CONSIDER
Because of the sin that was passed to us, we are unable to be in a relationship with God. Violating God’s law and usurping His authority requires a death penalty. But God still desires to be in a relationship with us. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, willingly became a human baby in order to pay the death penalty required on our behalf. Consider the sacrifice that was required to leave the throne of heaven to become a helpless baby! I cannot image reverting from an adult to an infant! How much more inconceivable to move from having all power and authority to having someone change your diapers!
BIBLE TRUTH
“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. ” (Eph. 1:6–8 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Christ’s sacrifice does not automatically bring us into a relationship with God. Who will be God of me world? You are free to make the choice to continue in your independence or to choose to live a life that is desperately dependent on God.
PRAYER
God, I am so glad that You have revealed to us Your mysterious plan regarding Christ! I know this plan fulfills Your own good pleasure! It is a wonderful plan! I praise You for the glorious grace You have poured out on us who belong to Your dear Son. You are so rich in kindness and grace that You purchased our freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgave our sins. You have showered Your kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Thank you! I look forward to the day when You will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. (Eph. 1:6–10)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Confident in the Lie
CONSIDER
Convinced God’s plan was not the best plan for her, Eve decided to elect Satan as the ruler of the world. Her subversive plan became preeminent. God had created the world and established all that is, but it seemed He was depriving her. If she followed Satan’s plan she could have more without God than she had by following God’s law. Satan instilled within Eve a heightened sense of self, and then manipulated her into thinking she was not given adequate appreciation.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves” (Gen. 3:6–7 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Persuaded she was incomplete with God, Eve ate the fruit. Spiritual death resulted from the choices Adam and Eve made. Their sin broke humanity’s relationship with God, and the devastating consequences trouble us daily. As a result of the Garden encounter:
- Humanity disconnected from truth and connected with perversion.
- Humanity developed a distorted view of God’s image.
- Humanity created a delusional view of themselves.
- Humanity began exploiting others for personal empowerment.
- Humanity altered their purpose for living.
PRAYER
God, I don’t want Satan, the god of this world, to blind me because I don’t believe. Help me to see the glorious light of the Good News. I want to know and understand the message about the glory of Christ, who is Your exact likeness. . . . (2 Cor. 4:4)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Convinced God’s plan was not the best plan for her, Eve decided to elect Satan as the ruler of the world. Her subversive plan became preeminent. God had created the world and established all that is, but it seemed He was depriving her. If she followed Satan’s plan she could have more without God than she had by following God’s law. Satan instilled within Eve a heightened sense of self, and then manipulated her into thinking she was not given adequate appreciation.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves” (Gen. 3:6–7 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Persuaded she was incomplete with God, Eve ate the fruit. Spiritual death resulted from the choices Adam and Eve made. Their sin broke humanity’s relationship with God, and the devastating consequences trouble us daily. As a result of the Garden encounter:
- Humanity disconnected from truth and connected with perversion.
- Humanity developed a distorted view of God’s image.
- Humanity created a delusional view of themselves.
- Humanity began exploiting others for personal empowerment.
- Humanity altered their purpose for living.
PRAYER
God, I don’t want Satan, the god of this world, to blind me because I don’t believe. Help me to see the glorious light of the Good News. I want to know and understand the message about the glory of Christ, who is Your exact likeness. . . . (2 Cor. 4:4)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, December 9, 2013
The Deception
CONSIDER
Lucifer initiated the subversion in heaven. In the perfect environment of heaven, Lucifer was created.
BIBLE TRUTH
“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Rom. 1:18–20 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Still believing he could be god, Satan devised a plan in an attempt to subvert God’s design for humanity. By distorting Eve’s view of God, the trap was laid for all humanity. Every temptation that threatens us is a temptation to live independently from God. Believing God cannot be trusted to govern our lives as we see fit, we must complete ourselves—we must be god in our lives. This idolatrous belief perpetrates arrogance and selfish ambition as we follow our own way with a distorted view of God and reality.
