From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 8:5-6 "Those who live according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the Spirit, on those of the Spirit. The tendency of the flesh is toward death but that of the Spirit toward life and peace."
When you decide to follow Jesus your old nature becomes Spirit controlled, not Spirit destroyed. Paul said, "While we are in this body, we… are burdened, because we… wish to be… clothed with our Heavenly dwelling, so… what is mortal may be swallowed up" (2 Corinthians 5:4). Note the words, "we are burdened." Struggle all you want (and most of us do!) to bring about a sudden transformation, but lasting change happens on God's timetable, not ours. We grow up Spiritually while we're grappling with the burden of our lower nature. That's because our weakness is the perfect showcase for His power.
Paul says, "Even though I received wonderful revelations from God… to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given… a messenger from Satan to torment me… I pleaded with the Lord… that it might depart … And He said… 'My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Dealing with your old nature is a time-consuming, grace-developing, ego-destroying, character-building process that happens day-by-day, and sometimes moment-by-moment. When God's grace rubs against our stubborn wills and self-serving ways, a refining process happens that can't be rushed or accomplished any other way.
The Bible says, "The war between the house of Saul (which represents your old nature) and the house of David (which represents your new nature) lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger while… Saul grew weaker and weaker." Only as you're willing to strip away the facade, get down on your knees day by day and ask God to work in you, will you experience His life-changing power.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
God's Plan and Purpose
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
Today's message is a little more personal as I wanted to reflect on my mother's passing and the wonderful gift of love she possessed. Last week I visited my younger sister in Ellisville, Mississippi where she has resided for the last 31 years. Ellisville State School is home to children and adults with severe mental and physical handicaps as measured by worldly standards. Caretakers at the school are most certainly called by God to be there.
As I observed the dozens of residents struggling to walk, talk, or crawl in the dormitories, I was reminded of how we always thought of Becky's purpose in life - to glorify God...the same purpose we all have. While so many of us consider it a pity that these innocent, loving people cannot experience what life has to offer in the way we would consider to be normal, it must be obvious that these angels cannot ever commit a sin nor can they ever be tempted to commit a sin. Heaven made a reservation for them at their conception and they are here to help us with our daily struggles in life, helping us to know what it means to love and serve others, especially those unable to care for themselves. "Thus the last shall be first and the first shall be last." (Matthew 20:16)
The poem below was written by my mother and dedicated to my father when Becky was about 2 or 3 after she realized God had a special plan and purpose for this miracle baby born 3 months premature at 2 pounds with a defective heart. She was given almost no chance to survive...this was 1960.
If you have someone in your family, or know of someone in your circle of friends with similar challenges, maybe this will be of some comfort to you.
God bless you.
Bobby
One day the Queen of Heaven
Received a special plea:
“Oh, show me my salvation,
Please intercede for me!”
So strongly were the words
sent up.
So loudly came the prayer,
That the Queen went to the
throne of God,
To place it in His care.
And the mighty God of
Heaven
Gave the order of the day
To give fast and loving
service
To a soul who sought “His
way."
To the Blessed Queen of Heaven
He gave the special plan
That Heaven keeps so carefully filed
For each and every man.
She read the message through,
then smiled,
“How good is God,” thought
she,
As she made her way along
the hall
To the angel nursery.
The sunshine danced in colors
Making golden halos spin,
And the baby angels chorused
When they saw her coming in.
“Oh, good morning, Mother
Mary,”
All the tiny voices cried.
Some tried to straighten angel
wings,
Some, angel toys to hide.
All holding up their baby
arms,
Their cherub cheeks aglow
With special love, which
only they
In Heaven’s world could
Know.
Now, this nursery up in
God’s world
Is divided, it is true.
There are two kinds of angels:
The “untried” and the “new.”
The new are those who’ve
just arrived
From visits down on earth
Who proved they were
God’s children
From the moment of their
birth.
The “untried” little angels
Are those who wait their
turn
To carry out a plan for God
To help his creatures learn.
To this last group Our Lady
turned
And gravely told each one
Of a very special chore on
earth
She needed to have done.
“The one of you who makes
this trip
Will gain a special place
Before the very throne of God,
You’ll take to earth His grace.”
“Your task will not be easy,
You will never see the one
Whose soul you are to help
find God,
You’ll not have time for fun.”
