Scripture:
I Corinthians 16:8–9 — “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”
Observation:
Paul saw the need to stay in Ephesus for two reasons:
1. There was a wide open door to effectively minister.
2. There were adversaries (opponents/enemies) who didn’t want him working there.
Paul saw it as an opportunity and a challenge. Not only would he be able to proclaim Christ but he would also have opposition. With effective ministry comes opposition. Satan does not want us to succeed and will do everything within his power to stop or derail us.
Application:
Do I take opposition to the truth of Christ as a challenge? Am I willing to step up to that challenge or do I shy away while making excuses. If this truly is a spiritual battle, do I stake my ground and not all Satan or anyone else to derail me from ministering effectively? There is no reason for me to shy away form opposition when the Spirit is in me and God has opened the door wide for effective work.
Prayer:
Father God, May you instill me with your confidence so that I, like Paul and like Christ, will not fear opposition but know that you have overcome. And you have opened doors all around me that allow me to minister and serve those that need to hear or be reminded of your truth. May I never cower or be timid, but boldly proclaim Your Name and Your love.
— Jared Yates, small groups pastor, college & single adults, Reservoir campus
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Cry for Restoration
Scripture:
Psalm 42:5 & 11 — “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Observation:
Twice in Psalm 42 and once in 43, David cries out in agony because he is heartbroken due to his relationship with God being severed due to his sin. In the previous chapter he is asking God to be gracious to him and here he is reminding himself of what it was like when he was walking with God. And it is in this valley that he begins to recite this battle cry, “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” to encourage himself as he tries to restore his relationship with God.
Application:
God is the same yesterday, today and forever; I am the one who changes. When I get in a valley do I quickly cry out to him? Or do I wallow in my shame and pity allowing Satan to render me useless? What have been my battle cries that have reminded me of God’s faithfulness and grace?
Prayer:
Father God, You are good and Your love endures forever. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you. Help me to cry out to you and remember your faithfulness, whether I am in the valley or on the mountaintop or somewhere in between. My hope is in You and I will praise You, my salvation and my God.
— Jared Yates, small groups pastor, college & single adults, Reservoir campus
Psalm 42:5 & 11 — “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Observation:
Twice in Psalm 42 and once in 43, David cries out in agony because he is heartbroken due to his relationship with God being severed due to his sin. In the previous chapter he is asking God to be gracious to him and here he is reminding himself of what it was like when he was walking with God. And it is in this valley that he begins to recite this battle cry, “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” to encourage himself as he tries to restore his relationship with God.
Application:
God is the same yesterday, today and forever; I am the one who changes. When I get in a valley do I quickly cry out to him? Or do I wallow in my shame and pity allowing Satan to render me useless? What have been my battle cries that have reminded me of God’s faithfulness and grace?
Prayer:
Father God, You are good and Your love endures forever. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you. Help me to cry out to you and remember your faithfulness, whether I am in the valley or on the mountaintop or somewhere in between. My hope is in You and I will praise You, my salvation and my God.
— Jared Yates, small groups pastor, college & single adults, Reservoir campus
Saturday, March 29, 2008
From the Outside Looking In
Scripture:
I Corinthians 14:40 — “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”
Observation:
In I Corinthians 8-14, Paul addresses a wide range of issues from eating of meat sacrificed to idols, to women being required to wear a head covering. And even the controversy in Chapter 14 with questions regarding which spiritual gift was more important to express in worship. But one thing that remains the same is that he is addressing the church as a whole. He is not just talking to the leaders, nor was he just referring to the members. He was addressing the church as a whole entity, especially when it comes to verse 40. Paul instructs them that whatever is done in a church meeting should be done in an orderly, meaningful way that builds up the body. This verse is referring to doing things in an appropriate, orderly manner without confusion or discord. The word used here comes from a military term meaning order and regularity. Much confusion and questions can arise when a church begins to analyze the various modes of worship and customs in the church. Difficulties can raise tension, so Paul laid out a plain and simple rule for all to follow.
