When My Heart Hardens
It is funny how hard it is to listen to others when I am only thinking about myself. Whether I am hurt, frustrated or in need, other voices can get really small. It is hard to listen to wisdom, even from God. Then, when my heart is not tuned to God’s voice, my ears and eyes also do not hear or see Jesus in those moments. Moments like that really create inward focus on my own importance or even arrogance. Have any of you ever experienced this?
When this happens to me, two verses come to mind that help me look to Jesus when I start becoming this way. First, Romans 12:16 (NLT) “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” I have to realize God puts people in my life to see him through them — He knows I need them! Psalm 17:10 (NIV) says, “They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.” When I speak with arrogance then I know my heart has stopped seeing God in the things or people around me.
It is these moments where I need to hit pause and be reminded how God cares for the birds and how much more He cares for me. It is those moments where I need the Gospel to speak into my heart and my mind so my eyes can see Him.
LIVE THE STORY
Pause and take a moment to be reminded of what the Gospel means to you (Romans 1:16). Take a moment to thank Jesus for what He does for you. Most of us are coupled up with everything going on, so let’s take a few minutes to give our worries to Jesus (Philippians 4:6-8). He is near, so go to Him with thanksgiving in your heart, so He can give you peace.
Jeremy Johnson
Pastor of Men’s Ministry
The Good Part
Matthew 6:25, 32 (NASB)
There were times when my kids were young that I would forget simple truths. I would be reminded, only to forget again and again. I would forget God cared for me and for my family. Forget he knew my needs. Forget he was able to provide. If you were to have asked me whether I knew those things to be true, I would have insisted, of course, that I did. It was just that I was worrying as though I didn’t. I was living without an awareness of God’s presence with me in my troubles.
Have you experienced this kind of God-amnesia lately? Has all of the concern over COVID-19 and its impact on your family tempted you to worry, to be anxious about tomorrow. The sheer scope of these challenges can cause us to feel more than a little “frayed around the edges” or like things are “falling apart.”
The verb form of the word for “worried” (merimnao, Matthew 6:25), merizo, carries the idea of being “divided into parts” as a result of being pulled in different directions, or figuratively “to go to pieces.” This is how we often feel when we have forgotten that our Heavenly Father not only sees and knows about every one of our concerns, but that he also cares and is able to provide for our needs.
In Luke 10:38-40, we find that two sisters, Mary and Martha, were hosting Jesus in their home. Martha was “distracted with all her preparations” and “worried and bothered about so many things.” Meanwhile her sister, Mary, sat peacefully at the Lord’s feet, listening to him. Jesus said that Mary had chosen the good part. She was aware that being in his presence and hearing his words were what she really needed.
The peace that Martha needed, the peace that I need when I begin to be worried and bothered about so many things, can be found in following Mary’s example. It is in remembering to sit in the Lord’s presence and in listening to him.
LIVE THE STORY: One way to practice choosing the “good part” is to open up to one of the gospels and to slowly read, meditating on Jesus’ words with this prayer, “Lord, help me to truly listen to your words today, as though hearing your voice. Help me to hear you and to rest in you today.”
Nicole Jiles
Children’s Ministry Director
Non-anxious Living
I’m a child of the 80’s. Having grown up in a Christian home, that means I was an Amy Grant fan — big hair and all! If you know Amy Grant, you probably know the lyrics to her song, “Jehovah,” which appeared on her album, Straight Ahead.
It came out in 1984; I was really young! :) I can remember dancing around with my friends, boombox blasting in the middle of the room, singing “And Jehovah I love You so, And Jesus I want You to know!” It was a fun chorus, but I don’t remember paying the same attention to the verses.
The verses of the song are taken from Matthew 6 and when you stop and really notice what they are saying, it can completely change your perspective. “Consider ... He takes after each and every need. Consider ... He knows your every care. Consider ... All you’ve done for me to set me free.” Look around; consider how the birds and the flowers respond, then choose how to act.
We are free to not worry. Pastor Ryan said in his sermon this last weekend: “birds are too dumb to be worried; but we’re often too smart to trust.” He then goes on to tell us to “be discipled by the birds and the flowers; choose to live a life of non-anxious presence.” Disciple means follower. Follow the example of creation. Let your attitude of trust reflect that of a peaceful bird or a beautiful flower. Which are you choosing today? You are more valuable to God than anything else in
his creation. You are free to let go of worry and trust in the presence of the Lord Almighty who loves you so!
