I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -
Philippians 4:12b-13

Last night, we began our summer study of the book ‘Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan.  It is no coincidence that I am reading this and “Margin” by Richard Swenson at the same time.  Both books are a thought-provoking look at work and rest and what the Bible teaches us about them.

One of the thoughts that struck me in reading these two books is how much we have bought into the lie of “if only.”  If only I had a different job, or made more money or a different boss or didn’t have to deal with the snippy, snarky co-worker, then everything would be fine. Really?

We think contentment lies at the heart of better circumstances.  Swenson writes that “contentment isn’t denying one’s feelings about unhappiness, but instead a freedom from being controlled by those feelings.”  This rings true throughout Scripture.  Paul knew the secret to contentment didn’t lie in different circumstances, but in fixing his eyes on Christ.

I don’t know what circumstances you find yourself in today.  I have no doubt many of you have had a bad day, week, month, or even year.  Let me encourage you to seek God.  Ask Him to show you what He can do in the midst of your circumstances.  Will you worship God and thank Him for His blessings regardless of the circumstances, or is your faith proportionate to your level of comfort?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…
- I Thessalonians 5:11

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

This past weekend on our single adult retreat, we spent a lot of time talking about community, what it is and why it is important. Chris pointed out that there are a lot of “one anothers” in the Bible. Our faith isn’t meant to be lived out alone. All of us, whether married or single need community. It is where we learn and live out faith, where we are challenged and encouraged by the testimony of others.

As single adults, it is easy to isolate ourselves. When we are not part of a community, it becomes easier not to show up on Sundays because no one will know we are gone. Being part of a community requires intentionality and sometimes, we just plain don’t feel like working at it. I have a picture in my mind of a herd of zebras and gazelle in Africa. When they become ill or hurt and drift behind the herd as it moves, they become easy targets for predators. I think the same is true for us. When we try to do life on our own, we become easy targets for Satan to whisper lies into our ears.

I encourage you today to be intentional about being part of a community. I don’t know exactly what that will look like for you. I do know that it will mean letting your guard down and being vulnerable, but I believe in the long run, you will find yourself strengthened.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
- Psalm 27:14

Waiting is hard. I think it’s especially hard for those of us used to having whatever we need right at our fingertips with our magic phones, and tablet computers. We live in a society driven by getting things done fast. Growing up in Nigeria, it was typical to see a semi truck with the phrase “no hurry in life” written on the back. There are some days when I miss that slower pace of life. The truth is, however, that I am just as guilty of the desire for things to happen now as most. The Psalms are full of reminders to wait on God. Even back then, people wanted things on their own time frame and not God’s. The verse today reminds me that God is my strength and waiting on Him, His timing, His wisdom, His provision is so much better than anything I can cook up on my own. My encouragement to you today is to “be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord.”

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. – John 15:16

Last Friday, I was at a prayer retreat here at Tallowood.  I volunteered to read John 15:16, one of several verses read out loud.  It was one of those divine moments when God’s living and active Word seemed to jump of the page at me.  The moment I read the verse, I felt God was speaking directly to me.  Today, I want to share some of the things He spoke to me that I believe will encourage you as well.

• God chose me.  I could have stopped right there because there is something powerful about knowing you are chosen
• Not only did God choose me, He appointed me.  Wow!!  You have been appointed by God.  Remember that.
• You don’t get to rest on that.  God chose you and appointed you to bear lasting fruit.  What kind of fruit are you producing?
• “so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name” Wow!!  The Message says “as fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you”.  That is some kind of authority.

I don’t know about you, but this verse is a great reminder to me of who created me, loves me and gives me all the authority I really need.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need. – Psalm 23:1

This afternoon, I was reading Psalm 23.  I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to skim over passages such as this that are very familiar.  Today, I was reminded how foolish I am to think that I know what the Lord has for me just because it is familiar.  Today, I didn’t get past verse one.  God stopped me right there to remind me that I do have all that I need in Him.  I complain about things I want and things I think I need.  At the end of the day, though, I have all I need.  Think about that today.  Let it sink in and thank the Lord.

