in life’s busiest moments — not as a replacement for devoted time, but as a lifeline that keeps us connected until we can return to those moments of deep, set-apart worship.
Think of it this way:
- If you miss a day of reading your Bible, don’t miss two.
- If your prayer time gets cut short, invite God into your next task.
- And when life feels chaotic, whisper a simple prayer: “God, I know You’re here.”
The key is intentionality — making space for both structured devotion and everyday connection. Because closeness with God requires action and discipline, but it’s sustained by grace.
How to Draw #Closer in 2025
Brother Lawrence’s story challenges us to shift how we think about God’s presence. He’s not only present during church services or Bible studies — He’s with us in the small, everyday tasks of life.
Here are three ways we can apply his lessons to grow #Closer to God this year:
- Invite God into your everyday tasks.
Whether you’re folding laundry, answering emails, or driving to work, turn those moments into conversations with God. Speak to Him about what’s on your heart, and listen for His voice in the ordinary.
- Seek God in the ordinary.
Don’t wait for a “spiritual moment” to encounter God. He’s present in the mundane. Ask yourself: How can I turn everyday tasks into acts of worship?
- Commit to simple, consistent prayers.
Brother Lawrence’s relationship with God wasn’t built on long, formal prayers. Instead, he spoke to God throughout the day in simple, heartfelt conversations. Start small. Acknowledge God’s presence as you go about your day.
by Jessica Fields | Jan 6, 2025 | Life and Faith
The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In the Christian calendar, Epiphany marks the culmination of Christmastide and celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Savior—not just for Israel, but for the whole world. Traditionally observed on January 6, it commemorates the visit of the Magi, who followed the star that brought them closer to the King of kings.
The Magi’s journey reminds us that drawing closer to Jesus requires more than just noticing His Great Light—it demands action. They didn’t settle for observing the star from a distance; they took steps of faith, changed their direction, and intentionally sought Him out. In Matthew 2:11 (CSB), we read, “Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him.” Their response wasn’t passive. It was active—worshiping in humility and offering costly gifts that acknowledged Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and ultimate sacrifice.
Change requires change. Drawing #Closer to God in 2025 will take intentionality and discipline. It means stepping out of your comfort zone, reorienting your priorities, and taking practical steps to encounter Him in deeper ways. Discipline is simply remembering what you want. If you desire a deeper relationship with Jesus, it will require you to actively pursue Him and align your life with that desire.
The Magi didn’t find Jesus by accident—they were driven by a longing to see the Savior. Their journey was deliberate. They followed the star, adjusting their course along the way because they knew what they were seeking. In Matthew 2:2 (CSB), they declared, “We saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” Their focus on the end goal kept them moving forward.
Transformation doesn’t happen by standing still. Discipline keeps us moving toward what we truly desire: more of Jesus.
At Hope Church, we want to help you take action:
The revelation of Christ’s #GreatLight calls us to draw #Closer and closer to God, we find everything we need.
by Kelly Wagoner | Jan 3, 2025 | Great Light, Life and Faith
We can see throughout the Bible how God uses the contrast of light and darkness to tell us about Himself and what is good or evil. It starts in Genesis when God speaks light into existence. His light lives within all believers of our Lord Christ Jesus. The prologue in John is a precise summary of God’s story, but let us focus on one part in particular:
“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5, CSB)
As Christians, we carry this same light in us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is our specific responsibility to shine that light in dark places. Jesus gives us His light to share in the great commission:
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20, CSB)
God is telling us directly that He is the light inside men, and we are to share His light with others. My first question is, “Am I worthy to do this?” (That answer is yes, by the way, for us all).
My second question is, “How do I do that?” God is so gracious that He gives us story after story of using completely imperfect and unqualified people to do His work for His good purposes. By doing so, we give Him glory and make Him known to the world around us. In short, we are talking about ministry and evangelism. These are action words, and they evoke a myriad of thoughts and feelings around them. These words can also elicit hesitation at times if we are honest about it.
