Who Does God Use?

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

Who does God use? Well, surly God uses the perfect. Or the wise. Or the sinless. Or those that haven’t made mistakes. Or those that are prominent. Or powerful. Or wealthy. Or famous.

God would have no need for the imperfect, we think. He would have no need for the small, or the frail. Or the ones that are looked down upon. Or just can’t get it right. Right?

Who does God use? Listen to what Peter says today in Acts 2: 17-18:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

Who does God use? Everybody! We see here, Peter preaching on Pentecost, when the Spirit falls down and the church begins, we see that God uses everyone. He uses our sons and our daughters, young men and old men. Male and female servants.

Everyone you. Young and old. Rich and poor. Famous or infamous. God uses everybody. There’s not a soul out there that God can’t use for His purpose and for His glory.

Who does God use? He uses me. He uses you. He uses each of us. No matter where we are; what we are doing, no matter what has happened.

Today. Where you are. In your place. God wants to use you.

I said yesterday at Asbury in my message that ministry is not just preaching. We’ve made the ministry something reserved for just preachers. No, we are all called to ministry. If you are baptized believer, than you have a calling on your life for something for God.

You do.

Who does God use? He uses me. He uses you. He uses all of us. May we be faithful, in all that we do! And may we live in the power of His grace today!

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones, and you thought our app, you can now watch our worship services from Asbury too!

Perspective

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

It’s so easy in life to lose perspective. To lose perspective on ourselves, or to lose perspective on others. To think too much of ourselves, or too little of ourselves. To think too much of others, or too little of others. In our lives, we really do need perspective. We need to see things for what they are in reality.

Listen to how Paul puts it in Romans 12:3-5:

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Paul tells us this morning, keep that perspective. Don’t think to highly of ourselves; but think about things with grace and perspective. Now hear me, this doesn’t mean that we are to have a low opinion of ourselves or think that we don’t matter.

Please understand, that’s not what Paul is saying at all. What he is saying is this. It’s not that you don’t matter. It’s that they matter too. It’s not that you are unimportant, it’s that they are are just as important as you are.

This is the proper perspective to have, we all matter. You are sacred and of great worth. You matter. You are vital. You are important. You is kind, you is smart, you is important.

And so are they. For we are all part of one body. We all matter. We all are important. We all count.

Perspective is not thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking as much of them, as you do yourself.

Today, live with perspective. Don’t think as much about yourself, as you do about them. And I promise you, in that, you’ll find more life that you ever think possible.

Listen

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

Sorry no posts the last few days. Holly’s grandmother passed away this last weekend and we’ve been back in Lincoln county and I didn’t have a lot of computer/internet access in the mornings. We are back home now, so everything should be back on schedule for the rest of the week!

In today’s readings listen to what Jesus says in John 10: 25-27. And that word listen is huge:

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Jesus tells the religious leaders that do not believe because they are not His sheep. His sheep will hear his voice. They will follow Him. They will hear, and they will listen.

It’s hard to follow Jesus if we aren’t listening. It’s hard to follow His command, if we aren’t listening. It’s hard to know which way to go, what to do, where we should be, if we aren’t listening. As His sheep, we’ve got to listen.

We live in a world of real distractions, things pulling at us. Emails, texts, social media, instagram, everything. So many things vying for our attention, for our mind, for our heart. We’ve go to listen. We’ve got to slow down, if just for a moment, and listen for that still small voice, calling out to us.

If are in a place of confusion, slow down, and listen. If you struggling with things in your life, slow down and listen. If you are unsure, slow down and listen. Listen.

Listen for His voice in His word. Listen in your conversations with other believers. Is the music you listen to. In the things you read. Listen.

He is speaking. He is the good shepherd, who loves His sheep. That means us! And He will speak to us. Listen. He is there. Calling out. Listen. He will speak.
Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones, and you thought our app, you can now watch our worship services from Asbury too!

Hey Jealousy

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

One of the things that can really trip us up in life is jealousy. That can be a very, very dangerous thing. And we are all prone to it. It can have material elements – oh they have that, I want that!

It can have elements of money. It can have elements of relationships – we can be jealous of others families, or friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, spouses, whatever. We can be jealous of other’s jobs, or success or reputation, or a million different things that can plague us with jealousy.

We can be jealous of spiritual things. Churches. Ministry. Gifts. Lots of things. Today, in Numbers 11: 28-30, we see Moses be tempted with jealousy:

Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

Moses was the prophet for the people at this time, he was the one that the Lord spoke through. Now here are these others, that are beginning to prophecy and Joshua gets jealousy for him. He says, make them stop, that’s your job. You’re the prophet not them! It’s not right, you are the one that God speaks through.

