Devotional

From Lonely to Fulfilled…

March 6, 2018 by Tripp Atkinson

Wk 1 from High School series “Status” at Sugar Hill Church. For more information on how your Middle or High School student can be a part of teaching series like these with hundreds of other students, check out www.SugarHillStudents.com.

Want to change your status from LONELY to FULFILLED? Know that you are not alone and there is good news! While people often turn to destructive behavior (relationally & sexually) in the name of “love,” there is a love that can truly satisfy…you just have to look in the right place.

The problem

Having worked with students for over 20 years, I have seen a TON of heartache, regret, and shame as a result of destructive behavior (relationally & sexually) in the name of “love.” [DISCLAIMER: Students, this is true of us adults too!] Sometimes the very thing that we think will fulfill or satisfy, is that thing that leaves us feeling alone. If we look to people (or romance) to fulfill us, we will always have a problem when the flowers die.

The root of the problem

At the root of so many poor decisions is the the feeling of being “lonely.” The perception of loneliness has nothing to do with one’s social status or how many “friends” or followers one has. In fact, some of the loneliest people may be those surrounded by the largest crowds. Out of a feeling or perception of alone-ness, students (and adults, too) go to great lengths in search of fulfillment. Unfortunately, looking for fulfillment in a person or relationship can often compound the problem. Let’s take a look at the root of loneliness and explore how true fulfillment is found.

Reasons teens feel lonely

Here are just a few of the reasons I hear students say they feel alone.

Family problems (maybe the most painful)
“I don’t have any real friends.”
“I don’t feel accepted.”
“I’m not understood.”
“I’m not satisfied with my life.”
“I don’t like myself, so I think others don’t like me.”
“I can’t live up to the expectations of others.”
“Because of what I’ve done, no one can love me.”
“I have been told I’m… (worthless, ugly, ordinary, trash, etc.)”

The reality of feeling “lonely”

The root of our craving to not be alone is a God-given desire. In fact, loneliness is the first thing in Scripture that God said was not good (Genesis 2:18). God created us to live in community, both with him and with others. Like every God-given longing, he has a purpose and a plan in which to fully satisfy that desire. As with all things that God designed, we can choose to look to the creator of these longings to satisfy them, or we can choose to chase cheap imitations that can never satisfy and will ultimately leave us unfulfilled and feeling even more lonely.

The solution

Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus loving the lonely and confronting those things that they seek that leaves them empty. (Some great examples of this: John 4 – Woman at the well; John 5:1-9 – Jesus heals a lame man.)

So what is the solution for loneliness? How can one experience true fulfillment? There are four important aspects:

From lonely to fulfilled.

1) Experience a love relationship with Christ. (Status: Loved)

God created mankind to be completely fulfilled in relationship with him. In the Garden of Eden, man and woman experienced harmony & fulfillment with God as well as harmony & fulfillment in relationship with each other through him. Sin changed everything.

Immediately, the loneliness of sin became clear. After mankind disobeyed God, we see that God went “searching” for man. Genesis 3:9, “Then the Lord God called to the man, Where are you?’” Although God obviously knew where he was, we see that man was hiding from God. Sin broke fellowship in the Garden, and sin still breaks fellowship today. The loneliness of sin is real.

The only cure for the loneliness of sin is the love of a Savior. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8) Through faith in the work of Christ on the cross, we can receive forgiveness of sin, experience abundant (& eternal life), and be fulfilled through a love relationship with him. (To learn more about how to have a love relationship with Christ, click here.)

As you experience the ultimate love of Christ (1 John 4:8), you can change your status from lonely to loved.

2) Realize your identity in Christ. (Status: Valued)

As you experience a love relationship with Christ, you can begin to more fully understand your identity in him. You can know the basis for who you really are as described in Scripture. You can know:

Psalm 139:1	I am personally known by God.
Psalm 139:13-14	I am fearfully, wonderfully, and personally made by God.
Psalm 139:16	I am the object of God’s planning and will.
Zephaniah 3:17	I am the delight of God.
Romans 5:1	I am made right with God and at peace with him.
Romans 5:8	I am so incredibly loved. Even while I was a sinner, Christ died in my place.
Romans 6:6	I am set free from the power of sin.
Romans 8:1	I am forgiven, and not condemned!
Romans 8:15	I am personally loved and adopted as God’s dear child.
Romans 8:38-39	I am absolutely secure in God’s love through Christ. Nothing can separate me from his never-ending love.
Romans 12:4-5	I am an invaluable part of the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:18	I am uniquely made and gifted with purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:20	I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3	I am an heir of God according to his will.
Ephesians 1:11	I am God’s masterpiece!
Ephesians 2:10	I am equipped to make a difference in his kingdom.
Titus 3:7	I am eternally alive in him.

Who you are does not depend on what you do. Identity does not depend on titles, or positions, or social status. It depends on the wonderful fact that you are a child of God. You are God’s masterpiece, and you are valued and treasured simply for who you are.

As you realize your identity in Christ, you can change your status from lonely to valued.

