From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
Wise living keeps the realization and understanding of God in the vortex of your thinking because His awareness is centerpiece. What would Jesus do becomes a way of life. His desires, His motivations, His thoughts and His character become paramount in your thinking. This leads to wise living because it is based on Christ-like living.
God’s ways are the path to wisdom. The wisdom of God is unfathomable but He is willing to share it with us. In fact, His preference is to shower His children with raindrops of wisdom. He delights in imparting His game plan for living. However, it takes our daily pursuit for the wisdom of God to penetrate our thinking.
Wise living defaults to a Biblical worldview of thinking. The ways of God are revealed as you understand and apply the Bible. The Bible teaches that you serve and worship a personal God. There are no details of your life of which He is not aware. He knows how many hairs are on your head!
This understanding of His personal concern for you invites you to have security and confidence in Him. This is wise living based on the character of God. There are right ways and wrong ways to live life. All of the ways of the Lord are right. Furthermore, His desire is for His followers to treat others as He treats them. This is a high standard, but this is the road of wisdom.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Pursuing Your Dreams
From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Ephesians 1:18 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."
If the Lord has placed a dream in your heart, don't wait for external events to grant you "permission." Don't allow yourself to be hampered by fear, but do take a look at your motives.
The most important thing you can do with your dreams is to examine them in light of who gets the glory in the process… you or God? Cultivate the dreams born of the Spirit. You're happiest and most fulfilled when you're doing what God has designed you to do.
He knows your frame, talents, skills, and desires. If you pursue the dreams He plants in your heart, I can promise you'll find more abundant life than you ever thought possible.
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."- William Carey
Ephesians 1:18 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."
If the Lord has placed a dream in your heart, don't wait for external events to grant you "permission." Don't allow yourself to be hampered by fear, but do take a look at your motives.
The most important thing you can do with your dreams is to examine them in light of who gets the glory in the process… you or God? Cultivate the dreams born of the Spirit. You're happiest and most fulfilled when you're doing what God has designed you to do.
He knows your frame, talents, skills, and desires. If you pursue the dreams He plants in your heart, I can promise you'll find more abundant life than you ever thought possible.
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."- William Carey
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Right Use of Time
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Rejoice always, never cease praying, render constant thanks, such is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
The amount of time we spend with anyone or any activity is a good indicator of the value we place on that person or activity. Time equates to money for some. For others it can be a cruel dictator. It is the physical evidence of what is at the center of our lives.
People can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the lack of available time, but the will to set a priority for the time they have. The wrong use of time can lead to misery. The right use of time can result in fulfillment.
"You need to take time to turn to God. Do not pray only when you have set aside time to do. The busier you are, the more you must practice turning to God. If you wait until the time is convenient, there is little doubt that you will end up spending little time with God. Try to come before God both in the morning and the evening. Pray during and between all your other jobs as much as you can. You cannot retire too much from the mindless chatter of the world. Learn to steal this time in little snatches, and you will find these moments the most precious part of your day", said Francois de Fenelon, a sixteenth century Christian leader.
What does the evidence of time tell you about yourself? Today, give God the time needed to develop a relationship that is meaningful for both of you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Rejoice always, never cease praying, render constant thanks, such is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
The amount of time we spend with anyone or any activity is a good indicator of the value we place on that person or activity. Time equates to money for some. For others it can be a cruel dictator. It is the physical evidence of what is at the center of our lives.
People can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the lack of available time, but the will to set a priority for the time they have. The wrong use of time can lead to misery. The right use of time can result in fulfillment.
"You need to take time to turn to God. Do not pray only when you have set aside time to do. The busier you are, the more you must practice turning to God. If you wait until the time is convenient, there is little doubt that you will end up spending little time with God. Try to come before God both in the morning and the evening. Pray during and between all your other jobs as much as you can. You cannot retire too much from the mindless chatter of the world. Learn to steal this time in little snatches, and you will find these moments the most precious part of your day", said Francois de Fenelon, a sixteenth century Christian leader.
