The Story:
Recently, I became very complacent, content living a life of mediocrity.  I was hesitant to fully commit to anything or anyone.  It has always been more comfortable for me to walk, and sometimes run away from challenges and conflicts in my relationships, rather than step up and face them head on.  Then in my quiet time with God, I came across Romans 8:11. I was blown away by the knowledge that because I have given my life to Jesus Christ, the very same Holy Spirit that raised my Jesus from the dead, lives in me.  Not some of it, not a little, but the full power of the Holy Spirit.   I realized that every time I backed down from a challenge or ran from an opportunity for growth because of my own fear and doubt, I dishonored God. This is because I was not relying on the power of the Holy Spirit within me.

The Reflection:
Do we grasp the gravity of the fact that the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us?  How do our life stories reflect the power of the Holy Spirit for the world to see?

The Application:
Let us identify factors that may be holding us back from tapping into the power we have as followers of Christ. This week, let us pray for strength and direction in any areas in our lives where God has been challenging us to go above and beyond.

The Prayer:
Lord, we pray that in everything we say and do, we honor You.  May we embrace the Holy Spirit within us and not run from challenges, knowing that You have fully equipped us to walk boldly for Your glory. Amen.

The Story:
For the past several months, I have worked at a prison, teaching female inmates and preparing them for the GED. One of the students I have had from the beginning of my time there is being released. I asked her what she wanted me to include in my goodbye message to her. The vision and depth of her reply moved me. She said she would really like it if I would give her some scripture to read when she was released from incarceration. She elaborated and said “…I know [life] is a spiritual warfare. There are going to be some trials and tribulations that God is going to bless me through, like Job. I want some scriptures to help me through. ” I was shocked to hear her say this because when we first met, she had no desire to live a godly life. In just a few months, I’ve seen her dedicate her life to Christ and overcome many obstacles. The emotional, intellectual, and most importantly, spiritual maturity that she was able to attain in such a desolate place is truly a testament to God’s power in her life once she surrendered herself to Him.

The Reflection:
What are the rough and rugged places in your life? Are you turning to the Lord to help raise you out of your valley? What scriptures are you equipped with so that you can be prepared for life’s troubles?

The Application:
Landscape design is defined as “the art, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land.” This week, commit yourself to trusting God’s design, seeking His word and storing it in your heart to make it through life’s valleys and rugged places.

The Prayer:
Lord, help us remember that you have the master plan and there are going to be some mountains and rough ground in our lives. We know you are faithful and strong enough to bring us through anything. Amen.

The Story:
One day at work I noticed that I became annoyed with one of my co-workers. He was clearly in need of personal attention, but I was a bit dismissive of that need because it was coming at what I deemed as an inopportune time. I had a lot to do on the job, at home and at church. I was not keyed in to the loneliness and emptiness my co-worker was experiencing because he does not know God. Later on, as I was reading Mark 6, I was overwhelmed with sadness and compassion for him.  As I reflected on all of our conversations, I realized that this man was searching to fill the void in his life that can only be filled by Jesus Christ. Ironically, I had become so focused on work and ministry that I couldn’t see an opportunity right in front of me to offer God’s love and hope to someone in need.  I realize that I must not allow the busyness of life to keep me from introducing Christ to those who do not have a relationship with him.

The Reflection:
Are we so busy that we miss opportunities to share the gospel with others? What can we do to extend ourselves to people who do not know Christ?  How are we responding when we detect cues that they may be desperate for the love and hope that only Christ can provide?

The Application:
This week, take the time to offer a word of hope and encouragement to someone who doesn’t know Christ.  Ask God for opportunities to share His word with someone who does not know Him.

The Prayer:
Lord, give us the ability to recognize people who do not know you or feel hopeless. Grant us a compassionate heart so that we slow down and share Your truth with them. Amen.

The Story:
In this modern day of fast food and high-tech gadgets, we often get confused about what we really need to survive. For example, I recently went one week without my iPhone and had to use an older technology that didn’t allow me to listen to music or have internet access. It felt like the longest week of my life! Every time I hit a rough moment in my day, I blamed it on the fact that I couldn’t listen to my music, which typically soothes me. I had to stop and ask myself, “How did I get to this point?” I realized that I linked my daily survival to my music and phone – not my relationship with the Lord.  I lost sight of Jesus being the only requirement for my survival. This was my reminder that my ability to endure is based on God and His Word alone.

The Reflection:
Are we focused on the Lord, and relying on the Bible as our survival kit? What worldly items distract us from pursuing the life God has planned for us?

The Application:
This week, continue setting aside time to study and meditate on the Bible, and apply that knowledge in everyday activities so that we truly learn to rely on God for our survival.