LIVE THE STORY
Take a moment to go for a walk outside. Look and listen. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you notice? If you can, find a bird or a flower and study it for a few moments. For what are they concerned? Are they living a life of non-anxious presence? Ask God to help you live your life in the same way. He cares for you.
Lynette Fuson
Director of Women’s Ministries
What Do You See?
I’ve worn glasses or contact lenses since my teens. My dad figured out I needed some help when I was playing Babe Ruth baseball in left field and misjudged a routine fly ball. Oops. My error nearly cost us the game. My dad said I needed an eye exam. He was right. I was myopic, needing some help for my vision. What confused me then and still confuses me now at my annual eye exams is when the optician asks me to decide between #1 or as he flips the screen, #2. I’m never quite sure. I tell him I’m guessing, but he still carries on. I get progressive lenses that help me simply tilt my head for the best vision.
As Matthew addresses our vision in these verses, he isn’t really talking about our natural eyesight. He is addressing a much deeper need. The question for us all is, “Are we walking in the Light?” Are we viewing the Light? Is the true Light of the world coming into our life? Because the alternative is deathly. We dare not allow darkness of any kind to encroach or overtake us. If there is darkness within us, brought there by what we view, what we hear, how we live and what we believe, Matthew exclaims loudly, “How great is that darkness!” This darkness refers to evil, living life against the will of God and His kingdom.
Currently, while many of us are sequestered at home, we have more time than usual to think, wonder, ponder and doubt the truth. Now, more than at any other time, we must keep to the truth—the Lord Jesus is still in charge and totally in control. This never changes. He never changes. He is for us and never against us. Darkness will try to bring doubt to this truth. Don’t close your eyes to the truth, no matter how you are feeling. Feelings are apt to change. Circumstances will change. Truth will always win out over fear, anxiety and doubt.
LIVE THE STORY
Walking in the Light of the Word of God will help us not stumble into worry. Allow the Lord to pace your steps right now. Submit your day to Him. Ask Him to show you where He wants you to focus your eyes, your thoughts and your energy.
Chip Whitman
Pastor of Care & Counseling
How to Pray
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes struggle to find the right words to pray especially when heavily burdened for people or a situation. In his book “How to Pray” Pete Greig says to “keep it simple, keep it real and keep it up.” C. H. Spurgeon the great 19th century preacher said that “prayer is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach—we should pray for prayer.”
How do we learn from the
Spirit? Get alone with God, be still and remember P.R.A.Y. (from “How to Pray”)
- Pause—be still
- Rejoice—remember God loves you
- Ask—him for everything on your heart
- Yield—offer every part of yourself to him
as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)
Sometimes when I don’t know
exactly how to pray—I pray the Lord’s Prayer. From the time I was in Jr. High I
have prayed that prayer at especially stressful times in life and I know that
God honored it whispered to him from the bottom of my heart and at the same
time Jesus interceded on my behalf. Romans 8:34 says . . . Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who
was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding
for us.
I love getting texts and
phone calls from our kids and grandkids across the country. It doesn’t matter
what the text says, or what they say on the phone, I just love the
communication especially when they initiate it. It tells me that they thought
of me, wanted to confide me, or just needed me to listen. Likewise, God is a
great listener! He never gets tired, weary, distracted or impatient. Our
heavenly Father welcomes us with open arms no matter what time of the day or
night. . . . He will cover you with
His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a
shield and bulwark. (Psalm 91:4) I love that visual of being sheltered under his
mighty wings. (Psalm 17:8)
Prayer
takes time. One day you will see that your prayers have had a mighty effect in
the spiritual realm. Don’t give up or think it’s not important to pray today.
If ever there was a need for intercessory prayer, it’s now.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and faithfulness. Thank you that I can hide in the shadows of your wings and talk to you about anything on my heart, and most importantly thanks for listening. Help me to wait patiently for your answers.
Are You on the C U S P?