What does the evidence of time tell you about yourself? Today, give God the time needed to develop a relationship that is meaningful for both of you.
Monday, December 27, 2010
He Shows Up All The Time
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
John 4:10 "Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water.'"
Did you know that Jesus shows up in your life all the time? The Bible says He's around you all the time; His spirit is there but you don't recognize Him. He shows up in other people and what they say to you. He shows up in opportunities. He shows up in problems. He shows up in difficulties, but you don't know it because you are not paying attention.
Actually, this is really common. It happens in the Bible. People fail to recognize Jesus. For instance, Jesus once asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Not knowing who Jesus is, she engages Him in a religious debate. Jesus says, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water."
This happens to us. We don't recognize Jesus when He's around us. The Bible says He's always near, but we don't listen. We don't tune in to His presence.
Here’s why we need to pay attention to Jesus. He will focus us on the things that are truly important and that will change the way we handle every relationship, task, and circumstance in our lives.
When you learn to live in light of eternity, your values change. You use your time and money more wisely. You place a higher premium on relationships and character instead of fame or wealth or achievements or even fun. Your priorities are reordered. Keeping up with trends, fashions, and popular values just doesn’t matter as much anymore.
John 4:10 "Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water.'"
Did you know that Jesus shows up in your life all the time? The Bible says He's around you all the time; His spirit is there but you don't recognize Him. He shows up in other people and what they say to you. He shows up in opportunities. He shows up in problems. He shows up in difficulties, but you don't know it because you are not paying attention.
Actually, this is really common. It happens in the Bible. People fail to recognize Jesus. For instance, Jesus once asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Not knowing who Jesus is, she engages Him in a religious debate. Jesus says, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water."
This happens to us. We don't recognize Jesus when He's around us. The Bible says He's always near, but we don't listen. We don't tune in to His presence.
Here’s why we need to pay attention to Jesus. He will focus us on the things that are truly important and that will change the way we handle every relationship, task, and circumstance in our lives.
When you learn to live in light of eternity, your values change. You use your time and money more wisely. You place a higher premium on relationships and character instead of fame or wealth or achievements or even fun. Your priorities are reordered. Keeping up with trends, fashions, and popular values just doesn’t matter as much anymore.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Greatest Gift Of All
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals
John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh."
Every single person faces darkness from time to time. Whether it's the darkness of failure, the darkness of sin, or if it's the darkness of sorrow, it's clear that darkness is all around us. And we wonder: Will the darkness conquer? Will the night win? Will these dark days prevail?
Because of Jesus Christ, the answer is no! His light has come into the world and shone in our hearts. And because of Christ in you, there's hope and there's life! This same Christ is coming again with the glory of the Father and the holy angels to set all things in order. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!
Yes, the world is in darkness… intellectual darkness, political darkness, moral darkness. But we who once sat in that darkness have seen a great light.
That night when Jesus was born, when God became a baby, when the infinite became an infant, the light of God came and dwelt with us. The smile of God was in that baby's creased and dimpled chin. God's arms reaching out to the world were in his tiny little fingers. And the love of God was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
Jesus, the Light of the world and the hope of all humanity, was born. And that's the greatest gift of all.
John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh."
Every single person faces darkness from time to time. Whether it's the darkness of failure, the darkness of sin, or if it's the darkness of sorrow, it's clear that darkness is all around us. And we wonder: Will the darkness conquer? Will the night win? Will these dark days prevail?
Because of Jesus Christ, the answer is no! His light has come into the world and shone in our hearts. And because of Christ in you, there's hope and there's life! This same Christ is coming again with the glory of the Father and the holy angels to set all things in order. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!
Yes, the world is in darkness… intellectual darkness, political darkness, moral darkness. But we who once sat in that darkness have seen a great light.