PRAYER
Lord, You are my Master. Every good thing I have comes from you. Troubles multiply for me when I chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the names of their gods. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! . . . (Psalm 16:2–6)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Lucifer initiated the subversion in heaven. In the perfect environment of heaven, Lucifer was created.
“You were the model of perfection,Lucifer served in God’s perfect presence.
full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty.
You were in Eden,
the garden of God.
Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone—
red carnelian, pale-green peridot, white moonstone,
blue-green beryl, onyx, green jasper,
blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emerald—
all beautifully crafted for you
and set in the finest gold.
They were given to you
on the day you were created.” (Ezek. 28:12–13 NLT)
“I ordained and anointed youBut even in the perfect environment of heaven, in God’s perfect presence, Lucifer believed he had a better plan than God.
as the mighty angelic guardian.
You had access to the holy mountain of God
and walked among the stones of fire.” (Ezek. 28:14 NLT)
“Your heart was filled with pride
because of all your beauty.
Your wisdom was corrupted
by your love of splendor.” (Ezek. 28:17 NLT)
“How you are fallen from heaven,Lucifer perpetrated his faulty belief system that he should be god. He convinced one third of the angels that he had a better plan than God (Rev. 12:4).
O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth,
you who destroyed the nations of the world.
For you said to yourself,
‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.
I will preside on the mountain of the gods
far away in the north.
I will climb to the highest heavens
and be like the Most High.’” (Isa. 14:12–14 NLT)
“So I banished you in disgrace
from the mountain of God.
I expelled you, O mighty guardian,
from your place among the stones of fire.” (Ezek. 28:16 NLT)
BIBLE TRUTH
“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Rom. 1:18–20 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Still believing he could be god, Satan devised a plan in an attempt to subvert God’s design for humanity. By distorting Eve’s view of God, the trap was laid for all humanity. Every temptation that threatens us is a temptation to live independently from God. Believing God cannot be trusted to govern our lives as we see fit, we must complete ourselves—we must be god in our lives. This idolatrous belief perpetrates arrogance and selfish ambition as we follow our own way with a distorted view of God and reality.
PRAYER
Lord, You are my Master. Every good thing I have comes from you. Troubles multiply for me when I chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the names of their gods. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! . . . (Psalm 16:2–6)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, December 2, 2013
The Truth about the Lie
Even before the world began there was a debate about how God should operate. Angelic beings and humans alike have contrived multiple ideas about God and how He should conduct the affairs of the universe. Similarly we erroneously contrive our own portrait of God based on how we believe He should rule the world. Convinced that we have a better idea, we envision life from our skewed perspective.
BIBLE TRUTH
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. . . . They traded the truth about God for a lie.” (Rom. 1:21–23, 25 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Reality is based in God’s absolute truth. If we don’t see the way God does, it cannot be said that we are in reality. Therefore, we are living in delusion—a lie. The only power Satan has is the power of the lie. If we can get rid of the lies, we get rid of his power. Neil Anderson states, “Satan has no authority or power over you except what you yield to him when you are deceived into believing his lies.” Few people live in reality. Most live in delusion based on lies.
PRAYER
Jesus, I know You spoke in parables so those who desired to know the truth could know the truth. I do not want to be like those seeing, but they do not see; nor like those hearing, but they do not hear or understand. I do not want the prophecy of Isaiah quoted about me that I will be ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving. Lord, help me always seek to hear Your truth, understand Your truth, and live in Your truth. . . . (Matthew 13:13–14)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
BIBLE TRUTH
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. . . . They traded the truth about God for a lie.” (Rom. 1:21–23, 25 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Reality is based in God’s absolute truth. If we don’t see the way God does, it cannot be said that we are in reality. Therefore, we are living in delusion—a lie. The only power Satan has is the power of the lie. If we can get rid of the lies, we get rid of his power. Neil Anderson states, “Satan has no authority or power over you except what you yield to him when you are deceived into believing his lies.” Few people live in reality. Most live in delusion based on lies.
