Devotions With Deanna

3 Ways to Respond to God’s Grace

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

What is my responsibility as a Christian for the love and grace that God gives to me?

He has done his part, now what is my part?

You may be thinking, how is it possible to know what my responsibility entails if I don’t even really grasp what God’s grace is all about. One way to remember what God’s grace is that it is God’s riches at Christ’s Expense.

Grace in simple terms is God's unmerited favor, His supernatural enablement, and His empowerment for salvation and for daily sanctification. Grace is everything for nothing to those who don't deserve anything. Grace is what every man needs, what none can earn and what God Alone can and does freely give.  The gift of grace makes men fit for salvation, miraculously making separated strangers into God's beloved sons.

2 Corinthians 8:9

The Story of Redemption in Christ

Ephesians 1:4-6 We have the responsibility to respond to God’s grace freely given to us. The simplicity of our responsibility includes these 3 things:

1. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice – how do we do this? First, agree to make the decision to surrender yourself to God, this is a simple choice and challenge to every believer. Second, realize presenting yourself will always require a sacrifice. God wants a living sacrifice, all that we are, so we can be a continuous light to the world as we serve Him. He wants to use us for His glory.

2. Do not be conformed to this world – how do we do this? “Conformed refers to conforming oneself to the outer fashion or outward appearance, accommodating oneself to a model or pattern. Even apparent or superficial conformity to the present world system or any accommodation to its ways would be fatal to the Christian life.” Don’t be conformed to our current world system, its values, or its goals in regard to the moral issues.

3. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind – how do we do this? By reading the Word of God on a consistent basis. As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to radically transform your way of thinking. This requires sacrificing your time, learning new ways to think. We want to renew our mind so that we know what God’s will is for our lives and then actually doing His will.

1. Are you presenting your whole body as a living sacrifice to the Lord to be used for His glory?

2. Are you conforming to the world’s ways, or do you need to adjust things in your life where you are reflecting more of Jesus’ to the world around you?

3. Are you actively renewing your mind by reading the Word of God on a more consistent basis?

Just because you are leader doesn’t mean you are immune to discouragement. One major indication that you have succumbed to discouragement is that you become unconcerned with your personal relationships. And if you are discouraged, do not be embarrassed or ashamed. Today, I want to encourage you that you do not have to surrender to discouragement. You have the choice and power to flip your discouragement into encouragement.Hebrews 12:14-17 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”

1. Pursue Peace: Pursue is an action word and it means to run after or pursue in order to catch. We are to pursue (go after) peace with all people. Make things right in your relationships with people within your circle. If you need to apologize and ask for forgiveness, go, and apologize and ask for forgiveness. If you need to forgive, go, and forgive.

2. Pursue Holiness: Make things right in your relationship with God. Leviticus 19:2, “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” As David Guzik’s commentary states, “Regarding holiness, we are told without which no will see the Lord. A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with God.”

3. Pursue the Grace of God: Going after God’s grace will keep bitterness from coming up in your heart. Going after God’s grace will keep bitterness from spreading. Bitterness can come from holding on to pain and hurt of your past. When you focus on the grace of God, you can move past the pain and hurt and extend that grace God gives to you to others.

4. Pursue Pure Moral Behavior: Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” I love how The Message Bible reads, “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.”

Fear of the Lord – Is this a thing of the past? What does it really mean to fear the Lord? How can I incorporate this into my daily life? Does fearing the Lord still exist?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in an ungodly morally corrupt society. Lawlessness, corrupt behavior, etc. So, how do we stay steady and on course living a morally just life? How do we live a life that claims we fear the Lord? Our answers can be found in the Book of Proverbs. J Vernon McGee Commentary: Proverbs written by Solomon is not just a collection of sayings without any regard for orderly arrangement. The book of Proverbs tells a story of a young man starting out in life. Two schools bid for him – One is the school of Wisdom, which is seen as the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the school for fools. We see this young man’s first lesson in:

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Fear of the Lord – To recognize His might and His holiness; To have the proper reverence and awe towards our Creator, the One who created us and to our Redeemer, the One who redeemed us from an eternal life in Hell. To have the proper respect and honor of God. This is the key repeated throughout the book of Proverbs. It is the means and the secret to obtaining genuine wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not to be afraid of the terror of a tyrant, but rather the awe and respect that leads to obedience to Him.

