Remembering the Good God has done in our Lives

On Sunday, we talked about Memorial Day and how it is the day we remember all of those great Americans who died fighting for our freedom.

Just as we remember our fallen Americans for the great things they have done, do you remember the great things God has done in your life? We looked at Joshua 4:1-7 as just one of the many times the Israelites set up memorials to remember the great things God has done for them. They were set up so that when their children asked what those stones meant, they would be able tell them how God provided for them.

What God has done in your life? Is it an answered prayer, an unexpected provision at the right time, help in overcoming an obstacle or temptation?

Take a minute and think through what God has done for you and do 2 things:

1. Memorialize it in some way. The Israelites set up stone pillars some of the times, but it could look differently for you (and probably should as having a variety of stone pillars set up in your room or throughout your house could become an obstacle for you and your family members). You could do a bookmark, write in a journal or even do a small creation that would help you remember.
2. If, after searching your life, you feel that God hasn't done anything significant in your life, I would challenge you to pray that he does move in your life in some way. Pray specifically and consistently for God to work and see how he brings about a resolution or blessing in your life. Once he does, memorialize it in some way.

When we memorialize the great things God has done in our lives, it enables us to always remember what he has done. So that when tough times hit and we have a crisis of faith, we can remember all that God has done and can do in our lives.

Pray

The Truth be told

On Sunday, Bruce talked about being honest and telling the truth. He shared his experience of being caught trying to change a grade in high school and how that had a snowball effect on his life as his character quickly came into question.

Take a minute and review the scripture he shared. Read Matthew 5:33-37

If we are people who honor our promises and oath, then we have a sense of integrity and truth. Being truthful and honest are a direct reflection on your character - who you really are and what you really believe.

So, where do you get your truth from? Where do you get your sense of integrity and honesty?

Is it from your friends, TV or movies (seriously), what you read in the newspapers or online?

How do you know that those are the truth?

Ultimately, we find truth through Christ. Read John 14:6. What a bold statement! He IS the Truth and since we know that God does not lie (Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:19), we know that we can take him for his word and his promises will never fail.

Is that true of the other places we can find truth?

Application:

Even though we may know that the 100% undeniable truth can only be found in Christ, we rarely take the time to spend it with Him. When we become so busy with life and the things we have to do, we fail to get that knowledge and understanding that will help us throughout the day.

So, today, take time and get to know the truth! Spend time reading through the Bible and discovering or rediscovering the truth found in Christ and God alone. Don't rely on other sources, rely on the one who IS the truth.

Then, jot down a note or 2 about what truth you learned and stick it in your pocket so you can reflect or turn to it throughout the day. Who knows, it may end up being very helpful for you throughout the day!

Pray and spend time with Christ today!

Spring Cleaning - What's Important

On Sunday, we talked about identifying what is most important in our lives. That, if we are going to clean out our lives, as we clean out our rooms and homes, we have to first identify the most important things in them so that we don't throw them away.

As we discussed this, we looked at what Christ said to the Samaritan Woman.

Read John 4:4-26

1. What did Jesus ask the woman? What was her response?
2. What did Jesus offer the woman? Why was what he was offering different?
3. How can we have this water?

Application:

Jesus promised the woman that the water he was offering her, living water, would quench her thirst forever. Not only that but it "suggests that availability, accessibility and abundance of the divine life for believers" that ultimately leads to eternal life.

Are you drinking from the water Christ offers or are you trying to quench your thirst with things others view as important and necessary?

We can all have this water by being with Christ. When you are spending time in prayer, mediation, or study of the Bible, you are drinking from the living water that only Christ alone can offer you.

This week, spend time with Christ - more than just a 5-10 minute Bible reading - in which you are drinking the water and then enabling it to quench your thirst and provide that nourishment that we all need.

Pray

Source: Life Application Bible: John (pp. 77-83)