I have found myself in a family of missionaries who have traveled to faraway places to share the Light with others. I never asked for this, but it is where God led my footsteps. The Gospel is spread, people are healed, and disciples are made. The impact is real and tangible. Hearing songs of praise ring out in a different language brought me to tears. These songs of joyful praise crying up to Heaven were so beautiful that the birds went silent to listen. Obedient people who choose to go to the nations, donate goods, help with funding, and partner in prayer together spread His Light. Spiritually oppressed people are set free. This is His plan.
Mission trips are a highly visible and structured form of ministry and evangelism. The most needed, however, are much more subtle and have no rigid structure. This is called daily Christian life. My parents and grandparents taught me about responsibility in ways I can truly appreciate now. My grandfather would take me to visit friends and neighbors, often with a mission in mind of cutting down a dead tree, fixing a fence, or some other chore that needed to be done. My grandmother seemed to always have encouraging words for everyone she met and was the kindest woman I’ve ever known.
My father was much more in the background of my life but was a rock and strong shelter. He got up every morning to go to work and provide for our family. And my mother was a stranger to none. She genuinely cared about the people in our community, always served others, and was truly the salt of the earth that seasoned the life of everyone she touched. These are all things that may seem minor or insignificant in the day-to-day flurry of living life, but it all mattered to Him. They each loved God and loved their neighbors, just as Jesus commanded us to do.
I ask you to think about how you may be spreading the Light to those around you. Do you see everyone you meet as God’s unique masterpiece? Offer to pray for people you encounter who need healing or encouragement. Take time out of your day to reach out to a coworker, friend, or family member to foster a deeper connection. Give your time to a worthy cause in a selfless manner. Worship while you work. Be kind, but also walk in the authority God gives you in truth. Look for every opportunity to praise Him to others. Take care of your family; it is our first mission and ministry.
As we begin a new year, these are good challenges to consider. The time for action is now, as the new year brings a fresh opportunity to live out the light of Christ in tangible ways. As I’ve gone through the years of my life, I have learned that other people notice what you do and how you carry yourself. They notice the words you use, the things you do (or don’t do), how you treat others, and especially what you put on your social media. I encourage you to meditate on the Word, day and night, and attend regular meetings with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Join a small group or Bible study as we are accountable to each other to hold to the simple standard of loving God and loving our neighbors. If you cannot find one, start one. This is an action item in ministry, evangelism, and spreading the Light.
On a final note, Jesus sums up His vision for us in a beautiful metaphor:
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, CSB)
The time is now. Go forth and spread the Light in order to push back darkness!
by John Quinlan | Jan 1, 2025 | Great Light, Life and Faith
Two thousand and twenty-four years ago, a brilliant star shone above Bethlehem in the darkness of a long night. It was a sign of the fulfillment of God’s very first promise to man—to crush the head of the serpent—and the greatest evidence of His longsuffering faithfulness. It garnered the attention of a king and lowly shepherds alike. It brought a choir of angels to sing our Messiah’s praises and, more importantly, it brought salvation and redemption to sinful man. It brought light to our spiritual darkness and woes. The star of Bethlehem and the angels announced that God had come in the form of an infant—a spotless lamb that would be sacrificed for our sins. Thousands of years later, we have come to a greater understanding of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As we begin a new year, we should take a moment to reflect on what this means for our lives. We, as a church body, celebrate God’s promises to us. Like the woman at the well, we shout with uncontained joy at the knowledge of our salvation and the complete realization of God’s steadfast love.
As Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16, CSB: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
But we must ask, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” If we are to be a light, we cannot have our own darkness dampen the light of Jesus Christ. To that end, we must follow God’s command and have mastery over ourselves. We cannot be slaves to sin. We must be disciplined to keep ourselves far from sin.
