I'm Grown Now

Walk In the Light

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-7

Oftentimes, I meet with friends and we get up very early to walk on the beach a couple of miles. It’s dark when we start; then as we get stretched and walking, the surfers start showing up and the sun rises. There’s a period where it’s almost dark, but it’s not very light, either. You know what I’m talking about? Just before sunrise? It happens again at twilight.

And it doesn’t last very long.

First John tells us that light and darkness cannot dwell together. Where there is darkness, there is no light. But where there is light, there cannot be darkness. Do you see the difference? They are not opposites. Light shines; darkness is merely the absence of light. Twilight is not a combination of lightness and darkness — it is dim light.

A lot of people live their lives, spiritually, in this “dim light.” They try to have one foot in darkness and one in the light, but rather than living in a spiritually “gray” area, they actually live in a spiritually “dim” area. They have a certain form of godliness — a certain amount of “light” — but it has no power in their lives. It’s dim. It’s weak.

And it doesn’t last very long.

Just as the dim light of twilight quickly fades to darkness, so does the weak faith of someone who lives only in the shadows of a radiant life with Jesus.

But just as the dim light before sunrise quickly turns to the brightness of day — to awake those who are sleeping, warm those who are shivering, and bring light to the world — so does the faith of someone who chooses to live a life illuminated by the light of Jesus Christ.

I want to be someone who lives in light, don’t you?

Those who put their trust in Jesus Christ are called sons and daughters of light! We are called children of the day, not the night. We have no fear of death. In fact, Jesus said that Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).

Today, you may be the only light your co-workers will see. You may be the only glimpse of brightness your family sees. So shine! Don’t be lulled to sleep by the enemy, but walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and allow His Word to sink deeply into your soul. You may feel like you’re in that “dim” area — with one foot in light and the other in darkness. Now is the time, right this very moment, to ask God to deliver you into His light. He loves you more than you know, and that’s what He wants for you. His Word will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Today is the day to walk in the “marvelous light” of Jesus (1 Peter 2:9)!

Indeed, it is the only light that will last.

Before Blessing Comes Brokeness

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.
Mark 14:22-24

Years ago, I learned a simple lesson that I pray will help you today. If you want to be blessed, you first need to be broken.

Earlier, in Mark chapter 6, Jesus fed the five thousand; He broke the bread and blessed it, and the disciples distributed the food to everyone. This breaking, blessing, and distributing of bread brought life. And now, Jesus is taking the bread and breaking it as a symbol of His imminent death—a symbol that still resonates in our lives to this day when we take communion. Before blessing comes brokenness. It was that way in Jesus’ life and it will be that way in your life.

Brokenness hurts. Trials are no fun. But in those broken times, God reveals Himself to you in powerful ways; ways that you wouldn’t otherwise see. He wants to teach you things beyond your imagination. He wants to show you how to live and what it means to live by faith. Guess what happens when you break in a horse? Yep, you got it. Among many things, that horse becomes your companion, useful for so many things. Now, I’m not saying that you all are horses, but I think you get the picture.

The brokenness of Jesus brought about eternal life! Any amount of being broken cannot compare to His awesome sacrifice for our sins. So learn from the trials that come your way. God is doing amazing things in your life. Experience and embrace those broken times and be ready for God’s blessing to flow.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Horizon’s Daily Devotion: Discover the Heart of God

Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man, Gabriel, whom I had seen in a vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand.”
Daniel 9:20-22

Many people pray very little — or not at all — because they think of prayer as a duty to perform, an obligation to fulfill, or a chore to cross off their daily to-do list. Others discipline themselves to pray regularly, but they find the process tedious and tiresome.

I would like to help you see prayer in a new light. Think about it: we have access to the Creator of the universe. Read the passage from Daniel above. I certainly don’t get the sense that Daniel was praying out of duty. You see, through prayer we can tap into His power, His might, and His supernatural creativity. What’s more, we can come to know our God more intimately and deeply as we communicate with Him and listen as He speaks to us.

I like the way Herbert Lockyer describes prayer: “Is prayer not the desire, opportunity, and privilege of talking with God?” Desire. Opportunity. Privilege. Those three words form the foundation of a healthy perspective of prayer.

The Bible makes crystal clear the importance and significance of prayer. There are more than 650 prayers recorded in God’s Word, not including the Book of Psalms. There are also more than 450 answers to prayer! Indeed, there are examples of prayers for virtually every situation you face. As you look closely at biblical accounts, you will realize that people prayed in many different ways, and God’s answers to those petitions were often surprising and unexpected.

So, prayer is not a duty or a discipline. It’s a discovery into the very heart of God. When you pray, be ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Horizon’s Devotional: God is Calling You

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.
Mark 10:49-50

God is calling out to you right now; He desires to speak with you and to guide you. So what will your response be? The blind man threw off his coat and ran after Jesus. Did you catch the significance of him taking off his coat? As a blind homeless beggar in the streets, he needed that coat every night to keep warm. Yet he was willing to throw it aside to come to Jesus.

