Feel the Power.

2 Timothy 1:7-8 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

The Holy Spirit is in you. 
You weren't given a timid spirit. 
You are filled with God's Spirit of power. 

Faulty Thinking

Romans 5:12-21
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I've heard this story many times, through many different renditions, but here is the version this devotion provided.


"Four people—a pilot, a professor, a pastor, and a hiker—were flying in a small plane when the engines died. The pilot said, “There are only three parachutes. Since this is my plane, I’m taking one of them.” He put it on and jumped out. The professor said, “I’m brilliant and the world needs me, so I’m taking a parachute,” and he jumped out.

Then the pastor told the hiker, “I don’t want to be selfish, so you take the last parachute.” The hiker replied, “There are still two left, so we can each have one. The professor jumped out with my backpack instead of the parachute!""

Many of us are like the professor; we believe in faulty thinking. He believed that backpack was a parachute, and it gave him false hope. We believe our works can get us into heaven, whether it is being "good," attending church or being baptized. 

"For if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." [Romans 5:17-18]

We all have sinned, and believed at some point our faulty thinking can allow us to receive eternal life. But as sin entered through one man, so does our breakage from sin through another, Christ Jesus. 

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If we could earn our salvation, Christ would not have died to provide it.

Rhythm.

Galatians 5:25 

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

The Spirit flows through creation, bringing together the different contributions of God's people to create perfect, incredible music. 


All of creation, like the instruments in a song, is in step. in rhythm. with God's tempo. 


Your life is an important part of this beautiful sound. You help to create a song of beauty and joy. Without you, it's not quite as rich and moving as it could be.
We must work together in order to fulfill God's plan for us.  

Calming Chaos.

Genesis 1:1-2 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Genesis 1:31

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day.

What was the world like in the beginning? What was the Spirit doing? 

Our world is often chaotic, but God's Spirit is a force of creation. 

The Spirit takes chaos and turns it into beauty.

Takes confusion and turns it into clarity.

Takes disjointed pieces and turns them into a stunning picture.

God's specialty is bringing peaceful creation to chaos.

He created our world from chaos; he made us new creations from the chaos of sin.

Family. Friends. Future. School.

All these can cause confusion, stress, and chaos. 

But the Spirit brings creative peace. 

In the middle of the chaos of your life, the Spirit hovers, just as the Spirit hovered over the formless earth. 

Pride and Prejudice

Acts 17:22-31
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"From one man he made every nation of men, that they would inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." [Acts 17:26-27]


After reading this devotion, I feel as if there's one thing many believers and non-believers forget. We are all made in the image of God. I start to understand why when we sin, we hurt Him. When we sin against each other through slandering, gossiping, or judging others, we are judging God. Each one of us is made in his image, and we are his children. When a Father feels the pain of his child, he is also in pain. When a Father sees his child ridiculing his other child, he is in pain. 


We are made in God's image, and when we sin against a brother or sister, or non-believer, we are sinning against God. We are of the same family, and we must treasure each other, not demean each other.

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God desires that we show respect to all people, because everyone bears his image.  

togetherness

that feeling of being included.

being apart of something.

it feels great.

Friends with Benefits had a scene where they were in the midst of a flashmob, and they said something along the lines of "you can always feel lonely in life, no matter where you are, its nice to just feel like you're apart of something." I know that feeling, of being alone, feeling like you're in the only person out there, and it sucks.

But God made people for us to accompany one another. Not only can we support one another when we're together but we can share our joys and our pains, build each other up and keep each other accountable. See how God is working in not only you, but those around you, and even those across the world.

There are things that we can do alone, meditation with God in prayer, studying his Word, but it doesn't hurt to join forces, meet up and worship and serve Him together too. two is better than one, and three is better than two.

verse of the day: Matthew 18:20

²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Listen and Learn.

Watch. Look Listen. How much is there to know. 
How little of it you've mastered.


Don't despair - you don't need to know everything. 
And if you locked yourself in the library and read it all - all the history. novels. poetry. science and technology. everything- much of what you learned would be out of date long before you seriously dented the mountains of material. 