That night when Jesus was born, when God became a baby, when the infinite became an infant, the light of God came and dwelt with us. The smile of God was in that baby's creased and dimpled chin. God's arms reaching out to the world were in his tiny little fingers. And the love of God was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
Jesus, the Light of the world and the hope of all humanity, was born. And that's the greatest gift of all.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Reason For The Season
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the explanation for eternal life. He is the answer from Almighty God for grace and truth incarnate. He is the beginning and the end, and a bright light in the darkest darkness. He is our hope on earth, as we prepare for our home in heaven.
If Christ is not in Christmas then churches can convert to corporate offices, and missions can morph into humanitarian agencies. Christ in Christmas creates a tension for those who have yet to trust, but to us who have been saved it is the most significant celebration.
Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce. Your children have a legacy of love for God and country, and service to others. You work as unto the Lord, and you give generously out of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings.
Christ in Christmas motivates you to live like you were dying, and to die like you were living, all in a spirit of faith, hope and love. By God’s grace you promote a Christian worldview populated by praying people and full of eternal opportunities, while on guard in Spirit-led discernment to Satan’s schemes and evil’s deceptive intentions.
Christ in Christmas compels you to exclaim, "He was born, so we would believe; He died, so we would live; He rose, so we would rise!" Therefore, in humility and with pride, boldly keep Christ in Christmas.
The Bible says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the explanation for eternal life. He is the answer from Almighty God for grace and truth incarnate. He is the beginning and the end, and a bright light in the darkest darkness. He is our hope on earth, as we prepare for our home in heaven.
If Christ is not in Christmas then churches can convert to corporate offices, and missions can morph into humanitarian agencies. Christ in Christmas creates a tension for those who have yet to trust, but to us who have been saved it is the most significant celebration.
Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce. Your children have a legacy of love for God and country, and service to others. You work as unto the Lord, and you give generously out of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings.
Christ in Christmas motivates you to live like you were dying, and to die like you were living, all in a spirit of faith, hope and love. By God’s grace you promote a Christian worldview populated by praying people and full of eternal opportunities, while on guard in Spirit-led discernment to Satan’s schemes and evil’s deceptive intentions.
Christ in Christmas compels you to exclaim, "He was born, so we would believe; He died, so we would live; He rose, so we would rise!" Therefore, in humility and with pride, boldly keep Christ in Christmas.
The Bible says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wise People
From: BBH Ministries
Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
There is an interesting insight within this proverb that gives hope, as well as warning. Notice the language of purposeful intimacy that is used in both the positive and contrasting negative admonitions.
He who walks with the wise is sure to be wise. It is not as though wisdom automatically rubs off on anyone who finds themselves in a family or church full of wise individuals. Almost every family, and certainly every church, has seen some individual—who even grew up in their midst— turn away from the wisdom of God's Word to the foolish pursuits of the world.
It is not simply being around wise people that makes a person wise — it is walking with them. It is the conscious choice to learn from, agree with, and live by the wisdom that one sees. While this certainly includes surrounding oneself with wise counselors and friends, it is more than that. It is the purposeful decision to walk according to the friendly, wise counsel and example they give.
There is warning in this proverb, because success or failure depends on the friendships we choose to form. However, there is hope because we can choose who our companions, our close confidants, will be.
Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
There is an interesting insight within this proverb that gives hope, as well as warning. Notice the language of purposeful intimacy that is used in both the positive and contrasting negative admonitions.
He who walks with the wise is sure to be wise. It is not as though wisdom automatically rubs off on anyone who finds themselves in a family or church full of wise individuals. Almost every family, and certainly every church, has seen some individual—who even grew up in their midst— turn away from the wisdom of God's Word to the foolish pursuits of the world.
It is not simply being around wise people that makes a person wise — it is walking with them. It is the conscious choice to learn from, agree with, and live by the wisdom that one sees. While this certainly includes surrounding oneself with wise counselors and friends, it is more than that. It is the purposeful decision to walk according to the friendly, wise counsel and example they give.
