From: Allen Hunt Ministries
John 15:13 "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for another."
Lorraine Allard, a mother of 3 in the U.K., found out that she was in the advanced stages of liver cancer when she was already 4 months pregnant with her 4th child. The doctors encouraged her to abort the pregnancy so they could begin aggressive chemotherapy. Not to do so would endanger Lorraine's own life.
Lorraine chose to continue the pregnancy, giving birth to her 4th child, Liam. She then began treatment for her own cancer but died 2 months later.
Her widowed husband, Martyn, said "The doctors said they couldn't do anything because she was pregnant. She told them straight away they were not going to get rid of it. She'd have lost the will to fight."
"Lorraine was positive all the way through. She had strength for both of us. I can't begin to describe how brave she was. Towards the end we knew things weren't going well, but she was overjoyed that she had given life to Liam."
I just think this is a remarkable story. A selfless, heroic act. In an age where abortion is so common and casual, Lorraine's selflessness is an inspiration.
Moreover, Martyn's courage is extraordinary. Here is a man/husband/father now facing the prospect of raising 4 children on his own, and he knows they did the right thing.
"There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for another."
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Today, Practice Kindness
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Peter 1:5-7 "Make every effort to show… kindness. "
Have you noticed that the busier you get the less you seem to show kindness to others? That's because kindness is "the fruit of the Spirit," not a product of the flesh (Galatians 5:22). Kindness doesn't happen in a vacuum, or as the result of a good Sunday morning sermon. You have to practice it. You have to do what Peter says: "Make every effort to show… kindness."
Before William McKinley became President of the United States he was riding to his congressional office one morning on a tram. A sick woman got on and, unable to find a seat, clutched an overhead strap next to one of McKinley's political colleagues. Pathetically this colleague hid behind his newspaper to avoid offering her his seat. Immediately McKinley rose, gave her his seat and took her place in the aisle.
Years later when he was President this same colleague was recommended for the position of ambassador, but McKinley refused. He said, "If his kindness is of the quality he showed that morning on the tram, I fear what he might do representing us in a foreign land." The disappointed congressman never did learn why McKinley chose someone else for the job.
What good are tireless efforts fuelled by personal ambition, or a desire to serve that's rooted in a need to control? Face it; without kindness what good are all our titles, traditions, testimonies and theology? If you don't know the answer here it is: "If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about… the future, knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would it do?" (1 Corinthians 13:2).
So today, make up your mind to practice kindness!
1 Peter 1:5-7 "Make every effort to show… kindness. "
Have you noticed that the busier you get the less you seem to show kindness to others? That's because kindness is "the fruit of the Spirit," not a product of the flesh (Galatians 5:22). Kindness doesn't happen in a vacuum, or as the result of a good Sunday morning sermon. You have to practice it. You have to do what Peter says: "Make every effort to show… kindness."
Before William McKinley became President of the United States he was riding to his congressional office one morning on a tram. A sick woman got on and, unable to find a seat, clutched an overhead strap next to one of McKinley's political colleagues. Pathetically this colleague hid behind his newspaper to avoid offering her his seat. Immediately McKinley rose, gave her his seat and took her place in the aisle.
Years later when he was President this same colleague was recommended for the position of ambassador, but McKinley refused. He said, "If his kindness is of the quality he showed that morning on the tram, I fear what he might do representing us in a foreign land." The disappointed congressman never did learn why McKinley chose someone else for the job.
What good are tireless efforts fuelled by personal ambition, or a desire to serve that's rooted in a need to control? Face it; without kindness what good are all our titles, traditions, testimonies and theology? If you don't know the answer here it is: "If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about… the future, knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would it do?" (1 Corinthians 13:2).
So today, make up your mind to practice kindness!
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Christian Life
From: The Word For Today
1 Peter 4:12 "Do not be surprised, beloved, that a trial by fire is ocurring in your midst. It is a test for you, but it should not catch you off guard."
Trouble never surprises God! Everyone He uses seems to move from one challenge to another.
Listen to how Paul describes the Christian life: "In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honour us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give Spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything" (2 Corinthians 6:4-10).
God never promised you a rose garden but He'll stand with you on your battlefield, take you through your storm and turn your seasons of adversity into seasons of growth. When your faith is under fire it actually attracts God's power and brings His grace to your situation! Even Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).
So rejoice, you're not losing - you're learning!
1 Peter 4:12 "Do not be surprised, beloved, that a trial by fire is ocurring in your midst. It is a test for you, but it should not catch you off guard."
Trouble never surprises God! Everyone He uses seems to move from one challenge to another.
Listen to how Paul describes the Christian life: "In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honour us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give Spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything" (2 Corinthians 6:4-10).
God never promised you a rose garden but He'll stand with you on your battlefield, take you through your storm and turn your seasons of adversity into seasons of growth. When your faith is under fire it actually attracts God's power and brings His grace to your situation! Even Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).
So rejoice, you're not losing - you're learning!
Positive Influence
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with wise men and you will become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm."
Certain people stoke the fires within you to be all you can be. When you find them, feed off them! When you have little or no water in your own well, be willing to draw it from theirs.
Elisha spent many years living in Elijah's shadow. But he saw it as a privilege, not a put-down. He was willing to set up tents, cook meals, wash clothes and run errands because it meant he would experience first-hand some of the greatest miracles in history.