“You’ll never get to walk a
path
Or pick the flowers bright,
You’ll never, ever speak a word,
The sun will hide its light.”
“But though it does sound
strange, I know,
I promise you much love,
You always will be safe in
God.
We’ll watch you from above.”
The eager little angels all
Cried out:
“Oh, please take me!”
“I want to be the one to go!”
“I’ll be the best, you’ll see!”
Except for one small angel
With her brown eyes
Shining bright,
Who had been stacking
angel blocks,
But couldn’t get them right.
Her straight brown hair
was all awry~
It never stayed in place,
She brushed it with a rosy
palm
From her little pixie face.
So quietly did she take her wings
And place them on a chair
That the angels in their
eagerness
Forgot that she was there.
On sturdy legs she rose and ran
Across the nursery floor,
And still she went unnoticed
Until she reached the door.
She smiled the proudest
angel smile
That they had seen in years!
“I thought I’d never get a job!”
She beamed through angel tears.
“You know how long I’ve
waited!
And now they need me so,
Why, I’ve heard they’ll
call me Becky,
Now, I’ve really got to go!”
“Oh dear, I’ll have to hurry,’
She cried as she passed the gate,
“I’ll catch a ride on the winds of March,
I really can’t be late!”
This a smiling, happy,
angel,
All perfection~ straight
from God.
Is teaching us to walk the
paths
Where He on earth once
trod.
Today's message is a little more personal as I wanted to reflect on my mother's passing and the wonderful gift of love she possessed. Last week I visited my younger sister in Ellisville, Mississippi where she has resided for the last 31 years. Ellisville State School is home to children and adults with severe mental and physical handicaps as measured by worldly standards. Caretakers at the school are most certainly called by God to be there.
As I observed the dozens of residents struggling to walk, talk, or crawl in the dormitories, I was reminded of how we always thought of Becky's purpose in life - to glorify God...the same purpose we all have. While so many of us consider it a pity that these innocent, loving people cannot experience what life has to offer in the way we would consider to be normal, it must be obvious that these angels cannot ever commit a sin nor can they ever be tempted to commit a sin. Heaven made a reservation for them at their conception and they are here to help us with our daily struggles in life, helping us to know what it means to love and serve others, especially those unable to care for themselves. "Thus the last shall be first and the first shall be last." (Matthew 20:16)
The poem below was written by my mother and dedicated to my father when Becky was about 2 or 3 after she realized God had a special plan and purpose for this miracle baby born 3 months premature at 2 pounds with a defective heart. She was given almost no chance to survive...this was 1960.
If you have someone in your family, or know of someone in your circle of friends with similar challenges, maybe this will be of some comfort to you.
God bless you.
Bobby
One day the Queen of Heaven
Received a special plea:
“Oh, show me my salvation,
Please intercede for me!”
So strongly were the words
sent up.
So loudly came the prayer,
That the Queen went to the
throne of God,
To place it in His care.
And the mighty God of
Heaven
Gave the order of the day
To give fast and loving
service
To a soul who sought “His
way."
To the Blessed Queen of Heaven
He gave the special plan
That Heaven keeps so carefully filed
For each and every man.
She read the message through,
then smiled,
“How good is God,” thought
she,
As she made her way along
the hall
To the angel nursery.
The sunshine danced in colors
Making golden halos spin,
And the baby angels chorused
When they saw her coming in.
“Oh, good morning, Mother
Mary,”
All the tiny voices cried.
Some tried to straighten angel
wings,
Some, angel toys to hide.
All holding up their baby
arms,
Their cherub cheeks aglow
With special love, which
only they
In Heaven’s world could
Know.
Now, this nursery up in
God’s world
Is divided, it is true.
There are two kinds of angels:
The “untried” and the “new.”
The new are those who’ve
just arrived
From visits down on earth
Who proved they were
God’s children
From the moment of their
birth.
The “untried” little angels
Are those who wait their
turn
To carry out a plan for God
To help his creatures learn.
To this last group Our Lady
turned
And gravely told each one
Of a very special chore on
earth
She needed to have done.
“The one of you who makes
this trip
Will gain a special place
Before the very throne of God,
You’ll take to earth His grace.”
“Your task will not be easy,
You will never see the one
Whose soul you are to help
find God,
You’ll not have time for fun.”