The Prayer:
Lord, we pray that we open our hearts and minds to recognize that You are the only thing we need. We pray to be free of attachment to worldly possessions and that we live in accordance with your guidance. Amen.

UnBoxed Series Recap (none ever began to be or will cease!!)
• Sovereign (He does whatever He wants – whenever He wants to!)
   • Holy (Intrinsic & Imputed Pureness / Perfect w/o even 1 Blemish!!)
   • Immutable (Doesn’t Change – The same yesterday, today, & forever!)
   • Love (visible/sacrificial/beneficial/unconditional/judicial/emotional)
   • Power (Omnipotence – There is nothing He cannot do!)
   • Knowledge (Omniscience – He knows EVERYTHING all at once!)
   • Presence (Omnipresence – He is everywhere all at the same time!)
   • Wisdom (Relate His attributes to accomplish His pre-determined purpose)
   • Grace (Unmerited Favor- giving us what we don’t deserve)INTRO: Mike Powell long jump = 29ft-4 ¾ inches (1991 WC in Tokyo)

That distance is impossible for all men to jump but 1!!! – OUR sin so separates us from God – was impossible for all men to jump but 1 man – Jesus Christ!!!

GRACE is found 150x in the Bible.
Grace Defined = Unmerited Favor (giving us what we DON’T deserve)
Grace: Common – Saving – Irresistible – Sovereign – Prevenient – Cheap

4 Aspects of God’s Special Grace

1) God’s Grace Begins w/Mercy
Mercy = Kindness or Compassion (not getting what we DO deserve)
*Eph 2:4-5 “But God being rich in mercy b/c of His great love”
(His grace starts/grounded/rooted in mercy) Mercy appears 343x in bible (130x in Psalms)
Police Officer & Tickets – Police/the law simply judges! We are guilty!!!
-So mercy is the release of the judgment & condemnation of being guilty

*Lam3:2 – His compassion never fails; new every morn – Great is your faithfulness!
God’s mercy never expires- Every day he is ready to love and forgive us!

2) God’s Grace is ONLY ATTAINABLE IN Jesus
* Rom 5:1-2 Grace only comes through Jesus Christ
* Matt 2:21-23 Not everyone (iPhone AT&T)
John 14:6 (I am THE…) and Eph 2:8-9  (Saved by grace)
*Rom 5:12 (bad rap) – sin entered through 1 man & death through sin – all sinned
*Rom 5:17-21: Introduce us to comparison of 2 Adams

 THE FIRST ADAM                    vs                      THE SECOND ADAM (Jesus)

Man wanted to be God (Gen 3:4-6)                 God who became Man (John 1:14)

Disobeyed (Gen 3:17)                                       Obeyed (Phil 2:6-8)

Believed a Lie (John 8:44)                                Is the Truth (John 1:17)

3) God’s Grace is MORE THAN ENOUGH
* 2 Cor  12:7-10 (thorn in the flesh)  vs. 9 - My grace is sufficient for you
In ALL things, EVERY area of our life God’s grace is more than enough.

* Psst…secret  If anything in your life is failing- its not Gods fault!
Why? Because God’s grace is MORE than enough!!
• In your marriage…
• In your finances…
• In your job …
• In life…

* 2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace & knowledge of your Lord JC”

4) God’s Grace Deserves Our Best
*1 Cor 6:19-20”you have been bought w/a price so glorify God in your body”
*Heb 12:15 “see to it that no one comes short of the grace of God”
*Rom 6:1“should we continue to sin that grace may abound?  May it not be..”

Land Rover example – I gave my dream car to my former pastor

Conclusion:  Daughter Spanking Story
How I physically took one of my daughters spankings in her place  (thus giving her what she didn’t deserve – GRACE)

The Story:
Everyone has skills or talents they do very well.  Dance is my passion, and my gift that I love to use every day.  All of my life I’ve been told how great of a performer I am.  As a young girl, I always envisioned myself growing up and selling out concert halls for my profession.  Throughout my life, the training that I received conditioned me to be the best: a perfectionist, always being cast for solos. Soon, I began to exalt myself.   Even after I joined the dance team at church, my view of myself had not changed.  I was still boasting in my own talents.  However, right before our big production for Christmas, I was in a life-changing car accident.  My injuries kept me away from dancing for months.  During my rehabilitation, a message was given about “thorns of the flesh.” As I heard the truths of God’s Word, I begin to feel conviction about my prideful mentality. I started to reflect on how I viewed myself, and came to understand that the gifts that God gave me are to glorify Him alone.

The Reflection:
How can we use the gifts God has given us for His glory? When thoughts of pride come into our minds, what Scriptures do we have ready to combat them? Let us remember that every gift comes from up above, and are to be used to honor the Lord.

