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Latest Blog Posts in May 2012

Majoring in the Minors: Joel - Thursday

Posted on Thu, May 31, 2012

Joel 3:1-2

“At the time of those events,” says the LORD, “when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land." 
 
A  neighbor of mine once restored a 1956 Thunderbird.  It was bright red with a white hard-top, white interior, and wide white-walled tires. Even if you weren’t a car enthusiast, this little beauty was a joy to watch as it moved down the street. For my neighbor there was such joy in cleaning, refitting, finding the right parts and making something worn out energized and purposeful again. Like my neighbor, God is also in the restoration business. He took the Israelite slaves from Egypt and fashioned them into His nation. After David had an affair, God took him and gave him a new heart. In the book of Joel, God promises to restore the people of Judah to their place as His children and as the lineage of Jesus. And then, in God’s greatest restoration project, He took the dead body of Jesus and restored Him to the splendor of what He had in mind for all people. 
  • When did you allow God to begin the restoration process in you? How is God currently working in your life?
Memorize Joel 2:13b this week.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Myron Williams
Global Outreach Development Pastor

Majoring in the Minors: Joel - Wednesday

Posted on Wed, May 30, 2012

Joel 2:32 

But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the LORD has said. These will be among the survivors whom the LORD has called.
 
Do you remember the feeling of making the final loan payment on your car? College debt? Credit card balance? There’s a sense of satisfaction when the debt is paid because it means that you are free. Did you know you were in debt when you tried to live without God, even if you gave him lip service but were really just faking it with him?  That’s because sin caused your debt and no matter how you tried to pay it off, maybe by being “good,” you could never make a dent. The good news of the prophet Joel is God set a plan for paying debt in full even before humans were created. He decided anyone who turned from following the gods of this world and chose to follow Him instead would find their debt instantly paid.  
  • Have you let God pay off your debt yet?
  • If you have, who else do you know who needs to hear this good news?  Tell them this week.
  • Who can you release from debt as a thankful response for what God has done for you?
Memorize Joel 2:13b this week.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Myron Williams
Global Outreach Development Pastor

Majoring in the Minors: Joel - Tuesday

Posted on Tue, May 29, 2012

Joel 2:15-17

Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people—the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the LORD’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, LORD! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’"
 
When we feel motivated to change or grow, it’s time to take concrete steps.  Losing weight takes discipline in our eating as well as exercise.  An exercise habit takes a regular schedule. Completing a project takes focus and hard work. If we are to repent from faking it with our faith how do we then put this into action?  Joel suggests beginning by throwing a celebration, calling together friends and family for a party at which God is the guest of honor.  Singing, praying, reading, thanking, serving, and praising are some actions the guest of honor desires from us.
  • Find time to celebrate turning toward God this week with friends and family.
  • As an act of worship, make a point of serving someone you don’t know this week .
Memorize Joel 2:13b this week.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Myron Williams
Global Outreach Development Pastor

Majoring in the Minors: Joel - Monday

Posted on Mon, May 28, 2012

Joel 2:12-14

That is why the LORD says,“Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before.
 
For the prophet Joel,  the motivation of his people to follow God after their return from captivity was a concern. The people of Israel were taken captive by the people of Babylon and weren’t released to go home until years later. When they were set free, instead of wholeheartedly returning their God, the people faked being faithful. They said all the right words, but their hearts were still corrupt from their time in Babylon even though God, through Joel, calls on the people to return to Him.  How about you? Are you faking it with your faith? Or are you really living as a faithful follower of God? Though written centuries, Joel’s call to wholeheartedly return to the Lord is a message that still resonates today.
 
One way we share the love God has shown us is by laying down our lives for others. God was the first to initiate this expression of love. Scripture tells us real love has its roots in the fact God gave His son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:10) When we give up our lives, literally or metaphorically, we show love in the way God showed love to us. What better way to turn to the Lord and follow Him than by imitating His example?
  • This Memorial Day, stop and thank Jesus for laying down His life for you. Thank Him, as well, for the men and women who have done the same, sacrificing their lives for our freedom.
Memorize Joel 2:13b this week.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Myron Williams
Global Outreach Development Pastor

I Have a Lot of Questions for God #doubt - Friday

Posted on Fri, May 25, 2012

@southlandcc || I need an easy place to find answers. #doubt

We’ve all got questions. So Southland has created a page to help you find answers. Take a few minutes this morning to visit our FAQ page and browse around. Find a question that you’ve asked or a question you’ve always wanted more clarity on. Use this page to sharpen your knowledge of God and grow a little closer to Him.

