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. Ezekiel 37:14
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He is a gift from God the Father that allows us to have a relationship with the Lord. The Spirit of God intercedes for us in prayer as He uses words that enter into the throne room of God when we can only moan and groan. He is our Counselor, our Teacher, our Comfort and our Guide. But the most important eternal promise we receive when the Spirit of God is placed in us is the seal of our salvation as we come alive spiritually for eternity. Amazing!
Do you realize the power you have living inside you? That power raised Lazarus from the dead, healed all kinds of diseases and delivered souls from bondage. That same power is found in you through Jesus. Jesus shows us this power through His indwelling peace. When we receive the Spirit of God, we have peace with God, not peace as the world gives, but the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It is peace that "settles" you. No matter where you are or what you are struggling with, God has settled your soul to have peace with Him.
The peace of God is a promise for you today. Claim it, speak it and live in it. Throw off the distractions of illness, financial loss, negative comments, guilt, and self-condemnation. And let the peace of Christ dwell in you richly. Nothing can interfere with the love Christ has for you and the peace that is yours by knowing Him. All these things on earth will pass away, but your security for eternity is fixed. Fix your eyes on Jesus by reading His Word. Get a verse today that you can claim as a promise and live beyond the struggles. Cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
DAYSPRING
Through the tender mercy of our God;
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.
Luke 1:78 kjv
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, as surely as the sun descends, it will rise again the next day. I am your eternal dayspring, the rising sun of every morning. I am the One who shone on the world with My birth, and I am the One who shines in your darkness. I visited the world with My salvation. But I live in your heart daily, making you more and more like Myself—so you can shine for My glory.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
I face the midnight hours, tossing from the day's weariness. Worries stand in line, begging for attention. But all night, behind the scenes, You are intercepting my thoughts. When the dawn greets me, I feel refreshed. You, the dayspring, have renewed my heart.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Our light shines best when the Son is in full view.
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.
Luke 1:78 kjv
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, as surely as the sun descends, it will rise again the next day. I am your eternal dayspring, the rising sun of every morning. I am the One who shone on the world with My birth, and I am the One who shines in your darkness. I visited the world with My salvation. But I live in your heart daily, making you more and more like Myself—so you can shine for My glory.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
I face the midnight hours, tossing from the day's weariness. Worries stand in line, begging for attention. But all night, behind the scenes, You are intercepting my thoughts. When the dawn greets me, I feel refreshed. You, the dayspring, have renewed my heart.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Our light shines best when the Son is in full view.
Honest to God
How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?
—ACTS 5:3
A church with a heart for the poor held a pledge campaign to raise money for people in their community. Church members were generous, making large and sacrificial pledges of money.
One couple made an especially generous pledge, but when the time came to write the check, their pledge seemed too extravagant. Privately, they agreed to donate a smaller sum. The following Sunday after the offering was taken, the pastor noticed that the couple's check was smaller than he remembered their pledge to be.
"Is this what you pledged?" he asked them.
"Oh yes," they assured him. And then they dropped dead.
This might sound implausible, but something very similar to this happened in the time of the apostles when Ananias and Sapphira shortchanged a pledge they made to the Jerusalem church. The issue wasn't that God needed the extra drachmas; it was that the couple was dishonest before God.
As the apostle Peter said to Ananias, "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:4).
Lying damages a relationship. If you have been tempted to lie to God, ask yourself why you feel the need to hide the truth. Speaking the truth to God not only strengthens your relationship with him but also prepares you for trustworthy relationships with others.
Prayer
Lord, I want to be completely honest with you—about my sin, my feelings, my doubts, and my joys.
—ACTS 5:3
A church with a heart for the poor held a pledge campaign to raise money for people in their community. Church members were generous, making large and sacrificial pledges of money.
One couple made an especially generous pledge, but when the time came to write the check, their pledge seemed too extravagant. Privately, they agreed to donate a smaller sum. The following Sunday after the offering was taken, the pastor noticed that the couple's check was smaller than he remembered their pledge to be.
"Is this what you pledged?" he asked them.
"Oh yes," they assured him. And then they dropped dead.
This might sound implausible, but something very similar to this happened in the time of the apostles when Ananias and Sapphira shortchanged a pledge they made to the Jerusalem church. The issue wasn't that God needed the extra drachmas; it was that the couple was dishonest before God.
As the apostle Peter said to Ananias, "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:4).
Lying damages a relationship. If you have been tempted to lie to God, ask yourself why you feel the need to hide the truth. Speaking the truth to God not only strengthens your relationship with him but also prepares you for trustworthy relationships with others.
Prayer
Lord, I want to be completely honest with you—about my sin, my feelings, my doubts, and my joys.
Becoming Wise
He who walks with the wise grows wise . . . .
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Wisdom does not spring up overnight—it takes time. To become wise, we must seek God’s wisdom and live according to His Word. And, we must not only learn the lessons of the Christian life, we must also live by them.
Do you seek to live a life of righteousness and wisdom? If so, you must study the ultimate source of wisdom: the Word of God. You must seek out worthy mentors and listen carefully to their advice. You must associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And, you must act in accordance with your beliefs. When you do these things, you will become wise . . . and you will be a blessing to your friends, to your family, and to the world.
When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim. We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz, 100 Days of Prayer
The theme of Proverbs is wisdom, the right use of knowledge. It enables you to evaluate circumstances and people and make the right decisions in life. - Warren Wiersbe
Indeed, wisdom and discernment are among the natural results of a prayer-filled life. - Richard Foster
The more wisdom enters our hearts, the more we will be able to trust our hearts in difficult situations. - John Eldredge
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I depend upon the world’s wisdom, I make many mistakes. But when I trust in Your wisdom, I build my life on a firm foundation. Today and every day I will trust Your Word and follow it, knowing that the ultimate wisdom is Your wisdom and the ultimate truth is Your truth. Amen
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Wisdom does not spring up overnight—it takes time. To become wise, we must seek God’s wisdom and live according to His Word. And, we must not only learn the lessons of the Christian life, we must also live by them.
Do you seek to live a life of righteousness and wisdom? If so, you must study the ultimate source of wisdom: the Word of God. You must seek out worthy mentors and listen carefully to their advice. You must associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And, you must act in accordance with your beliefs. When you do these things, you will become wise . . . and you will be a blessing to your friends, to your family, and to the world.
When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim. We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz, 100 Days of Prayer
The theme of Proverbs is wisdom, the right use of knowledge. It enables you to evaluate circumstances and people and make the right decisions in life. - Warren Wiersbe
Indeed, wisdom and discernment are among the natural results of a prayer-filled life. - Richard Foster
The more wisdom enters our hearts, the more we will be able to trust our hearts in difficult situations. - John Eldredge
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I depend upon the world’s wisdom, I make many mistakes. But when I trust in Your wisdom, I build my life on a firm foundation. Today and every day I will trust Your Word and follow it, knowing that the ultimate wisdom is Your wisdom and the ultimate truth is Your truth. Amen
Grace from Heaven's Bank
Romans 2:4
Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
Understanding grace doesn't mean that you can sin without penalty. Understanding grace means that you never want to sin again. It is the goodness of God that motivates us to repentance and holy living.
I read of a rather unusual accountability partnership that demonstrated the power of grace over sin. Paul was trying to break his habit of using profanity. Swearing had become a second language to him and he desperately wanted to overcome it. He began meeting with another man from his church, and with Bill's help, set up an aggressive plan for purifying his speech.
Here's the plan: each Sunday Paul would report to Bill the number of times he had used profanity during the week and would put five dollars in the offering plate for each incident. The first week cost Paul one hundred dollars! Although the following weeks improved to some degree, he was not having the success that he desired, not to mention the fact that he was quickly running out of money!
After a few weeks, Bill had an idea that he thought might make the difference. He informed Paul that things were going to change the following Sunday, but he wouldn't tell him how they would change. Curiosity gnawed at Paul all week. A few times he tried to find out what the new plan was, but each time Bill simply responded, "Trust me, Paul. This new strategy will cost you less and challenge you even more."
Sunday finally arrived, and before the worship service began Paul looked more discouraged than ever. Bill knew his friend had failed again. This time Bill put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Paul, my new plan is called grace." Bill then took out his own checkbook, wrote in the church's name, dated it, signed it, and left only the amount blank. He handed the check to Paul and said, "Your sin still costs something, but you can go free on my account; just fill in the numbers—I'll take care of the cost. Oh, by the way, next week there will be more grace."
That first week of grace cost Bill fifty-five dollars, but the second week cost him only twenty. And there was no third week . . . Paul was so overwhelmed by the grace of Bill that his heart broke to think of his friend having to write another check to cover his sin.
It was only after the discovery of Bill's grace and love toward him that Paul was able to overcome his life-long, sinful habit of swearing.
If you are feeling overcome by sin today, look again to the cross. Counseling sessions, accountability, personal discipleship, and twelve-step programs won't be enough to ward off the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Only when you gaze upon the grace of God, realizing again that He paid the debt for your sin with the blood of His Son, will you find enough motivation to consciously quit your sin.
Christ handed you a blank check . . . how much will it cost Him today?
Prayer Point: Thank the Lord for His goodness—it leads to repentance. Thank Him for His grace—it is undeserved favor and love. Thank Him for His mercy—it withholds eternal punishment, which we so clearly deserve.
Extra Refreshment: Read Isaiah 53.
Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
Understanding grace doesn't mean that you can sin without penalty. Understanding grace means that you never want to sin again. It is the goodness of God that motivates us to repentance and holy living.
I read of a rather unusual accountability partnership that demonstrated the power of grace over sin. Paul was trying to break his habit of using profanity. Swearing had become a second language to him and he desperately wanted to overcome it. He began meeting with another man from his church, and with Bill's help, set up an aggressive plan for purifying his speech.
Here's the plan: each Sunday Paul would report to Bill the number of times he had used profanity during the week and would put five dollars in the offering plate for each incident. The first week cost Paul one hundred dollars! Although the following weeks improved to some degree, he was not having the success that he desired, not to mention the fact that he was quickly running out of money!
After a few weeks, Bill had an idea that he thought might make the difference. He informed Paul that things were going to change the following Sunday, but he wouldn't tell him how they would change. Curiosity gnawed at Paul all week. A few times he tried to find out what the new plan was, but each time Bill simply responded, "Trust me, Paul. This new strategy will cost you less and challenge you even more."
Sunday finally arrived, and before the worship service began Paul looked more discouraged than ever. Bill knew his friend had failed again. This time Bill put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Paul, my new plan is called grace." Bill then took out his own checkbook, wrote in the church's name, dated it, signed it, and left only the amount blank. He handed the check to Paul and said, "Your sin still costs something, but you can go free on my account; just fill in the numbers—I'll take care of the cost. Oh, by the way, next week there will be more grace."
That first week of grace cost Bill fifty-five dollars, but the second week cost him only twenty. And there was no third week . . . Paul was so overwhelmed by the grace of Bill that his heart broke to think of his friend having to write another check to cover his sin.
It was only after the discovery of Bill's grace and love toward him that Paul was able to overcome his life-long, sinful habit of swearing.
If you are feeling overcome by sin today, look again to the cross. Counseling sessions, accountability, personal discipleship, and twelve-step programs won't be enough to ward off the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Only when you gaze upon the grace of God, realizing again that He paid the debt for your sin with the blood of His Son, will you find enough motivation to consciously quit your sin.
Christ handed you a blank check . . . how much will it cost Him today?
Prayer Point: Thank the Lord for His goodness—it leads to repentance. Thank Him for His grace—it is undeserved favor and love. Thank Him for His mercy—it withholds eternal punishment, which we so clearly deserve.
Extra Refreshment: Read Isaiah 53.
Ephesians 4:29-30
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
When you obey God it helps your relationship with Him grow stronger and more meaningful!
God is reminding us today that our Christianity is not simply a way of life or a club whose meetings we attend once or twice a week. No, we are in a living relationship with Him. The reason to make godly choices in our lives is not so that we don’t feel guilty; the reason to make godly choices is to grow closer to God, to walk with Him, to show we love Him above all else.
In today’s passage, God is pointing out that when we disobey Him it grieves Him. It hurts His heart of love for us. If we truly have made our relationship with God the most important relationship in our lives, then we will hate to hurt Him the most of all.
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
When you obey God it helps your relationship with Him grow stronger and more meaningful!
God is reminding us today that our Christianity is not simply a way of life or a club whose meetings we attend once or twice a week. No, we are in a living relationship with Him. The reason to make godly choices in our lives is not so that we don’t feel guilty; the reason to make godly choices is to grow closer to God, to walk with Him, to show we love Him above all else.
In today’s passage, God is pointing out that when we disobey Him it grieves Him. It hurts His heart of love for us. If we truly have made our relationship with God the most important relationship in our lives, then we will hate to hurt Him the most of all.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
No Room
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I make room for things that are important to me. I eat two or three meals every day and sleep several hours each night even though my “to do” list is not much shorter today than it was yesterday. I will choose to play with a grandchild over cleaning the house any day of the week. I manage to find a place for that great piece of furniture I don’t really need – but really like. After all, it was on sale. I like watches. Don’t ask me why because I simply don’t know. I only need one watch, but I own several inexpensive ones. I will have lunch with a friend instead of running errands. And there is always room for chocolate! Silly examples – right? I wonder. I wonder what the innkeeper thought as he turned away the young man and his very pregnant wife that holy night so long ago. He had no room – it was that simple. Do we?
The Christmas season is almost here! Our calendars are already full, our bank accounts are closing in on empty and our hearts and lives are crowded with things we deem important, but have we made room for Jesus?
I simply cannot imagine a world without the presence of God and yet I often live my life as if He does not exist. A crisis hits, and I try to handle it on my own. I don’t understand the trials in my life while those who could care less about God seem to prosper. Instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. Financial stress fuels worry. Instead of turning to God, I rely on what I can see and understand. I settle.
When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each dark corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, Jesus Christ steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – absolutely everything!
Jesus could have come to us in many ways. The simplicity of His birth is extraordinary and sometimes hard to grasp. Jesus could have been born in a mansion. He was, after all, a King. Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by common shepherds instead of Kings -- the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity. Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives. It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn’t it?
It was Christmas Eve, and the family was preparing to attend the special service of their local church. Everyone was going except Dad, who was an honest man, a man who could not seem to wrap his logical mind around the story of God come to earth as a baby in a manger. He didn’t want to be a hypocrite, pretending to worship a Savior he wasn’t sure even existed, so he stayed home, built a fire to dispel the bitter cold of that winter night and began to read the paper, waiting for his family’s return. Hearing a knock at the window, he turned to see a tiny bird trying to reach the warmth of the fire. The man opened the window, but the bird refused to come in. Grabbing his coat, the man went out to the barn and opened the barn doors wide – but still, the bird refused to come in. The man thought, “If only I could be a bird, for just one minute, I could lead the bird to safety.” At that moment, he heard the church bells ring and finally understood why Jesus came to earth as a man -- to become one of us so He could lead us to eternal safety.
The very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us – with me – and withyou. Christmas is not a date on a calendar. Christmas is a way of life that celebrates the presence of God in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do -- the smile we give the harried stranger or the patience we choose in the crowd of impatient shoppers -- the love that prompts the secret gift or the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. God is with us – if we choose to make room for Him.
Let’s Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a tiny baby in a manger. I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gift of life that He brings. I choose to receive Your gift of love and forgiveness for my sins. I now surrender everything I am or ever hope to be to You. Please take control of my life and direct my paths. I promise to follow.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read John 3:16 once a day and look for ways to share God’s love with the people in your life.
Give a gift to someone you don’t know.
Invite a needy family into your home for a special “Friends” dinner.
Offer to take an elderly neighbor shopping.
Put your faith into action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.
