Belief is the teacher of your feelings

And who you believe, that makes all the difference

Convinced What are some of your most negative feelings? Think of your most uncontrollable emotions that get you in trouble. They are not in charge. Yes, I know, in the depths of despair or height of anxiety it isn't easy just to "snap out of it." You don't just tell a person hot with anger like the Incredible Hulk to stop it and calm down (that often makes it worse).  Feelings hold powerful influence over us. So we start believing that we are their servant. And that feelings are the master. "I can't help it, I'm just a worrier," she explains. Sometimes, feelings even become who we think we are.  Failure. Loser. Or, on the other hand, delusions of being infallible, perfect or never wrong. The apostle Paul was tempted to define himself with all those. A once popular and powerful authority figure, he felt on top of the world persecuting the church and murdering Christians. Jesus converted him to a missionary, proclaiming grace which he himself needed so desperately.  Paul recalled his bloody past often, yet it didn't own him. He felt regret and shame, but these weren't his masters.  "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:12,13). "I know … I believe … I am convinced … with faith … in Jesus." That tells Paul's feelings of being ashamed that they aren't true. They aren't in charge. Truth is. But only if you believe it. And when you do, Jesus becomes bigger and better than your feelings. PRAYER: Jesus, my feelings love to drive my life. The thing is, I think I let them. I give them the keys because they tell me I don't have another choice. But I do. Faith in you. Belief that your truth is in play, actively influencing my life, and setting me free. Here, take the keys, Jesus. They are your keys, after all. I trust you to drive. I know you'll take me to new places. Strange places. Dangerous places. Places that don't feel right. Like the disciples sailing into storms, you call me beyond my feelings to rely on you, to see the power and love of your promises. Thank you for your mercy, Jesus. For your patience, kindness and forgiveness. You will never forsake me or forget about me. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Open your Bible and spend 15 minutes reflecting on 2 Timothy 1:7-13. The apostle Paul was in prison, soon to be executed. Whose prisoner is he (v. 8)? How does this belief help him through suffering (v. 8)? When did God decide that he would save Paul and call him to such courage (v. 9)? Death is one of the most frightening experiences. What belief makes all the difference (v. 10)?   Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Only one step to God’s wisdom

It's so much closer than we think.

Wisdom "All you had to do was ask." That statement brings such relief. And also some regret that we worked ourselves up over nothing.  We stacked all kinds of conditions up, and analyzed all of the consequences, and assembled a massive case to convince someone of something. And then they say, "You didn't have to do all that. All you had to do was ask." That's what God says about wisdom.  Wisdom is the ability to apply the perfect, practical truths of God to life situations. The aptitude of making clear, confident decisions. We often desire this kind of wisdom. We see it in other super gifted spiritual people. "Wow, I'd love that kind of wisdom," we think. Then we start mentally assembling all of the work it would take to get there … and give up. Not a chance. But God says, "You don't have to do all that. All you need to do is ask." If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5) PRAYER: I want wisdom, God, and I realize the irony that I'm not wise enough to get it. That's why you promise it to me as a gift. It comes from you, not from me. By your grace that forgives my faults and doesn't consider them, you instill my hungry heart with wisdom that is heavenly. Teach me to trust that searching honestly for your wisdom is the one thing needed, and when I search I will find. When I knock, the door of wisdom opens. Then teach me to recognize the wisdom you give and use it as a resource more often. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Check out Proverbs 2:1-6 and all of the "if you …" statements about finding wisdom from God. It may seem like jumping through a lot of hoops, but look carefully. The conditions for finding "the knowledge of God" all really mean this: you're looking, you're searching, you're hungry. You know you don't have the kind of wisdom you need and you believe God can give it. That's it. If faith and humility you "ask God" (James 1:5), and "then you will understand" (Proverbs 2:5). No schooling required. No GPA. No advanced degree. Just want wisdom from God. Just ask for it. That very practice prepares you to receive it. And then, be ready for a treasure that enriches your life! Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Should you work this week?

Don't check out of work, life and God.

