Friday, 15 March 2013

Miraculous God: Miracles of the Old Testament



Share 2013 is almost here! All week long we have been setting up phones and computers, gathering snacks, and making other final preparations for the studio to face an influx of volunteers, talent, and visitors that will cycle through next week. We would like to make a very special THANK YOU to those who have already given your "Pre-Share" gift. We are currently at 25% of our goal through Pre-Share giving, and this will help us kick off a successful campaign! 

Moody Radio Share 2013 "Phone Zone" 
Our Share 2013 theme is "Together We." Moody Radio South cannot continue in the ministry God has given us without joining together with YOU, our listeners, in service, prayer, and giving. It is together that we can inspire our community with the teaching of Scripture, and it is together that we can dream ideas for how to make the maximum impact for Christ upon future generations. In short, Moody Radio cannot move forward without our listeners, so we are inviting you to join us during Share 2013 through your financial donations so that "Together We" can make a difference!
Water for Life Water Filter

We also have an exciting new addition to Share 2013. Moody Radio has partnered with Compassion International's Water for Life Campaign. For every $30 or more auto-gift given during Share, Compassion International will donate one water filter to a village without clean drinking water. Each filter can provide clean water for LIFE for up to 60 people! Imagine the lives that can be saved from disease and sickness through each water filter. We ask that you pray whether God would have you make this $30 or more auto-gift donation to partner with us and Compassion International in this effort.  


Next Step Devotion

 This week on New Day Cafe we celebrated our almighty and miraculous God! Specifically, we took a deep look at God's miraculous power as revealed in the Old Testament - Elijah, Elisha, Gideon, Nehemiah, Beneniah, and Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones were all included. Many of us grow up learning these timeless stories of God's miracles, yet we never fully understand how the principles behind the stories can apply to us. It is not every day that we see fire fall from heaven, giants slain, and skeletons come to life!

 In our interview with Pastor John Kearns of Christ Harbor United Methodist in Northport, Pastor Kearns shared that God often uses miraculous displays of power in order to instill confidence in His people to remain obedient to the Word of the Lord for their life.  Miracles may also serve to open the eyes of those who are currently blinded to the truth of God's sovereignty and love. When faced with a situation that seems entirely irreconcilable through human intervention (terminal illness, financial ruin, among others) God's miraculous provision or healing can soften a hardened heart when no human words can comfort. 

 Our Station Manager, Rob Moore, joined the morning show LIVE this past Thursday to share a message from Ezekiel 37: The Valley of Dry Bones. In this story we see the prophet Ezekiel "brought up by the Spirit" and set in a valley full of dry bones. God proceeded to ask Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" Now this situation seems completely hopeless to human reasoning. How could piles and piles of  mangled, barren bones ever come back to life? Like with Lazarus' resurrection in the John 11, these bones were beyond dead. But God!

 As Ezekiel was obedient to prophecy over these dry bones, limb by limb the bones began to connect together, forming human bodies with tendons, flesh, and skin. However, the Bible tells us that "there was no breath in them." Ezekiel again obeyed God and prophesied  God then breathed the breath of life into those bones! Soon there stood an entire army ready for battle. God's final words in verses 12-14  reveal the message of this vision: 

 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

 What does this story mean for us? We each have areas of our lives that seem as "dry bones." Our marriage may seem destroyed and without hope of reconciliation  We may be facing a terminal diagnosis and the doctors tell us there is no path towards healing. Our bank account may be at $0 and we have no hope of moving forward. However, God can breathe life into even the most "dead" of situations! 

