Tag: Kristy Cisneros

Sharing the Gospel

1 Samuel 5-6Psalm 46Acts 26

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

Today’s reading in 1 Samuel 5-6 is so thought-provoking. I can’t help but wonder, how could these people be directly confronted with the power of God and not be convinced to follow Him as the one true God and to forsake all other gods? They literally witnessed firsthand the terrifying wrath of God Almighty as they were plagued with tumors and their “god” Dagon was reduced to a beheaded and dismembered statue. In our modern times, it is truly mind-boggling to me that anyone can see the beauty and splendor of earth (the variety of flowers, trees, natural landscapes, etc.) and our amazing bodies (immune system, regeneration, etc.) and conclude it happened by mere explosive chance. It reminds me that we can’t take it personally when people don’t accept the gospel message in spite of our best efforts. We have to be faithful that God knows hearts and He can find a way to reach them if their hearts are open. Today’s reading in Acts 26 is such a great testimony to that concept. Paul testifies to King Agrippa about his actions toward Christians while he was a Pharisee:

9 In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I was in agreement against them. 11 In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to make them blaspheme. Since I was terribly enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. (CSBA)

God knew Paul’s heart and he used Jesus Christ to reach Paul. Paul had to literally be struck blind before he could finally “see” the light. We are wisely advised in Matthew 10:14 regarding what to do when others reject the gospel message we share:

14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

It’s also important to remember that we could be planting a seed that might bear fruit down the road because God will see to it that it comes to fruition based on that person’s heart. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 reminds us of this important point:

6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. (ESV)

In the meantime, we must not give up as advised in Galatians 6:9:

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (ESV)

When I signed up for today’s devotion, I did so specifically because Psalm 46 is one of my absolute favorite passages in the Bible; therefore, I can’t end this devotion without tying in this beloved chapter. This passage is a great reminder that when we encounter trouble in this world (including resistance to the gospel message), we can be comforted by verse 1 that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (ESV) Be obedient and share the gospel message, and then give it to God.

9 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress . (ESV)

Reflection Questions

  1. What were some of Paul’s experiences in sharing the gospel message?
  2. What have your experiences been in sharing the gospel message? Do you let the fear of, or past negative reactions keep you from trying?
  3. What can you learn from Paul?
  4. What makes God and His Son so worthy of sharing with others? What happens when we don’t?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the One True God – worthy of all praise and worship and worthy of our dedication to sharing the good news. I confess the times I have not taken advantage of all the opportunities You place before me to share what a great, worthy God You are. Help me be who You want me to be. Help me learn from Paul and boldly, with a heart of compassion and urgency, share with others who You are and what You and Your Son have done and will do. Thank You for opening and changing hearts and being the help I need today.

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Pierced Hearts

1 Samuel 3-4Ps 45Acts 25

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

I believe Psalm 45 refers to Jesus and the upcoming wedding of the bride, the Church, to her bridegroom Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1 confirms this assumption as it quotes Ps. 45:6-7, 

8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (NIV)

I was especially struck by verse 5 of Psalm 45, “Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.” (NIV) This piercing of hearts could be literal as Revelation depicts Jesus wielding a sword and subduing his enemies. “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” (Rev. 19:15, ESV) However, I couldn’t help but wonder if this verse also has some metaphorical significance. Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies. Do we pray that their hearts will be pierced by the gospel message so that they have the hope of salvation? Acts 2:36-38 beautifully illustrates what happens when our hearts are pierced by the gospel message:

36 ‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do? ’

38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (CSBA)

Are there enemies of the kingdom that you could pray for at this time? Remember, God’s heart in this matter: “This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour,  who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4, CSBA).

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the enemies of the kingdom that you could pray for at this time?
  2. Will you pray that their hearts will be pierced by the gospel message so that they have the hope of salvation? Are there other words and actions that you can take that would support this prayer?
  3. In what ways can you pray for and act towards a heart that more aligns with God’s heart?

Prayer

Dear God, I praise you for being the perfect One True God. You are the absolute perfect God of love, compassion, mercy, grace, righteousness, truth, power and justice. Help me God to see Your heart and recognize where mine needs adjusting. Help me God to develop a heart, thoughts, words, prayers and actions that strive for salvation for all. I know that your justice and judgment and timing is perfect. Show me who are the enemies of Your Kingdom, and how You want me to pray for them, warn them, and model a better way that leads to life with You and Your Son.

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Afraid of the Truth

1 Samuel 1-2Psalm 45Acts 24

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

Verses 24 and 25 in today’s reading in Acts immediately captured my attention, 

“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.  As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (NIV). 