Work A big part of life is what happens to you.  Who are your parents? Where were you born? Are you a soprano or a bass? A drunk driver smashes into your parked car. The company merger changes your career. Big stuff. But a bigger part of life is how you respond to what happens to you. Do you manage the anxiety you inherited from your mom or the anger you learned from your dad, or does it manage you? Do you find a way to squeeze millions from the drunk driver's insurance company in a legal battle that takes 4 years and becomes a hobby of greed and revenge, or sign off on a fair settlement? A legal agreement that achieves justice, rehabilitates the driver from a bad drinking habit, and covers all of your expenses (and then some). Do you passively neglect the Word of God because grace requires nothing of you, or actively pursue a goal of putting the Word of God into practice? The gospel teaches us to receive salvation as a gift. It happens to us from outside ourselves. Jesus died and rose for sinners. God the Father adopts us to be his special, loved children. The Holy Spirit moves the needle of faith and maturity so that we grow in grace. God does the work! The gospel also teaches us to use salvation to God's glory. Like any gift, it is given to us freely, but not intended to be stuffed into the bottom of a closet gathering dust bunnies. Give your salvation a work out. Do the work. Sweat. Strain. Push hard to new levels that are as dangerous as they are delightful. Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12,13) God works for you this week. God works in you this week. Now go to work. PRAYER: God of grace, I've been taught to stay out of your way, fall down to the ground as an unworthy sinner, and let you do the work of salvation without me. This is true, but not the end of the story. Your grace doesn't just save me from sin, death and the devil but saves me for a good purpose. My story of life is determined both by your gifts and blessings, and my choices about those gifts and blessings. So, God, save me from myself, too. From apathy and complacency, from pride and greed. Enrich my faith to better appreciate the gift of salvation as both accomplished (Jesus died) and active (I live).  FURTHER MEDITATION: Open your Bible (are you using a printed Bible and getting off your screen?) to Philippians 2. Read verses 6-9. Whose work does this describe? Read verses 9-13. Whose work does this describe (v. 13 is the clincher, spend at least 5 minutes meditating on that verse and its meaning for your week).  Say a prayer using the PRAY acronym: Praise (tell Jesus something you appreciate about him), Repent (confess a sin), Ask (request something, make it big he can handle it), Yield (prepare to notice and use his answer to your prayer so that it gives him glory).   Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Think these 6 thoughts

and you'll improve your relationships.

Think about this! "Think about such things," the Bible says in Philippians 4:8,9. This is God talking. These are divine life hacks! Here they are, you should be thinking about … "Whatever is true." Don't fool yourself. See things the way that they really are, which is always how God sees them. Test your assumptions. Ask trusted friends. Take a step back and process a decision through prayer. Talk honestly with people through understanding and patience. It will improve your viewpoint. "Whatever is noble." Focus on the positive, on what you appreciate about someone, not on what irritates you. Thinking highly of others prompts thankfulness, which helps produce joyful contentment. You can control this, regardless of the circumstances. It's your choice, not someone else's problem. "Whatever is right." There is a right way, and an easy way. Don't be afraid of the right way, and that way is not always your opinion or idea. That way is the absolute authority and gracious promises of God's Word. God is always right. "Whatever is pure." Chase away unchaste thoughts. Don't dabble with them or let them linger. Pursue them and persecute them. Actively replace them with pure and clean thoughts. Pray hard. God made you to reflect his holiness. "Whatever is lovely." Enjoy beauty. Don't get caught up in too much technical or transactional precision. Feel. Sense. Camp out in attractive environments that help you relax. Take leaps of faith and discover more of God's beauty. Try smiling in church :-) "Whatever is admirable." What qualities give another person a good reputation? How do others speak well of them? Stop arguing with these, finding petty faults in your friend, roommate, teammate, coworker, boss, child or parent. Join their fan club. In his grace and forgiveness, God thinks highly of them, so you can, too. Oh, and these are not just esoteric clouds of positive thinking, but God gives each of them to you to "put it into practice." Pick one and start today. PRAYER: Help me think more about my thinking, God. It determines how I feel and behave. It develops from my life experiences, both past and present. You, Holy Spirit, have perfect wisdom and promise to share it with me if I humbly need it. That means I can't be so enamored with my own opinions. Forgive my sense of self-importance, and take it out of play so that I learn from you, think like you, and live in new ways that others appreciate. And they say to me, "I want whatever you have," and I can tell them it's all from you. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Spend 15 minutes meditating on Philippians 4:8,9. How did Jesus demonstrate each of these qualities? Allow yourself to be impressed about Jesus. Tell him that. Then thank him for practicing all these qualities in his relationship with you.   Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

What makes you tired?

Sleepy Christians fall into temptation.