3) Embrace your unique design. (Status: Content)

Understanding real love in Christ and your immeasurable value in him, you can begin to embrace and love your unique design.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of our unique design in Romans 12:4-6. He tells us, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”

You are no accident and God has made you one-of-a-kind for a reason. All of your personality, passions, talents, and giftedness is what makes you YOU. And that is exactly what makes you an invaluable part of the body of Christ.

Embrace this! See the beauty of your unique design. Don’t waste your time wishing to be what someone else is. This only robs the body of Christ from the gift of YOU. Embrace and love your unique design.

Don’t waste your time wishing to be what someone else is. This only robs the body of Christ from the gift of YOU. #embrace

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As you do, you can change your status from lonely to content.

4) Pursue Authentic Community. (Status: Known)

We were created to live in community. Throughout Scripture, we see that community is a big deal. The Bible makes it clear that “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Community is modeled for us in the Bible. Acts 2:42-47 is a beautiful description of what community looks like in the early church,

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The Bible is clear as to the benefits of community and how we should live in community with one another.

Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

Romans 15:7, “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”

Live in the reality of all God wants you to experience in authentic community. As you pursue authentic community, you can change your status from lonely to known.

Status: Fulfilled!

Biblical community is the context for spiritual formation, through which God makes us more like Christ. As we grow more in our love relationship with Christ, we more fully realize our value and can more fully embrace our unique design. In doing this, we can more rightly use our giftedness in the context of biblical community, and we discover each of these elements working together to lead us to a place that is the complete opposite of unfulfilled loneliness…that is complete fulfillment!

Don’t miss this… Through a love relationship with Jesus Christ, you can experience true love, realize & embrace your unique identity in him, and live in authentic community with others. All of these truly lead to a status of “fulfillment” in your life.

In Christ alone can you change your status from LONELY to FULFILLED!

In Christ alone can you change your status from lonely to fulfilled. #status

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Take it home…

If you were completely honest with yourself:

– Do you experience feelings of loneliness?
– What destructive behavior in your life is a result of coping with aloneness?
– What truth most resonates with you from the points above?
– Identify one thing you need to do this week to experience true fulfillment, and do it!

Please consider sharing this blog with someone who might need some encouragement in this area.
To subscribe to this blog, simply scroll up & add your email address in the box on the right.

Influences

September 23, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

I read a headline a while back that said “18 year old girl can face manslaughter charge for allegedly encouraging boyfriend’s suicide, judge rules.”

Newsflash: If someone is encouraging you to hurt yourself, IT IS NOT A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP!!!

While I know it is an extreme example, this story illustrates a truth that so many of us experience in our own lives on different levels. I’m talking about allowing voices to influence us that are not speaking truth in love or pointing us to God’s best for our lives. All of us have influences in our lives that give us messages based on lies. While these lies may not lead to our physical death, they may be calling us down paths that lead to pain, regret, and a cheap imitation of God’s best.

A principle we want all students to know is this: Your life will be significantly shaped by your relationships. That’s why I say, “Handle them with care!”

Scripture tells us,

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

We all give and receive influence daily. Although we don’t have control over every source of influence in our lives (billboards, etc), we do have control over some of the most significant sources of influence… relationships. (When I say relationships, I mean ALL relationships, friendships, etc.)

Author Max Lucado says this, “Life comes with voices. Voices lead to choices. Choices have consequences.”

How can we evaluate the voices in our lives, and the influence of relationships?

I think there are 3 Key Questions we should ask to evaluate a relationship:

1) Conditional or unconditional?

Is the love experienced in your relationship conditional or unconditional? Ask, “Is this person helping me or using me?”

1 Corinthians 13 describes what love looks like and what love does,

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not
dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

So many relationships are based on “I love you if…” If someone tells you that, it is not unconditional love. According to 1 Corinthians 13, this self-seeking attitude is not love at all.

2) Truth or lie?

Is the relationship based on truth or a lie? How open and honest are you with each other? Do you pretend to be someone you are not just to get the approval of this person?

Authentic, healthy relationships give truth as well as receive truth…even when it hurts.

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. – Proverbs 27:6

Think about that. It is better to have a loving friend hurt your feelings with the truth, than have someone “kiss up” with what you want to hear. If you have a friend that loves you enough to be honest with you even when it hurts, you need to cherish and invest in that friendship!

So many relationships are based on lies, and the absence of absolute truth. Don’t be fooled.

3) Best or Imitation?

Does this relationship point me towards God’s best for my life, or a cheap imitation of God’s best?

Is this person experiencing God’s best for their own life?

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:1

If someone is not living God’s best for their own life, why let them influence yours?

Does this person truly want God’s best for me?

So many relationships point us towards a cheap imitation of God’s best for our lives. Such imitations can never satisfy. Don’t settle for less, when God wants to give you more.

Remember, your life is significantly shaped by your relationships. Understand them and handle with care!

The 140:
Your life is significantly shaped by your relationships. Understand them and handle with care!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.
To subscribe to this blog, simply scroll up & add your email address in the box on the right.

God’s Best

September 16, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

Here is some good news:
– God loves you and wants the very best for you.
– God wants you discover and live His best.

So how exactly do we go about discovering and living God’s best?