As a result Elisha said to Elijah, "I want a double portion of the Spirit that's at work in you" (2 Kings 2:9). And before his life was over Elisha worked twice as many miracles as Elijah. Understand this: you must have a foundation - and you can't build it without help!
Seeing God bless someone else should challenge you to reach higher. This is not envy - just a strong desire to receive more. Look at Hannah, Elkanah's wife. She wanted a child. In order to stir her up God used Peninnah, who was married to the same man but able to bear children. The more Hannah saw Peninnah have children the more she wanted her own. Peninnah challenged her. She also made Hannah pray. That's the right response! It wasn't that Hannah was jealous and didn't want to see Peninnah have children, it was just that she wanted her own.
If seeing others succeed makes you want to sabotage their success, you'll never prosper. Learn how to rejoice over the blessings of others, and realize that the same God who blessed them can bless you too. Let their blessings challenge you to reach higher!
Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with wise men and you will become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm."
Certain people stoke the fires within you to be all you can be. When you find them, feed off them! When you have little or no water in your own well, be willing to draw it from theirs.
Elisha spent many years living in Elijah's shadow. But he saw it as a privilege, not a put-down. He was willing to set up tents, cook meals, wash clothes and run errands because it meant he would experience first-hand some of the greatest miracles in history.
As a result Elisha said to Elijah, "I want a double portion of the Spirit that's at work in you" (2 Kings 2:9). And before his life was over Elisha worked twice as many miracles as Elijah. Understand this: you must have a foundation - and you can't build it without help!
Seeing God bless someone else should challenge you to reach higher. This is not envy - just a strong desire to receive more. Look at Hannah, Elkanah's wife. She wanted a child. In order to stir her up God used Peninnah, who was married to the same man but able to bear children. The more Hannah saw Peninnah have children the more she wanted her own. Peninnah challenged her. She also made Hannah pray. That's the right response! It wasn't that Hannah was jealous and didn't want to see Peninnah have children, it was just that she wanted her own.
If seeing others succeed makes you want to sabotage their success, you'll never prosper. Learn how to rejoice over the blessings of others, and realize that the same God who blessed them can bless you too. Let their blessings challenge you to reach higher!
You Can Make A Comeback
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Judges 16:28 "Sampson prayed, 'Lord remember me...please strengthen me just one more time.'"
You probably know about Samson's moral collapse, but have you read the story of his comeback? He was used by God as few men have ever been, but the enemy found his weakness - a woman: "She pressed him daily… and urged him" (Judges 16:16). Note the words pressed and urged. Be alert, your enemy is persistent.
It starts with an unguarded moment. There are doors you should never open. If you feed the wrong appetite for a day you may end up struggling with it for a lifetime. Perhaps you've read the poster, "Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakens and knows it has to run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakens and knows it must outrun the swiftest gazelle or it will starve to death. It matters not whether you're a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you'd better be ready to run!" Peter warns us to be alert because our "adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
But Samson remembered God! It's a wonderful day when you decide to reach again for God. Like the father of the prodigal son he'll run to meet you. Yes He will! Samson's last recorded prayer was from a prison cell, "Lord, remember me… please strengthen me just one more time." Did God answer him? Yes: "He killed many more when he died than while he lived" (Judges 16:28-30).
Regardless of where you are today or what shape you're in, turn to God. He'll straighten out the crooked places in your life and help you make a comeback!
Judges 16:28 "Sampson prayed, 'Lord remember me...please strengthen me just one more time.'"
You probably know about Samson's moral collapse, but have you read the story of his comeback? He was used by God as few men have ever been, but the enemy found his weakness - a woman: "She pressed him daily… and urged him" (Judges 16:16). Note the words pressed and urged. Be alert, your enemy is persistent.
It starts with an unguarded moment. There are doors you should never open. If you feed the wrong appetite for a day you may end up struggling with it for a lifetime. Perhaps you've read the poster, "Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakens and knows it has to run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakens and knows it must outrun the swiftest gazelle or it will starve to death. It matters not whether you're a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you'd better be ready to run!" Peter warns us to be alert because our "adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
But Samson remembered God! It's a wonderful day when you decide to reach again for God. Like the father of the prodigal son he'll run to meet you. Yes He will! Samson's last recorded prayer was from a prison cell, "Lord, remember me… please strengthen me just one more time." Did God answer him? Yes: "He killed many more when he died than while he lived" (Judges 16:28-30).
Regardless of where you are today or what shape you're in, turn to God. He'll straighten out the crooked places in your life and help you make a comeback!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Be On Guard
From: Daily Disciples
1 Peter 5:8 "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Satan is alive and well. His mission has been the same since the Garden of Eden: to crush, kill and destroy. He is good at twisting concepts and manipulating ideas into truths that are not real. Satan's battlefield starts within your circumstances. He frustrates your plans to get that peace within your heart to crush you into a frenzy. When your insides do not match your outsides, you have just become a hypocrite and Satan loves to make hypocrites out of Christians. Once you are aware of this scheme (which for some of us is a lifetime), you learn to pray and resist him by drawing near to God. You do this by learning how to discipline your behavior and choosing not to allow the fruits of the Spirit to be crushed.
Praying, submitting to God and meditating on scripture are the next steps. Then Satan's next plan of attack hits your mind. Now, Satan cannot read your mind but he can discern what you are thinking by your words and behaviors. He can also put his thoughts into your mind. I have found that many times I do not need the devil to put bad thoughts into my mind because I can do that all by myself. I am capable of taking my own self out of the ministry or walking with the Lord, with very little effort or attack from him.