Application:
This short yet meaningful verse has so much to teach churches and individuals. About six weeks ago I had a chance to attend a children’s ministry conference on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas. Throughout the week one of the things that really stood out to me and the others who attended with me was how everything had been done in an orderly and proper fashion. One of their core values they discussed during the conference was doing things with excellence. While there, one of the pastors asked the following question, “What is the best thing the church has to offer the world”? Well, this is a no-brainer, isn’t it? Christ is the best things we have to offer the world. The pastor continued by saying that if Christ is the best thing we have to offer the world, then why wouldn’t we “do church” with excellence every single Sunday. This was what Paul was telling the church of Corinth. He was telling them to have everything in order and properly functioning so that when others looked at their church body, they saw something they wanted to be a part of. Not something with discord or confusion. I think this applies to the entire church body whether staff, servant leader, member, or elder. Many probably look at our church as a whole and say, “Oh, we do things with excellence”. I would agree, but I wonder what a visitor would say. I began to think about this several weeks ago when my sister-in-law called me very distressed over a visit to a church in another city. Their family has recently moved and has been looking for a church home. One Sunday several weeks ago they decided to visit this one specific church, when they arrived the following occurred. No one greeted them. No one helped them with directions on where to go. There were no clear signs directing them where to drop off their children. There were many people standing around but no one designated to help them. Feeling overwhelmed and unaccepted, my sister-in-law and family turned, walked out of the church, and drove home. When she called to share with me her frustrations, I could not help to think how easily this can happen to us if things are not done with order and excellence. When we do things with excellence, those who come looking to experience God will find Him and we will get to be a part of leading them to Him rather than distracting them from Him.
Prayer:
God, help us to be a church body that gives You our very best. Show us ways we can draw others to you through doing things more orderly and properly. Help us to never forget that the best thing we have to offer the world is You.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
I Corinthians 14:40 — “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”
Observation:
In I Corinthians 8-14, Paul addresses a wide range of issues from eating of meat sacrificed to idols, to women being required to wear a head covering. And even the controversy in Chapter 14 with questions regarding which spiritual gift was more important to express in worship. But one thing that remains the same is that he is addressing the church as a whole. He is not just talking to the leaders, nor was he just referring to the members. He was addressing the church as a whole entity, especially when it comes to verse 40. Paul instructs them that whatever is done in a church meeting should be done in an orderly, meaningful way that builds up the body. This verse is referring to doing things in an appropriate, orderly manner without confusion or discord. The word used here comes from a military term meaning order and regularity. Much confusion and questions can arise when a church begins to analyze the various modes of worship and customs in the church. Difficulties can raise tension, so Paul laid out a plain and simple rule for all to follow.
Application:
This short yet meaningful verse has so much to teach churches and individuals. About six weeks ago I had a chance to attend a children’s ministry conference on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas. Throughout the week one of the things that really stood out to me and the others who attended with me was how everything had been done in an orderly and proper fashion. One of their core values they discussed during the conference was doing things with excellence. While there, one of the pastors asked the following question, “What is the best thing the church has to offer the world”? Well, this is a no-brainer, isn’t it? Christ is the best things we have to offer the world. The pastor continued by saying that if Christ is the best thing we have to offer the world, then why wouldn’t we “do church” with excellence every single Sunday. This was what Paul was telling the church of Corinth. He was telling them to have everything in order and properly functioning so that when others looked at their church body, they saw something they wanted to be a part of. Not something with discord or confusion. I think this applies to the entire church body whether staff, servant leader, member, or elder. Many probably look at our church as a whole and say, “Oh, we do things with excellence”. I would agree, but I wonder what a visitor would say. I began to think about this several weeks ago when my sister-in-law called me very distressed over a visit to a church in another city. Their family has recently moved and has been looking for a church home. One Sunday several weeks ago they decided to visit this one specific church, when they arrived the following occurred. No one greeted them. No one helped them with directions on where to go. There were no clear signs directing them where to drop off their children. There were many people standing around but no one designated to help them. Feeling overwhelmed and unaccepted, my sister-in-law and family turned, walked out of the church, and drove home. When she called to share with me her frustrations, I could not help to think how easily this can happen to us if things are not done with order and excellence. When we do things with excellence, those who come looking to experience God will find Him and we will get to be a part of leading them to Him rather than distracting them from Him.
