Community Devotions

In Plain Sight

SCRIPTURE

Mark 16: 6“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

OBSERVATION

When things are so incredible that even when you have been told that that is what is going to happen, you have a hard time believing it.  This, I believe, was the case for the women who followed Jesus, and then the Apostles themselves.

God’s miracles are inherently to be incredible because it is something that we cannot accomplish on our own.  So, the more we are attuned in our hearts and minds to God’s miracles, we are more apt to recognize and receive them for what they are.  Jesus told His disciples that the Kingdom of God must be accepted just as a child would – without preconceived notions and prejudices because they will deceive them, even when it’s told plainly.

APPLICATION

 Listen for the plain voice of God in my life that tells me to be ready for miracles when I am in obedience of Him.

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for all your miracles, the ones we perceive and the ones we don't.  Cleanse my heart so as to be attuned to your voice. Bless and protect Michael as he serves our Country.  Sustain Joshua during his senior year.  Pour in to Daniel, the joy of knowing and following you, Lord Jesus.  Guide and protect Christine as she is teaching today.  Keep Grandpa healthy and at peace.  I lift up all the prayer requests that NHCC received and may they reach your throne.  I love you, Lord Jesus.  In your name, I pray. Amen.

Knowledge to Know OR Power to Live?

Scripture - So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)

Observation - After his resurrection Jesus stayed with his disciples teaching them about the kingdom of God and promising them the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples however requested for knowledge wanting to know the details of the timing of Israel's restoration. Instead Of giving them the knowledge to know facts Jesus gave them the power to live as witnesses. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is Gods power for his disciples to live out in power the reign of God here on earth.

Application - Too many times we sell ourselves short by wanting to know things instead of having the power to live it out. In times of tragedy, pain or trials the question we often ask is why? I'm reminded of the church member who realized the blessing of an "unanswered prayer" to her diabetes and recognizing the power to live out a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and discipline of exercise. We thirst for knowledge but not hunger the power of his presence. Points of Obedience:

 1. Parenting: I'm more focused on principles instead of being spirit filled and leading my boys in godliness. 

2. Ministry/Preaching: I'm more comfortable and dependent on biblical knowledge instead of being focused being lead by the Spirit.

Prayer - Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gospel! Thank you for sending your sending Son to live the perfect live of obedience that I could never live, to die my death on cross that I deserved and to be resurrected from the dead so that I can have a victorious life over sin. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to empower me to live for you. Lord, may I live and do more than I know. Would you turn my affection to you so that loving you and delighting you would be my portion and strength? I love you so much. Maranatha!