 Rob shared seven principles from this  vision that we can apply to our lives when we feel like we are standing in the valley of dry bones and need a miraculous intervention:

 1. The Spirit Guides Us - The Lord led Ezekiel to the valley (vs.1)

 2. God is Omniscient - While Ezekiel did not know how the dry bones could live, God did! (vs. 3)

 3. Listen Carefully to the Word of the Lord - We must hearken our ears to God more attentively when it seems all hope is lost. Only He has the answers! (vs. 4)

 4. Only God Breathes Life - We are incapable of restoring life to dead areas of our lives, but nothing is impossible with God. (vs. 5)

 5. Be Obedient - Only through Ezekiel's obedience to God's command could the breath of life go forth. (vs. 7)

 6. God is a Restorer - Our God is for us and desires to restore hope and healing to the brokenness of our lives. (vs. 12)

 7. God is Faithful - God always follows through on His word. We can trust Him to provide, to heal, to restore. (vs. 14) 

 We pray that you will gain strength from the testimonies of God's miraculous faithfulness throughout the Old Testament. God's word promises us that our God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever!" (Hebrews 13:8) That means that the same God that rescued a nation from an army of hundreds of thousands with just 300 men can rescue you. The God that can provide oil day after day for a family living off their final penny can provide for your greatest needs. The God that can rebuild the walls of a broken, dis-unified city in just 52 days can rebuild your family! Our miraculous God is faithful!
Interview Recap
Key Scriptures

 2 Kings 4:3-6 - Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

Judges 6:11-12 - The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

 Ezekiel 37:10 - So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

 1 Chronicles 11:22 - Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

 1 Chronicles 16:12 - Earnestly remember His marvelous deeds which He has done, His miracles, and the judgements He has uttered. 

 1 Corinthians 1:9 - God, who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ, is faithful.
Blessings!
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 

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Friday, 8 March 2013

Battlefield of the Mind


"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV)

 Next Step Devotion

 Every single day you awake to the morning sun and place your feet on the floor, you are engaged in a battle. Not such a comforting thought, yet it is undeniably true. Scripture instructs us that this battle is not against flesh and blood (not our boss, our spouse, our critics). Rather this battle is waged against "rulers, against the authorities..and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12).

 None of us are keen to admit that our own minds could be filled with "evil." Certainly we, God's chosen and redeemed children, could not possibly think evil thoughts, could we? We rather prefer to envision ourselves clothed in the armor of God from head to toe, deflecting the fiery arrows soaring towards us. But is this always the case? In fact, this very imagined scenario is a perfect representation of how fully our MINDS are engaged in a battle. Truth versus lie; pure versus impure; hope versus despair; honorable versus critical; loving versus judgmental. These are the battles our minds continually face. 

 As discussed in our interview with Dr. Gerald Peterman about his book Joy and Tears: The Emotional Life of the Believer, the battlefield of the mind is a dangerous place. Ungodly thoughts can quickly escalate into ungodly feelings towards others, or perhaps even ourselves. This only continues to grow into ungodly, impure, or unrighteous actions. Our husband forgets to take the trash out and we think, "How could he do that!" This thought produces feelings of frustration, which release itself through a cutting remark, brimming with resentment that leaves our spouse feeling disrespected and unappreciated. This cycle of "thought > emotion > action" repeats itself daily. If not careful to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5), we will no longer live as Christ, but as the world. Our salt has lost its flavor and our light has been snuffed out. 

 So how do we engage in this battle and see victory? How can we resist the enemy, living with a mind and thought life that reflects the new creation we become after we've surrendered our spirit before Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:17). It can certainly be confusing when seeking to understand why we must engage in this battle of our minds when we are told the victory is already won through the death and resurrection of Christ. 

 Yes, Christ has won the victory, but while we walk upon the earth looking eagerly towards eternity we must stand vigilant.  We must continue this journey towards sanctification, and the starting point is our minds. 

 God has equipped us with several tools to engage in this battle. The first and foremost weapon is God's Word, the Bible! Pastor Jay Clark of Sebastopol Baptist Church carried us deeper in this understanding during his interview with Frank on Friday. Ephesians 6 instructs us to "take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:15) so that we will be able to stand against the enemy! How do we practically "take up our sword?" 

 One way is to measure our thoughts against God's Word. Are you having judgmental thoughts towards a family or individual in your church (perhaps criticizing their giving habits, their choice of wardrobe, the way they raise their children)? What does the Bible say about that thought? A simple search of God's word will quickly reveal God's heart on the matter: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" Matthew 7:1 (along with James 4:12, Romans 2:1-3, John 8:7, 2 Cor 5:10). Psalm 119:9-10 reveals to us that if we desire to remain pure in thought we must live according to God's Word. We must continually hide His word in our hearts through Bible study, meditation, and prayer for understanding that we might not sin against God. (Psalm 119:9-11)

 Another tool in defending our minds against the enemy is to step across the line...move from defense to offence! In Paul's message to the Philippians,  God outlines a formula for consecrating our minds to Christ. "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Phil 4:8). By intentionally focusing our minds upon the things of God, our minds will be full of the goodness of Christ. All thoughts the enemy seeks to implant will find no place to land! Jesus gave us an illustration of this in Luke 11:24-26. An evil spirit (evil thoughts) may be cast out from our minds, but if we do not replace our minds with the things of Christ, those thoughts will only return with more force than ever before.

 Shelly Beach, author of The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk shared with us how we can use our moments of "self-talk" (a.k.a. thinking to ourselves!) to intentionally fill our minds with the thoughts of Christ. Stop a moment and think, "Is this thought true according to God's word? Is this thought pure? Is it honoring others or tearing them down? Is this focusing on the beauty of God or based in negativity and cynicism? Is God being praised through this thought? Is glory going to His name?" For example, when that driver cuts you off and you think to yourself, "I can't believe they did that! Such an ___!" is that thought pure? Is it honoring that person? Yes, that driver may have wrongly offended you, but does that give us license in our thoughts to attack him or her? Just because you may hold your tongue does not equate to your innocence. Remember Jesus teaching at the Sermon on the Mount:

 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." Matthew 5:21-22

 There is perhaps no battle more tiring as a believer than the battle of our mind. I often summarize it this way: Satan cannot touch our spirits - they are bought and paid for! - so he throws all that he can our our thoughts and emotions. Satan is seeking to "kill, steal, and destroy  our peace of mind in this life because he knows the battle is lost in eternity. But Hallelujah! There is hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. Don't give up! God has given us all we need to live a life immersed in godliness (2 Peter 1:3). So, having this knowledge of God's grace, we must do all that we can to stand. (Ephesians 6:13) 
Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

 2 Corinthians 10:5 - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

 Philippians 4:8 - Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

 Colossians 3:2 - Think about the things of heaven, not things of earth.

 Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

 Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 
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Friday, 1 March 2013

Standing on the Promises


Standing on the promises that cannot fail
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the Living Word of God I will prevail
standing on the promises of God

Next Step Devotion

The above words derive from the beautifully crafted hymn Standing on the Promises. How often do we repetitively sing worship songs and hymns without paying full attention to the message interwoven through each line? What a powerful reminder that God's Word always prevails, that His promises never fail, and doubt and fear cannot overtake us through Christ. I imagine the author of this hymn knew this was a message  acutely needed to be heard and all to seldom preached. 

This week on New Day Cafe our focus has been Standing on the Promises, during which we've sought to reveal and remind us of God's ever-faithful promises. God's word is FULL of promises on which we can stand during times of fear, doubt, temptation, weariness, pain, betrayal, and practically every other human emotion or experience possible. However, we may move through this life entirely unaware that God has a message of hope that speaks directly to the circumstance we are currently enduring. God desires for us to know His faithfulness so that we can stand faithful, His eternal hope so that we may remain hopeful, and His truth so that we may deflect the lies ensnaring us in the enemy's traps.

If we tried to reveal every one of God's promises found in Scripture today, we would not begin to scratch the surface. What we can do is help you "take the next step," to hide God's Word in your heart, when it comes to the promises we have focused on throughout the week. So let's take a walk through God's promises together!

God Will Provide

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us that we should not worry. However, He doesn't just leave us on our own to figure out how to prevent those persistent worrisome thoughts. He instead gives us a sustaining promise on which to stand during those moments of the checking account running low and the bills forming a neatly stacked pile on the kitchen counter. 

"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, wisdom) will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow" - Matthew 6:33-34a

But what does it mean to "seek first" God's Kingdom and His righteousness? It means that we place as first priority God's Word and what the Holy Spirit is prompting within us over what our checking account advises us. It means we choose to do business with honor and integrity when the opportunity to make an "under-the-table" or questionable business deal crosses our way. It means we do not cut corners at work when we feel we are underpaid or under-appreciated. It means we give to those who are in need and commit our tithes and offerings to the church, even if others around you seek to convince you otherwise. 