Prayer:
God, help us to be a church body that gives You our very best. Show us ways we can draw others to you through doing things more orderly and properly. Help us to never forget that the best thing we have to offer the world is You.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Center of Attention
The Center of Attention
Scripture:
Judges 4:9 — She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Observation:
Throughout scripture, God continually uses men and women to accomplish great tasks and amazing miracles. But never does he allow anyone other than Himself to be the center of attention. He always accomplishes His will in such a way that we know it was His power. David used a sling shot to kill a giant. Moses used a stick to part the Red Sea and provide water from a rock. Gideon only had 300 men, Joshua used instruments, and Samson used a jawbone. In all these cases it was not the person’s strength, wisdom, or knowledge that allowed he/she to accomplish such great things. The same is taking place here with Barak. Deborah, a well respected and trusted judge tells Barak that he is about to kill Sisera, the captain of the Canaanite army. I am sure that Barak began to ask himself- Do I have enough men? Am I prepared for this? How will I do this? His fear lead him to experience a weakness of faith. Deborah assures him he will be okay but then the real twist comes. She tells him a woman will be the one to kill Sisera, not Barak or his men. Barak probably does not seem surprised. He probably assumes that the woman is to be Deborah. Prophets were known for having direct communication from God. Deborah was a prophetess therefore they felt her presence brought divine knowledge and power. But as the story continues, Deborah was not the woman God used to kill Sisera. Instead He uses a woman by the name of Jael who was just hanging out in her tent. Once again God uses His power through an unexpected person to accomplish His purpose.
Application:
I am youngest in my family with a brother who is six years older than me. So you can imagine the attention I received growing up. Still to this day my brother reminds my parents how great life was for him UNTIL I came along. I was very shy and quiet, and unlike some kids, I did not act out or be loud to get attention, it just came naturally. I was the only girl, the baby of the family, and I learned from my brothers mistakes. So all these equaled attention, and I enjoyed it, who wouldn’t? Everyone loves to get attention or recognition. It is a part of our human nature. We all love the feeling of acceptance and approval. It is one of our core needs as a human. But there are times when it is easy to get caught up in being the center of attention and begin to forget that it is God who is allowing us to do great things. Then there are times when God chooses to allow someone else to be the “center of attention.” When this occurs, one may be forced to take the back seat in order to allow God’s will to be accomplished. This is what I thought of when I read Judges 4:9. Barak was told that he was going to be a part of a great victory but was not going to get the credit. But to make it even worse, he was told a woman was going to get the credit. Now I understand how fragile the male ego can be when it comes to competition and recognition. I grew up with a very competitive and athletic brother, and have been married to a husband who in 10 years has never let me win a game of monopoly. I was reminded of such an incident a few weeks ago when we were bowling with our small group. I am not great at bowling, just lucky. I had one of those lucky games and beat my husband (who is a pretty skilled bowler I might add). Not that it was bad enough that I beat him, but I did it in front of our small group. When the game finished, the first words out of his mouth were, “I will never hear the end of this”. So I can only imagine what a warrior like Barak thought when he was told a woman was going to get the credit for killing the captain of the army he was going to war against. But what I admire about Barak is that he does not become envious or jealous, instead he was humble and supportive.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder today of how you can use anyone and anything to accomplish your plan in our lives. Help me to be as humble as Barak and as courageous as Jael. Never let me get so focused on being the center of attention that I take away from you being the center of my life. Continue to teach me your truths as I study your word and the examples you have laid out in scripture.