As Jesus says in Matthew 5:29-30, CSB: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” We must rid ourselves of all the stumbling blocks that are placed before us. It is one thing to say that you should keep yourselves from temptation, but let’s not forget that temptation is rather tempting. We must always be on guard to see those things which draw us away from God.
We are all unique beings with our own cross to bear. Reflect on yourself. What draws you to sin, as it will not be the same as others? Does politics drive you to hate your fellow man? Discuss it no longer, as we must love each other. Does drinking lead you to say and do that which you would never do sober? Abstain from drink and guard your tongue from an ill word. Does television lead you to indolence? Turn it off and do the work of the Kingdom. Does the giving of gifts lead you to seek man’s recognition of your good? Take your name off the gifts you give, for you are storing much greater gifts in Heaven.
The path is wide to sin, but the gate to salvation is narrow. The world’s diverse pleasures cannot coexist in us with the pleasure of our King. As Jesus says in Luke 9:23, CSB: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” To make God’s light more brilliant in yourself, read your Bible and meditate on it daily, pray without ceasing, ask God for forgiveness of your sins—both those you are aware of and unaware of, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in all that you do, and, most importantly, love all, including your enemies, as Christ loves us.
Remember Jesus’s words in Luke 6:32, CSB: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”
Once we have purged ourselves of darkness, Jesus’s light can shine more brightly in us. We can shine our light before others unimpeded by our own faults. I beg your forgiveness, dear reader, as I have not yet answered the question, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” To be the light of the world, we must follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.
As Pastor David has said on many occasions, “More of you, God, and less of me.” In the next few days, as we step into the new year, we should do the following: give without expectation or reservation, as God has given His Son as a ransom for us; love without provocation, as Jesus loved us; show yourself as an example of Christ, and unashamedly praise God to all without fear, like Daniel.
Our American society has become a milieu of secularism, which is no more evident than in this “Holiday” season, and remembrance of our Lord’s birth has become secondary to the disconnected traditions of “X-mas.” But take heart, dear reader, like people fumbling in a dark room, Americans are searching for the light and meaning in the season. God commands you: Be that light in that dark room. The greatest gift you can ever give someone is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Shout out the joyous good news an infant brought us two thousand and twenty-four years ago.
Happy New Year and goodwill towards all men! God bless you, and may God’s glory reign throughout the Earth!
Signed Faithfully and Humbly,
John C. Quinlan
by Jessica Drinkwater | Oct 4, 2024 | Life and Faith
Do we often have a more carnal way of thinking or a Spirit way of thinking?
We know we are called to live in the Spirit and not in the flesh, but what does that actually mean, and do we actually do it?
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1
Yes! Such a hopeful verse! There is no condemnation for those who are in CHRIST JESUS! But brothers and sisters, are we truly walking like Jesus lives on the inside of us? Or are we still in bondage to this flesh that we fight?
Romans goes on…
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [d]through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:5-11
To live in the Spirit is LIFE and PEACE! But so often we settle for less… So how can we break out of the flesh cycle?
First, we have to define what the flesh actually is!
So what are the deeds of the flesh?
- Sinful passions – “For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.” Romans 7:5
- All of these things (yikes): “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21
- The OPPOSITE of the fruits of the Spirit as Galations 5 points out.
- Being Carnally Minded – Letting our mind wander into worry, fear, anxiety, etc… Not focused on the Kingdom but more focused on our own needs and desires.
- SELFISHNESS – a yielding to demonic powers. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and [a]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18
So I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of “flesh stuff” to work on… Because I fall into multiple categories of giving into my flesh over my Spirit in these areas… But there is hope when we have Jesus! And spoiler alert – he didn’t leave us alone to fight our flesh.
Why is it important to keep our flesh in check?
- The Spirit and the flesh are at war. If we want to win the war, our Spirit MUST be louder than our flesh and we must “put to death, the deeds of the flesh.”