So "be on guard" because Satan is seeking someone to devour. If you look weak, think weak, act weak, and your words express a weakness in your faith, then you can surely be his next target. Peter warns us to be sober and vigilant. Both words have similar Greek meanings: to watch and keep awake. We have to be more alert than he is. Obviously, this is more difficult for us because we do not see into the spiritual realm to understand what is happening. We discredit or disregard the work of the enemy, allowing him to have the advantage over us.
We have to pray that the Lord opens our eyes and gives us discernment to know the truth. Too many Christians are apathetic and complacent. They live on the defense without any strength to fight back instead of the offense in moving forward. It is true that the enemy does not have to bother with an apathetic and complacent Christian, that is just where he wants us to be, but God has so much more for us. The Lord has won the battle; we just have to put on the armor of God. The Lord wants to give us an abundant life on this earth, so why not start living it today!
1 Peter 5:8 "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Satan is alive and well. His mission has been the same since the Garden of Eden: to crush, kill and destroy. He is good at twisting concepts and manipulating ideas into truths that are not real. Satan's battlefield starts within your circumstances. He frustrates your plans to get that peace within your heart to crush you into a frenzy. When your insides do not match your outsides, you have just become a hypocrite and Satan loves to make hypocrites out of Christians. Once you are aware of this scheme (which for some of us is a lifetime), you learn to pray and resist him by drawing near to God. You do this by learning how to discipline your behavior and choosing not to allow the fruits of the Spirit to be crushed.
Praying, submitting to God and meditating on scripture are the next steps. Then Satan's next plan of attack hits your mind. Now, Satan cannot read your mind but he can discern what you are thinking by your words and behaviors. He can also put his thoughts into your mind. I have found that many times I do not need the devil to put bad thoughts into my mind because I can do that all by myself. I am capable of taking my own self out of the ministry or walking with the Lord, with very little effort or attack from him.
So "be on guard" because Satan is seeking someone to devour. If you look weak, think weak, act weak, and your words express a weakness in your faith, then you can surely be his next target. Peter warns us to be sober and vigilant. Both words have similar Greek meanings: to watch and keep awake. We have to be more alert than he is. Obviously, this is more difficult for us because we do not see into the spiritual realm to understand what is happening. We discredit or disregard the work of the enemy, allowing him to have the advantage over us.
We have to pray that the Lord opens our eyes and gives us discernment to know the truth. Too many Christians are apathetic and complacent. They live on the defense without any strength to fight back instead of the offense in moving forward. It is true that the enemy does not have to bother with an apathetic and complacent Christian, that is just where he wants us to be, but God has so much more for us. The Lord has won the battle; we just have to put on the armor of God. The Lord wants to give us an abundant life on this earth, so why not start living it today!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Can You See God's Hand In It?
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 37:23 "The Lord directs the steps of the Godly."
God has children like Jacob who walk with a limp. Maybe you are one. Has something so painful happened that it's left you feeling vulnerable and insecure? Find it difficult to trust people? Become your own worst critic? Think your ministry or career is over? Or worse, it never got off the ground - you've been Spiritually crippled! If that's where you are today read these words: "The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).
God loves to use flawed people for, when they become successful they aren't arrogant like some who think they deserve it. They're a little warmer, a little more willing to reach out and embrace others. They understand that without God they wouldn't have made it. They have a 'Joseph attitude.' Look how badly he was treated by his brothers. Yet not only did he forgive them, he fed them. How can someone do that? Because he saw the hand of God in every detail of his life. Have you seen His hand in yours yet? Listen to what Joseph told his betrayers: "Do not be angry with yourselves… it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5).
God has a way of bringing us through rough situations and reminding us of where we came from. Then when we experience success we realize like Joseph that it was God who opened the door, and God who gave us favor and success. Now it's our turn to bless others!
Psalm 37:23 "The Lord directs the steps of the Godly."
God has children like Jacob who walk with a limp. Maybe you are one. Has something so painful happened that it's left you feeling vulnerable and insecure? Find it difficult to trust people? Become your own worst critic? Think your ministry or career is over? Or worse, it never got off the ground - you've been Spiritually crippled! If that's where you are today read these words: "The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).
God loves to use flawed people for, when they become successful they aren't arrogant like some who think they deserve it. They're a little warmer, a little more willing to reach out and embrace others. They understand that without God they wouldn't have made it. They have a 'Joseph attitude.' Look how badly he was treated by his brothers. Yet not only did he forgive them, he fed them. How can someone do that? Because he saw the hand of God in every detail of his life. Have you seen His hand in yours yet? Listen to what Joseph told his betrayers: "Do not be angry with yourselves… it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5).
God has a way of bringing us through rough situations and reminding us of where we came from. Then when we experience success we realize like Joseph that it was God who opened the door, and God who gave us favor and success. Now it's our turn to bless others!
Monday, January 21, 2008
How's Your Attitude?
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth."
This may shock you, but I believe the most important decision we make on a day-to-day basis - is our choice of an attitude! It either keeps us moving ahead or cripples our progress. It fuels our fire or assaults our hope. When our attitude is right there's no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme and no challenge too great. Yet we spend more time worrying over things that can't be changed, than we do giving attention to the one thing that can - our attitude.
Did you know that:
(1) Gratitude is an attitude? David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth." It wasn't an impulse or a reaction to some circumstance, it was a choice he made!