— Emily Suggs, children’s ministry, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Scripture:
Judges 4:9 — She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Observation:
Throughout scripture, God continually uses men and women to accomplish great tasks and amazing miracles. But never does he allow anyone other than Himself to be the center of attention. He always accomplishes His will in such a way that we know it was His power. David used a sling shot to kill a giant. Moses used a stick to part the Red Sea and provide water from a rock. Gideon only had 300 men, Joshua used instruments, and Samson used a jawbone. In all these cases it was not the person’s strength, wisdom, or knowledge that allowed he/she to accomplish such great things. The same is taking place here with Barak. Deborah, a well respected and trusted judge tells Barak that he is about to kill Sisera, the captain of the Canaanite army. I am sure that Barak began to ask himself- Do I have enough men? Am I prepared for this? How will I do this? His fear lead him to experience a weakness of faith. Deborah assures him he will be okay but then the real twist comes. She tells him a woman will be the one to kill Sisera, not Barak or his men. Barak probably does not seem surprised. He probably assumes that the woman is to be Deborah. Prophets were known for having direct communication from God. Deborah was a prophetess therefore they felt her presence brought divine knowledge and power. But as the story continues, Deborah was not the woman God used to kill Sisera. Instead He uses a woman by the name of Jael who was just hanging out in her tent. Once again God uses His power through an unexpected person to accomplish His purpose.
Application:
I am youngest in my family with a brother who is six years older than me. So you can imagine the attention I received growing up. Still to this day my brother reminds my parents how great life was for him UNTIL I came along. I was very shy and quiet, and unlike some kids, I did not act out or be loud to get attention, it just came naturally. I was the only girl, the baby of the family, and I learned from my brothers mistakes. So all these equaled attention, and I enjoyed it, who wouldn’t? Everyone loves to get attention or recognition. It is a part of our human nature. We all love the feeling of acceptance and approval. It is one of our core needs as a human. But there are times when it is easy to get caught up in being the center of attention and begin to forget that it is God who is allowing us to do great things. Then there are times when God chooses to allow someone else to be the “center of attention.” When this occurs, one may be forced to take the back seat in order to allow God’s will to be accomplished. This is what I thought of when I read Judges 4:9. Barak was told that he was going to be a part of a great victory but was not going to get the credit. But to make it even worse, he was told a woman was going to get the credit. Now I understand how fragile the male ego can be when it comes to competition and recognition. I grew up with a very competitive and athletic brother, and have been married to a husband who in 10 years has never let me win a game of monopoly. I was reminded of such an incident a few weeks ago when we were bowling with our small group. I am not great at bowling, just lucky. I had one of those lucky games and beat my husband (who is a pretty skilled bowler I might add). Not that it was bad enough that I beat him, but I did it in front of our small group. When the game finished, the first words out of his mouth were, “I will never hear the end of this”. So I can only imagine what a warrior like Barak thought when he was told a woman was going to get the credit for killing the captain of the army he was going to war against. But what I admire about Barak is that he does not become envious or jealous, instead he was humble and supportive.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder today of how you can use anyone and anything to accomplish your plan in our lives. Help me to be as humble as Barak and as courageous as Jael. Never let me get so focused on being the center of attention that I take away from you being the center of my life. Continue to teach me your truths as I study your word and the examples you have laid out in scripture.
— Emily Suggs, children’s ministry, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Body of Christ
Scripture:
I Corinthians 12:26- And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Observation:
1 Corinthians 12 addressed the use of spiritual gifts. Paul reminded the entire church that every gift was given by God for building up the church. He used an analogy of the human body to illustrate the indispensable nature of each gift. He addresses that every part of the body has a purpose much like every member of the church. Then in verse 26 he says that if one part of the body suffers then the whole body suffers. This is true with our bodies. If the head hurts, it affects your whole body and how you feel. If you hurt your foot it affects how the rest of the body operates. The word “suffer” is referring to disease or sickness. It only makes sense that the rest of the body would suffer because if one part is affected by the disease, then generally the disease spread to other parts of the body and affect it as a whole. There should be the same connection and sense of concern in the church. If someone is suffering then the church should feel it. If some one is struggling and burdened, the church should sympathize with them through their hardships. The same is true for someone who has been blessed. All members should rejoice and be excited for that person. This is not always the case and probably was not in the church of Corinth. Paul addresses throughout this chapter that there is not to be jealousy or envy over gifts. Evidently some of the members had decided that some gifts were more important to the work of the church than other gifts. Paul encourages them to rejoice with one another when someone is able to use their talent or gift in an extraordinary way for God.
