Preparing with Hope June 25, 2023

June 19th, 2023
by Tim Taylor

disciple: someone who follows Jesus and leads others to do the same.

Being a disciple means something is changing within us. That we aren't staying the same. That we're becoming more like the one that we're following. And that we're sharing that with others. I wonder, how are you becoming more like Jesus? And who are you sharing that with?

Looking back.

Last weekend we examined Jeremiah 29:11. God does have plans for us, but they often look different than the plans that we have for ourselves. We often want things painless. And filled with prosperity. But this doesn't usually last. And what God wants for us is something that will last forever. I hope you enjoyed last week's message. If you missed it, I'd encourage you to go back and listen to it online today.

Now, look ahead.

Now, let's look ahead to this coming Sunday. Before you do anything else, stop and pray. Allow God to quiet the noise of your busy life. Allow God to speak to you. Speak to your heart. Speak into areas of your life you may not even be aware of. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak into the depths of your life. Take time to listen. Be slow to speak.
Now, let's get ready to study this week's verse. Read Psalm 14:1.

Do you know who is speaking here?
Do you know who they are speaking to?
Do you know what is happening?
How does this apply to you?

Before you move on, take a second and read Psalm 14:1 again, but in a different translation.

Does it change any of your answers from above?
Is there anything that you have questions about?
Invite a friend to read it with you and ask them what they think God is trying to say in this verse.

Let's get ready for Sunday!

Getting ready for Sunday doesn't begin when you wake up before getting in the car. Getting ready for Sunday begins right now! Take time and pray for God to prepare your heart. Take time to be looking for God. And celebrating God. Take time praying for others. For those that are serving this Sunday. Praying for whom you should invite to join you. Praying for those that will be coming. Begin praying now so that together, we can join God in bringing Heaven...here!

Did you know? You can use the same phone number to send a prayer and praise request or join our weekly devotional? If you text a prayer request to 844-316-9010 at any time we'll pray for you. Or you can text "devotion" to the same number to join us in doing this week's devotional!

Is this blog helpful for you? Be sure to comment below if it is. And be willing to share it with others!

1 Comment

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Suzanne Charity - June 24th, 2023 at 7:39pm

Ps 14:1 NIV The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

Alot of the Psalms were written by David to the Jewish people to sing in church. This one was written for the chief musician. A person who says there isn't a God is a fool. They don't do anything good, infact they do evil.

AMPLIFIED "The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right."

The fool is not using his brain only his heart. He is not looking at his surroundings to see that God does exist. He is limiting his beliefs to what his feelings are.

One way I can apply this to myself is factually. If a person doesn't believe there is a God they are unable to give Him glory in their live. Second way is to remember to always think, not just use your feelings.