LydieBug_2022

These images would capture the essence of Jehoshaphat's prayerful dependence on God and the subsequent divine deliverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Tomorrow’s Daily Devotion: Week 2: Day 5 Praying for Evangelistic Opportunities Colossians 4:2-6

Welcome to Week 2, DAY 3 PRAYING FOR HEALING JAMES 5:14–16 Jesus hurts when you hurt. Jesus feels the weight of your sorrows. He sees you when pain and woundedness becomes the lining of your spirit, when it takes hold like moss on a rock. He is there when you receive hard news, the kind that results in years of uncertainty, the kind that straddles hope and fear. Jesus stoops down when your choices have left you broken and desperate and full of guilt and shame. He is with you always and beckons you to come to Him, the Healer. Jesus speaks, and storms lose their power. With His touch, fevers disappear and bleeding stops. Jesus shouts, and the dead are raised to life. As He speaks truth in love, kindness, and compassion, troubled souls are set free and broken hearts are mended. When asked in faith, Jesus brings healing. He delivers from the entanglements of the enemy’s schemes. His authority breaks all chains of lies and sin. Jesus longs for all things to become new—when pain, sickness, sin, and sorrows are no longer a part of your story. When wounds are deep, remember who holds the truth of who you are. When fear of the unknown threatens to consume you, remember who spoke the planets into being yet holds you in His hand. When your struggles with sin intimidate and torment you, reach for the nail-scarred hands that already set you free. Cry out in prayer to Jesus, where your healing and deliverance awaits. REFLECTION PRAYER Lord Jesus, loving, kind, compassionate Healer and Deliverer of our souls, thank You. Thank You for healing and restoring us, setting us free, and making us whole. Thank You for empowering us to be a part of the Kingdom work of healing and delivering through the authority You gave us as Spirit-filled disciples. Clothed in Your love and goodness, may we be quick to come with faithful prayer to the aid of all those who are in pain, wounded, sick, suffering, bound in sin, and needing deliverance. May You receive all the glory and honor for restored lives. Amen. By Lisa Vogan

Welcome to Week 2, DAY 1 Luke 6:12-16 I learned many lessons from my maternal grandmother. I used to sleep over at her house on weekends and remember falling asleep in her room while she, on her knees by the bed, would pray to God for hours. She interceded for her family, herself, and her church. And in times of difficult decisions, in tears, she prayed to her Creator. In the morning, I’d find her in the same place and position praying. She lived a Spirit-led life that showed her devotion to God through fervent prayer. She followed her loving Savior’s example. Jesus’ prayer life is constant throughout the gospels. In this passage, we read that after praying all night, He chose the men who would carry on His message after He had ascended to the heavens. This was a critical decision, and He prayed before He chose. Jesus was a man of prayer who depended solely on the guidance of His Father. He needed this time away to pray. He knew the need to seek direction and discernment from His Father. We all have moments where we must make decisions that could potentially change the direction of our lives. Unfortunately, we don’t always understand the need to pause to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to seek guidance from our Father. We must not get ahead of ourselves without first having submitted to the Holy Spirit and persisted in fervent prayer. We need to follow Jesus’ example. That’s what my grandmother did! REFLECTION PRAYER Dear Jesus, I long to follow Your example. Holy Spirit, lead me in times when I must make important or hard decisions. Stir in me a deep yearning and sense of urgency to seek Your guidance as I discern Your plans for my life. May I be reminded to completely rest in Your will and surrender my time to truly seek You in fervent prayer. In Your precious, loving name, amen.

Welcome to Week 2, Pray Now Luke 18:1 Always includes now. Jesus’ prescription for whatever we’re facing right now is prayer. There should always be this sense of urgency within us to seek the Father for His help, direction, and power. James echoes this when he writes, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray” James 5:13a. Prayer should be our first reaction, not our last resort. That is part of what the Lord wants to teach us as we begin another year in prayer as the Alliance family. In the face of challenging circumstances, we’re all apt to shift immediately into problem-solving mode, trying to bring our resources to bear on the issue, only to find ourselves overmatched. As we ask the Lord instead, we turn our attention and faith to the unlimited resources of our Almighty God. “Lord, teach us to pray!” By Terry Smith Terry Smith is the vice president for Church Ministries for The Alliance. He and his wife, Ruth, have two married sons and five grandchildren. Terry holds degrees from Toccoa Falls College and Crown College. He is the author of Changing Course: Leading Older Churches in a New Direction. Week (2) "Pray Now" entails an urgent reliance on prayer for immediate guidance, assistance, and empowerment, as emphasized by Jesus and echoed by James, to access the unlimited resources of God in facing challenges. Tomorrow’s Daily Devotion: Week 2: Day 1 Praying for Important Decisions Luke 6:12-16

Jesus: King of Kings and Lord of Lords And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

Jesus: The Shadow of a Great Rock A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Isaiah 32:2 Just as a person struggling through the desert needs escape from the blistering sun, so you need protection from burning trials and temptations in your spiritual desert. Jesus will be your Shadow of a Great Rock to protect you. Just as a weary traveler needs a resting place in the shadows before journeying on, so you need to be to revitalized for the next part of your journey. Jesus is the Shadow of a Great Rock to revitalize you. Look to Him for protection and comfort. You can walk again on the highway of life after resting in His shadow. Lord, today I need a little rest. Also, I need encouragement to get up and walk again in the heat of the day. Ah, it’s good to relax in Your presence. Jesus is the Shadow of a Great Rock. There are no trees in the desert for shade. If there were trees, they would die in the heat. But rocks are much more durable. Only a big rock—big enough to create a shadow—can help you. Jesus’ shadow is big enough for you and other pilgrims. Did you notice that He’s located at the exact place in your journey where you need Him most? Come rest a while, take off your shoes and cool down. Take a nap before you have to go on your way. Lord Jesus, You are my Rock of renewal; I get strength from You. But also, You are my Rock of stability. You give me purpose in life! Amen. Go Deeper: Isaiah 32 Jesus will shadow you from burning trials. Tomorrow...Jesus: King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Welcome to Week 1, Day 6 STAND UP FOR TRUTH MATTHEW 10:16–31 Jesus compared the disciples to sheep, a notoriously simpleminded creature, yet perfectly created to follow a shepherd that would keep them safe from harm. In moments of spiritual crisis or physical threat, we should follow the Good Shepherd’s voice. But if we are honest, such moments often reveal the worst of our “sheepish” tendencies. Under attack, do we separate from the flock and self-isolate? Or do we vie for control over our lives, ignoring the commands of the Shepherd? Do we become catatonic, stuck in a way of life, ignoring the problem even as it consumes us? In crisis moments, standing in the power of the Holy Spirit requires attunement and attachment to the Father. Like snakes, which react in milliseconds, our senses should be heightened to the Kingdom reality around us. Like doves, we are to be innocent of a worldly mindset of self-interest and self-gain, formed instead by the love of our Friend, Savior, and Shepherd—Jesus. Jesus promised He would not leave us as orphans. Though He is ever-present, by God’s grace, we often hear Him more clearly in moments of persecution and testing. The outpouring of Holy Spirit wisdom blesses and convicts believers, “governors and kings,” and Gentiles alike. The Truth drives out worry about what we will say or do in moments of crisis and instead empowers us to stand in the love and power of our Abba Father. We only have to slow down and listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. REFLECTION PRAYER Father God, our loving Shepherd, we know we cannot stand firm in truth unless we are formed by truth. We confess that we often allow our fears to drown out Your voice. Reveal to us how we have gone astray. Grant us a Kingdom mindset so we may perceive where You are moving and leading us today. Keep us free from self-interest, but, Holy Spirit, speak truth to us and through us so that those around us may also experience the same freeing power of Your love and truth. Amen By SARAH MANKO Sarah was born and raised a Buckeye in central Ohio. She attends The Crosswalk (Alliance) Church in Reynoldsburg, OH, and is in her final year of dental school at OSU. She is excited to see where God will take her following graduation.

The Father: Creator Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28 The Lord is the Creator; without Him nothing exists (Colossians 1:16). No person is able to create another human. No one can create life, a soul or the ability to think. God is the Creator who formed man and woman, so He knows all about you. Lord, thank You for making me the way that I am. Thank You for making me after Your image. Help me to reflect Your nature to others. The Lord is the Creator. Some people think that higher things evolved out of lower life, but they face an unexplainable gap between the first molecule and nothing. The first atom came from the Creator. There are two particles of an atom—a proton and a neutron—with an electron swirling around these two. His power holds them together. Break apart an atom and you’ll get a massive nuclear explosion. But there are trillions upon trillions of atoms in the universe. Consider the immeasurable nuclear destruction of the universe possible if all were to be split at the same time. The power of that explosion is held in check by the greater power of God’s nature. Since He is in every atom, think how close He is to you. The Lord is the Creator who made atoms out of nothing. He is powerful enough to know your needs and close enough to help you. Creator, forgive my unbelief when I doubt Your existence. Forgive my stubborn will for not trusting Your power to work things out in my life. I worship You as Creator and God. Amen. Go Deeper: Psalm 19 & Psalm 29 The powerful Creator knows your need. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Shadow of a Great Rock