Friend to Friend
I make room for things that are important to me. I eat two or three meals every day and sleep several hours each night even though my “to do” list is not much shorter today than it was yesterday. I will choose to play with a grandchild over cleaning the house any day of the week. I manage to find a place for that great piece of furniture I don’t really need – but really like. After all, it was on sale. I like watches. Don’t ask me why because I simply don’t know. I only need one watch, but I own several inexpensive ones. I will have lunch with a friend instead of running errands. And there is always room for chocolate! Silly examples – right? I wonder. I wonder what the innkeeper thought as he turned away the young man and his very pregnant wife that holy night so long ago. He had no room – it was that simple. Do we?
The Christmas season is almost here! Our calendars are already full, our bank accounts are closing in on empty and our hearts and lives are crowded with things we deem important, but have we made room for Jesus?
I simply cannot imagine a world without the presence of God and yet I often live my life as if He does not exist. A crisis hits, and I try to handle it on my own. I don’t understand the trials in my life while those who could care less about God seem to prosper. Instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. Financial stress fuels worry. Instead of turning to God, I rely on what I can see and understand. I settle.
When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each dark corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, Jesus Christ steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – absolutely everything!
Jesus could have come to us in many ways. The simplicity of His birth is extraordinary and sometimes hard to grasp. Jesus could have been born in a mansion. He was, after all, a King. Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by common shepherds instead of Kings -- the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity. Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives. It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn’t it?
It was Christmas Eve, and the family was preparing to attend the special service of their local church. Everyone was going except Dad, who was an honest man, a man who could not seem to wrap his logical mind around the story of God come to earth as a baby in a manger. He didn’t want to be a hypocrite, pretending to worship a Savior he wasn’t sure even existed, so he stayed home, built a fire to dispel the bitter cold of that winter night and began to read the paper, waiting for his family’s return. Hearing a knock at the window, he turned to see a tiny bird trying to reach the warmth of the fire. The man opened the window, but the bird refused to come in. Grabbing his coat, the man went out to the barn and opened the barn doors wide – but still, the bird refused to come in. The man thought, “If only I could be a bird, for just one minute, I could lead the bird to safety.” At that moment, he heard the church bells ring and finally understood why Jesus came to earth as a man -- to become one of us so He could lead us to eternal safety.
The very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us – with me – and withyou. Christmas is not a date on a calendar. Christmas is a way of life that celebrates the presence of God in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do -- the smile we give the harried stranger or the patience we choose in the crowd of impatient shoppers -- the love that prompts the secret gift or the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. God is with us – if we choose to make room for Him.
Let’s Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a tiny baby in a manger. I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gift of life that He brings. I choose to receive Your gift of love and forgiveness for my sins. I now surrender everything I am or ever hope to be to You. Please take control of my life and direct my paths. I promise to follow.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read John 3:16 once a day and look for ways to share God’s love with the people in your life.
Give a gift to someone you don’t know.
Invite a needy family into your home for a special “Friends” dinner.
Offer to take an elderly neighbor shopping.
Put your faith into action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.
GUILT OFFERING
And though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days.
Isaiah 53:10
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, if there had been another way to cover your guilt, My Father would have chosen it. But it took My life, a willing sacrifice, to pay for the sins of all My children. No longer would the high priest lead the scapegoat outside the tent to appease a Holy God. Instead, I became the once and for all guilt offering. I was led "out of the camp," to the outskirts of Jerusalem where I was crucified for you. Just for the love of you, My child.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You were the scapegoat for my failures, Lord, the guilt offering sacrificed on my behalf. You, who knew no guilt; You, who were never tainted by sin; You, whose very name spelled purity and holiness—You gave Your very life for me. Can I ever thank You enough?
SIMPLE TRUTH
We're a special part of God's own heart
he will see his offspring and prolong his days.
Isaiah 53:10
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, if there had been another way to cover your guilt, My Father would have chosen it. But it took My life, a willing sacrifice, to pay for the sins of all My children. No longer would the high priest lead the scapegoat outside the tent to appease a Holy God. Instead, I became the once and for all guilt offering. I was led "out of the camp," to the outskirts of Jerusalem where I was crucified for you. Just for the love of you, My child.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You were the scapegoat for my failures, Lord, the guilt offering sacrificed on my behalf. You, who knew no guilt; You, who were never tainted by sin; You, whose very name spelled purity and holiness—You gave Your very life for me. Can I ever thank You enough?
SIMPLE TRUTH
We're a special part of God's own heart
A Work to the Wise
Proverbs 2:2-6
Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Mankind has been seeking wisdom and knowledge since the beginning of time, but most people never find it. Why? Because in their pride and arrogance, they have sought for it inside themselves, rejecting God and His Word.
In their minds, wisdom is easy to come by rather than being a treasure that must be sought. Just listen to the best-selling advice of Oprah Winfrey, whom thousands of people follow:
Our real power comes from knowing who we are . . . and that begins with looking inside ourselves in silence. I've always believed you really need no gurus, no leaders, no guides—just yourself. You have all your own best answers. What you're trying to find is already there. Be still and know it.
She could not be more spiritually deceived. Psalm 46:10 does not say "Be still and know yourself," but "Be still and know that I am God." The Bible doesn't teach that our real power comes from within ourselves, but quite the opposite. In John 15:5b, Christ says, ". . . apart from Me you can do nothing," and in Philippians 4:13, Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In other words, our power and wisdom come from Christ, not from within ourselves.
So who's right—Oprah or the Bible? Are the answers to life deep within your own heart, or deep within the heart of God? In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet leaves no room for hesitation on this answer when he proclaims, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Put differently, because of sin and our fallen nature, wisdom does not dwell within us. Instead, our hearts are sinful, evil, and prideful. Oprah is tragically mistaken . . . wisdom must come from outside ourselves.
James promised that ". . . if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" ( James 1:5). David wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
These passages leave no shadow of a doubt as to where true wisdom is found. We are in a world of darkness and in desperate need of light; how distressingly foolish to think that light can be found inside us. Not so! God is that light, and only by coming to know Him through His revealed Word will we be able to gain wisdom.
So, God is the ultimate prize. Seek after Him with all your heart, and along the way, you will discover . . . wisdom.
Prayer Point: Think of ways in which God has given you wisdom in the past, whether it was in making an important decision, turning from a sinful habit, or encouraging a friend. Thank Him for the light you needed to make the right decision or to take the next step. Don't hesitate to pray for more wisdom—you will need it today!
Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Mankind has been seeking wisdom and knowledge since the beginning of time, but most people never find it. Why? Because in their pride and arrogance, they have sought for it inside themselves, rejecting God and His Word.
In their minds, wisdom is easy to come by rather than being a treasure that must be sought. Just listen to the best-selling advice of Oprah Winfrey, whom thousands of people follow:
Our real power comes from knowing who we are . . . and that begins with looking inside ourselves in silence. I've always believed you really need no gurus, no leaders, no guides—just yourself. You have all your own best answers. What you're trying to find is already there. Be still and know it.
She could not be more spiritually deceived. Psalm 46:10 does not say "Be still and know yourself," but "Be still and know that I am God." The Bible doesn't teach that our real power comes from within ourselves, but quite the opposite. In John 15:5b, Christ says, ". . . apart from Me you can do nothing," and in Philippians 4:13, Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In other words, our power and wisdom come from Christ, not from within ourselves.
So who's right—Oprah or the Bible? Are the answers to life deep within your own heart, or deep within the heart of God? In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet leaves no room for hesitation on this answer when he proclaims, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Put differently, because of sin and our fallen nature, wisdom does not dwell within us. Instead, our hearts are sinful, evil, and prideful. Oprah is tragically mistaken . . . wisdom must come from outside ourselves.
James promised that ". . . if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" ( James 1:5). David wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
These passages leave no shadow of a doubt as to where true wisdom is found. We are in a world of darkness and in desperate need of light; how distressingly foolish to think that light can be found inside us. Not so! God is that light, and only by coming to know Him through His revealed Word will we be able to gain wisdom.
So, God is the ultimate prize. Seek after Him with all your heart, and along the way, you will discover . . . wisdom.
Prayer Point: Think of ways in which God has given you wisdom in the past, whether it was in making an important decision, turning from a sinful habit, or encouraging a friend. Thank Him for the light you needed to make the right decision or to take the next step. Don't hesitate to pray for more wisdom—you will need it today!
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The path of obedience is full of blessing!
There is no better life than the life lived in fellowship with God. No matter what success you experience in the world, no matter what honors are heaped on you in the secular sphere, no matter how much money you have or what pleasures you enjoy — none of these things will ever come close to the inner peace and sense of inner satisfaction that you will feel when you are walking with God.
God is reminding you today that He is waiting to pour out His blessings on your inner life (and often your outer life too). He is waiting for you to choose the pathway of obedience, which is also the pathway of blessing.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The path of obedience is full of blessing!
There is no better life than the life lived in fellowship with God. No matter what success you experience in the world, no matter what honors are heaped on you in the secular sphere, no matter how much money you have or what pleasures you enjoy — none of these things will ever come close to the inner peace and sense of inner satisfaction that you will feel when you are walking with God.
God is reminding you today that He is waiting to pour out His blessings on your inner life (and often your outer life too). He is waiting for you to choose the pathway of obedience, which is also the pathway of blessing.
Monday, November 28, 2011
We Are All Role Models
You are the light that gives light to the world. In the same way,
you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see
the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14, 16 NCV
Whether we like it or not, we are role models. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.
Ask yourself this question: Are you the kind of role model that you would want to emulate? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one. Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they’re learning how to live. You owe it to them—and to yourself—to live righteously and well.
A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian, and most of all, his family ought to know. - D. L. Moody, 100 Days of Prayer
Let us preach you, Dear Jesus, without preaching, not by words but by our example, by the casting force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to You. Amen. - Mother Teresa
Our walk counts far more than our talk, always! - George Mueller
We are to leave an impression on all those we meet that communicates whose we are and what kingdom we represent. - Lisa Bevere
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help me be a honorable role model to others. Let the things that I say and the things that I do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son. Amen
you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see
the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14, 16 NCV
Whether we like it or not, we are role models. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.
Ask yourself this question: Are you the kind of role model that you would want to emulate? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one. Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they’re learning how to live. You owe it to them—and to yourself—to live righteously and well.
A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian, and most of all, his family ought to know. - D. L. Moody, 100 Days of Prayer
Let us preach you, Dear Jesus, without preaching, not by words but by our example, by the casting force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to You. Amen. - Mother Teresa
Our walk counts far more than our talk, always! - George Mueller
We are to leave an impression on all those we meet that communicates whose we are and what kingdom we represent. - Lisa Bevere
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help me be a honorable role model to others. Let the things that I say and the things that I do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son. Amen
Understanding Kingdom Authority
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
A police officer weighing 160 pounds may effectively stand before a tanker truck and with an uplifted hand say, “Stop, in the name of the law.” The police officer certainly couldn’t stop the truck with his physical force. He is appealing to an authority greater than himself — the law — to back him up. Your authority over Satan is the same way. Your authority does not rest in your strength. You cannot overcome Satan with your power but rather with Kingdom Authority from God. And you have that as a child of the King. You have His authority to overcome every attack of Satan.
Sing of the power of the Lord. Find a hymnal and sing or meditate on the verses of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
A police officer weighing 160 pounds may effectively stand before a tanker truck and with an uplifted hand say, “Stop, in the name of the law.” The police officer certainly couldn’t stop the truck with his physical force. He is appealing to an authority greater than himself — the law — to back him up. Your authority over Satan is the same way. Your authority does not rest in your strength. You cannot overcome Satan with your power but rather with Kingdom Authority from God. And you have that as a child of the King. You have His authority to overcome every attack of Satan.
Sing of the power of the Lord. Find a hymnal and sing or meditate on the verses of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Job 42:7
It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.”
Do not accept everything said by others until you are confident it is the will of God for you!
In this passage God is rebuking several of Job’s friends for the counsel and advice they gave him. Job’s friends loved him and cared about him, and they spoke very confidently about what God was saying to Job. But they were wrong. Their message didn’t really come from God.
When you are seeking God’s will and someone says that God has given them a message for you, don’t reject it and don’t accept it. Rather, open your heart to God and let Him know you are listening if He wants to speak to you through this person. Then weigh what they are saying to you against the word of God. God will NEVER contradict His word.
You should also seek the counsel of other godly people. But above all, ask the Lord to give you a conviction in your own heart about His will for you. Listen for His voice above all others. Even though a number of Job’s friends all agreed, they still were not giving God’s message to him.
It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.”
Do not accept everything said by others until you are confident it is the will of God for you!
In this passage God is rebuking several of Job’s friends for the counsel and advice they gave him. Job’s friends loved him and cared about him, and they spoke very confidently about what God was saying to Job. But they were wrong. Their message didn’t really come from God.
When you are seeking God’s will and someone says that God has given them a message for you, don’t reject it and don’t accept it. Rather, open your heart to God and let Him know you are listening if He wants to speak to you through this person. Then weigh what they are saying to you against the word of God. God will NEVER contradict His word.
You should also seek the counsel of other godly people. But above all, ask the Lord to give you a conviction in your own heart about His will for you. Listen for His voice above all others. Even though a number of Job’s friends all agreed, they still were not giving God’s message to him.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
A Life of Fulfillment
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us
as silver is refined . . . we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:10–12 NKJV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of lifehere- on-earth, we can forfeit—albeit temporarily—the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God’s Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
Find satisfaction in him who made you, and only then find satisfaction in yourself as part of his creation. - St. Augustine, 100 Days of Prayer
We are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives. - Billy Graham
We are made for God, and nothing less will really satisfy us. - Brennan Manning
Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the center of God’s will. - Billy Graham
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I turn my thoughts and prayers to You, I feel peace and fulfillment. But sometimes, when I am distracted by the busyness of the day, fulfillment seems far away. Today, let me trust Your will, let me follow Your commands, and let me accept Your peace. Ame
as silver is refined . . . we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:10–12 NKJV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of lifehere- on-earth, we can forfeit—albeit temporarily—the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God’s Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
Find satisfaction in him who made you, and only then find satisfaction in yourself as part of his creation. - St. Augustine, 100 Days of Prayer
We are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives. - Billy Graham
We are made for God, and nothing less will really satisfy us. - Brennan Manning
Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the center of God’s will. - Billy Graham
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I turn my thoughts and prayers to You, I feel peace and fulfillment. But sometimes, when I am distracted by the busyness of the day, fulfillment seems far away. Today, let me trust Your will, let me follow Your commands, and let me accept Your peace. Ame
Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
The potter sat at his wheel, turning the clay into beautiful pots. It was hypnotizing to watch. After a time, the pot looked as though it were emerging directly from the potter's hand. With love and care, the potter put his style and mark on every piece he created. Each piece was different, but each bore the striking mark of its maker.
We, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are individual, yet we bear the stamp of our maker. God's image dwells within us all. With love and care we are fashioned, emerging from the Father's hand, and one day we will return to Him, where we will be afforded a place of honor and love. God's works are marvelous, and His Spirit fills them all.
Prayer: By Your hands I came into being. Make me useful, Lord, to do that which I was created for. Then, when the time comes, I may stand before You, fulfi lled and confident that I have served You well. Amen
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
The potter sat at his wheel, turning the clay into beautiful pots. It was hypnotizing to watch. After a time, the pot looked as though it were emerging directly from the potter's hand. With love and care, the potter put his style and mark on every piece he created. Each piece was different, but each bore the striking mark of its maker.
We, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are individual, yet we bear the stamp of our maker. God's image dwells within us all. With love and care we are fashioned, emerging from the Father's hand, and one day we will return to Him, where we will be afforded a place of honor and love. God's works are marvelous, and His Spirit fills them all.