Joshua loved Moses and respected Moses and was jealous for him. We can all understand that. But Moses didn’t play along in that same way. Moses understood.

What mattered wasn’t him or his pride, it was God being at work. So Moses, instead of getting jealous, focused upon how great it would be if all God’s people had that gift.

He wasn’t worried about himself, he was worried about what God could in people and through people.

Jealousy isn’t just about earthy things it can also be about spiritual things. We as believers can be jealous of others. We as preachers can be jealous of other preachers. We as churches can be jealous of other churches.

You want to battle jealousy in your life? Take the focus off yourself, and place it upon God. When we are looking at others and comparing them to ourselves, we will always be lacking or jealous. When we focus on God and what He wants, we see that I have what I have for purpose and so do you.

And I’m not going to worry about me, or you, or any of this. I’m going to focus on God. And He’ll take care of us.

The key to jealousy is our focus. Where is our focus today?

Don’t Settle

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

There are lots of things in life that are good. Things that are fun, things that we really enjoy. We have lots of things in life that really are pretty cool.

But, in this life, what are our lives really built around. Are they built around things that will last, that have purpose that are truly life giving? Or, in our lives, are we building them around things that are nice and fun, but truly, truly don’t last.

Listen to how Peter describes this choice today in 1 Peter 2: 1-3:

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Peter reminds us – long for that spiritual milk that we will grow deeper in faith, if we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Taste and see.

What does that mean. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever really felt God? I mean, really felt Him? Felt His peace, felt His purpose, felt His grace upon you, felt that mercy? Have you really ever felt that that?

If so, let me ask you another question. What can compare to that? Seriously? What’s as good as that? What is better than that feeling of joy; of peace; of purpose. Of knowing that you are smack dab in the middle of where God is and where God wants you.

If you’ve ever felt that, let me ask you final question. What would you ever settle for less than that? That’s the best moment of our lives, the best thing we’ll ever experience. Why would we settle for less than that? You were made for that purpose and that plan and that peace.

You were. That is exactly what you were made for. Taste and see that God is good. Remember that.

And don’t settle for less.

Yay Monday! Right?

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

It’s Monday! Yay! That’s how we all feel right? How awesome is Monday!

Yeah, I’m not sure that’s exactly how we all feel today, or really any Monday. Mondays can really be a challenge sometimes, especially after a busy and good weekend. So then, what do we do? How do we handle a Monday? How do we beat a Monday? How do we make it through today?

The thing is, sometimes we are defeated before we even leave the house. We’ve already accepted the defeat of a Monday before we even start. Listen to what it says today in 1 Peter 1:13-16:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Peter reminds this morning – keep your mind clear, and set your hope on grace.

So often we walk out of the house defeated on Monday because that’s where our mind is. We’ve got our mind focused on how bad Monday is, or on the fact that the weekend is over, or on the thoughts of all that we have to do today or this week.

Peter says – no. Set you minds for action. Be clear. Focus on God’s grace and mercy. Be obedient.

Is this a Monday? Yeah. It’s a precious creation by God that He has given us today. Is is Monday? Yeah. But it’s a gift. It’s a gift given from God to me and you today. Wow! What a blessing is it. That’s right. I said this Monday is a blessing. Because it’s another day we have, it’s a gift from God, and it’s chance to know Him, love Him, and show His grace to others.

Yes, it’s a Monday. And this Monday is a gift. Remember that. Focus on that. Live in that. Set your mind on grace. And then even Mondays are awesome.

I Know Whom I Have Believed

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

As Christians, we don’t believe in concepts. Well, we do, but not really. We have concepts we believe in. We have truths that we hold to, things we believe, all of that. Yes we do.

But, as Christians, our faith is not founded upon concepts. It’s founded upon a “person.” A being. An entity. It’s founded upon the truth that we believe not in a concept, but we believe in God. A huge, eternal, all powerful, all sovereign, all mighty God.

A God that spoke everything in being. A God that is bigger than we can ever imagine.

This God.

But, He is also a God that so personal. That knows our deepest fears and hurts. That knows our dreams. That knows the hairs upon our head; knows every thing about us. And loves us.

We don’t just believe in a concept. We believe in God. Listen to what Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1: 11-12 today:

for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

Paul is writing about some of his trials and troubles, and he said that yes, they are hard. But, he knows who he has believed. And he know that God will guard what is given to Paul, until that day.

In short, in the circumstances of life, no matter how hard or challenging they may be, Paul knows this. He knows who he has believed in. And he knows that he can trust God, no matter what. Because God is not a concept. God is personal. He is relational. He knows us, and wants to know us.