Jesus: Redeemer For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth. Job 19:25 Jesus is the Redeemer. Before you were saved, you were owned by sin and the Devil, but Jesus bought you with a special redemptive price. “You were not redeemed with . . . silver and gold, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Jesus is your Redeemer, and now you belong to Him. Lord, I sometimes forget what I was before You saved me. Never let me forget how You redeemed me. Thank You for releasing me from the prison house of sin. I am no longer a slave of the Devil. How can I serve You? Jesus is your Redeemer because He took your curse: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). He was punished for your sin; you are no longer in bondage to sin—you are free! But as your Redeemer, Jesus did more than pay the price to release you from bondage; He made you a child of God: “God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:5). Now you’re a part of God’s family; now you have a privileged position in His family. Your Redeemer has taken you from being a slave to sin and made you a part of God’s family. Thank You, Redeemer, for not leaving me stranded in sin. Thank You for bringing me into Your family and making me Your child. “Redemption” is a wonderful word. I enjoy my new position in You. Amen. Go Deeper: Galatians 4:1-7 Jesus redeemed you and made you a member of God’s family. Tomorrow...The Father: Creator

GET DRESSED IN THE ARMOR EPHESIANS 6:10–20 NIV

Welcome to Week 1 Day 3 BATHE IN HIS FAITHFULNESS PSALM 118 I am not a huge fan of baths; I prefer a hot shower—in and out, clean, but with no wasted time. Bathing, on the other hand, is about luxuriously soaking in a tub, taking your time. When we bathe in the Lord’s faithfulness, we need to take our time in it. Faithfulness, by its very definition, can never be over quickly. It is a constant companion. In Psalm 118:1-4, the phrase “his faithful love endures forever” repeats four times. Each time, the group who is called upon to say the phrase changes: the reader, Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord. We are called upon to acknowledge His faithful love because it is a demonstration of how He is good, and it reminds us to trust Him in the future. All people are called to bathe in God’s faithfulness because of what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. At Council 2023, the lens of “past, present, and future” was also used to look at what He is doing in the Alliance family around the world. We have seen God’s faithfulness in the growth of the Alliance family both in the United States and around the globe. Let us soak up that reminder and look to the future as we continue to enjoy the faithfulness of God in our lives—in the good times and the bad times. REFLECTION PRAYER Lord God, together we give You thanks, for You are good. Your faithful love endures forever. Not because of our own work, not due to any inherent goodness of our own, but because of who You are, You have demonstrated that faithful love repeatedly in our lives. Remind us of our need to bathe in Your faithful love each day. Help us soak it up so that we cannot take any more in and so that we overflow that faithful love to the people who are around us. Amen

The Trinity: The King (Jehovah Melek) Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the king, the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 6:5

Welcome to WEEK 1 Day 2 KNEEL DOWN IN SURRENDER ROMANS 12:1–2 In the past several years, I battled with God over control of my life. In a period of crisis, His Spirit showed me that my desire for control was rooted in a lack of trust. Did I truly believe God was who He said He was and could do what He said He would do? When the world was telling me and showing me that no one was trustworthy, did I believe God could be trusted to not break my heart? Did I believe God’s plans were meant for good? I begged Him to help my unbelief. As I made progress, I was frustrated that I kept struggling with taking back control. As I talked (yelled) to God about this, His Spirit spoke into me: “Manna for today.” “No,” I said, “make it now. You can make this struggle and battle go away.” But I knew His way was best, that by daily handing my control over to Him and submitting to His will, I would begin each day in a posture of humility, knowing I could do none of this on my own. If He made it so I could easily do it, I would forget that it is He that is doing it in me. So, I begin every day asking God to use me as He wills, in however gives Him the most glory. I ask that I would follow His desires and not my own and that I would remember He is God and I am not. REFLECTION PRAYER Lord, it is so easy to look at what is happening right in front of us and make choices on our own. But You know the whole picture and what is best for us. Help us to daily lay down our lives and plans and seek Your perfect way. Show us Your will as we walk throughout our day. Show us what is good and acceptable and perfect. In this, help us show the world who You are—only by Your grace. Amen By RAYNA STRONG Rayna and her husband, Brian, live in rural Ohio and are members and servants of Clear Fork Alliance Church. They have two adult sons and daughters-in-law. In 2022, Rayna began working at the National Office as the administrative assistant for Global Link. Let’s go Deeper: ROMANS 12:1–2 Romans 12:1-2 New International Version A Living Sacrifice 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.

