2/5/2023 0 Comments The Stories I'll TellAs he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. (19) Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” –Mark 5.18-19 (CSB) Pen-y-Fan (Penny-Van) is the highest peak in South Wales, UK. It is a part of the Brecon Beacons and while anyone can hike it, it is physically tasking. As you hike, you’re likely to see future British Special Forces training alongside you as they run different exercises in full field gear. This hike was far harder than any other hike I have done, but the views were spectacular! But, then again, the mountaintops are always spectacular. We do not have to hike Pen-y-Fan to have a “mountain top experience,” but we do need to spend time with Jesus. Just this morning, I had a sweet time with the Lord in prayer and song as I drove to Moss Point. However, we can be tempted to dwell on the mountain top and not go and tell others. In today’s passage, we meet a man who had been demon possessed; the situation was bleak, and Satan’s demons had sought to destroy not only the image of God, but the image bearer. Once the demons were cast out, the man was described as “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind” (Mk. 5.15). God had done a work in the man’s life and he was on a mountain top. He had not known peace, but now he did. He had not known safety, as he was “cutting himself with stones”, but now he did. The people around him were more afraid at his healing than the demons (v17) and in response asked Jesus to leave. Maybe the man who was healed was also asked to leave or maybe he just wanted to go with the One who had healed him. But we know this: Jesus wouldn’t let him (v19). Instead, Jesus commanded the man to go home and report all that happened and “how much the Lord has done…and has had mercy” on him (v19). The man did and the people were “amazed” (v20). The mountain tops are great, but you can’t live there. You must come down and tell of God’s greatness. Let others hear how God has worked in your life and how he has transformed you. You have a sphere of influence that I do not have, and I have a sphere you do not have. May we seek to faithfully tell others how much the Lord has done and how he has had mercy on us. For Reflection
Read Mark 5.1-20. What stood out to you in this passage? Reflect on a recent “mountain top experience” in your journey with Jesus? What did you learn from that time. How has God used that mountain top to impact others? Pray Pray and ask God to help you embrace the lessons from the mountain top as you seek to impact others for the kingdom. Father, I thank you for saving me. You’ve done a great work and now I want to tell others. Help me see those opportunities and then respond in obedience this week. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Listen Today’s devotional title comes from The Worship Initiative’s song: “The Stories I’ll Tell.” You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsO044-GpWc
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2/4/2023 0 Comments That We May SeeI pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (19) and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the might working of his strength. –Ephesians 1.18-19 (CSB) Without wearing glasses, driving at night poses genuine challenges for me. My eyes hurt, my head begins to ache, my depth perception is off, and I simply cannot see well. However, with my glasses, my impediments are remedied, and driving is enjoyable. I fear we often journey with Jesus like one who won’t wear his glasses when he ought. We struggle to follow faithfully, get frustrated when we fail, and then claim that our Christian experience is dry and unfruitful. Yet, if we were to take a moment and allow Holy God to do a spiritual “vision check-up” on us, we might discover the source of our vision issue. Paul prayed that his Ephesian friends would see God clearly. Specifically, he prayed that “they eyes of [their] heart may be enlightened” to know their hope in Christ, the promise of present and future blessings (cf. Rev. 21.5), and God’s “immeasurable greatness” and power. We considered the prayer of the Psalmist yesterday: “Make your ways known to me, LORD; teach me your paths” (Psalm 25.4). The Lord will teach us his paths, but we must also allow him to give us clarity of vision so that we may see him as he is. What about your spiritual vision? Is it clear or blurry? How about this: When you think of God, what comes to mind? Now, are your thoughts about God accurate (So, are they Biblical?)? Are they complete (You may fixating on one characteristic to the neglect of the others.)? If your thoughts are not accurate or complete, you may have blurred vision. As you pray and consider today’s passage, would you speak your thoughts about God to Him? Ask him to clarify your image of him; ask him to align your understanding of him with his Word. God desires that we have an accurate and Biblical view of him so that we me may live in bold obedience to him. For Reflection