Application:
As a child I grew up in an amazing church. I was blessed to experience what Paul talks about in verse 26. I remember the encouragement they gave me when I gave my life to Christ. I experienced their support when I went through hard times and struggles. But one time really sticks out in my mind where I felt them rejoice with me. When I was a senior in college, I participated in a mission trip to Brazil. I had to raise all of my money in order to participate. Like the rest of the college students, I did not have that kind of money sitting around. I was on staff as a part time student ministry intern and every penny I made was going towards starting seminary the following fall. The church I was on staff with had offered to help me, but before they could give me a dime my small country church I had grown up in had paid my entire way to Brazil. I was blown away by their eagerness to help me. It was their way of rejoicing with me. It is exciting when the body of Christ supports one another through hard times as well as through good times. Throughout the years as my family has moved, the hardest part of moving is always when we have to leave our church family. I have been blessed to have been a part of some amazing church bodies where the members understand the importance sympathizing and rejoicing with one another.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a member of the body of Christ who rejoices with others in good times and cares for others in hard times. Allow our body of believers to be united in such a way that they reflect a movement of You.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
I Corinthians 12:26- And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Observation:
1 Corinthians 12 addressed the use of spiritual gifts. Paul reminded the entire church that every gift was given by God for building up the church. He used an analogy of the human body to illustrate the indispensable nature of each gift. He addresses that every part of the body has a purpose much like every member of the church. Then in verse 26 he says that if one part of the body suffers then the whole body suffers. This is true with our bodies. If the head hurts, it affects your whole body and how you feel. If you hurt your foot it affects how the rest of the body operates. The word “suffer” is referring to disease or sickness. It only makes sense that the rest of the body would suffer because if one part is affected by the disease, then generally the disease spread to other parts of the body and affect it as a whole. There should be the same connection and sense of concern in the church. If someone is suffering then the church should feel it. If some one is struggling and burdened, the church should sympathize with them through their hardships. The same is true for someone who has been blessed. All members should rejoice and be excited for that person. This is not always the case and probably was not in the church of Corinth. Paul addresses throughout this chapter that there is not to be jealousy or envy over gifts. Evidently some of the members had decided that some gifts were more important to the work of the church than other gifts. Paul encourages them to rejoice with one another when someone is able to use their talent or gift in an extraordinary way for God.
Application:
As a child I grew up in an amazing church. I was blessed to experience what Paul talks about in verse 26. I remember the encouragement they gave me when I gave my life to Christ. I experienced their support when I went through hard times and struggles. But one time really sticks out in my mind where I felt them rejoice with me. When I was a senior in college, I participated in a mission trip to Brazil. I had to raise all of my money in order to participate. Like the rest of the college students, I did not have that kind of money sitting around. I was on staff as a part time student ministry intern and every penny I made was going towards starting seminary the following fall. The church I was on staff with had offered to help me, but before they could give me a dime my small country church I had grown up in had paid my entire way to Brazil. I was blown away by their eagerness to help me. It was their way of rejoicing with me. It is exciting when the body of Christ supports one another through hard times as well as through good times. Throughout the years as my family has moved, the hardest part of moving is always when we have to leave our church family. I have been blessed to have been a part of some amazing church bodies where the members understand the importance sympathizing and rejoicing with one another.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a member of the body of Christ who rejoices with others in good times and cares for others in hard times. Allow our body of believers to be united in such a way that they reflect a movement of You.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Relying on God
Scripture:
Psalm 44: 6-8 — “For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, And You have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever.”