Dr. A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) comments, “The fear of God is... astonished reverence. I believe that the reverential fear of God mixed with love and fascination and astonishment and admiration and devotion is the most enjoyable state and the most satisfying emotion the human soul can know.”

The beginning of knowledge – is to regard God with respect, reverence, and awe. Once this starting point of having the right relationship with God is established, then growth in knowledge and true wisdom can happen.

Fools despise wisdom and instruction – there is no dread of God’s wrath, nor is there a desire of God’s favor. Fools do not want to even hear how they can escape God’s wrath and obtain His favor.

As you continue to read in Proverbs, there are 19 other references to fearing the Lord that is perfect description of a God-fearing person. They avoid evil; they cultivate humility; they live righteously; they live securely; they are content in life; they are praised by others. The Book of Proverbs is designed to create a need and desire for wisdom, a prevention and remedy for ungodly behaviors and lifestyles, a how-to manual for practical righteousness in every area of your life.

I believe we are living in a time when the question is not, do you want to be a wise person, but when are you going to begin asking the Lord for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in all areas of your life? The body of Christ needs this. The world needs to see God-fearing Christians. This is our legacy, and all people deserve to be handed down this awesome legacy. In my opinion, it’s the only the way to live.

Proverbs 14:2 “He walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.”

Do others see in you that you fear God?

Life Application Questions

1. Do you have a healthy fear the Lord?

2. Is there someone you lead that desperately needs God’s wisdom in their lives? Are you willing to share with them the foundation, fearing God?

Scripture Reference

Psalms 7:1 – “O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,”

“God deserves your trust.” I read this line in the commentary of my Experiencing God Bible this week. And that is where I want to take us today. God does deserve our trust. Here are 3 of my personal reasons:

1. He alone is trustworthy and will never ever break your trust.

2. He will save you.

3. He will deliver you.

TRUST – for such a small word, this word is powerful and can either make or break relationships.

Merriam-Webster defines trust as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence is placed.

Self-Discovery Through Temperament

Trust in God Doesn’t Have to Be Hard – It Just Requires Time

I. Laying the Foundation – 4 Essentials Needed

1. It is essential to know without a shadow of doubt that God loves you with an everlasting love. 

2. It is essential to seek to do His will. 

3. It is essential to not trust in yourself alone. 

4. It is essential to not trust in just people alone. 

II. You Have a Foundation - Build Your Trust in God

God is your refuge in difficult times.

God is your guide in difficult times.

God is faithful in difficult times.

III. You Have a Foundation and Testimony’s of Trust - The Finished Product of Trust

1. Your life will be blessed. Psalms 84:12 “O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

2. Your life will be filled with perfect peace. Isaiah 26:8 “Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited for You; The desire of our soul is for Your name And for the remembrance of You.” Isaiah 26:12 “Lord, You will establish peace for us, For You have also done all our works in us.”

Life Application Questions

1. Do you believe God deserves your trust? Why or why not? If not, what can you start doing to get to that place of trusting Him? Do you need to explore God’s love for you? Do you need to study His character, His abilities, His strength? Do you need to seek His will for your life?

2. If you are in a difficult season, have you let go of how you think things should be and just trust God with the path you are and the outcome?

3. Is there anyone in your life that needs encouragement to completely trust the Lord?

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” -  Corrie Ten Boom

How do you feel about returning a gift? Do you return it and get something else? Do you regift it? Or do you stick it in a closet and forget about it? I personally do not like returning gifts. I feel like I am doing something wrong especially to the person who gave me the gift.

Today, I want to share with you 8 undeniable reasons returning a gift is welcomed. This is a different perspective on a scripture that I have read many times in my Christian walk. It is starred and underlined in my bible. As I started doing the research on this particular scripture, my perspective changed, and I hope that I can convey that to you this morning.

Today’s Scripture References – Psalm 55

Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

Cast – To throw, cast, hurl, fling; release the weight of it.

