Tag: Return To Me

‘Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.’ 1 Peter 4:9(NLT)

‘As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”’ Luke 10:38-40(NLT)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:9

Thoughts

How do you reach out with welcome to people you already know? How do you show kindness to strangers? Hospitality is one of the hallmarks of Christianity. Here, Peter writes about practicing hospitality without grumbling about it. I imagine he wrote this because he had seen people spoil hospitality by grumbling. And think of Mary and Martha on the day Jesus came to visit (Luke 10:38-40). Who showed true hospitality? Was it Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet? Or was it Martha who was busy doing things for him? One way to answer this is to look at their attitudes. 

Some may argue that if everyone were a Mary, we would all starve! But clearly, the point of Peter’s instruction is the heart behind our hospitality. If a loving heart is behind your hospitality, it’s authentic and pleases the Lord. Mary modeled relational hospitality. Martha would have modeled physical hospitality, if she had not complained, by meeting the group’s need for nourishment. 

Application

Some of us tend to be relationally hospitable while others are comfortable showing physical hospitality. Which is more natural for you? I like to cook for people and make sure everyone is taken care of, while my wife, Tanya, enjoys relational hospitality. She will sit and listen to someone for hours. Do you ever grumble about hospitality, either the kind that you aren’t gifted in or the kind that comes more naturally to you? Do you ever show relational hospitality to a stranger? Do you feed or care for fellow believers’ practical needs?

Prayer

Lord, I admit that I grumble sometimes about serving others. Please change my heart, and help me to practice both relational and physical hospitality with love and cheerfulness…. Continue praying.

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’’ Isaiah 14:12-14(NLT)

‘Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ‘ Colossians 3:2(NLT)

‘“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. ‘ Matthew 6:25-32(NLT)

‘Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.’ Matthew 6:33(NLT)

Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-14

Thoughts

Are you trying to ascend to God’s position? Think about it. Lucifer (Satan) tried to ascend to a place where he was like God. He wanted to share God’s glory. He wanted to be equal with God. This is what Satan tries to do to this day because he is in rebellion against God. We know from the Bible, however, that God will not allow anyone to take his place. 

One way that we pretend to be God is when we condemn another person in our hearts. When we do that, we are raising ourselves up and putting the other person down. Instead, let’s come close to God where we will be influenced by his character. Paul encourages us: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). 

Jesus says it this way: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Look at Matthew 6:25-32 to we get a glimpse of the rewards that come (“all these things”) when we give God’s kingdom the highest priority in our lives.

Application

In your relationship with God, are you trying to tell God how to do things? Or are you looking to him for what he wants you to do? Continually setting your mind on Jesus will give you his wise and loving perspective. So “seek his Kingdom” first. Acknowledge the ways you have been “rising up” and not allowing him to be ruler and judge; God will help you to change.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I try to take your rightful place as my king and ruler. I bow before you. I need you to lead and direct me. I also confess that in pride I am judgmental toward others. Thank you for forgiving me. Give me hope, Lord, for you are the God of hope…. Continue praying.

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”’ Genesis 3:1(NLT)

‘Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”’ Matthew 22:37-40(NLT)

‘The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”’ Luke 10:29(NLT)

‘“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ‘ John 3:16(NLT)

Scripture: Genesis 3:1

Thoughts

“Did God actually say…?” The enemy will always question God’s commands and God’s promises. Satan attacks our thinking and tries to put questions in our minds so we will doubt what God says. 

Jesus summed up God’s two highest commands in Matthew 22:37–40: love God and love people.

But Satan might whisper to you, “But who is your neighbor?” like the Pharisee asked Jesus in Luke 10:29. Understand this: our enemy may not challenge you on the first commandment, but he will certainly question how fully you need to obey the second. It is so easy to fall into the trap of not believing that God wants us to love all our “neighbors.” However, we know that the whole Bible makes it clear that God’s plan is for us to love everyone as he does (John 3:16).

Application

Do you have a broken relationship you are struggling with? Are you saying, “But God, you don’t know what this person has done to me!” If you are, then consider whether you are questioning God in your heart. The One who asks you to love all your neighbors is the One who sent his Son to share our hard life and die an unspeakable death for us so that our records can be wiped clean. Remember the price Jesus paid for you, and let his love flow through you to your neighbor. When you want to justify yourself, don’t go there. Instead, remember your gracious Savior and let the Holy Spirit strengthen you to obey the Lord’s commands. 

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I have a lot of doubts about your ways. You know that obeying you doesn’t come naturally to us, but I do want to obey you, Lord. Please help me not to question your commands or your promises but to gladly obey because of all you have done for me…. Continue praying. 

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?’ Psalms 56:3-4(NLT)

‘O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.’ Psalms 56:1-2(NLT)

‘You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the Lord will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.’ Isaiah 52:12(NLT)

Scripture: Psalm 56:3-4

Thoughts

When you’re afraid, where do you put your trust? David trusts in God, not in his own strength. What is going on in his life that he needs to put his trust in God? 

The first two verses of Psalm 56 tell us that David is trampled down, attacked, and oppressed. We’ve all experienced some of this ourselves, and we’ve seen it done to others. We may even have done it to someone else. The key isn’t whether we will be impacted by someone else’s fallenness, but where we put our trust when we do get trampled.

Look what David does: he brings up God’s Word which is full of promises. We can also hang onto God’s Word through the twists and turns of life. We need God’s promises! Do you have a Scripture that jumps out to you and ministers to you in your time of need? Hold onto it and stand firm, trusting in God and his Word. 