We see some great truths of how to do this in Luke 5:1-11. This story is referred to as “The Great Catch” and is about a fishing trip that changed the course of Peter’s life. In this story there are 3 Defining moments through which Peter discovers and begins to live God’s best.

This story is set on a large lake, referred to as the “Sea of Galilee.”

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” – Luke 5:1-4

When Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets,” this made absolutely no sense. We are told that on Sea of Galilee, fishermen would fish at night, in shallow water.

Peter’s responds by informing Jesus ,

Master, we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing.” (vs. 5)

It’s important to note that when Peter referred to Jesus as “Master,” he was using a Greek word (epistates) that was a respectful title to one who is in authority, but not an acknowledgment of diety.

Peter reminds Jesus that he had “worked HARD all night” and hadn’t caught a thing. I imagine he was a little annoyed that a preacher (Jesus) was telling a professional fisherman (Peter) how to fish. But out of respect for Jesus, Peter reluctantly obeys. Peter says,

But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again. (vs. 5)

As he does this, we see the first defining moment for Peter:

1) He responds in obedience to Jesus.

Look at the result of Peter’s obedience…

And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. (vss. 6-7)

Against the backdrop of Peter’s failure, God shows him what can happen as he does it God’s way… two boats filled so full with fish that they begin to sink!

Students, always remember, WHEN GOD DIRECTS OUR WORK, WE SEE RESULTS. God’s words can always be trusted.

We put faith in doctors because of the qualifications associated with their title (“M.D.”) We put faith in pharmacists because of the letters behind their name (Pharm D). Think about this… if you trust a doctor to diagnose a health problem and prescribe you medicine, and you trust that pharmacists to give medicine that will help you and not kill you because of the title associated with their name, how much more can you trust the one who has the title “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords?” Don’t you think if there is anyone qualified to speak truth into your life, it’s the Creator of life!

If there is anyone qualified to speak truth into your life, it’s the Creator of life!

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That’s why we say “The Bible is a big deal.” It is the Word of God.

Let’s look at what happens next in verses 8-10,

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”

The second defining moment for Peter is when:

2) He acknowledges Jesus for who He is.

In verse 8, notice what Peter called Jesus. Previously he had called Him master, clearly a term of respect, but now he calls Jesus LORD. The Greek word translated Lord means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding”. (It comes from the word kuros, which means ‘Supremacy’.)

Peter now sees Jesus for who He is. He realizes that the one who did a miracle in the lake, wants to do a miracle in his heart.

Peter changed his response to Jesus from one of respect to one of Lordship and notice what he does:

Falls At His feet.
He took his eyes off of the blessing to look at the blessor.

In the terror of realizing his sinfulness, Peter wants to get away from the holiness of the Lord, but Jesus wants to draw Peter closer. Jesus says to him, “Don’t be afraid…” (vs. 10) We see here the beauty of repentance; it is the place we exchange our sin for God’s grace. We sometimes view repentance as an ugly thing, when in fact, it is such a beautiful thing. Repentance is responding to an invitation to experience God’s best.

Repentance is responding to an invitation to experience God\’s best.

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Jesus continues,

…from now on you will fish for people.

Jesus not only receives Peter in repentance (draws him close), He tells Peter that he wants to use him as His instrument. Peter’s life is changed when he gets Jesus right. He learns the most important life lesson: It is all about Jesus. This leads to the third defining moment in verse 11,

And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

3) He drops his net and allows Jesus to direct his life.

This response led Peter to “forsake all” to follow Christ, shifting the view of his future, career, and dreams. He left everything and followed Jesus. He realized that Jesus doesn’t want a place in our hearts or lives, He wants all of it. God doesn’t want us to fit Him into our plans; he wants us to submit our lives to His.

You may have dreams and desires, but God may have something bigger in mind. Jesus took Peter from having an occupation (“to take up space”) to a vocation (“calling”).

Most likely, God doesn’t want to change your dreams, but He may want to give you a different view of it. You see, your calling is to reflect the purposes of God through whatever vehicle He has given you. Because He is God, you can trust Him, and in trusting Him (allowing him to direct your path) you can experience His best for your life.

Before this life-defining fishing trip, Peter would have said that he was a “follower” of Jesus. But it wasn’t until he forsook all (“all in”) that he became a true follower of Christ and became on mission with Christ. When he walked off that beach that day, there was no doubt where he stood in his faith.

Today can be a defining moment in your life as you acknowledge Jesus for who He is and respond in obedience to Him today. You don’t have to “follow” Jesus from afar. You can intimately know Him and receive His best for your life as you allow Him to direct your life.

As we acknowledge Jesus for who He is & respond in obedience to Him, we discover God’s best for our lives. Live his best today!

THE 140:
As we acknowledge Jesus for who He is & respond in obedience to Him, we discover God’s best for our lives.

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Accountability: A Key to Success

September 13, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

There are many abilities that become a big deal in college. For instance…

– Affordability: the reason you eat fish taco’s from a gas station.
– Flexibility: learning the art of turning a 15-minute break into a “power nap.”
– Wearability: judgement call on getting one more use out of an outfit before you HAVE to do laundry. (usually involves turning something inside out)

All joking aside, there a number of things you learn to do in college, that will set you up for success the rest of your life. Of all the many “abilities” that are useful in college, perhaps the most legit beneficial ability to incorporate into the college experience is ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is defined as “responsibility, liability, answerability.” It is the encouragement, support, correction and discipline provided by an intentional and meaningful relationship.