We must never forget God's promise that HE WILL PROVIDE. Even when we fail to remain faithful, God remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). Make a commitment today that you will stand on God's promises of provision, not trusting in the things of this world (which leads to worry), but rather on the author and originator of ALL things (Colossians 1:16).  

God Blesses His Children

Perhaps there is no other topical portion of scripture as large as blessings designated for God's people. While God's original chosen people are the nation of Israel, God extended his hand of eternal blessings to each of us through the blood of Jesus Christ and establishment of the New Covenant. Ephesians 1:3 shares God's promised blessings, proclaiming that God has blessed us with "every spiritual blessing in Christ." This can prove a sturdy foundation on which to stand when life feels void of all goodness, when you never seem to catch a break, and adversity seems to be all that's coming your way. 

Innumerable blessings exist for us as God's children, but God likewise requires much from us as His children. There are certain undeserved blessings that are granted to us without requirement, just simply because of the price paid on the cross by Jesus Christ (John 1:16)! But God also offers blessings in response to our obedience, our seeking His face, and our service to God and others (John 13:17, James 1:25, Psalm 41:1-2). Here are a few of God's blessings for us, His children, that once revealed can revolutionize the way we walk with God day-to-day: 

  • “For those who are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37:26 
  • “If you return to the Almighty, you will be blessed again. So remove evil from your house.” Job 22:23
  • “Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.” Exodus 23:25
  • “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 
  • “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
God Will Guide You 

No feeling quite matches the unsettling emotions that arise when facing a difficult decision without clarity on which way to turn. You research, talk with counselors and friends, and may even spend long hours in prayer, only to return from your knees without any further sense of guidance. However, God promises us that He will guide us! 

 Not only will He guide us, but He will guide us towards goodness, making our paths straight so that we may follow Him as sheep follow their shepherd. The reality is that the reason we often feel left without guidance from God is that we are not truly seeking HIS voice and HIS way, choosing rather to hold the reigns of our life and simply get God's stamp of approval. 

This tendency towards control is natural for us as humans. However, if we will learn to trust God's word that if we trust in the Lord with all our heart, not relying on our own knowledge or understanding, that God WILL direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). In our interview with Debbie Coty about her book Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate  we discussed how our unwillingness to trust the Lord fully with our life path only results in fear of the unknown, uncertainty of the present, and apprehension about the future. The remedy is God's firm promises that He has plans to prosper us not to harm us (Jer 29:11), will work all things for good (Romans 8:28), and will always be with us (Isaiah 58:11). 

 God Will Comfort You

 When you are tired, beat down from the worries and disappointments of life, and feel as though you could collapse into a heap of dry bones, God promises you rest. While God is a holy king, a righteous ruler, and a sovereign judge, He also is a gentle and loving father. He desires us to come running to His throne of grace in our distress that He may comfort and soothe our troubled souls. Perhaps this is a hard concept for you? Maybe you did not have earthly parents who you could trust to welcome you with loving arms. However, you can turn to God's word and stand on His everlasting promises of safety, protection, and rest. Here are just a few of God's words to us promising His comfort:
  • "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
  • "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13
  • "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26
  • "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4


We encourage you to dive into God's Word and discover the promises He has made to us, His children. These promises form the solid foundation on which we can stand firm in our salvation! These promises are for each of us, so let's encourage one another through the hope of the knowledge of the goodness of God so that we might shine the light of Christ into a hurting world. Cling to these promises when waves are tossing you in sea of despair, and celebrate in them when God reveals His mighty hand in your life. All the Lord's promises prove true! (2 Corinthians 1:20).



Interview Recap



 Key Scriptures

 Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 

 Ephesians 6:2 - Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise. 

 Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 Matthew 11:28 - Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

 Luke 6:32 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

 2 Corinthians 1:20 - For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken to us by the glory of God. 
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Friday, 22 February 2013

America's Godly Heritage

We are pleased to announce the installation is complete of our new transmitter in the Dixons Mills WMBV station area! Moody Bible Institute has made this $107,000.00 investment in the Dixons Mills area so that God's Word can continue being proclaimed across South Alabama. This was made possible by listener gifts during our 2011 Operation Next Campaign. Thank you for your support which is helping keep us on the air! All glory to God for the ministry of Moody Radio South!
Next Step Devotion

 This week our New Day Cafe focus has been "America's Godly Heritage." The role of Christianity in the founding of our nation is a topic widely debated and doubted in recent years. This was made ever more present throughout the fiery political election season of which we are still freshly mindful. But as we celebrate President's Day, Lincoln's Birthday, and Black History Month, it grants opportunity to take a step back and re-examine the personal values and faith of those that allow us to live in freedom today. 

 One question posed often is "Why is knowing the faith of our founding fathers so important? How does it change anything for me today?" We explored this in detail during our interview with Stephen McDowell of The Providence Foundation. One perspective that Stephen shared was that what a nation founds its law upon sets the directive for every other decision it will make. Therefore, if our nation was founded upon the principles and values found in God's Word, then it is from this same paradigm that every other decision, legislative action, and executive vision should be developed. 

 There certainly is not time for us to break down the evidence supporting the role of Christianity in the founding of our nation. However, one truth that we do know is that all but one or two of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence professed Christianity. Even those who were most "un-Christian" in their lifestyle ascribed to the benefits of setting the moral and  governmental structure of our nation upon the foundations of the Bible. Below are a few quotes from many of our founding fathers that reveal more thoroughly the role of Christianity woven within both their personal and political lives:

 Quotations from our Founding Fathers:
  • "The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." - United States Congress 1854
  • "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor." - George Washington: Commander-in-Chief in the American Revolution; Signer of the Constitution; First President of the United States
  • "Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!" - John Adams: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Judge, Diplomat, One of Two Signers of the Bill of Rights, Second President of the United States
  • "In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." - John Quincy Adams; Sixth President of the United States, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator
  • "The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better." - Samuel Adams: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, "Father of the American Revolution", Ratifier of U.S. Constitution, Governor of Massachusetts. 
  • "Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast." - Patrick Henry; Revolutionary General, "The Voice of Liberty," Governor of Virginia, Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
  • "I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ." - Thomas Jefferson; Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Third President of the United States. 

 For more quotes visit http://www.wallbuilders.com/libissuesarticles.asp?id=8755

 It is undeniable that our nation has evolved when it comes to its understanding and commitment to God's Word and principles. As shared in our interview with Stephen Mansfield about his book Lincoln's Battle with God, many of our past Presidents reflected this evolving solidarity to Christ. In fact, Lincoln reflected a common sentiment among our current generation - a distrust of organized religion coupled with longing know and serve the God of the Universe. Our current President, President Barack Obama, has personally expressed his own evolving positions when it comes to many moral or social issues that many of us would say are clearly outlined in God's Word. 

 So does this mean for our future? We cannot seek to live in the past, clinging to the faith of those who have already passed into eternity. Neither can we forget what has led to the blessing and prosperity we have so richly enjoyed throughout America's history. It is up to us to educate our nation and personally embody God's values as we exercise our freedoms. Vote and vote for those that align themselves most closely with the Word of God! More than anything, we must pray that the light of God would illuminate the hearts and minds of our governmental leaders. Pray that God would regenerate their hearts as well as give them the boldness needed to take a solid stand on the Word of God when it comes to their decisions and influence in their area of government. 

 America DOES have a Godly heritage, but it can also have a Godly future. It's up to us!
Interview Recaps

Key Scriptures

Psalm 33:12 - Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. 

Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 

Jeremiah 29:7 - But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you to exile, and pray to the  Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 

Proverbs 11:14 - For where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in the abundance of counsel there is safety. 

Deuteronomy 28:1 - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all the command I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on the earth. 

 Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South 
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Friday, 15 February 2013

The Power of LOVE

Congratulations to our "Words of Love" winners! We had dozens of husbands and wives submit "love notes" expressing their love and appreciation to their spouse, such as....

