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God’s paths seldom make sense. Often in life God leads us straight into what looks like an impossible situation where even our best resources are not enough to get us through. This is how the Israelites felt when God led them to the banks of the Jordan River at flood stage and commanded them to step out into the water and go across! These moments are not obstacles, but opportunities to see God’s power displayed! Are we willing to trust God to make a way where there is no way?
In a world filled with non-stop advertising telling us how to improve OUR finances, OUR career, OUR possessions, OUR lifestyle, etc., it requires constant diligence to remind ourselves that as followers of Christ, this life is NOT about us! The truth is, the more we gather for ourselves, the more enslaved we become. Real life and freedom can only be found when we give our lives away. So how do we rise above this temptation to live for ourselves and answer the call of Christ to live for the sake of others?
Is your heart broken over the things that break God’s heart? Do you care about the people He cares about? It is entirely possible to go to church, sing the songs, serve in a ministry, put money in the offering plate… and yet have a heart that is miles away from God. If you find yourself just going through the motions, begin asking God to break your heart for the things that break His heart. When that truly happens, your life will never be the same!
When Jonah rebelled against God and got thrown overboard into the ocean, God would have had every right to let him drown. But once again we see the gracious heart of God in Jonah 3:1 – The word of the Lord came to Jonah a SECOND TIME. Where would any of us be right now if we had not been given a second chance by God? His mercy and patience are astounding. But the question is, what have we done with the second chances God has given us? Are we using them to live for ourselves or to live out His mission?
From our earliest memories in Sunday School, we were told that the book of Jonah was all about a man being swallowed by a big fish. But in reality, the whole story of Jonah, right up to the very last verse, is about the compassionate heart of God towards those who don’t deserve His grace and forgiveness. God rescues a rebellious prophet in order to redeem a rebellious city. Join us for this exciting story, not about a great fish, but about a great God!
Over the course of His ministry, there were thousands and thousands of people who were quick to follow Jesus when He was doing miracles. But those same crowds turned back once they learned how much it would cost them to truly follow Jesus. He said a person must be willing to give up everything he has in order to be His disciple. Even today we see people who used to follow Christ, who have now turned back because the price was too high. Will you still be following Christ a year from now?
When is the last time you took a step of faith that terrified you? How long has it been? Are you going through life with only “memories” of times long ago when you stepped out on faith? If God seems to be cutting away the safety harnesses in your life and stripping you of the things you’ve been depending on, it may be that He is inviting you into a fresh opportunity to walk with Him at a place where your faith will grow to a whole new level. Will you step out and risk something for Him this year instead of being content to live on yesterday’s faith?
2009 and 2010 have been years of dramatic economic decline, collapsing financial institutions, staggering job loss and shrinking retirement accounts. People’s hearts are filled with fear and anxiety, wondering what the future holds. As we step into 2011, is it possible — even thinkable — that we could face this shaky new year with an unshakeable faith?
History tells us that a lot of people who made commitments to become pioneers actually ended up becoming settlers before they ever reached their destination. When the journey got rough, many chose to stop and find a place of comfort instead of pressing on towards their goal. The same will be true of us as followers of Christ unless we are willing to surrender everything that is holding us back. Is there anything in your life keeping you from following God wherever He is calling you to go?
As we celebrate our freedom as Americans, we remember those who have paid the price to keep us free. But how often do we celebrate the freedom we have been given through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross when He gave His life for us? He paid the ultimate price to set us free, and we owe Him a lifetime of gratitude and faithful service!
There are people throughout history who have risked everything to follow Jesus. Nicodemus was one such man. Although he was a member of the Pharisees who hated Jesus, he was willing to risk his reputation to have an encounter with the Savior, and after Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus was one of the men who helped bury Jesus. History tells us that he lost everything because of this, yet he was not willing to let anything hold him back from following the truth. Is there anything holding you back from following Jesus completely?
Everything in life is just talk until we make a personal commitment to actually DO it. So often, the difference between people God uses greatly and people He doesn’t use comes down to which person is fully committed to Him. Is there an area of your life that you have been hesitant to commit the Lord? Why not give it to Him today?