Accountability does not just happen. It is a choice, and only occurs as one willfully and vulnerably submits to another, trusting that it is for their good and God’s glory.

There are several aspect of accountability that can greatly benefit your life. I strongly encourage you to seek it out in the following three relationships:

1) Pursue a Paul (someone older to serve as a mentor)

There is a long list in Scripture of those impacted by the mentoring of the Apostle Paul. (Titus, Onesimus, Luke, and Timothy, to name a few.) This impact did not take place in a formal classroom setting, but in the context of life and ministry. Paul’s mentoring was both theoretical AND highly practical.

Who in your life is a Paul-type mentor you are pursuing? Who in your life is older and wiser that you are allowing to influence you? Mentoring is typically not best accomplished through a formal program, but as one desiring such training and mentoring pursues it.

Asking “Will you mentor me?” is probably not the best approach to a mentoring relationship. Let it happen more organically and relationally. It typically best happens as one observes, questions, learns, and imitates another. I know very few great leaders who will not invest their lives in someone they see trying to emulate their life and leadership.

How do you pursue a Paul? Look around and ask these questions:

Who is someone older and wiser than me that I respect?
Is there someone who has the character and reputation I desire?
Who is making the impact that I desire to make?

Pray that God will open doors for you to have relationship and favor with this person. Ask for wisdom in pursuing opportunities for proximity and influence. Then begin to watch, listen, learn, and imitate what you see in them.

2) Seek a Silas (a friend that offers true accountability)

There is absolutely nothing like a genuine friend who wants the best for you and loves you enough to be honest with you. True friends are hard on you when necessary, and stick with you no matter the circumstances. In Scripture, we see such a friendship between Silas and Paul. Silas traveled extensively with Paul, ministering and spreading the Gospel. In Acts 16:19-40, we see that he was arrested with Paul, beaten severely with Paul, and confined to the dungeon of a jail with Paul with their legs in stocks together. Silas had Paul’s back no matter what.

Notice the nature of their friendship in Acts 16:25-31,

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

Even in jail, they sang hymns of worship together and encouraged one another as they ministered to those around them. Do you have a friend like that? Who in your life wants God’s best for you and is committed to helping you discover and live it?

In seeking a Silas, ask the following questions:

Who is someone I can relate to & rely on?
What friend loves me enough to call me out?
Who wants God’s best for me no matter what?

As you identify such a friend, make time with them a priority. You may only have a friend or two like this in your lifetime. If you have one, do all you can to value that person and invest in that friendship. If you don’t have that yet, pray that God opens the door for a friendship like that.

Remember, the best way to have a friend like that, is to be a friend like that.

3) Train a Timothy (someone younger to pour into)

As much as you can benefit from a mentoring relationship with someone older and wiser than you, there is equally as much value in you being that mentor to someone younger and less-experienced than you. Who are you intentionally investing your life into as a mentor and coach?

Paul served as a “spiritual father” to Timothy. He spent time with him, taught him, equipped him, encouraged him, and help him be successful in his faith and ministry.

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured…But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. – 2 Timothy 3:10-11, 14

Such encouragement as this only flows from an intentional investment of Paul’s life into Timothy.

But know that such a mentoring relationship does not just benefit the one being mentored. Mentoring another can benefit you in a number of ways:

As you teach a principle, it highlights that truth in your own heart.
Teaching another challenges you & creates accountability. (1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”)
Investing in others brings joy. (3 John 4, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”)

As Paul mentored Timothy, he encouraged him to take all that he learned and pass that on to others as well.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Mentoring in such a way exponentially multiplies your influence and impact.

Accountability is not always easy, but it is vital to success. When you know who you want to be and where you want to go, there is nothing like investing in relationships that can help you get there.

Today, invest in those relationships that are for your good and God’s glory. I’m confident that is an investment that will offer a return for a lifetime!

Investment in relationships that are for your good & God’s glory are investments that will offer a return for a lifetime!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.

Identity Crisis

September 8, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

So many college students, their first 30 days on campus, experience a significant crisis… an identity crisis. With so many things changing, so many new influences, so many new people to compare yourself to and impress, it’s sometimes easy to fall into the trap of questioning your value and purpose.

Let’s remind ourselves of some truth today…

1) God has given you immeasurable value that no one or nothing can change.

Consider the words of the Psalmist, who said,

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. – Psalms 139:13-14

Have you ever considered what it means that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the Creator of the universe? The apostle Paul reminds us,

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

As a “masterpiece of God,” you have been given a value that is priceless! And nothing can take that value from you.

I like to illustrate this point by pulling a $20 bill out of my wallet and asking who wants it. Of course, if I’m giving away $20, most would want it. (You never really understand the value of $20 until you get to college. Am I right?!) I then like to wrinkle up the money and ask again who wants it. Even after stepping on it, getting it dirty, and sneezing on it, the response to those who still want the money seldom changes. Why do people still want a $20 bill that is dirty, wrinkled, flawed, and even broken? Because no matter the condition or abuse it has endured, the $20 bill still has value!

