Someone is Praying for You
Jesus is praying for you right now. There’s nothing you are facing that is outside of his knowledge and compassion.
I am praying for them… for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. (John 17:9 ESV)
Jesus came to earth as a Man, and was uniquely qualified to serve as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
A prophet stands before people and speaks to them on behalf of God. A priest stands before God and talks to Him on behalf of the people. As our King Jesus exercises supreme sovereignty with the heart of a Servant.
As our High Priest, Jesus is praying for us. In fact, John 17 reveals four specific prayers Jesus prays for you.
Jesus is praying for your relationships.
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. (John 17:11 ESV)
Jesus is praying for your protection.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15 ESV)
Jesus is praying for your ministry.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. (John 17:18 ESV)
Jesus is praying for people to receive your ministry.
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV)
Be encouraged today, knowing that Jesus Himself is interceding for you. And if God is for you, who can be against you?
Sticks and Stones…Practical Advice Regarding the Weaponry of Words
Few statements are more untrue than this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
The truth is, words are powerful, because words are spiritual. They can be seeds to produce a harvest of blessing and peace, or swords to wound and destroy a person’s reputation.
The world was created by God’s words. That same creative force has been given to us! Kingdoms, nations, businesses, churches, and marriages are either built up or destroyed by words.
The writer of Proverbs said: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Leaders – we must pay particular attention to our words. We feel emotions just as deeply as anyone else, but we can’t afford to allow our mouths to give freedom to every thought we have.
In fact, there are people who are bent to use your words against you. Typically, these are the ones who have no reign on their own tongue, yet they lie in wait for you to slip up.
Here’s some practical advise for leaders:
1. When possible, give yourself at least 24 hours to respond to a negative situation. Think through all of the ramifications of your words. A wise answer can bring solutions; an outburst of anger complicates the problem.
2. Process your thoughts and emotions with a trusted, level-headed person before you confront a difficult conversation. Let him/her remind you of your personal character. Your character should never be sacrificed on the altar of circumstances.
3. When it comes to any issue of conflict, avoid written communication. Face to face meetings allow your heart to be heard, not just your words (which can be misinterpreted). And by all means, respect yourself and others by refusing to make public that which is personal. Never, never use social media to vent. It makes you look pitiful, and damages your credibility as a leader.
Jesus experienced the same scrutiny.
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. (Matthew 22:15 ESV)
How did He respond? He never let conflict turn into personal offense. His heart remained pure, which allowed His words and actions to also be pure.
Our words, after all, are simply a reflection of our hearts.
Father,
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight today.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Imagine Your Life Without Jesus
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; (Psalm 124:2-3 ESV)
There are some phrases in the Bible that seem to always stop me in my tracks. This is one of them – “If it had not been for the Lord who was in my side…”
I remember driving on the interstate in Virginia, coming around a curve and losing control of my vehicle. Apparently there had been something spilled in that area and the moisture in the air made it slick.
With my wife and daughter in the car, we began to spin out of control – one full spin, before hitting the embankment, which catapulted our car to flip over one a half times, leaving us upside down in the ditch.
I’ll never forget the expression on the face of the man who came to our car. He fully expected to find dead or very wounded bodies, but we literally walked away from the wreck unharmed.
That day I became acutely aware that the enemy was out to kill me. But I became even more confident in the knowledge that, “if God is for me, who can be against me?”
“If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side…”
If I were to imagine what my life would be like without Jesus, the results would be horrific. My health, my marriage, my kids, my ministry, my entire life would be hopeless. No doubt, I would already be dead and eternally lost.
But….the Lord WAS on my side! And He still is!
Despite the many ways I have failed the Lord, He has never failed me. He gives me hope!
Take a moment today to imagine what life would be without Jesus. What an awful thought!
Then, take a praise break and thank Jesus that He is with you right now. There’s nothing you are facing alone. He will bring you through, because He is right there by your side!
Father,
Thank You for never leaving me, and always being right there. I am eternally grateful!
Amen.
Each Meal Is an Opportunity
Our fast-food society must rediscover the value of the covenant meal. Whereas many people think that each meal is all about the food, generations of our ancestors understood that meals were opportunities to enjoy and build relationships.
Certainly ancient Jewish families understood the value of eating together. Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth, reminding them to not lose sight of the true value of the covenant meal.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV)
Although these words certainly relate to our current practices of communion, Paul’s point was also that believers not just think of the food, but honor their relationships.
Here are three ways to make the most of your meals:
1. Enjoy more meals with your family! Sit around the table, turn the TV and phones off, and engage in positive conversation. You will be amazed at the results!
2. Invite someone to eat with you. When you’re at school or work, find ways to bridge relationships with others you don’t know very well. Relationships are sparked by intentional acts of kindness.
3. When you are eating alone, take advantage of the opportunity to fellowship with Jesus. Pause to pray for your food and for others around you, read your Bible, be aware of God’s presence.
Meals should not only be good for your body, they should be good for your soul.
Father,
Thank You for reminding me of the value of covenant relationships. Help me to enjoy them!
Amen!
No Longer Bound by Sin and Shame
Filled with shame, he regretted his decision to eat of the forbidden fruit. Then he heard the footsteps of God.
Embarrassed and humiliated, she hung her head as her accusers publicly exposed her adulterous relationship. Then she heard the footsteps of Jesus.
Our sins leave the residue of shame, humiliation, and regret. That’s what sin does – it lures us into momentary pleasure, but leaves us with a lifetime of pain.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In the Old Testament, God had Moses build a tabernacle, which served to illustrate the relationship between man and God.
A thick, heavy material separated the people from the presence of God, found in the Most Holy Place. Only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year.
Man was separated from God. But God loved us, and sent Jesus to redeem us from our sin and shame.
When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible and history describes a great earthquake, and that the veil in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom!
And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Mark 15:38 ESV)
God Himself tore the veil of separation, giving us unlimited access to His presence.
Often, when we have sinned, we find ourselves hiding and filled with shame.
Adam.
The woman caught in adultery.
Each had sinned. Each deserved death.
Then they heard the footsteps of God.
Did God kill them or condemn them?
No, He redeemed them.
Just like He did you.
Isn’t it time to come TO the presence of God instead of running from it?
The veil in the Temple? That represents your sin. Sin separates us from God. But God tore sin and destroyed its power.
You can now come boldly to the Throne of Grace, and you will find mercy and grace.
Do you hear His footsteps?
Look up. Your redemption has arrived.
Father,
Thank You for the grace and mercy we receive through Jesus Christ. Today I choose to walk to You. I refuse to allow my past to keep me from my future.
In Jesus’ name, amen!
Pastor Dale Jenkins 