Burden – Literally, “gift,” what is assigned to you; lot (that which is given – the care, anxiety, etc. which are thy portion). 

Sustain – Literally, “supply food,” which we all need. God promises to meet all our needs. 

Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

To be moved – the righteous are in a secure position to receive His favor; they will never be made to slip, fall, or fail.

Cross Ref:  Psalm 37:5; Psalm 37:23-24; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Our Invitation to Return the Burden

-Cast your burden on the Lord. God invites you to burden Him with what burdens you.

-Commit your way to the Lord.

-Trust in the Lord.

-Be a good person.

-Humble yourself.

God’s Promises Upon Receipt of the Burden

The bible is full of promises. When it comes to casting our cares, our anxieties, our burdens onto the Lords shoulders without hesitation, His word gives us promises we can cling to. Here are the 8 undeniable reasons giving our burdens back to the Lord is not only a welcomed idea but is necessary to grow in grace.

1. God will sustain you.

2. God will never permit the righteous to be moved.

3. God will bring it to pass.

4. God will order your steps.

5. God will delight in your way.

6. God will uphold you with His hand.

7. God will exalt you at the right time.

8. God will care for you.

Life Application Questions

1. What burden are you carrying that you need to cast upon the Lord?

2. Are you committing your way to the Lord and trusting Him to handle all your cares?

3. Do you desire to know God on a deeper level?

Today’s Scripture References – Peace with the Lord

Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Parasailing Adventure

One week ago, on our lady’s beach trip, I was invited by a friend to go parasailing. She had done it before and said it would be fun. Not really realizing what I was getting myself into, I agreed to go. Sitting on the beach watching other people soar above the beach has always looked fun. It just never occurred to me that I could or would do that.

So here we go, 2 of us parasailing while the other 4 were observing. Then the anxiety and sheer panic hit to the point I was crying. Tried to get my other friends to take my place. No one else wanted to be “shark bait”. They kept encouraging me to do this thing.

Next thing I know, I am being hooked up and whisked away. I screamed the first few seconds of leaving the boat. Next to me is my dear friend coaching me, letting me know everything is going to be okay. Almost immediately, I noticed that the further away we got from the boat, all the noises - my very loud thoughts telling me how awful this experience will be, the boat engine, the waves of the ocean, my beautiful friends cheering me on – just slowly faded away. Peace enveloped me. It was a surreal moment.

I finally eased the death grip on the harness and relaxed and enjoyed the view. Enjoyed the peacefulness. Enjoyed the beauty. Realizing that what I was experiencing was exactly what I needed. All the anxiety I had a few moments before was now gone. That peace of God, that surpasses all understanding was guarding my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. I was not thinking of the million things that could go wrong and how we literally could be “shark bait.” After the captain dipped us in the ocean and we had a soft landing, I literally felt sheer excitement and it was evident.

The next morning, I woke up with an epiphany. Since I am a visual learner, sometimes God must physically show me to get His point across. This was one of those moments. My experience parasailing is how I am to approach all issues, problems, situations for the rest of my life – with a bird’s eye view and to get above the problem, to rise above my concerns. This is where there is peace, this is where you can hear the voice of the Lord more clearly. This is where you can see the whole picture, not just the problem at hand.

I also realized how vitally important to surround yourself with friends that are going to cheer you on, help you move past your fears and anxiety. Regardless of who you are, fear and anxiety can be two powerful emotions that literally paralyzes you. God knows this. He created us and does have patience with us. If we trust Him and allow Him, He will develop in us faith that overcomes all our fears. If we have trustworthy friends and allow them to speak into our life, we move through our anxieties and face our fears head on.

The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health is so important, regardless of what you do for a living. Today, for the first time in this format, I want to share my personal story of how I have come from battling suicidal thoughts to experiencing the Abundant Life that Jesus Christ offers to all of us.

“Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 14 and adults aged 24 to 35. While suicide was responsible for nearly 46,000 deaths in 2020, many more people attempt or have serious thoughts of suicide – critical risk factors for future suicide.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)).