What is Really  important to know in order to live your life well? 
What insights are essential? 
What truth must you have? 
And where do you go for that information?


John 14:25-26

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

You have a tutor. 

The Gathering

Revelations 7:9-17
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This past Saturday, I attended The Good Life event at my friend's church, and I was so glad I went. Our life on Earth is only a tick on a piece of paper compared to eternity where it stretches out. When our loved ones passes away, we grieve. Yet I've heard a story where one rejoices as they are with God. Although their live on Earth has ended, it's just the beginning. The Good Life event put it very well, "For the Christian, we are born twice and die once (physically born, born-again and physically die, but our life will continue in Heaven); for the non-believer, they are born once and die twice (physically born, physically die and die in Hell)." 


"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." [Revelation 7:9]


What astounds me is the fact that no one can count the amount of people in Heaven. Although our loved ones may physically die, their life in Heaven beginnings, and Heaven is a joyous gathering. And not only that...


"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every year from their eyes." [Revelations 7:17]


We may grieve, but God will wipe away our tears. Let us remind ourselves that Heaven will be a large gathering of the body of Christ, where we all will worship with every nation, tribe, people and language. 

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Goodbyes are the law of earth; reunions are the law of Heaven.

Vision.

Joel 2:28-29

“And afterward,

    I will pour out my Spirit on all people. 

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, 

    your old men will dream dreams, 

    your young men will see visions.

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Even on my servants, both men and women,

    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

The pouring out of God's Spirit enables his people to dream dreams, to see visions, to picture new possibilities. Like binoculars or a microscope, the Spirit brings into focus a new kingdom which previously was invisible. 


Are you ready for a new way of seeing? 
Are you ready for God to show you his vision for your life and this world? 

Service

good works doesn't lead to salvation.

but salvation should lead to good works.

good works cannot result in salvation. if it was measured like a meter, we would never be able to "good work" our way to heaven, we couldn't do enough because we have fallen short and have wrong God so much. But when we believe and have accepted Christ in our hearts, salvation is given to us, freely as a gift, and after we have received it, we should be thankful, and as we follow Christ, we learn to live out his live, which consists of doing good.

As people who have dedicated their lives to Christ, we are to worship and serve Him, glorifying his name with everything we do. But God has aided us in this as well. He's given us gifts, whether it be hospitality, or musical gifts, we've all be granted with a special something we can use to make his name known.

Also, serving Christ doesn't necessarily mean going overseas, for long term missions spreading and preaching the gospel. Serving Christ can be as simple as helping others, showing love, opening the door, stacking chairs, simple actions that help show God's love. Whatever you do for others, you do for Him. (Matthew 25:40) I've learnt that simple actions are enough to show God's love.

Here's a quick story, I'm sure i've told before. My first year i went to OJ for a missions trip with the natives in Quebec, i had this mentality that evangelism was spreading the gospel in an oral manner, strictly and directly, sin, Christ, love, death, blood, salvation, eternity. But this first year, i learned that it was much more than that. Through the four day camp we held, one of the kids, Donavon came in a day late, and i noticed his necklace and said that i found it rather interesting. So the camp went on, i continued to lead worship and just helping the kids, whether if it was waking up early to supervise them, or telling them bedtime stories before lights out. I never once explicitly talked about the whole gospel, being saved thing. I was just caring for them, doing what i could. By the end of the three days he was here, when they were leaving, I heard someone call my name. I turned around to see Donavon's dad, wanting to talk to me. He said "Donavon wanted you to have this". It was that necklace i saw on him earlier. It completely blew my mind. I couldn't believe it. I spent three days with this kid. He came in, seeing a stranger, and in just three days time he was willing to give something up for me? I don't know how much it meant to him, but the simple fact, that at his age, he could give something up, to a stranger? I was shocked and surprised. My simple actions made him feel something, and thats the most powerful thing i've learnt.

