From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Philippians 3:8 "...I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."
What is the goal of life? What is your goal for life? What does God's Word say should be our goal for living?
Is it finding happiness? No.
Is it accomplishing much to leave a legacy? That can be good, but that's not it.
Is it being good and helping your fellow man? That's good, too, but there is something more.
Read the words of the apostle Paul: "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ."
Knowing Christ is the ultimate goal of life. If you know Christ, you don't have to worry about finding happiness, being good, helping your fellow man, or leaving a legacy. All that flows out of knowing Christ. The ultimate goal of life is to know Christ. Do you really know Him?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
When The Clouds Come In
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
Years ago, my wife and I visited the base of the Matterhorn in Switzerland on a beautiful day. It has to be one of the most majestic sites on earth. When we woke up the next morning, I walked out of our room to view the Matterhorn once again and it was gone. Absolutely no evidence it was there. The clouds had rolled in. When the clouds lifted, it was obvious the mountain had not moved.
Sometimes it's like that with God. We come to experience Him in an awe-inspiring way. But later the clouds of life roll in: disappointment, rejection, suffering. It's like God is nowhere near.
But remember, He has not moved. He's as sure and as near as the Matterhorn was to us that day in Switzerland when we could not see it. So when the clouds move in, it's time to show God you really do have faith. For in time, the clouds of life will lift and you'll see that God has not moved--He was there all along.
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
Years ago, my wife and I visited the base of the Matterhorn in Switzerland on a beautiful day. It has to be one of the most majestic sites on earth. When we woke up the next morning, I walked out of our room to view the Matterhorn once again and it was gone. Absolutely no evidence it was there. The clouds had rolled in. When the clouds lifted, it was obvious the mountain had not moved.
Sometimes it's like that with God. We come to experience Him in an awe-inspiring way. But later the clouds of life roll in: disappointment, rejection, suffering. It's like God is nowhere near.
But remember, He has not moved. He's as sure and as near as the Matterhorn was to us that day in Switzerland when we could not see it. So when the clouds move in, it's time to show God you really do have faith. For in time, the clouds of life will lift and you'll see that God has not moved--He was there all along.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hearing From God
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Samuel 3:9 "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."
Too many of us think of prayer as just talking to God, rarely stopping to wonder if He might want to talk to us. How does God speak to us?
(1) Through His Word. A familiar verse jumps off the page and takes on new meaning.
(2) Through people. But you can't be so preoccupied or selective that you don't recognize them.
(3) Through His Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads, rebukes, encourages, comforts and stretches us.
A lot of us, however, don't seem to expect God to speak to us at all. By our actions you'd think that Jesus packed up and went back to heaven 40 days after His resurrection and hasn't been heard from since. No, the Bible is full of accounts of God speaking to His children. If the essence of Christianity is a personal relationship with God, then God must still speak today.
But you can't build a relationship on one-way speeches; you need regular, intimate contact between two persons, both of whom speak and both of whom listen.
Hearing God speak to us through His Spirit is not only normal, it's essential. Paul wrote, "You… are controlled… by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you" (Romans 8:9). Once you turn your life over to Jesus, it can't be business as usual. Life no longer consists only of that which can be seen, felt or figured out. It includes walking by faith! Trusting God! Constantly opening yourself to His voice and to the leadings of His Spirit!
1 Samuel 3:9 "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."
Too many of us think of prayer as just talking to God, rarely stopping to wonder if He might want to talk to us. How does God speak to us?
(1) Through His Word. A familiar verse jumps off the page and takes on new meaning.
(2) Through people. But you can't be so preoccupied or selective that you don't recognize them.
(3) Through His Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads, rebukes, encourages, comforts and stretches us.
A lot of us, however, don't seem to expect God to speak to us at all. By our actions you'd think that Jesus packed up and went back to heaven 40 days after His resurrection and hasn't been heard from since. No, the Bible is full of accounts of God speaking to His children. If the essence of Christianity is a personal relationship with God, then God must still speak today.
But you can't build a relationship on one-way speeches; you need regular, intimate contact between two persons, both of whom speak and both of whom listen.
Hearing God speak to us through His Spirit is not only normal, it's essential. Paul wrote, "You… are controlled… by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you" (Romans 8:9). Once you turn your life over to Jesus, it can't be business as usual. Life no longer consists only of that which can be seen, felt or figured out. It includes walking by faith! Trusting God! Constantly opening yourself to His voice and to the leadings of His Spirit!
Pruning Gives Us Hope
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
John 15:2 "He prunes away every barren branch but the fruitful ones He trims clean."
