What Sustains You?

Scripture Memory for the week: I'm choosing to be transparent through this blog and share that I am no good at scripture memory, so I'm going to use this as a virtual accountability. 

For this week I've chosen Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." 

Nuggets: "Waiting through the process has value to the outcome.  Try not to focus so much on where you're going and miss out of so many blessings along the way." Like that child in the backseat of a never-ending road trip. "Are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet." I think impatience can hinder us from experiencing God's grace in the midst of unanswered prayers, struggles, hardship, wondering, and so many situations.  

There has been a lot that I've learned this week!!! I think the most prominent thing is that truly through Christ, I can do all things. You may ask the question, "how?" Psalm 55:22 tells us that we can "cast our burdens on the Lord and HE WILL SUSTAIN US; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." 

I know in this season in my life I'm asking a lot of questions...."what is my next career move?", "when will I meet my husband?", "will I ever become registered as a dietitian and get to practice?". All these questions and many more, ring in my head daily.  I'll confess, I'm your typical Type A personality type, I like to know when things will take place so I can properly prepare for them. One thing I find infuriating is when it seems like I have no control over a situation and I know that there is nothing I can do to change it.  

This is where that sustaining grace that the psalmist speaks to comes into play and give us a peace that can truly surpass all understanding.  I'm learning that even through the most impossible situations, when it seems like God  doesn't move or speak that I am still serving a God who is capable of immeasurably more than anything I can ever think or desire (Ephesians 3:20). If you've never read the book of Ester I suggest it. In that book, God's name is not mentioned ONCE! But what I've learned through studies like Beth Moore's is that even when God is not present He is always working behind the scenes! 

My Prayer Life???

January 30, 2013- 

My Prayer Life??

by:  Debbie McGrath

 Scripture reading: Exodus 25-27, Acts: 6

Scripture: Acts 6:4 - and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

Observation: 

During the early church they needed more people in the ministry to serve. They picked 7 men who were full of the spirit and wisdom. After they picked them, the other disciples said let’s turn our attention to prayer and the word of God.

Application:  

PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER - is the only successful way to have a thriving relationship with God. I have never spent enough time in prayer.  Prayer is so vital because it is the only way I communicate to my Lord – who gives me wisdom throughout the day.  If I am not praying, I am not depending on Him.  I am obviously depending on my own wisdom. I know the Lord will transform my life thru prayer and being in His word.  I truly want to grow in my faith and be the best teacher I can be –I must spend more time I prayer  - listening to the voice of my Lord.

Prayer:  

Change my prayer life – make me more dependent on you – that is almost scary to pray. Lord forgive me for the times I don’t pray!!  - Which is a lot!

Bring on the Suffering? by Deena Serafin

January 29, 2013 (Divine Mentor Reading for Today) 

Exodus 23, 24, Psalm 14, Acts 5

"Bring on the Suffering?" By Deena Serafin

Scripture:

Acts 5:41- So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Observation:

Peter and other apostles had been in prison, beaten, blasted with ridicule, banned from the temple, and commanded by the religious leaders not to speak. Eventually, they would each be killed (except for John, who would be exiled) and yet, not only did they continue to boldly tell their stories, but they REJOICED that God considered them deserving of the suffering!

Application:

When I was in high school, I read an article that said Korean Christians were praying that American Christians would come under persecution in the US. Now, 50 years later, we think we are persecuted because we can no longer openly pray in school, or because we are criticized (or worse, ridiculed) for supporting traditional marriage, or because we are called names if we speak out against the sins of homosexuality or abortion. 

The apostles REJOICED to be beaten and bloodied! Would we? Or, do we just hunger for the "old days" when nearly everyone went to church but few were ever challenged to stand up for their faith?

Recently, in India, I served alongside two young Christian men (former Hindus)-- one had been beaten and imprisoned, the other's wife had been murdered because of his conversion-- and yet they REJOICED to be counted worthy to serve their Savior.

Should we pray that God would allow the serious persecution that many Christians tell us is on its way for US believers? Maybe we should.

Prayer:

O My Savior, I know nothing about suffering, and yet I am not boldly and continually sharing my story- Your story. Give me an opportunity today to tell someone how to know You. Holy Spirit, I ask that You comfort, strengthen, and empower believers in India, China, and other countries who truly suffer serious persecution for their faith. 

Spend Time with Jesus - by: Debbie McGrath

Dear Friends, 

I encourage you to spend time in the Word of God today. 

See what He has to say to you!

Just like Peter and John, when you spend time with Jesus 

your life will be transformed

 and others will notice!

January 28, 2013 (Divine Mentor Reading for Today)

Exodus 21, 23; Psalm 12, Acts 4

Scripture that made an impression on my heart.

Acts 4:13 – When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Observation:

The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law who made up the Jewish Council – the same council that had condemned Jesus to death – were questioning Peter and John.  You would think Peter and John would be intimated – but they weren’t. When their enemies confronted them, they responded with amazing confidence, daring aggressiveness and no compromise!  How could they do this – because they had been with Jesus.  They were indwelt with the Holy Spirit and with Christ.  Because of this, they were not concerned about themselves – Christ was the focus of their lives.

