CLICK HERE to listen to this week's devotional on the Walking Points Podcast, or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Painful Tests and Trials Several years ago, the men's study at our church studied James 1:1-12. We spent most of our time discussing our need to persevere during times of tests and trials, for this is a significant way in which God produces in us the character of Christ. It is one of God’s ordained means to help us grow into his “mature and complete” children. Most of us readily acknowledge how hard, even painful, tests and trials are. We would certainly prefer not to have to experience them. That was the testimony of many of the men who shared a little of what they had been through, or were going through, in their lives. Another Kind of Test and Trial Shortly after that lesson I had a thought one evening as I was getting ready for bed. It occurred to me that perhaps not all of our tests and trials should be categorized as painful, though they may still be considered quite hard. The ESV Study Bible says that trials are “tests” that challenge our faith. They’re designed to create spiritual maturity in us. It goes on to say that as Jesus was tested in the wilderness, so too are his followers. We know God does not tempt us to sin. Temptation seeks to lead us into disobedience and sin. Tests are used to build us up in our faith. Could this be what James meant when he used the phrase, “trials of many kinds?” Could it be God sometimes tests us even through our really good and happy circumstances as well? Suppose I had four healthy, happy, and full-of-life children. Furthermore, suppose these four children gave me great joy and nothing pleased me more than pouring my life into theirs – even sacrificially. But what if this true and right expression of love and commitment for my children went too far? What if this love for these four precious children actually began, slowly but ever so surely, to turn into idolatry? What if they became more important to me than God himself? Such love and commitment would not be good at all. In fact, such love and commitment would become sin in my life. Why? Because I would, quite literally, be putting other gods before the one true God. Could it be that God tests us through such good and positive relationships, things, circumstances, and opportunities in our lives? My Clear and Present Danger My hypothetical description regarding my four children is not hypothetical at all. I have four such children and I treasure them. I have had to, on many occasions, ask God to help me not put my children before him. In my unguarded moments, I could essentially turn them into little idols. The same could be true for all of us, whether we’re talking about our families, jobs, status, health, success, ingenuity, etc. Each of these could be little tests to determine whom we are worshipping, to see whom we love most? The Reason for Trials Why are we given trials? According to James it is to help us grow in our faith – to become more like Christ – to develop into mature and complete children of God, lacking nothing. But it’s awfully hard to become such faithfully devoted followers of Christ when we love other people or things more than we love him. It’s impossible to follow and serve God correctly when God’s not even in our top five priorities, much lesson number one. It’s little wonder that Jesus declared we cannot serve two masters. It’s no wonder he said we must seek God and his righteousness first. It’s not hard to figure out why God’s first commandment to us was that we’re to put no other gods before Him. And it’s not surprising to understand why the Apostle John’s last verse of his first epistle reads thusly, 1 John 5:21 – Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. Because of our fallenness, we have a propensity to put other people, places, things, circumstances, opportunities, feelings, emotions, thoughts, attitudes, etc., ahead of God. And anything that is in God’s place is not merely neutral – it’s an idol - an idol of the heart. Be On Guard The really good things God graciously blesses us with could be listed under James' category of “trials of many kinds.” It’s true we don’t think of them as trials. It’s also true they are not necessarily painful to go through. But it’s equally true that these sorts of trials can be gruelingly difficult, even if we’re not aware we’re going through them, or perhaps, especially if we’re not aware of it. Therefore, to increasingly mature in our faith and become more like Christ, we must realize God’s tests and trials can take many shapes and sizes. We must be vigilantly on guard. For it’s critically important for us to persevere through such tests and trials so that we “may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” And by God’s grace, I pray it will be so for you. Walking Points
Gracious God, I give you thanks that you are good and holy and that you do not tempt us into sin. You are not the author of our sin, but righteousness. When you test us it is always to help us grow in our faith, not so we may stumble and fall. Tests and trials of various kinds are ways in which we may discover our shortcomings and weaknesses and, therefore, seek you – your wisdom, strength, and grace to persevere and grow. Please help me to endure the hard times I go through, so that by doing so you may be glorified and others may be blessed as they see you upholding me during those tough times. And yet Lord, let me also persevere in faithfulness during the good times in my life. Enable me by your Spirit to take note of your blessings in my life and give thanks to you for them without coming to love and desire them more than you. Thank you for the good gifts in my life O Lord, for they are from you. In Christ I pray. Amen.