Application

In your current relationships, are you ever afraid? What is your first response? Where do you place your trust? Today is a day you can believe God’s promises and trust him. Isaiah 52:12 is a promise I always hang onto – it tells us that the Lord will go before us as our rear guard!

Prayer

God, I do trust you and believe in your promises, and I want to trust you more. I confess that I am fearful, and I stand on the fact that you go before me and behind me…. Continue praying. 

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and he told me to say, “This is what the Lord says to the people of Israel: I know what you are saying, for I know every thought that comes into your minds. ‘ Ezekiel 11:5(NLT)

‘You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.’ Psalms 139:2(NLT)

‘The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.’ Proverbs 12:5(NLT)

‘We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:5(NLT)

Scripture: Ezekiel 11:5

Thoughts

Ezekiel is telling the Israelites that God’s Spirit revealed to him the rebellion that was being planned by the leaders of his day. This is relevant to us today. 

Psalm 139:2 tells us that God sees us – He knows when we sit and stand, and He discerns our thoughts; he knows how we think. He understands every aspect of our lives. To me, it’s exciting that God knows our intent and understands our motivation. When people see our actions, they think they know our motives but only God truly does. It’s freeing to know that he knows because we can be real with him.

Instead of rebellion filling our minds, we want our thoughts to align with God’s. When someone rubs us the wrong way, we can be intentional about controlling our thoughts so they don’t run amuck. Begin to take hold of unloving thoughts and ideas that sneak into your mind. These two translations of 2 Corinthians 10:5 are helpful for reminding us of this:

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV) 

Application

What thoughts do you need to get hold of today? What attitudes are not in obedience to the Lord? In your conflict, or in other relationships, what thoughts dominate your thinking? I strongly encourage you to destroy any arguments and lofty opinions that “rise up against the knowledge” you have about God. Learn to capture your thoughts and make them submit to Jesus. 

Prayer

Lord, help me to humbly identify my thoughts that need to go. Instead, I want to think about your truths and hold onto loving thoughts…. Continue praying.

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. ‘ Galatians 5:13(NLT)

‘Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”’ John 8:31-32(NLT)

‘So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ‘ John 8:36(NLT)

‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ‘ John 15:13(NLT)

Scripture: Galatians 5:13

Thoughts

What does Paul say we have been called to? He tells us that we are called to freedom, not to bondage or legalism. He is simply passing on what Jesus told his followers: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Just before that, Jesus had made it clear that a lifestyle of being in his Word would result in our being truly free (verses 31-32).

If you haven’t been set free by Jesus, then you aren’t truly free. The great news is that if Jesus has set you free, you are free indeed. Jesus came for us captives to set us free. 

One of the keys to understanding today’s verse, Galatians 5:13, is seeing the warning about using the gift of freedom inappropriately. Paul immediately follows that warning with an opportunity to make a real difference: use our freedom to serve others lovingly. Once again, it’s Jesus who gives a vivid description of serving through love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). 

Application

In our relationships, we usually aren’t willing to lay down even our rights for our friends, let alone lay down our lives. The greatest love I can show to others is to lay down my life for them. Jesus did this both for his friends and for his enemies. Please don’t hear me incorrectly: I’m not saying you have to be a doormat in your relationships. You can be filled with humility and mercy and still achieve justice. 

Think about how you can bring freedom to others by laying down your life in your relationships. What could you do today to live in freedom and bring freedom to others? Look for opportunities to proclaim the good news of the Gospel to people in your life. Remind yourself that what Jesus has done is big enough for any need. 

Prayer

Lord, help me to live today in your Word and be free. I want to serve others in love, even sacrificially. Help me to be willing to serve even my opponent with love…. Continue praying.  

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble

‘I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”’ Isaiah 44:22(NLT)

‘From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. ‘ John 1:16(NLT)

‘Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ‘ Ephesians 5:1(NLT)

Scripture: Isaiah 44:22

Thoughts

How does a cloud get blotted out? How does mist get swept away? I’m not sure, but I know it is good. The sun does away with a morning mist in a matter of minutes. Even more quickly, the Lord wipes away our sins—he cleans our slates! 

What is the appropriate response to his wonderful forgiveness? Like the prodigal son in the New Testament, we get to leave the “pigpen.” We can humbly and gratefully go back to our heavenly Father. He has a ring, a robe, sandals, and a celebration ready for us! Please don’t miss this. God is calling you to return to him, no matter what you have done or how you’ve reacted to what you have gone through.

Why wouldn’t we return! God has graciously redeemed us. He has bought us at a high price: his Son Jesus Christ. He is your loving master, and you can choose to be his bondservant. The Lord is your boss. No matter how you slice it, God is in charge. The great thing is that we benefit! God continues to forgive our sin; his Spirit lives in us; he gives us his wisdom and strength; he protects and provides for us. When we return to the Lord, we receive “one blessing after another” (John 1:16).

Application

As you read Ephesians 5:1, recognize this: we are to imitate God as his beloved children. How do children imitate? They watch and do the same things they see their parents doing. As we see and experience our transgressions being blotted out by the Lord, our rightful response is doing likewise with others’ sins against us. When God blows away our sin like the mist, we can imitate him and forgive others. It is so freeing to let go of offenses and let God handle them. 

Prayer

Lord, I can only forgive because of Jesus. Please help me to lay at the cross all the hurts and offenses I have felt. Help me to forgive like you have forgiven me…. Continue praying.

from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble