Friday 25 January 2013

Step Up! Confronting Human Trafficking and Other Destructive Behaviors

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free." Luke 4:18


Next Step Devotion

 It is not easy to confront the painful reality that human atrocities such as human trafficking, abuse, teenage shootings, child pornography, and the murder of innocent life are occurring every single day right here in America. After all, America is the "land of the free and the home of the brave," right? However, there are millions who are not free, but enslaved through trafficking and abuse. Moreover, many of us are not brave enough to confront these destructive behaviors, choosing rather to sweep them under the rug and hope that our government will one day bring about resolution. 

 Let's consider some current statistics:

  • Currently there are 40 million prostitutes at work across the globe. That's more than the entire populations of either Australia or Canada. 
  • In America, 80,000 people are arrested each year for soliciting sex.
  • Human trafficking is a $58 billion dollar industry and is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. 
  • There are currently 27 million human slaves (sex, labor, sub-human) across 161 countries, 80% of which are women. 
Sources:


 What would Jesus Christ do in the face of such evil? In Luke 4:18 Christ proclaimed his mission to release the captives, give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free. As followers of Christ, this must be part of our mission as well. This week on New Day Cafe we have sought to bring many of these destructive behaviors into the light, calling for awareness and action. Our hope is that each of us would begin to see our calling and ability to play a role in alleviating the tragedies occurring in the lives of men and women, boys and girls across the globe. Often such horrific issues can leave us feeling helpless when it comes to making a meaningful difference. 

 We've learned that our Moody Radio White Umbrella Campaign has sparked multiple events, prayer, and ministry outreaches across the nation, as hundreds of thousands of Moody listeners became aware of the 27 million people enslaved through human trafficking across the globe. Perhaps the most grievous tragedy of them all that we have discussed this week is that the innocent blood of 55 million children has been shed on our land through abortion since the Roe v. Wade decision 40 years ago. We've sought to inform and encourage you about how to support the sanctity of human life, including a call to prayer for today's March for Life in Washington D.C. 

 Every single day is a day in which you can set the captives free in the name and love of Jesus Christ. In our interview this week with Christa Brown and Julie Shematz of Beauty From Ashes Ministries, we were given eight practical and purposeful ways by which you can confront and alleviate destructive behaviors occurring across our globe and communities. Let's review these together: 

 1. Get Informed - You cannot confront something if you do not know it exists. The most important thing we can do to confront evil in our world is to acknowledge it and share it with others. Research the statistics, current laws, and currently operating ministries that are working in the trenches to rescue those trapped by abuse, addiction, or trauma. 

 2. Sign Up - Sign up for alerts, newsletters, and calls for prayer from ministries that remain up to date on current legislation and news media. Some great resources that we offered throughout our morning show this week include The Wellspring Living Center in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham's Wellspring Christian Clinic, World on Campus Magazine, WorldCrafts Set Free Campaign.

 3. Speak Up - Share information learned by talking about it in person to your friends and family and through social media.You can also contact your local press and news stations and ask them to do a feature on the topic of human trafficking/sexual exploitation or other destructive issue. Also, join pledges and petitions meant to invoke legislative action, such as Pastor Louie Giglio's End It Movement.

 4. Organize an Event - Organize a prayer gathering in your church or small group to pray for national repentance for the shedding of innocent life and other horrors inflicted upon our children. Have a government official or ministry leader help lead an awareness seminar in your area. 

 5. Volunteer - Nearly every community has a crisis center, shelter, or organization that comes in contact with those who are victims of abuse, struggling with addictions, or living with the pain of hidden trauma. These agencies are on the front lines making a difference, and they need our help. Whether donating food, clothing, joining a prayer team, or giving time to simply love and listen, these organizations need the body of Christ to join with them. 

 6. Give or Raise Funds - Ministries and media awareness organizations need funds to continue the fight for freedom. Pray and ask the Lord if He would have you give of your resources for the sake of those whose lives have been stolen from them. 

 7.Report - Often we are hesitant to make judgements when it comes to suspected abuse, trafficking, or other illegal activity. However, reporting suspected activity is the only way law enforcement officials can take preemptive steps to stop or prevent destructive acts from occurring  If you suspect a human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888. 

 8. Pray and Fast - Pray that the captives would be set free! 

 While the overarching picture of human trafficking and abuse may seem overwhelming, we pray that the above steps will help you in your quest to confront human trafficking and other destructive behaviors. More than anything, we must pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the realities around us, that we might recognize the darkness in order to shine our light brightly upon it. 

 Every day the enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy the lives of innocent and unborn men, women, boys, and girls. However, Jesus came to give life and life abundant (John 10:10)! It is part of our mission to be agents of that life to those in our communities, our nation, and our world. We must pray that God's Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10), and we must care for the physical and spiritual needs of those with which God crosses our path (James 2:14-17). 
Interview Recap


Key Scriptures

John 10:10 - The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isaiah 61:1b - He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the Lord of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Proverbs 31:8 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Psalm 10:12 - Rise Up, O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed.


Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South



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Friday 18 January 2013

True North - Resetting America's Moral Compass


Turn my heart towards your statutes and not towards selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:36-37

Next Step Devotion

 If you compare today's American news headlines with those of say, 50 years ago, it's possible you would think you were reading about two entirely different countries. We have certainly swayed from the standards and principles established by our Christian forefathers. Marriage, freedom of religion, and life itself have been dissected and disregarded in the heated debates of D.C. offices. And what is the result? Currently only 53% of Americans have hope for our nation's future, with 44% stating they are "fearful" about the future. When asked about the world in general, only 40% are hopeful and 56% fearful (Source: The Hill). We know who the author of fear is, right? 

 This week on New Day Cafe our focus has been True North - Resetting America's Moral Compass. If the compass of our lives is set to TRUE North, it will point us directly towards the paths of freedom, righteousness, and salvation. It will point us directly to Jesus Christ. In a culture bombarding us with intensely compelling arguments that diverge from the truths of God's word, it is easy for the arrow of our compass to spin wildly in circles. This can leave us unsure of which opinion to believe. We yearn for the truth that will set us free, and we forget that God has given us a solid rock to stand on that guides us straight to His truth, the TRUE NORTH truth. 

 In thinking about what directs our moral standards True North, we identified 5 key guiding pillars, or guiding lights, that can help set our lives on track.  Our interviews this week each delved deeper into one or more of these guiding pillars. Now let's take the next step together!

 1. Prayer and The Word

 In the research world there is a common phrase that every reputable scholar abides by: "Go back to the source!" While commentaries and editorial reviews can be helpful, nothing compares to going back to the originally authored source to determine the foundation upon which all other opinion was built. The same goes for us as Christians. We must go to the source to determine the foundations of our morality, and we do that through prayer and reading God's word.

 Pastor Rick Taylor of Sulphur Springs Freewill Baptist in Northport joined us at the table for a discussion about prayer and fasting. Throughout the conversation, Pastor Taylor emphasized that prayer is the underlying thread with which everything we engage in as believers must be woven. By prayer we call upon the Lord, asking him for guidance and hearing from him the wisdom he promises in his word (James 1:5). It is the same with God's word. God's word is literally the spoken breath of God, containing every truth we need to set our compass true north towards the heavenly throne of grace (2 Tim 3:16-17).

 This week we spoke with Jonathan Leeman of 9Marks Ministry for Leaders and author of Reverberation: How God's Word Brings Light, Freedom and Action to His People. Jonathan shared the irony of how the church, which was built upon the foundation of God's Word, has sadly  traded our solidarity of preaching God's Word for a moralistic gospel that panders the universalist sentiments of our culture. As a result, the church's own moral compass is in need of recalibrating.  This can only be done by a return to the moral and spiritual standards found in the Bible. 

 2. Family

 Ask almost any social service worker, pastor, or even governmental official where much of our nation's problems are rooted, and they will answer "the breakdown of the family." It is impossible to ignore the blaring statistics that show the disparity between children raised in single versus two-parent households (35% in single-parent homes in 2011: Data Center). The very first two institutions God ordained after creating the world were marriage (created Eve) and family (be fruitful and multiply!). God desires that we experience the love He has for us through the intimate relationships of the family. As we discussed in our interview with Pastor Paul Hand of Crossgates Church in Brandon, MS, God designed marriage to mirror our relationship with Him. God never designed that relationship to be broken. 

 The family is the pathway by which we raise generations that know God and walk according to His path. A child develops his or her identity, beliefs, values, and sense of security from the family. Our families must be a priority and they must be centered upon Christ. However, the task of leading our "children in the way they should go" is often overwhelming for parents, as many are simultaneously seeking the path THEY should go.  

 In our interview with Dan Scott of The Orange Strategy for Children's Ministry, Dan shared about the importance of families and churches working together to disciple their children. If a family is involved in their church family, this lays a foundation for family discussion centered upon God's word. Dan also encouraged parents to keep it simple by beginning to weave spiritual conversation into the rhythm of your daily life. Try simple conversation starters at the dinner table or while driving to soccer practice. Questions such as, "Did you see God help you in any way at school today?" can really kick-start a conversation centered upon Jesus Christ. 

 3. Discipleship

 Discipleship is often misunderstood as simply Bible study or teaching. While these are aspects of discipleship, true discipleship is developed in the context of relationship. Think about Jesus and His "disciples." While Jesus did spend much time teaching these men His truths, at its core Jesus simply shared life with them. They celebrated together, laughed together, cried together, and ate together. In three short years these men were able to live out Jesus life in such a way that now the entire world knows and can experience His love. 

 If we are going to re-direct our nation True North towards Jesus Christ, we must return to genuine discipleship. As shared during our interview with Doug Bender of "I Am Second," true discipleship occurs when we live purely as Jesus did, who came to serve others and not be served (Matthew 20:28). One strategic way to engage in this discipleship process is by participating in a church small group or community group. Hamp Greene, Pastor of Small Groups with Church of the Highlands, spoke with us about how small groups are not only carrying church members deeper in to God's word, but are also uniting the body of Christ through the development of personal, interwoven relationships. As we become more and more united together as believers through Christ, our love for one another will shine brightly upon the True North path, pointing our world towards Christ (John 13:35).

 4. Stewardship

 The month of January always seems to ensure an extra measure of sermons and pep-talks on better money management. Within each of us is a desire to use our resources to the best of our ability, but that is not always the same as stewarding our resources they way God desires. Stewardship goes so much farther than simply giving our 10% to the church and trying no to accumulate debt. Stewardship refers to the entirety of our resources, including our time, body, relationships, as well as finances. 

 Our interview with Pastor Randy Fuller of New Beginnings church in Tuscaloosa shed some light on true Biblical stewardship. Stewardship is about recognizing that all we have is not ours, but is rather a gift from God for us to manage according to His will. As believers we must stand out in the way we use our money, using it to bless others rather than build up treasures for ourselves. We must also be careful not to give some areas of our life to God and withhold others. For example, we may be faithful to give our offering each Sunday, but we are gluttonous in our food choices or refuse to change our time schedule to help a friend, or stranger for that matter, in need. 

 Jesus taught us that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21). As believers we know that our treasure awaits us in heaven, so we must reset our compass True North through the disciplines of Biblical stewardship. 

 5. Community

 The 5th and final guiding pillar that can aid in re-setting our moral compass is Community. If you look inside the word community, you will also find the word "unity." This is the essence of the word, that we would value being unified with our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as with others to the best of our ability. This is especially important within the church, as nothing can cause unbelievers to turn away from the truths of God's word more than gossip and fighting within the church community. But this is also true in the broader context of living in oneness and peace with all of those we encounter through our daily lives. 

 Do you genuinely care for the needs of your community? If you do, how have you stepped out in action to make a positive impact for Christ and others in your community? On the flip side, have you participated in attacking, gossiping  or inciting discord with regard to your church or community leaders? Here's a tough one! How about our national leaders? How have we as a body of Christ supported "CommUNITY" across our nation in regard to our national leadership?  This does not mean that we sacrifice the foundations of God's word for the sake of unity, but it does mean that we lay down our own agendas and opinions at times for the sake of the gospel message. 

 This is exactly what Pastor Louie Giglio of Passion City Church did recently when he stepped down from the invitation to pray at the Inaugural Ceremony. When asked why He would give up such a prestigious opportunity, Pastor Giglio responded, 
"Neither I, nor our team, feel it best serves the core message and goals we are seeking to accomplish to be in a fight on an issue not of our choosing, thus I respectfully withdraw my acceptance of the President's invitation....Though the President and I do not agree on every issue, we have fashioned a friendship around common goals and ideals, most notably, ending slavery in all its forms," (Christian Today)

Pastor Giglio chose to keep the purity of the gospel message in tact, preventing it from becoming skewed through a battle on homosexual marriage. Moreover, he provided a beautiful example of how we as believers can be influential agents in our own community by uniting with others around common efforts through the love of Jesus Christ. This will most certainly shine a light True North on the gospel message. As the author of Hebrews wrote: "Work at living at peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14). 

Closing Thoughts:

It is easy to point the finger and blame the media, our leaders, the younger generation, or social media for the broken moral compass in America. But let us encourage you to take a step back and ask the Lord to examine your (and our) own hearts first. Let the Lord reveal any areas that our moral compass may need recalibrating when it comes to the sturdy pillars of Prayer and The Word, Family, Discipleship, Stewardship, and Community. Nations are built of individuals. So, to change our nation we must be willing to admit, "It starts with me." 

Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

 Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. 

 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Never stop praying.

 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

 Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 

 1 Peter 4:10 - And each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 

 Hebrews 10;24-25 - And let us consider how to stir one another up to good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm
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Friday 11 January 2013

Hope in the Face of Evil

January 7-11: Hope in the Face of Evil 
Psalm 56:11 - In God I trust, I will not be afraid. 
What can man do to me? 

Next Step Devotion

 How can a good God allow evil things to happen? Where was God and why didn't he stop them?  Are there ways I can defend myself again Satan's attacks? Where can I find hope for the future?... 

These are all questions we ask in the wake of evil and tragedy. It is irrational to believe that we will always stand firm, unshaken when we face adversities in life. No matter how much we know that God is in complete control and desires the best for His children, our humanity often overwhelms us. 

In light of recent tragedy across our nation (Connecticut shooting, Colorado shooting, Hurricane Sandy, etc.), we at Moody Radio South felt it important to focus in on the hope we have in Jesus Christ. This hope is immovable and stands ready to proclaim the victory of Christ in the face of evil. The author of Hebrews describes the hope we find in Christ's salvation as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)" Our souls (thoughts, feelings, emotions) are secure, no matter what we face, when anchored deep in the hope of our eternity with God. 

 Looking back to those questions and thoughts that often sweep through our minds in the midst of tragedy or evil events, let's journey through a few of them together: 

 1. How can a good God allow evil things to happen? 

 It is certainly a challenging concept to comprehend that God, the creator of all things, who proclaimed all things to be good (Genesis 1:31), could allow such evil to ravage the earth. It's even more difficult to understand how He can allow evil to afflict His children, those who have given their lives to the salvation of Jesus Christ. 

 This week in our interview with June Hunt of Hope for the Heart ministry, we were reminded that while God did create all things, evil is not itself a thing. Evil is rather a condition, a perversion of the good things that God created. This perversion occurs as a result of man's own sinfulness. For example, a knife in itself is not an evil thing. Knives are incredibly useful tools for preparing food, carving wood, and are essential for any camping trip! However, if that same knife is placed in the hands of an estranged human with the intent to murder, that knife is now a destructive agent of evil. 

 We must remember that God is good, and He is always good! (Psalm 136:1, Matthew 7:11, Matthew 19:17,) When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, the enemy's biggest ploy has since been to take the good things of God and refashion them as tools for his evil schemes.  As Jesus encouraged his own disciples in a time of pain and uncertainly, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

 2. Where was God? 

 When tragedy strikes, we often wonder where God was in the midst of it. Why didn't he swoop in to rescue us from the enemy? Didn't God say that if we call to Him he will rescue us? (Psalm 50:15) 

 Don Hawkins asked this very question in his interview this week with Jack Eyre, Founder and President of Giving Ventures. Often our vision is clouded by the intensity of the pain, but if we shift our eyes towards the truth of the character of God, we can begin to see that He was very much present during our times of tragedy. We see this in the Biblical recounting of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the blazing furnace after refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzer's idols. God did not save them from the evil they encountered. However, God was right there with them in the fire, and ultimately, He delivered them. (Daniel 3).

 When our mind races through the scenarios of events such as the Connecticut school shooting, we can be sure that God was right there with His people. We will never know how God wrapped his arms of peace and comfort around His children, carrying them into eternity without fear as their lives here on earth were stripped from them. We can see God in the courage displayed by valiant educators seeking to combat the evil forces around them. We can see God's peace and strength guiding the teachers who used such wisdom to save entire classrooms. The future only knows how the goodness of God will shine forth in the future as those affected by this tragedy confront the realities of eternity and surrender their lives to the salvation of Jesus Christ. 

 When it seems that God is no where in sight, ask the Lord to help you trust His goodness and promise that he never leaves nor forsakes His people (Deut 31:6). As Jesus departed the world, He knew that his disciples would struggle with this same question as they faced persecution, rejection, and martyrdom  His final words to the disciples are also a promise to us: "and I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."(Matthew 28:20b) 

 3. How Can I Defend Myself Against Evil? 

 One of the strongest truths that can provide hope for us as we face evil is that God has already equipped us for victory! When "fighting the good fight" (1 Timothy 6:12) we can rest assured that while our enemy is fierce, he is a defeated foe. In fact, Jesus victory over sin and death was proclaimed back at the very beginning of time when God prophesied that the coming Messiah would crush the serpent's (Satan's) head (Genesis 3:15). However, even though the final victory in eternity is won, we must still face the battle here on earth.

 In our interview with Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries about his book Stealth Attack: Protecting Yourself Against Satan's Plan to Destroy Your Life , we learned that Satan is the ultimate spiritual terrorist, fighting dirty and targeting our weakest areas of vulnerability. Satan is invisible and he breaks all the rules! However, God promises to "arm us with strength for battle" and cause our "adversaries to bow at his feet." (Psalm 18:39).  Understanding some of Satan's tactics, based upon his character, will help you identify and defend against his attacks in your life. Satan is a deceiver, liar, and accuser. Here are a few scenarios in which your spiritual radar might signal an oncoming attack: 

  • unusual or repeated temptations
  • delays that hinder us from obeying God
  • inducements to doubt God's Word
  • circumstances creating unusual pressure
  • prolonged discouragement
  • worries that seem to consume us
  • bitterness towards others
  • desires to "give up" on the Christian life
  • excuses made for lack of spiritual growth
  • critical comments about believers
Source: http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/2009-05-08-How-to-Meet-the-Enemy/

 We must be alert at all times to the enemy's attempts to attack, always standing on the truth that our God is greater, our God's has won the victory, and our God has equipped us to stand!

 Ephesians 6:14-17 - Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 So, where can we find hope in the face of evil? There is a beautiful hymn written almost 180 years ago that provides the answer far more eloquently than I ever could: 
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.


On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.


When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.


His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.


When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.



 Our hope stands firm on the rock of Jesus Christ, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it! (Matthew 16:18) 


 Interview Resources

Key Scriptures

 Psalm 56:11 - In God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 

Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." 

Psalm 34:17 - When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears them and delivers them out of their troubles. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

1 John 4:4 - Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South 
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 
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Friday 4 January 2013

Refresh, Refocus for the New Year

Refresh, Refocus for the New Year

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

 Next Step Devotion

 What is it about the New Year that seems to spark such fresh motivation and vitality? Maybe it's the rush of cold air that finally sweeps in with the month of January. Perhaps, it's that we have closed the door on a year we feel has been unsuccessful or that was inundated by unsuspected trials and pain. It could even be that we simply "jump on the band wagon" of New Year's resolutions along with the media and much of our nation's population. It certainly is much easier to set goals and begin new objectives when others are making the same commitments.

 Several passages in scripture point us to this principle of new beginnings. It is healthy to take intentional time and effort to refocus our goals and refresh our strength. We are also called to support and "spur one another along" in both our individual and corporate journeys. However, the pitfall that many of us can quickly fall into is setting goals and making resolutions that are guided more by our desire to "keep up with the Joneses'" than in response to God's Word and desires for our life. 

 On New Day Cafe this week we sought to encourage you to refresh and refocus for 2013, but to do so in a way that will re-align your life with that of Jesus Christ. What adjustments need to be made in your life that will cut ties with the world and refocus your eyes on the mission and purpose of the gospel message? What commitments can be made that will reorganize your priorities to spending time in God's Word, in prayer, and in living a life of love and service towards others? While you may not think about it at first, every area of your life (finances, health, friendships, habits) are important to God and purposed to be used for His glory. 

 So, let's take the next step in 2013. Let's evaluate a few areas of our lives where some refreshing and refocusing might be needed:

 Family

 Was spending quality, God-centered time as a family a priority in your life last year? Maybe you started out with good intentions, kick-starting a new family devotion only to have the kids bickering over who got to read that week and then leaving the entire room exasperated with one another! (this happened all too often in my family growing up!). This week we encouraged you not to give up, and we equipped you with some new tools and techniques to make this a priority once again.  

 On Monday we spoke with Marty Machowski, who has recently released a new family devotion book titled Old Story New - Ten Minute Devotionals to Draw your Family to God. In addition to this devotion, Marty also has an entire family bible study curriculum called Gospel Story for Kids. By keeping the devotions to only 10 minutes, five days a week, it only will take a few minutes out of your family routine to re-introduce the discipline of Bible study. Marty's devotions also include kid-friendly illustrations and terminology, keeping children engaged in a way unlike many devotion books.

  If you are wondering where you can gather these ten minutes a day, try setting the book on the dinner table and reading together as everyone is finishing their meal. Maybe you could make a fun day of it, taking a lunch picnic to the park and reading one or two devotions. If practices, sickness, or other unexpected distractions arise, DON'T GIVE UP! It's ok to miss a few days. Just pick it up the next day and pick questions you feel will best engage your children in conversation and move along to the next day. If your child complains, remind them of the importance of knowing God and His word. More than anything, pray for your children and that your family would seek God together through the Holy Spirit. 

 Health

 Perhaps the most resolutions or commitments made on January 1st are related to our physical health. Everyone wants to lose those Christmas pounds and feel better about themselves. The problem is that much of our motivation arises from comparing ourselves with our culture's standards of beauty rather than from a genuine desire to treat our bodies as the temple of the Lord. We often begin strong on our new diets or exercise regimens, only to fall off a slippery slope into busyness and discouragement, saying we will try again closer to summer time. 

 Danna Demetre shared this week about her book Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, encouraging us in setting realistic and healthy goals in a way guided by our devotion to God. Danna shared that in order for you to truly achieve your health aspirations, you must be "transformed by the renewing of you mind." This means you must change not only your dinner plate, but your thoughts, attitudes and lifestyle. Here are some tips from Danna: 

 1. Change your Thinking - Discover your lies (I'm ugly, I'll never achieve my goals, I'm just not as good as ____) and replace them with truth! You can do all things through Christ!

 2. Change your Attitudes - It does not have to be Jan 1 to make wiser choices. You can choose at any moment of any day to eat better, take a walk, or start anew. 

 3. Change your Energy -  Eat more often, smaller in portion. De-stress your life and get plenty of sleep! Don't expect to run 5 miles your first workout, but rather start slow with simply walking for 20-30 minutes. 

 4. Change your Lifestyle - Diet the way you will maintain. It is unrealistic to believe you will never eat a piece of chocolate again, so don't cut that out while dieting either? Make small but powerful adjustments that you can keep down the road. 

 Finances

 There has been much uncertainty and insecurity in our nation regarding the economy throughout 2012. While we may have dodged the "fiscal cliff," there are still many questions left unanswered. Perhaps more than ever before we must take intentional steps towards being free from debt, saving for our future, while simultaneously increasing our giving towards those in need. 

 Adjusting our finances can be an overwhelming task, but our interview with Crystal Payne, also known as The Money Saving Mom, shed some clear light on practical steps for getting the entire family involved in the stewardship of our resources. Here are a few tips: 

 1. Focus on Eliminating Debt - There is not enough room here to navigating the methods for reducing your debt, but some excellent resources include Dave Ramsey and Crystal's great articles on reducing debt with purpose

 2. Begin a Cash Budget - It is so easy to over-spend your income when swiping a credit or debit card. By setting aside actual cash in envelopes for different areas of your budget, you find freedom in knowing exactly how much you have to spend and when it is up. For more encouragement in setting up cash budgets, visit Crystal's articles on We Paid Cash

 3. Set Goals that are Measurable - You will not stick to a goal if there is no way to see if you are making progress. Be specific in the amount of money you wish to save per month, the percent of income you wish to give to ministries, or the number of books you wish to read. If you just say "I want to save money in 2013!" you could technically meet your goal by saving $0.25 :)

 4. Include the Family - Be creative in including your children. One great idea is to split the profit made by cutting back on electricity. Your kids will soon be rushing through the house to cut off lights! You could also let your children choose a ministry they would like to donate to, and use that as the motivation to put back those cookies in the grocery aisle. 
While there are many other areas of our lives that we need to refresh and refocus for 2013, more than anything we pray that you are encouraged to seek the Lord for His will and purposes for your life. Spend time in prayer and in Bible reading and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you areas in need of adjustment as well as areas of victory He wished for you to continue. New Day Cafe is here to help you take the next step in your walk with Jesus Christ, so let's take the next step together in 2013! 
Interview Recap

Key Scriptures
Joshua 24:15 - But is serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, whether the Gods your forefathers beyond the rivers served, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

 Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Corinthians 16:19-20 - Or do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God with your body.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 - But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promises for the present life and also for the life to come. 

Proverbs 27:23 - Know well the face of your flocks; and pay attention to your herds. 

Luke 6:28 - Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will measured to you in return.


Many Blessings, and Happy New Year!

Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South 

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