There is warning in this proverb, because success or failure depends on the friendships we choose to form. However, there is hope because we can choose who our companions, our close confidants, will be.
Monday, December 20, 2010
No Room In The Inn
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Luke 2:7 "She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
In these days of modern technology, we never miss a thing with TiVo, voice mail, DVD recorders, and camera phones. But even though our toys keep us from missing a phone call, they can also cause us to miss the real reason for the holiday season.
You can watch Christmas disappear in front of your eyes, in a heap of shredded wrapping paper, and find yourself saying, "I was so busy shopping, so busy attending this, going to that, that I think I actually missed the point of Christmas."
It might be surprising to know that the majority of people missed the very first Christmas as well. People just carried on with business as usual, paying no attention to what was happening just a few feet away.
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced to an innkeeper who had no time for Christmas. In this familiar story, Mary and Joseph came to the innkeeper for a room, but because his inn was full, he turned them away.
The only place he had for this young pregnant woman and her husband was a stable, a cold, dark, and damp stable—which was more than likely a cave. He was too preoccupied with other things to make the time for Christmas.
There are people like this in the world today. They don't necessarily oppose or hate God outright. They are simply preoccupied. God and spiritual things do not concern them. Their interests lie more in what can immediately satisfy their own physical needs. The innkeeper was too busy to make room in the inn for the soon coming Messiah.
Let me ask you this: have you made room for Jesus this Christmas? If not, there is still time to refocus and make room for Christ this Christmas, today!
Luke 2:7 "She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
In these days of modern technology, we never miss a thing with TiVo, voice mail, DVD recorders, and camera phones. But even though our toys keep us from missing a phone call, they can also cause us to miss the real reason for the holiday season.
You can watch Christmas disappear in front of your eyes, in a heap of shredded wrapping paper, and find yourself saying, "I was so busy shopping, so busy attending this, going to that, that I think I actually missed the point of Christmas."
It might be surprising to know that the majority of people missed the very first Christmas as well. People just carried on with business as usual, paying no attention to what was happening just a few feet away.
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced to an innkeeper who had no time for Christmas. In this familiar story, Mary and Joseph came to the innkeeper for a room, but because his inn was full, he turned them away.
The only place he had for this young pregnant woman and her husband was a stable, a cold, dark, and damp stable—which was more than likely a cave. He was too preoccupied with other things to make the time for Christmas.
There are people like this in the world today. They don't necessarily oppose or hate God outright. They are simply preoccupied. God and spiritual things do not concern them. Their interests lie more in what can immediately satisfy their own physical needs. The innkeeper was too busy to make room in the inn for the soon coming Messiah.
Let me ask you this: have you made room for Jesus this Christmas? If not, there is still time to refocus and make room for Christ this Christmas, today!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Living Entirely By faith
From: BBH Ministries
James 5:11 "Those who have endured we call blessed. You have heard the steadfastness of Job, and have seen what the Lord, Who is compassionate and merciful, did in the end."
When we feel deeply afflicted, it is hard for us to believe that God is tenderly involved in our lives. We feel as though perhaps God has forsaken us or—worse still—is punishing us for some mistake we have made.
Job, as he was enduring the pain and sorrow of his lengthy ordeal, felt as if he had been utterly forsaken by God. Yet by faith he trusted in God, saying, "Yet He knows my way; if He proved me, I should come forth as gold." (23:10) He relied on God's good purposes, in the midst of personal pain and loss and anguish.
This is a difficult exercise, because it means living entirely by faith, regardless of our present circumstances. It means trusting God and patiently waiting for Him to fulfill His perfect and merciful purposes for us. It means tenaciously holding to a heavenly and eternal perspective, rather than seeking pleasure and fulfillment here and now.
The example of Job should remind us that even when grief or turmoil hide the face of God from us, He is still working tenderly toward our sanctification and glory. For this reason, James declares, "Those who have endured we call blessed."
