May I Never Boast Except in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

May I Never Boast Except in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:14 says, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." 

For Paul, the cross of Christ was the central theme of his message and ministry. It represented the ultimate sacrifice of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Through the cross, Jesus paid the price for humanity's sins, reconciling us to God and breaking the power of sin and death.

When Paul says, "May I never boast except in the cross," he's not just talking about humility; he's expressing a profound shift in perspective. For him, the cross is the only thing worth boasting about because it's the source of true freedom, hope, and transformation.

The phrase "the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" suggests a radical detachment from the world's values and expectations. As followers of Christ, we're called to live differently, with our eyes fixed on eternal realities rather than temporary gains.

What does this mean for us today?

The cross is our ultimate boast. When we focus on the cross, we recognize that our worth and identity come from Christ's sacrifice, not from achievements or possessions.
We're called to live counter-culturally. As Christians, we shouldn't conform to the world's standards; instead, we should live according to God's principles, even when it's challenging or unpopular.
True freedom comes from the cross. When we embrace the cross, we're set free from the burden of trying to earn God's approval or seeking validation from others.

Reflection questions:

What are you boasting about in your life? Is it worth boasting about?
How can you live more counter-culturally as a follower of Christ?
In what ways does the cross bring you freedom and hope?

May we, like Paul, find our boast in the cross of Christ, and may our lives be transformed by its power.

Credits:
Holy Spirit (Divine Inspiration)
Keith M. Craddock (Family Bible Study Leader)
Kassie Hatton (Presenter)
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Better Than the Mighty: The Power of Self-Control

Better Than the Mighty: The Power of Self-Control

Proverbs 16:32 says, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." In a world that often celebrates strength, power, and aggression, this verse offers a radical perspective. It suggests that true greatness lies not in our ability to conquer external challenges, but in our ability to master our own inner world.

The verse compares two types of individuals: the warrior who takes a city and the person with self-control. The warrior represents physical strength, conquest, and external power. In contrast, the person with self- control embodies emotional intelligence, inner strength, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with wisdom.

Self-control is not about suppressing emotions or denying desires, but about harnessing them in a way that aligns with our values and goals. It's about being intentional with our thoughts, words, and actions, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

In today's fast-paced world, self-control is more crucial than ever. With the constant bombardment of information, social media, and distractions, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and lose sight of what's truly important. But when we cultivate self-control, we gain the ability to focus, prioritize, and make decisions that align with our values.

So, how can we develop this valuable trait? Here are a few practical tips:

Practice mindfulness and meditation on scripture to increase self-awareness
Set clear goals and priorities to guide your decisions
Develop healthy habits and routines to support your well-being
Learn to delay gratification and prioritize long-term benefits
Cultivate empathy and understanding towards others

As we strive to develop self-control, we'll encounter challenges and setbacks. But with persistence and patience, we can become more like the person described in Proverbs 16:32 – someone who is better equipped to navigate life's complexities, build stronger relationships, and achieve their goals.

In the end, true greatness is not about conquering cities or achieving external success, but about mastering our own hearts and minds. By prioritizing self-control, we can become the heroes of our own stories, capable of overcoming any obstacle and living a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Credits:

Keith M. Craddock family bible study

Holy Spirit

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Forget the Former Things: Embracing God's New Work

Forget the Former Things: Embracing God's New Work

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

These verses offer a powerful reminder that God is always at work, bringing new life and new opportunities. For me, this passage holds a special significance, thanks to a family Bible study led by Keith M. Craddock. He kept bringing up this topic, emphasizing the importance of looking forward to what God is doing now, rather than dwelling on the past.

Ironically, little did we know that Keith wouldn't be here to see the new thing God had planned. His passing left a void, and our family faced a new wilderness. But in God's sovereignty, the lessons from that Bible study – specifically from Keith's own mouth – became the anchor I needed to carry on without him.

As I navigated a whole new season of life, those words kept echoing: "Forget the former things... See, I am doing a new thing!" It was as if God was saying, "Trust Me, even when circumstances change, and people leave. I'm still working." Keith's teaching had prepared me for this moment, even if he wasn't there to

see it.

Understanding the Message

In its context, Isaiah 43:18-19 was a message of hope for the Israelites who were struggling. They'd faced many challenges, and God was telling them to look forward, not backward. He was doing something new, and they needed to be open to it.