Memorize Hebrews 11:1 this week:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Derrick Purvis
Communications Director

I Have a Lot of Questions for God #doubt - Thursday

Posted on Thu, May 24, 2012

@southlandcc || What do I do when I have friends who doubt? #doubt

In essentials - unity. In non-essentials - liberty. In all things - love. Saint Augustine

So what should you do when your friends have doubts? Love them. Be generous with love as they process difficult questions in their lives. Romans tells us to live at peace with one another as much as possible. It’s so easy to turn doubts into disagreements, disagreements into arguments, and arguments into fallouts. That’s not what Christ had in mind for the Church. We are to love one another and extend love in all things...including our doubts.
  • Start by praying for your friends or family who have doubts about God. Spend some time today praying for a specific person in your life who may be distanced from their Heavenly Father because of doubt.
Memorize Hebrews 11:1 this week:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Derrick Purvis
Communications Director

I Have a Lot of Questions for God #doubt - Wednesday

Posted on Wed, May 23, 2012

@southlandcc || Who do I go to when I have tough questions? #doubt

I’ve recently learned I’m an external processor. While some people will struggle through tough circumstances without letting anyone know about it, I tend to process everything through conversation. When I come up with a problem or roadblock in my life, I’m quick to approach a trusted advisor to seek out the solution. Doing the same thing with your doubt is important, too. Proverbs 15:22 encourages us to seek out “many advisors.”

Often times it’s easier to avoid the opinions of others. But I’ve found it’s beneficial to have a few dependable individuals in your life who can help you wrestle with the tough stuff. Do you have anyone like that in your life? If you’re truly struggling with doubt, it’s certainly worth seeking the advice of wise counselors.

Memorize Hebrews 11:1 this week:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Derrick Purvis
Communications Director

I Have a Lot of Questions for God #doubt - Tuesday

Posted on Tue, May 22, 2012

@southlandcc || When the odds are against me, doubt creeps in... #doubt

One of my favorite lines in Scripture is about one of my favorite guys in Scripture. Paul is talking about Abraham’s faith and uses this upside down phrase, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope...” I could end there or I could insert anything after that dot dot dot. Heck, we could even put your name in that statement. “Against all hope, _______ in hope overcame the depression.” “Against all hope, _______ in hope finally left that dysfunctional relationship.” “Against all hope, _______ in hope recovered from financial ruin.”
 
Doubt often comes in the times when faith is needed most. But the one line "in hope" can coach us into positivity. Let’s use a hope that is beyond logic. Let’s apply a faith that is greater than physics. Let’s lean on a God who is more sensible than common sense.
  • Read Romans 4:18-25 and pray that God will give you a hope that’s stronger than any doubt.
Memorize Hebrews 11:1 this week. 
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Derrick Purvis
Communications Director

I Have a Lot of Questions for God #doubt - Monday

Posted on Mon, May 21, 2012

@southlandcc || Sometimes I question God and my faith. Is that wrong? #doubt

In Matthew 14, Jesus calls Peter out to walk on water with Him. Peter takes a leap of faith, but gets distracted, begins to doubt and then sinks. Does Jesus get angry with him? I don’t think so. He simply says, “You of little faith, why do you doubt?”
 
Let’s think about the “why” in that question. Jesus didn’t say doubting was wrong. He just wants to know what’s behind it. Are you living with cynicism in your life? Are you focusing on what God isn’t doing and ignoring what He has done? Are you too you-focused? I spent far too much of my life doubting family, friends and God. After a far too annoying healing process, I came to realize it was my approach and attitude that should be in question... not God or others.
  • Spend some time thinking about those areas of doubt in your life. What could be at the root of it?
Memorize Hebrews 11:1 this week.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Derrick Purvis
Communications Director

I Feel Inadequate Most of the Time #Fear - Friday

Posted on Fri, May 18, 2012

@southlandcc || Physical training is of some value but godliness has value in all things. Which one do you pursue most passionately? #FirstTimothy4:8