Those who steadfastly endure the trials God allows are, in the end, the most blessed people on earth. Their lives have brought glory to God, their testimony has pointed to eternity, and their faithfulness has reminded us of God's goodness.
James 5:11 "Those who have endured we call blessed. You have heard the steadfastness of Job, and have seen what the Lord, Who is compassionate and merciful, did in the end."
When we feel deeply afflicted, it is hard for us to believe that God is tenderly involved in our lives. We feel as though perhaps God has forsaken us or—worse still—is punishing us for some mistake we have made.
Job, as he was enduring the pain and sorrow of his lengthy ordeal, felt as if he had been utterly forsaken by God. Yet by faith he trusted in God, saying, "Yet He knows my way; if He proved me, I should come forth as gold." (23:10) He relied on God's good purposes, in the midst of personal pain and loss and anguish.
This is a difficult exercise, because it means living entirely by faith, regardless of our present circumstances. It means trusting God and patiently waiting for Him to fulfill His perfect and merciful purposes for us. It means tenaciously holding to a heavenly and eternal perspective, rather than seeking pleasure and fulfillment here and now.
The example of Job should remind us that even when grief or turmoil hide the face of God from us, He is still working tenderly toward our sanctification and glory. For this reason, James declares, "Those who have endured we call blessed."
Those who steadfastly endure the trials God allows are, in the end, the most blessed people on earth. Their lives have brought glory to God, their testimony has pointed to eternity, and their faithfulness has reminded us of God's goodness.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Radical Trust
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
Trust in God is not just for the good times, though a radical trust may be required even during prosperous times. Radical trust is greatly needed when things heat up and you lose something precious or you are refused something you may deserve. This is the time to ratchet up your radical trust. It is for times like this that God has molded your faith.
What if God has not come through? Radical trust means you stay focused on His past faithfulness. The mundane in our everyday life is a link in the chain between life’s transitions. Today’s link is important to tomorrow’s transition. We should hope for the transition to come, but trust God with today because we cannot handle more than today’s troubles or triumphs. Therefore, do not worry about matters out in the future that you have no control over.
You must trust God with today without worrying about the uncertainty of tomorrow. This is radical trust in Christ. If you obsess over fear of the future you most certainly will define the ambiguity with negative consequences. Then, unwittingly, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy and worry yourself sick and maybe others too. Or, you become of no use for today because you are too worried about tomorrow.
The Lord can be trusted. Meditate on His faithfulness instead of what might happen. Unleash the radical trust that resides within you. When you were younger radical faith marked you as a follower of Christ. Reignite that passion for Jesus. Trust God even if He has not or does not come through as planned. He is still trustworthy, so be radical in your trust!
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
Trust in God is not just for the good times, though a radical trust may be required even during prosperous times. Radical trust is greatly needed when things heat up and you lose something precious or you are refused something you may deserve. This is the time to ratchet up your radical trust. It is for times like this that God has molded your faith.
What if God has not come through? Radical trust means you stay focused on His past faithfulness. The mundane in our everyday life is a link in the chain between life’s transitions. Today’s link is important to tomorrow’s transition. We should hope for the transition to come, but trust God with today because we cannot handle more than today’s troubles or triumphs. Therefore, do not worry about matters out in the future that you have no control over.
You must trust God with today without worrying about the uncertainty of tomorrow. This is radical trust in Christ. If you obsess over fear of the future you most certainly will define the ambiguity with negative consequences. Then, unwittingly, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy and worry yourself sick and maybe others too. Or, you become of no use for today because you are too worried about tomorrow.
The Lord can be trusted. Meditate on His faithfulness instead of what might happen. Unleash the radical trust that resides within you. When you were younger radical faith marked you as a follower of Christ. Reignite that passion for Jesus. Trust God even if He has not or does not come through as planned. He is still trustworthy, so be radical in your trust!
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