Pastor Joe’s devotion is in the White House Connection newspaper!
Do You Want or Need Times of Refreshing In Your Life?
Acts 3:19 – Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
Every person needs times of refreshing in this life. However, the only way to get TRUE refreshing is when we choose to live life according to God’s pattern or plan and not our own. Proverbs 14:12, says There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
If you ask five people their opinion on a matter you will most likely get five different opinions, and every one of them will be “an opinion”. Their opinion will most likely line up with what they have read, heard on the radio, what their friends have said, how they grew up or watched on the TV, etc… That is the way most of us live our lives, making decisions based on past knowledge or experiences. Some of that knowledge and experience can be good if it is founded on the truth or principles in the Word of God. For example, 1 Peter 3:9, says “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it.” That is a promise from God, but it is contrary to our natural way of feeling and thinking. However, when we choose to practice that truth we will reap peace and then God can bless our lives. If we choose to repay with a “get back insult or evil”, we may temporarily feel justified, but that type of behavior destroys us and not the other person. In addition, when we choose not to obey the ways of God we are “on our own” without His help.
Medical Science has clearly connected a person’s reactions/behaviors to their mental and physical health as documented in studies that have been completed. These studies confirm what God’s Word says about forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 and 1 Peter 3:9. Choosing to forgive versus holding a grudge brings peace, health and life. Look at this article written by Johns Hopkins.
Forgiveness: Your Health Depends on It – Johns Hopkins Medicine
Galatians 6:7-8 says, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Realize that everything you do and say in this life is like a seed and it will come up eventually. A person cannot sow apple seeds and reap oranges. In the same manner you cannot sow seeds of anger, bitterness and “get back” and then reap life and health. Seeds of forgiveness bring life and health, while seeds of unforgiveness results in sickness, disease and destruction over time.
Jesus said in John 16:33, that in this world you will have tribulation, but take heart or be of good cheer “I have overcome the world”. He has given us His Word as a lamp and light so that we would know how to behave and live on this earth and be in health, (Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 4:20-23).
Choose this day to get into the Word of God and find out how He would have you to respond to the challenges that come your way. Psalm 34:19, says that “Many are the challenges of those who desire to live rightly, but the Lord delivers us out of them all.” He delivers us out of them when we choose to do what His Word says and not what the latest talk show or article tells us to do.
Ask God to forgive you for behaviors, in your life that do not line up with His Word and make the decision today to do what His Word says. Start reading one chapter a day in the Gospel of John and ask God to reveal His ways to you, (Psalm 25:9). He will.
Our Ignited youth event will be the following Saturday, July 15th from 5 PM to 9 PM. This will be held at the White House Civic Center. From 5 to 7 PM pizza will be served and games will be available. From 7 to 9 PM a worship service from “Fyrefall” https://www.facebook.com/Fyrefall/ will be held in the auditorium followed by a testimony and teaching. If you are available to help, please arrive at the Civic Center at 4 PM. Thanks, Mike