How are you serving the Lord in your everyday lives?

verse of the day: John 12:26

²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

A Sense of Dread

2 Timothy 2:19-26
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When I had an argument with one of my Christian friends, I remember the feeling of dread of going to church. I didn't want to face them, and I didn't want them to see me. I knew how they felt about me, and to be honest, I dreaded the looks they would give or the talks they were maybe giving behind my back.


"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." [2 Timothy 2:23]


Our lives should be a testimony of God's word, and our conduct are able to reduce friction within the church. If there is conflict, are we truly being children of God, as one body? If we are troubled, should we truly go to the alter with burden that is not lifted off our shoulders? We need to model our lives after the biblical thing to do, and be sure none of the brothers and sisters in church have this sense of dread of going to church.

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Christians at war with each other cannot be at peace with their Heavenly Father. 

numbered.

I am continually thinking about this and realizing this, that everything is numbered, and once there were firsts, but now comes lasts. From prom, to last SNA, to last worship practices, numbered nights in that bed, numbered days before university, everything is slowly wrapping up.

I can't take it. Thinking about it recently, i feel like everything is picking up too, but at this late late hour. Im finally starting to truly enjoy myself, have fun, feeling welcomed and accepted, but May 26th of my final year? Any later? Just being around the grade 10s today at AGAPE was exhilarating, they are full of energy and potential, they're kind, sweet, funny, and fun, and it hurts thinking about their absence next year.

I feel like a whirlwind is about to pick up, i don't know whats going to happen, who I'm going to lose, who I'm going to keep, what God is trying to teach me, or what the final results will be. Im scared, I'm nervous, I'm not ready, but putting faith in God.

I think this upcoming transition between high school and university will be another test, just like SNA and ACUPE, another lesson to put my faith in Christ. He knows best. Although everything is numbered, he's here for me and with me at all times.

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Since no one knows the future,    who can tell someone else what is to come?

Ecclesiastes 8:7 

Seed.

If you look at a seed we often wonder what's inside of it. 
Do you know what potential is locked away inside this seed? 
What will happen to the seed if it stays in the palm of your hand?
What does it need in order to grow? Earth, water, food, light. 
In time the seed will push roots down into the soil and send a shoot upward to find the light.
It will stretch and grow.
All the secret potential hidden inside will be seen and enjoyed. 


Galatians 6:7-9

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Do good; pursue truth; love holiness. 

expectations

What a crazy night. Prom, the once in a lifetime night everyone has been chatting about, getting excited for was today. To be completely honest, i wasn't excited and i dreaded it, the past two days, it got to the point where i felt like it was a chore, a tedious chore that needed to be completed. But surprisingly, once i put on my outfit for the first time, something came over me, and those prom jitterbugs came flocking. And after tonight, i must say that i did have a wonderful, amazing time. It was fun, I was content.

Many people had crazy expectations about it, how it was the perfect night, i know so many people were going crazy, and the news has reported that teenagers are spending hundreds of dollars on this simple night, on make up and dresses, and its just been so hyped and people have had such high expectations. Tonight, i felt like those with such expectations were disappointed. Sometimes we create these expectations for things in life, but they end up disappointing us, whether it may be an event, person, or relationship, we can get disappointed.

But, thankfully, there is something we can have great expectations of and i promise and know that it won't disappoint. That is heaven, eternal life, and our God. Heaven, streets of gold, rooms made with us in mind, eternal life, a life without pain, suffering or tears. We cannot even begin to imagine the love God has for us, and what he has in store for us when we get to heaven. Im excited, and i cannot what to see what he has prepared for me.

Are you expecting something great? 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;     my hope comes from him.

Psalm 62:5 

Same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

As Christians, we're commanded to give to people in need. We're also told that we all share the same Spirit. 


"I'm my own person!" a lot of people say. But here we read that we're all one body, that we are all given the one Spirit to drink. While God made each of us unique, he designed us to be our best when we work with the whole of his people - as a part of the body.

Filled.