If I did the same illustration with a piece of notebook paper, I doubt anyone would want it. But it’s different with money because a power with proper authority (U.S. Mint) has taken a piece of paper, has made it special, and has assigned a particular value to it that cannot be changed.

That is what God has done with us. He has made us his “masterpiece” and has demonstrated our priceless value by giving his very Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we could have life in and with him. (Romans 5:8)

If the Creator of the Universe loves you with such an unconditional love and has uniquely made and gifted you, why would you ever allow any attention from a guy or girl, any comparison to anyone else, or any opinions of anyone to take your eyes off of the priceless value given to you by God??

2) You were created by God to fulfill His purposes.

Most of our identity issues are related to a foundation problem. You were created for God’s purpose, you were not created so God could help you with your purpose. Getting this backwards has caused many people to build their lives on the wrong foundation.

But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. – 1 Corinthians 8:6

For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. – Colossians 1:16-17

We were made for God. Forgetting this simple truth leads to much frustration and identity issues.

If I tried to use my toaster oven to make a smoothy or my blender to make toast, what would happen? Right, I would have a hot mess! Well that’s exactly what happens when we try to use our lives for purposes other than that for which they were created.

It’s important to remember… a successful life is not a life that’s measured by comparing your life to what others have done, a successful life is measured by comparing your life to what you are supposed to do.

Well, what am I suppose to do?? So how do I live His purposes??

In discovering your purpose, start with what you KNOW is God’s purpose for you.

2 Foundational Commands from which our purpose flows

Great Commandment: Jesus is clear about what matters most to Him in Matthew 22:36-40. When asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Great Commission: In his final moments on earth, Jesus reminds his followers of his authority, gives them a mission of huge significance, and promises to help them accomplish his purposes.

Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ – Matthew 28:18-20

This mission is our mission. The apostle Paul reiterates the significance of this mission and purpose in 2 Corinthians 5:20,

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has given you priceless value, and he wants to use you for his purposes. There is really no greater identity and no higher calling than what God has given you.

So today, remember this… In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value and divine purpose.

The 140:
In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value & divine purpose.

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We are praying for you as you live in that wonderful truth today!!

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

The Truth

September 5, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

Last week we talked about the identity crisis that so many college students face their first 30 days on campus. Today we want to talk about another crisis…a crisis of faith.

This crisis is rooted in the exact same thing a crisis of identity is – believing lies when life gets tough or your conditions change. It’s a given in life that circumstances will change and life will get unpredictably crazy. But in the midst of the craziness of life, don’t forget this truth:

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes!

God is God, no matter what & God’s truth is truth, no matter what.

In a culture where you are being told that everyone can hold their own truth and moral relativism and pluralism is being promoted as the norm, we need followers of Christ who hold to the truth, who stand, and who do the right thing no matter what.

Tolerance. Compromise. Co-exist. These are words your generation hears a whole lot. You are told to find middle ground. But none of these messages change that fact that truth is truth, and truth never changes.

Today, I want to remind you of someone in the Old Testament who not only lived in a tolerance-driven society, but he stood for his faith in God NO MATTER WHAT. The story of Elijah can be read in 1 Kings 18.

A little background…

Ahab was the King over part of Israel. He was married to Queen Jezebel, who worshiped a false god named Baal. Over time, Ahab began to be more and more influenced by his wife to compromise his faith. Ahab built a temple and altars to Baal to appease his wife. And eventually Ahab, an Israelite, began to worship the false god of Baal! (Ahab slowly turned his back on the Creator of the universe, to please people by worshiping something created by people.)

The Israelites followed their King, and turned their backs on God to worship Baal also. God would not tolerate their disloyalty, so God sent the prophet Elijah to tell King Ahab that there would not be any rain, and not even any dew, until Elijah called for it. After many weeks, the plants began to wither and die. After many months, the drought dried up the streams and rivers. The lack of food and water caused animals to die, and soon death became imminent for the people. This drought lasted over three years. Finally, it was time for a decision…

Decision Time.

In 1 Kings 18:17, Elijah and King Ahab meet, and Elijah tells him, “Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mt. Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So these 850 false prophets meet Elijah on the top of Mt. Carmel, and Elijah asks them an important question…

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

This is such an important question, because truth demands a choice. Elijah made them choose, but he also showed them what it looked like to choose.

Showdown on Mt. Carmel.

Elijah tells them to build an altar and put a bull on each altar. Elijah then states, “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – he is God.”

So the prophets of Baal prepare their bull and shouted “Baal, answer us!” Verse 26 tells us, “But there was no response; no one answered.” They continued to call out all day into the evening, “But there was no response; no one answered.” (Vs. 29)

You know, what happened here still rings true today. No idol (“Any person, pleasure, or possession that is more important than your relationship to God.”) will ever have an answer!

Whatever it is that you are putting your trust in and giving your affection to other than God, don’t expect them to have an answer.

