Spiritual Growth Archives - Page 9 of 10 - Faith Assembly Grand Detour

Soul Tattoo- What Defines You?

Posted on 02/24/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Identity, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Truth, Worldview

Feb '18

The Scripture is full of references that talk about the soul and the spirit.

It’s so important in fact, that the Old Testament mentions it over 785 times and the New Testament over 103 times.

It’s pretty clear that in God’s big story for mankind, our souls- the essence of our inner most beings- is important to Him- so important that He sent His son to die for our sin, our weaknesses, and our shame. Our soul is the thing that makes us unique. It’s how we relate to others and how we understand ourselves. It comprises who we are.

Often our souls feel like a roller coaster- sometimes weary or unsure- sometimes comfortable, content or even at peace. We all have invisible tattoos (so to speak) that make an imprint on our souls… earthly things that work to define us. They may have been in the past or are currently influencing our perspectives.

They can make a mark so deep that the imprint may feel like it will last forever.

So the question is this: what defines you?

Are you allowing your past, your education, your mistakes, your job, your talents, ministry, kids, marital status, successes… whatever- to define who you are? The world would project this onto you… especially your failures! This should not be! You see friend, when we allow these things to define who we are, we have embraced a false identity. We are then allowing everything but God to define our worth.

This is why God says we must examine our hearts.

He knows that if we embrace a false identity, we are vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes and lies. This leaves us vulnerable to the many traps the enemy of our souls delights putting right in our path. He loves to plant seeds of self doubt, confusion, relationship drama, unforgiveness, bad decisions, selfish pride or self-hatred… even disobedience to the God we say we love.

But with God’s Truth, He tells us that if we place our soul identity in Him, nothing can touch the essence of who we are! When we believe on His name and claim Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation found in Christ Jesus. No longer do we have to be defined by those old things. We are now sons and daughters of the King of Kings!

Hebrews 6:18-19 says

“Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls…”

This Truth of our identity isn’t always something that we “feel”… but rather God’s Truth that we must choose.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (MSG)
Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.

Because of God’s overwhelming love for us, it’s that same love that will transform our souls into something beautiful, confident, at peace and blazing with purpose. This is the ultimate miracle- the transformation of the very essence of our being!

Let us make our “soul tattoo” permanent once and for all, by…

1) knowing the Truth

2) embracing the Truth

3) practice the Truth daily

4) make the Truth known as a testimony for God’s glory

For if we can run with the Truth of who we really are in Jesus– nothing…and I mean nothing-

will stop us from fulfilling the destiny God has planned for us to fulfill!

Author:

Michelle Marx

Wife, Mom and Lover of Jesus

You can read more of Michelle’s writing at Pianogirl Speaks.

Feb '18

The Ultimate Do Over

Posted on 02/20/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Grace, Gratitude, New year, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Truth

Feb '18

People often use these phrases…

I wish I could do ________ again!
If I only had another chance to do _________.

Today, it’s… I want a Do Over!

I remember when I was on the 6th grade basketball team. I got to start the second half of the game. We all lined up for the tip off and I got the tip. I dribbled down the court for a layup… and missed! My teammate Tommy came to my rescue and got the rebound.

Then he told me I was shooting at the wrong basket! Boy, did I want a do over!

Remembering this experience caused me to think of God and His amazing love for all of us- no exceptions.

God sent His only son to be a sacrifice on our behalf. Through His sacrifice- and our acknowledgement and repentance of sin in our lives- we would have salvation thru the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our do over!

Acts 2:21 says
And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (talking of Jesus) will be saved!

This is the ultimate do over for us. But thank God the reality is this:

God extends do overs to us every day.

Knowing this, shouldn’t our goal be to be more like Jesus every day? I know we will fail at times, but our heart’s desire should be to live like Jesus every day.

Proverbs 21:2 says
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the heart.

Psalm 63:8 says
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Every day our desire should be to…

Thank God for every breath we take
Thank Him for every blessing we receive
Thank Him for every obstacle we experience
Worship Him for every do over His love allows us.

I know this: our God is not a liar.
He has promised He would never forsake us, especially in those times when we have failed Him.

He is there lovingly and graciously forgiving us, promising to give us a do over. Thank you Jesus!

How many times has God graciously given you a do over?