Stay awake Third-shifters find creative ways to stay awake.  Nurses supervising sleeping patients sip coffee—and it's not decaf. Police officers starting their shift at 11pm purchase room-darkening blinds so that they can sleep well in the bright afternoon hours. In college I worked some overnight shifts waxing floors in grocery stores and our crew would turn up the music and turn on the bright lights.  Why such fuss? Because falling asleep on the job means you're not doing your job (unless you test mattresses for a living, sign me up!).  What if nurses and police officers, Amazon Prime shipping personnel and bakers, utility crews and nursing mothers couldn't stay awake? They'd neglect their duties. They'd miss someone in need.  Jesus uses a word that means "stay awake" when he tells his followers to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation" (Matthew 26:41). That is Jesus' response to his closest disciples falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, after he urged them to "keep watch with me" (literally: "stay awake with me," Matthew 26:38).  The Bible elsewhere uses the same Greek word, "stay awake," urging believers to be "watchful" in prayer (Colossians 4:2) and firing a warning shot at sleepy believers to "Wake up" (Revelation 3:2)! Don't sleep through your responsibilities as a follower of Jesus. Don't fall asleep to the needs of people he places in your path. Don't miss out on the blessings and opportunities he has waiting for you. Whatever it takes, stay awake spiritually. Get your physical rest. Manage emotional fatigue. Eat and exercise in more healthy ways. Do everything you can to develop a body and mind whose spirit doesn't have to fight physical and emotional sluggishness and stress.  Then, engage in habits of the inner, spiritual life that keep you alert, open your eyes in new understanding, energize your soul, and call you to strenuous spiritual activity like prayer and serving others. Jesus opened his eyes and awoke from death on the third day. God the Father never sleeps or gets tired and nothing escapes his notice. The Holy Spirit is constantly lighting the fires of faith to burn brightly. They're good company. PRAYER: I get tired, God. Life is so exhausting, sometimes it takes all I have just to make it through another week. My spiritual energy is sapped, I confess, by physical and emotional stress. Help me better understand and appreciate the connection between body, mind and soul in my life. You have created these to be alive and well, awake, active and fully responsive. You allow for periods of rest and recovery in these areas, preparing me for full "on-the-job" alertness that is watchful, expectant and 100% engaged in the opportunities before me each day. Good morning, God! Amen.  FURTHER MEDITATION: Open your Bible (I suggest a printed Bible not a screen; it lays out the entire section before your eyes visually, and keeps you from all those screen distractions; it is also a special way to read that gives your quiet time with God a unique and special place) to Matthew 26:36-46 where Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. How did Jesus feel (v. 37)? Did he express his feelings (v. 38)? Did he ask for help (v. 38)? Did he pray about it (v. 39)? What is your biggest challenge when it comes to staying awake and alert spiritually (v. 41)? What did these physical, spiritual and emotional disciplines allow Jesus to do (vv. 45,46)? When Jesus says, "Rise, let us go!" he is saving and strengthening his sleepy disciples by bringing them into his experience of suffering, death and resurrection. The saving work of Jesus becomes theirs, despite their sleepiness. Because Jesus is fully engaged and active as their Savior. And yours, too. Spend 5 minutes meditating on this.   Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

This happened. Now what?

The past catches up with you.

Past and Present Done! You finished your first 5K. All the training. The coaxing of your family. The cheering of your friends. You did it without dying, crossed the finish line with arms raised high like an Olympic champion … and now what? Selfie, of course. Your smile of accomplishment says it all.  And you're not in as much pain as you thought you'd be, so you're already wondering, "Maybe I could run a 10K!?"  You post on social media, inviting all your friends to try this sometime. Done! Jesus was crucified, and even said, "It is finished." Then he rose, never to face the enemy of death again. Conquered!  It's all for you, and he promises that these historical events seal in certainty your forgiveness, salvation and eternal life … and now what? Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God … For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1,3). Do you see both the past and the present in those powerful words? Do you connect with the "now what?" of the Christian life?  Christ has died, and you died with him. It happened in the past. Christ has been raised, and you have been raised with him. It happened in the past.  Now what? Now you set your heart on bigger things than earthly things. Now you live a life each day that is a "cross life." PRAYER: Help me, Christ, experience the thrill of victory, to know the joy of "done!" To never question it again. To not look back. But, help me also to experience the thrill of "now what?" To enjoy the present, ongoing cross life of saying no to sin, of making decisions that bring you glory, of facing storms and troubles with faith not fear, of living in my baptism and witnessing to friends that they just have to come on this journey. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Meditate on Colossians 3:1-3. Visualize the cross and the tomb of Jesus. Bring to mind and heart other Bible verses that speak truth about these historical events. Visualize yourself crossing a finish line, and what you experience afterwards. The thrill. The joy. The expectation for more. Thank Jesus for both the past and the present of your spiritual, inner life. Pray for these verses to become more real to you, and revealed through you to others. Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: CrossLife Church 4109 Kelly Lane Pflugerville, TX 78660