Cusp is an old English word meaning edge, verge, precipice, or point of transition. When someone is on the cusp, they are on the farthest edge of existence, looking over the side … observing and wondering, perhaps ready to make a life-changing decision. Having worked in the field of bereavement for nearly 40 years, I’ve heard many stories of people at the end of their rope, in despair, feeling hopeless and helpless, and lacking strong faith. This is not uncommon when life events, such as the death of a loved one, robs us of equilibrium and balance. Life just doesn’t seem right. We begin to wonder if anything will ever be right again. We question ourselves, our family, our faith and even God Himself. The one question we can’t seem to get an answer for is, “Why?”
The current global pandemic has brought some of us to this same place of doubt, fear and anxiety.
When I began to consider what could take the place of living in uncertainty on the edge, I decided to use other words which I found to be the most common needs we have when things seem out of control. I decided to use these words to describe our deepest needs: Control, Understanding, Support and Purpose.
“How much do I feel in control right now?” may be helpful to ask ourselves in these stressful times. We usually need to have some sense of control in our lives, or at least have a strong faith in Who is in control. Take an inventory of where your trust is right now. Ask yourself some tough questions, such as “what am I trusting in?” Is it the nightly news, the media or friends? Or is it in the Lord?
The second helpful question is to evaluate how much you understand what is going on and why, which may be difficult right now. We have some answers, but they tend to change daily. Are you able to talk to the Lord and receive His perspective? He is NOT worried. He is NOT stressed out. He alone is in control. We do well to lean into Him to gain the best and healthiest understanding. Be wise. Avoid speculation and rumor. Trust that you are in the palm of God’s hand and He will not let you go.
The third question is “Where is your support?” Family, friends, neighbors, Emmanuel Faith family, small groups and our leaders are here to lend support to you. Your leaders are currently working on scores of ways to lend aid and support to you. If you feel left out or alone, know that you are prayed for daily, thought about constantly and we want to connect with you.
Finally, “What are YOU up to, Lord?” Where are YOU in all this? What is the purpose underlying what You have allowed globally? What do you want to happen as a result of this crisis? How do you want me or us to change
Deuteronomy 31:8 states clearly that God will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what.
Chip Whitman
Pastor of Care & Counseling
Keep the Faith
What does that phrase mean to you? Maybe it means keeping Jesus at the forefront, serving Him by serving others, relying on his strength, and many other things I could but won’t list. I love what I recently read about faith by John Ortberg and wanted to share with you the following:
“Many people, when they consider faith, think ‘I believe that God exists,’ or ‘Scripture is accurate,’ or ‘Love is the greatest virtue.’
But at its core, faith is not simply the belief in a statement; it puts trust in a person. We all think we want certainty. But we don’t. What we really want is trust, wisely placed.
The disciples looked at Jesus, and they thought, I like his life. I wish I could live like that. When they tried doing the things that Jesus instructed, they found that his teachings made sense when they acted on them. Forgiving worked better than vengeance. Generosity worked better than hoarding. They began to believe these truths for themselves. The growth of the disciples looked something like this: First they had faith in Jesus; then they began to have the faith of Jesus. Their mental maps began to look like Jesus’ mental map. Finally, after his crucifixion and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, his disciples realized that Jesus is the Savior of the world — that he really is the revelation of God himself — and therefore they trusted him with their eternal destinies as well.
Trust is better than certainty because it honors the freedom of persons and makes possible growth and intimacy that certainty alone could never produce. There can be no intimacy without trust.
Elton Trueblood wrote these words, and I think they are profoundly true: The deepest conviction of the Christian is that Christ was not wrong. Faith involves certain beliefs. Faith involves an attitude of hope and confidence. But at its core, faith is trusting a person.”
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am, you meet me where I am, and I can put my full trust in your loving care for me.
John Ortberg, “What Do I Really Believe?” March 14, 2014
www.johnortberg.com/what-do-i-really-believe/
Hopeful Response
Billy Graham once said, “The Bible is not an option; it’s a necessity.” This is especially true in times of despair that can lead to anxiety and fear. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
Reading Scripture is a necessity for all of us Jesus followers, but even now more than ever. It is our source of comfort and wisdom. It encourages, inspires and reminds us of our hope in Jesus Christ.
One of the other ways to keep our minds fixed on Jesus is by intentionally being grateful. Every day think of things you are thankful for and tell him. Thank him for his love, mercy, peace and provision of everything you need. You can share other feelings and thoughts with him, too, of course, but he is our Good Shepherd and worthy of all thanks and praise.