Observation:
In these verses, the author of the psalm is sharing that he has hope and confidence that God will save them. Earlier on in the chapter he compares himself to his ancestors who also did not obtain the promise land by their own strength or skill. He lays the foundation that it is not about his personal strength or possessions but about his trust in God. Verse 6 is followed up with him remembering times when God had protected them from their adversaries and enemies. Then he confidently states that, “in God we have boasted all day long”. To me this is the best part of the verses. He is not boasting as we think of. Here boasting refers to “praise.” So he is praising God all day long and is completely reliant on Him. It is not a temporary or momentary thing. It is a constant or habitual form of praise and reliance on God.
Application:
It is easy to get caught up discovering what our strengths and weaknesses are. I know I love personality and spiritual gifts tests. And it is always an eye opening experience when I learn more about my strengths and weaknesses. Yet I often wonder if I spend so much time focusing on my strengths and weaknesses that I forget the importance of actually relying on God. I become self-reliant on the gifts God has given me rather than reliant on Him and allowing Him to use those gifts. I believe this is what the writer of this psalm was referring to when he emphasized not depending on his own bow or sword. In those days, it seems like everyone carried a sword or bow as a mean of protection and survival. But God did not need their swords and weapons to fulfill His purpose. Just like God does not need my gifts and talents to accomplish His will. He enjoys me using them to bring Him glory and honor, but He does not need me. Yet the exciting thing is He wants me to be a part of His work. He wants to watch over and protect me. He wants me to be reliant on Him. And He wants me to praise Him all day long!
Prayer:
God, allow me to be completely and solely dependant on Your strength and not my own. Continue to remind me that my strengths come from You and are not something I have accomplished with my own abilities. Cultivate humility in my life as You did in the life of the author of this psalm. Thank You for wanting me to be a part of Your great work.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Psalm 44: 6-8 — “For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, And You have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever.”
Observation:
In these verses, the author of the psalm is sharing that he has hope and confidence that God will save them. Earlier on in the chapter he compares himself to his ancestors who also did not obtain the promise land by their own strength or skill. He lays the foundation that it is not about his personal strength or possessions but about his trust in God. Verse 6 is followed up with him remembering times when God had protected them from their adversaries and enemies. Then he confidently states that, “in God we have boasted all day long”. To me this is the best part of the verses. He is not boasting as we think of. Here boasting refers to “praise.” So he is praising God all day long and is completely reliant on Him. It is not a temporary or momentary thing. It is a constant or habitual form of praise and reliance on God.
Application:
It is easy to get caught up discovering what our strengths and weaknesses are. I know I love personality and spiritual gifts tests. And it is always an eye opening experience when I learn more about my strengths and weaknesses. Yet I often wonder if I spend so much time focusing on my strengths and weaknesses that I forget the importance of actually relying on God. I become self-reliant on the gifts God has given me rather than reliant on Him and allowing Him to use those gifts. I believe this is what the writer of this psalm was referring to when he emphasized not depending on his own bow or sword. In those days, it seems like everyone carried a sword or bow as a mean of protection and survival. But God did not need their swords and weapons to fulfill His purpose. Just like God does not need my gifts and talents to accomplish His will. He enjoys me using them to bring Him glory and honor, but He does not need me. Yet the exciting thing is He wants me to be a part of His work. He wants to watch over and protect me. He wants me to be reliant on Him. And He wants me to praise Him all day long!
Prayer:
God, allow me to be completely and solely dependant on Your strength and not my own. Continue to remind me that my strengths come from You and are not something I have accomplished with my own abilities. Cultivate humility in my life as You did in the life of the author of this psalm. Thank You for wanting me to be a part of Your great work.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Emergency Exits
Scripture:
I Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Observation:
In chapter 10, Paul is warning the church to not make the same mistakes as their fathers did in the Old Testament. There were some great accounts in the Old Testament of how God provided and took care of the Israelites needs. Yet at the same time the Israelites were not perfect and continually found themselves doing things that displeased God. They grumbled. They worshipped idols. They acted immorally. They even tested God. Paul reminds the people that these accounts are examples of how we should not live. The Israelites mistakes caused them to be punished, and Paul is instructing the church to not be tempted in the same manner. But what I love most in this chapter is what Paul has to say in verse 13 about temptation. We hear people say things like, “I just could not help myself” or “I had not control over what I did.” Paul tells the church differently. He straightforwardly tells them that God does not tempt beyond what they have control. He tells them there is always a means of escape and they can endure temptation.