I spend way too much time working on my outer appearance. Whether its the number of days spent at the gym in a week or the wasted minutes trying to pick out the right shirt and shoes. No matter what efforts we aim at improving our appearance, there is always someone who has outdistanced us. Whether it's looks, fashion, or style - they're all elusive goals. Its like chasing after the wind. Now, take this line of thinking to a religious setting. Do we really get any points with God by dressing in the latest styles or being the most fit person at the gym? Do we get extra credit for putting on our Sunday best? Do we think God really cares? Do we put more value on what other people think over what God thinks about us?
 
Imagine we had no mirrors to check our hair and shirt collar. This is our spiritual reality. What God does inside of us to make us look more like Jesus happens where no one is really able to look in and observe. What if we were more intent on looking good for God in a way that originated in these invisible places? Then the result of these transformations on the inside would naturally become evident on the outside. Ultimately this type of training for godliness would bring glory and honor back to Him. Cast aside the concern of outward appearance - what you wear and how you look. Begin looking at what is flowing out of your heart and life because of what takes place on the inside.
  • Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which of these qualities are flowing out of your life right now? Which would you like to see in greater measure? Ask God to produce these in your life.
Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week:
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.

Jeff Presley
Discipleship Team Director

I Feel Inadequate Most of the Time #Fear - Thursday

Posted on Thu, May 17, 2012

@southlandcc || RT Lost my job today. Need God to show up big time. Starting to feel like living paycheck to paycheck wasn’t such a good idea. #Psalm37:23-24

What if I lose my job? Spouse? Kids? House? Parents? You can keep adding to the list. We have so many things we can worry about. But God says, “Don’t worry. Pray.” (Philippians 4:6) He says, “Give me your worries and cares. I care about what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7) So it’s not that God might slip up and forget about us. It’s that we focus on anything and everything but Him. Isaiah 26:3 says , “He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, whose thoughts are fixed on Him.” When we worry and fret, what we really need to know is the answer to our number one question, “Am I going to be OK?” And God answers, “I’m taking care of you.” (Matthew 6:33). Why do we worry and wring our hands over all these people, possessions, and belongings anyway? Think about it. Who owns it all? God does. And He tells you He’s got you in His hands. (Psalm 37:23-24)
  • Spend some time in prayer.  Make a list and simply pour out every care and concern to God. Leave them in His capable hands.
Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week:
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.

Jeff Presley
Discipleship Team Director

I Feel Inadequate Most of the Time #Fear - Wednesday

Posted on Wed, May 16, 2012

@southlandcc || Want to know the secret to winning the race with those Joneses next door? The race doesn’t exist. We can bow out of the comparison game. #Matthew6:24-33

How did we get it into our heads that life is a competition? It's an absurd us-versus-them mentality with other people - even with those we haven't met! We compete in our minds with our neighbors, worrying ourselves over their possessions, their quality of lawn-care, or their Christmas decor. We wage war with our co-workers for a seat at the table or a voice in the decisions. We even race for the fastest line or the best parking space. We watch at the restaurant to see if someone who arrived after us gets seated first. We can make anything a competition. But...it’s only a competition, race, or battle if we decide it is and we are going to take part in it.
 
When it comes to spirituality, this plays out in an insidious manner. We extend our mentality of competition and, in order to gauge how we’re doing, we look at the people around us to see if we’re at least doing better than they are. What about him? What about her? In the closing verses of the Gospel of John, Peter does the same thing, pointing to another disciple and asking Jesus, “What about him?” Jesus responds by returning the focus to His personal relationship with Peter. The answer to our question of comparison is: don’t compare yourself with any other standard but Christ. To be like Jesus is our goal, not to be better than other people! When you and I spend our time and energy hearing from God and living for Him, we can bow out of the comparison game and live free of the anxiety of trying to measure up to anyone else’s standard.
  • Where, specifically, do you most often feel compelled to compete with others?
  • Get on the YouVersion website and perform a search on this area of your life. What does the Bible have to say about how you’re doing?
Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week:
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.