“You’ll never get to walk a
path
Or pick the flowers bright,
You’ll never, ever speak a word,
The sun will hide its light.”
“But though it does sound
strange, I know,
I promise you much love,
You always will be safe in
God.
We’ll watch you from above.”
The eager little angels all
Cried out:
“Oh, please take me!”
“I want to be the one to go!”
“I’ll be the best, you’ll see!”
Except for one small angel
With her brown eyes
Shining bright,
Who had been stacking
angel blocks,
But couldn’t get them right.
Her straight brown hair
was all awry~
It never stayed in place,
She brushed it with a rosy
palm
From her little pixie face.
So quietly did she take her wings
And place them on a chair
That the angels in their
eagerness
Forgot that she was there.
On sturdy legs she rose and ran
Across the nursery floor,
And still she went unnoticed
Until she reached the door.
She smiled the proudest
angel smile
That they had seen in years!
“I thought I’d never get a job!”
She beamed through angel tears.
“You know how long I’ve
waited!
And now they need me so,
Why, I’ve heard they’ll
call me Becky,
Now, I’ve really got to go!”
“Oh dear, I’ll have to hurry,’
She cried as she passed the gate,
“I’ll catch a ride on the winds of March,
I really can’t be late!”
This a smiling, happy,
angel,
All perfection~ straight
from God.
Is teaching us to walk the
paths
Where He on earth once
trod.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Nothing Is Impossible With God
This is a powerful message to encourage your faith, regardless of your circumstances.
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Mark 10:27 "...Jesus said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God.'"
One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, "For nothing will be impossible with God." Do you believe it? It's what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God's son as a virgin.
If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?
Mary did and because she did, Jesus came to be our Savior. He died and rose, conquering sin and death for you and me. The story of Jesus reminds us of how nothing will be impossible with God.
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Mark 10:27 "...Jesus said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God.'"
One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, "For nothing will be impossible with God." Do you believe it? It's what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God's son as a virgin.
If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?
Mary did and because she did, Jesus came to be our Savior. He died and rose, conquering sin and death for you and me. The story of Jesus reminds us of how nothing will be impossible with God.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sowing And Reaping
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. "
It seemed innocent enough at the time. I had just come home from high school and told my mom that I was going to a friend’s house to play football. She insisted that I stay home and do my homework. Instead, I slipped out the back door and spent the next 2 hours making tackles and touchdowns in my friend’s backyard. But on the last play, I was tackled into a swingset and knocked out my front tooth. It hurt like crazy, but not as badly as telling my parents.
That choice to disobey put me on a 10-year path of dental problems and pain that have continuing implications today. Ballplayer Roy Hobbs said in the film The Natural, “Some mistakes you never stop paying for.”
Centuries earlier, Paul captured the same idea in the universal law of sowing and reaping. He said, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Our choices often have a reach and impact that we could never imagine. Thus the apostle’s words remind us to choose wisely.
The choices we make today produce the consequences we reap tomorrow. It’s far better to avoid sin in the first place than to struggle to overcome its consequences.
Lord, we need Your wisdom to help us make good choices, and forgiveness when we make bad choices.- Bill Crowder
Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. "
It seemed innocent enough at the time. I had just come home from high school and told my mom that I was going to a friend’s house to play football. She insisted that I stay home and do my homework. Instead, I slipped out the back door and spent the next 2 hours making tackles and touchdowns in my friend’s backyard. But on the last play, I was tackled into a swingset and knocked out my front tooth. It hurt like crazy, but not as badly as telling my parents.
That choice to disobey put me on a 10-year path of dental problems and pain that have continuing implications today. Ballplayer Roy Hobbs said in the film The Natural, “Some mistakes you never stop paying for.”
Centuries earlier, Paul captured the same idea in the universal law of sowing and reaping. He said, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Our choices often have a reach and impact that we could never imagine. Thus the apostle’s words remind us to choose wisely.
The choices we make today produce the consequences we reap tomorrow. It’s far better to avoid sin in the first place than to struggle to overcome its consequences.
Lord, we need Your wisdom to help us make good choices, and forgiveness when we make bad choices.- Bill Crowder
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Generosity
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 22:9 "Blessed are those who are generous to the poor."
We're wasting too much time arguing about both poverty and wealth; coming up with litmus tests for judging somebody else's level of Spirituality based on their lifestyle, or how well they conform to our interpretation of 'Biblical standards!'