Application:
I am not a good person to be with when an emergency like a fire occurs. I never pay attention to emergency exits or what to do in case of emergencies. I am the one on the airplane who talks to the person in the seat beside me while the flight attendant is giving the spill on emergency exits/landings. I have at times thought about what my family would do in case of a house fire and how we would evacuate the house, but I in no way have a plan. Then there are those people like my husband who are alert and always know what to do in case of an emergency. They know the emergency exits in a restaurant and they have a plan for what their family should do in case of a house fire. They have thought ahead and plan for those times of emergencies. I believe this is what Paul was trying to communicate in verse 13 when he is referring to God not tempting us beyond what we can withstand. Temptation is much like emergencies. They usually come when you least expect it. There may be some warning signs but if you don’t know what to do then it is a little too late to start planning. This is why schools, hospitals, and other facilities have fire and tornado drills. They want to assure they know what to do when something arises. The same is true with temptation. If I don’t have an emergency exit plan for temptation then chances are I will fall prey to the same traps over and over again. So for me the way God allows escape from temptation is to have a plan of what I need to do when I am tempted. If I know that being around people who are negative and grumble influences me to be negative as well, then I need to plan to limit my time around them and find people who are positive and uplifting to surround myself with.
Prayer:
God, you have promised us that you are faithful and will never tempt us beyond what we can endure. Help me to remember that you trust me enough to allow temptations to come. You also expect me to have a plan and make wise choices. Thank you for providing us with an example through your Word of how to live our lives.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
I Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Observation:
In chapter 10, Paul is warning the church to not make the same mistakes as their fathers did in the Old Testament. There were some great accounts in the Old Testament of how God provided and took care of the Israelites needs. Yet at the same time the Israelites were not perfect and continually found themselves doing things that displeased God. They grumbled. They worshipped idols. They acted immorally. They even tested God. Paul reminds the people that these accounts are examples of how we should not live. The Israelites mistakes caused them to be punished, and Paul is instructing the church to not be tempted in the same manner. But what I love most in this chapter is what Paul has to say in verse 13 about temptation. We hear people say things like, “I just could not help myself” or “I had not control over what I did.” Paul tells the church differently. He straightforwardly tells them that God does not tempt beyond what they have control. He tells them there is always a means of escape and they can endure temptation.
Application:
I am not a good person to be with when an emergency like a fire occurs. I never pay attention to emergency exits or what to do in case of emergencies. I am the one on the airplane who talks to the person in the seat beside me while the flight attendant is giving the spill on emergency exits/landings. I have at times thought about what my family would do in case of a house fire and how we would evacuate the house, but I in no way have a plan. Then there are those people like my husband who are alert and always know what to do in case of an emergency. They know the emergency exits in a restaurant and they have a plan for what their family should do in case of a house fire. They have thought ahead and plan for those times of emergencies. I believe this is what Paul was trying to communicate in verse 13 when he is referring to God not tempting us beyond what we can withstand. Temptation is much like emergencies. They usually come when you least expect it. There may be some warning signs but if you don’t know what to do then it is a little too late to start planning. This is why schools, hospitals, and other facilities have fire and tornado drills. They want to assure they know what to do when something arises. The same is true with temptation. If I don’t have an emergency exit plan for temptation then chances are I will fall prey to the same traps over and over again. So for me the way God allows escape from temptation is to have a plan of what I need to do when I am tempted. If I know that being around people who are negative and grumble influences me to be negative as well, then I need to plan to limit my time around them and find people who are positive and uplifting to surround myself with.
Prayer:
God, you have promised us that you are faithful and will never tempt us beyond what we can endure. Help me to remember that you trust me enough to allow temptations to come. You also expect me to have a plan and make wise choices. Thank you for providing us with an example through your Word of how to live our lives.
— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus
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