One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.  - Proverbs 27:7

Today was one of those days.  Lunch time came around and my stomach told me it was hungry, but nothing sounded good.  I held off for as long as I could but then had to make a decision.  Generally I end up at one of my “go to” spots.  More often than not, I end up eating far more than I need.  Today as I attempted to eat just enough to get me through the afternoon, I was struck by the fact that my “problem” was really a blessing.  How many people in the world don’t have food today?  How many of those that do have food have a choice of what they eat? Whatever problems I may have, I don’t have to worry about basic necessities.  How often do I envy what others have rather than recognizing what great blessing I have?  I have decided that from now on, when I experience this “dilemma,” I’m going to thank God and buy a meal for someone who is hungry. This is my conviction and confession today.  I hope it convicts and blesses you.

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies – Psalm 36:5

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

This month in Bible Study, we have been studying the book of Hosea.  This is a great book to be studying during this month that is associated with love.  The material titled the section God’s Outrageous Love.  What an appropriate title.  Webster defines outrageous as “exceeding the limits of what is usual,” and “not conventional or matter-of-fact.”  This is certainly a great description of God’s love.  His love goes far beyond the limits of what is usual.  We see through the message of Hosea, and throughout history that His love is not conventional.  It is, really, unbelievable.

This month of intensified focus on love is difficult for a lot of people.  For many singles, it highlights that we are single.  For many who are in bad relationships, it highlights their pain.  Indeed, if we focus on what the world has to offer in the way of love, we are all lacking.  There are limits to this kind of love.  Last night, I was reminded by a worship leader that I am lovable and I cannot be loved more than I am loved by God.  This is good news and it is good news that we can share with others who have felt the limits of earthly love.  Rather than focusing on what we don’t have, let’s rejoice in what we do have and share the outrageous love of God with those around us this month and all year.

Are you cold enough yet?  I know some love this cold weather and others do not.  The talk everywhere this week has been of the cold.  I have been thinking about fire.  The word fire is used throughout Scripture.  Much of the time it is used to describe God.  Hebrews 12:29 says “Our God is a consuming fire.”

There are two sides to fire.  It is one of those things that can be very good or very bad.  It can do a lot of damage when uncontrolled.  Certainly none of us want to be on the receiving end of God’s wrath which is all-consuming.

The good news for us is that, as believers, we can experience the very good of God’s consuming fire as well in the form of the Holy Spirit.  In Luke 3:16, John says that another is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Later, during Pentecost, we read that “like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks.”  Oh that the Holy Spirit would burn like fire in our hearts.

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. – I John 3:1 (MSG)

I have been thinking a lot about family today, spiritual family in particular.  It all started with a devotional Dr. Brooks shared yesterday followed by Beth Moore’s teaching last night.  Dr. Brooks asked us to spend some time remembering those who have been spiritual mothers and fathers to us.  This afternoon, I have been caught up in thanking God for the great spiritual heritage and family I have.  Early in life, I was shepherded by both a mother and daughter.   My faith has been greatly impacted by several single women who served on the mission field.  In recent years, I have learned from some amazing women who are great prayer warriors.  I am so grateful for these women and many more that have run, walked, and cheered me on in the faith.  I am also grateful for you-single adults at Tallowood for being a part of my spiritual family and for your partnership in ministry.

Whether or not you have a long heritage, or are just beginning, the good news is that you are part of a family of faith.  You are a child of God, but how often do you let that sink in to every crevice of your soul.  Doesn’t it lead you to worship?  Have you thanked God today for adopting you into His family?

 

But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
-  Ephesians 4:2024 (MSG)

This afternoon, I am sitting in our new Sunday School room.  My regular spot for writing the devotionals (Library Reading Room) is off limits for the next three months while renovation takes place.  You should see the library right now.  It is empty and there is great anticipation of what is to come.

Our room is much like the library.  It is a blank slate.  We are waiting on a new podium and sound system.  There are bulletin boards to be filled (yes, volunteers are needed to help with this).  I sit here with excitement and anticipation of what is to come this year.  It is a great way to start a year.  Just like the room, there is much potential among us both individually and corporately.

I know the room will look different at the end of the year.  Whether we like it or not, each of us will look different as well, at least on the outside.  My prayer is that we will look different on the inside as well.  I want to find myself deeper in God’s Word and His Word deeper in me.  I want my heart to be enlarged with His love for those around me and not so wrapped up in myself.  I want to be more concerned with His Kingdom than with my comfort.

“Lord, do anything in me you need to do in order to do everything in me you want to do.”  This is my prayer this year.  Will you join me in praying this and that He will do anything He needs to do in Single Adults at Tallowood so that He can do everything He wants to do through us?