Ephesians 3:14-19

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heartsthrough faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

This is how God wants to fill you with his Spirit. Slowly and persistently pouring his love and his life into every part of who you are, missing nothing, avoiding nothing, touching everything. 

Invite the Spirit into every part of your life so you are "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

God can give you more and more of his Spirit so that you will overflow with his love. 

Taking Risks

Acts 15:7-26
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Hollywood stuntmen do a lot of extreme and dangerous things in order to satisfy directors, entertain audiences and to be able to make it seem realistic. Hal Needham wrote in his book, "Stuntman! My Car-Crashing, Plane-Jumping, Bone-Breaking, Death-Defying Hollywood Life," the things he has done in Hollywood movies. These include fist fights, racing cards at high speed, walking on the wings of airborne planes, falling off horses and being set on fire -all done to distinguish himself as a stuntman and risking his life. 


But there are Biblical individuals who have done more -shipwrecks, persecutions, beatings and imprisonment- in order to spread the word about Christ Jesus. Paul and Barnabas risked their lives for a greater cause. This leads me to think, "Have I ever missed a chance to spread the word?" I'll be totally honest; sometimes I don't say anything as I'm scared of the way people react. We all have our doubts, but if people are willing to risk their lives for Christ, to share this good news, and God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us, why should anything stop us?

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The reward of of witnessing are well worth the risks. 

Have Hope.

Think about your future. How do you feel about it? Hopeless? Hopeful? Or somewhere in between? 


How do you feel about your future when you consider your circumstances? Your plans?


An egg is very fragile, but full of promise. Given the right circumstances, an egg's thin shell can protect a heartbeat. 


Your future may feel equally fragile - one wrong move and you'll crack open or be tossed aside. 


But you needn't be fearful. 




Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You are held in the hands of someone who knows you and knows your future. 


Someone who loves you.
Someone who wants you to experience peace, joy, and hope. 
Bask in God's love today. 

Fear Not

Isaiah 43:1-4
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I got my first rejection letter from the university I wanted to go to. The closest friend I had told me that he was only tolerating me, and couldn't stand being close friends with me. This week, I have three tests and two quizzes, and just when the load lightens, there's more being added on. I'm being ridiculed in my own house for my choices, and I feel like there's no place to turn too. I feel as if the closest people I had to my heart, don't want me. I feel as if they just turn me away and tell me to fend off in the world by myself. I feel so betrayed, upset, and I honestly don't want to talk to anyone because they don't understand me like he understood me. I feel like there's no one I can turn too anymore. 


"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." [Isaiah 43:1b-2]


God reminds me so intimately that I am his. I am his child. Lately, these thoughts have been running through my head. Why am I not good enough to get into the program I want? Why am I not good enough for him to actually call me a friend? What do his friends have that I don't? Why can't I ever please anyone? Why do I feel so alone? Why don't my guy friends understand? Why does he, the closest person I thought I had, think of me as a nuisance? Does my friendship bother him that much? 


As these thoughts run on, they become more negative. But God is beside me, whispering so lightly that He's there for me. He tells me, no matter which river or what fire comes down on me, He will be there. Comfort is not asking for miracles or knowing everything will be alright; it's knowing you're not alone.

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Never forget in the darkness, what you know to be true in the light.

Comforter.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

God is your comforter. In times of trouble or pain, in times of worry or fear, he is the God of all comfort. 

God is with you now as you sit and remember. 

God is there so that he can wrap his arms around you when you're worried. He carries the weight for us. His arms provide a sense of security for us. 

God's love and comfort soak into your soul to quiet your fears, to life your sadness. 

Applause.

We often applause and cheer after a performance or during a competition. Why are they so spirited? So passionate? As they root for their team, they seem like a part of the game. Consumed by what is playing out there for them. 

Revelation 4:8-11 

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come.”

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

    to receive glory and honor and power, 

for you created all things,

    and by your will they were created

    and have their being.”

In Revelation, the Bible paints a picture of Heaven. Enormous crowds, all of creation, are cheering God on. People from every nation and era join heavenly beings in praise of their Maker. 