(2) Love is an attitude. Solomon writes, "Love covers all transgressions" (Proverbs 10:12). Love says, "I accept you as you are, care when you hurt, desire only what's best for you and erase all offences." It refuses to look for ways to run, instead it opts for working things through. It's fibrous and resilient. While the world around gives the opposite counsel, love stands firm.
(3) Trust is an attitude. Listen, "The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him" (Psalm 32:10). Instead of trying to take control, or rolling up our mental sleeves and slugging it out, trust hands it all over to God, confident that He'll sort it out. Today, work on your attitude!
Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth."
This may shock you, but I believe the most important decision we make on a day-to-day basis - is our choice of an attitude! It either keeps us moving ahead or cripples our progress. It fuels our fire or assaults our hope. When our attitude is right there's no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme and no challenge too great. Yet we spend more time worrying over things that can't be changed, than we do giving attention to the one thing that can - our attitude.
Did you know that:
(1) Gratitude is an attitude? David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth." It wasn't an impulse or a reaction to some circumstance, it was a choice he made!
(2) Love is an attitude. Solomon writes, "Love covers all transgressions" (Proverbs 10:12). Love says, "I accept you as you are, care when you hurt, desire only what's best for you and erase all offences." It refuses to look for ways to run, instead it opts for working things through. It's fibrous and resilient. While the world around gives the opposite counsel, love stands firm.
(3) Trust is an attitude. Listen, "The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him" (Psalm 32:10). Instead of trying to take control, or rolling up our mental sleeves and slugging it out, trust hands it all over to God, confident that He'll sort it out. Today, work on your attitude!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Running To Win
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
1 Corinthians 9:24 "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win."
Getting older is not a depressing thought, because from the day I gave my life to Jesus Christ, it has been an adventure. I don't regret a single day of my life that I have spent following and serving the Lord.
Sure, my life has had some surprises. One of them has been seeing people who I never thought would make it in the Christian life make it, and seeing people who I never thought would fall, fall. Some people have a powerful start and then crash and burn. Others have a rather weak start, but somehow pull it together in the end. Best of all, there are some who start and finish the race with flying colors. I want to be one of those people. Don't you?
Here is what we need to remember. We do have a say as to how the race we run will turn out. Let me put it another way. If you want to be a winner in the race of life, then you can be. If you want to be a loser, then you can be.
It really comes down to the choices you make on a daily basis. As I have said before, people fall away from the Lord because, for all practical purposes, they choose to. They neglect certain things, and at the same time, allow other things into their lives.
As we make our decisions, our decisions will make us. What practical steps can you take today to ensure that you will be running well in the Christian race 25 years from now?
1 Corinthians 9:24 "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win."
Getting older is not a depressing thought, because from the day I gave my life to Jesus Christ, it has been an adventure. I don't regret a single day of my life that I have spent following and serving the Lord.
Sure, my life has had some surprises. One of them has been seeing people who I never thought would make it in the Christian life make it, and seeing people who I never thought would fall, fall. Some people have a powerful start and then crash and burn. Others have a rather weak start, but somehow pull it together in the end. Best of all, there are some who start and finish the race with flying colors. I want to be one of those people. Don't you?
Here is what we need to remember. We do have a say as to how the race we run will turn out. Let me put it another way. If you want to be a winner in the race of life, then you can be. If you want to be a loser, then you can be.
It really comes down to the choices you make on a daily basis. As I have said before, people fall away from the Lord because, for all practical purposes, they choose to. They neglect certain things, and at the same time, allow other things into their lives.
As we make our decisions, our decisions will make us. What practical steps can you take today to ensure that you will be running well in the Christian race 25 years from now?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Others May Not Notice, But God Does!
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him by your service, past and present, to His holy people."
Thank you! Two simple words, but, oh, how much they mean. Has it been a while since you heard them? You do so much for so many, now you just want a little appreciation in return. Right?
Others may neglect to thank you, but know this - your Heavenly Father appreciates you for all you do, and all you are. He has put you exactly where He needs you and you are fulfilling His purpose every day! When you understand that, you'll begin to find meaning in everything you do. He is the reason - others are just the beneficiaries!
Don't let somebody else's response decide the level of your joy! They may not notice, but God does. He records and He rewards. Count on it!
If you feel unappreciated today, stop and read these words carefully. "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord" (Colossians 3:17). That's it - do it for Him!
Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him by your service, past and present, to His holy people."
Thank you! Two simple words, but, oh, how much they mean. Has it been a while since you heard them? You do so much for so many, now you just want a little appreciation in return. Right?
Others may neglect to thank you, but know this - your Heavenly Father appreciates you for all you do, and all you are. He has put you exactly where He needs you and you are fulfilling His purpose every day! When you understand that, you'll begin to find meaning in everything you do. He is the reason - others are just the beneficiaries!
Don't let somebody else's response decide the level of your joy! They may not notice, but God does. He records and He rewards. Count on it!
If you feel unappreciated today, stop and read these words carefully. "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord" (Colossians 3:17). That's it - do it for Him!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
What On Earth Are We Doing?
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." "
What on earth are you doing?!" You may have heard that phrase when your mom told you to clean your room and found you playing with your toys instead, or maybe when your teacher caught you passing notes in class.
But if God were to ask you this question, how would you respond?
Paul tells us that as followers of Jesus we have been put on this earth to bring glory to God in everything we do. So what should that look like?