In the New Testament Jesus honored a little widow for giving her last two cents. He said, "Others gave what they'll never miss… she gave her all" (Mark 12:44). On the other hand, businessman Barnabas "sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37). "Great gifts mean great responsibilities" (Luke 12:48). The more God blesses you with, the more accountable He'll hold you for how you handle His blessings.
During the offering a pastor told his congregation to reach out and grab the wallet or purse of the person sitting in front of them. "Now," he said, "Open it and give as much as you always wanted to, but felt you couldn't afford!" Hello! Solomon said, "The Godly love to give!" (Proverbs 21:26). and while you may have less to give than the next guy, we've all been called to equal generosity and loyal sacrifice.
Isn't it interesting how you sometimes go to dinner at the home of somebody who doesn't have a lot, yet come away feeling like royalty because of the hospitality you experienced? That's because the essence of generosity is self-sacrifice. God entrusts financial increase to people who aren't controlled by the love of money! You'll be amazed what God will do in your life when you're open-handed with your finances.
Proverbs 22:9 "Blessed are those who are generous to the poor."
We're wasting too much time arguing about both poverty and wealth; coming up with litmus tests for judging somebody else's level of Spirituality based on their lifestyle, or how well they conform to our interpretation of 'Biblical standards!'
In the New Testament Jesus honored a little widow for giving her last two cents. He said, "Others gave what they'll never miss… she gave her all" (Mark 12:44). On the other hand, businessman Barnabas "sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37). "Great gifts mean great responsibilities" (Luke 12:48). The more God blesses you with, the more accountable He'll hold you for how you handle His blessings.
During the offering a pastor told his congregation to reach out and grab the wallet or purse of the person sitting in front of them. "Now," he said, "Open it and give as much as you always wanted to, but felt you couldn't afford!" Hello! Solomon said, "The Godly love to give!" (Proverbs 21:26). and while you may have less to give than the next guy, we've all been called to equal generosity and loyal sacrifice.
Isn't it interesting how you sometimes go to dinner at the home of somebody who doesn't have a lot, yet come away feeling like royalty because of the hospitality you experienced? That's because the essence of generosity is self-sacrifice. God entrusts financial increase to people who aren't controlled by the love of money! You'll be amazed what God will do in your life when you're open-handed with your finances.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Can Others See Jesus In You?
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Zechariah 8:23 "Let us go with you, for we have heard… God is with you."
God told His people through the prophet Zechariah, "Many… shall… seek the Lord… saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'" God's presence changes everything! When it shines through your life others are drawn to what they can see and sense.
It happened to a short-order cook named Nicholas Herman. Dissatisfied with his life, he worried constantly about whether or not he was even saved. Then one day as he studied a tree he was struck by the same truth that David talks about in Psalm 1:3, that the secret to growing Spiritually lies in being rooted and grounded in something (and someone) deeper than yourself.
So Nick decided to make his life an experiment in what he termed "the habitual, silent, secret conversation of the soul with God." These days he's better known as Brother Lawrence, the name his friends gave him. Chances are you've heard of him and his writings. Although he spent his life in obscurity working in a kitchen, how he interacted with God has made people around the world long to know God like he did. His friends said he "found God everywhere… as much while repairing shoes as… praying with the community." And after he died they compiled a book of his letters and conversations called Practicing the Presence of God. It's one of the most widely read books of the last four centuries.
Jesus said, "If I am lifted up… I will make everyone want to come to Me" (John 12:32). So the more you allow Him to express Himself through your life, the more others will be attracted to Him.
Zechariah 8:23 "Let us go with you, for we have heard… God is with you."
God told His people through the prophet Zechariah, "Many… shall… seek the Lord… saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'" God's presence changes everything! When it shines through your life others are drawn to what they can see and sense.
It happened to a short-order cook named Nicholas Herman. Dissatisfied with his life, he worried constantly about whether or not he was even saved. Then one day as he studied a tree he was struck by the same truth that David talks about in Psalm 1:3, that the secret to growing Spiritually lies in being rooted and grounded in something (and someone) deeper than yourself.