The Holy Spirit plays an important part in worship. He moves inside of us, reminding us that God is present and is good. He urges us to worship. He translates our prayers and worship to God. 

Prepared for the Real Thing

Luke 12:35-40
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Remember last year, there was this preacher who "predicted" the return of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, on May 21, 2011? He spent his entire life savings on trying to tell the world. Now, when I first saw it, I actually scoffed and told myself that Jesus would never tell us when He comes; He can come when He wants to come. But then, if you read this verse, are you truly ready?


"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." [Luke 12:40]


Are we expecting him? Or are we living each day with God in mind? Are we surviving, trying to make time pass until we die? Or are we using every day to look more and more like his son? 

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Look for Christ's return and you'll live for Christ's glory. 

The Power.

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The power of the Holy Spirit is very important to keep in mind when we talk about Christianity. The reason for this is because without it, we wouldn't be able to have the ability to evangelize to those who are lost. This power that we receive from the Holy Spirit is our courage and strength to share the Gospel.Christianity would flourish with this power because we wouldn't be able to evangelize without it. There would be no purpose in fellowships and sermons if this power was taken away from us. We would be ashamed of our faith and leave it inside of us and not share it to others.  This power that is received from the Holy Spirit is given to all of us, it’s our own choice to accept the face that we have it and use it wisely or to keep it inside and be ashamed of our faith and not spread it around. The Holy Spirit is and always will be within each one of us. If it is already within us, why not use it as a tool to glorify our Father. The reason why we were made was to go into every nation baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If the power was to vanish from us, God’s command wouldn't be fulfilled.

  

A Sense of History

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
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In grade 10, you are required to take a course called "History." Now, I know a lot of people hate it, but I actually enjoyed it (maybe because my teacher was actually an amazing teacher too!). Sometimes, people wonder why we have lessons in history, or historical museums. They're lessons of what not to repeat in the future. A lot of people say, "Make mistakes so you can learn from them." And God gives us a perfect example of this:


"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you expect what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." [1 Corinthians 10:11-13]


The Bible is also a historical book; we need to look at the lives of past individuals in the Bible and see how they lived, in order for us to learn from their mistakes as well. Also know that when you are tempted, God will always give a path for you to escape temptation; He won't let you down! God will always be by your side.


And this doesn't only apply to our Christian walk, but also our relationships. I've have this really close friend, or we were close, until things happen. After all this, I stepped back and realize, there's so much to learn from it. Although our reconciliation day is tomorrow, I pray that we will continue to be friends forever more until heaven.

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Valuable lessons are learned from examining the lives of God’s people who’ve gone before.

Not What I Planned

Psalm 37:1-8
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University = Choices + Choices + Choices + Money Issues + Parents + ?!?!?!?!?!?


I planned to go into engineering. I planned to graduate and maybe do a graduate degree. I planned to work in the engineering field as it's easier to get a job as a female. I planned, I planned, I planned.


But guess what? God had other plans. Not only did I not get into the program I wanted at a certain university, I realized I applied to the wrong campus of my alternate choice, and the program I did get into, I didn't know if I wanted to go into it! God gave me a few good whacks in the head and pointed the bat into the direction of my future. I can plan all I want, but ultimately, it's God who decides. Nothing will  ever go in our ways; it will always go in God's way. It took me a while to realize it, and experience it. Obviously these things people can tell you, but it means nothing until you actually go through with it. 


"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -it leads only to evil." [Psalm 37:5-8]


God will do a lot of things that aren't in our plan, but we have to commit everything to him. Although I got angry, although I wasn't patient, although I fretted, God will ultimately make our paths straight. He was patient with me, and now I have to be patient for him and in his plan.

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A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9

Gifts.

Exodus 31:1-11 

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur,of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— and also the woven garments , both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”

The Spirit fills us all with gifts. Thank God for the abilities that he has given to you. 

We may not realize what our gifts are but it takes time to find out.