God's glory is the manifestation of all that He is in His unsurpassed, stunning perfection. It is His amazing love, His wide mercy, His deep grace. His glory is seen in His truth, justice, wisdom, and power.
To glorify Him means that we have the high privilege of showing Him off in a world that is totally unaware of what He is really like. Acts of mercy to the undeserving, grace to the needy, forgiveness to an offender, living wisely according to His will—all give glorious visibility to the character and quality of our God.
There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about God. It's our job to let others see what He is really like. And, when they like what they see, let's be sure to let them know who taught us to live like that . - Joe Stowell
1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." "
What on earth are you doing?!" You may have heard that phrase when your mom told you to clean your room and found you playing with your toys instead, or maybe when your teacher caught you passing notes in class.
But if God were to ask you this question, how would you respond?
Paul tells us that as followers of Jesus we have been put on this earth to bring glory to God in everything we do. So what should that look like?
God's glory is the manifestation of all that He is in His unsurpassed, stunning perfection. It is His amazing love, His wide mercy, His deep grace. His glory is seen in His truth, justice, wisdom, and power.
To glorify Him means that we have the high privilege of showing Him off in a world that is totally unaware of what He is really like. Acts of mercy to the undeserving, grace to the needy, forgiveness to an offender, living wisely according to His will—all give glorious visibility to the character and quality of our God.
There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about God. It's our job to let others see what He is really like. And, when they like what they see, let's be sure to let them know who taught us to live like that . - Joe Stowell
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Life Is About Overcoming
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world."
Twice General MacArthur was refused admission to West Point. But the third time he was accepted, and marched into the history books. Rudyard Kipling received a rejection letter from the San Francisco Examiner saying, "Sorry Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language."
After a lifetime of defeats, at aged 65 Winston Churchill became one of Britain's greatest Prime Ministers. Enrico Caruso's music teacher told him he had "no voice at all and couldn't sing." Einstein's schoolteachers described him as, "mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams." By age 46, Beethoven was completely deaf, yet he wrote five of his greatest symphonies without hearing a note.
Life is about overcoming! You conquer one mountain, then before you know it you're faced with the next - a bigger one. Remember Peter who denied his Lord in a moment of weakness (Matthew 26:34-75), and Jonah who ran from the call of God because he was afraid (Jonah 1:3)?
In every story of victory there are chapters of defeat. But by God's grace you can overcome! That's why the Bible says:"Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world." Hudson Taylor said, "Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, thus they attempt very little and they always fail. The real giants have all been weak people who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and His presence to be with them .
"Bottom line: don't worry about failing, worry about what you're going to tell God if you don't even try!
1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world."
Twice General MacArthur was refused admission to West Point. But the third time he was accepted, and marched into the history books. Rudyard Kipling received a rejection letter from the San Francisco Examiner saying, "Sorry Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language."
After a lifetime of defeats, at aged 65 Winston Churchill became one of Britain's greatest Prime Ministers. Enrico Caruso's music teacher told him he had "no voice at all and couldn't sing." Einstein's schoolteachers described him as, "mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams." By age 46, Beethoven was completely deaf, yet he wrote five of his greatest symphonies without hearing a note.
Life is about overcoming! You conquer one mountain, then before you know it you're faced with the next - a bigger one. Remember Peter who denied his Lord in a moment of weakness (Matthew 26:34-75), and Jonah who ran from the call of God because he was afraid (Jonah 1:3)?
In every story of victory there are chapters of defeat. But by God's grace you can overcome! That's why the Bible says:"Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world." Hudson Taylor said, "Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, thus they attempt very little and they always fail. The real giants have all been weak people who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and His presence to be with them .
"Bottom line: don't worry about failing, worry about what you're going to tell God if you don't even try!
Monday, January 14, 2008
God Wants You To Succeed
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Genesis 39:3 "The Lord gave him success in whatever he did."
Write this down, "My heavenly Father wants me to succeed." What parent wouldn't? So then, why do you keep failing? Today look for your answer in these three areas:
1. A negative attitude! Did you hear about the palm-reader who said to her customer, "You'll be sad, miserable, and poor until you're 30." The customer asked, "What happens when I'm 30 ?" The palm-reader replied, "Then you'll get used to it!" You may smile, but the truth is, success requires the right soil, the right seed, and the right climate in order to grow. Your attitude determines the climate of your life, and the words you speak bring either life or death to the seed you sow. So watch your attitude.
2. A selfish outlook! When others sense that you don't care about them, they can actually help you to fail, or at least stand by and do nothing to keep it from happening. On the other hand, you can survive a lot of mistakes when they remember your kindness. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
3. Being in the wrong place! Sometimes failure is just the result of mismatched abilities, interests, personalities, or values. Don't spend your life climbing the ladder of success, only to look back and realize it was leaning against the wrong wall! Listen, "In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success" (Proverbs 3:6).
Today, God wants you to succeed - but you've got to do your part!
Genesis 39:3 "The Lord gave him success in whatever he did."
Write this down, "My heavenly Father wants me to succeed." What parent wouldn't? So then, why do you keep failing? Today look for your answer in these three areas:
1. A negative attitude! Did you hear about the palm-reader who said to her customer, "You'll be sad, miserable, and poor until you're 30." The customer asked, "What happens when I'm 30 ?" The palm-reader replied, "Then you'll get used to it!" You may smile, but the truth is, success requires the right soil, the right seed, and the right climate in order to grow. Your attitude determines the climate of your life, and the words you speak bring either life or death to the seed you sow. So watch your attitude.