So Nick decided to make his life an experiment in what he termed "the habitual, silent, secret conversation of the soul with God." These days he's better known as Brother Lawrence, the name his friends gave him. Chances are you've heard of him and his writings. Although he spent his life in obscurity working in a kitchen, how he interacted with God has made people around the world long to know God like he did. His friends said he "found God everywhere… as much while repairing shoes as… praying with the community." And after he died they compiled a book of his letters and conversations called Practicing the Presence of God. It's one of the most widely read books of the last four centuries.
Jesus said, "If I am lifted up… I will make everyone want to come to Me" (John 12:32). So the more you allow Him to express Himself through your life, the more others will be attracted to Him.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Walking By faith
Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. But let's remember..."Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4 )
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Genesis 50:20 “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.”
Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. It was complicated by youthful folly, broken dreams, and the mean-spirited actions of others. Sold into slavery by jealous brothers. Thrown into prison on false charges. Yet he remained a man remarkable for his lack of bitterness or regret, always seeing God as the “Great Engineer” behind even the worst of circumstances.
In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.” The theology packed in that statement is astounding. “God meant it for good” means:
You can accept the past – No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle – or too big to be worked for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Just ask Joseph!
You can embrace the present – There’s no need to play the “what if” game. The past is gone, and no energy you expend will ever change it. The future is in God's omnipotent hands, so you’re free to focus on the present. Your job is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, trusting Him to forgive the past and transform the future. God wants you in the present because that’s where His grace will flow.
You can look expectantly toward the future – Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, unafraid of making mistakes and unconcerned that you may stumble into some terrible circumstance that takes you out of God's control.
Look for God’s hand – Walking by faith means you see God’s hand even in the most difficult of circumstances. You trust His ability and His willingness to transform the bad into godly good.
There it is: some situation, or event, or person in your life that, as far as you can tell, was “meant for bad.” God is still able to bring good out of it. Today, thank God that nothing – no disaster, no delay – is bigger that His ability to turn it into something good and godly.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Are You Ready For Bigger Things?
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 4:1 "You… enlarged me when I was in distress."
Did you know that the hermit crab looks for a shell that fits him, then lives in it until he outgrows it? At that point he has to scurry along the ocean floor and find a bigger one; it's a process that repeats itself throughout his entire life.
Are you clinging to something that no longer fits you, just because it's easy and familiar? David said, "You… freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress."
To develop and grow Spiritually you must be willing to move out of your comfort zone and deal with a little 'distress.' What worked for you yesterday may not work today. Maybe it's a job you've outgrown, a relationship you need to re-examine or a behavior you need to change. Regardless of what it is, never become so 'settled' that you can't let go and move on when you need to.
Patience and persistence are admirable, but they won't work in situations you've outgrown. Instead of hanging in and trying harder, at certain points you have to stop and ask yourself, "Is this situation good for me?" If you're not sure, ask God for "an understanding mind to… know the difference between… right and… wrong" (1 Kings 3:9). His Word says, "If you need wisdom… ask Him, and He will gladly give it to you" (James 1:5).
When God says it's time to move on, it's because there's another shell out there that will fit you even better. But you can't take occupancy until you vacate the old one. So how about it - are you ready for bigger things?
Psalm 4:1 "You… enlarged me when I was in distress."
Did you know that the hermit crab looks for a shell that fits him, then lives in it until he outgrows it? At that point he has to scurry along the ocean floor and find a bigger one; it's a process that repeats itself throughout his entire life.
Are you clinging to something that no longer fits you, just because it's easy and familiar? David said, "You… freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress."
To develop and grow Spiritually you must be willing to move out of your comfort zone and deal with a little 'distress.' What worked for you yesterday may not work today. Maybe it's a job you've outgrown, a relationship you need to re-examine or a behavior you need to change. Regardless of what it is, never become so 'settled' that you can't let go and move on when you need to.
Patience and persistence are admirable, but they won't work in situations you've outgrown. Instead of hanging in and trying harder, at certain points you have to stop and ask yourself, "Is this situation good for me?" If you're not sure, ask God for "an understanding mind to… know the difference between… right and… wrong" (1 Kings 3:9). His Word says, "If you need wisdom… ask Him, and He will gladly give it to you" (James 1:5).
When God says it's time to move on, it's because there's another shell out there that will fit you even better. But you can't take occupancy until you vacate the old one. So how about it - are you ready for bigger things?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Overcoming Life's Ups and Downs
From: In Touch Ministries
Philippians 4:13 “In Christ who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything.”