My takeaway from these verses is that Felix must have recognized the gospel message as the truth, but didn’t want to act on it. Instead, he wanted to pretend like he had never heard it. Reading these verses immediately brought to mind Hebrews 10:31:  “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (NIV) Earlier in chapter 10 of Hebrews in verse 26 and 27, we read of the fate of those who know the truth but don’t allow it to change them, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” To be confronted with the truth and then deliberately choose to ignore it doesn’t make us immune from God’s judgment. Hebrews 10:39: “ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (NIV) May we have a bold faith like Paul rather than one that shrinks back like Felix’s. 

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Felix have been afraid of the truth he heard from Paul – about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come? Even with fear, what might have been a better response than his, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you”?
  2. Is there truth that you are too afraid to face? How do you respond to that fear? Even with fear, what might be a better response?
  3. Are there some things God might want us to be fearful of? If so, what and why, for what purpose? Are there some things God does not want us to be fearful of? If so, what and why, for what purpose?

Prayer

Dear God, You are the mighty and wise Creator of heaven and earth and all truth. I pray that You show me what is true – about You, Your Son, Your Word, myself, this world and the one to come. I desire a deeper and deeper faith in You that is bold in believing, sharing and acting upon Your truth. Guide me today in seeing and making the most of every opportunity you set before me, as a Paul and not a Felix. In the name of Your Son, who came and will come again, I pray.

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Rescue

Judges 19-21

Psalm 42

Acts 19

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

“Deep calls to deep

    in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

    have swept over me.” (Ps. 42:7, NIV)

This verse from today’s reading is particularly poignant to me. When I read it, I imagine the person feeling like they are drowning in sorrows and troubles and calling out to God for their deepest rescue in their deepest time of need.

Earlier this week I alluded to the passage in Matthew when Peter stepped out in faith to walk on water. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ (Matthew 14:30, NIV). In this moment, Peter was literally scared he was going to drown and those three little words—”Lord, save me”—were so simple yet so powerful.

When we fail to find the right words, maybe we can remember those three little words —”Lord, save me”. Or, if we find ourselves struggling so much to keep our heads above water that we are at a complete loss for words, Romans 8:26 reminds us that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us when we feel like we are drowning and can’t even form the words: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV) I am grateful for a God who loves us so much that He meets us where we are with a lifeboat. When we can’t find the words, He finds the words for us. How great is our God!

Reflection Questions

  1. What is one of your favorite verses in Psalm 42? Does an image come to mind when you read it? Explain.
  2. Kristy gives a powerful image when she writes: “I am grateful for a God who loves us so much that He meets us where we are with a lifeboat.” How else might you complete the sentence – God meets us with a __________. Thank Him.
  3. When have you felt stuck in the crashing whitewater at a loss for words? When have you said, “Lord, Save Me!”? How have you experienced God’s rescue? What do you need saving from now?

Prayer

Dear Lord God – You are a God who saves! Over and over You meet we where I am with what I need, including salvation through Your Son, wisdom, understanding, courage, patience, Christian brothers and sisters, and hope for the future in Your perfect Kingdom of God on earth. Thank You! Please keep providing and saving! Thank you for Your Word where I find You and so many of Your gifts. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit which comforts and empowers and gives me words. You are so good, God! Help me see You at work and give me all I need today to do the work You have prepared in advance for me to do.

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A Soul in Despair

Judges 17-18

*Psalm 42

Acts 18

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?

    Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

    for I will yet praise him,

    my Savior and my God.”

(Ps. 42:5 and 11, NIV)

Psalms 42 is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. This song of the Sons of Korah is replete with suffering and lamenting coupled with a deep yearning for God’s rescue. I appreciate how the subject of this song is recognizing his downcast and disturbed emotional state and is questioning why he feels that way and then reminds himself to put his hope in God and then makes a conscious choice to still praise Him in spite of how he feels.

In verse 6, the Psalmist decides to manage these downcast feelings by remembering better times. In verse 8, it seems to me that this person uses daily prayer to try to stay close to God: 

“By day the Lord directs his love,

    at night his song is with me—

    a prayer to the God of my life.” (NIV)

In spite of these efforts, doubts start to creep in during verse 9. The person feels forgotten by God, taunted by their foes who ask “Where is your God?” As they notice their faith wavering, we see them circling back in verse 11 to the same questioning we saw in verse 5 about why they feel so downcast and disturbed. This questioning is then once again quickly followed by a reminder that they will put their hope in God and still choose to praise Him. It’s a resounding chorus that comes around at just the right time.

This roller coaster of feelings is so relatable to me. We can get so bogged down in our trials that God can start to feel so very far away, but that’s when we need to take a cue from the Psalmist here and remember to put our hope in God and make a choice to praise Him. We need a resounding chorus at the ready that reminds us that we can trust God to care for us in our time of need. What would your resounding chorus sound like?

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you generally do when your soul is in despair? Do any of those things put your soul in deeper despair?
  2. What does it look like and sound like to put your hope in God?
  3. When does God deserve our praise? When was your hardest time to praise God, but you did it anyway?

Prayer

Dear God, You are a great God! My desire is to put my hope in You, fully and completely, even and especially on the days my soul is in despair. I want to praise you well all of my days. You are worthy and deserving, my Savior and my God, the giver of all good gifts, including Your Son and salvation. Help me see, feel and remember with deep gratitude. I love you, LORD.

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Temperamental Faith

Judges 15-16

Psalm 41

Acts 17

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

“Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, ‘You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?’  Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.” (Judges 15:18-19, NIV)

This passage demonstrates to me how very temperamental our faith can be at times. Samson honestly seems dramatic and ridiculous. He trusted God to give him victory, yet didn’t trust Him to meet his basic needs. I think we can all be this way. We easily lose sight of the character of God and his son Jesus.

An image comes to mind of Peter boldly stepping out of the boat in faith, quickly followed by Peter’s sheer panic as his faith wavers and he starts to sink. Peter is known as being the impulsive disciple, but I love that he doesn’t get in his head at first in this situation and steps out in faith. He first checks that it’s Jesus who is walking on water in Matthew 14:28: “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water” (NIV). Jesus simply replies with “come” and that was enough for Peter to step out in faith because Peter remembered who Jesus was. Verse 30 paints the very human side of Peter we can all relate to when the cares of the world creep in, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (NIV).

When we lose sight of the character of God and Jesus, that is when our faith wavers. Samson’s faith clearly wavers as noted in the above passage. He gives credit to God for his victory, yet doesn’t trust Him with a tiny thing like helping him find water to drink. It brings to mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-32: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (NIV) If we find ourselves worrying about our basic needs, it might be time to remind ourselves that we are promised that God knows what we need. 

Another thing that stood out to me about the above passage is Samson’s lack of gratitude. He glossed over this monumental thing God did for him and complained he didn’t have any water to drink. As a parent, I have been exasperated by my children when they behaved this way. You work your fingers to the bone to pull off a great event for them and then they manage to complain about a tiny detail. I have been guilty of doing that myself a time or two as well (wink wink). Instead of complaining about a circumstance, maybe we can look for ways to be grateful. No matter the circumstance, you can ALWAYS find something to thank God for. Remember when the apostle Paul was nearly stoned to death in Monday’s reading yet he and Barnabas got up the next day and continued their mission, encouraged others and praised God. We are challenged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to maintain a posture of gratitude in any circumstance we encounter, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Will we choose to rise to this challenge?

REflection Questions

  1. What do you think of the statement: “When we lose sight of the character of God and Jesus, that is when our faith wavers”?
  2. How does complaining or worry affect your faithfulness?
  3. Do you trust God for the Big Things in your life, but neglect to trust Him with the small things?
  4. Think of one of the hardest times in your life. What did you still have to be grateful for during that time? What are the benefits (to yourself, to those around you, and in your relationship with God) when you are grateful? What can you be grateful for today? Remind yourself throughout the day.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for all You are and all You do, including giving the gift of Your Son. I want to know You both more and more. Forgive me for my worry and complaining when I am not properly focused on You, who You are, Your Son Jesus, what he taught, what he did for me, and the Coming Kingdom You are preparing. Help me see what You want me to see and be grateful. Help my faith to grow.

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An Incredible Witness

Judges 13-14

Psalm 41

Acts 16

Acts 16:25: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (NIV). I am always deeply moved by this passage and always wonder what those hymns consisted of. According to the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, “As the word here employed is that used to denote the Paschal hymn sung by our Lord and His disciples after their last Passover (Mt 26:30), and which we know to have consisted of Ps 113:1-118:29, which was chanted at that festival, it is probable that it was portions of the Psalms, so rich in such matter, which our joyous sufferers chanted forth; nor could any be more seasonable and inspiring to them than those very six Psalms, which every devout Jew would no doubt know by heart.”