 "My Dearest Honey Bunny, After 23 plus years the thing that has floated to the top of our life and love for on another is that we are nothing without God, our Lord Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. As I have grown in my faith I have grown closer to you. Thank you for not giving up on me and loving me when I am un-loveable. I am looking so forward to what the Lord has for us in the year to come. I love you and I'm grateful God picked you for me. Your wife, Cindy"

 "Terry I love you for the man you are and for the man you will be for all our tomorrows to come. Not only did you love me enough to take me as your wife but you have loved my two children just as if they were your very own."

 "My wife has a natural beauty about her that is hard to come by. She is just as beautiful in the morning when she wakes up as the day I saw her walking down the aisle to me. She is such a sweet and loving wife and mother. I love you April!!"

 Our Grand Prize Winners were Dustin Raney (1st), Terri Shields (2nd), and Preasha Smith (3rd). Big thanks to our promotion sponsors Tera Lane Salon, The Empowerment Center for Leadership and Mentoring (Ministry of Martin Houston), and The Locker Room. 
Next Step Devotion

 Love holds an incomparable power. Every human being is born with an innate desire to feel loved, even before they can fully express through words what love is or means. Babies and children crave the physical touch and attention of parents or caregivers. As children grow into teens, and that first love strolls through their life, a potentially unhealthy obsession with this desire for love can develop. Adults certainly yearn to feel loved, although this may take the form of a desire for appreciation, admiration, or acceptance. We even desire to express love to others, although we may not understand fully how to use our words or actions to do so.

 Our relationship with love characterizes our memories and can form the framework for how we view the world. You may find that those who did not experience the love of their parents, especially fathers, as a child have a difficult time trusting or expressing love to others. Those who have experienced abuse or felt neglected as a child may have a hard time understanding how a God in heaven could ever care for them. Abused or neglected children may even resist physical touch or kind speech for long lengths of time. For those who have not experienced love in God's pure design, it can be difficult to understand a God who is identified fully as love. If love has been measured according to performance, rather than given unconditionally, a person may feel that God loves only when they are "good," and choose to reject God entirely.

 I wanted to take a slightly difference approach to our devotion this week. Each of our interviews this week offered some incredible encouragement and wisdom when it comes to the power of God's love in our lives. But as we discussed in our interview with Pat Schatzline Jr. about his book Why is God So Mad at Me?, there is such a widespread misunderstanding of what love is across our culture. As a result, there is a widespread misunderstanding of who God is. This can lead to a misunderstanding of who we are called and equipped to be as we live through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (2 Peter 1:3)

 1 Corinthians 13 is commonly known as the "Love Chapter." We journeyed through this chapter in our interview this week with Pastor Jay Clark. There is a little exercise that I'd like to take each of us through. 1 John 4:8 reveals to us that "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." So, when you read this chapter you can literally replace the word "love" each time with the word "God" and gain a pure glimpse into the nature and character of the living God. Let's try it together:

 1 Corinthians 4-8a - "God (love) is patient, God (love) is kind. God (love) does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God (it) is not rude, God (it) is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God (it) keeps no record of wrongs. God (Love) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God (It) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God (Love) never fails."

 Now I know what you're thinking, "Are you sure about all of this? I mean, hasn't God lost His patience with us before and wiped out the earth?" or  "It seems a little self-seeking to me to create an entire world just to worship Himself!" You may be thinking, "If God doesn't delight in evil, then why does He allow evil to occur? It certainly feels like God failed me when He allowed ____ to happen to me..."

 God says nothing in His infallible word that contradicts itself. Let's look at some scriptures that support this comprehensive passage on God's character, hopefully bringing peace and affirmation to your heart about the God you can trust to love you purely and fully. 

 GOD IS PATIENT 
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

 GOD IS KIND
Ephesians 1:7 - He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

 GOD DOES NOT BOAST /  IS NOT PROUD
Philippians 2:7 - Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. 

 GOD IS NOT SELF-SEEKING
Matthew 20:28 - For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 GOD IS NOT EASILY ANGERED
Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 

 GOD KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS
Hebrews 8:12 - And I will forgive their wickedness and I will never again remember their sins.

