Deeper Devotional

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

Read Luke 4:1-14

Who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil?

So often we forget that Holy Spirit leads us . . . and sometimes He leads us into the wilderness, not to be defeated, but to be victorious over the devil. It’s not about us. It’s all about Him.

From Pastor Nate’s sermon on Sunday, we see Jesus stripped down, after a 40-day fast. He was hungry, and the devil tempted Him—the Bread of Life—with bread.

How did Jesus defeat the devil?

How much time do you spend in God’s written Word? It is so important to get into the Word, but it’s even more important that His Word gets into you.

Jesus passed the test on all three temptations. Verse 13 tells us that the devil “departed from Him until an opportune time.”

Have you ever overcome temptation by the Word of God?

So we see Jesus stripped until there was only the Essential God on His side—only God.

The result? After the temptations by the devil, “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.”  Having victory over the devil makes us more powerful in Him, not weaker. In our weakness, He is made strong. Oh, how we need You, Jesus!

In this Lenten season, may we realize that it all comes down to Jesus and you; Jesus and me; Jesus and us. Will we focus on Him? Will we give Him our time, our money, our hearts, and our lives totally and completely? Will we surrender to the One who gave His all once and for all? Will we focus on the cross and how Jesus died so that we might truly live? Will we strip down and strip away all that is in the way of our relationship with Him? He’s waiting for an answer . . .

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “No More Monkey Brain”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

“Be still and know that I AM God.“ Psalm 46:10

For the last two days, we have looked at Jesus who was totally focused on the Father’s will and purpose — even, and especially, His death on the cross. In this technological world of ours, it is so easy to get distracted from the will and purpose of God. God is all about relationship with Him and with each other. It is so easy to conform to the world’s ways and culture that cries out for more, more, more; bigger, bigger, bigger; and better, better, better. We are distracted by the internet, E-mail, Facebook, television, and movies. We have addictions (even in the church) to alcohol, drugs, pornography (especially on the Internet), and have even become workaholics.

The “love of money” wins over love of family. We spend more time working at our jobs than loving those with whom we work. True? True. We have become distracted by the things of this world!

Read 1 John 2:15-17.  John clearly tells us, “Do not love the world or the things of the world.”
What “things” do we love more than Him? What has our attention most in a 24-hour day?  John tells us that the “lust of the eyes” (we want what we see, and we want it now!), “the lust of the flesh” (having that second piece of chocolate cake is dangerous; so is adultery.); “and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Read John 21:15-17.  It is now the third time that Jesus has appeared to His disciples after the resurrection. You would think that seeing the risen Lord would have made a difference in Peter’s and the disciples’ lives, wouldn’t you? No. Peter and the disciples went back to their old occupation: fishing. Remember, Jesus had called them to be fishers of men, but here we find Jesus asking Peter an interesting question: “Peter, do you love Me more than these?” More than these what? The warmth of the fire? The other disciples? The fish they were about to eat? Jesus asks Peter this three times, and Peter says, “Lord, You know that I love You.”

I find Jesus’ response most interesting because of what He does NOT say. He does not say, “Then go to church every time the doors open.”  He does not say, “Become an elder or a deacon and serve the church.” He does not say, “Join the choir,” or “Tithe regularly.” He doesn’t even say, “Go to prayer meetings and Bible studies,” although these are all good things. He says clearly, “Feed My sheep.” Take care of one another.

What distractions will you lay down and disconnect from this week? This day? This hour?  In what direction will you turn in order to “be still and know that He IS God”? Remember: whatever takes up most of your time and energy has you and me. We are all in this together. Let’s strip away all that stands in the way of relationship with Him.

Lord, help us to disconnect from all that distracts us from You. Turn us in the right direction — towards You. Help us, Lord. Oh, how we need to “be still and know” that You are God!

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “No More Monkey Brain”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

Read Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 2:5-11; Romans 12:1-2.

Last week we looked at Hebrews 12: 1-2 in regards to being surrounded by heaven and all the saints who have gone before us there. Today we are going to take a closer look. Paul tells us to “lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us.” What holds you back from making God first in your life? What is that heaviness that you are carrying? Lay it DOWN!