The Application:
This week, as we use our gifts, let us stop to praise God for blessing us with them. When we think that the gifts we possess are for our own purposes or begin to think highly of ourselves, God may allow us to experience hindrance to help us remember to whom the glory belongs.

The Prayer:
Dear Lord, we humbly thank you for all the gifts you have graciously given us. Forgive us for forgetting that our gifts are from you. Thank you for the thorns that you allow us to experience as a reminder to not exalt ourselves.  Amen.

The Word:
The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.  Jonah 1:1-3 (NASB)

The Story:
I’ve been saved since an early age, but there have been times in my life when I, like Jonah, tried to run from God.   Jonah turned his back and disobeyed God, yet the Lord showed patience, love and His sovereign control in Jonah’s life.  God went through great lengths to reason with and chasten Jonah because He loved him.  In His love, God allowed me to experience a small portion of the hurt from my sin. He would only let me stray so far; just like he did with Jonah.   By his grace, He rescued me from situations that I entered into, fully intending to sin. It is so encouraging for me to know that not only does God deeply love me, but He’s in control of  every detail of my life.  This gives me confidence to run to Him, rather than foolishly think that there’s anywhere I can go away from His presence!

The Reflection:
Are there any areas in your life where you are resisting what God has given you to do?
What is causing you to run away from the Lord? Lack of trust? Discouragement? Inconvenience?

The Application:
This week, pray for God’s strength to help you submit fully to His desires for your life, even when you don’t understand how it’s beneficial for you to do so. Choose to run to God no matter what.

The  Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and patience, even when I purposely disobey your desires for my life.  Help me to always run to You, knowing that You love and care for me deeply. Amen.

The Story:
I’m a verbal processor and so I always feel the need to talk to a “live person” to sort out thoughts and feelings.  I have relied on conversations with important people in my life to make me feel safe, and as though nothing can get to me when I am with or near them.  Recently, I realize my challenge is to talk to God. He is living and will listen to whatever is on my heart and mind.  The Lord is always ready and waiting to hear from me.  He gives me true shelter and protection from danger. There is so much comfort available when I trust in my Savior.

The Reflection:
Is the Lord our favorite source to tell what’s on our hearts and minds? Are we relying on man for comfort instead of Jesus? Imagine how safe the Savior of the world could make us feel if we let him.

The Application:
This week, when we need to feel protected or talk about our concerns, before turning to friends or family, talk to the Lord in prayer.

The Prayer:
Lord, Your word says You are a shelter and protection for all of Your children.  Teach us how to share our hearts with You first, and trust you in all situations.

The Story:
Time is one of the greatest commodities. It cannot be purchased, hoarded or sold. Time is certainly a gift from God, and a powerful resource. There are many things that are in competition for my time and attention. Lately, God has challenged me to be a better steward of my time. He has shown me how displeased He is when I do not use my time according to His will. God has certain tasks He wants me to complete, and has given every second of my life purpose. I pray that when I come to the end of my life, I will be able to say I honored the Lord by accomplishing those tasks He set for me to do.

The Reflection:
Do we take time for granted? Are we unable to account for large chunks of time? How are we conducting our lives in order to reflect God’s view of time? What are we doing to submit our days to the plans of God?

The Application:
This week, let us ask God to heighten our sensitivity to the way we manage our time. Let us remember that God planned our days before we were born. Knowing this, let us commit to submitting our plans to God so that He can get the most glory.

The Prayer:
Lord, we confess that we are not always good stewards of our time. We surrender this area of our lives to You, God. May we stay in obedience to Your purposes for our lives. Amen.

The Story:
I awoke early one morning feeling anxious, worried, and with a sad spirit. I prayed to the Lord and asked for some reassurance that my needs would be met and my spirit would be quieted. As I drove out of my apartment complex, I knew in my spirit He heard my prayers. I then saw several birds on the ground with their heads facing upward waiting to be fed. I immediately began to cry at the sight of this. The birds seemed carefree because they knew their needs would be met if they got in a position to be fed. It was a simple, but powerful moment. The Lord reminded me that if I need to be fed, my position should be on my knees praying to God. Like the birds, I do not need to worry about precisely when or how I will be fed if I have placed myself in a position to be fed. I rejoice in the knowledge that I have a Father who already knows my needs and is more than able to bless me if my mind and heart are in position to receive His blessings.

The Reflection:
Are we spending time in prayer so that we can grow in Christ? Is our first reaction to worry or pray when we are in need? Do we trust that God is able to meet our needs?

The Application:
Take a moment to think about when and how we pray — even if you are not worried about something today we need to be deliberate in establishing our prayer time with the Lord. Spend time in prayer regularly so that our heart and mind are in a position to receive His blessings.

The Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to lay our worries at Your feet. We trust You to bless us with the necessary provisions. Help us to continuously seek You in all that we do. Amen.