 GOD DOES NOT REJOICE IN EVIL
Psalm 5:5 - Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil.

 GOD ALWAYS PROTECTS
Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord keeps you from all harm, and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forevermore. 

 GOD NEVER FAILS
Psalm 136:1-2 - Praise the Lord! He is good. God's love never fails. Praise the God of all gods! God's love never fails. 
So you see, God is the PERFECT and POWERFUL expression of LOVE. No one can compare to the love that God freely offers to each of us as His children. How powerful is it to know that God is always patient and kind with you, came to serve and save you, forgives you completely, is slow to get angry with you, always protects you, and never fails you? This is the kind of love that we all long for and often only dream that we could experience through another. While we can (and should) experience this kind of love in our marriages, friendships, and churches, the reality is that we are human and none of us can fully measure to the extent of God's love, because HE IS LOVE.

 When we understand these characteristics of God's love, we understand that we can fully trust Him with our hearts and lives. Perhaps today you are struggling to know or trust God's love because of the way you have been hurt by someone that you love or loved. I invite you today to read through 1 Corinthians 13, reading it as if it is a personal love letter to you written by God Himself. He desires for you to know and accept the transforming love of His grace and mercy. This love is more powerful than any love you could ever hope to experience in this life. "Take the next a step" of faith. God's loving arms are there to catch you and keep you from now forevermore!
Interview Recap


Key Scriptures

Matthew 5:43-44 - You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Romans 12:9-10 - Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

1 Corinthians 13:13 -  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Romans 5:8 -  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave.Love flashes like fire,the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.


Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South

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Friday, 8 February 2013

The REAL Jesus

Next Step Devotion

 Who do you think Jesus is? Is He a good teacher, a prophet, a healer? How about a revolutionary or a condemner of hypocritical religious ideals? Was He God, as He claimed to be, or just a man? It seems that everyone has their own opinion of who the REAL Jesus was and is. This opinion can be influenced by national heritage or government, education or community.

I would endeavor to say that deep within every human stands a yearning to know the truth about Jesus Christ. Main-stream cultural media reveals this desire as movies such as The DaVinci Code, theatrical productions like Jesus Christ Superstar, and headlines revealing the latest "discovery" about Jesus grace the front pages of our newspapers and websites. Even Christian-produced media rises to popular demand, with The Jesus Film enduring as the most globally circulated film of all time.

Our world is obsessed with discovering the truth about Jesus, but many are forgetting one key component to their search; the Bible! The Bible reveals to us all we could ever need to know about the God and person of Jesus Christ. From page one of Genesis to the "Amen" of Revelation, Jesus' character, authority, and love is interwoven within the fabrics of every page.

So what are some of the things we can discover through the Bible about the REAL Jesus? This week on New Day Cafe our interviews focused in on the person and characteristics of Jesus Christ and how the knowledge of Jesus can help us as we seek to live in Christ and as Christ. Let's review four of these "discoveries" together:

Jesus is Controversial 

 OK, so perhaps this is not "new" news! There is no doubt that Jesus stands as perhaps the most controversial of all human beings through the entirety of history. Jesus walked the earth claiming the title and authority of God Himself, He condemned the leading religious rulers of the day, and He foretold His own death and resurrection. He was controversial then, and He divides households, workplaces, and even communities today as some choose to accept His salvation and others reject Him. Jesus knew He would incite conflict. In Matthew 10 Jesus shared that He came "not to bring peace, but a sword....to turn man against his father, and daughter against her mother (Matthew 10:34-35)." Another way Jesus described Himself was as "the stone the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42)." However, this rejected stone is now the cornerstone! While Jesus may divide, He also holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). Those that are do not reject Him are now a part of His temple, bound together with His blood as living stones (1 Peter 2:5).

