November 10, 2024 - Dr. Jeff Raines

Active Compassion [Matthew 25:31-46]

Do you help vulnerable people? Does it make it into your calendar or your budget?

Today's step: Practice Care for the Vulnerable

Do we show compassion and grace like Jesus has shown to us?

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

Jesus calls us out from a concern just for self and a narrow concern from who we will love and serve. He calls us to venture out in boldness to show the grace and compassion we have received from God.

Who, What, Where, Why?: Questions Jesus Asked

Weekly Devotional 11.11.2024

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:26

Many of the questions Jesus asks cause his followers and accusers to stop, reflect, and answer honestly what they think and believe about topics ranging from His Lordship and eternal life to forgiveness and obedience. The questions Jesus asked 2,000 years ago are the same questions we must answer today and throughout our lives.

These same questions Jesus asked in the Bible are also asked of us. Jesus’ questions cause us to dig deep and explore all that we believe and all that we are. At the beginning of this devotional series, we started with an important question Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” Let’s consider six more questions Jesus asked throughout His ministry: 1) “Where is your faith?” 2) “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 3) "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 4) “Why do you call me good?” 5) “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?” and 6) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Jesus’ questions are challenging because there might not be an immediate answer; or not an answer we want to admit to our Lord and Savior in this moment. The goal of these questions is not mere knowledge but the pursuit of godliness and our sanctification. We must answer the questions Jesus asks openly and honestly. What will your answer be to His questions about your life, beliefs, obedience, and faith?

November 3, 2024 - Dr. Jeff Raines

Do Not Fear - [Isaiah 41:8-10]

Why are you afraid?

Fear is one of the most powerful human motivators. But we are not meant to live in fear. It's damaging to our bodies and relationships and distorting to our souls. This week there is a political storm where fear is used as a motivator on all sides.

One of the most repeated commands is scripture is "fear not."

Today's step: REPLACE FEAR WITH FAITH

Fear tends to expose our idols and pushes us into idolatry. Maybe it's success or money or reputation - we cling to idols when we fear loss.

"For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:10

The Effects of Fear:

• Fear leads to idolatry (Isaiah 41)
• Fear traps us (Procerbs 29:5)
• Fear suffocates love (1 John 4:18)
• Fear blinds us (2 Kings 6:16-17)

What do we do with our fear?

Replacing Fear:

• Trust the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Seek a new perspective (Romans 8:31-39)
• Remember that we belong to God
• Embody God's love (1 John 4:16-18)

Let's invite God's love to flow in us so powerfully so that the world can see the Kingdom of God.