Take a moment right now to thank Him for his mercies- new every morning- and His unfailing love that sustains you through each new day.

Author:

Ken Drew

Loving husband, dad, granddad and Elder at Faith Assembly

Feb '18

Fear & Anxiety… What Does God Say?

Posted on 02/12/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: anxiety, fear, Real Life, Soul care, Spiritual Growth

Feb '18

Webster’s definition of fear is…

“an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger”

“the concern about what might happen”

Fear is something that can rule and control every aspect of our lives.

I can tell you, I have often let fear control my actions, thoughts and words. I don’t like to say I was a victim of fear, because it’s my own personal choice to either live in fear or live with no fear. Living with no fear in today’s day and age is something that seems nearly impossible. I fear something bad might happen to my kids or that I may not have enough money to pay the bills.

We all have things that we fear, but you can choose to overcome those fears and live in confidence through Jesus Christ. The Bible has numerous encouraging words about fear, the hope and great confidence we can have in Jesus.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid; but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

God gives us all the tools we need to overcome our fears and anxiety. We are His children and He tells us he will take care of our every need. When we look for comfort and hope in things like money, jobs, and personal security; our fear and anxiety will only be fueled in a negative way.

Psalm 115:11

You who fear him – trust in the Lord, he is their help and shield.

Having fear in the Lord is how we overcome the fears and anxiety of this life. This doesn’t mean to be scared of God, it means to trust in him, respect and have reverence towards him. When we develop a healthy fear of the Lord, he begins to put life into a perspective from his eyes.

One of my favorite verses is from Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.”
Fear can sometimes be healthy, but when the fear and anxiety consumes our life,

it’s time to take a step back and remember what God says about it.

As always, I like to encourage you with a song that has helped me. Take a moment to listen to Kari Jobe’s song “I Am Not Alone.”

The song doesn’t specifically mention fear, but it does paint a picture of someone who may be struggling with life, fears and anxiety.

Thank God for His love and for his ability to overcome our fears and anxieties. We are truly never alone!

Ryan Bivins

Christ Follower, Husband, Dad

Worship Leader, Faith Assembly

Feb '18

Thoughts on Preparing For the Ultimate Marriage

Posted on 02/06/2018 in Devotions, Perspectives, Real Life, Spiritual Growth | Tags: commitment, Marriage, Mission, Priorities, Spiritual Growth, The Church, Theology

Feb '18

Perhaps the most important part of God’s creation story is the institution of marriage and family in Genesis 1- 2. In this first book of the Bible, God creates man and woman, telling them to be fruitful and multiply. This final act of creation represents the very first marriage relationship and nuclear family. In this, we can see how God was beginning to create His Church.

The “Church” is referred to as the bride of Christ- the ultimate picture of relationship.

This includes all those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God- the essence of the gospel- and are committed, loving, and living for God. Revelation 19: 7 (the last book in the Bible) speaks to the ultimate marriage relationship when it states,

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.”

Jesus is the Lamb of God, who was identified in the gospel of John: “Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

So if the beginning of the Bible establishes the first marriage and the end of the Bible represents the last marriage, it’s the in-between marriages, families and relationships that are needed to prepare the Church to be the bride of Christ, our church family.

This is the hard part and little messy too… okay, a lot messy!

The Church and its people are not perfect, and won’t be until the ultimate redemption and reunion of the bride with Christ, the Bridegroom.

We should however desire to be more like Jesus, and take actions needed to move from the first marriage and our in-between relationships to the church family becoming the bride of Christ. This is done in part by progressing beyond solely our earthly family to the church family as adopted sons and daughters of God. Every marriage and family has challenges that threaten their existence, and the crisis of the family is sadly more common now than at any time in human history.

Today’s local church must be the bridge- the connection between the first original marriage and the last and final marriage relationship. As Jesus is our hope, the local church (the bride) is the hope of the world as it plants, cultivates, harvests and nurtures people to full Christian maturity.

Our earthly relationships are meant to be a (albeit imperfect) picture of the ultimate (perfect) relationship with Christ, with the glory of God flowing out of our marriages, singleness and family relationships.

Let us make the decision today to know God… really know God… through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. It is He who strengthens relationships and builds His Church through imperfect people who are deeply loved by an amazing God.