Jesus: The Rock And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 Jesus is the Rock on which the Church is built. Some have mistakenly thought that in Matthew 16:18 Jesus was applying the word “rock” to Peter. The name “Peter” is Petros, a reference to a small stone, perhaps like a pebble. The word “rock” in this verse is petra, a large rock, actually like a rock ledge that sticks out of a mountain. The confusion has come because both words came from the same root. Actually, the Church is built on Peter’s statement “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The Church is not a dead institution, though some churches are dead. The Church is alive because it’s built on Jesus, the Son of the living God. The Church is alive because it’s made up of individuals who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and who have accepted Him into their hearts. Lord Jesus, I know that the Church is grounded on You; You are the Rock. I get stability from You. When the Church is built on Jesus, it is as solid as a rock. Jesus is the original church planter and church builder, for He said, “I will build.” Also, the Church is continually being built, for the statement “I will build” contains a future tense verb that means “continually being built.” He’s doing it today. Finally, the Church belongs to Jesus; He called it “My church.” When you’re in Jesus, you’re in the Church; and when you’re in Jesus, you’re on the Rock. Jesus, I know that the Church is growing because it is continually being built. I know I am secure in You because the gates of Hades can’t prevail against Your work. Amen. Go Deeper: Matthew 16:13-28 The church is being built by Jesus. Tomorrow...The Trinity: The King (Jehovah Melek)

Jesus: The Son of Joseph Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote— Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." John 1:45 Jesus is called the Son of Joseph because Joseph was His earthly stepfather and legal guardian. Therefore we are technically right calling Jesus the Son of Joseph. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary when Joseph was engaged to her. Joseph could have legally annulled the engagement, but when an angel explained the supernatural birth, he married Mary (Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph endured the embarrassing rumors that Jesus had been conceived out of wedlock (John 8:41). As an earthly father, Joseph protected Jesus, provided for Him, taught Him the trade of carpentry and guided His youth into manhood.

The Holy Spirit: A Sound from Heaven And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2 The Holy Spirit was like a Sound from Heaven when He came upon the disciples at Pentecost. A loud sound may surprise you; a sweet sound may entice you; an unexpected sound may startle you; and familiar sounds may make you feel comfortable. When Christians were praying in the Upper Room, they didn’t know what to expect. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit to them (Acts 1:8). He came upon them as a loud “sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind” (Acts 2:2). Because He was like a mighty wind, He can do mighty things in your life. The sound filled the whole house, so He can influence your whole world. Those who prayed “were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4); you are included in that “all.” The Holy Spirit can enter your life to transform all you do. Holy Spirit, I need to hear from You. Let me hear the sound of Your presence coming into my life. The Holy Spirit is a Sound from Heaven. He doesn’t sound anything like what you hear on Earth. A Sound from Heaven is optimistic and filled with hope. It is sweet and good. When you focus your ears on Heaven, you’ll hear eternal things. A Sound from Heaven will make you want to worship, so stop what you’re doing. Be quiet and listen for Heaven’s Sound. The Sound you’ll hear will be God Himself. Holy Spirit, I need You today. My mind is clear and I’m quiet. I’m waiting for Your voice. Speak, for Your servant will hear and do what You say. Amen. Go Deeper: Acts 2:1-8 You will hear a new and different sound from the Holy Spirit. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Son of Joseph

Jesus: The Son of the Highest He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. Luke 1:32

Jesus: That Spiritual Rock For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4 Jesus was that Spiritual Rock from which the Israelites drank when they thirsted in the wilderness as they traveled from Egypt. The spring at Horeb was dry. God told Moses to take his rod and strike the rock. In obedience to God’s command, water flowed from the rock and the people drank (Exodus 17:1-6). When God’s people looked to Him, Christ supplied their need. He can take care of your needs in the same way. Jesus, I’m not physically lost in the desert like the Israelites. I have a suitable life, but sometimes I wander in a spiritual desert. I’m hot and thirsty. I need water; come quench my thirst. Jesus is that Spiritual Rock that followed Israel throughout their desert wanderings. He was not a granite stone that followed them; He was their Lord who protected them (Exodus 17:8-16). He was their daily Manna who fed them (Exodus 16:14-22); and He was their God who supplied them with spiritual water when they thirsted. He was their Light to guide them through their night; He was the Column of fire, the Shekinah glory cloud. Jesus met every spiritual need of Israel. Just as Jesus was with His people in the desert, so He can be with you in your spiritual desert. Call on Him today for help. Jesus, I need You to follow me this day, just as You followed Israel in the desert. I need spiritual protection when tempted. I need manna when I’m hungry. I need spiritual water when I’m thirsty and fainting. I need You, my Spiritual Rock. Amen. Go Deeper: 1 Corinthians 10:1-15 Depend on Jesus because He is with you. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Son of the Highest