Applying It Today

So, what does it mean to "forget the former things" and embrace God's new work in our lives? Here are a few key points:

Letting Go of the Past: We all have things we'd rather forget – mistakes, regrets, or painful experiences. But holding onto these can weigh us down and prevent us from moving forward. God's message is clear: it's time to let go.
Seeing God's New Work: God is always active, always working. The question is, do we see it? Are we open to the new things He's doing in our lives? This requires faith and a willingness to trust Him.
Finding Hope in Difficulty: The image of God making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland is powerful. No matter where we find ourselves, God can bring life and hope. We just need to trust Him and look for the ways He's working.
Conclusion
Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that God is a God of new beginnings. He's not limited by our past or our current circumstances. As we look to the future, let's trust Him to do a new thing in our lives. Let's be open to the ways He's working and find hope in His promise to make a way, even in the wilderness. And let's honor those who've gone before us by applying the lessons they've taught us, even when they're no longer with us to see the outcome.

Credits: 

Keith M. Craddock family bible study

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Hearing God's Voice: A Guide to Spiritual Discernment

Hearing God's Voice: A Guide to Spiritual Discernment

John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." As Christians, we believe that God communicates with us through various means, including prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit. However, it's essential to discern God's voice from other influences that may masquerade as divine guidance.

Distinguishing God's Voice

To hear God's voice, we must develop spiritual discernment. Here are some key principles:

To hear God's voice, we must develop spiritual discernment. Here are some key principles:

Know God's Word: God's voice aligns with scripture. Familiarize yourself with the Bible to recognize God's character and principles.
Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you discern His voice and distinguish it from other influences.
Seek Counsel: Consult with trusted spiritual leaders, mentors, or friends to gain perspective and insight.

Potential Influences to Discern

When seeking God's guidance, be aware of potential influences that may cloud your judgment:

Fleshly Desires: Our own desires, emotions, and biases can masquerade as God's voice. Be honest with yourself, and pray for self-awareness.
Demonic Influence: Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Be cautious of thoughts or promptings that contradict scripture or lead you away from God's character.

Practical Tips for Discernment

Test Everything: Evaluate thoughts, impressions, or promptings against scripture and God's character.
Wait and Reflect: Don't rush into decisions or actions. Take time to reflect and seek confirmation.
Seek Peace: God's voice often brings peace and confirmation (Philippians 4:7).

By developing spiritual discernment and being aware of potential influences, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and hear His voice more clearly.

Credits:

Keith M. Craddock family bible study

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Staying Vigilant: A Reflection on Luke 21:36

Staying Vigilant: A Reflection on Luke 21:36

Luke 21:36 says, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." This verse is part of Jesus' teachings on the end times and the importance of being prepared for his return.

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance and constant prayer. He encourages his followers to stay awake, spiritually speaking, and to be ready at all times for his coming. This requires a deep commitment to faith and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

So, what does it mean to "watch" and "pray always"? It means being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, and seeking God's guidance and strength in every aspect of our lives. It means being aware of the world's temptations and distractions, but not being swayed by them. Instead, we fix our eyes on Jesus and seek to honor him in all that we do.

Praying always doesn't mean we have to be praying out loud or on our knees 24/7. Rather, it's about cultivating a constant sense of dependence on God and communicating with him throughout our day. It's about seeking his wisdom, guidance, and protection, and trusting in his goodness and sovereignty.

As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, Luke 21:36 reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the world to come. We are citizens of heaven, and our Lord is coming again to claim his own. May this truth motivate us to live with purpose, integrity, and passion, and to stand firm in our faith, no matter what the future holds.

Reflection Questions:

What does it mean for you to "watch" and "pray always" in your daily life?
How can you prioritize your relationship with God and seek his guidance and strength in every aspect of your life?
What are some practical ways you can stay vigilant and focused on Jesus amidst the distractions and temptations of the world?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to stay vigilant and focused on you. Give me the strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges of life with purpose and integrity. May I be accounted worthy to stand before you when you return, and may my life be a reflection of your love and grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Credits:

Keith M. Craddock family bible study

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But Thanks Be to God!

But Thanks Be to God!