Prayer: By Your hands I came into being. Make me useful, Lord, to do that which I was created for. Then, when the time comes, I may stand before You, fulfi lled and confident that I have served You well. Amen
GUARDIAN
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, learn to pick your battles. Is it really worth losing a friend or loved one over things? Can you fix others' problems by playing God in their lives? Can you retrieve a poison dart once it hits the target? Let Me be your guardian. I'll station My angels like an armed guard around your mouth and your heart. And My Spirit will seal your lips before you make a costly mistake. It will help if you hide My words in your heart. That's where ugly thoughts are born.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, my lips can either be like a fresh spring or a bitter stream. You are my guardian, keeping watch not just over the door of my lips, but through the window of my heart. With my words, with my heart, with my life, Lord, I want to praise You.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Loving words are like buried treasure. When we find them and give them away, they bring great delight.
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, learn to pick your battles. Is it really worth losing a friend or loved one over things? Can you fix others' problems by playing God in their lives? Can you retrieve a poison dart once it hits the target? Let Me be your guardian. I'll station My angels like an armed guard around your mouth and your heart. And My Spirit will seal your lips before you make a costly mistake. It will help if you hide My words in your heart. That's where ugly thoughts are born.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, my lips can either be like a fresh spring or a bitter stream. You are my guardian, keeping watch not just over the door of my lips, but through the window of my heart. With my words, with my heart, with my life, Lord, I want to praise You.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Loving words are like buried treasure. When we find them and give them away, they bring great delight.
The Cleansing, Healing Work of the Holy Spirit
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14
There are two kinds of wounds to the human psyche. One is sorrow; the other is guilt. Sorrow is a clean wound. Somehow your heart will heal as the Holy Spirit applies His healing balm. He will pour in “the oil of gladness.” Time and the grace of God will heal. But guilt is dirty and will never heal until it is confessed and cleansed by the antiseptic of Calvary. A slave only fears his master’s whip, but a son fears his father’s displeasure.
Are you suffering under a load of guilt? Allow the Holy Spirit to expose your sin. Then confess it and experience the joy of forgiveness in Christ.
There are two kinds of wounds to the human psyche. One is sorrow; the other is guilt. Sorrow is a clean wound. Somehow your heart will heal as the Holy Spirit applies His healing balm. He will pour in “the oil of gladness.” Time and the grace of God will heal. But guilt is dirty and will never heal until it is confessed and cleansed by the antiseptic of Calvary. A slave only fears his master’s whip, but a son fears his father’s displeasure.
Are you suffering under a load of guilt? Allow the Holy Spirit to expose your sin. Then confess it and experience the joy of forgiveness in Christ.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Be on God’s Side
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. Say to them 'Hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you said "Aha!" over my sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile, therefore I am going to give you to the people of the East as a possession.'" Ezekiel 25:1-4
In the first half of the book of Ezekiel, God rebukes His people for their attitudes toward Him. The Lord uses words like stubborn, hard-hearted and rebellious to describe His people. The Lord speaks through Ezekiel and tells the people to understand that their choices come with consequences. If they make good and righteous choices that honor God, they will be blessed. If they make poor and wicked choices that honor themselves, they will be punished. As the story continues, the reader knows what choice the Israelites made because God starts talking about the judgment that is to come upon them.
In Chapters 25-27, God redirects His message and begins proclaiming judgment on the nations that punished the Israelites. God warned His people to turn from their sins and to turn back to Him. They did not heed the warnings and God allowed the other nations to invade Israel (just as He said would happen). But then God judged the nations that came against His people because they did not show respect towards the Lord or towards His people during their captivity. That is amazing.
If you are God's child, He desires that you walk with Him and love Him with your whole heart. If you do not, you will not lose your salvation but you will have to live with the consequences of making bad choices. Those consequences are usually inflicted upon us by other people. But those people will not get off easy in their unjust deeds and prideful attitudes towards you. They, too, will have to suffer the consequences for how they deal with you, God's child. God is always on your side. He wants you to walk with Him and He will go out of His way to warn you. God is amazing. I always want to be on His side for He always gets the last word.
In the first half of the book of Ezekiel, God rebukes His people for their attitudes toward Him. The Lord uses words like stubborn, hard-hearted and rebellious to describe His people. The Lord speaks through Ezekiel and tells the people to understand that their choices come with consequences. If they make good and righteous choices that honor God, they will be blessed. If they make poor and wicked choices that honor themselves, they will be punished. As the story continues, the reader knows what choice the Israelites made because God starts talking about the judgment that is to come upon them.
In Chapters 25-27, God redirects His message and begins proclaiming judgment on the nations that punished the Israelites. God warned His people to turn from their sins and to turn back to Him. They did not heed the warnings and God allowed the other nations to invade Israel (just as He said would happen). But then God judged the nations that came against His people because they did not show respect towards the Lord or towards His people during their captivity. That is amazing.
If you are God's child, He desires that you walk with Him and love Him with your whole heart. If you do not, you will not lose your salvation but you will have to live with the consequences of making bad choices. Those consequences are usually inflicted upon us by other people. But those people will not get off easy in their unjust deeds and prideful attitudes towards you. They, too, will have to suffer the consequences for how they deal with you, God's child. God is always on your side. He wants you to walk with Him and He will go out of His way to warn you. God is amazing. I always want to be on His side for He always gets the last word.
INSPIRATION
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man,
but men spoke from God as they were carried
along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, no one ever speaks the truth about Me without My Father revealing that truth to them. They are not capable of knowing Me apart from My Spirit, which draws them to Me and indwells them with My presence. I inspired the prophets to speak only the words I told them. A true prophet's words came to pass because My Spirit breathed them into the heart. As I was with them, let Me be your inspiration. Think and write thoughts that only glorify Me.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just as You inspired writers and prophets long ago, You are my inspiration today. You breathe into me the fresh breezes of Your love and goodness. Each day brings a new opportunity to catch Your blessings. And Lord, there are so many!
SIMPLE TRUTH
Prayer is a gift we can give, when words are too deep to be spoken
but men spoke from God as they were carried
along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, no one ever speaks the truth about Me without My Father revealing that truth to them. They are not capable of knowing Me apart from My Spirit, which draws them to Me and indwells them with My presence. I inspired the prophets to speak only the words I told them. A true prophet's words came to pass because My Spirit breathed them into the heart. As I was with them, let Me be your inspiration. Think and write thoughts that only glorify Me.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just as You inspired writers and prophets long ago, You are my inspiration today. You breathe into me the fresh breezes of Your love and goodness. Each day brings a new opportunity to catch Your blessings. And Lord, there are so many!
SIMPLE TRUTH
Prayer is a gift we can give, when words are too deep to be spoken
The Trumpet Game
“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)
God adores you too. Just because you are His child. His sweet daughter. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a).
Have you considered that perhaps God isn’t longing for you to come to Him with perfect, polished prayers that have fifty-cent words and flowery language? Have you thought about the pleasure God experiences when you simply approach him just as you are, warts and all, because He loves you? He delights in your attention. He takes pleasure when you go to Him simply because you are His.
I love how the psalmist responded to God’s love:
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
(Psalm 103:1-5)
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, Thanks for this reminder of Your love for me. Thanks for seeing me as precious and special. I’m amazed by Your love. I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness that You made a way for me to know You through Jesus Christ. Help me to come to You as I am each day…without pretenses, pride, or perfection, but simply with Your permission to just be me…because You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Zephaniah 3:17 again silently
Now read it again aloud
Now read it aloud three more times and insert your name after each ‘you’ –
“The LORD your God is with you (insert name here), He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you (name), He will quiet you (name) with His love, He will rejoice over you (name) with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17(NIV)
God adores you too. Just because you are His child. His sweet daughter. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a).
Have you considered that perhaps God isn’t longing for you to come to Him with perfect, polished prayers that have fifty-cent words and flowery language? Have you thought about the pleasure God experiences when you simply approach him just as you are, warts and all, because He loves you? He delights in your attention. He takes pleasure when you go to Him simply because you are His.
I love how the psalmist responded to God’s love:
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
(Psalm 103:1-5)
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, Thanks for this reminder of Your love for me. Thanks for seeing me as precious and special. I’m amazed by Your love. I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness that You made a way for me to know You through Jesus Christ. Help me to come to You as I am each day…without pretenses, pride, or perfection, but simply with Your permission to just be me…because You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Zephaniah 3:17 again silently
Now read it again aloud
Now read it aloud three more times and insert your name after each ‘you’ –
“The LORD your God is with you (insert name here), He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you (name), He will quiet you (name) with His love, He will rejoice over you (name) with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17(NIV)
Confession and Compassion
Matthew 9:13
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Do you want to sense the maximum attention of God? You must first give Him your maximum attention.
Do you want the Lord to be available to you? You must first be available to Him.
Do you want to touch the heart of God? You must first be available to His moving.
If you want to be part of God's effort to rebuild our broken world through the redeeming gospel of Christ, you must be willing to become part of God's solution—whatever it may be.
Isn't it easier just to pray, "Lord, do this. . . Lord, bless that . . . Lord, help him [or her] . . . Lord, provide in this way . . . Lord, minister in that way"? But what if you heard a voice from heaven that said, "Of the five requests you just prayed, four of them are up to you!"
God's work often requires your willingness. In the parable of the Good Samaritan it becomes clear that anyone who claims the name of Christ is not merely to pray for someone, but to pray for wisdom to know how to help.
Compassion for the lost and needy among us is what draws God's attention, for it comes from a heart modeled after His own.
With this in mind, is it any wonder that the average Christian really doesn't want the maximum attention of God? He or she really doesn't want to become part of His divine solution because it may cause a bit of discomfort or uneasiness.
It is one thing to get on your knees and pray for God to bless a person, but it is quite another to follow up that prayer with a letter, a phone call, a visit, an invitation, a gift.
If your compassion does not extend beyond your prayer time, it isn't genuine.
If we are to gain God's special attention as a co-laborer with Him, we must share in His anguish over the fallen world around us.
Aren't we rather self-centered to expect God to share our distress over what we care about if we don't share His distress over His concerns?
Let's not create a double standard in our thinking and living, but wholeheartedly imitate God's standard—following up with acts of sincere compassion after our prayers.
When we begin to pray and act in this way, we can be sure that God is not only hearing us . . . but He is pleased with us!
Prayer Point: Pray for someone you know who is in need, whether it is physical or spiritual, but start your prayer by asking what you can do to help meet that need. Don't just ask God for the solution—ask Him how you can become part of the solution.
Extra Refreshment: Read Luke 10:25-37.
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Do you want to sense the maximum attention of God? You must first give Him your maximum attention.
Do you want the Lord to be available to you? You must first be available to Him.
Do you want to touch the heart of God? You must first be available to His moving.
If you want to be part of God's effort to rebuild our broken world through the redeeming gospel of Christ, you must be willing to become part of God's solution—whatever it may be.
Isn't it easier just to pray, "Lord, do this. . . Lord, bless that . . . Lord, help him [or her] . . . Lord, provide in this way . . . Lord, minister in that way"? But what if you heard a voice from heaven that said, "Of the five requests you just prayed, four of them are up to you!"
God's work often requires your willingness. In the parable of the Good Samaritan it becomes clear that anyone who claims the name of Christ is not merely to pray for someone, but to pray for wisdom to know how to help.
Compassion for the lost and needy among us is what draws God's attention, for it comes from a heart modeled after His own.
With this in mind, is it any wonder that the average Christian really doesn't want the maximum attention of God? He or she really doesn't want to become part of His divine solution because it may cause a bit of discomfort or uneasiness.
It is one thing to get on your knees and pray for God to bless a person, but it is quite another to follow up that prayer with a letter, a phone call, a visit, an invitation, a gift.
If your compassion does not extend beyond your prayer time, it isn't genuine.
If we are to gain God's special attention as a co-laborer with Him, we must share in His anguish over the fallen world around us.
Aren't we rather self-centered to expect God to share our distress over what we care about if we don't share His distress over His concerns?
Let's not create a double standard in our thinking and living, but wholeheartedly imitate God's standard—following up with acts of sincere compassion after our prayers.
When we begin to pray and act in this way, we can be sure that God is not only hearing us . . . but He is pleased with us!
Prayer Point: Pray for someone you know who is in need, whether it is physical or spiritual, but start your prayer by asking what you can do to help meet that need. Don't just ask God for the solution—ask Him how you can become part of the solution.
Extra Refreshment: Read Luke 10:25-37.
Uprooting Toxic Bitterness
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Bitterness is an emotional cancer that consumes many a person who once had the bloom of eternal springtime in his heart. Where does it come from? Usually from being hurt. Perhaps you were abused as a child, rejected by someone, fired from a job, or even bypassed at church. Bitterness sets in when the hurt goes unresolved. There is a solution. If you’ve been wronged and bitterness has become so strong that you can almost taste its bile within your mouth, then it’s time to pursue it with a holy vengeance. With the Spirit’s spade, root it out. Draw a circle that takes in those who have wronged you. Forgive them for Christ’s sake!
Bow before the Lord this morning and ask for grace and power to uproot the bitterness that has taken hold in your heart and is robbing you of the joy you desire.
Bitterness is an emotional cancer that consumes many a person who once had the bloom of eternal springtime in his heart. Where does it come from? Usually from being hurt. Perhaps you were abused as a child, rejected by someone, fired from a job, or even bypassed at church. Bitterness sets in when the hurt goes unresolved. There is a solution. If you’ve been wronged and bitterness has become so strong that you can almost taste its bile within your mouth, then it’s time to pursue it with a holy vengeance. With the Spirit’s spade, root it out. Draw a circle that takes in those who have wronged you. Forgive them for Christ’s sake!
Bow before the Lord this morning and ask for grace and power to uproot the bitterness that has taken hold in your heart and is robbing you of the joy you desire.
Shouting the Good News
As you go, preach this message: “The kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 10:7 NIV
The Good News of Jesus Christ should be shouted from the rooftops by believers the world over. But all too often, it is not. For a variety of reasons, many Christians keep their beliefs to themselves, and when they do, the world suffers because of their failure to speak up.
As believers, we are called to share the transforming message of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Jesus commands us to become fishers of men. And, the time to go fishing is now. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ today—tomorrow may indeed be too late.
God is not saving the world; it is done. Our business is to get men and women to realize it. - Oswald Chambers, 100 Days of Prayer
For every believer, the task, or mission, is to lead people to the truth of Jesus Christ. - Charles Stanley
Taking the gospel to people wherever they are—death row, the ghetto, or next door—is frontline evangelism, frontline love. It is our one hope for breaking down barriers and for restoring the sense of community, of caring for one another, that our decadent, impersonalized culture has sucked out of us. - Chuck Colson
Christianity spread rapidly during the first century because all Christians saw themselves as responsible for disseminating the gospel. - Erwin Lutzer
Today’s Prayer
Lord, even if I never leave home, make me a missionary for You. Let me share the Good News of Your Son, and let me tell of Your love and of Your grace. Make me a faithful servant for You, Father, now and forever. Amen
Matthew 10:7 NIV
The Good News of Jesus Christ should be shouted from the rooftops by believers the world over. But all too often, it is not. For a variety of reasons, many Christians keep their beliefs to themselves, and when they do, the world suffers because of their failure to speak up.
As believers, we are called to share the transforming message of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Jesus commands us to become fishers of men. And, the time to go fishing is now. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ today—tomorrow may indeed be too late.