Of course I had to rush to read Ps. 113-118 to try and imagine what that might have sounded like. I noticed several lines from these passages that are found in modern-day worship songs like

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

    the name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Ps. 113:3, NIV)

and

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his love endures forever”. (Ps. 118:1, NIV)

Further down on Ps. 118, I spotted some great words of comfort that no doubt really resonated with the other prisoners:

5 

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

    he brought me into a spacious place.

6 

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?

7 

The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

    I look in triumph on my enemies.

What an incredible witness they were to the faithfulness of God and their faithfulness to God! They were so kingdom-focused that they didn’t dream of taking the opportunity to escape when their shackles fell off. Not only were they a tremendous witness to the prisoners, but to the guard when they refused to escape. Their faithfulness to their God-given mission resulted in the guard and his household becoming believers. Praise in the midst of hardship is a recurring theme in this week’s readings. Many are watching us and listening to us and we have the opportunity to be a great testimony by how we react to our trials and struggles. Do we reflect the faith of Paul and Silas?

Reflection Questions

  1. When faced with a difficult (or worse) day, what are some of your first responses? Are there times you let worry, fear, complaining, blaming, self-pity, negativity, shutting down, lashing out, or other harmful responses take over?
  2. How might praying, and singing hymns and worship songs (especially those created from Scripture, so I will even add recalling and reading the Bible) be helpful to you? And beneficial to those around you?
  3. Do you reflect the faith of Paul and Silas? What could you commit to working on this week to boost your faith and your testimony of God’s faithfulness, even when your life has some challenges along the way?

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for being a faithful God. You do not desert Your children. I am sorry for the times I have neglected to turn to You first with prayer and worship and filling my mouth and mind and heart with Your perfect words of hope, comfort, righteousness, correction, mercy, love and faithfulness. Help me see that You and all of the good gifts You have already supplied are sufficient for my needs, even on days I experience trials. May I forever be a faithful witness of Your faithfulness to me.

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Knowing God

Judges 11-12

Psalm 40

Acts 15

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

“And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: ‘If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.’ “(Judges 11:30-31, NIV)

Today’s reading in Judges contains a very disturbing account in chapter 11 of Jephthah making a reckless vow before God that if He gives him victory against the Ammonites, he will sacrifice the first thing that comes out of the door of his home. Sadly the first thing out of his door ends up being his beloved daughter. His daughter supports him in honoring this vow to the Lord, but asks for him to first grant her time to roam the hills for two months and spend time with friends. After the two month period, Jephthah carries out this vow.

In Pastor Andy’s Wednesday night class at Guthrie Grove Church, he recently covered some of these troubling stories in the Bible. He noted that some people can read these passages and feel very disturbed that God would allow such an atrocity to occur and ask why He would not intervene. Our class had some thought-provoking discussion about it and came to the consensus that it came down to Jephthah and his daughter ultimately not knowing the Lord and not hiding His word in their hearts.

If they had known God intimately, they would have realized that such a vow by a human was contrary to the heart of God. Jephthah would have never made this vow had he known God, and his daughter would have been able to speak against it if she had known God. We all agreed it underscored the importance of really understanding God’s character and recognizing His goodness. We can read His word to have a better understanding of His heart and each time we read it, that understanding can grow deeper. Consider what this week’s readings are showing you about the character of God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the danger of making vows to God? Are you known to be true to your word – both to men and to God? Should you more often adjust your words – what you have said you would (or wouldn’t) do, or your actions – what you did (or didn’t) do?
  2. What are some of the wrong assumptions about God prevalent today? Can you give Scriptural evidence to show that these views of God are not true? What is the danger of basing your own ideas about God on your own thoughts, and preconceived and borrowed ideas, instead of on Scripture?
  3. What are your Bible readings revealing about the character of God? Keep searching daily to answer this question!

Prayer

Dear Almighty God – I praise You for Your greatness. In so many ways Your greatness and goodness goes far beyond my comprehension. And yet, You want to be known. And, I want to know You more and more. Thank You for Your Word, where throughout Scripture You reveal Your heart and character. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who also shows us his Father and God and the way to You. Help me see more clearly who You are and what pleases You and reject the world’s “wisdom”. Help me be a person of my word who speaks well and does well, all for Your purposes and to Your glory.