Paul knows who he has believed in. And he can trust, no matter what.

So can we today. You can trust God today. You can. He knows you, He loves you, and He wants to be in relationship with you today. That’s the kind of God that He is. Today, no matter what is going on, you really can trust in Him.

Two Promises

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

Jesus promises us a lot of things in scripture. He promises us that the Father sees us. He promises us that we will be forgiven. He promises us that He will be with us. He promises us all sorts of things the Bible.

But today, I want to talk about two specific promises that He makes in John 16: 32-33:

Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Jesus gives us two promises here this morning. First, there will be trouble. He says that in the world there will be tribulation. There will be trials. There will be times of trouble, there will be times of sadness and tears and worry and fear.

Lock it down there will be trouble. There will be. It’s gonna happen. None of us want it to be so, but it is. In this world, there will be tribulations. Just get ready.

But, the second promises is as hopeful as the first is discouraging. Jesus promises us, I have overcome the world. Take care. Don’t worry. Don’t fear, don’t be distressed. Take heart. Have hope. Have peace, don’t be afraid.

Yes, you will have real, for real troubles. Yes, even as a Christian, things will come that will rock your world. Yes, there will be lots of things that will hurt.

But, it’s ok. Take heart. Jesus is bigger than these things. He’s overcome them. He’s bigger, He’s stronger, He’s better.

Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid. Yes, there will be troubles. But Jesus has already overcome them. Have faith. Trust. Hope. Believe.

He’s got this.

What Do You Remember?

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

I remember little things. I can remember mistakes. I can remember words. I can remember pains.

I remember wounds, I remember slights. I can really can hold onto things, and really lock in. Particularly mistakes. I can remember the things that others have done wrong, the ways others have hurt me, or hurt those that I love. I can remember, remember those things.

But you know what else I can remember? Not just your mistakes, but I can remember my mistakes. The ways I’ve blown it. The ways I’ve failed. The things that I’ve done wrong. I can really hold onto my mistakes and not let go of them.

I can remember the mistakes of others. I can remember my own mistakes. And I bet that I’m not the only one. I bet we each are that way.

Listen today to what it says in Psalm 25: 6-7:

Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

I love the prayer of this Psalm. It’s a call to God to remember. Remember your mercy God. Remember your grace, remember your kindness. Remember oh God, your love.

And remember not, O Lord, the sins of our youth. Remember not our mistakes. Remember not the ways that we have fallen. Remember not the mistakes that we have made. Don’t remember those things.

And God doesn’t. He does remember His mercy. And He does not remember our sins.

What about you and me today? What do you remember? What do you remember not? Do you remember the mistakes of others? Do you remember your own mistakes?

Or do you remember them not?

Do you remember the lover and mercy of God today? Or do you forget that?

Today, may we remember mercy, God’s to us, and our mercy to others. And may we remember not our mistakes. And may we remember not the mistakes of others.

Because that’s what God does. And that’s what He wants us to do.

Why We are Healed

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Andy Stoddard

Hey y’all, remember me?

I’ve been out of pocket a lot the last two weeks, one for a family trip up to St. Louis, the other to Jackson for our Mississippi Annual Conference. Things should be back to normal now, or as normal as they can be the week of VBS. If your in the Petal area, we’d love to have you join us for Night Two of our Wilderness Escape VBS here at Asbury. You can show up tonight starting at 5:15 or you can go and register on our website.

Today as I was reading, I read this passage here in Matthew 8: 14-15. This passage talks about why Jesus heal us, and why He saves us. Listen to what it says:

And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.

In this passage we see Jesus heal Peter’s mother in law. We don’t know exactly what she was suffering from, but we know that she had a fever.

So, Jesus heals her, and then what happens? The text said she rose and began to serve Him. She wasn’t heal for her own sake, her own glory, or her own purpose. She was healed so that she could serve Jesus. She had a purpose in life, she had a purpose in that moment. That purpose wasn’t hers, but it was to serve Him.

So is ours. That’s what this whole thing called life is all about. It’s not about us. It’s not about what we want to do, or about how we want to do it. But it’s about Him. It’s about His purpose. It’s about His plan. It’s about His reason.

We are healed, we are forgiven. We are restored. Not for ourselves. Not for our purpose. But for His.

Never forget that. Never forget that is what this life is ultimately about; never forget where life is truly found. In Him. And for Him.

That’s why we are healed.

Today, may we rejoice in our forgiveness, and may we live in His power.

RevAndy.org

Monthly Archives: June 2014