Read 1 Peter 5:7 When was the last time you gave all your cares and worries to Jesus? Why not do it right now…in the quietness of the moment…

I will never forget 2005. During that time, Jesus was taking me through cancer and I was also nominated for deacon. One of the requirements for becoming a deacon was to attend 8 teachings. At one of those meetings, Nate spoke to us about God calling and choosing us, not the other way around. He said, “If I say to you, we are going to the graveyard and ask the dead there to go to MacDonalds with us, will anyone come?” We all answered, “No.”  Nate asked, “Why?” We all replied, “Because they are dead.” Then he said, “That’s how we are without Christ. Walking dead. We’re all dead. We cannot even repent because we’re dead.”

We cannot change ourselves. But once we accept Christ and are filled with His Spirit, we have the power within us to choose! We have the power “to become the children of God” (John 1:12). The Philippians passage says, “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.“  We now have the power to “let”…that is wonder-working power!  Will you let His mind be in you; the same mind that was in Christ Jesus? Will you let all the distractions, the busyness of life, etc. fall by the wayside? Will you? Will I? Will we?

Finally, Paul wrote in Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world; to the worldly culture.” Do we look more like the world than Jesus? Are we fully alive in Him? Is His light of love shining through us to reach this lost generation?”…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Jesus perfectly fit into God’s perfect will! What about you? What about me? What about us?  We, being filled with His Spirit, now have the power to “be transformed.” Lord, may our minds be renewed moment by moment as we fix our eyes on You! May we exchange our distractions for Your attraction, Your loveliness, Your holiness, Your righteousness. May we live for You 24-7 as You live in us!  May Your Light and Love shine brightly in the world in which You have strategically placed us!

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “No More Monkey Brain”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

Read Luke 2:41-52; Luke 9:51

In the first passage, we find Mary and Joseph looking for the 12-year-old boy, Jesus. Picture the scene: Mary and Joseph are in Jerusalem with Jesus (and probably Jesus’ brothers and sisters). They are there for the Feast of the Passover. When it was over, they traveled back home. They went a day’s journey and discovered Jesus was not with them. Can you see the panic set in? They looked for Jesus among their relatives, but He could not be found.

So Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem and searched everywhere, finally finding Him in the temple, “sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone in the temple that day were astonished at Jesus’ understanding and answers. When Mary and Joseph found Him finally, they were anxious and said, “Son why have you done this to us?” “Jesus replied, “Why did you seek Me?  Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Jesus wasn’t lost, was He? I remember a time when my mom and dad took this 7-year-old on vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.  We were all on the beach, and suddenly I was gone.  My parents looked high and low for me in the water and on the boardwalk.  Finally, after two hours had passed, they found me at a lifeguard’s platform playing in the sand and having a grand time. I didn’t know that I was lost, but oh, how good it was to see mom and dad!

Jesus wasn’t lost either. He was focused on what was really important in life — relationship with the Father. He was found in God’s house!  He was focused on the important spiritual questions. He was focused on scripture. He was focused on the purpose God had for Him — the Cross — all for us! He was indeed about His “Father’s business.”

Shouldn’t we be about our Father’s business also? During this Lenten season, a time to focus on Jesus, the Cross, the path of suffering He would travel for us — isn’t it time to be focused on Him? So many things of this world distract us, don’t they? Busyness, addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography, food, etc., TV and movies, newspapers, the news, talk radio, sickness and diseases, love of money (either too much or not enough), self-centeredness, etc., just to name of them.

In Luke 9:51 we find the Man, Jesus, returning once again to Jerusalem. This time He would “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Focused. Focused to fulfill God’s purpose in Him for you and me — for the whole world and all mankind; focused on the place where He was to die on the Cross. It was no accident. It was intentional. He was born to die, and He knew it.

Can you see His face set like flint? Can you see His jaw set to do the will of God? Nothing or no one would distract Him from the Father and His will.

What stands in the way of God fulfilling His purpose in your life? What distractions will you lay down even this day? What has your attention? What occupies your mind and thoughts? Whatever has your attention has you. Take a moment now and focus on Jesus . . . now . . . with uplifted hands, give Him that distraction, that busy-ness, that worry, that thing which so easily takes our attention and heart away from Him. Give it to Jesus.  In fact, why not give yourself to Him completely?  He’s waiting for you with open arms. Run to Him. You’ll be so glad you did.