 Jesus Understands our Sorrow 

It is often argued that if Jesus was fully God, then there is no possible way that He faced the same intensity of pain or sorrow that we seem to experience throughout our own lives. However, Scripture assures us that Jesus faced the same temptations (Hebrews 4:15), the same betrayal, the same sorrow, and thus, He can sympathize with us on every level. It is because He understands our pain that He can perfectly intercede on our behalf before the throne of grace (Romans 8:34). In our interview with Jill Savage, author of Real Moms, Real Jesus, we discussed the parallels between the often over-whelming issues moms face daily with those that Jesus Himself faced. Just as moms may feel like "everyone wants a piece of me!", Jesus also encountered crowds at every turn desiring a touch of His healing power or a word of His divine wisdom. Jesus rarely had a moment to Himself, and Scripture tells us that He was often tired (you'd have to be to sleep on the floor of a boat through a storm!). We also looked at the agony and grief that Christ suffered during our interview with Carolyn and Robert McNutt of the GriefShare Ministry. At the death of His close companion Lazarus, Jesus joined in mourning. Jesus felt the heart-ache of betrayal by a man who had walked by His side throughout His entire ministry. Jesus also cried out to God in agonizing anguish before facing His gruesome death on a cross. Jesus knows our pain!

 Jesus Loved Children

 When you think about Jesus, what visual image comes to your mind? Is He breaking the bread and fish to feed the hungry, kneeling in prayer in the garden, or maybe turning the tables over in the temple? How many of us first picture Jesus sitting on a stone with a little child in His lap, laughing, playing games? Probably not too many of us! However, Jesus continually modeled a love and acceptance of children unlike that which was known to the culture. Children were often viewed as a nuisance, unsuited to mingle with adults. However, Jesus rebuked even His own disciples for this attitude asserting, "Let the little children come to me." (Matthew 19:14). Jesus took special care to include children as He taught the Kingdom, modeling for us that we too should accept and intentionally disciple children from a young age, not just once they reach teen years. Jesus took it a step further, revealing that anyone who welcomes a child actually welcomes Him. Moreover, He proclaimed a virtual death sentence for those that would turn a child away from His love (Matthew 18:5-7). The real Jesus took loving and welcoming children seriously. He promised His Kingdom to them. How are we living as Christ when it comes to our own understanding of loving and leading children?

Jesus is Coming Again 
Our interview with Allen Atkins of The Amen Ministry focused on one of the greatest truths about Jesus of all: Jesus is coming again! While there are varying beliefs about the timing and circumstances surrounding Jesus' second coming, there is no argument against Jesus' own proclamation that He will return and establish His Kingdom (Matt 16:27, Matt 24:27, John 14:1-4). As Christians, we believe the prophecies about Jesus' first coming, for if we didn't we would deny our own faith. So why do we often struggle with believing prophecies about Christ's second coming? Perhaps it is fear or mistrust of the unknown of that which we cannot yet prove? Some discount prophecy as having no practical application for today, as simply a foretelling of future promises. But this is not the case! Paul often couples a practical instruction when speaking of Christ's coming. 1 Corinthians 1:7 exhorts us to exercise our spiritual gifts as we wait on Christ's return (1 Corinthians 1:7), and 1 Timothy 6 charges us to keep God's commands and fight the good fight as we wait on Christ (1 Timothy 6:11-15). So let's live as Christ so that we may be found holy and blameless at His promised return! (1 Thess 5:23)
In a world that now not only doubts the reality and authority of Jesus Christ, but actively attacks it, it is more important than ever to know the REAL Jesus. We must stand on the solid rock of Scripture and the truths it reveals about Christ's lordship, Christ's sovereignty  His authority, His blessings for us as believers, and His future return to establish an eternal Kingdom. If you have questions about Jesus Christ, look first to God's infallible Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more to you day by day about the person and character of Jesus Christ so that we can more fully live as Christ. Our world is hungry for truth. Jesus is the truth!! In John 14:6 Jesus declared Himself "the way, the truth, and the life." If those searching for the real Jesus in our world come to know the truth of Jesus, that truth will set them eternally free (John 8:32).

 Interview Recap


Key Scriptures

 John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Matthew 18:5-6 - And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Romans 8:34 - Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than than, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Philippians 2:5-8 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of  a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!

Revelation 1:18 - I am the Living One; I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades!

Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 
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