God is not saving the world; it is done. Our business is to get men and women to realize it. - Oswald Chambers, 100 Days of Prayer
For every believer, the task, or mission, is to lead people to the truth of Jesus Christ. - Charles Stanley
Taking the gospel to people wherever they are—death row, the ghetto, or next door—is frontline evangelism, frontline love. It is our one hope for breaking down barriers and for restoring the sense of community, of caring for one another, that our decadent, impersonalized culture has sucked out of us. - Chuck Colson
Christianity spread rapidly during the first century because all Christians saw themselves as responsible for disseminating the gospel. - Erwin Lutzer
Today’s Prayer
Lord, even if I never leave home, make me a missionary for You. Let me share the Good News of Your Son, and let me tell of Your love and of Your grace. Make me a faithful servant for You, Father, now and forever. Amen
Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
If you want your life to count, live it in the centre of God’s will for you!
You rarely worry about learning what to do in a fire until you are in one. Then it suddenly becomes very important. You rarely worry about knowing how to splint a broken leg until you are hiking in the bush and your mate has a nasty break. When things are bad it is especially important to know what to do.
Well, “the days are evil.” We live in a world that desperately needs us to know what God wants us to do. We need to “make the most of the time.” And to do that, we need to “understand what the will of the Lord is.”
God does not want you to be content to just drift through the demands of life, meeting expectations, paying bills, working, eating, sleeping. God wants you to live with purpose — His purpose. He wants you to pray and get godly counsel and test your gifts and ask for His leading. He knows what He designed you for and He wants you doing that. Let Him be the Lord of your to-do list today.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Secret of Discipline
Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit (Proverbs 25:28, NAS)
Friend to Friend
Discipline is obedience, a lifetime process that brings us to a state of order by training and controlling our behavior. Discipline is focusing and eliminating, zeroing in on what is important in every area of life. Discipline not only leads to right thinking, pleasing behavior and balanced emotions, but also produces a purpose driven life based on right goals and priorities.
And that brings us to the discipline of our time - a dreaded and often ignored spiritual discipline for many of us. We have either forgotten or failed to realize the truth that our minutes, hours and days are precious commodities - gifts from God that can be unwrapped only once. Time is wasted unless it is invested in goals and priorities that are rooted in God’s plan.
A busy life is not necessarily a productive life, girlfriends. Oh, I can hear it now! “Mary, it’s true that I am very busy, but I am busy doing good things.” Those words were the cry of my heart just before I crashed and burned and landed in a pit of clinical depression. The problem with my list of “good things” was that it was just that – my list - the wrong list for my life. The result was exhaustion, burnout and disobedience.
One of the most important lessons of my “pit experience” was that my perspective of time was skewed. I had poured years into making my plan successful only to discover that God resources and empowers His plan alone. Outlook determines outcome. It was painfully obvious I needed an outlook adjustment, an eternal perspective. I needed to understand the truth that my time is not really mine to do with as I please. It is a resource on loan to me from God. As a result, every plan, priority and goal should be held against the backdrop of eternity because it is from that backdrop that our priorities are validated, our calling confirmed and our time best invested.
Let’s face it. If we don’t set priorities - others will. Time thieves will steal our time as we allow them to impose their plans and standards on us. While it is true that different women have different priorities and different seasons of life, it is also true that one priority remains steadfast. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). Once that priority is firmly established and adhered to, the rest of life will surely fall into place.
Learning how to discipline time is a challenge for us al. I am, by no means, an expert in this area, but I do want to share some simple ideas that have worked for me.
Tithe your time. Just as we tithe our money, we should tithe our time. God blesses and multiplies the time we set aside to spend in Bible study, prayer and service.
Get organized. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, we are challenged to “do all in a fitting and orderly way.” In other words, being organized is a spiritual discipline, freeing us from the tyranny of the urgent while making room for the eternal things that matter. Here are some organizational tips:
· Buy and keep a calendar. Writing down things keeps me from wasting time and “bunching up” activities. It takes the pressure off of me to remember everything and allows me to see, at a glance, what is important.My weeks and months are more evenly scheduled and I am forced to prioritize, doing the important things first.
· Choose one day a week to plan. Every Sunday afternoon, I plan the week ahead, recording the main tasks I need to complete and scheduling the appointments I need to make and keep. Pray over your week, asking the Holy Spirit to make clear those things ordained for each day.
· Simplify and eliminate.Experts advise us to approach spring cleaning by dealing with one closet at a time. Break jobs up into manageable steps so that the large tasks seem doable.
· Tackle the dreaded task first.I have discovered that tackling the job I dread the most energizes me for the rest of the tasks. I have also learned to use my best time, the time of the day when my energy is highest for the most important and the most difficult tasks.
· Stop activity when it becomes unproductive. Sometimes, a 10 minute break will boost energy, refocus attention and get those creative juices flowing.
· Begin a task, even if you won’t have time to complete it. I hate doing laundry and frequently long for the day of disposable clothing. As a result, I do the laundry in pieces. For example, I will start the wash and answer email. I then toss the wet clothing into the dryer and work on a writing assignment. You get the idea!
· Delegate.When we delegate work to our children, we are teaching them godly discipline. The church is filled with people waiting to be pushed out of their comfort zones in service. Look for those potential leaders and delegate.
· Leave margins in your schedule.I tend to fill every time slot during the day. Therefore, when the “unexpected” comes along, I am overwhelmed and unprepared. Building margins of time into our schedules is a step of faith, trusting God to fill them in any way He chooses.
· Yield to the seasons of life.When my children were small, I did not travel and speak like I do now. Do not sacrifice your family on the altar of any church or any ministry. Our greatest mission field is our home, our marriage and our children. It does not matter how much we do or how successful we are, if home and family get the leftovers of our time, energy, emotions and spiritual service we are walking in sin and disobedience.
Discipline builds upon discipline, each success encouraging another. Make the commitment to cultivate the disciplines of a godly woman, then pick a corner of your life and begin. Discipline does not come naturally or easily. We will fail. But we can always begin again. Join me today in a new commitment to godly discipline.
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to thank You for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Please help me focus on You and Your presence in my life each day. I pray that any stress in my heart will be swallowed up in the reality that You are faithful and that You are in control. I know You are not surprised by anything that comes my way and will transform the good into better, the unthinkable into the unstoppable and the unbelievable into fact. I praise You for the amazing way You guide me and lift me up when I fall. Today, I choose to focus on You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read and memorize Philippians 4:6-7 (ICB) “Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.”
Friend to Friend
Discipline is obedience, a lifetime process that brings us to a state of order by training and controlling our behavior. Discipline is focusing and eliminating, zeroing in on what is important in every area of life. Discipline not only leads to right thinking, pleasing behavior and balanced emotions, but also produces a purpose driven life based on right goals and priorities.
And that brings us to the discipline of our time - a dreaded and often ignored spiritual discipline for many of us. We have either forgotten or failed to realize the truth that our minutes, hours and days are precious commodities - gifts from God that can be unwrapped only once. Time is wasted unless it is invested in goals and priorities that are rooted in God’s plan.
A busy life is not necessarily a productive life, girlfriends. Oh, I can hear it now! “Mary, it’s true that I am very busy, but I am busy doing good things.” Those words were the cry of my heart just before I crashed and burned and landed in a pit of clinical depression. The problem with my list of “good things” was that it was just that – my list - the wrong list for my life. The result was exhaustion, burnout and disobedience.
One of the most important lessons of my “pit experience” was that my perspective of time was skewed. I had poured years into making my plan successful only to discover that God resources and empowers His plan alone. Outlook determines outcome. It was painfully obvious I needed an outlook adjustment, an eternal perspective. I needed to understand the truth that my time is not really mine to do with as I please. It is a resource on loan to me from God. As a result, every plan, priority and goal should be held against the backdrop of eternity because it is from that backdrop that our priorities are validated, our calling confirmed and our time best invested.
Let’s face it. If we don’t set priorities - others will. Time thieves will steal our time as we allow them to impose their plans and standards on us. While it is true that different women have different priorities and different seasons of life, it is also true that one priority remains steadfast. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). Once that priority is firmly established and adhered to, the rest of life will surely fall into place.
Learning how to discipline time is a challenge for us al. I am, by no means, an expert in this area, but I do want to share some simple ideas that have worked for me.
Tithe your time. Just as we tithe our money, we should tithe our time. God blesses and multiplies the time we set aside to spend in Bible study, prayer and service.
Get organized. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, we are challenged to “do all in a fitting and orderly way.” In other words, being organized is a spiritual discipline, freeing us from the tyranny of the urgent while making room for the eternal things that matter. Here are some organizational tips:
· Buy and keep a calendar. Writing down things keeps me from wasting time and “bunching up” activities. It takes the pressure off of me to remember everything and allows me to see, at a glance, what is important.My weeks and months are more evenly scheduled and I am forced to prioritize, doing the important things first.
· Choose one day a week to plan. Every Sunday afternoon, I plan the week ahead, recording the main tasks I need to complete and scheduling the appointments I need to make and keep. Pray over your week, asking the Holy Spirit to make clear those things ordained for each day.
· Simplify and eliminate.Experts advise us to approach spring cleaning by dealing with one closet at a time. Break jobs up into manageable steps so that the large tasks seem doable.
· Tackle the dreaded task first.I have discovered that tackling the job I dread the most energizes me for the rest of the tasks. I have also learned to use my best time, the time of the day when my energy is highest for the most important and the most difficult tasks.
· Stop activity when it becomes unproductive. Sometimes, a 10 minute break will boost energy, refocus attention and get those creative juices flowing.
· Begin a task, even if you won’t have time to complete it. I hate doing laundry and frequently long for the day of disposable clothing. As a result, I do the laundry in pieces. For example, I will start the wash and answer email. I then toss the wet clothing into the dryer and work on a writing assignment. You get the idea!
· Delegate.When we delegate work to our children, we are teaching them godly discipline. The church is filled with people waiting to be pushed out of their comfort zones in service. Look for those potential leaders and delegate.
· Leave margins in your schedule.I tend to fill every time slot during the day. Therefore, when the “unexpected” comes along, I am overwhelmed and unprepared. Building margins of time into our schedules is a step of faith, trusting God to fill them in any way He chooses.
· Yield to the seasons of life.When my children were small, I did not travel and speak like I do now. Do not sacrifice your family on the altar of any church or any ministry. Our greatest mission field is our home, our marriage and our children. It does not matter how much we do or how successful we are, if home and family get the leftovers of our time, energy, emotions and spiritual service we are walking in sin and disobedience.
Discipline builds upon discipline, each success encouraging another. Make the commitment to cultivate the disciplines of a godly woman, then pick a corner of your life and begin. Discipline does not come naturally or easily. We will fail. But we can always begin again. Join me today in a new commitment to godly discipline.
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to thank You for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Please help me focus on You and Your presence in my life each day. I pray that any stress in my heart will be swallowed up in the reality that You are faithful and that You are in control. I know You are not surprised by anything that comes my way and will transform the good into better, the unthinkable into the unstoppable and the unbelievable into fact. I praise You for the amazing way You guide me and lift me up when I fall. Today, I choose to focus on You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read and memorize Philippians 4:6-7 (ICB) “Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.”
Discerning Road Block
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:36-37).
How do you know when God has placed obstacles in your path to protect you or that Satan is hindering God's purposes in your affairs?
I often look at that situation and wonder if God sent his angel to lead me to where I was to go.
Do you have a situation that is difficult to discern whether God is protecting you or Satan is hindering you? Ask God to show you.
How do you know when God has placed obstacles in your path to protect you or that Satan is hindering God's purposes in your affairs?
I often look at that situation and wonder if God sent his angel to lead me to where I was to go.
Do you have a situation that is difficult to discern whether God is protecting you or Satan is hindering you? Ask God to show you.
Caretaker
You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly.
You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:9, 11
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I take good care of what is Mine. I help each sparrow find a nest, a home for its young. I provide water for the thirsty, panting deer and food for the beasts of every forest. But I especially love supplying your needs. You are more valuable than all of My creation put together. I am your care-taker, Child. Will you take care of what I have given you, too?
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, You send a harvest of blessing our way to crown the season with Thanksgiving Day. You are caretaker of Your world, and You have provided abundantly everything I need and more for joy and contentment. How can I thank You, Lord? Bless You for Your faithfulness, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Thanksgiving is "thanksliving."
You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:9, 11
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I take good care of what is Mine. I help each sparrow find a nest, a home for its young. I provide water for the thirsty, panting deer and food for the beasts of every forest. But I especially love supplying your needs. You are more valuable than all of My creation put together. I am your care-taker, Child. Will you take care of what I have given you, too?
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, You send a harvest of blessing our way to crown the season with Thanksgiving Day. You are caretaker of Your world, and You have provided abundantly everything I need and more for joy and contentment. How can I thank You, Lord? Bless You for Your faithfulness, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Thanksgiving is "thanksliving."
Just Keep Praying
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26
There’s an old song with the refrain “Just keep on praying ‘til light breaks through.” When you don’t feel like praying, that’s when you need to. You need to pray until you do feel like praying. You see, you’re not praying by yourself. The Spirit is praying through you and for you, helping to present your petitions to the Father — petitions that perhaps you yourself are not even capable of expressing. Do not approach God with your hands full of the brass of your emotions. Rather, approach Him with hands and heart full of the sweet incense of His worth. Just keep praying.
How’s your prayer life? Do you say grace before meals and squeeze in a quick prayer before you drop off to sleep each night? Take some time today to talk to the Lord.
There’s an old song with the refrain “Just keep on praying ‘til light breaks through.” When you don’t feel like praying, that’s when you need to. You need to pray until you do feel like praying. You see, you’re not praying by yourself. The Spirit is praying through you and for you, helping to present your petitions to the Father — petitions that perhaps you yourself are not even capable of expressing. Do not approach God with your hands full of the brass of your emotions. Rather, approach Him with hands and heart full of the sweet incense of His worth. Just keep praying.
How’s your prayer life? Do you say grace before meals and squeeze in a quick prayer before you drop off to sleep each night? Take some time today to talk to the Lord.
Confident Christianity
You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence.
Psalm 71:5 NASB
Sometimes, even the most devout Christians can become discouraged. Discouragement, however, is not God’s way; He is a God of possibility not negativity. We Christians have many reasons to be confident. God is in His heaven; Christ has risen, and we are the sheep of His flock.
Are you a confident Christian? You should be. God’s grace is eternal and His promises are unambiguous. So count your blessings, not your hardships. And live courageously. God is the Giver of all things good, and He watches over you today and forever.
God’s omniscience can instill you with a supernatural confidence that can transform your life. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
If we indulge in any confidence that is not grounded on the Rock of Ages, our confidence is worse than a dream; it will fall on us and cover us with its ruins, causing sorrow and confusion. - C. H. Spurgeon
Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need, to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us. - Billy Graham
Bible hope is confidence in the future. - Warren Wiersbe
Today’s Prayer
Lord, when I place my confidence in the things of this earth, I will be disappointed. But, when I put my confidence in You, I am secure. In every aspect of my life, Father, let me place my hope and my trust in Your infinite wisdom and Your boundless grace. Amen
Psalm 71:5 NASB
Sometimes, even the most devout Christians can become discouraged. Discouragement, however, is not God’s way; He is a God of possibility not negativity. We Christians have many reasons to be confident. God is in His heaven; Christ has risen, and we are the sheep of His flock.
Are you a confident Christian? You should be. God’s grace is eternal and His promises are unambiguous. So count your blessings, not your hardships. And live courageously. God is the Giver of all things good, and He watches over you today and forever.
God’s omniscience can instill you with a supernatural confidence that can transform your life. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
If we indulge in any confidence that is not grounded on the Rock of Ages, our confidence is worse than a dream; it will fall on us and cover us with its ruins, causing sorrow and confusion. - C. H. Spurgeon
Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need, to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us. - Billy Graham
Bible hope is confidence in the future. - Warren Wiersbe
Today’s Prayer
Lord, when I place my confidence in the things of this earth, I will be disappointed. But, when I put my confidence in You, I am secure. In every aspect of my life, Father, let me place my hope and my trust in Your infinite wisdom and Your boundless grace. Amen
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgivings
"The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." ~ Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
David knew the power of thanksgiving. He understood that thanksgiving reflects a humble heart and is rooted in humble gratitude. He was genuinely grateful. For him, God was his only solution, his only escape from danger. And he trusted God to show up and deliver him. For David, God meant life.