When you think of God in this moment, what comes to mind? Are your thoughts about God accurate? Are they complete? What is one aspect of God’s character that you struggle to understand or embrace more fully? What steps can you take this week to embrace all aspects of God’s character more fully? Pray Pray and ask God to give you greater clarity regarding who he is and what he desires. Father, I thank you that you have not hidden yourself from people, but rather have made yourself known through creation and through your Word. Please open the eyes of my heart and help me see you more clearly. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 2/3/2023 0 Comments Teach Me Your WaysMake your ways known to me, LORD; teach me your paths. –Psalm 25.4 (CSB) I finished tiling my kitchen earlier today and am now working on grouting. Besides my master bath, this is the only tiling job I have done and now it is almost complete. When Dad first taught me how to tile a few months ago it felt awkward, and the motions required seemed unnatural. In fact, any time I have undertaken a new project that requires a new skill, there is always a level of awkwardness on my part. I ask: “What in the world am I doing? I won’t be able to do this.” Yet, in each thing—woodworking, small engine repair, welding, forestry, and soon, leatherwork—all the things seemed awkward and unnatural when I first began. But I kept at it. I would ask questions from those who knew more than I did. I would make mental notes about how to improve the process and the outcome. I sought to be teachable and determined to keep my focus on the task. And so it is with following Jesus: We must be taught. This is no small task; without his leadership and prompting, our attempts to follow are as useful as a lead balloon. We must submit ourselves to his way; this is a continual, lifelong process. He is not finished with us, nor will he be finished with us this side of glory (Phil. 1.6; 2.12-13). As we learn to follow, our relationship deeps, our understanding broadens, our love intensifies. I think of older saints who have been married for decades. Their marriages are richer and deeper today than it was at the genesis! Why? Because they’ve journeyed together—through victories and defeats, sickness and health, and for richer and poorer. The Psalmist asked the Lord to show him His paths and teach him His ways. The psalmist desired greater intimacy with and greater knowledge of the Lord as he journeyed with Him. Only through a faithful journey with Jesus can we grow closer to Him, be transformed by him, and be a people devoted to Him, His Kingdom, and His mission. You and I won’t follow him perfectly, but we can follow him faithfully. Keep your eyes on the author and perfector of your faith (Heb. 12.2) and allow him to teach you how to follow him more faithfully today and every day. For Reflection
In what areas of your life do you need God’s leadership and insight? In what areas do you still need to grow? What is the Lord teaching you in this season of life? Pray Pray and ask God to teach you his ways as you follow him day-by-day. Pray that he would teach you to follow him more faithfully. Father, thank you that you teach me how to follow you with each day that passes. Show me where I must yield to you and please enable me to submit to you and learn from you. I love you and I thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 2/2/2023 0 Comments When the Journey Becomes WearyI lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? (2) My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. –Psalm 121.1-2 (CSB) I fell in love with East Tennessee a few years ago when I took a small group of college students there for a winter trip. I had not been, but my pastor at the time had lived there for close to 20 years. Together, we developed an itinerary and he offered to join us for a portion of the trip. He also suggested that we hike one of the trails in the National Park. With him as the leader of the hiking expedition, we began the journey. I was excited for the hike and thought I was better prepared than I ended up being—after all, I hiked a portion of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales and survived. I started the hike with great excitement and enthusiasm. However, as the elevation increased my breathing became labored. The temperature and humidity also shot up and I was miserable. With each step, I grew weary and was ready to quit. I feared my heart would stop if I didn’t. There are times when our journey with Jesus becomes weary. With each day that passes, we grow increasingly tired and discouraged. We know that Jesus has called the weary to himself (Mt. 11.28-30) and so we draw near, but the rest he promised seems elusive. Yet, the call remains the same: draw near to Jesus. So we continually draw near—day after day, knowing that he will provide that which he has promised. In those seasons when rest seems elusive and relief is not in sight, what is our plea? What is our response? Some throw their hands up in frustration and say: “Surely, God has abandoned me and so I will abandon him.” Others, however, echo the words of Job: “Even if he kills me, I will hope in him” (Job 13.15). We might would say: “Even if he has abandoned me, I will still keep trusting him.” Dear friend, God sees your faithfulness in following Jesus, and he has not forgotten where you are. He knows you and your location. He knows your struggles and he understands them (Heb. 4.15). You may be weary. You may be ready to throw in the towel. Let me encourage: Lift your eyes to the mountains and know that your hope comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not delay; he will work in his perfect time. I will tell you of Your wonders, sing of Your grace The God of creation knows me by name The Lord is faithful Yesterday, now and always, always. “Always” by Chris Tomlin For Reflection