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

This verse is nestled in one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible, where the Apostle Paul lays out the foundation of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the question of what happens after we die, and he makes it clear that without the resurrection, our faith would be futile.

But with the resurrection comes victory. And that's exactly what Paul celebrates in verse 57. He breaks out into a triumphant declaration of praise, acknowledging that our triumph over death, sin, and the grave is thanks to God alone.

The phrase "But thanks be to God" is more than just a polite expression of gratitude. It's a battle cry, a shout of triumph, and a declaration of dependence on God. Paul recognizes that without God's intervention, we'd be doomed to face eternal separation from Him. But because of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we can face death and the unknown with confidence.

The victory Paul talks about isn't just about getting to heaven one day; it's about living a life that's empowered by the resurrected Christ. It's about overcoming the struggles, temptations, and doubts that come our way. It's about knowing that no matter what we face, we have the ultimate victory on our side.

So what does this mean for us practically? It means we can face each day with hope and confidence, knowing that our circumstances aren't the final word. It means we can trust God's sovereignty, even when things seem bleak. And it means we can live with a sense of purpose, knowing that our lives are part of a larger story that's being written by a loving God.

Whether we're facing triumph or turmoil, 1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us that we serve a God who gives us victory. Let's take a moment to thank Him for that gift, and let's live like we believe it.

Embracing Humility: Unpacking John 3:30

 

Embracing Humility: Unpacking John 3:30

John 3:30 has become a cornerstone verse for many Christians, offering a profound insight into the nature of humility and spiritual growth. The verse reads:

"He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30, NIV)

This powerful declaration was made by John the Baptist, a prominent figure in the New Testament known for baptizing Jesus and preparing the way for His ministry. John's statement wasn't a declaration of defeat or inadequacy but rather a profound recognition

of Jesus' divine purpose and his own role in God's larger plan.

Understanding the Context

To fully grasp the significance of John 3:30, it's essential to understand the context in which it was spoken. John the Baptist had been gaining a significant following due to his powerful preaching and baptizing rituals. Some of John's disciples began to express concern over Jesus' growing popularity, suggesting a sense of competition between the two figures. In response, John offered a humble yet profound perspective on his role and Jesus'.

The Essence of Humility

John's statement, "He must become greater; I must become less," encapsulates the essence of humility in a few key ways:

Recognition of Purpose: John understood that his purpose was not to seek glory for himself but to prepare the way for Jesus. This recognition allowed him to step aside and let Jesus take center stage.
Selflessness: By saying "I must become less," John demonstrated a selfless attitude, prioritizing Jesus' ministry over his own ambitions.
Faith in God's Plan: John's declaration reflects his trust in God's plan and timing. He knew that his role, though crucial, was not the ultimate goal but rather a stepping stone to something greater.
A Personal Reflection
As I reflect on John 3:30, I'm reminded that this verse isn't just about John the Baptist; it's also about my own journey. I'm becoming less of me and more of Him. The more I seek to follow Jesus, the more I realize that my own strengths, weaknesses, and desires should align with His will. This transformation isn't about losing my identity but about finding my true self in Christ.
In my daily life, I'm learning to let go of my need for control and recognition, embracing the idea that Jesus should be the central figure. This journey isn't always easy, but it's one that brings peace and purpose. As I
become less, I make room for Jesus to work through me, guiding my thoughts, actions, and decisions.
Applying John 3:30 to Our Lives
The principle behind John 3:30 can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Here are a few ways to embody this verse:
Letting Go of Ego: In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, embracing humility can be challenging. However, recognizing that our accomplishments and talents are gifts from God can help us keep our ego in check.
Focusing on God's Glory: Instead of seeking personal glory, we can strive to bring glory to God in our actions and decisions. This shift in focus can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
Trusting God's Plan: Like John the Baptist, we can trust that God has a plan for our lives. This trust allows us to step back when necessary and let others take the forefront, knowing that God is working everything out for His glory.
Conclusion
John 3:30 is more than just a verse; it's a way of life. By embracing humility and recognizing Jesus as the central figure in our lives, we can live with greater purpose and peace. As we strive to become less so that Jesus can become greater in our lives, we open ourselves up to experiencing the fullness of God's plan and the joy of living a life that points others to Him.