PRAYER
Jesus, I know You spoke in parables so those who desired to know the truth could know the truth. I do not want to be like those seeing, but they do not see; nor like those hearing, but they do not hear or understand. I do not want the prophecy of Isaiah quoted about me that I will be ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving. Lord, help me always seek to hear Your truth, understand Your truth, and live in Your truth. . . . (Matthew 13:13–14)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Communion with God
The human soul is the temple of the Spirit where we meet with God to commune with Him personally. Each one of us possesses our own personal temple; our own personal rooms where we may, at any time, sit and encounter God in meaningful fellowship—heart to heart. Judging from the Samaritan woman’s response to meeting Jesus spiritually, we must attest to the fact that such an encounter is life changing.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The woman said, 'I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus told her, 'I AM the Messiah!' . . . The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 'Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the Messiah?'” (John 4:25–29 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Spirituality enabled this woman to see beyond Jesus’ humanity into His deity. Perhaps the reason it is so hard to experience Jesus as real and relevant is because we are not seeking Him in spirit and truth. In order to be desperately dependent on God we must confront the deception—our independence is leading us away from Him. It is essential to experience Him as relevant in every area of our lives while we apply truth concerning Jesus to the challenges of our lives. When we see Christ as relevant in our lives, we desire Him. As we desire Him, we draw into a closer love relationship with Him. Repentance is required to turn from our self-indulgence to finding our satisfaction in Christ alone. He is all we need.
PRAYER
Dear God, I don’t want to be a liar by saying I have fellowship with You but go on living in spiritual darkness; I am not practicing the truth. But I desire to live in the light as You are in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, Your Son, cleanses me from all sin. . . . (1 John 1:6–7)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The woman said, 'I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus told her, 'I AM the Messiah!' . . . The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 'Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the Messiah?'” (John 4:25–29 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Spirituality enabled this woman to see beyond Jesus’ humanity into His deity. Perhaps the reason it is so hard to experience Jesus as real and relevant is because we are not seeking Him in spirit and truth. In order to be desperately dependent on God we must confront the deception—our independence is leading us away from Him. It is essential to experience Him as relevant in every area of our lives while we apply truth concerning Jesus to the challenges of our lives. When we see Christ as relevant in our lives, we desire Him. As we desire Him, we draw into a closer love relationship with Him. Repentance is required to turn from our self-indulgence to finding our satisfaction in Christ alone. He is all we need.
PRAYER
Dear God, I don’t want to be a liar by saying I have fellowship with You but go on living in spiritual darkness; I am not practicing the truth. But I desire to live in the light as You are in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, Your Son, cleanses me from all sin. . . . (1 John 1:6–7)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Pursuit of Happiness
The issue of happiness is introduced in “The Blessed Man” passages of Scripture. Happiness, however, does not generally appear as the subject of these passages, but rather the adjective describing the state of those who are rightly connected to God. The truly blessed man, or the happy person, should not seek to enjoy happiness as a primary pursuit, but should rather seek to connect with God. Happiness occurs as the by-product of connecting to God. It is self-indulgence that motivates us to connect to God for the attainment of happiness. Often Christianity is billed as the elixir of life to ensure happiness. This misses the mark of Christianity’s real purpose—to experience God through the blood of Jesus Christ and to glorify Him. Encountering God produces happiness. To avoid the “What’s in it for me?” syndrome, happiness must not be held up as the ultimate virtue for the Christian.
BIBLE TRUTH
“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires" (2 Peter 1:4 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
One may ask, “Then why would a person come to Jesus if not to gain happiness?” The Bible asserts that we were drawn to God not by the potential of happiness but by the aura of His glory and virtue. Upon being enlightened by God, His image within us attracts us to Himself. By Him we were created, through Him we consist, for Him we exist. Thus for Him we yearn. Reconciliation to God is the core need of the soul; therefore, connection to Christ becomes our deepest desire. We come to God because it is within His design that we need someone who is greater than ourselves to direct our lives. Our souls long for God and the fellowship He offers through the forgiveness of sins and the communion of His Spirit.