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “No More Monkey Brain”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

Read Psalm 23, with particular emphasis on verse 6. Ponder dwelling “in the house of the Lord [Heaven] forever.”  Now picture the throne room of your heart with Jesus on it as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Picture Heaven in you and you in Him.

I’d like to share a story with you. (We all have stories to tell.) This is a story that happened to a 17 year-old girl in 1978. She was at our church in Tulsa, OK. She fainted at youth group one evening and was rushed to the emergency room. The diagnosis was not good: acute leukemia. Cindi hadn’t been sick a day in her life! So what did the body of Christ do? We went to prayer. We just knew that Cindi was going to be healed, and two years later when she died, we were devastated. It shook our faith to the very foundation.

The night Cindi died, it was pouring down rain, and I was driving out to Cindi’s home to be with her parents and three brothers. I was crying so hard, that I didn’t know if it was raining or my tears. Suddenly this song was dropped into my head. I sang it all the way out there.  The Holy Spirit wrote it, so I don’t take any credit at all for it. It brought comfort to me and comfort to the family as I sang it at her “going home” celebration:

“What’s it like in heaven?
Well, it’s more than I could ever dream;
For I’m safe in the arms of Jesus now;
And that’s all right with me;
No more sickness;
No more pain;
And no more suffering
For I’m bathed in the sunlight of His face;
And that’s all right with me.

So weep awhile my dear ones;
Then weep no more for me;
For I am one with Jesus now;
Restored, made whole, set free
From the chains that had me bound!
“Death now swallowed up in victory!”
And someday we will meet again;
And that’s all right with me.

Someday I will take your hand;
Place it in the Master’s hand;
Then you’ll know and understand
That that’s all right~
That’s all right~
That’s all right~
That’s all right~
That’s all right with me!”

May it be all right with you!  We’re all in this together . . . dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever.”

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “Forever” from the series “Never Alone – Psalm 23”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.

Take a moment and pray that the Lord will speak to you in this time of study.

Read Revelation 21:2-7

From the moment we accept Christ as Savior and make Him Lord of our lives, we have a new home — Heaven — a place not made with human hands, but the place that Jesus has “prepared for those who love Him.” (John 14:1-2) Those of us who are getting older long for that place more and more each passing day. The realization is that “this world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through” (as the old song goes). The darker things get in today’s world, the brighter heaven looks to those who believe.

Pastor Nate preached on Heaven being home. He said, “Home will be a safe place forever . . . no fears . . . no losses . . . everyone who died in Him is safe now . . . and free!” There will be no more sickness — no more pain and suffering physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Everyone who knows and loves the Son will be in perfect oneness with Him and the Father.  Think about it . . . no more loneliness, restlessness, confusion, heartache, misunderstandings, lies, immorality, greed, lust . . . only Light, and He will be the Light!

I am amazed that “God will wipe away every tear.” Folks, there are going to be tears in heaven. My tears will be tears of joy that I’ve finally made it to heaven. I’ll be speechless for the first time in my life, and when God looks into my tear-filled eyes and asks, “Why should I let you into My heaven?” I will simply and humbly point to Jesus and run in! Jesus is the One I want to see face to face!

Read 1 John 3:1-2.

We now are children of God. What love the Father “has bestowed on us” who believe. You do believe, don’t you? You were made for Heaven! “Now we are children of God.” Right now we are His children . . . “and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Jesus, we not only wait for You to reveal Yourself to us when we get to Heaven, we need You to reveal Yourself to us in our day-to-day lives. If You just save us for heaven, then we have no purpose but to go there. Ah, but if You have placed heaven in us, You long to reveal Yourself to us now.  Do it, Jesus! Help us to realize that we have all of You, because You have given us Your Spirit — the unconditional love of God in our hearts. (Romans 5:5)  Loving You by loving others – reaching out to others and bringing them to heaven with us — that’s purpose! That’s revelation, for indeed, it is “Christ in you [us] the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27)

May Jesus reveal Himself to you this day. May heaven be in your hearts and lives!

–Joanie Tyson,  KPC Deacon

Devotional studies this week are based on the message “Forever” from the series “Never Alone – Psalm 23”  by Pastor Nate Atwood. If you would like to hear the sermon in its entirety, or listen to past messages go to KPC.ORG/WATCH & LISTEN.