2. A selfish outlook! When others sense that you don't care about them, they can actually help you to fail, or at least stand by and do nothing to keep it from happening. On the other hand, you can survive a lot of mistakes when they remember your kindness. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
3. Being in the wrong place! Sometimes failure is just the result of mismatched abilities, interests, personalities, or values. Don't spend your life climbing the ladder of success, only to look back and realize it was leaning against the wrong wall! Listen, "In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success" (Proverbs 3:6).
Today, God wants you to succeed - but you've got to do your part!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Rediscovering The Passion
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works."
A Major League baseball player announced his retirement, saying, "All of a sudden, that passion isn't there anymore. Physically, I think I could still do it. But something that I loved my whole life and had such a passion for became a major, major job for me. It's not like it used to be."
What can we do when something that once energized us has become a burden? A career can be changed, but the deepest matters of the heart, especially our relationship with Christ, cry out to recapture the fervor that fueled earlier days.
The risen Lord praised the church in Ephesus for their faithful service and perseverance, but added, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works" (Rev. 2:4-5).
Oswald Chambers reminds us that "the old writers used to speak of the Cross as the Passion of Our Lord. The Cross is the great opening through which all the blood of Christian service runs."
If our spiritual passion has grown cold, let us remember again the great sacrifice of Christ for our sin (Heb. 12:3), turn away from grudging service and allow the wonder of His cross to rekindle our love for Him.
Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works."
A Major League baseball player announced his retirement, saying, "All of a sudden, that passion isn't there anymore. Physically, I think I could still do it. But something that I loved my whole life and had such a passion for became a major, major job for me. It's not like it used to be."
What can we do when something that once energized us has become a burden? A career can be changed, but the deepest matters of the heart, especially our relationship with Christ, cry out to recapture the fervor that fueled earlier days.
The risen Lord praised the church in Ephesus for their faithful service and perseverance, but added, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works" (Rev. 2:4-5).
Oswald Chambers reminds us that "the old writers used to speak of the Cross as the Passion of Our Lord. The Cross is the great opening through which all the blood of Christian service runs."
If our spiritual passion has grown cold, let us remember again the great sacrifice of Christ for our sin (Heb. 12:3), turn away from grudging service and allow the wonder of His cross to rekindle our love for Him.
Control Of Our Minds
From: Daily Disciples Ministries
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
Did you know that there is an ongoing battle for your mind? Many of us realize that there is a battle taking place in our minds, but the real battle is for control of our minds. I know it sounds a little sci-fi and weird but that is just what our enemy wants us to think. We are in a spiritual battle every day for control of our thoughts. For some, the intensity of conflicting thoughts can torment us for hours. For others, we have learned such mind control that we do whatever it takes to press down those thoughts. Regardless of how we handle them, they are still there.
The only effective weapons that we can use are the ones given by God. The weapons of the flesh, such as mental imagery or positive thinking, will not bring us the victory that God has for us. Many people use such tools and claim dramatic results but the deceptions are dangerous. Why? Because the focus and the power are placed completely on us, not on the Lord. The more power we think we have in ourselves, the more power Satan has over us. Scary thought? Let's go for the real power and learn to bring our thoughts before Christ.
Are you in a battle today over things in your mind? There are two things you must incorporate into your daily routine. First, open your Bible and read at least one verse in the morning. Use a devotional or a Psalm or Proverb, whatever works for you. Then, take what you have read and ask the Lord to put His words into your mind throughout the day. If you will do this everyday, in time you will begin to remember God's words because His Spirit will bring them to your thoughts.
For those things that you are struggling with in your mind, start talking to the Lord about them. Pray that His words will bring comfort and hope instead of torment and guilt. Let the Lord fight for you by letting Him have the control over your mind instead of trying to handle it yourself.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
Did you know that there is an ongoing battle for your mind? Many of us realize that there is a battle taking place in our minds, but the real battle is for control of our minds. I know it sounds a little sci-fi and weird but that is just what our enemy wants us to think. We are in a spiritual battle every day for control of our thoughts. For some, the intensity of conflicting thoughts can torment us for hours. For others, we have learned such mind control that we do whatever it takes to press down those thoughts. Regardless of how we handle them, they are still there.
The only effective weapons that we can use are the ones given by God. The weapons of the flesh, such as mental imagery or positive thinking, will not bring us the victory that God has for us. Many people use such tools and claim dramatic results but the deceptions are dangerous. Why? Because the focus and the power are placed completely on us, not on the Lord. The more power we think we have in ourselves, the more power Satan has over us. Scary thought? Let's go for the real power and learn to bring our thoughts before Christ.
Are you in a battle today over things in your mind? There are two things you must incorporate into your daily routine. First, open your Bible and read at least one verse in the morning. Use a devotional or a Psalm or Proverb, whatever works for you. Then, take what you have read and ask the Lord to put His words into your mind throughout the day. If you will do this everyday, in time you will begin to remember God's words because His Spirit will bring them to your thoughts.
For those things that you are struggling with in your mind, start talking to the Lord about them. Pray that His words will bring comfort and hope instead of torment and guilt. Let the Lord fight for you by letting Him have the control over your mind instead of trying to handle it yourself.
Those Who Matter
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."
There's a true story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained she had the same disease that he'd recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance of recovery was a transfusion from someone who'd conquered it, so the boy was an ideal donor. "Would you give your blood to Mary?" the doctor asked. Johnny hesitated, his lower lip trembled, and then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister."
Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room - Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met Johnny grinned. As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm Johnny's smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube. With the ordeal almost over Johnny's voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence. "Doctor, when do I die?"
Only then did the doctor realize why little Johnny had hesitated, why his lips trembled when he agreed to donate his blood. He thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. In that brief moment he had made his great decision .
Who would give their life for you? Those are the people you want to invest your life in. Those are the ones you need to show your appreciation for - now, while you still can. They are irreplaceable! When they're gone you'll realize that. Some of the things you're striving for now will seem empty then. Some of the things you're upset over now will seem insignificant then.
So squeeze the most out of every moment. Create memories you'll treasure. Be wise; build your life around those who matter!
Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."
There's a true story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained she had the same disease that he'd recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance of recovery was a transfusion from someone who'd conquered it, so the boy was an ideal donor. "Would you give your blood to Mary?" the doctor asked. Johnny hesitated, his lower lip trembled, and then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister."
Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room - Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met Johnny grinned. As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm Johnny's smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube. With the ordeal almost over Johnny's voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence. "Doctor, when do I die?"
Only then did the doctor realize why little Johnny had hesitated, why his lips trembled when he agreed to donate his blood. He thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. In that brief moment he had made his great decision .
Who would give their life for you? Those are the people you want to invest your life in. Those are the ones you need to show your appreciation for - now, while you still can. They are irreplaceable! When they're gone you'll realize that. Some of the things you're striving for now will seem empty then. Some of the things you're upset over now will seem insignificant then.
So squeeze the most out of every moment. Create memories you'll treasure. Be wise; build your life around those who matter!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Fear Not The Desert
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Hosea 2:14 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her."
If you have an important message to convey to someone, what is the best means of getting the message through? Have you ever tried to talk with someone who was so busy you could not get him to hear you? Distractions prevent us from giving our undivided attention to the messenger.
So too, God has His way of taking us aside to get our undivided attention. For Paul, it was Arabia for three years; for Moses, it was 40 years in the desert; for Joseph, it was 13 years in Egypt; for David, it was many years of fleeing from King Saul.
God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom. In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us . He forces us to draw deep upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert.
Fear not the desert, for it is here you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!"
Hosea 2:14 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her."
If you have an important message to convey to someone, what is the best means of getting the message through? Have you ever tried to talk with someone who was so busy you could not get him to hear you? Distractions prevent us from giving our undivided attention to the messenger.
So too, God has His way of taking us aside to get our undivided attention. For Paul, it was Arabia for three years; for Moses, it was 40 years in the desert; for Joseph, it was 13 years in Egypt; for David, it was many years of fleeing from King Saul.
God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom. In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us . He forces us to draw deep upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert.
Fear not the desert, for it is here you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!"
Wasted Years
From: Daily Disciples Ministries
Joel 2:25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."
The book of Joel was written by the prophet we probably know the least about. His book is only three chapters in length but is packed with sincere pleas for repentance for the nation of Israel. Joel knew the Lord's day was coming but he also knew and spoke of God's endless mercy and grace. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Joel 2:25. For me, this verse represents great hope and encouragement for the future. Not only is our God a God of second chances but He is a God who restores our pasts. I have witnessed this restoration first hand in my life.
I was raised in church, accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized, all before the age of 10. I can honestly say I have known the Lord most of my life, but I have not always chosen to walk with Him. There is a big difference in knowing Him versus living for Him. There is also a big difference in knowing about Him versus knowing Him personally.
I spent many years as an adult choosing to live my life my way. I still read the Bible, went to church and prayed---prayed a lot for the things I wanted. But my life was my own. Then one day, something changed in my heart. My eyes were opened in a very different way. I realized who was really on the throne of my life and it was not Jesus. I began to see how empty my life had become and that I wanted more. More meant more of Him. It was time to live for Jesus. It was time to change my course. But, what about those wasted years? I had such sadness realizing the time I had wasted. If only I had done things differently.
Then one day, I come across this verse in Joel. And the Lord Himself said to me that He would restore all of those years that the locust had eaten. He has a plan for my life and His plans and callings are irrevocable. Not only is God with me as I go forward but He has never left me. I look back and see God's tremendous grace. And I have seen God do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine in just a few short years.
Do you have regrets about wasted years? Know today that God will restore them all. If you have been away from Him, come back today. Repent and ask the Lord to sit on the throne of your life and carry out His plans and callings for you. Let this verse give you hope and encouragement to begin a new day.
Joel 2:25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."
The book of Joel was written by the prophet we probably know the least about. His book is only three chapters in length but is packed with sincere pleas for repentance for the nation of Israel. Joel knew the Lord's day was coming but he also knew and spoke of God's endless mercy and grace. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Joel 2:25. For me, this verse represents great hope and encouragement for the future. Not only is our God a God of second chances but He is a God who restores our pasts. I have witnessed this restoration first hand in my life.
I was raised in church, accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized, all before the age of 10. I can honestly say I have known the Lord most of my life, but I have not always chosen to walk with Him. There is a big difference in knowing Him versus living for Him. There is also a big difference in knowing about Him versus knowing Him personally.