Are you a gardener? Do you enjoy seeing things grow? If so, you understand the principle that a plant must be pruned in order to produce at its peak. Dead wood and unhealthy parts must be cut away.
Pruning is a reality in the garden, but it's also a very real part of human life. Because God loves us, sometimes He chooses to prune our lives. This may come through the loss of a job or a loved one, or a move away from something that's comfortable for us. It may happen in many ways when we face adversity.
What is accomplished by pruning? For the plant, it's a healthier and more vigorous growth with more fruit. For us, it's the ability to rely more completely on God, our source of life, and the ability to live a more spiritually secure and disciplined life.
Pruning is painful; but it allows us to live a more fruitful life. With God, pruning always gives us hope.
John 15:2 "He prunes away every barren branch but the fruitful ones He trims clean."
Are you a gardener? Do you enjoy seeing things grow? If so, you understand the principle that a plant must be pruned in order to produce at its peak. Dead wood and unhealthy parts must be cut away.
Pruning is a reality in the garden, but it's also a very real part of human life. Because God loves us, sometimes He chooses to prune our lives. This may come through the loss of a job or a loved one, or a move away from something that's comfortable for us. It may happen in many ways when we face adversity.
What is accomplished by pruning? For the plant, it's a healthier and more vigorous growth with more fruit. For us, it's the ability to rely more completely on God, our source of life, and the ability to live a more spiritually secure and disciplined life.
Pruning is painful; but it allows us to live a more fruitful life. With God, pruning always gives us hope.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Don't Let Yourself Get Rusty
From: In Touch Ministries
Joshua 1:8 "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal."
For believers to obey the Lord, daily meditation upon Scripture is essential. But, some Christians try to live the will of God while opening the Bible only at church. This practice is similar to playing in a basketball game without attending any practices. It results in a lot of errors and frustration.
The Bible's purpose is to shine a light on God's true nature. It teaches believers His principles and commands. This equips them to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. I once skipped reading God's Word for a week so that I would know what non-meditating believers experience. Even in so short a time, I got "rusty". My thinking was clouded. My attitude suffered. I could feel my heart growing cool to God.
Daily meditation keeps us focused upon our Father. Learning about the Lord will not do us much good if all the knowledge remains in our head. Meditation's a tool that encourages believers to use godly principles in the world. The practice of reflecting on Scripture involves reading a passage and then asking ourselves some questions. What was God teaching in these verses? How do His instructions relate to my heart and life?
How can I apply these words today?
In keeping with the basketball analogy, we can think of the Bible as our playbook for a successful Christian life. We don't want to be unprepared team members. If we're going to follow the Lord's will and please Him, we must read and meditate on His Word regularly.
Joshua 1:8 "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal."
For believers to obey the Lord, daily meditation upon Scripture is essential. But, some Christians try to live the will of God while opening the Bible only at church. This practice is similar to playing in a basketball game without attending any practices. It results in a lot of errors and frustration.
The Bible's purpose is to shine a light on God's true nature. It teaches believers His principles and commands. This equips them to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. I once skipped reading God's Word for a week so that I would know what non-meditating believers experience. Even in so short a time, I got "rusty". My thinking was clouded. My attitude suffered. I could feel my heart growing cool to God.
Daily meditation keeps us focused upon our Father. Learning about the Lord will not do us much good if all the knowledge remains in our head. Meditation's a tool that encourages believers to use godly principles in the world. The practice of reflecting on Scripture involves reading a passage and then asking ourselves some questions. What was God teaching in these verses? How do His instructions relate to my heart and life?
How can I apply these words today?
In keeping with the basketball analogy, we can think of the Bible as our playbook for a successful Christian life. We don't want to be unprepared team members. If we're going to follow the Lord's will and please Him, we must read and meditate on His Word regularly.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Stop Worrying!
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 1:17 "It begins and ends with faith… those who are right with God… live by faith."
A man who maintained he'd swallowed a horse was referred to a psychiatrist who recommended surgery. The surgeon agreed to bring a horse into the operating room so that when the man woke up he'd know the operation was a success. But after regaining consciousness the man opened his eyes and announced, "That's the wrong horse. It's white. The one I swallowed was black!"
Too much anxiety and not enough reality - it's why Christ talks to us so much about worry (which means to be divided or distracted).
Understand this. Worry:
(a) Wastes your time and energy. Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Romans 6:27). It's a medically proven fact that worry won't lengthen or enrich your life, but it can shorten it.
(b) Stops you from enjoying what you have. How? By creating burdens God never intended you to carry - because they're His.
(c) Makes you feel less-than. Jesus pointed out that you're worth much more than the birds of the air, and they don't worry or die from hunger; they simply enjoy life. Come on, if God takes care of them, don't you think He'll take care of you too?