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18
- It cleanses us so we can be more like Jesus: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 1 Corinthians 7:1
- To better LOVE others: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
- To be effective Ambassadors of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk [c]properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14
- People will not want to follow your life if your life looks like it’s falling apart.
- People will not want to follow your life if you have no joy and live in a constant state of negativity, anxiousness and worry.
- This world will have trouble, and YOU will have trouble… but how do you react in the face of trouble? How is your attitude? Your outlook? Your hope? How do you think people view you when you are walking through a troubling situation?
Let’s think about a few scenarios of different people you may encounter…
*** I work with Becky – She is pretty nice and keeps a Bible on her desk. She doesn’t flaunt it, but I can see it there behind a stack of messy papers. Becky is nice enough and she works hard, but she is constantly worried about something. She seems so anxious all the time. Whether it’s her cat Pebbles, the news, her kid in NYC, her financial situation, etc. it just never ends. Most of the time when we talk, it’s about her problems. She will bring cookies into work, which are delicious (even though she denies it). And I do appreciate that she takes her time to do that, I just wish she would stop being so negative. It always seems worse case scenario with her… My conversations with Becky are limited, because she and her problems can be exhausting.
***I’m friends with my neighbor Jim. Jim’s a family guy and keeps his yard nice and tidy. Jim has a VERY nice truck. He has a tradition of washing it on Saturday and squeaking it out of the driveway early Sunday morning to go to church. He is quick to greet you with a smile and talk to you about your day, but he is also quick to show off his newest purchases or talk about all his savvy business dealings. If I have a story, he probably has a better one. Been there, done that… but better. I enjoy my conversations with Jim, andI know he has my back, but after conversations with Jim I usually walk away frustrated or feeling like I am lesser. I just can’t keep up with him, and he makes that pretty obvious.
*** Jerry is the life of the party, but Jerry is also the guy that you are going to have to drive home… He says, “Jesus loves everyone” so that’s cool, I guess. And I guess I should just love him where he is at, but Jerry seems to really take advantage of me as a friend. here’s the thing – Jerry cannot keep a job to save his life, besides the job of professional couch surfer. I was happy to help when he needed a place to stay, but Jerry was the biggest slob I have ever met. He rarely showered, probably because he didn’t really have anywhere to go, but did dress nice for church on Sundays. Jerry would often leave his dishes in the sink and his clothes all over the floor. He would complain about his job situation but also refuse to work jobs that were in his words, “below his pay grade.” Eventually I had to kick Jerry out of the house. He said I was being “unloving,” but he just became too difficult to live with.
***Can we relate with some of the behaviors in these stories with our own habits? Would people want to follow our example if we exhibited these behaviors in our own lives?***
It is NOT enough to read the word, we must do what it says. We must WALK in the spirit and put to death the deeds of the flesh. There is no place for it in the Kingdom. We cannot properly love people if we are mainly operating in our flesh.
- “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:23-24
So how do we win the fight?
- Submit to God, Resist the enemy
Many times the enemy will tempt us to give into our fleshly desires. But in James it says, “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We must do some RESISTING. We must CHOOSE to obey Jesus and thus walk in the LIFE and PEACE that he gives. Denying our flesh will not be easy, but we must “take up our cross” and follow Jesus. But you can be assured that when we submit ourselves to God – HE will fight the battle and we can stop striving in our own strength.
- Stop Fighting Flesh with Flesh.
Often times we try to fight the flesh with well… more flesh! If we try to “get motivated” for our own pride or out of guilt or compulsion, then we are fighting in our own human strength. Then we get frustrated because our human (or fleshly) efforts accomplish nothing. We can ONLY overcome the flesh by the Spirit. We must invite the Spirit of God into our daily routines and habits. WALKing in the Spirit is about keeping in step with the Spirit… asking for patience in a difficult situation, praying for faith in the midst of fear… stopping to think and pray before we speak those harsh words, etc… Step by step trying to do His will above our own desires.