No matter what our circumstances, we can always thank God for who He is and for delivering us from every evil darkness into every blessing of light.
James 1:17 says, "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights . . ." (NKJV).
Thanksgiving honors God. It is a facet of praise, a biblical precept, a key component of prayer and our Christian love walk. The dictionary defines thanksgiving as "a prayer that offers thanks to God . . . an expression or an act of giving thanks . . . a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness."
Philippians 4:6 instructs us to pray and petition God with thanksgiving. The NIV note for this scripture tells us that thanksgiving is "the antidote to worry."
Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song."
I Corinthians 10:16 refers to the communion cup as "the cup of thanksgiving," which we take in remembrance of Jesus who died for us so we can have eternal life.
The word "Hallelujah," which we often sing, translates into the Hebrew word "halleluyah," which literally means "praise ye the Lord." The dictionary defines Hallelujah as a thankful cry of "relief, welcome or gratitude."
I did a rare thing for myself one day: I bought a cup of coffee at my local grocery store and decided to take my time shopping for our week's meals. God spoke to my heart as I came upon the book aisle. There, I spotted TV anchor Deborah Norville's book, Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.
"Interesting choice of words," I thought.
I flipped through the book, having recalled Mrs. Norville publicly proclaiming years earlier that she is a woman of faith. I saw that she included lots of supporting material—quotes and studies professing that the principle of thanksgiving works. And, indeed, in the final chapter, she directly addresses "people of faith," encouraging readers to attend assemblies of worship.
As I stood in the aisle of that market, I was reminded that the same biblical principles that we Christians are to live by also work in the world. God doesn't want to leave anyone out. He loves us all.
It caused me to pause and ask myself, "How is my attitude of thanksgiving? How grateful is my heart? Do I really honor God enough with prayers of thanksgiving? What gifts from above have I taken for granted?
Indeed, thanksgiving is a powerful principle that touches the Father's heart. May we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, and may we give the Father of Light thanks for every good and perfect gift.
David knew the power of thanksgiving. He understood that thanksgiving reflects a humble heart and is rooted in humble gratitude. He was genuinely grateful. For him, God was his only solution, his only escape from danger. And he trusted God to show up and deliver him. For David, God meant life.
No matter what our circumstances, we can always thank God for who He is and for delivering us from every evil darkness into every blessing of light.
James 1:17 says, "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights . . ." (NKJV).
Thanksgiving honors God. It is a facet of praise, a biblical precept, a key component of prayer and our Christian love walk. The dictionary defines thanksgiving as "a prayer that offers thanks to God . . . an expression or an act of giving thanks . . . a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness."
Philippians 4:6 instructs us to pray and petition God with thanksgiving. The NIV note for this scripture tells us that thanksgiving is "the antidote to worry."
Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song."
I Corinthians 10:16 refers to the communion cup as "the cup of thanksgiving," which we take in remembrance of Jesus who died for us so we can have eternal life.
The word "Hallelujah," which we often sing, translates into the Hebrew word "halleluyah," which literally means "praise ye the Lord." The dictionary defines Hallelujah as a thankful cry of "relief, welcome or gratitude."
I did a rare thing for myself one day: I bought a cup of coffee at my local grocery store and decided to take my time shopping for our week's meals. God spoke to my heart as I came upon the book aisle. There, I spotted TV anchor Deborah Norville's book, Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.
"Interesting choice of words," I thought.
I flipped through the book, having recalled Mrs. Norville publicly proclaiming years earlier that she is a woman of faith. I saw that she included lots of supporting material—quotes and studies professing that the principle of thanksgiving works. And, indeed, in the final chapter, she directly addresses "people of faith," encouraging readers to attend assemblies of worship.
As I stood in the aisle of that market, I was reminded that the same biblical principles that we Christians are to live by also work in the world. God doesn't want to leave anyone out. He loves us all.
It caused me to pause and ask myself, "How is my attitude of thanksgiving? How grateful is my heart? Do I really honor God enough with prayers of thanksgiving? What gifts from above have I taken for granted?
Indeed, thanksgiving is a powerful principle that touches the Father's heart. May we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, and may we give the Father of Light thanks for every good and perfect gift.
ORIGINALITY
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together
in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, your frame was not a haphazard creation. I didn't use the same mold to make cookie-cutter shapes and sizes for My children. Each one is original. No composites of DNA can ever completely duplicate your heart, soul, and spirit as I created you. I took great delight in watching each tiny finger and toe being formed in the womb. And when your tiny heart first beat within your mother, all the angels could hear Me rejoice. I make no mistakes. You're special to Me, My child.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You design each of us with intricate and delicate care, just like a tiny snowflake. There are no two the same, for You specialize in originality. Lord, You created me as one of a kind, with my own unique, designer genes. You're the best, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
After God breathed life into you, He destroyed the mold.
you knit me together
in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, your frame was not a haphazard creation. I didn't use the same mold to make cookie-cutter shapes and sizes for My children. Each one is original. No composites of DNA can ever completely duplicate your heart, soul, and spirit as I created you. I took great delight in watching each tiny finger and toe being formed in the womb. And when your tiny heart first beat within your mother, all the angels could hear Me rejoice. I make no mistakes. You're special to Me, My child.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You design each of us with intricate and delicate care, just like a tiny snowflake. There are no two the same, for You specialize in originality. Lord, You created me as one of a kind, with my own unique, designer genes. You're the best, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
After God breathed life into you, He destroyed the mold.
Grandma's Inheritance
Today’s Truth
Older women…encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home … (Titus 2:3-5, NASB).
Grandma didn’t leave me a sum of money when she passed away, but she left something much more valuable. God used her to show me that leaving an inheritance to our children is so much more than money in the bank, well-invested mutual funds, and valuable heirlooms. It is leaving them memories of simple times together, showing them on how to become men and women of God, and leaving a legacy that causes them to “rise up and call you blessed.”
What sort of legacy will you leave behind? The more we become women who listen to God, the more likely we will leave a yearning in others to do the same.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, help me to leave a godly heritage and invest love today that will multiply tomorrow. Help me to always remember what is important—not money in the bank, but God in the heart. Help me to be the type of woman that we read about in Titus 2 who exemplifies what You desire.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Can you think of an older woman who has invested in you? Consider writing her a note and telling her how she has blessed you.
How are you investing in the younger generation?
If you are reading this devotion, there is someone younger than you!
Older women…encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home … (Titus 2:3-5, NASB).
Grandma didn’t leave me a sum of money when she passed away, but she left something much more valuable. God used her to show me that leaving an inheritance to our children is so much more than money in the bank, well-invested mutual funds, and valuable heirlooms. It is leaving them memories of simple times together, showing them on how to become men and women of God, and leaving a legacy that causes them to “rise up and call you blessed.”
What sort of legacy will you leave behind? The more we become women who listen to God, the more likely we will leave a yearning in others to do the same.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, help me to leave a godly heritage and invest love today that will multiply tomorrow. Help me to always remember what is important—not money in the bank, but God in the heart. Help me to be the type of woman that we read about in Titus 2 who exemplifies what You desire.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Can you think of an older woman who has invested in you? Consider writing her a note and telling her how she has blessed you.
How are you investing in the younger generation?
If you are reading this devotion, there is someone younger than you!
A Prayer of Humilty
Our world focuses on an unhealthy elevation of self. Yet the Bible tells us, "The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground" (Psalm 147:6). A healthy concept of self is rooted in who we are in Jesus Christ, not in our own accomplishments or successes. God wants us to acknowledge Him, not ourselves, in all things.
When God sent His Son to earth, He did not choose someone of wealth or power to become Christ's mother. He did not search out the most beautiful or the most intelligent or the most charming woman. God chose Mary based on her character and humility.
Just like in Mary's time, people today seek wealth and power, yet God honors the humble. People may cower before the strong and the mighty, but God uses the weak and the desperate. People may be impressed by culture and class, but God blesses those who are broken in spirit. People may be eager to bow to celebrities, but God despises the haughty and the proud. People may worship at the shrine of materialism, but God is looking for the faithful and the contrite.
Proverbs tells us, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble" (3:34). We read in Psalms that, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (51:17).
Mary understood her place and purpose in this world. She knew any grace and favor she found were a gift of the Lord, not something engineered by her own abilities. In her famous prayer, often called The Magnificat, Mary humbly praises God for choosing her to give birth to His Son.
"And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers" (Luke 1:46-55).
Even though her unwed pregnancy could have led to execution in her society, she praised God. She maintained confidence in God alone and rejoiced at the opportunity to serve Him. She did not focus on herself but on magnifying the Lord. She praised Him for His mercy and favor, not her own strengths. She acknowledged His faithfulness, not her own accomplishments. Mary's deepest concern was the glory of God, not her own safety or circumstances.
How humble is your heart before God? Do you continue to claim credit for your successes or do you give glory to God for everything you have? Spend time praising Him today for His faithfulness and generosity. Acknowledge that everything you have comes from Him alone. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:10).
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3
When God sent His Son to earth, He did not choose someone of wealth or power to become Christ's mother. He did not search out the most beautiful or the most intelligent or the most charming woman. God chose Mary based on her character and humility.
Just like in Mary's time, people today seek wealth and power, yet God honors the humble. People may cower before the strong and the mighty, but God uses the weak and the desperate. People may be impressed by culture and class, but God blesses those who are broken in spirit. People may be eager to bow to celebrities, but God despises the haughty and the proud. People may worship at the shrine of materialism, but God is looking for the faithful and the contrite.
Proverbs tells us, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble" (3:34). We read in Psalms that, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (51:17).
Mary understood her place and purpose in this world. She knew any grace and favor she found were a gift of the Lord, not something engineered by her own abilities. In her famous prayer, often called The Magnificat, Mary humbly praises God for choosing her to give birth to His Son.
"And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers" (Luke 1:46-55).
Even though her unwed pregnancy could have led to execution in her society, she praised God. She maintained confidence in God alone and rejoiced at the opportunity to serve Him. She did not focus on herself but on magnifying the Lord. She praised Him for His mercy and favor, not her own strengths. She acknowledged His faithfulness, not her own accomplishments. Mary's deepest concern was the glory of God, not her own safety or circumstances.
How humble is your heart before God? Do you continue to claim credit for your successes or do you give glory to God for everything you have? Spend time praising Him today for His faithfulness and generosity. Acknowledge that everything you have comes from Him alone. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:10).
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3
Choosing Wisely
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 NKJV
Because we are creatures of free will, we make choices—lots of them. When we make choices that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father, we are blessed. When we make choices that cause us to walk in the footsteps of God’s Son, we enjoy the abundance that Christ has promised to those who follow Him. But when we make choices that are displeasing to God, we sow seeds that have the potential to bring forth a bitter harvest.
Today, as you encounter the challenges of everyday living, you will make hundreds of choices. Choose wisely. Make your thoughts and your actions pleasing to God. And remember: every choice that is displeasing to Him is the wrong choice—no exceptions.
Life is a series of choices between the bad, the good, and the best. Everything depends on how we choose. - Vance Havner, 100 Days of Prayer
We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow, we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change. - John Maxwell
Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. - C. S. Lewis
God expresses His love in giving us the freedom to choose. - Charles Stanley
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will focus my thoughts on Your will for my life. I will strive to make decisions that are pleasing to You, and I will strive to follow in the footsteps of Your Son. Amen
gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 NKJV
Because we are creatures of free will, we make choices—lots of them. When we make choices that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father, we are blessed. When we make choices that cause us to walk in the footsteps of God’s Son, we enjoy the abundance that Christ has promised to those who follow Him. But when we make choices that are displeasing to God, we sow seeds that have the potential to bring forth a bitter harvest.
Today, as you encounter the challenges of everyday living, you will make hundreds of choices. Choose wisely. Make your thoughts and your actions pleasing to God. And remember: every choice that is displeasing to Him is the wrong choice—no exceptions.
Life is a series of choices between the bad, the good, and the best. Everything depends on how we choose. - Vance Havner, 100 Days of Prayer
We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow, we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change. - John Maxwell
Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. - C. S. Lewis
God expresses His love in giving us the freedom to choose. - Charles Stanley
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will focus my thoughts on Your will for my life. I will strive to make decisions that are pleasing to You, and I will strive to follow in the footsteps of Your Son. Amen
It Is Not Ours to Ask "Why?"
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31
When bewilderment enshrouds you and despair looms at your door, when trials storm the beaches of your life, you may want to ask God, “Why? Why? Why?” Friend, you may never understand why things are happening the way they are in your life, but that’s not your job. You see, it is not necessary for you to know why. That is God’s question. Your response is all that matters. When we can’t feel His hand, we must trust His heart. Our job is to simply trust and obey.
Is there something happening in your life for which you have no explanation, but long for answers? Ask God to give you peace and grace to trust Him
When bewilderment enshrouds you and despair looms at your door, when trials storm the beaches of your life, you may want to ask God, “Why? Why? Why?” Friend, you may never understand why things are happening the way they are in your life, but that’s not your job. You see, it is not necessary for you to know why. That is God’s question. Your response is all that matters. When we can’t feel His hand, we must trust His heart. Our job is to simply trust and obey.
Is there something happening in your life for which you have no explanation, but long for answers? Ask God to give you peace and grace to trust Him
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Writer
"I will put my law
in their minds and write it
on their hearts."
Jeremiah 31:33
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, you're not judged by the law anymore. You now live by My grace. I am the writer of every inspired word in My Holy Scriptures. But I have penned My message in your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. I now live in you. Each time you meditate on My Word, act out My love to others, and respond in obedience, you are allowing Me to write My signature on your heart and life. Some people will look to you as their Bible. Be faithful to share My words.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, Your work has made the best-seller list for hundreds of years. You are the author and writer of the most powerful book ever known. But more than that, You've written Your words permanently in my heart. And nothing can erase what You have written with Your own hands.
SIMPLE TRUTH
God is not looking for best-sellers, only faithful witnesses
in their minds and write it
on their hearts."
Jeremiah 31:33
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, you're not judged by the law anymore. You now live by My grace. I am the writer of every inspired word in My Holy Scriptures. But I have penned My message in your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. I now live in you. Each time you meditate on My Word, act out My love to others, and respond in obedience, you are allowing Me to write My signature on your heart and life. Some people will look to you as their Bible. Be faithful to share My words.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, Your work has made the best-seller list for hundreds of years. You are the author and writer of the most powerful book ever known. But more than that, You've written Your words permanently in my heart. And nothing can erase what You have written with Your own hands.
SIMPLE TRUTH
God is not looking for best-sellers, only faithful witnesses
Acceptance Today
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11 NIV
Are you embittered by a personal tragedy that you did not deserve and cannot understand? If so, it’s time to accept the unchangeable past and to have faith in the promise of tomorrow. It’s time to trust God completely—and it’s time to reclaim the peace—His peace—that can and should be yours.
On occasion, you will be confronted with situations that you simply don’t understand. But God does. And He has a reason for everything that He does.
God doesn’t explain Himself in ways that we, as mortals with limited insight and clouded vision, can comprehend. So, instead of understanding every aspect of God’s unfolding plan for our lives and our universe, we must be satisfied to trust Him completely. We cannot know God’s motivations, nor can we understand His actions. We can, however, trust Him, and we must.