Idols never have an answer. (They are cheap imitations of God’s best.)
God always has an answer!

So Elijah called everyone to come in closer, and he repaired the altar of the Lord. He had the people pour 12 large jars of water on the bull and even around the altar. Elijah then prays that everyone would see God exalted and Elijah as only a servant of God. Then the miracle happened. “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” (Vs. 38)

What incredible faith Elijah had. Outnumbered 850 to 1, Elijah created a scenario in which only God could be honored.

I wish my faith was always that big!

Why do you think our faith is sometimes so small? Perhaps because it’s difficult to trust someone you don’t know well.

2 Truths

Consider these two truths…

The more you know God, the more you trust God.
The more you know truth, the easier it is to spot a lie.

When conditions change, when the cost is great, when the crowd is doing something else… are you going to choose what is easy or what is right? Are you going to build your life on the unchanging truth of God or on a changing lie?

The whole reason we developed the Grounded for Life plan for students is centered around this idea. Our theme verse is Jeremiah 17:8,

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

That is our prayer for you – that you have deep roots and are unwavering in your commitment to God, no matter what.

Notice the effects of such faith, “When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord – he is God!’” God always honors commitment to him and commitment to His truth.

So today, hold to the One that is truth and thank Him that although life in college will get crazy, He will NEVER change! Find peace as you live in that truth today!

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes. God is God no matter what & God’s truth is truth no matter what.

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Freedom!

September 2, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

One of the biggest things I hear students say they look forward to in college is FREEDOM! (No more bedtime, no more curfew, no more opinions about what they wear, etc.)

BTW, Most college students quickly learn that with great freedom, comes great responsibility. But treated responsibly, freedom can be a wonderful thing!

Unfortunately, many college students do not enjoy that freedom responsibly and what they find is the very expressions of “freedom” have the reverse affect. They set out looking for freedom, but become enslaved to what they choose to do with that freedom. For example, many students have embraced drugs or alcohol as an expression of freedom and have become alcoholics, drug attics, or made life-altering decisions while under the influence. The very thing that they did in the name of freedom, ended up stealing abundant life from them. This idea is true for things not as severe as drugs or alcohol as well. Some students enjoy the attention they get from others when they dress a certain way or post certain pictures. In celebrating the freedom to do this, they end up becoming enslaved to a need for likes or attention.

Whatever it is, the reality is that God does not want us to be ensalved to anyone or anything. He wants us to experience freedom in a way that honors him. And he wants us to experience a full and satisfying life. Such a life is only found in abiding in Christ.

I want to share three important reminders to you today from a story about one of Jesus’ best friends.

John 11 – Story of Lazarus

Jesus receives word one day that his good friend Lazarus (the brother of Mary & Martha) is sick. Jesus responds in vs. 4 by saying, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Scripture points out in the very next verse, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus had a great love for these friends of his. That is why the next verse seems a little odd. “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” (vs. 6)

What!? If Jesus loved Lazarus, why would he stay where he was two more days??? Well, we later learn that Jesus wanted to do a far bigger miracle than they were asking for…

In the following verses we see three truths that every college student needs to grasp:

• There is nothing too dead for Jesus.

Vs. 17, “On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” Lazarus wasn’t just dead. He was dead dead. In fact, when Jesus reached the tomb they were worried about the stench of what was inside. The fourth day was significant, because Jewish tradition believed that the spirit hovered over the body for 3 days. After three days, they were completely gone.

If you ever feel like you or someone else is too gone for God to save or Jesus to heal, that is a lie. Someone once told me “no matter how many steps you take away from God, it only takes one to get back to him.” That step is a step of surrender and obedience.

How awesome it is to think that no matter our condition, Jesus is able to give life.

• Jesus came to give life.

In vs. 38 we see, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ‘Take away the stone,’ he said.” Jesus then blew their minds when he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” When Jesus called him, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”

Can you imagine the response when everyone sees a mummy come walking out of the tomb??!

At the beginning of this story, the disciples were expecting Jesus to heal a sick man, but Jesus wanted to demonstrate that he can raise a dead man and bring life to that which had none. The sisters were wanting a healing. Jesus wanted a resurrection. That’s what Jesus does. He heals. He gives life!

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus died so that we can experience life. Life eternal in heaven for everyone who puts their faith in Him, and life abundant on this earth for all who abide in Him.

• Jesus came to set free.

We see that Lazarus emerged from the tomb wrapped in the death clothes of a mummy. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (vs. 44)

Jesus not only wants to give life, but free from all former evidence of death.

John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Jesus doesn’t set us free to remain in bondage to anyone or anything. Jesus came to set free!

Notice this…

It’s important to go back note the shortest verse in Scripture in the context of this story. Most of us know the verse, but don’t know the context of it. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” Why did Jesus weep?

Jesus wept because those he loved wept. Jesus loves us with a perfect and unlimited love and cares deeply when we hurt. I believe Jesus also wept because although his friends believed he could heal a sick man, they failed to see that He could and wanted to do immeasurably more than they even thought to ask.

