Category: Devotional

In choosing a leader, you are revealed

On By Aaron AllisonIn Devotional, LeadershipLeave a comment

What type of leader do you choose to follow? These choices reveal you.

In our modern world, we frequently choose our leader. Whether it is a job offer we accept, a pastor of a church we join, or a vote in a democratic republic, we make consequential determinations under the Providence of God. Selecting leaders to follow is not so much about determining the future, as that is God’s responsibility, but revealing who we are.

Choose who you follow with discernment, for the leaders you follow will impact your worldview and reputation. Let the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and the community lead you to healthy, life-giving leaders.

Are you resisting water baptism?

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, Devotional, TheologyLeave a comment

I’ve noticed growing resistance among adults toward water baptism in recent years. Although water baptism does not save a person, it holds great significance in the Bible and throughout history as an essential public declaration of faith.

As I reflect on this issue and the people I pastor, I wrote a prayer in my journal:

“May they understand the uniqueness of Jesus, His way, His call, and willingly embrace the public declaration of water baptism. May this ceremony symbolize their transformation in Christ and be a testimony of their faith to the world.”

I believe that water baptism is a powerful moment of obedience and surrender to God, and I encourage all believers to consider taking this step in their faith journey.

At CIl Church, we will offer water baptism on Sunday, May 28, in both services. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to me. If you are ready to be baptized, you can sign up by clicking this link:

Register For Water Baptism

Everything to God in Prayer

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

The lyrics to this old song speak to me this week. If you do not know this hymn, read the richness of the lyrics. If you are familiar with the tune, try not to sing it the rest of the day. I bet it sticks with you.

“What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Poem written by – Joseph M. Scriven (1855)

Lyrics composed by – Charles C. Converse (1868)

Prayer people are smart

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

As a young man, I incorrectly thought prayer people were flighty.

There is an old saying that was passed around my circle of influence that stated, “We shouldn’t be so heavenly minded, that we are not earthly good.”

Now, I see things differently.

Prayer people should be the wisest.
Prayer people are insightful.
Prayer people have that timely comment that impacts the meeting. 
Prayer people have the demeanor and persona that remind people of Jesus. 

Your Confidence is Important for Emotional Health

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

One of the best gifts you give the world is your emotional health. We cannot always control this part of us, but good choices and habits along the journey position us for optimal health. My faith in Christ has benefited my emotional health more than anything, but I know a lot of more devout believers who struggle emotionally.

I write all this as many of you are on Spring Break, which can be a time to realize unmet expectations. I want you to hear this – KEEP YOUR CONFIDENCE! Remaining confident in who God has made you is a key to emotional health. Participate in conversations, reading, podcasts, music, and thoughts that build confidence. God believes in you, and so do I!

God’s Sovereignty is the Answer to Perception of Unanswered Prayer

On By Aaron AllisonIn Devotional, Reformed Theology, TheologyLeave a comment

In sports, we cheer athletes on to inspire them to achieve.
We do not cheer on God. He will perform His will with or without us.
He does not need us; we need Him.

That is why we must recognize the Sovereignty of God amid our bold, faith-filled prayers.

What is the Sovereignty of God? After meditating on a few definitions, I have settled with this:

The Sovereignty of God is his absolute right to do all things according to his will.

So my conclusion, I will pray as hard as I can, as long as I can.
When the situation is over, I will trust God’s Sovereignty. This answer is not always satisfying, but this perspective holds true to Scripture.

“For Such a Time As This” and Trip to Houston

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

I know Sunday’s service was excellent because Beth and I worshipped at a hotel in Houston. We were visiting family but were so blessed by Abbey Allison and Rob Still leading worship music and Jacob Bell bringing the sermon. Jacob’s sermon was titled, “For Such a Time As This.” See the links below if you were not at the service or want to experience it again.

Also, the picture above is of me with my brother, only 1st cousin (my other brother), and sister on a quick visit to Houston. We loved supporting the younger generation in their weekend activities.

WATCH SERMON

WATCH FULL SERVICE

Prayer reminds us Yahweh has a personality

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

When I first engaged in spiritual formation, every prayer was answered the way I wanted, and those prayer successes built my faith.

But, after a while, I inevitably learned that not every prayer will be answered as I expect.

Yahweh is not our wish-list generator.
He is not a genie in the bottle.
He is not a force or energy.
Yahweh is a God with a personality, intelligence, and will.

We pray to Yahweh, and He responds according to His purposes and will.

We struggle in this. We rest in this.

“Eternal Trinity, you are a deep sea…”

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, DevotionalLeave a comment

Not everything old is good. Not everything old is better.

But, something with age can bring comfort, bridging us to our ancestors and our shared humanity. This ancient prayer inspires me, reminding me that people seek the Lord in every generation. I want to be such a person.

“Eternal Trinity, you are a deep sea,
into which the more I enter the more I find,
and the more I find, the more I seek”
– St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)