Faith is the willingness to receive whatever he wants to give, or the willingness not to have what he does not want to give. - Elisabeth Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
The key to contentment is to consider. Consider who you are and be satisfied with that. Consider what you have and be satisfied with that. Consider what God’s doing and be satisfied with that. - Luci Swindoll
We need to be at peace with our past, content with our present, and sure about our future, knowing they are all in God’s hands. - Joyce Meyer
I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. - Corrie ten Boom
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant life that is mine through Christ. Give me courage, Lord, to claim the spiritual riches that You have promised, and lead me according to Your plan for my life, today and always. Amen
Philippians 4:11 NIV
Are you embittered by a personal tragedy that you did not deserve and cannot understand? If so, it’s time to accept the unchangeable past and to have faith in the promise of tomorrow. It’s time to trust God completely—and it’s time to reclaim the peace—His peace—that can and should be yours.
On occasion, you will be confronted with situations that you simply don’t understand. But God does. And He has a reason for everything that He does.
God doesn’t explain Himself in ways that we, as mortals with limited insight and clouded vision, can comprehend. So, instead of understanding every aspect of God’s unfolding plan for our lives and our universe, we must be satisfied to trust Him completely. We cannot know God’s motivations, nor can we understand His actions. We can, however, trust Him, and we must.
Faith is the willingness to receive whatever he wants to give, or the willingness not to have what he does not want to give. - Elisabeth Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
The key to contentment is to consider. Consider who you are and be satisfied with that. Consider what you have and be satisfied with that. Consider what God’s doing and be satisfied with that. - Luci Swindoll
We need to be at peace with our past, content with our present, and sure about our future, knowing they are all in God’s hands. - Joyce Meyer
I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. - Corrie ten Boom
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant life that is mine through Christ. Give me courage, Lord, to claim the spiritual riches that You have promised, and lead me according to Your plan for my life, today and always. Amen
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wil t revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Chet and Alex had been great friends since elementary school. Now they were starting together on the high school football team; Alex the star running back, and Chet his number one blocker. Chet opened the holes to let Alex get running room, and Alex took off. Throughout their lives together, things had worked pretty much the same way. Chet was always looking out for Alex, making sure he was okay. Together they were an unbeatable pair.
Life sometimes feels like a football game. We've got the ball, and everybody else is out to flatten us. In that case, we want to have the best blocker in front of us that we can. God will assume that role for us, if we ask Him to. God sticks with us in the midst of trouble. He picks us up when we fall, He reaches out to help us along when we get bogged down, and He clears our way to deal with problems rather than let us be beaten by them. Nothing can harm us so long as God is on our side.
Prayer: There are days, Lord, when I feel like I'm losing ground all the time. I get tired of trying so hard to make things work out and feeling like they just get worse. When I face those times, O God, be with me to lift me up and make me a conquer. Amen.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wil t revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Chet and Alex had been great friends since elementary school. Now they were starting together on the high school football team; Alex the star running back, and Chet his number one blocker. Chet opened the holes to let Alex get running room, and Alex took off. Throughout their lives together, things had worked pretty much the same way. Chet was always looking out for Alex, making sure he was okay. Together they were an unbeatable pair.
Life sometimes feels like a football game. We've got the ball, and everybody else is out to flatten us. In that case, we want to have the best blocker in front of us that we can. God will assume that role for us, if we ask Him to. God sticks with us in the midst of trouble. He picks us up when we fall, He reaches out to help us along when we get bogged down, and He clears our way to deal with problems rather than let us be beaten by them. Nothing can harm us so long as God is on our side.
Prayer: There are days, Lord, when I feel like I'm losing ground all the time. I get tired of trying so hard to make things work out and feeling like they just get worse. When I face those times, O God, be with me to lift me up and make me a conquer. Amen.
Hope of Glory
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles
the glorious riches of this mystery,
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, if you never had any tunnels to go through, and if you never experienced despair, why would you need hope? I have a purpose in everything, even suffering. Sometimes that purpose is to show you that I am your only hope of glory. I'm the only One who knows the intricate mysteries of life. And I choose to pour out those riches to you, My child, because you are in Christ. In darkness or in light, I will always be that hope for you.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
When hope is only a dot on the horizon, You flood my life with showers of encouragement. My hope is in You, Lord: You are my destination; You are my consolation; You are my celebration. You are Christ in me, my hope of glory.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Hope is a paint drop of color in an ordinary day.
the glorious riches of this mystery,
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, if you never had any tunnels to go through, and if you never experienced despair, why would you need hope? I have a purpose in everything, even suffering. Sometimes that purpose is to show you that I am your only hope of glory. I'm the only One who knows the intricate mysteries of life. And I choose to pour out those riches to you, My child, because you are in Christ. In darkness or in light, I will always be that hope for you.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
When hope is only a dot on the horizon, You flood my life with showers of encouragement. My hope is in You, Lord: You are my destination; You are my consolation; You are my celebration. You are Christ in me, my hope of glory.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Hope is a paint drop of color in an ordinary day.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Weight Loss
Hey everyone!!! I'm so happy to actually write again. I've have my days of ups and downs but all in all I'm thankful for waking up each day!! So for the past 2 weeks I have been on tis fruits and veggie detox and working out! (sounds tough hunh? Well it does require hard work and dedication)!
Before this i weighed 190lbs(+1-3lbs) :-( (its didn't look like it cause I carried my weight well, but it was all there, Trust me!!)
When I first started (day 1) it was fine, I actually like eating fruits and veggies so it didn't hit me just quit yet. Day 2 was okay but I started craving chocolate (yes, I Marie Lofton is a Chocolate addict! :-( !!). It didn't quite hit me until day 3/4, I was really fatigue, going withdrawals and my body was hurting (morning exercise). I didn't think I could do it. But with the motivation and encouragement from others I knew I could, I wanted to see results!! The day that I weighed myself again I was down to 181(+1-3lbs) now get this it had been a good minute since I was previously weighed, it could have been over the period of time that I lost all that weight! Regardless I was happy!! So I liked it up a notch, I started exercising more and drinking more water!
On 11/17/2011 was the first time going to the gym and doing a full work out and guess what? I weighed myself again!! I was down to 174 (+/- 1-2lbs) I cried!! Because I didn't really think I could lose so much and I did! I had to tell the world!! Because it made me feel good about myself!!
My weight goal is 160 and I'm still pushing through to get it. I'm not on the detox anymore but I don't plan to overdo it. I'm keeping meat, sweets, dairy and bread to a minimum and for thanksgiving I will not overdo myself!! Even if I feel like I have not eaten a lot I wont eat myself until I'm full. I do however plan to go back on the detox after thanksgiving for at least 2 weeks! (that should be fun!! Lol)
If anyone is interested in doing a detox or getting more information please let me know and I can help you out. I'll make sure to keep you all updated on my results!!
Before this i weighed 190lbs(+1-3lbs) :-( (its didn't look like it cause I carried my weight well, but it was all there, Trust me!!)
When I first started (day 1) it was fine, I actually like eating fruits and veggies so it didn't hit me just quit yet. Day 2 was okay but I started craving chocolate (yes, I Marie Lofton is a Chocolate addict! :-( !!). It didn't quite hit me until day 3/4, I was really fatigue, going withdrawals and my body was hurting (morning exercise). I didn't think I could do it. But with the motivation and encouragement from others I knew I could, I wanted to see results!! The day that I weighed myself again I was down to 181(+1-3lbs) now get this it had been a good minute since I was previously weighed, it could have been over the period of time that I lost all that weight! Regardless I was happy!! So I liked it up a notch, I started exercising more and drinking more water!
On 11/17/2011 was the first time going to the gym and doing a full work out and guess what? I weighed myself again!! I was down to 174 (+/- 1-2lbs) I cried!! Because I didn't really think I could lose so much and I did! I had to tell the world!! Because it made me feel good about myself!!
My weight goal is 160 and I'm still pushing through to get it. I'm not on the detox anymore but I don't plan to overdo it. I'm keeping meat, sweets, dairy and bread to a minimum and for thanksgiving I will not overdo myself!! Even if I feel like I have not eaten a lot I wont eat myself until I'm full. I do however plan to go back on the detox after thanksgiving for at least 2 weeks! (that should be fun!! Lol)
If anyone is interested in doing a detox or getting more information please let me know and I can help you out. I'll make sure to keep you all updated on my results!!
Release from the Ghosts of Guilt
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
Guilt dogs the footsteps of mankind. It gnaws. It growls. It eats away at the joy God intends for us. Is there no peace from guilt? Will the ghosts of our guilt always lurk nearby? Not with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the healing power of our Lord in us! The devil is the prosecuting attorney who is going to point his bony finger of accusation at you. But the Holy Spirit is not the accuser. He is the Convictor. In love, He convicts to lead us to confession. Then we can confidently come to God and ask for cleansing. No psychologist or psychiatrist can take away guilt. Only Christ Jesus can.
Read the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. Praise God for His lovingkindness and generous mercy.
Guilt dogs the footsteps of mankind. It gnaws. It growls. It eats away at the joy God intends for us. Is there no peace from guilt? Will the ghosts of our guilt always lurk nearby? Not with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the healing power of our Lord in us! The devil is the prosecuting attorney who is going to point his bony finger of accusation at you. But the Holy Spirit is not the accuser. He is the Convictor. In love, He convicts to lead us to confession. Then we can confidently come to God and ask for cleansing. No psychologist or psychiatrist can take away guilt. Only Christ Jesus can.
Read the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. Praise God for His lovingkindness and generous mercy.
More Than Letter- Reading
James 1:22
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
The president of his own company employing several hundred workers was preparing for an extended business trip. Before leaving he sat down and wrote a lengthy letter, detailing projects he wanted accomplished in his absence, clients he wanted contacted, and the tasks he expected his employees to do while he was away. He finished it, put it in the company post office box, rode to the airport, and boarded his plane.
On his return several months later, he immediately noticed the grounds were unkempt: the grass obviously had not been cut in weeks, the lawn was littered, the shrubs and trees needed trimming, and the doors were marked with handprints. He parked his car and hurried inside. Employees were lounging in their chairs, drinking coffee and talking, feet propped on desks, and most weren't dressed in office attire. A ping-pong table had been set up, and an array of video games littered the flat surfaces. His arrival went unnoticed.
Angrily, the CEO called a meeting of the entire management staff. When all had assembled, he began his tirade: "I can't believe what I'm seeing! Everything is completely different from what I expected it would be. What's been going here? Didn't you get my letter?" Their faces brightened, and someone replied, "Yes sir, we did. We love that letter. We read it almost every day." "In fact," said one man, "I've even memorized several paragraphs from your letter." "It's terrific reading," others chimed in. Another spoke, saying, "Sir, we've organized some study groups. We gather at least once a week and re-read portions of your letter to make sure we understand it all."
Dumbfounded, the president asked, "But did you finish the projects? Did you call the clients? Did you do the things I asked you to do?" At that, everyone looked down. One man finally spoke on behalf of the group, saying, "No sir . . . you see, we're still studying your letter."
Our problem is not in our failure to understand certain biblical truths, but to live the truths we understand. We have all been entrusted with a letter from God—an inspired letter from our great King. Are you content to merely read it, study it, and perhaps memorize it? When are you going to put it into practice?
It is one thing for believers to say, "We believe the Bible!" It is quite another to behave as though we believe. May our belief and our behavior be one and the same—for the glory of God. Then, indeed, there will be no shame . . . should He return today!
Prayer Point: Search your heart before God right now. Ask Him to open your eyes to the ways in which you have not been obedient to His Word, and confess those shortcomings to Him. Then pray for the power to change those habits, and strength to flee from those besetting sins.
Extra Refreshment: Read James 1
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
The president of his own company employing several hundred workers was preparing for an extended business trip. Before leaving he sat down and wrote a lengthy letter, detailing projects he wanted accomplished in his absence, clients he wanted contacted, and the tasks he expected his employees to do while he was away. He finished it, put it in the company post office box, rode to the airport, and boarded his plane.
On his return several months later, he immediately noticed the grounds were unkempt: the grass obviously had not been cut in weeks, the lawn was littered, the shrubs and trees needed trimming, and the doors were marked with handprints. He parked his car and hurried inside. Employees were lounging in their chairs, drinking coffee and talking, feet propped on desks, and most weren't dressed in office attire. A ping-pong table had been set up, and an array of video games littered the flat surfaces. His arrival went unnoticed.
Angrily, the CEO called a meeting of the entire management staff. When all had assembled, he began his tirade: "I can't believe what I'm seeing! Everything is completely different from what I expected it would be. What's been going here? Didn't you get my letter?" Their faces brightened, and someone replied, "Yes sir, we did. We love that letter. We read it almost every day." "In fact," said one man, "I've even memorized several paragraphs from your letter." "It's terrific reading," others chimed in. Another spoke, saying, "Sir, we've organized some study groups. We gather at least once a week and re-read portions of your letter to make sure we understand it all."
Dumbfounded, the president asked, "But did you finish the projects? Did you call the clients? Did you do the things I asked you to do?" At that, everyone looked down. One man finally spoke on behalf of the group, saying, "No sir . . . you see, we're still studying your letter."
Our problem is not in our failure to understand certain biblical truths, but to live the truths we understand. We have all been entrusted with a letter from God—an inspired letter from our great King. Are you content to merely read it, study it, and perhaps memorize it? When are you going to put it into practice?
It is one thing for believers to say, "We believe the Bible!" It is quite another to behave as though we believe. May our belief and our behavior be one and the same—for the glory of God. Then, indeed, there will be no shame . . . should He return today!
Prayer Point: Search your heart before God right now. Ask Him to open your eyes to the ways in which you have not been obedient to His Word, and confess those shortcomings to Him. Then pray for the power to change those habits, and strength to flee from those besetting sins.
Extra Refreshment: Read James 1
A God-Made Man
Respecting the Lord and not being proud
will bring you wealth, honor, and life.
Proverbs 22:4 NCV
We have heard the phrase on countless occasions: “He’s a self-made man.” In truth, none of us are self-made. We all owe countless debts that we can never repay. Our first debt, of course, is to our Father in heaven— Who has given us everything that we are and will ever be—and to His Son Who sacrificed His own life so that we might live eternally. We are also indebted to ancestors, parents, teachers, friends, spouses, family members, coworkers, fellow believers . . . and the list, of course, goes on.
Most of us, it seems, are more than willing to stick out our chests and say, “Look at me; I did that!” But in our better moments, in the quiet moments when we search the depths of our own hearts, we know better. Whatever “it” is, God did that. And He deserves the credit.
Humility expresses a genuine dependency on God and others. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. - Billy Graham
Humility is an attitude. The Lord is high and lifted up, and we are supposed to take a position of lowliness. - Franklin Graham
If you know who you are in Christ, your personal ego is not an issue. - Beth Moore
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus clothed Himself with humility when He chose to leave heaven and come to earth to live and die for all creation. Christ is my Master and my example. Clothe me with humility, Lord, so that I might be more like Your Son. Amen
will bring you wealth, honor, and life.
Proverbs 22:4 NCV
We have heard the phrase on countless occasions: “He’s a self-made man.” In truth, none of us are self-made. We all owe countless debts that we can never repay. Our first debt, of course, is to our Father in heaven— Who has given us everything that we are and will ever be—and to His Son Who sacrificed His own life so that we might live eternally. We are also indebted to ancestors, parents, teachers, friends, spouses, family members, coworkers, fellow believers . . . and the list, of course, goes on.
Most of us, it seems, are more than willing to stick out our chests and say, “Look at me; I did that!” But in our better moments, in the quiet moments when we search the depths of our own hearts, we know better. Whatever “it” is, God did that. And He deserves the credit.