I spent many years as an adult choosing to live my life my way. I still read the Bible, went to church and prayed---prayed a lot for the things I wanted. But my life was my own. Then one day, something changed in my heart. My eyes were opened in a very different way. I realized who was really on the throne of my life and it was not Jesus. I began to see how empty my life had become and that I wanted more. More meant more of Him. It was time to live for Jesus. It was time to change my course. But, what about those wasted years? I had such sadness realizing the time I had wasted. If only I had done things differently.
Then one day, I come across this verse in Joel. And the Lord Himself said to me that He would restore all of those years that the locust had eaten. He has a plan for my life and His plans and callings are irrevocable. Not only is God with me as I go forward but He has never left me. I look back and see God's tremendous grace. And I have seen God do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine in just a few short years.
Do you have regrets about wasted years? Know today that God will restore them all. If you have been away from Him, come back today. Repent and ask the Lord to sit on the throne of your life and carry out His plans and callings for you. Let this verse give you hope and encouragement to begin a new day.
Facing The New Year With Courage
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous; have no fear for it is the Lord your God who marches with you; He will never fail or forsake you."
When you try something for the first time, or something you've already failed at, you need courage. Remember learning to walk? First you tried standing on shaky limbs, smiled in short-lived triumph, kept falling down, cried in frustration, and got back up until you mastered the art of standing. Something inside you told you that you were meant for more than just lying in a cot.
Then came the next stage; walking. Sounds simple enough; but it wasn't. That's because wobbling always precedes walking. And that's the difference between adults and infants. As an infant you weren't image-conscious. You just saw arms outstretched toward you and heard a loving voice saying, "Come on, you can do it!" And you've been walking ever since! That's why God says to anyone stepping into unknown territory, "Be strong and courageous."
The word "be" really means "become." Courage is a quality you grow into, like filling bigger shoes. The more you walk in them, the more comfortable they get. It's not like a computer software programme where you simply enter your password and 'hey presto,' you're courageous!
Courage comes from spending time with God, seeing His arms outstretched toward you and hearing Him say, "Come on, you can do it, I'm with you!"
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous; have no fear for it is the Lord your God who marches with you; He will never fail or forsake you."
When you try something for the first time, or something you've already failed at, you need courage. Remember learning to walk? First you tried standing on shaky limbs, smiled in short-lived triumph, kept falling down, cried in frustration, and got back up until you mastered the art of standing. Something inside you told you that you were meant for more than just lying in a cot.
Then came the next stage; walking. Sounds simple enough; but it wasn't. That's because wobbling always precedes walking. And that's the difference between adults and infants. As an infant you weren't image-conscious. You just saw arms outstretched toward you and heard a loving voice saying, "Come on, you can do it!" And you've been walking ever since! That's why God says to anyone stepping into unknown territory, "Be strong and courageous."
The word "be" really means "become." Courage is a quality you grow into, like filling bigger shoes. The more you walk in them, the more comfortable they get. It's not like a computer software programme where you simply enter your password and 'hey presto,' you're courageous!
Courage comes from spending time with God, seeing His arms outstretched toward you and hearing Him say, "Come on, you can do it, I'm with you!"
Let God Use You
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Luke 1:38 "Let it be to me according to Your Word."
When God told Mary she was going to give birth to the Christ-child, she asked how it could be possible. Perhaps God's been telling you things He wants to do through you, but you're looking at your own limitations and asking, "How will this be?" (Luke 1:34). You're telling God, "I don't have the training, the experience, the skill, or the connections. And I certainly don't have the strength to accomplish it alone ."
Like Mary, you're thinking only in the natural, that you must have mans' help to do it. If you've been wondering how God will make things come to pass in your life, remember, He will accomplish the task. No man will get the credit for your deliverance. He told Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you" (Luke1:35).
The Holy Spirit can impregnate you with a vision, inspire you with creative ideas, introduce you to the right people, and empower you to do the job. God had a special plan for Mary; and He has one for you too . You aren't privileged to see the future. You don't know all that He has in store for you. But He has a plan.
After the angel spoke to Mary, do you know what she said? "Let it be to me according to Your Word" Not according to my marital status, or my job, or my finances, or what I deserve. No, "Let it be to me according to Your Word!" Was that easy to do? No, she was taking an extreme risk; to be pregnant and unmarried brought dire consequences in those days. Yet she gave herself willingly to God - and the results were truly miraculous!
Luke 1:38 "Let it be to me according to Your Word."
When God told Mary she was going to give birth to the Christ-child, she asked how it could be possible. Perhaps God's been telling you things He wants to do through you, but you're looking at your own limitations and asking, "How will this be?" (Luke 1:34). You're telling God, "I don't have the training, the experience, the skill, or the connections. And I certainly don't have the strength to accomplish it alone ."
Like Mary, you're thinking only in the natural, that you must have mans' help to do it. If you've been wondering how God will make things come to pass in your life, remember, He will accomplish the task. No man will get the credit for your deliverance. He told Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you" (Luke1:35).
The Holy Spirit can impregnate you with a vision, inspire you with creative ideas, introduce you to the right people, and empower you to do the job. God had a special plan for Mary; and He has one for you too . You aren't privileged to see the future. You don't know all that He has in store for you. But He has a plan.
After the angel spoke to Mary, do you know what she said? "Let it be to me according to Your Word" Not according to my marital status, or my job, or my finances, or what I deserve. No, "Let it be to me according to Your Word!" Was that easy to do? No, she was taking an extreme risk; to be pregnant and unmarried brought dire consequences in those days. Yet she gave herself willingly to God - and the results were truly miraculous!
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