Jeff Presley
Discipleship Team Director

I Feel Inadequate Most of the Time #Fear - Tuesday

Posted on Tue, May 15, 2012

@southlandcc || God helps me to want to do what pleases Him. And then He helps me to do it! #Phil2:13

Performance is a double-edged sword. On one hand, performance can provide entertainment or create amazing results in our work. These are certainly desirable. On the other hand, feeling pressure to perform can break us. When we worry about who approves or disapproves of our performance, we enter into a vicious cycle which will often chew us to pieces. We can get rid of the pressure to perform and the sense of inadequacy which so often accompanies it by limiting our performance to an audience of one - God. He loves you and likes you. The pressure is off. Be who you are, knowing He is a good father who wants to work with you to help you grow. Any good dad would celebrate an artistic effort of his child and not critically compare them to historically great artists like Picasso or Monet. King David is an excellent example of someone who threw caution to the wind knowing God delighted in him. His act of worship was criticized by others as undignified but God loved it anyway. (See 2 Samuel 6:12-16.) Go do what you do for the glory of God with reckless abandon!

  • In what ways have you felt pressure to perform in your relationship with God?
  • How do you think differently after reading today's devotional?

Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week:

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.

Jeff Presley
Discipleship Team Director

I Feel Inadequate Most of the Time #Fear - Monday

Posted on Mon, May 14, 2012

@southlandcc || RT Showed up at church in my best clothes and smile. I feel like Milli Vanilli. Why can’t I be myself here of all places? #Luke11:39

Want to be famous, admired, or trendy? Usually, to attain some measure of success in these endeavors, one cannot be entirely open and authentic. There’s got to be a bit of showmanship, some flash bulbs, and pretending to be larger than life. But what if our deepest desire was to be known for who we really are? It would take vulnerability. Do you cringe at the word? God seems to do some pretty amazing work in our lives when we embrace this concept.

God can unleash more than you may imagine through vulnerability and openness. The fact has even been scientifically documented. Brene Brown’s research revealed vulnerability can actually help us unlock the freedom to be who we were made to be and leave shame behind. Through years of study and interviewing numerous people, she noticed an interesting pattern. People who hid their identity behind a mask also numbed other parts of their lives. She discovered we cannot select which of our internal thoughts and feelings we hide. When we attempt to live the covert life of faking it, when we try to sedate our sense of embarrassment or shame at who we are, we also inadvertently numb other good aspects of our lives, like joy and love. Being who we are and tossing aside our sense of self-consciousness can unleash the desirable aspects of life we've been missing while hiding behind our mask.

  • You are significant because God says you are. What would it look like for you to take one step toward greater vulnerability today?
  • Perhaps you’re up for a challenge: Pick one day to fast from self-consciousness. No looking at a mirror, wondering what people are thinking about you. Focus on who God says you are.

Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week:

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.

Jeff Presley
Discipleship Team Director

I Don’t Want to be Associated with Most Christians #hypocrisy - Friday

Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012

@southlandcc || I work longer so I can buy stuff. I want stuff so I can have fun. But now there’s no time for fun ‘cause I have to go to work. #Hebrews13:5-6

Money and hypocrisy are a toxic combination. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” God’s word takes money head-on repeatedly because God knows the love of money can take you out. So where does hypocrisy come into it? When we know God’s priority of loving Him and others but harbor a hidden, hypocritical love of money, we are living in a place of mixed-up value.

It is tough to keep our priorities straight in a world where we have to use money to buy food, clothing, shelter, and other life-sustaining items. While money is a tool to be utilized, it is absolutely not an object worthy of affection. When we waste our time and energy pursuing money hoping to find happiness along with it, we will come up short every time. In his book The Cost of Discipleship, German pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us of Matthew 6:21 which says, Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. He goes on to help us measure how we're doing with the hypocrisy of value by pointing out this verse works both forward and backward. In other words, where the greatest desires of your heart happen to be, that is, in fact, what you treasure. So, what do you truly think about most? That’s what you value. Is it an object upon which it’s worth spending your affection?

  • Matt Redman teaches that our attention aims our affection. Take some time to think about your life. What gets your attention first, second, third, etc.?
  • This is the order of your affections at the moment. Pray and ask God if they are in order. If not, ask Him to help you re-order them properly.

Memorize Romans 12:9 this week:

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Will Briggs
Care Pastor

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