Remember God's Power... The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Eight - March 3, 2010

"These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Joshua 4:7b

Joshua had instructed the people to carry large stones from the bed of the Jordan River and place them on the Canaan side of the river.  These stones provided a memorial of God’s power, provision and purpose for the children of Israel.  The Israelites would periodically return to this place, Gilgal, to express their gratitude for victories won in this new land.  They were commanded to bring their children with them on these occasions.

Carefully read Joshua 4:19-24.  When the people of Israel were obedient to God’s instruction regarding these twelve stones, it provided a great opportunity to teach and instruct the next generation.  "He said to the Israelites, ‘In the future when your descendents ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’" (Joshua 4:21).  A child’s natural curiosity opens the door for a parent to testify of God’s remarkable power.  Parents should lead their children back to the place where God has demonstrated His timely provision.  It may be a story, a place, or even a picture, but whatever it is, let them see it over and over again until it becomes a defining moment in their lives and a monument to God’s grace.

The X Factor is an excellent opportunity for the entire church body, member by member, to build a "memorial of gratitude."  Communicate to your family members and friends that this memorial is not merely a building or a piece of property; it is, more importantly, the experience of trusting God and seeing Him come through.  Gilgal was not just a pile of rocks.  It was a powerful reminder of our indebtedness to God.  The greatest heritage we can leave to the next generation is such a memorial of God’s goodness.

Prayer Focus: Take some time to reflect on some memories of God’s power and goodness in your life.  Was it an event? A Baptism?  A worship song?  Message?  Was it a special prayer time?  Some special blessing? Remember Him.

Communication of God's Goodness... The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Six - March 1, 20210

"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you."
Mark 5:19

Jesus spoke these words after casting demons out of a man from Gadarene.  His command was simple:  Go and tell others what I have done for you.  What a powerful reminder this gives us of the need to express God’s goodness to others—even in public settings.

All believers face the danger of forgetting "how much the Lord has done for us."  Our spiritual journey is a great opportunity for us to strengthen and renew our appreciation to a good God.  Communicating gratitude is important for at least two reasons:

1. It makes us more reliant on God.  Romans 1:21 tells of those who “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.”  Thankfulness occurs inwardly, in what our heart expresses.  Glorifying God happens publicly, in what our mouth confesses.  Public expressions of gratitude strengthen our commitment to God while counteracting our human tendency to self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
2. It has a profound impact on those around us.  Family and friends need to hear our successes are not of our own making, but we are beneficiaries of the goodness of God.  Read David’s words in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 to see how his gratitude set in motion a great celebration of sacrifice and praise among God’s people.

Prayer Focus: Following David’s example, take the time to identify some examples of God’s goodness in your life and then express your gratitude to God in the presence of a friend or family member today!  Don’t delay.  Just step up and do it.  Go tell your family or a friend how much the Lord has done for you.  You’ll grow… and be glad you did!

House of Love... The X Factor Devotional - Day Twenty Nine - February 18, 2010

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

George Matheson was a bright, promising young musician when he received the most devastating news of his life.  He was going blind.

For several months, as his vision worsened, he had suspected the worst.  But more painful than the crushing reality of his impending blindness was the reaction of his fiancée.  When he told her of his condition, she tearfully returned the engagement ring.  She said she could not live the rest of her life with a blind man.

Stunned by her reaction and overwhelmed with self-pity, Matheson was reeling like a boxer falling to the mat.  Then, it was as if he were literally swept into God’s arms, encouraged and uplifted.  Still disappointed, yet buoyed in spirit, Matheson sat down and composed a song.

In one poignant moment, George Matheson knew more deeply than ever what is the true mark of the Christian — the unmistakable mark of love.

That’s what his song was all about.  It’s a song sung by believers all over the world, even to this day — the great hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go!”  Through a hurtful trial, he was reminded of the love that would remain forever unaffected.  In so doing, he was even able to love the one who had rejected him, as his Lord had loved those who took His very life.

There are so many reasons for us to express our commitment as members of this church body.  We have been forgiven, blessed, protected, encouraged.  But most of all, we’ve been loved.  Our heavenly Father has demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, His own Son died for us!  The commitments we make, the monies we give, the energies we devote, are simply expressions of our thanksgiving for all He has done.

Prayer Focus:  In these crucial days, let’s look with gratitude to the past, let’s exercise faith in the present, let’s have true vision for the future; but, above all, let’s show a commitment to the challenge before us because of the love He’s shown for us.  He has used this church and it’s people in so many incredible ways.  Our response is tangible gratitude!  What does that look like?

GRattitude... The X Factor Devotional - Day Five - January 15, 2010

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

An attitude of gratitude puts everything in the proper perspective.  It enables us to see the big picture and helps us to focus on God and His glory rather than on ourselves and our personal trials or triumphs.  Such an attitude, openly expressed and lived-out, sends a powerful message to our family and friends:  God is in control and I’m glad He is!  Otherwise, we can become self-focused and lose sight of what God is accomplishing in the greater scheme of things.

Baking a cake requires using a number of ingredients, which, if eaten by themselves, are mostly distasteful:  flour, raw eggs, baking powder, etc.  But, if these same ingredients are carefully blended together and baked for the right period of time, you end up with a delicious dessert.  God is at the "mixing bowl" of our lives.  Our "flour and raw eggs" experiences, however distasteful, are the ingredients of a wonderful creation.  We can give thanks in all circumstances because of our faith in God, knowing the end result of all our experiences will be a perfect blend for our good and His glory.

Prayer Focus: Individually and in your family, encourage each member to identify at least one good experience and one bad experience they have had recently.  Take the time to give God thanks for both, remembering that from God’s perspective they are equally beneficial. 

Read Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  Do you believe that?  Live it!

Giving Worship... The X Factor Devotional - Day Three - January 13, 2010

“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”
1 Chronicles 29:9

First Chronicles 29:10-20 is one of the greatest expressions of worship found in God’s Word.  Read this prayer in its entirety and reflect on the essence of true stewardship:  the realization that God owns everything.

After you have read and reflected on this passage, take some time to consider the significance of being in partnership with God.  Recognize Him not only as the senior partner but also as the sole financial backer of your life’s venture.  David was completely captivated by the reality of this, and as a result, he became unreservedly focused on building the temple for God’s glory.  His leadership influenced others to contribute in the same spirit of sacrifice and praise.  See 1 Chronicles 29:9, above.

Relative to your situation, plan a worship time alone, with your family, or a small group of friends that includes the following three features of true worship.

1. Gratitude:  The recognition that all we have has come from His hand.  We are but channels through which the work of God is carried out.  When one’s life is lived primarily in consideration of Him, it is less likely that what He provides for Kingdom work will be squandered on self-gratification.

2. Sacrifice:  David said, "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24).  Sacrifice always involves cost.  It has little to do with how much one gives.  What is more important is the measure of one’s sacrifice.  Did it truly cost us something?  When it does, then we have set aside something and made it sacred.

3. Praise:  The distinction between gratitude and praise is this—Gratitude is appreciation for what God has done while praise is appreciation for who God is.  David was not only giving thanks in his prayer, he was expressing praise.  "Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name" (1 Chronicles 29:13).  As you conclude your worship time, recognize God for the Provider He is and commit yourself to becoming a good steward of His provision.

Prayer Focus: Seriously, I bet the first thing you think of when you hear “stewardship” is, “He wants us to give an offering.”  And you’re right… an “offering of your time.”  Today, tonight… sometime over the next 24 hours… give God a sacrificial offering of your time, for real.  Whether it’s 10 minutes or 2 hours.  Go above and beyond for Him.