At The Movies | Saturday
Saturday | July 25
This Week's Focus:
As Christians, our lives look different because our hope is set on a different source: Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death.
As Christians, our lives look different because our hope is set on a different source: Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
Standing Firm
As we bring our week to a close, we cannot neglect to mention what happens when our circumstances are entirely out of our control and all seems lost: what happens to us? The easy answer is "return to Jesus." That is exactly what Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego did. They refused to abandon God in favor of bowing to idols. Their hope in God was eternal; whether they died or lived, they wanted to make it clear that they worshipped God.
For us, what does a return to Jesus look like? When it feels as though there is no hope left? Like these three friends, we have to remind ourselves that our souls are eternal, but these circumstances are temporary. Recall the times God has stepped in and provided, rescued, or guided you through a difficult situation in the past. Samuel does this with Israel when the Lord rescues them from the Philistines. He places a large stone between two towns as a remembrance that the Lord has helped them. (1 Samuel 7).
As we go forward, we stand firm in our hope. For our hope in Christ is not of this world, it is eternal and everlasting.
For us, what does a return to Jesus look like? When it feels as though there is no hope left? Like these three friends, we have to remind ourselves that our souls are eternal, but these circumstances are temporary. Recall the times God has stepped in and provided, rescued, or guided you through a difficult situation in the past. Samuel does this with Israel when the Lord rescues them from the Philistines. He places a large stone between two towns as a remembrance that the Lord has helped them. (1 Samuel 7).
As we go forward, we stand firm in our hope. For our hope in Christ is not of this world, it is eternal and everlasting.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Am I overwhelmed by my circumstances that I have "lost" my hope?
- What are my large stones of remembrance that help me stand firm in my hope of Christ?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, I praise you for rescuing me. Thank you for continually showing up in my life. Help me to remember all you have done for me. Amen.
Come Back Next Week
Join us Monday as we dive into God's rescue mission to bring His beloved children "home".