"I recently saw 'The Chosen' and I have to say, it really grabbed my attention. This movie tells a powerful story about faith, friendship, and how people can change for the better." The film is set in ancient times in a place called Galilee. It's about regular people meeting Jesus and how it changes their lives. The movie makes you feel like you're right there with them, walking on the dusty streets and watching the sea. What's cool about 'The Chosen' is how real the characters seem. They're not just actors playing a part; they feel like actual people with real feelings and struggles. Whether it's the fishermen or the tax collectors, you can relate to them and understand what they're going through. The movie also does a great job mixing deep moments about faith with everyday emotions. You'll see miracles happen, but you'll also see people just being friends and having regular conversations. It's a good balance that makes the story feel honest and relatable. More than anything, 'The Chosen' shows the power of friendship and community. It's about how people from different backgrounds can come together and support each other. It's a message of hope and love that anyone can understand. Overall, 'The Chosen' is a movie worth watching. It's not just about religion; it's about people and their journey to become better versions of themselves. If you're looking for a movie with heart and meaning, 'The Chosen' is a great pick.

The Trinity: The Shadow of the Almighty He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Jesus: A Nazarene And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." Matthew 2:23

Jesus: The Author of Our Faith Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is the Author of Our Faith. He not only began writing the story, but He also finished the manuscript. A book is usually good because an author put it all together. Just as an author sees a problem and scripts a solution, Jesus saw the sin problem of humanity and scripted a solution. Just as an author develops the storyline or plot, Jesus saw what He had to do and developed a plan to save humanity. Just as an author chooses the right words to express his story, Jesus is the Word who expressed the story of salvation in His life (John 1:1). Just as an author develops characters or actors to live out the story, Jesus became the central character of salvation. Not only is Jesus the Author of Your Faith, but also He has finished your story. Most people say, “I could never write a book.” In the same way, others say, “I could never hang on to salvation.” But it’s not about your ability to finish, for He’s the Finisher of your faith. Lord Jesus, I am in You—the Author—so I know my salvation story will be completed. Jesus can finish your salvation story because He finished His own story. He went all the way to the cross, endured suffering and took all the ridicule. Because He finished His task, He will help you finish yours. Lord Jesus, I look to You for strength when I am weak. I look to You to carry me through to the end. Amen. Go Deeper: Matthew 27:15-34 Because Jesus finished His task in providing salvation, He can see you through to the end. Tomorrow...Jesus: A Nazarene

What do you think discipleship means? A definition of the Meaning of Discipleship? Biblical discipleship is a vital aspect of the Christian journey. It goes beyond merely accepting Jesus into our hearts; it involves sharing the gospel and helping others grow in their faith. Let’s explore the definition and examples of discipleship: 1. Definition of Discipleship: o Discipleship is when Christians follow Jesus and live as He did. It encompasses:  Loving the Outcasts: Just as Jesus did, we are called to love and embrace those who are marginalized or considered outcasts.  Pouring into Others: Similar to how Eli invested in Samuel’s life, we are to pour into others, mentoring and guiding them.  Teaching God’s Word: Like Paul, we should teach others about God’s truth and principles. o Practical Steps for Application: Discipleship isn’t theoretical; it involves practical steps. As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to:  Go: Reach out to people near and far, sharing the gospel and making disciples.  Baptize: Encourage baptism as an outward expression of dedication to Christ.  Teach: Instruct new believers to observe Christ’s teachings and live as His followers.  Assurance: Jesus promises to be with us always, supporting us in this mission (Matthew 28:18-20). 2. Characteristics of a Disciple: o A disciple is committed to following and becoming more like Jesus. o Deep love for the Lord drives their pursuit of learning from Him. o They seek to show others how to follow Christ as well. 3. Community Aspect: o Discipleship isn’t a solo journey; it happens within a like-minded community of faith. o Flourishing disciples engage in lifelong, personal transformation while also contributing to the growth of other disciples. Remember, we don’t need to be perfect to share the good news of Jesus and disciple others. God can use us wherever we are on our spiritual journey. As we invest in God’s Word and prayer, we’ll increasingly resemble Christ and impact others for His kingdom.

Jesus: The Light of the City The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:23