John 6:36 says, “The Spirit alone gives life, Human effort accomplishes NOTHING…”
Our flesh IS WEAK! We must PRAY to stay strong in the Spirit.
Jesus knows that the Spirit is willing but our flesh is weak…
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” Romans 7:18
Look, we are all going to fail! Even Jesus says our flesh is weak, and He provides grace for us (praise the Lord). But that grace should be a motivator to staying the course and fighting the good fight.
- Get used to being uncomfortable – YOUR comfort is NOT the goal
In our fast paced world, we often forget that Jesus is the source of our LIFE and PEACE find ourselves searching and yearning for other comforts to ease stress. This can come in many forms.
- Food
- Social media
- Binging TV shows
- Staying hidden away from people
- Sexual pleasures
- Venting or gossiping to friends
- Substance abuse
- Shopping / Overspending, etc.
YOUR COMFORT IS NOT THE GOAL. Jesus said “take up your cross and follow me.” Putting any of these things before God become idolatry. Proverbs warns against those who love pleasure.
Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17
We must recognize that aiming for pleasure is a trap that will only lead to harm.
The good news is – that Jesus really DOES want to comfort and restore us, but that restoration comes through HIM, and HIM alone.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
And since we know Jesus likes to turn tables, let’s remember that Jesus also turned the tables on what ACTUALLY brings us life… It sounds contradictory, but TRUE LIFE comes through our sacrifice to Jesus. Jesus brought life through HIS sacrifice and he says that our sacrifices will actually bring us LIFE as well.
Matthew 10:39 says, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”
So the question is… what do we need to sacrifice on the altar to Jesus?
Church… we have work to do… as I write this I realize I have MUCH work to do… But can we shift our mindset? We cannot do this “work” in our own efforts. What an utter waste of time and frustration. We must rely on the Spirit of God and HIS help for every area of our lives. Does it require our obedience to what He is asking us to do? Yes. Does it require effort on our part to resist temptation? Yes. Will we have to make some tough choices? You bet. But let’s invite the Holy Spirit to help us. He truly does LIVE on the inside of us as our helper and comforter.
And the evidence of the Spirit in our lives will be the fruit of our lives. You (and others) will be able to see… more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-26).
Aren’t you exhausted? Overwhelmed? Are you ready to stop trying to do this all in your own strength?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me with your power to WILL and to DO your good pleasure. YOU live on the inside of me. Help me walk in that freedom that you give. Lead me out of any temptation from the enemy or my own flesh. I have the Spirit and mind of Christ on the inside of me.
Survey:
- What is something chaotic in my life that needs to be put in order? _________________________________________________________________________
- What have I spent more time worrying about than praying about? _________________________________________________________________________
- What do I do that is excessive or compulsive? _________________________________________________________________________
- Am I holding onto unforgiveness and/or do I need to reconcile with someone? _________________________________________________________________________
- On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best) how would I evaluate the health of the words that I speak? ______
- What Scriptures or Promises from God can I hold onto to strengthen my faith?
(Put them on the back)
- What rolls around in my head most often that makes me anxious or worried?
_________________________________________________________________________
- Has God told me to do something that I’m not doing? _________________________________________________________________________
- Do I need to let go of something I have been holding onto? _________________________________________________________________________
- What (or who) do I often run to in order to comfort myself? _______________________________
- What is ONE thing I could do to improve my relationship with God? _________________________________________________________________________
I commit to prayerfully put these things before the Lord and allow Him to lead me in these areas. I know human effort accomplishes nothing, so I commit my ways before the Lord and allow him to help me as I seek Him about these things.
- This month I will prioritize: __________________________________________
- This month I will give up or limit: _____________________________________
- I will spend 10 minutes a day: _______________________________________
*When I fail, I know that the Lord has grace, and I will get back up and try again the next day. I will not let one failure discourage me, for the Lord is with me, and I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. Even though I will stumble, I run as one who is running for the prize.
