Antioch Devotionals- March 30-April 3
MONDAY, MARCH 30TH Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Golden Opportunities by Chris Blacksmith
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
I’m always amazed at how people rally around each other in the midst of
adversity. I witnessed this first hand during the Oakland Firestorm of 1991;
a fire that destroyed approximately 3,500 homes and claimed 25 lives. The
severity of the fire wasn’t as memorable for me as was the way men and
women from surrounding areas jumped into action to assist those who were
displaced.
Fast forward to the Mayflower/Vilonia Tornado of 2014 where 35
people lost their lives, 200 more were injured, and where there was an
excess of $1Billion in damages. Amazingly enough there were some staunch
similarities: people’s lives were in shambles and countless others rallied
around them to render aid.
Here we are in 2020 looking down the barrel of a pandemic that has altered how we socialize, carry out business, worship, and even handle our health care needs. Yet again we see story after story of how people are stepping up to improve situations for others. God knew that
disasters would come, He knew that lives would be ruined, He knew that we couldn’t make it alone, and He knew how to remedy the problem. Paul said we are His workmanship created for good works. What does this mean for us? It means we have a golden opportunity to be God’s extension of His hope and His love in a time when people around the world are in great need.
May we be a church that fulfills the works we were crafted to perform.
Golden Opportunities by Chris Blacksmith
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
I’m always amazed at how people rally around each other in the midst of
adversity. I witnessed this first hand during the Oakland Firestorm of 1991;
a fire that destroyed approximately 3,500 homes and claimed 25 lives. The
severity of the fire wasn’t as memorable for me as was the way men and
women from surrounding areas jumped into action to assist those who were
displaced.
Fast forward to the Mayflower/Vilonia Tornado of 2014 where 35
people lost their lives, 200 more were injured, and where there was an
excess of $1Billion in damages. Amazingly enough there were some staunch
similarities: people’s lives were in shambles and countless others rallied
around them to render aid.
Here we are in 2020 looking down the barrel of a pandemic that has altered how we socialize, carry out business, worship, and even handle our health care needs. Yet again we see story after story of how people are stepping up to improve situations for others. God knew that
disasters would come, He knew that lives would be ruined, He knew that we couldn’t make it alone, and He knew how to remedy the problem. Paul said we are His workmanship created for good works. What does this mean for us? It means we have a golden opportunity to be God’s extension of His hope and His love in a time when people around the world are in great need.
May we be a church that fulfills the works we were crafted to perform.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST Philippians 4:13 & Proverbs 3:6
Focus not on Fear but on our Heavenly Father by Paulette Herring
Our world is facing a great obstacle today: a deadly virus that kills and has already killed thousands. It is up to each of us how we handle this and what we do about it. We trust God! Realizing that God is in control we rely on Him for guidance. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13 and “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6. We can look for opportunities to help others. We can all pray! We can send cards, text people, and send e-mails, have face-time. While we are at home we can study and memorize scripture. I love to memorize scripture, can help you go to sleep at night, sitting in the doctor's office, having a test such as an MRI. Whole families can work on this together. This is a problem we have never seen before and we will need to depend on God for guidance. Pray for President, Governors, and especially all medical personnel. God has a plan and God is good!
Focus not on Fear but on our Heavenly Father by Paulette Herring
Our world is facing a great obstacle today: a deadly virus that kills and has already killed thousands. It is up to each of us how we handle this and what we do about it. We trust God! Realizing that God is in control we rely on Him for guidance. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13 and “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6. We can look for opportunities to help others. We can all pray! We can send cards, text people, and send e-mails, have face-time. While we are at home we can study and memorize scripture. I love to memorize scripture, can help you go to sleep at night, sitting in the doctor's office, having a test such as an MRI. Whole families can work on this together. This is a problem we have never seen before and we will need to depend on God for guidance. Pray for President, Governors, and especially all medical personnel. God has a plan and God is good!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST Philippians 4:12
By Cindy Beckman
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12
Learning to be content in any and every situation is a challenge but the current situation has especially been challenging for those who are normally active and extroverts. While those of us who are introverts are happy to finally have time at home to pursue our passions and reflect, extroverts are not happy that their sporting events and other spring activities have been cancelled. They want to be out dining in restaurants with other people rather than eating lukewarm takeout. I imagine Paul would rather have been out and about too, rather than being confined in prison.
But prison was where he was, so he accepted that and was content, using the time to encourage other Christians and share the gospel with those around him. He continued to be about his Father’s business. God is still in control no matter where we find ourselves (Jeremiah 29:11). He’s there in the valleys as well as the mountain tops. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23). Prayer: Help us Lord to be content in our circumstances and look for opportunities to share the gospel with those around us.
By Cindy Beckman
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12
Learning to be content in any and every situation is a challenge but the current situation has especially been challenging for those who are normally active and extroverts. While those of us who are introverts are happy to finally have time at home to pursue our passions and reflect, extroverts are not happy that their sporting events and other spring activities have been cancelled. They want to be out dining in restaurants with other people rather than eating lukewarm takeout. I imagine Paul would rather have been out and about too, rather than being confined in prison.
But prison was where he was, so he accepted that and was content, using the time to encourage other Christians and share the gospel with those around him. He continued to be about his Father’s business. God is still in control no matter where we find ourselves (Jeremiah 29:11). He’s there in the valleys as well as the mountain tops. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23). Prayer: Help us Lord to be content in our circumstances and look for opportunities to share the gospel with those around us.