Do you believe that God wants to do more in your life than you may even think to ask? Are you feeling distant and away from God? Do you ever feel like you’ve done something so bad, that Jesus can’t bring healing? Is there anything (a past mistake, an addiction, an attitude) that is robbing you of life?

If so, let me encourage you today to walk in the freedom of Jesus, the one who not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him!

The 140:

Jesus not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him.

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Big God, Big Faith!

August 30, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

As excited as you may be about then new college experience, there are probably some things you are missing about home right now. (home-cooked food, laundry, a private bathroom, etc.)

One thing that many college students don’t realize they would miss about home is the security of it. As tough as high school may have seemed at the time or as ready as you once were to leave home, those days may more and more seem like times when things were easy and safe.

Some students describe the transition to college as being the first time in their lives that they have genuinely been scared…. scared about the future, scared about the responsibility, scared about the unknowns. Some are even scared about their faith being challenged or whether or not they will royally screw up in their walk with Christ.

Let me offer you some good news about fear. So much about dealing with fear is perspective. Your point of view from which you view your circumstances makes all the difference.

Here is some truth:

1) If you are a little scared… know that you are not alone.

In fact, everywhere you walk today you will pass other students who are dealing with their own fears. Some may be really good at hiding it, but it is there.

2) Fear is a tool of Satan.

Satan knows that he cannot take the salvation from those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. But he can do his best to steal their joy, their witness, their realization of God’s best for their lives. Fear often begins as a thought that can lead to intense emotions that can literally paralyze us. Fear cripples many college students and robs them of the abundant life that God intends for them, and provides for them through Christ.

3) The opposite of fear is faith.

While Satan wants us to live in fear, God wants us to live in faith. Throughout the Bible we see men and women who faced incredible circumstances and had to make a decision whether they would face them with fear or faith:

– David staring at Goliath
– Elijah, outnumbered 850 to 1 on Mt. Carmel
– Esther boldly approaching the King
– Moses standing in front of Pharaoh.
– Paul facing unimaginable hardships and persecution (and on and on)

Each had to make a choice based on truth that changed their perspective.

Paul’s perspective is no more clear than his words in Galatians 2:20,

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

You may be asking “How can Paul have this kind of faith?” Because he understood the object of his faith.

I heard Tony Evans share a story once of a businessman who had to travel to a small town for a meeting and invited his wife to come with him. His wife was excited about the trip until she learned her husband was going to be flown to the small town in a minuscule twin-engine plane. She told her husband that she decided not to go. “I’m not going on a little-bitty, twin-engine plane,” she told him. ” Her husband smiled, and said, “Honey, your faith is too small.” She responded, “No, the plane is too small.” He really wanted his wife to go, so the businessman canceled the small plane and booked tickets with a major airline for a larger plane. His wife went with him because, as she put it, “her faith grew because the size of the plane grew.”

The object of her faith determined how much faith she decided to have.

4) The object of your faith determines how much faith you have.

Don’t be scared to put yourself in situations for the sake of God’s glory, where God is your only answer.

My friend, Dr. Jay Strack says, “The bigger your God, the smaller your obstacles.”

So how can you move beyond fear and live in faith today?
By meditating on the bigness of God and the Truth of His Word.

The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. As you put your mind on the character of God and the good news of Jesus, you can view the obstacles you face today with perspective.

Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Overcoming fear begins in the mind. Meditate on God’s truth today. As you do, the lies of this world (the lies of Satan) will be exposed. As you focus on truth, you can walk in faith and confidence in the one who has a “good and pleasing and perfect” will for you.

And how awesome is it to know that the One who wants the best for you is the one who can do ANYTHING!

Today, find great joy and peace in abiding in the love of Christ and the truth that perfect love casts out fear! (1 John 4:18)

The 140:

The size of your faith is directly proportional to the object of your faith. Don’t be scared to trust God in BIG ways today!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)

Welcome to College!

August 28, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

Welcome to college!

This is a big.. a HUGE… season in your life. Whether you are living at home or you moved off to college, you are discovering a new freedom, making new friends, having new experiences that are probably radically different than what was “normal” just a few months ago.

The college experience is truly unlike any other time in your life. Some students find that they have more freedom and time than they really know what to do with. Some students feel challenged beyond what they think they can even handle. But one thing is for sure… the experiences you have and the choices you make over the next 3-5 years will largely shape your future.

I know that the thought that the next few years can have consequences for a lifetime can be pretty scary. I mean there is so much that is unknown about the future right now. The unknown coupled with the radical changes that college brings leaves many students feeling nervous and fearful of what lies ahead. Unfortunately, the most significant factor in a student’s life – their spiritual life- is often neglected or set to the side. During this time of great change, the one thing that NEVER changes, God, is sometimes completely ignored.

While students may not plan to abandon their faith or relationship with God, many do not intentionally plan to grow in their faith and live God’s best for their lives. The purpose of these “First 30” devotionals is help you in this.

Let me remind you of two very important truths today:

1) God loves you and wants the very best for you.

Think about this. God (the creator of the universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords) loves you. He created you, He knows everything about you, and He loves you more than anyone else ever could. He demonstrated that love by giving very Son, Jesus, to die for you so that you could know Him and experience His best for your life…

Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Think about that. God wants to accomplish more in and through us than we could ever imagine. What’s the prerequisite to experiencing this? “His mightly power at work within us.” Discovering and living God’s best is found only in relationship with Him and through His spirit at work in us. It’s about abiding in Him!