So, what are you holding on to that you need to cast aside? Is there any materialism that is keeping you from rising up and giving your time and efforts to the Lord Jesus? Nothing was going to stand in the way of this blind man receiving a touch from Jesus; clearly he was living by faith and not by sight.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been following the Lord for one year or twenty years; we all have things in our lives that need to be stripped off.  Let everything go that you are holding on to. Cast it aside and come to Jesus Christ.

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Horizon’s Devotional: Life’s Not Fair

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Mark 10:46-48

Aren’t you glad that Jesus never tires of granting His mercy? We deserve nothing but judgment and fair payment for our sin, and for the sins that we’ve caused in others. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, is willing to give us His mercy.

I’ve heard so many people through the years complain, saying that life is unfair, and that they deserved so much more than they’d received. But the question isn’t, “God, why don’t I have what I deserve,” but rather, “God, why have you loved me so much that I am not getting what is really due me—punishment for my sin?”

You see, life’s not fair — we have been given so much!

Consider Bartimaeus. Though a blind man, he could clearly see that, in Jesus Christ, complete forgiveness of sin and an outpouring of God’s mercy is found. With a humble heart, he cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And yet many in the crowd of people followingJesus warned Bartimaeus to keep quiet. Did they think Jesus was too busy? Did they think He was too important? Did this blind man’s faith in Jesus embarrass them? We’re not given the reasons, but what a sad commentary on the people following Jesus.

Ask yourself today: Are you hindering others from asking for God’s healing touch, just as these people were? For example, I know how difficult it is to talk about the things of the Lord when I’m flying back home from a long trip. Tired, crammed into a small space, and low on patience, the last thing I want to do is talk with someone. But so often it’s as if the Lord places a person in the seat next to me, specifically so I can talk to him about salvation. God gives us opportunities to share His love, but how many times do we hinder His work and shut people out?

Let the Holy Spirit flow through your life and use every opportunity that comes your way to share Jesus Christ. Keep your heart humble and be in that place where you see the Lord’s mercies new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Horizon’s Daily Devotion: True Leadership

And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:41-45

Leadership isn’t about exercising your authority over people, nor is it influencing people to do what you want them to do. Look at what Jesus says here. Leading people is all about serving them!

Paul said in Galatians 5:13, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” You see, true, biblical leadership is about loving others and serving them in every need that they have.

Not only did Jesus tell us to serve and minister to each other’s needs, He also lived it out. He washed dirty feet. He touched lepers and the unclean of society. He had meals with the unloved in society. Truly we can say “amen” to Jesus’words, “For the Son of Man came to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” Not only should we be so thankful for JesusChrist, His life, and His ultimate sacrifice, but we should imitate Him in the things that He’s called us to do.

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Horizon’s Devotional: Run to Him

Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.
Mark 9:9-15

What group of people do you most identity yourself with in this story? First, there were the disciples who were with Jesus, experiencing the amazing view of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. Yet when it was all said and done, their hearts were no different than before. Instead of worshiping the Lord, basking in His glory and His presence, they had more questions they felt needed to be answered. And maybe some of you are that way; God has met with you and you know what it means to be a Christian, but instead of following Him and worshiping Him, you decide to not trust Him until you have all of your questions answered.

Another group of people were the rest of the disciples down the mountain. It appears that these guys didn’t know what to do; they seemed helpless. Although Jesus had been with them, instructing them and investing His life into them, they seemed clueless and apathetic. They didn’t know how to control the crowds and they didn’t know how to adequately answer the scribes. Maybe some of you feel this way. Maybe you’ve been to church much of your life, but you really don’t know the Scriptures, how to share your faith with others, or how to defend your faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Are you built up in the faith and in your relationship with the Lord to do this?  

The third group of people that Mark mentions were the scribes. It seems that all they wanted to do was to argue and pick theological fights with the people. May I encourage you to look to the Lord for your guidance, wisdom, and strength. Get into the Word of God and bring your questions to Him. When we don’t understand things clearly, it seems so easy to start complaining or criticizing with others. Don’t be like the scribes who just looked for fights.

The last group of people in this account were the crowds. These were the people who, when seeing Jesus, ran to Him and greeted Him. And I believe that this is the kind of people Jesusdesires. Jesus is with you and He desires to bless you. He doesn’t want you to concern yourselves with theological arguments and questions that you cannot answer. He wants full and complete trust from you. Yes, He wants you to search the Scriptures and know what the Bible says. He wants you to share that, and your faith, with others. But He also wants you to run to Him and see Him as your Lord and Savior each and every day. 

So what person are you? Ask the Lord to change your heart. Let Jesus Christ be the only one you go to when your life is full of questions and difficulties. Run to Him.

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Love Without Limit

From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”  Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

Mark 7:24-30

In one short passage from the book of Mark, we see Jesus breaking all stereotypes and going to people that need to be loved.  Jesus is in a hostile and foreign country just north of Israel (modern day Lebanon), a nation whose Greek people were considered “unclean.”  But it is no accident that this passage is placed right here in Mark.  I mean, think about this; the previous incident shows Jesus wiping out all distinction between clean and unclean food, and nowJesus shows us that there is no distinction between clean and unclean people (the Jews and the Greeks).  You see, in Jesus Christ we are all one people of God; all able to love Him, live for Him, and serve Him.  And He loves us just the same.  John tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever (even a Greek, Syro-Phoenician woman) believes in Him would have eternal life!