PRAYER
Father, it is time for me to truly worship You in spirit and in truth. I know this is the way You want me to worship You. You are Spirit, and deserve to be worshiped, so I worship You in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23–24 NLT)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
BIBLE TRUTH
“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires" (2 Peter 1:4 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
One may ask, “Then why would a person come to Jesus if not to gain happiness?” The Bible asserts that we were drawn to God not by the potential of happiness but by the aura of His glory and virtue. Upon being enlightened by God, His image within us attracts us to Himself. By Him we were created, through Him we consist, for Him we exist. Thus for Him we yearn. Reconciliation to God is the core need of the soul; therefore, connection to Christ becomes our deepest desire. We come to God because it is within His design that we need someone who is greater than ourselves to direct our lives. Our souls long for God and the fellowship He offers through the forgiveness of sins and the communion of His Spirit.
PRAYER
Father, it is time for me to truly worship You in spirit and in truth. I know this is the way You want me to worship You. You are Spirit, and deserve to be worshiped, so I worship You in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23–24 NLT)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
Monday, November 11, 2013
The American Dream
We want to be happy. “God wants us to be happy.” We want our spouses to be happy. We want our kids to be happy. We just want everyone to be happy. We especially want everyone to be happy with us. This is the American dream—we all deserve to be happy. But the American dream spawns the American nightmare. The pursuit of this dream leads to addiction, deviance, mental illness, and death because it is ultimately based in self-centeredness. It is accurate to proclaim that the crown and glory of all the fruit of the flesh is self-indulgence. It is the expected reward for having labored in the vineyard of self-centeredness. Happiness is the illusive prize.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" (Deut. 6:4–5 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
The continuous pursuit of pleasure-producing indulgences culminates in discouragement. The eventual outcome of self-indulgence is discouragement because we want what we want, but our wants are never satisfied. Then we move to a new set of desires, believing these new choices will produce the ultimate fulfillment.
Ultimately there is nothing that can impart contentment apart from Christ. We flit from bloom to bloom looking for the nectar of life, but only God is able to provide true satisfaction. The spiritual fruit of self-control is experienced through dependence on the Spirit of God so we do not have to depend on ourselves. His divine enablement leads to personal empowerment.
PRAYER
Dear God, I do not want to be dominated by my sinful nature that thinks about sinful, self-centered things. I truly desire to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and think about things that please the Spirit. I choose to avoid a dead life with my mind controlled by my sinful nature. I want an abundant life filled with peace, so please keep me aware of the Spirit’s control of my mind. (Rom. 8:5–6)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
BIBLE TRUTH
“The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" (Deut. 6:4–5 NLT).
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
The continuous pursuit of pleasure-producing indulgences culminates in discouragement. The eventual outcome of self-indulgence is discouragement because we want what we want, but our wants are never satisfied. Then we move to a new set of desires, believing these new choices will produce the ultimate fulfillment.
Ultimately there is nothing that can impart contentment apart from Christ. We flit from bloom to bloom looking for the nectar of life, but only God is able to provide true satisfaction. The spiritual fruit of self-control is experienced through dependence on the Spirit of God so we do not have to depend on ourselves. His divine enablement leads to personal empowerment.
PRAYER
Dear God, I do not want to be dominated by my sinful nature that thinks about sinful, self-centered things. I truly desire to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and think about things that please the Spirit. I choose to avoid a dead life with my mind controlled by my sinful nature. I want an abundant life filled with peace, so please keep me aware of the Spirit’s control of my mind. (Rom. 8:5–6)
(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
We would love for you to share in the COMMENTS the insights you have received on your journey.
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