Read Psalm 121.1-2, Matthew 11.28-30, Job 13.15; Hebrews 4.15-16. What do these verses show you about God’s character? How do these verses help you relate to the Lord Jesus in a season of weariness? How might you encourage a friend or loved one who has grown weary in his/her journey with Jesus? Pray Pray and ask God to encourage your heart as you follow him. Ask him to help you remember the source of your hope and help in all seasons of life. Father, I thank you that you have created all things and that you know exactly what I’m going through. When I’m tired, show me how to rest in you. When I’m weary, help me trust in your sustaining hand. Thank you that are my help in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 2/1/2023 0 Comments His Glory. Our Reward.Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, (24) knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. –Colossians 3.23-24 (CSB) We were hosting the Tri-County Spring Leadership Training and our job was to provide the space and refreshments for the evening as we coordinated with the various session leaders to provide anything they might need. We were anticipating 150+ leaders for the evening and I was excited that we were able to be involved with this training opportunity. Yes, I wanted to do it well and we worked double time to make sure that we took care of everything on our end. But it was tiring and as we were completing the last-minute preparations, our custodian and I were setting up tables in the gym for refreshments. We placed the final tablecloth down and I was already tired from a day of work. The tablecloth was noticeably not level, and I simply didn’t care. As we went to walk away, the Holy Spirit reminded me of today’s verse; we went and fixed the tablecloth. Upon reflection, I believe my motivation for wanting everything to be excellent was more about my desire to impress the association than it was to give my best to God. If we’re transparent, we all run the risk of falling into the same trap. We complete our ministries for the sake of approval instead of the glory of God. So, I ask you, “Why do you do what you do?” Are you seeking to build your resume? Get a pat on the back? Bolster your image? Or are you seeking to make God look good as your faithfully serve him in all things? As we serve him, we are to do it wholeheartedly; we must give our all. We give our all not to win his approval (we have it already in Christ!). Rather, we give our all because he has saved us by “grace through faith” (Eph 2.8)! Now that we are saved, we have work to do that God has prepared for us (Eph. 2.10). As we work, we work for him. So, in truth, you’re not working for your immediate supervisor, but rather God. You’re not cooking dinner for your spouse, but for God. You’re not taking the kids to school for their sake, but for God’s glory. In everything you do, Paul writes, do it for the glory of God. For Reflection
Why do you do what you do in the Church? In your family? Work? How would remembering that you ultimately serve the Lord Jesus change the way you approach your work? In what ways do you need to adjust your attitude about your work to faithfully live out today’s passage? Pray Pray and ask God to help you complete your work for his glory Lord Jesus, help me to serve you in all things—regardless of how small the task may seem. Thank you for showing me how to work for the glory God and for empowering me to do so as well. In Jesus’ name, amen. 1/31/2023 0 Comments Be With HimJesus went up the mountain and summoned those he wanted, and they came to him. (14) He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, to send them out to preach, (15) and to have authority to drive out demons. –Mark 3.13-15 (CSB) Do you desire our church to be united? To be a force for the Kingdom? I do. In fact, I believe we can be united; I believe we can be a force for the Kingdom. However, I also recognize that we are not united. We have a semblance of unity, but no real unity. We say, “Yes, we will do whatever it takes! Except doing the hard work to foster unity.” We walk around with anger and animosity toward ourselves and others. We anxiously wait to pull out the record of wrongs and add to the list when someone crosses us. Yet, if we walk in love (i.e., the defining characteristic of Christ’s people (Jh. 13.35)), we will keep no record of wrong and certainly won’t remind others of their past once forgiven and forgotten (1 Cor. 13.5). In fact, when we’re marked by love, we endeavor to forgive in our hearts—even when the one in the wrong never asks for it. I have been praying for unity for our church; through tears I have prayed. With a heavy heart I have prayed. I believe we can be united and reach our community, state, and world for the Kingdom. But we must first be united because God will not bless a church that is divided. Ultimately, we become united as we each walk with Jesus day-by-day. We endeavor to draw near to the one who made an end to all our sin. When Jesus summoned the twelve to him, their first and primary commission was “to be with him” (Mk. 3.13). It was not to lead a Bible study, drive out demons, preach, or serve. No, it was to simply be with Jesus. To be transformed by him and to be taught by him. As we move toward unity as a faith family, may we each seek to abide in Christ (Jh. 15.5) and commune with him in fellowship and prayer for ourselves, family, friends, and church. As we spend time with Jesus, may we lay down that which has no place in our lives (Col. 3.5-10) and pick up that which we should embrace (Col. 3.12-17). For Reflection
How has your time been with Jesus? What adjustments do you need to make to spend more time with Him? Read Colossians 3.5-10, 3.12-17. What in your life do you need to “put off” and what do you need to “put on.” How does our personal intimacy with Jesus affect our unity as a church? Pray Pray and ask God to draw you nearer to him as he draws us nearer as a faith family. Oh Lord, the task is great and challenges are many. But you have overcome. Draw us near both as a church and as individuals so that we may be united for your glory and our good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. |
AuthorPastor Kreig serves as the Pastor our Four Mile Creek. He is married to his wife, Kayla. ArchivesCategories |
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