Maybe you are a person that didn’t have a dad or a mom, or your relationship with them was strained.  Or maybe you’ve been struggling because you’ve never really received love from people.  Well, you are just the prime candidate for the Lord to show you.  He loves you!  He loves the lovable and the unlovable.  Do you see it here?  There are no geographical borders to God’s love.  There are no religious things that you have to do in order to get God’s love.  JesusChrist shattered all of that.  Your relationship with the Lord, and His love for you, isn’t about a religious activity; it’s a relationship with Him. Jesus traveled miles to seek and to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10), and He’s doing the same today.  He is reaching out to you in love and compassion.  It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, where you’re from, or what your social or economic status is.  God loves you and is setting you free from your bondage.  For whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36).

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

An Undefiled Heart

When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:17-23

Steeped in legalism and tradition, the Pharisees (and the disciples) had a difficult time understanding God’s love and grace.  You see, it’s not what you eat or drink, or what rules and regulations you follow that make you a Christian.  Likewise, it’s not the absence of any of these things that make you a better Christian.  We can get so hung up on rules and regulations, on making sure others around us don’t do this or that, that we lose all perspective of Jesus’ words here: It’s not the physical stuff in life that defiles us; it’s our hearts.  Your actions are merely a by-product of your heart.

The Pharisees were so caught up in their rules and regulations (a.k.a. playing church) that they totally ignored the things that really defiled their lives.  I mean, look at the list Jesus gives of evil things that defile us: evil thoughts, adultery, fornication, murder, stealing, coveting, wickedness, deceit, slandering another’s character, pride, and foolishness.  These are the things that we should be concerned about — issues that begin in our hearts.  This list was written over 2,000 years ago and it’s more relevant than ever!  If our hearts are in the wrong place, our actions will follow.  Our hearts need to be focused on Jesus!

Maybe you’re prone to watching soap operas or questionable prime-time shows where inevitably you see people undressing and making out.  What do these shows do?  They plant lustful thoughts in your mind.  One way you can tone down the lustful thoughts is to get rid of the lustful books and magazines, and turn off the lewd television shows you once thought were so great.  Instead of letting evil thoughts control you, ”be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).  When thoughts come up that are lustful, sensual, and wicked, you need to say out loud, “Stop! Lord, I turn these thoughts to you.”  God will take those thoughts and He will bring them under control.

Don’t let the enemy destroy your life, your marriage, or your relationship with your family.  Don’t allow these things to defile you, all the while thinking that you’re “a good person” because you don’t smoke or drink or eat unhealthy foods.  Don’t get me wrong; it’s important to take care of yourself and to be a good steward of the body that God has given you.  But don’t let that be your sole focus when there are so many things (as Jesus lists here) that you need to control.  Have a heart that seeks after the things of the Lord.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

(Source: horizonsd.org)

Take time to pray — Devotion from Mike MacIntosh

Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

Mark 6:45-46

Jesus took time to pray.  So think about this: if Jesus prayed, and He’s the Son of God, don’t you think you should also make it a priority?  There may be many reading this who think of prayer like going to the dentist; you put it off and put it off until you absolutely have to.  Maybe tragic situations hit your life or something stressful is happening with you, and then you finally turn to the Lord in desperation.  But prayer is so much more than that.

 Does that mean you have to kneel down beside a bed somewhere, fold your hands, and make it just perfect?  No.  Do you have to talk in King James language for God to listen?  No. The only difficult thing about praying is adjusting your hectic lifestyle to make it a priority.  I mean, you need to take some time away from the television, cell phone, MP3 player, Playstation� or Wii�, the computer, and the radio.  The great thing about prayer is that you can do it anywhere and you don’t need to buy some fancy new gadget to do it.  You can go to a quiet place and pray so you aren’t distracted, or you can pray as you are in contact with people throughout your day. 

I learned years ago when I was an intern minister that you need to pray unceasingly; you can do it when you’re driving, walking, shopping, or reading.  You may be walking down the aisle of a grocery store and see a woman with four kids hanging all over her—she looks so flustered and stressed, so you stop and pray silently for her.  It could just be a short prayer.  Or, you may want to go up and ask her if you can help pick the things up off the shelf for her.  Prayer will put you in positions where you can really be used by God.

Jesus is showing us that we need to pray.  He found great strength and power through prayer; after all, He was talking with His Father.  Jesus knew that in having fellowship with His Father, rejuvenation occurred.  Life is hectic, so it’s very important that we realize that prayer recharges us.Make it a priority to spend time alone with your heavenly Father, just to refresh yourself and maybe even renew yourself on a daily basis.  There is nothing the matter with telling God all day long that you love Him.  Just say, “I love you God,” out of the blue.  He loves to hear that you love Him, and there is nothing sweeter than taking time alone to pray.

(Source: horizonsd.org)