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This is Lesson 6: Philip the Evangelist, Part 1. This lesson focuses on Acts 8:1-40. The second half of Lesson 5, which focuses on Stephen. Acts 6:8-7:60. The Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 47
122. Question: What is the first petition? Answer: Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee,[1] and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.[2] Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life– our thoughts, words, and actions– that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.[3] [1] Jer. 9:23, 24; 31: 33, 34; Matt. 16:17; John 17:3. [2] Ex. 34:5-8; Ps. 145; Jer. 32:16-20; Luke 1:46-55, 68-75; Rom. 11: 33-36. [3] Ps. 115:1; Matt. 5:16. All the Christian virtues are locked up in the word “prayer.” (Charles Spurgeon)
This Week’s Scripture
Adoration Psalm 17:6-7 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Amazing Grace (verse 1) Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see. (John Newton) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. (Psalm 17:3) Heavenly Father, for unguarded moments and sins of impulse; for anger and uncharitableness; for impatience and thoughtlessness which have wounded others; Lord have mercy upon me. For resentment under rebuke and the pride which hardens me against the truth; for slackness in self-discipline and complacency in unworthy habits; Lord have mercy upon me. In my waywardness and self –sufficiency; and in my utter need and helplessness; Lord have mercy upon me. Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving Gracious God, Sovereign Provider of all our needs, I give you thanks for being mindful of even me. You are the God of great compassion. You see our illnesses, suffering, and pain and you heal us. You see our problems and struggles and you lead us. You see how we hunger and thirst and you meet our every need, both physically and spiritually. More than that, O Lord, you teach us to have the same compassion as you. You call us to trust you as we seek to meet the needs of others. I confess that all too often Father, I am a person of little faith. Fill me with your Spirit that I may have eyes to see those you love and have compassion for. And give me that same love and compassion, that upon seeing those in need, I may trust you, even as I seek to heal, lead, and minister to others as you have done. Please let me do this for your glory and the blessing of others. Thank you Lord, for the privilege of serving you. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Matthew 14:13-21) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
Christianity demands a level of caring that transcends human inclinations. (Erwin Lutzer) CLICK HERE to listen to this week's devotional on the Walking Points Podcast, or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. Or, watch our conversation on YouTube by CLICKING HERE. Global Methodist Church Catechism
Questions and Answers
Yes. I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. (Gen. 1:1-31; 17:1; Josh. 2:11; Ps. 8:3-8; Isa. 42:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 1:5; Rev 4:11; CoF I.)
God is the one true, holy and living God, the Eternal Spirit, the Holy Trinity. (Deut. 6:4; Lev. 19:2; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Heb. 9:14.) Articles of Religion: Article 1 There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Confession of Faith: Article 1 We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power. Knowing the One True God This week we embark on a new journey to explore the fundamental teachings of our faith as they’re communicated in the catechism of the Global Methodist Church. This study focuses on Questions 1 and 2. These questions touch the core of our beliefs, leading us to contemplate the nature of our God, the one true, holy, and living God, who reveals Himself as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this devotional, we’ll introduce the importance of knowing God and his character and how that knowledge impacts our lives as Christians. Key Principles As we delve into these first two questions, let us look at two key principles that can guide us in thinking about the God we worship.
Life Lessons Wesleyan Christians often emphasize that God’s character is holiness and love, not one or the other. God's holiness is inseparable from his love. His holiness means he is morally pure, separate from sin, and his love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross. As Christians, we should recognize that our sin separates us from God, but through his love and grace expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we can be reconciled to God. God’s Character is Moral Perfection: As alluded to above, in all of God’s dealings with his creation and his people, God displays his moral perfection. He is undiluted goodness and light, the God of grace, truth, patience, and righteousness. As we grow in our faith, we should strive to reflect his character in our own lives, seeking to be good and holy as he is good and holy and living out his grace, love, and truth to others. Questions for Reflection
Walking Points
As we grow in our understanding of God and his character, may we continually seek to know him more deeply and reflect his holiness, love, and moral perfection in our lives. Let’s remember that our belief in the one true God is the cornerstone of our faith and the purpose for which we live. Let’s seek to glorify and please him as we walk with him each day. In this lesson we look at Acts 6:8 - 7:60. Here Stephen gives a beautiful exposition of Old Testament history and God's redemptive and providential purposes that run throughout it. |
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Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: (Proverbs 23:19)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14) |