God's Hands

Devotion (25 Oct 2018)

from Holy Word Pflugerville sermon notes from 21 Oct 2018 (Pastor Daron Lindemann)

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God's Hands Discipline and Deliver

https://holyword.net/sermon/gods-hands-discipline-and-deliver/  

1 Peter 5:6-11

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205%3A6-11&version=MSG;NIV

Think about suffering.

We question it.  Why, God?

We complain about it.

We even make it worse by suffering about how we are suffering it...worrying, wondering, pondering, obsessing, sharing, over-sharing...

God's discipline of a Christian is often mistaken for wrath and punishment.

We think that "God is just getting back at me for..."

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  You can be 100% sure that God is NOT doing that.

How do we know?

Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Not "just a little" condemnation, not "God puts in some and then you put in some to cover it", but NO condemnation.

So why am I/we/they suffering?

God is a loving parent and you are his child.

It's discipline. 

God loves you so much that he is delivering either an little electric shock to get your attention or a focused laser to surgically remove something harmful.  Yes - that creates a wound but one that is guaranteed to heal better than it was before.

BUT - guess what - the devil wants to infect that wound.

He wants it to fester and grow and to increase your pain.

Being the devil - though - he does not tell you that.

Instead - he offers and promises "relief".

Oh - God is being so mean to you - I've got just the thing to ease your pain...

The devil offers to give you "relief" in many ways - here are some.

- You should self-medicate.  Indulge in something else that makes you feel good (for a bit, perhaps) like drugs, alcohol, binge-watching, etc.

- Don't worry about it.  It will go away.  It's nothing.  Just ignore it.  Work harder, play harder - but whatever you do - don't pay attention to what God is trying to draw your attention to.

- Deflect it.  If only everyone I know could hear about my suffering that would make me feel better.  Ah - Facebook is my link to all my friends...let's post it all NOW!

- Project it.  It's not really your fault that this is happening.  It is his/hers/theirs and by golly, they really should know that it's all their fault.  Ah - now I've told them and I feel so much better...

And that "relief" ends up being no relief at all. 

1 Peter 5:6,7

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+5%3A6-7&version=MSG;NIV

MSG - 6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

NIV - 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Curious thing about these verses.  Think about God's mighty hand.  Isn't it ALL-mighty? 

So - are you too heavy (your burdens and your suffering) for God to lift up?

No - the "lifting up" referred to here is not by force.  It is by faith.

God lifts up and delivers by "removing and replacing"

- Removing fear and replacing with courage

- Removing pride and replacing with humility

- Removing guilt and replacing with release and true relief

Cast all (ALL) your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

So - why the trials and the suffering?

OK - think about a parent teaching a child to catch a ball.

Will the parent throw the ball into the child's hands every time?

Would that teach them to catch a ball?  No - not in the real world.

The parent will throw the ball just outside of their reach - just outside of where they can catch it.

And after 5 times - the child realizes - if i just stretch my arm out or move over here - I can catch that ball.  It might not be comfortable and it means I have to change - but I caught the ball!

Jesus is throwing the ball outside of where YOU can catch it.

Jesus told Peter to walk on the water.  And he DID.

Talk about out of your comfort zone!

So - get out there and walk on water because He will lift you up.

Stop for a moment and think about Jesus' hands

- Baby hands

- Young carpenter (or stonemason) hands learning a trade

- Hands of healing and hope

- Hands in prayer

- Hands extended to help

- Hands extended on the cross

Luke 23:46

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A46&version=MSG;NIV   

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

- Resurrected hands extended

Luke 24:39

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A39&version=MSG;NIV

39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

- In heaven

Romans 8:34

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A34&version=MSG;NIV

34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

NOTHING will ever happen to you and I that is worse than what Jesus endured.

Nothing!

God the Father has delivered you and I through the saving hands of his Son.

God's hands both discipline and deliver.

So - what should I do with my hands?