Author:

Randy Ortgiesen, Elder at Faith Assembly

Jan '18

Fasting and Prayer

Posted on 01/17/2018 in Devotions, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: commitment, fasting, New year, Prayer, Spiritual Discipline, Spiritual Growth

Jan '18

It is January, which for our church is the month we set aside as a time to pray and fast.

I have to admit something. Last year when Pastor Jon asked us to join in with him as a church, I was a little reluctant.

With the fasting part- not the prayer part.

However, now I can say during that period of time…

I personally was drawn closer to the Lord
I was able to join my church family in seeking God’s direction for our church
I was able to seek God’s direction for my life in the months to come
This year I feel better prepared spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to move into a period of fasting.

Consider these questions as we pray and fast this month:

Is fasting necessary for today?
Jesus Himself encouraged his followers to fast.

Matthew 9:15 says, “The time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast.”

What kind of attitude should we have when we fast and pray?
I believe we need to have a humble heart and open hands when we fast.

The fast is directed to God (not man), bringing humility and openness to His guidance.

What is the benefit of fasting?
The spiritual discipline of fasting can be a tool God uses to…
Draw us closer to God, causing a deeper in relationship with Jesus
Convicts us of areas in our lives that perhaps have too large of a hold on us
Makes us aware of unhealthy life patterns that need addressing
Brings about humble confession
Shows us what He has for us as a church, renews personal and congregational vision
And so much more…

II Corinthians 4:16 says, “though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Now grant you, I do not think that I am wasting away, but I can say I am being renewed day by day!”

Amen!

As we enter into fasting and praying together,

let’s seek God’s face for direction, encouragement, and a desire for a deeper love for Him during this time.

Let’s come together and support each other.
May God bless you all greatly as we seek and serve Him together.

Author:

Ken Drew, Elder at Faith Assembly

Jan '18

Commitment of Steel: How About Those New Year Resolutions?

Posted on 01/01/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: commitment, New year, Real Life, Spiritual Discipline, Spiritual Growth

Jan '18

Every January it seems like everyone turns to thinking about commitment. New resolutions are considered and pledged.

Lots of folks consider making a new commitment, but never do because they assume they’ll fail anyway.

So why try?

This January, we will most likely see a glut of opinion pieces written on how to make and keep new resolutions… and even what to do if we fail. They’re intended to encourage us to not give up- press on- be patient- and imagine the reward at the finish.

Today, I’d like to offer a perspective on one way those commitments begin to break down in the first place.

These thoughts came when I was pondering Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness,

and pondering nearly 3 decades of ministry experiences with people.

We find our story in Matthew 4. Right after Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and His Father speaks some of the most reassuring words a son could hope to hear. Matthew also says that Jesus successfully completed the 40 days and nights of fasting before the tempter came to distract Him (Matt. 4:2).

After so much spiritual accomplishment, one could think that Jesus would be immune to temptation,

and indeed Jesus was able to resist the evil one and give us His example to follow.

And still, I’m intrigued by the timing of the tempter.

So, here are a few of the nuances that got my attention.

First, the enemy of our souls loves to attack when we’re tired and vulnerable.

This seems obvious since the attack came after Jesus’ 40 days and nights of fasting.

Second, the enemy of our souls also loves to attack when we least expect it…usually when we’re fresh and excited.

It’s as if he uses a quick jab to the face to surprise us and knock us just a bit off balance. I’ve heard boxers say they all have a game plan that seems solid until they get hit in the face.

So here’s a couple encouraging tips to remember:

Keep in mind that’s the enemy’s job.

Don’t allow him the satisfaction of making you feel weak or victimized.

God will use the opportunity to continue growing you in wisdom,

further grow you up in His ways, and even toughen you up in the process.

Remember through your relationship with Him in Jesus Christ, God has instilled Himself in you. His wisdom is in you (Psalm 119:98 & 99).

And, “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

In January we are discussing the theme of commitment with our adults and children.

We define it as this:

Making a Plan and Putting it into Practice

Based on I Tim. 4:8

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,

holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

As you work through setting new resolutions and taking on good advice of how others keep them,

remember these bits of encouragement to help you keep your focus on Jesus.

With His help and in His power, you can turn your resolutions into commitments of steel.

Author:

Pastor Jon is lead pastor of Faith Assembly Grand Detour