Here is another truth that many miss…

2) College can be an incredible time of spiritual growth and influence.

Jeremiah 17:8 describes the person who puts their hope and trust in the Lord.

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8

Know that during a time of incredible changes and uncertainty that you can thrive. Like a tree with deep roots that is not bothered by changing climate, but continually producing fruit, you can thrive. How can you do this?

Again, by abiding in Christ. By relying on truth… not changing circumstances or feelings. By being intentional in pursuing and living God’s best.

We have done our best to send you off to college with an actual plan for how to be successful in this. This plan is based on the truth of God’s Word. It’s not a checklist or something you have to get exactly right. It’s simply truth that will help you discover and live God’s best.

Through these devotionals, we want to encourage you in your faith as you hold to God’s truth found in His Word and through abiding in Him. Over the next 30 days, we want to remind you that you can not only start well, but finish well. You’ve got this!! God has the best in store for you and He wants to use you in college and beyond in ways that you can’t even imagine!!

Know that we love you and are so proud of you. We are here for you. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call us or text if you need ANYTHING. We can’t wait to see what God does in and through you in the days and years ahead!

My prayer for you today is the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3…

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Now go and live with purpose today, trust in God, and be amazed at what happens!

The 140:

Students rarely plan to fail; most simply don’t plan NOT to. Don’t rob yourself from experiencing God’s best! Discover & live it!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)

The “Magic” of March Madness

March 28, 2017 by Tripp Atkinson

Maybe you know the feeling… sitting on the edge of your seat, palms clenched, breath held, hopeful, and poised to jump in the air at any moment with arms raised to the ceiling in victory. Yep, it’s March Madness!

If you have a team in the “Big Dance” you know exactly what I’m talking about. You understand the intense hope, anticipation, and sincere belief that the “impossible” really could happen. Your emotions are overcome with nervous expectancy and cautious optimism that your team could take you on a ride like you’ve never been on. Even if your team didn’t make the tournament, you can still easily be pulled into the excitement. If you tune in, you will no doubt see upsets, thrilling finishes, and dreams coming true. You may even find yourself adopting the underdog team, and cheering them through the gauntlet of Goliaths.

The “magic” of March Madness is this… the impossible can happen, and usually does! And we LOVE it! We all long to see “miracles.” We all love to have hope, and are captivated by things that have never been done. The raw and uncontrolled emotion of athletes who are living their dream draws in a multitude of bystanders who want to be a part of their journey.

While March Madness is certainly thrilling, we don’t have to wait until March to experience the anticipation of miracles and the reality of living beyond our wildest dreams. In fact, as a follower of Jesus, living in this reality should be the norm. Consider the words of Paul in Ephesians 3,

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:20

We may read this passage and say we believe it. Sure, we know in our head that God can do the impossible. But I wonder if we are living life on the edge of our seats anticipating and expecting God to “accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” I wonder if we are poised to leap into the air with excitement and praise as we see God working miracles in and through us. I wonder if we are willing to be so in the moment of what God is doing, that our raw and uncontrolled emotion is visible to a multitude of bystanders.

Notice that the accomplishing of the “infinity more” is done “through his mighty power at work within us.” In the preceding verses Paul prays for four things that his reader may have that are tied to God’s power at work. These four things appear to be conditions through which God does “infinitely more” through the follower of Christ. Paul prays,

May God empower you with inner strength through the Holy Spirit Vs. 16
Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Vs. 17
May you have the power to understand the magnitude of God’s love. (You won’t fully understand God’s love and live in God’s love until it is rooted in your heart.) Vs. 18
May you experience the love of Christ, (though it is too great to fully understand) Vs. 19

Paul says, “Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

The empowering of the Holy Spirit leads to Christ making a home in our hearts, which leads to abundant love, which leads to God’s fullness and power in us. Whenever we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, indwelt by Christ, mastered by love, and filled with the fullness of God, then he is able to “accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

This all begins with submitting our lives to Christ and yielding to the work and power of his Spirit in us. Do you want to see God do the impossible in your life?

Make these four things your prayer today…

God, I yield to the work and power of your Holy Spirit in my life today.
I trust Christ as he resides in and rules my heart today.
May I live in the understanding and reality of the magnitude of spiritual things that make no earthly sense, and
May the fullness of Christ’s love be demonstrated in and through me today.

As we do these things, may our expectations be raised. Let’s ever live in anticipation of God doing more in us and through us than we might ask or think. Let’s live our lives on the edge of our seats with eyes and heart wide open. And may our arms be ever ready to raise high in celebration and praise!

May we enter church this week knowing that God is going to move. May we approach our daily time with God with the same excitement and anticipation of seeing things beyond what we can imagine. Let’s live our lives today expecting God to work in us and through us as we yield to his power and presence in us.

As we do, we will never have to stop dancing and our very lives will be the “one shining moment” everyone longs to see. (Only basketball fans will understand that last reference.)

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