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Persevering and Praising

Judges 9-10

Psalm 40

Acts 14

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

In today’s reading, I can’t help but see some parallels between the faith of David expressed in the 40th Psalm and the faith of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. In Acts 14:2 we read about the Jews putting up roadblocks to the Gentiles receiving the gospel message, “But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers” (NIV). Not only did they stand in the way of the gospel message being shared, they also plotted to harm Paul and Barnabas. Verse 5 reads, “There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them” (NIV). Sure enough they acted on this plot and stoned Paul and left him for dead. Thankfully, the ever resilient Paul got right back up and continued on his mission the very next day. In the next city they went to they found great success and won many people over to Christ. Paul and Barnabas were clearly going through it, but even Paul being stoned nearly to death was not enough to deter them from their God-given mission. They used their pain and suffering to encourage others who were encountering their own trials. In Acts 14:22 we read, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said” (NIV). Even through their hardships, verse 27 demonstrates how their lips were filled with praise for their mighty God, “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (NIV).

David also endured many struggles. He speaks in Ps. 40 about waiting patiently for the Lord to hear his cry and how the Lord lifted him out of “the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire” and put him on solid ground. After enduring all of these hardships, David’s mouth was full of praise just like Paul and Barnabas:

9

I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;

    I do not seal my lips, Lord,

    as you know.

10 

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.

I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness

    from the great assembly. (NIV)

We will all go through it at one point or another. Do we remain faithful and patient? Do we proclaim God’s goodness no matter the circumstances and also look for ways to encourage our brothers and sisters like Paul and Barnabas did? These men of faith are great examples of what it looks like to celebrate God’s goodness in spite of anything we encounter. Remembering God’s amazing character and His immeasurable love for us will help anchor our faith during any turbulent storm we face. 

Reflection Questions

  1. Imagine for a moment, what do you think Paul and Barnabas were thinking and feeling throughout the events of Acts 14? What do you think might have been the hardest part for you if you had been in Paul’s shoes, or in Barnabas’s?
  2. What are some tribulations you have already faced on your way to entering the Kingdom of God? How has God shown His faithfulness to you? What hardships might still be coming on your path? Who do you admire for how they faithfully persevered and praised?
  3. What do you know about God’s amazing character and immeasurable love? Consider writing down your thoughts so you can return to this and be encouraged and strengthened on difficult days. Who else do you know who could use some encouragement? How will you share?

Prayer

Dear God, I praise You for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the many ways You have seen me through hardships, including _____. Thank you for the examples of Paul, Barnabas, David, Jesus, others throughout history, and in my life who encourage and strengthen me with their praise of who You are and what You have done. Help me to not hide your righteousness in my heart, but boldly proclaim your love and faithfulness again and again and again.

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Made Into Something You are Not

Judges 6-8

Psalm 39

Acts 13

-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

Judges 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)

Has God ever called you to do something for which you felt very ill-equipped?

Make no mistake, on your own you probably were ill-equipped indeed. I was watching The Chosen recently and Matthew and Jesus were in conversation about Jesus having chosen Peter as his rock and foundation upon which his church would be built. The show takes a little creative license with imagining conversations that might have ensued and in one such conversation Matthew says, “I guess I am finding it hard to accept that the person you would formally assign leadership to of a group, with the keys to the kingdom of heaven, would be someone so…temperamental. I know the term’s a metaphor, but he does not act like a rock.”

Jesus chuckles and then replies, “I make people what they aren’t.”

I loved that line and we can certainly see examples of people throughout the Bible who by their own merit were not up to a God-assigned task (e.g., Moses, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, etc.). Some even tried to persuade God to find someone else, but we know God would not lead us to something simply to watch us fail. He always has a plan and He is always up to the task. Do we have enough faith that God will see it through? 1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds us, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (ESV).

God assures Gideon that he need not rely on his own strength in Judges 6:16: The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Our weaknesses are not a deterrent when it comes to carrying out a mission God has called us to do. Accordingly, 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that our limitations should not prevent us from stepping out in boldness, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (ESV).

REflection Questions

  1. Has God ever called you to do something for which you felt very ill-equipped?
  2. Do we have enough faith that God will see it through?
  3. Why did Gideon feel weak? What made him a mighty hero? Why do you feel weak? What can make you into a mighty hero? What happens when you refuse to let God strengthen and use you?
  4. How do you put yourself in a position where “The Lord is with you”?

Prayer

Dear God, I thank You for giving strength and making heroes where there was only weakness and fear. You are a great God with a great plan! Your desire is to see people saved from the enemy and sometimes You do that in some pretty creative ways. Help me see Your battle plans and realize the role You want me to play – which I can only do when YOU are with me. Help me always draw closer to You so Your strength & Your Spirit runs through me. Thank You for Your Son who is our perfect example and Savior.

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