Application:

To be filled with the Spirit, I must engage in constant prayer so that the Spirit of Christ will consistently flow thru me.

Second, I must remain in the Word of God.  I must be constantly learning, constantly being taught so that Christ is projected throughout my life. 

Third, spending time with God’s people. I had lunch yesterday with some girlfriends from church.  There is nothing better than being with like-minded people  - as we laughed and fellowshipped together – I could see the light of Christ flow from them and I was encouraged!!

Prayer:  Lord fill me with your Spirit again and again.  Help me to be disciplined to spend time in your word, to make time to be with other believers and spend time in prayer.  May the people I interact with today and tomorrow not be able to miss the fact that I have been with Jesus.  Keep me humble and dependent upon the Holy Spirit – so that I may bring you glory and honor.

Give me Boldness like Peter!

Give Me Boldness like Peter! 

by: Debbie McGrath

January 27, 2013

Today’s Scripture Reading:

Exodus 17-20, Acts 3

Scripture that spoke to me: 

Acts 3:19 – Peter talking – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…

Observation:

Is this the same Peter who denied Christ three times??

Peter and John thru the name of Christ healed a crippled man who was sitting at the temple gates.  Everyone who saw this crippled man walking was filled with wonder and amazement.

Peter immediately used this opportunity to share Christ.

First, he identified the source of the miracle.

Peter used several names and titles for our Lord – in front all the people in the temple courts – he said: Jesus, Christ, the Son of God, Author of Life and Holy and Righteous One.

Then he reminded his audience that they had denied Christ and crucified Him.  But he did leave them without hope – he told them that their sins would be wiped out if they repented and turned to God.

Application:

Wow!!  How I truly desire to be so bold in sharing my faith!!

I know there is power in the name of Jesus, so I should not be silent or stand in fear when I have an opportunity to witness to others. 

Prayer:

Forgive me for the many times I have been silent.

When the next opportunity comes to share my faith,

 Lord give me the boldness to share in Your Name!

"Getting Back to Worship" by: Amanda Watts

“Getting Back to Worship”

By:  Amanda Watts

January 24, 2013

Scripture Reading for the Day:  Exodus 9-11, Luke 24

Scripture: Luke 24:52

Scripture: “After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”

Observation: 

After the disciples had seen the resurrected Christ, they worshiped and were filled with joy.

Application:

There is a song that has sort of been on repeat in my car over the last month that has helped me to change my perspective on true worship and coming to my Savior with a pure heart.  The artist name is Jimmy Needham and the song is called “Clear the Stage.” The song speaks to clearing everything off the “stage” of your life so that you can see and hear the Lord clearly without any distractions.  This may include getting rid of friendships, getting off certain social media sites, turning off cell phones or whatever else may be in your life that can be pulling you away from time with the Lord. Hear me when I say that I am single and cannot relate to what it’s like to be married or have children, so I now that there are things that He has blessed you with sweet girl and I’m thankful for those things in your life.  If you’re at a place where you can’t think of anything that may be a big distraction I encourage you to go to the Lord and ASK.  But back to worshiping, there is a part of the song that defines what an idol might be that might hinder your worship…

“Anything I put before my God is an idol….

and anything I want with all my heart is an idol….

and anything I can’t stop thinking of, is an idol…

and anything that I give all my love is an idol…

because I can sing all I want to and still get it wrong. 

Oh, worship is more than a song.”

When I heard this for the first time it rocked me to my core. I had thought, an idol is something tangible or something I can touch and hold but this opened my mind to consider that an idol can be anything that I give more weight than is deserved. 

I wonder what the disciple’s worship looked like in that room after they had been with the risen Lord??? I bet it doesn’t look like anything that we see in church today.  I serve with CP youth on Sunday mornings before going to Debbie’s bible study. One series Josh did was on what it looks like to live a life for Christ.  He had a guest speaker come in and define for the students what worship can look lie when it pleases God.  

He described 7 types of worship seen in scripture.

1.    Towday: Sacrifice of praise: offering sacrifice. Thankfulness and agreement:

2.    Yada: demonstration of submission by the raising of hands: Gods in control: whatever is and is to come - I am Yours

3.    Bara: to bow and be completely overwhelmed by His majesty:

showing honor in submission, adoration and reverence

4.    Shabach: to shout or lift up your voice: a joyful noise, walls of Jericho

5.    Zamar: to play an instrument before the Lord

6.    Halell: to boast in the wonders of the Lord in excitement of dance

7.    Tehilah: shouting, dancing, clapping: spontaneous praise for Gods glory

Prayer:

 Lord, I ask that You would clear the stage, take away all distractions until it’s only You that I see.  I ask for revelation of what I have piled high in my life to dull the sweet sound of your voice.  Speak loud and sweet in this next week and draw me closer to YOU! Let me not be ashamed to worship you in a way that pleases You and makes my soul rejo