Fear is something God designed, not the devil. God designed fear so that we would flee real danger. Fear is meant to be a mercy. Its purpose is to direct us to safety. When our soul is ordered right, we fear the Lord and turn away from evil (Job 28:28).*
So how can we keep running the race of faith in a world of fear because of a pandemic virus seemingly turning our world upside down right now. We fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Fearing the Lord is believing the Lord (or having reverence for the Lord).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
So, lay aside the weights of your fears and believe in Jesus. Jesus is running with you and he’s stronger than Satan. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
*Jon Bloom, “Lay Aside the Weight of Fear,” Desiring God, April 19, 2013
www.desiringGod.org/articles/lay-aside-the-weight-of-fear.
Our Hope and Peace
How is your peace tank today? Filled up or leaking a bit? Let’s be honest, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t have some concerns. It seems like every few minutes there is something in the news, email or on the web that causes us to take a deep breath, and maybe even gives our hearts a little sinking feeling. Some of us might be frustrated with the perception that people are overreacting to this latest health challenge and news in the media. Or some might be thinking not enough has or is being done. There are so many unknowns, but we do know one thing; our merciful God is in control.
Our own grown sons in different parts of the country who have families to support are already feeling some concern as their livelihoods are affected. Schools are closing, events are canceled and while the number of people who have been seriously affected or died from the COVID-19 virus is low relative to our population, there are many things we don’t know and some scary things we do know about the potential of spread. So as believers, how do we respond? Are we on our knees daily and searching scripture for hope and encouragement to share with each other and those around us? Are we praising the Lord for how he is going to use this current circumstance for his good and perfect purpose?
Jesus is the foundation stone of our peace. Without him there is no real peace. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) That is a fact, and a promise for us to cling to and share. Why is it important that our hearts and minds are guarded with his peace, especially right now? We have a great opportunity to be examples to our families, friends and acquaintances of God’s peace and love. We can share with people who might be fearful, anxious or angry.
We can offer to help an elderly or disabled neighbor with grocery shopping or a meal. We can call friends and offer encouragement or just a listening ear. We can ask the Lord for new creative ways to connect with people as our staff has been doing the past couple of days. We can take a break from our technology, the news and social media to just pray and ask the Lord for how we can be of help. This a chance for our families to grow stronger and all of us to be united in prayer.
Thank you, Lord for being our Rock, Comforter, hope and the only real source of our peace. Amen
Be Careful, Be Vewy, Vewy Careful
So said Elmer Fudd in his classic pursuit of Bugs Bunny, and so says Paul to us in our pursuit to make the most of our days, and our attempts and desires to live for God, his honor, his kingdom and glory, and for his purposes.
Now, why would Paul say to be “very careful”? He does so because the days are evil, and because they are, they tempt us and try to get us off-track through distraction and disorientation.
Therefore, what Paul does here is remind us of our focus. Just like Elmer Fudd had a laser-like focus on capturing Bugs, so too, we are to have a laser-like focus on making the most of every opportunity. But how do we do that? The keys are found in verse 18 (where we are instructed to be filled with the Spirit) and verse 17 (where we are told to understand what the Lord’s will is). Once we have these two things down, the rest of the passage becomes helpful guidance about how to live out our desires.
Today would be a good day to evaluate how careful you’ve been lately. Have you been attentive to doing your part to be filled with the Spirit? Are you living in submission to the Spirit’s guidance and direction in your life, surrendering your will to his when there is a conflict about who might be right? Are you praying and asking for help, for guidance, for strength or for perspective as you go throughout your day? Are you pausing to be aware of his presence? If you are, you’re doing what Paul has in mind here.
And what about understanding what the Lord’s will is? We discern this through the constant renewal of our minds by the Spirit and the Scriptures. Making sure we are in the Word regularly really helps with understanding his will.
LIVE THE STORY: We have a list of things to do and not do in verses 15-21. As you prayerfully think about this text and your day, what is God saying to you about what he wants you to do more of and maybe do less of? What’s one thing you sense he is calling you to work on with him over the next 24 hours or so?
The good news, no, the great news from today’s passage is that it is possible to make the most of every opportunity that God gives us. The key is to be careful, be vewy, vewy careful.