Secrets. The very word catches our attention and makes us curious to know more. The apostle Paul proclaimed that he had learned an important secret: how to find contentment in all circumstances. "Not possible," is our first response. "That is not who I am." It wasn't who Paul was, either. He had to learn the spiritual truths that enabled him to face his difficulties God's way—without discontent, worry, or fear. Each time he experienced a trial, he had a choice to look at it from his own perspective or from God's; that is, he could react emotionally to the situation, or he could respond spiritually.
Inner turmoil and outward agitation result when Christians live based on feelings instead of spiritual principles. When our desires and needs are not being fulfilled, we must look at our circumstances from God's point of view. As we practice having this perspective, irritation, anger, and the reflex to place blame will be replaced by an inner quietness and confidence.
Is it really possible to face serious trials and have God's peace? Yes, but not in our own strength. The secret is learning to bring God's power into our weakness. This is accomplished through what we believe, not through what we do. Trusting that we have access to God's power through the Holy Spirit at all times for all situations is the first step to contentment.
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we receive the power to stand firm and be at peace. Is this what you believe?
Philippians 4:13 “In Christ who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything.”
Secrets. The very word catches our attention and makes us curious to know more. The apostle Paul proclaimed that he had learned an important secret: how to find contentment in all circumstances. "Not possible," is our first response. "That is not who I am." It wasn't who Paul was, either. He had to learn the spiritual truths that enabled him to face his difficulties God's way—without discontent, worry, or fear. Each time he experienced a trial, he had a choice to look at it from his own perspective or from God's; that is, he could react emotionally to the situation, or he could respond spiritually.
Inner turmoil and outward agitation result when Christians live based on feelings instead of spiritual principles. When our desires and needs are not being fulfilled, we must look at our circumstances from God's point of view. As we practice having this perspective, irritation, anger, and the reflex to place blame will be replaced by an inner quietness and confidence.
Is it really possible to face serious trials and have God's peace? Yes, but not in our own strength. The secret is learning to bring God's power into our weakness. This is accomplished through what we believe, not through what we do. Trusting that we have access to God's power through the Holy Spirit at all times for all situations is the first step to contentment.
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we receive the power to stand firm and be at peace. Is this what you believe?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Opportunities
This has been a comfort to me as I mourn the loss of my mother this week.
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Job 1:20 "Job... fell to the ground and worshipped."
Every day God sends us opportunities for Spiritual growth - disguised as problems.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the life of Job the patriarch. After losing his house, his children, his livestock, and his health, the Bible says, "Job… fell to the ground and worshiped." That's not the normal human response to tragedy, is it? Job didn't react that way because he understood everything that was happening to him. No, he rose up and did it in spite of his circumstances!
He was able to respond that way because: (a) He looked up! In the midst of his troubles, Job saw the God who promised to direct each step we take. More importantly, he trusted God's heart of love and recognized His sovereign right to decide all things. (b) He looked forward! He reminded himself that in the final analysis God will make everything right for us. (c) He looked inside! He knew that God was teaching him something valuable through this experience: "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Like clay in the hands of the potter, Job decided to trust God.
That kind of thinking was no easier for him than it is for you. Our human nature always wants to cling to the familiar and return to the safety of yesterday, even though we know it's not where God wants us. The fears, surprises and adversity that lie around the bend make us want to cut and run. But if you do you'll short-circuit God's plan for your life. So what should you do? "Stand… still, and see the salvation [deliverance] of the Lord." (2 Chronicles 20:17) because trust always leads to deliverance.
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Job 1:20 "Job... fell to the ground and worshipped."
Every day God sends us opportunities for Spiritual growth - disguised as problems.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the life of Job the patriarch. After losing his house, his children, his livestock, and his health, the Bible says, "Job… fell to the ground and worshiped." That's not the normal human response to tragedy, is it? Job didn't react that way because he understood everything that was happening to him. No, he rose up and did it in spite of his circumstances!
He was able to respond that way because: (a) He looked up! In the midst of his troubles, Job saw the God who promised to direct each step we take. More importantly, he trusted God's heart of love and recognized His sovereign right to decide all things. (b) He looked forward! He reminded himself that in the final analysis God will make everything right for us. (c) He looked inside! He knew that God was teaching him something valuable through this experience: "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Like clay in the hands of the potter, Job decided to trust God.