Today’s Scripture References

John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Testimony can be found on my website:  www.eaglesrestcounseling.com

Today’s Scripture References – Matthew 18:21-35 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Jesus continues by telling a parable about the man received great forgiveness for a large debt he owed yet refused to forgive a person who owed him a much smaller debt. The lesson from this parable is that we all have been graciously forgiven by God and are forgiven daily, repeatedly. And we need to be just a gracious in forgiving others.

The Forgiveness Letter is a journaling activity for you to reach closure and healing in your life.

Forgiveness can be a difficult and uncomfortable process. The process of forgiving is to recall your hurt, empathize with the person, receive the gift of forgiveness, outwardly express forgiveness, and hold onto to forgiveness. Story in Joshua 4, Stones of Remembrance.

When you decide to forgive, God provides the grace and strength to forgive and to maintain a heart of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is the most powerful thing you can do.

Life Application Questions

1. Are you ready to begin or continue the process of forgiveness?

2. Are you willing to go the extra step in forgiving?

3. What are your Stones of Remembrance when doubt wants to creep in?

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

The best way to understand forgiveness is that it is an act and a process. When you realize you have been forgiven by God, you can forgive. When you forgive, your heart will begin to heal. When your heart begins to heal, your personal, emotional, or spiritual life will begin to heal. Physical ailments, depression, and/or anxiety will diminish. Now, you are free to go forward in your life.

Quote from Kerney Franston, “When you don’t forgive someone, in some way that person is in jail, and you are the warden. You’re incarcerated, too, because you have to make sure the prisoner stays there.”

Today I want to share 3 more points I would like you to remember about forgiveness.

1. Identify and Acknowledge Your Emotions

Are you hurt from the offense? Are you angry from the offense? Are you grieving the losses as a result from the offense? These are normal responses. Hurt, anger, grief is not sinful. It is when you stay stuck in those emotions, you will be robbed of God’s forgiveness, bitterness and other sins will take root, you will walk in darkness, and your heart becomes hardened.

Give yourself permission to identify and acknowledge all emotions you experienced during and after the time of the offense. If you feel like you need to do that in the safe place, reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, or professional counselor to walk you through it. The last thing you need to feel is shame or embarrassment for desiring to bring healing in your life.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

If you are currently in a relationship with the person that has offended you, it is in your best interest to set healthy boundaries so that you are not hurt again. It is also in your best interest to figure out what unsafe and safe relationships look like. If you are with an unsafe person, try your best to minimize your time with that person.

I realize there are some people that are in situations they cannot escape from, or they feel they cannot get out of. Once again, please reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, or professional counselor to help you in this area of setting healthy boundaries, defining safe and unsafe relationships.

You deserve to live a life that has healthy boundaries. You deserve to live a life that has safe relationships. You can trust God to take care of you.

3. Recognize God’s Involvement

During and after the offense, the unforgiveness, no apology, the bitterness taking root, you can’t see the forest through the trees. Not only I have experienced this, but I see it too often in my office. Sometimes, it is hard to understand God’s hand in being offended and the act and process of forgiveness. Sometimes, it is hard to understand that God can use the offense to spur on personal and spiritual growth. He desires for all of us to depend on Him for His plan and glory. And with his help, forgiveness is attainable.

There are two things to ask God if you are having a hard time recognizing His hand in your life: 1. Ask God to heal your emotional wounds. 2. Ask God to help you love your offender.

Today, I want to lay a foundation on the topic of forgiveness. This will be a multi-part series on forgiveness. I know this is a hard topic, a topic that a lot of people avoid, especially if you have been hurt by others. Speaking from my own experience, as painful as it can be, it can be done. And it is very healing and freeing. When you forgive, you grow in grace!

Today’s Scripture References

1. As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.

Sermon on the Mount – Teachings from Jesus

Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 6:12-15

Mark 11:20-26

1. Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Know your enemy – Satan’s main goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. He is subtle in his attempts and uses strategies to deceive us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He is a watchful enemy, ready and willing to destroy us at any moment. Do not be fearful but be watchful.

1. We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13 “ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

- As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.

- Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.

- We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.

Life Application Questions

1. Who do you need to forgive?

2. Are you willing to forgive, let it go, and move forward in your life?