Humility expresses a genuine dependency on God and others. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. - Billy Graham
Humility is an attitude. The Lord is high and lifted up, and we are supposed to take a position of lowliness. - Franklin Graham
If you know who you are in Christ, your personal ego is not an issue. - Beth Moore
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus clothed Himself with humility when He chose to leave heaven and come to earth to live and die for all creation. Christ is my Master and my example. Clothe me with humility, Lord, so that I might be more like Your Son. Amen
Life Sentence
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
In a Sudan prison, Pastor Matta Boush was depressed as he faced 30 years on false charges. A visit from an Irish Catholic sister helped change his outlook. There were others in prison, she said, whose cases were far worse than his. She told him never to ask himself why he was there, but instead to ask for what purpose he was there. From that point Matta Boush began to minister to his fellow prisoners.
He began prayer meetings for non-Muslims and numbers grew quickly. One event at the prison made an especially strong impact. A prisoner, just prior to his execution, rather than being fearful, was calm and gave his testimony. He said he was not afraid to die because he knew he would go to heaven. This made such an impression that some of the Muslim guards became Christians.
He was transferred to another prison in the city of El-Obeid. Some Muslims objected to his ministry and prayer meetings so he was placed in solitary confinement for several months. Away from his God-given work and with too much time to think, depression overtook him again. But the encouragement of friends helped him through the hard times. Returning to the general prison population, he helped lead between 150 and 200 people to Christ.
Later Matta Boush was transferred to El-Khobar prison in Khartoum. There he was able to help build a prison chapel as well as continuing his ministry. In the next ten months, 200 people came to the Lord.
His sudden release indicated that the person ordering it had great authority. As a free man, he contacted churches and visited Nuba refugee camps. He was reunited with his three daughters. His wife, however, had married a Muslim man.
He began providing pastoral care for nine regional churches. He was faithful in sharing the Lord both in and out of prison. No sacrifice was too great to accomplish the goal.
RESPONSE: Today I will sacrifice my comforts to accomplish the most important goal – sharing Jesus!
PRAYER: Pray for pastors like Matta Boush in prison today around the world. Pray they will lose their own desires and accomplish the Lord’s.
In a Sudan prison, Pastor Matta Boush was depressed as he faced 30 years on false charges. A visit from an Irish Catholic sister helped change his outlook. There were others in prison, she said, whose cases were far worse than his. She told him never to ask himself why he was there, but instead to ask for what purpose he was there. From that point Matta Boush began to minister to his fellow prisoners.
He began prayer meetings for non-Muslims and numbers grew quickly. One event at the prison made an especially strong impact. A prisoner, just prior to his execution, rather than being fearful, was calm and gave his testimony. He said he was not afraid to die because he knew he would go to heaven. This made such an impression that some of the Muslim guards became Christians.
He was transferred to another prison in the city of El-Obeid. Some Muslims objected to his ministry and prayer meetings so he was placed in solitary confinement for several months. Away from his God-given work and with too much time to think, depression overtook him again. But the encouragement of friends helped him through the hard times. Returning to the general prison population, he helped lead between 150 and 200 people to Christ.
Later Matta Boush was transferred to El-Khobar prison in Khartoum. There he was able to help build a prison chapel as well as continuing his ministry. In the next ten months, 200 people came to the Lord.
His sudden release indicated that the person ordering it had great authority. As a free man, he contacted churches and visited Nuba refugee camps. He was reunited with his three daughters. His wife, however, had married a Muslim man.
He began providing pastoral care for nine regional churches. He was faithful in sharing the Lord both in and out of prison. No sacrifice was too great to accomplish the goal.
RESPONSE: Today I will sacrifice my comforts to accomplish the most important goal – sharing Jesus!
PRAYER: Pray for pastors like Matta Boush in prison today around the world. Pray they will lose their own desires and accomplish the Lord’s.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Faithful Witness
Grace and peace to you. . . and from Jesus Christ,
who is the faithful witness.
Revelation 1:4-5
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I hold the key to what the Father is like. I am the only One who knows. I and My Father are the same. When you see Me, you see Him. So when you need to know truth, come to Me. I am the faithful witness. I've existed before the world ever did, so I'm witness to what has taken place throughout the halls of history. Trust Me, Child. I never lie or deceive.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, Your words and deeds spread like a forest fire, burning and refining those in Your path. You are the faithful wit-ness, an accurate testimony to the real nature of God. You not only testify to the truth, but You are the Truth.
SIMPLE TRUTH
To know Him, to love Him, to make His ways known—is there any goal more worthy to pursue as our own?
who is the faithful witness.
Revelation 1:4-5
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I hold the key to what the Father is like. I am the only One who knows. I and My Father are the same. When you see Me, you see Him. So when you need to know truth, come to Me. I am the faithful witness. I've existed before the world ever did, so I'm witness to what has taken place throughout the halls of history. Trust Me, Child. I never lie or deceive.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, Your words and deeds spread like a forest fire, burning and refining those in Your path. You are the faithful wit-ness, an accurate testimony to the real nature of God. You not only testify to the truth, but You are the Truth.
SIMPLE TRUTH
To know Him, to love Him, to make His ways known—is there any goal more worthy to pursue as our own?
To Forgive or Not Forgive
Today’s Truth
But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done (1 John 1:9, NCV).
Friend to Friend
Music has always been an important part of my life. In fact, I attended college on a music scholarship. The piano was my main instrument, but I also wanted to be a guitarist. Since I had played the piano for so many years, the musical challenge of playing the guitar was not my problem. It was my fingers. After two guitar lessons from a very patient friend and several hours of practicing, my fingertips were sore and raw to the point of bleeding. When I asked my friend what I was doing wrong, he just laughed and held out his hands, showing me the rough calluses on his own fingers. "When I began playing the guitar, my fingers were just as sore and raw as yours are now. Just keep playing, and your fingers will eventually develop calluses and it won't hurt to play," he explained.
Sin works the same way. The first time we commit a sin it really bothers us. We feel guilty and mourn the fact that we have grieved the heart of God. However, if we allow sin to settle into our lives by refusing to confess it, that sin hardens our heart and builds spiritual calluses in our soul. When we become comfortable with our sin, we are walking in enemy territory and setting ourselves up for spiritual discouragement and failure.
1 John 1:9 says "But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (NCV).
This verse was written to believers as an encouragement to deal with sin and a promise that when we do so, God will be faithful to forgive us and clean up the mess that sin has caused. To fully experience the forgiveness of God, we need to keep short books on sin. That not only means being sensitive to sin but being willing to do something about it. God is serious about sin. We need to be as well.
1. We must confess sin continually. "Confess" means to agree with. It is a present tense verb meaning we must confess sin frequently - without stopping. Doing so makes us more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and creates a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
2. We must confess sin completely.We commit individual sins. We need to confess them one-by-one and learn to be authentic and transparent when dealing with the sin in our lives.
3. We must confess sin confidently.Once we confess our sins, we can put them behind us. God is just and fair -- seeking only one payment for sin. Jesus has already made that full and complete payment with His death on the cross. If we refuse to forgive ourselves, we are saying that what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. I love the story of a little boy standing in front of the Washington Monument. “I want to buy it, and I have a quarter,” he told the guard. “That’s not enough,” the guard said. The little boy replied, “I thought you would say that,” pulling nine more cents out of his pocket. The guard looked down at the small boy and said, “Son, you need to understand three things. First, thirty-four cents is not enough. Second, the Washington Monument is not for sale. And third, if you are an American citizen, the Washington Monument already belongs to you.” We need to understand three things about God’s forgiveness. We will never be good enough to deserve it. It is not for sale and we cannot earn it. But if we have a personal relationship with God, His forgiveness already belongs to us.
One of Satan's favorite tactics is to resurrect buried sin. Wrapping that confessed transgression in his vain taunts and useless accusations, the enemy hauls it back into focus, hoping guilt will paralyze and imprison a soul set free.
How often do we believe Satan’s empty lies and choose to remain a prisoner of false guilt and condemnation? To break the hold of sin, we must stand against the enemy, choose to trust the Word of God and embrace the promise that when we confess sin, God forgives it.
Let’s Pray
Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction to my heart and life when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from my sin.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read and meditate on the following verses:
Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT) "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you … leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV) “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Make a list of the sins in your life that need the forgiveness of God. Ask God to forgive you for each one. If you have sinned against someone else, take the first step of reconciliation. If someone has sinned against you, forgive them and go to them in love, seeking restoration.
What are the rewards of forgiveness?
What are the barriers to forgiveness in my heart?
What are the things for which I cannot forgive myself?
What does that indicate about my understanding of true forgiveness?
Celebrate right now the power of forgiveness in your life.
But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done (1 John 1:9, NCV).
Friend to Friend
Music has always been an important part of my life. In fact, I attended college on a music scholarship. The piano was my main instrument, but I also wanted to be a guitarist. Since I had played the piano for so many years, the musical challenge of playing the guitar was not my problem. It was my fingers. After two guitar lessons from a very patient friend and several hours of practicing, my fingertips were sore and raw to the point of bleeding. When I asked my friend what I was doing wrong, he just laughed and held out his hands, showing me the rough calluses on his own fingers. "When I began playing the guitar, my fingers were just as sore and raw as yours are now. Just keep playing, and your fingers will eventually develop calluses and it won't hurt to play," he explained.
Sin works the same way. The first time we commit a sin it really bothers us. We feel guilty and mourn the fact that we have grieved the heart of God. However, if we allow sin to settle into our lives by refusing to confess it, that sin hardens our heart and builds spiritual calluses in our soul. When we become comfortable with our sin, we are walking in enemy territory and setting ourselves up for spiritual discouragement and failure.
1 John 1:9 says "But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (NCV).
This verse was written to believers as an encouragement to deal with sin and a promise that when we do so, God will be faithful to forgive us and clean up the mess that sin has caused. To fully experience the forgiveness of God, we need to keep short books on sin. That not only means being sensitive to sin but being willing to do something about it. God is serious about sin. We need to be as well.
1. We must confess sin continually. "Confess" means to agree with. It is a present tense verb meaning we must confess sin frequently - without stopping. Doing so makes us more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and creates a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
2. We must confess sin completely.We commit individual sins. We need to confess them one-by-one and learn to be authentic and transparent when dealing with the sin in our lives.
3. We must confess sin confidently.Once we confess our sins, we can put them behind us. God is just and fair -- seeking only one payment for sin. Jesus has already made that full and complete payment with His death on the cross. If we refuse to forgive ourselves, we are saying that what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. I love the story of a little boy standing in front of the Washington Monument. “I want to buy it, and I have a quarter,” he told the guard. “That’s not enough,” the guard said. The little boy replied, “I thought you would say that,” pulling nine more cents out of his pocket. The guard looked down at the small boy and said, “Son, you need to understand three things. First, thirty-four cents is not enough. Second, the Washington Monument is not for sale. And third, if you are an American citizen, the Washington Monument already belongs to you.” We need to understand three things about God’s forgiveness. We will never be good enough to deserve it. It is not for sale and we cannot earn it. But if we have a personal relationship with God, His forgiveness already belongs to us.
One of Satan's favorite tactics is to resurrect buried sin. Wrapping that confessed transgression in his vain taunts and useless accusations, the enemy hauls it back into focus, hoping guilt will paralyze and imprison a soul set free.
How often do we believe Satan’s empty lies and choose to remain a prisoner of false guilt and condemnation? To break the hold of sin, we must stand against the enemy, choose to trust the Word of God and embrace the promise that when we confess sin, God forgives it.
Let’s Pray
Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction to my heart and life when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from my sin.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read and meditate on the following verses:
Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT) "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you … leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV) “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Make a list of the sins in your life that need the forgiveness of God. Ask God to forgive you for each one. If you have sinned against someone else, take the first step of reconciliation. If someone has sinned against you, forgive them and go to them in love, seeking restoration.
What are the rewards of forgiveness?
What are the barriers to forgiveness in my heart?
What are the things for which I cannot forgive myself?
What does that indicate about my understanding of true forgiveness?
Celebrate right now the power of forgiveness in your life.
People God Chooses to Do His Work
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27
The people God chooses to do His work are plain, simple folks. All you have to do is look at the twelve men Jesus chose to be His disciples. Fishermen, a tax collector, a “zealot.” What a ragtag bunch! But they ended up “turning the world upside down.” And those who watched them exclaimed, “Why, these are ignorant and unlearned men!” (Acts 4:13). Maybe you didn’t make the “Who’s Who,” or worse, the “Who’s Not”! That’s all right. God has a plan for you. God knows what He is doing. He turns the table on the world’s idea of success. Wealth, fame, acclaim. None of these are necessary for you to be used of God.
What a glorious truth for you to share with someone today who may be feeling like they’re not worth much. Ask God to lead you to that someone right now.
The people God chooses to do His work are plain, simple folks. All you have to do is look at the twelve men Jesus chose to be His disciples. Fishermen, a tax collector, a “zealot.” What a ragtag bunch! But they ended up “turning the world upside down.” And those who watched them exclaimed, “Why, these are ignorant and unlearned men!” (Acts 4:13). Maybe you didn’t make the “Who’s Who,” or worse, the “Who’s Not”! That’s all right. God has a plan for you. God knows what He is doing. He turns the table on the world’s idea of success. Wealth, fame, acclaim. None of these are necessary for you to be used of God.
What a glorious truth for you to share with someone today who may be feeling like they’re not worth much. Ask God to lead you to that someone right now.
Pleasing God
But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing.
Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing,
and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.
2 Corinthians 5:9 MSG
When God made you, He equipped you with an array of talents and abilities that are uniquely yours.
It’s up to you to discover those talents and to use them, but sometimes the world will encourage you to do otherwise. At times, society will attempt to cubbyhole you, to standardize you, and to make you fit into a particular, preformed mold. Sometimes, because you’re an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society’s expectations that you fail to focus on God’s expectations. To do so is a mistake of major proportions—don’t make it.
Who will you try to please today: God or man? Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women. Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God. Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And seek to please Him. Always.
It is impossible to please God doing things motivated by and produced by the flesh. - Bill Bright, 100 Days of Prayer
Whether we think of, or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer when we have no other object than his love and the desire of pleasing him. - John Wesley
God is not hard to please. He does not expect us to be absolutely perfect. He just expects us to keep moving toward Him and believing in Him, letting Him work with us to bring us into conformity to His will and ways. - Joyce Meyer
All our offerings, whether music or martyrdom, are like the intrinsically worthless present of a child, which a father values indeed, but values only for the intention. - C. S. Lewis
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. I will seek to please You, and I will strive to serve You. Your blessings are as limitless as Your love. And because I have been so richly blessed, I will worship You, Father, with thanksgiving in my heart and praise on my lips, this day and forever. Amen
Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing,
and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.
2 Corinthians 5:9 MSG
When God made you, He equipped you with an array of talents and abilities that are uniquely yours.
It’s up to you to discover those talents and to use them, but sometimes the world will encourage you to do otherwise. At times, society will attempt to cubbyhole you, to standardize you, and to make you fit into a particular, preformed mold. Sometimes, because you’re an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society’s expectations that you fail to focus on God’s expectations. To do so is a mistake of major proportions—don’t make it.
Who will you try to please today: God or man? Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women. Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God. Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And seek to please Him. Always.
It is impossible to please God doing things motivated by and produced by the flesh. - Bill Bright, 100 Days of Prayer
Whether we think of, or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer when we have no other object than his love and the desire of pleasing him. - John Wesley
God is not hard to please. He does not expect us to be absolutely perfect. He just expects us to keep moving toward Him and believing in Him, letting Him work with us to bring us into conformity to His will and ways. - Joyce Meyer
All our offerings, whether music or martyrdom, are like the intrinsically worthless present of a child, which a father values indeed, but values only for the intention. - C. S. Lewis
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. I will seek to please You, and I will strive to serve You. Your blessings are as limitless as Your love. And because I have been so richly blessed, I will worship You, Father, with thanksgiving in my heart and praise on my lips, this day and forever. Amen
Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV)
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Destroyer
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 John 3:8
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, don't believe when others say I am out to get you. I did not come to destroy the world, but to save it. Men and women choose to destroy themselves because they reject Me and My love. You have only one real enemy, and he is real, but full of hot air. He will come to you trying to deceive you with lies about Me and about you. Resist him in My name. I came to destroy his efforts. I won, Child. He cannot harm you. I'm greater than your enemy.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
The earth and all that's in it are at Your mercy, Lord. Though You could destroy every living thing with one swift blow, You came to crush the devil, not us. You are the destroyer of evil. You are the One who has already won.