That kind of thinking was no easier for him than it is for you. Our human nature always wants to cling to the familiar and return to the safety of yesterday, even though we know it's not where God wants us. The fears, surprises and adversity that lie around the bend make us want to cut and run. But if you do you'll short-circuit God's plan for your life. So what should you do? "Stand… still, and see the salvation [deliverance] of the Lord." (2 Chronicles 20:17) because trust always leads to deliverance.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
The Lighthouse
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
John 12:35 "....The man who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes."
Tom Landry told the story of a captain of a battleship who, in the middle of the night, saw the light of another ship coming directly at him. The captain radioed the oncoming ship and said, "Turn south immediately."
The response was, "You turn south immediately."
The captain was furious. He radioed back, "This is a battleship. I command you to turn south immediately."
The response was, "This is the lighthouse. You turn south immediately."
Often we have an attitude like that captain's. We are arrogant towards God and mankind. We expect others to get out of our way and we ignore God's guidance for living our life. Then, suddenly, we find ourselves shipwrecked and feeling like fools.
Jesus Christ is the lighthouse trying to warn us of danger, and lead us to safety. I encourage you to trust Christ and be willing to follow His leadership in your life. He will keep you out of a lot of trouble.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
John 12:35 "....The man who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes."
Tom Landry told the story of a captain of a battleship who, in the middle of the night, saw the light of another ship coming directly at him. The captain radioed the oncoming ship and said, "Turn south immediately."
The response was, "You turn south immediately."
The captain was furious. He radioed back, "This is a battleship. I command you to turn south immediately."
The response was, "This is the lighthouse. You turn south immediately."
Often we have an attitude like that captain's. We are arrogant towards God and mankind. We expect others to get out of our way and we ignore God's guidance for living our life. Then, suddenly, we find ourselves shipwrecked and feeling like fools.
Jesus Christ is the lighthouse trying to warn us of danger, and lead us to safety. I encourage you to trust Christ and be willing to follow His leadership in your life. He will keep you out of a lot of trouble.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Spiritual Growth
From: In Touch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley
Philippians 3:14-15 "My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me - life on high in Christ Jesus. All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude. If you see it another way, God will clarify the difficulty for you."
Kids are excited by their physical growth. They’ll stand back to back and compare height. Most children keep track of how they match up to their parents. Adult believers may be finished with physical growth. But they are still maturing spiritually, and checking progress is still an exciting experience. There are three ways to evaluate growth.
First, we know our relationship with God is growing when we can see our true nature clearly. As the Spirit gains greater control of our life, we become increasingly aware of our own sinfulness and weakness. We realize we can’t live the Christian life alone.
We know we’re growing when our response to sin is quick. Conviction brings about immediate and genuine repentance. Ignoring our sin is rebellion against God. This type of disobedience halts spiritual growth.
We know intimacy with God is deepening when we guard our devotional time. Private moments of prayer and scriptural meditation must be a top priority for maturing believers. Listening to the Lord and talking with Him about our needs enables us to stay connected to His will. Then we’re reminded of His love.
Spiritual growth should give us joy. Why? Because our spirit is looking more and more like that of Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:15 states, we don’t have to stand back to back with people of the world for them to see that we’re “children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Philippians 3:14-15 "My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me - life on high in Christ Jesus. All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude. If you see it another way, God will clarify the difficulty for you."
Kids are excited by their physical growth. They’ll stand back to back and compare height. Most children keep track of how they match up to their parents. Adult believers may be finished with physical growth. But they are still maturing spiritually, and checking progress is still an exciting experience. There are three ways to evaluate growth.
First, we know our relationship with God is growing when we can see our true nature clearly. As the Spirit gains greater control of our life, we become increasingly aware of our own sinfulness and weakness. We realize we can’t live the Christian life alone.
We know we’re growing when our response to sin is quick. Conviction brings about immediate and genuine repentance. Ignoring our sin is rebellion against God. This type of disobedience halts spiritual growth.
We know intimacy with God is deepening when we guard our devotional time. Private moments of prayer and scriptural meditation must be a top priority for maturing believers. Listening to the Lord and talking with Him about our needs enables us to stay connected to His will. Then we’re reminded of His love.
Spiritual growth should give us joy. Why? Because our spirit is looking more and more like that of Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:15 states, we don’t have to stand back to back with people of the world for them to see that we’re “children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
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