SIMPLE TRUTH
When you're on God's side, Satan is all roar and no bite
1 John 3:8
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, don't believe when others say I am out to get you. I did not come to destroy the world, but to save it. Men and women choose to destroy themselves because they reject Me and My love. You have only one real enemy, and he is real, but full of hot air. He will come to you trying to deceive you with lies about Me and about you. Resist him in My name. I came to destroy his efforts. I won, Child. He cannot harm you. I'm greater than your enemy.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
The earth and all that's in it are at Your mercy, Lord. Though You could destroy every living thing with one swift blow, You came to crush the devil, not us. You are the destroyer of evil. You are the One who has already won.
SIMPLE TRUTH
When you're on God's side, Satan is all roar and no bite
Just You and God
Obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
—COLOSSIANS 3:22
In the 1980s it came to the attention of the IRS that large numbers of taxpayers were claiming unauthorized dependents. Some claims were ridiculous (such as Fluffy, who probably had four legs), and some were understandable (divorced spouses both claiming their children). In 1986, Congress passed a law requiring taxpayers to list their dependent children's Social Security numbers. When the returns came in the following April, seven million dependents had disappeared.
Challenging taxpayers to verify their claims generated nearly $3 billion in additional tax revenue just in the first year. It has been said that a gentleman is one who uses the butter knife when he is alone. Who are you when no one is looking? Some people would never lie to a friend but don't hesitate to cheat an employer or the government. Yet dishonesty in one area of life leads to dishonesty in other areas.
It's easy to slip into dishonest living when we're convinced we won't get caught. But just as dishonesty hurts our earthly relationships, so it hurts our relationship with God. He is a loving Father who wants a genuine relationship with his children. A key part of our relationship with him, as in any relationship, is to be true in our words, thoughts, and actions.
Prayer
Forgive me for my "secret" dishonesty, Lord. Help me have integrity whether I'm with others or alone with you.
—COLOSSIANS 3:22
In the 1980s it came to the attention of the IRS that large numbers of taxpayers were claiming unauthorized dependents. Some claims were ridiculous (such as Fluffy, who probably had four legs), and some were understandable (divorced spouses both claiming their children). In 1986, Congress passed a law requiring taxpayers to list their dependent children's Social Security numbers. When the returns came in the following April, seven million dependents had disappeared.
Challenging taxpayers to verify their claims generated nearly $3 billion in additional tax revenue just in the first year. It has been said that a gentleman is one who uses the butter knife when he is alone. Who are you when no one is looking? Some people would never lie to a friend but don't hesitate to cheat an employer or the government. Yet dishonesty in one area of life leads to dishonesty in other areas.
It's easy to slip into dishonest living when we're convinced we won't get caught. But just as dishonesty hurts our earthly relationships, so it hurts our relationship with God. He is a loving Father who wants a genuine relationship with his children. A key part of our relationship with him, as in any relationship, is to be true in our words, thoughts, and actions.
Prayer
Forgive me for my "secret" dishonesty, Lord. Help me have integrity whether I'm with others or alone with you.
God is in Control
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
“There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” That is how God operates — no panic. Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency session? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies of fear, discouragement, and despair. You are a victor. And God is in control!
Repeat the following throughout the day today, “God is in control of my life. He will not leave me. His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days.
“There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” That is how God operates — no panic. Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency session? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies of fear, discouragement, and despair. You are a victor. And God is in control!
Repeat the following throughout the day today, “God is in control of my life. He will not leave me. His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days.
Wisdom in a Donut Shop
Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Many years ago, this rhyme was posted on the wall of a small donut shop:
As you travel through life brother,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the donut,
And not upon the hole.
These simple words remind us of a profound truth: we should spend more time looking at the things we have, not worrying about the things we don’t have. When you think about it, you’ve got more blessings than you can count. So make it a habit to thank God for the gifts He’s given you, not the gifts you wish He’d given you. (100 Days of Prayer)
We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. - Gloria Gaither
The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces. - Charles Kingsley
Go forward confidently, energetically attacking problems, expecting favorable outcomes. - Norman Vincent Peale
No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism. - William Ralph Inge
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, I will look for the best in other people, I will expect the best from You, and I will try my best to do my best—today and every day. Amen
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Many years ago, this rhyme was posted on the wall of a small donut shop:
As you travel through life brother,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the donut,
And not upon the hole.
These simple words remind us of a profound truth: we should spend more time looking at the things we have, not worrying about the things we don’t have. When you think about it, you’ve got more blessings than you can count. So make it a habit to thank God for the gifts He’s given you, not the gifts you wish He’d given you. (100 Days of Prayer)
We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. - Gloria Gaither
The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces. - Charles Kingsley
Go forward confidently, energetically attacking problems, expecting favorable outcomes. - Norman Vincent Peale
No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism. - William Ralph Inge
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, I will look for the best in other people, I will expect the best from You, and I will try my best to do my best—today and every day. Amen
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
If you have chosen to trust in what God has done for you at the cross, taking the penalty for your sins and offering you forgiveness, then you have eternal life!
Notice the promise of this verse. It does not say that whoever believes in Him shall have life until they sin badly. No, it says that if you believe in Him, you have eternal life. This new kind of life God gives you has both quantity and quality. This new life is eternal, meaning it never ends. You will live forever with God. Death is not final. On the contrary, death is a doorway that ushers us into a beautiful and more glorious life with God forever.
And this eternal life is also a different quality of life; it is God’s life in you. God is at work in your inner life to make you more like Jesus Christ. The more you allow God to lead and direct your life, the more you experience of His beautiful life flowing from your innermost being.
God is reminding you today of the vastness of what He has given you in Christ, and He is inviting you to trust His love for you and allow Him to lead and direct your life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
If you have chosen to trust in what God has done for you at the cross, taking the penalty for your sins and offering you forgiveness, then you have eternal life!
Notice the promise of this verse. It does not say that whoever believes in Him shall have life until they sin badly. No, it says that if you believe in Him, you have eternal life. This new kind of life God gives you has both quantity and quality. This new life is eternal, meaning it never ends. You will live forever with God. Death is not final. On the contrary, death is a doorway that ushers us into a beautiful and more glorious life with God forever.
And this eternal life is also a different quality of life; it is God’s life in you. God is at work in your inner life to make you more like Jesus Christ. The more you allow God to lead and direct your life, the more you experience of His beautiful life flowing from your innermost being.
God is reminding you today of the vastness of what He has given you in Christ, and He is inviting you to trust His love for you and allow Him to lead and direct your life.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Faith and Prayer
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
God rewards faith. Christianity started with the faith of Abraham. Faith means that we do not see to believe. So, praying is an act of faith. When we pray, we are acknowledging that God exists and listens even though we do not see Him. God rewards our faith by answering our prayers.
I have noticed that when I first came to Christ, He answered my prayers pretty quickly. It was as if I was in "obedience school" and He wanted to reward my good behavior of including Him. As I grew in my faith, I next noticed that God answered some prayers quickly but other prayers, He did not answer at all. He was then training me to learn how to pray and ask for certain things differently. When I studied the Word to see God's heart on the matter or asked God to clarify my motives of why I was asking, He would answer those prayers as well as what I asked.
Now, after having walked with the Lord for many years, my prayer life has changed again. I have more of a conversational prayer life than an "ask and believe and receive" prayer life. Now, I talk with the Lord about my requests. I ask Him to reveal His heart to me about the matter and I wait to see if there is any change in my heart as I also search the Scriptures to hear His heart. The requests themselves have now become smaller in comparison to the relationship of talking and listening and learning from Him. There is no request or unanswered prayer that becomes more important than my ongoing relationship with Him. So my faith is rewarded in a completely different way than answered prayer; my faith is rewarded by enjoying His presence in the process.
God is good. Learn to seek Him in faith. It starts with prayer requests and continues until you are praying without ceasing. You will not be disappointed. How could we ever be more satisfied than with the very presence of God Himself?
God rewards faith. Christianity started with the faith of Abraham. Faith means that we do not see to believe. So, praying is an act of faith. When we pray, we are acknowledging that God exists and listens even though we do not see Him. God rewards our faith by answering our prayers.
I have noticed that when I first came to Christ, He answered my prayers pretty quickly. It was as if I was in "obedience school" and He wanted to reward my good behavior of including Him. As I grew in my faith, I next noticed that God answered some prayers quickly but other prayers, He did not answer at all. He was then training me to learn how to pray and ask for certain things differently. When I studied the Word to see God's heart on the matter or asked God to clarify my motives of why I was asking, He would answer those prayers as well as what I asked.
Now, after having walked with the Lord for many years, my prayer life has changed again. I have more of a conversational prayer life than an "ask and believe and receive" prayer life. Now, I talk with the Lord about my requests. I ask Him to reveal His heart to me about the matter and I wait to see if there is any change in my heart as I also search the Scriptures to hear His heart. The requests themselves have now become smaller in comparison to the relationship of talking and listening and learning from Him. There is no request or unanswered prayer that becomes more important than my ongoing relationship with Him. So my faith is rewarded in a completely different way than answered prayer; my faith is rewarded by enjoying His presence in the process.
God is good. Learn to seek Him in faith. It starts with prayer requests and continues until you are praying without ceasing. You will not be disappointed. How could we ever be more satisfied than with the very presence of God Himself?
Validity
"There is another who testifies in my favor,
and I know that his testimony about me is valid."
John 5:32
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, the law required two witnesses to verify the truth about someone's character and testimony. Though I had many witnesses, I needed none: I had validity in My works and My Father's words. Yet so many refused to believe in Me. They still do. Just like My faithful servant John the Baptist who testified about My coming and prepared the way, will you, too, help prepare a place in someone's heart for Me? Do it today, Child. Time is short.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just like the instruments directing a ship to its harbor, Your life and testimony have validity. Your personal witnesses—the bruised, the broken, the dead made alive, the sick who were healed—all believed You, Lord. But more than that, the Father Himself verified who You were. I'll be Your witness, too, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
It's not where you've been or what you've done, but whose you are that matters most
and I know that his testimony about me is valid."
John 5:32
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, the law required two witnesses to verify the truth about someone's character and testimony. Though I had many witnesses, I needed none: I had validity in My works and My Father's words. Yet so many refused to believe in Me. They still do. Just like My faithful servant John the Baptist who testified about My coming and prepared the way, will you, too, help prepare a place in someone's heart for Me? Do it today, Child. Time is short.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just like the instruments directing a ship to its harbor, Your life and testimony have validity. Your personal witnesses—the bruised, the broken, the dead made alive, the sick who were healed—all believed You, Lord. But more than that, the Father Himself verified who You were. I'll be Your witness, too, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
It's not where you've been or what you've done, but whose you are that matters most
Plan for Peace
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.(Proverbs 16:7, ESV).
What one change are you willing to make today to promote peace in your relationships? Record your answer in your journal along with a prayer of commitment. Feeling brave? Share your commitment with a girlfriend who will hold you accountable.
Friend to Friend
I recently read the story of a young reporter who approached an older gentleman on his 100th birthday.
I recently read the story of a young reporter who approached an older gentleman on his 100th birthday.
"I want to wish you a happy birthday, Sir. I have just one question for you. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in life?” the young reporter asked.
"Well," said the man, "I don't have a single enemy in the world."
"Really? That’s incredible!” responded the reporter. “What is your secret?”
The centenarian smiled and proudly replied, "I have outlived every single one of them."
Let’s be honest. Some people are harder to get along with than others. I call them “sandpaper people” because they are irritating and rub me the wrong way. Tough relationships are a certainty in life. When it comes to handling those difficult relationships, God does not want or expect us to declare war. We are to control our emotions instead of allowing them to control us. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “As much as is possible, live peaceably with all men.” In other words, we need to set our mind on peace – not winning.
God’s desire is for us to wage peace in every relationship. What is even more amazing to me is the fact that God calls us to wage peace with even the roughest, most abrasive sandpaper people who come our way. Now that is a formidable task, since sandpaper people seem to come with a set agenda that targets emotional eruptions and creates constant relationship upheavals. They love a good fight, live to evoke angry reactions and are fierce warriors determined to win every battle initiated by their downright irritating personalities. However, combat is impossible when the enemy has laid down his weapons and chosen peace.
Unresolved conflict is the enemy of peace, and peace is often the casualty of unresolved conflict in relationships. I love this little poem about relationship problems:
"To dwell above with saints we love, that will be grace and glory.
To live below with saints we know; that's another story!" (Author unknown)
The world has its own system for working out conflict. That system is retaliation. God has a different plan for working out conflict. That plan is restoration. The apostle Paul was a master at conflict resolution and in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, he offers a simple but powerful command to “live in peace with each other." In Colossians 3:12-14, he paints a clear picture of what living in peace should look like in our lives:
To live below with saints we know; that's another story!" (Author unknown)
The world has its own system for working out conflict. That system is retaliation. God has a different plan for working out conflict. That plan is restoration. The apostle Paul was a master at conflict resolution and in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, he offers a simple but powerful command to “live in peace with each other." In Colossians 3:12-14, he paints a clear picture of what living in peace should look like in our lives:
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Sounds like an impossible task, doesn’t it? It is … unless we choose to rely on and surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. When Paul says that we are to "clothe" ourselves with certain characteristics so we will always be prepared for peace, he means we must plan ahead and make deliberate choices before the choice is actually necessary.
For example, the holidays are coming up. (I know. I can't believe it either.) Let’s say that your least favorite relatives are coming for a week and you are already dreading their visit. Make the decision right now to practice patience, love and self-control during their stay. Choose today to please God by how you treat them and welcome them into your home. Why?
Proverbs 16:7 (ESV) “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
"He" is the operating word in the verse above. Did you catch that? Our obedience to God invites Him to promote peace in our relationships – even the most difficultones. All we have to focus on is making sure our ways are pleasing to the Lord and He will do the rest. Now that is a great plan for peace!
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to live a life of obedience to You. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Teach me to love even my enemies. Give me the strength to wage peace when what I really want to do is wage war. Today, I choose to surrender my stubborn will to You. I lay down my emotional weapons and choose peace. Be glorified in my relationships, Father.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Father, I want to live a life of obedience to You. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Teach me to love even my enemies. Give me the strength to wage peace when what I really want to do is wage war. Today, I choose to surrender my stubborn will to You. I lay down my emotional weapons and choose peace. Be glorified in my relationships, Father.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
We need to plan for peace. The characteristics that we wear or "bring" to relationships will determine the level of peace in those relationships. Peace makes the decision to resolve conflict before conflict comes. Paul lists the characteristics we need to cultivate personally in order to have right relationships filled with peace. On a scale of one to five, how are you doing in each area when it comes to dealing with the difficult people in your life?
1 = Awful
5 = Awesome
5 = Awesome
___ Compassionate
___ Kind
___ Humble
___ Gentle
___ Patient
___ Merciful
___ Loving
___ Forgiving
___ Kind
___ Humble
___ Gentle
___ Patient
___ Merciful
___ Loving
___ Forgiving
What one change are you willing to make today to promote peace in your relationships? Record your answer in your journal along with a prayer of commitment. Feeling brave? Share your commitment with a girlfriend who will hold you accountable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)