(d) Makes you overlook God's promises. "If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line… by sending His… Son, is there anything else He wouldn't… do for us?" (Romans 8:32). Note the word "anything." That covers whatever you're going through right now, plus whatever comes up in the future. So stop worrying!
Romans 1:17 "It begins and ends with faith… those who are right with God… live by faith."
A man who maintained he'd swallowed a horse was referred to a psychiatrist who recommended surgery. The surgeon agreed to bring a horse into the operating room so that when the man woke up he'd know the operation was a success. But after regaining consciousness the man opened his eyes and announced, "That's the wrong horse. It's white. The one I swallowed was black!"
Too much anxiety and not enough reality - it's why Christ talks to us so much about worry (which means to be divided or distracted).
Understand this. Worry:
(a) Wastes your time and energy. Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Romans 6:27). It's a medically proven fact that worry won't lengthen or enrich your life, but it can shorten it.
(b) Stops you from enjoying what you have. How? By creating burdens God never intended you to carry - because they're His.
(c) Makes you feel less-than. Jesus pointed out that you're worth much more than the birds of the air, and they don't worry or die from hunger; they simply enjoy life. Come on, if God takes care of them, don't you think He'll take care of you too?
(d) Makes you overlook God's promises. "If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line… by sending His… Son, is there anything else He wouldn't… do for us?" (Romans 8:32). Note the word "anything." That covers whatever you're going through right now, plus whatever comes up in the future. So stop worrying!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Under Construction
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 John 3:2 "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
You say, "My life is so messed up at the moment." John replies: "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light."
Have you ever been to a construction site? It looks like anything but a building, doesn't it? That's because it "has not yet come to light." But bit-by-bit, under the architect's supervision, bricks, beams and piles of sand start taking shape.
You may be a mess right now. Indeed, if the church is doing its job there should be lots of messy people in it: people being pulled out of rough situations, people in the process of being restored. No baby comes out of the womb clean and dressed up; birth is painful and messy. But the good news is you have been spiritually reborn. You are under construction.
There is a plan and purpose behind what's going on in your life. Things will come together. You see, when Christ comes into your life your spirit is immediately changed, but your emotions, appetites and attitudes still need work - lots of it. In each of us there are areas that need to be corrected and redirected. And until they are we struggle to handle them in dysfunctional and carnal ways.
Those who say, "If you were really a Christian you wouldn't act like that," tend to forget that falling down is just part of learning to walk. You can know what to do yet struggle to do it.
Relax! God is at work in your life. He won't give up on you!
1 John 3:2 "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
You say, "My life is so messed up at the moment." John replies: "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light."
Have you ever been to a construction site? It looks like anything but a building, doesn't it? That's because it "has not yet come to light." But bit-by-bit, under the architect's supervision, bricks, beams and piles of sand start taking shape.
You may be a mess right now. Indeed, if the church is doing its job there should be lots of messy people in it: people being pulled out of rough situations, people in the process of being restored. No baby comes out of the womb clean and dressed up; birth is painful and messy. But the good news is you have been spiritually reborn. You are under construction.
There is a plan and purpose behind what's going on in your life. Things will come together. You see, when Christ comes into your life your spirit is immediately changed, but your emotions, appetites and attitudes still need work - lots of it. In each of us there are areas that need to be corrected and redirected. And until they are we struggle to handle them in dysfunctional and carnal ways.
Those who say, "If you were really a Christian you wouldn't act like that," tend to forget that falling down is just part of learning to walk. You can know what to do yet struggle to do it.
Relax! God is at work in your life. He won't give up on you!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Perseverance
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
James 1:4 "Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing."
Theodor Seuss Giesel drew cartoons in a 'creature-of-the-month' ad campaign for a popular insecticide called "Flit." He wanted to expand into commercial illustrating, but his advertising contract wouldn't allow it. So he tried his hand at writing children's books - and flopped!
After 27 rejections of his first attempt, A Story No One Can Beat, he was ready to quit. One night, on the way home to burn his manuscript, he ran into an old schoolmate who'd just been hired as a children's book editor with Vanguard Press. With a little help, and changing the title to And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street, Theodor's first book finally made it to press.
Thus began the career of the best-selling children's author of all time, Doctor Seuss. In addition to winning The Pulitzer Prize in 1984, he was awarded eight honorary degrees. By the time he died, his books had sold over 200 million copies!Before you give up, ask yourself these questions:
(1) Am I convinced it's God's will?
(2) Am I prepared to put in the time and effort?
(3) Am I willing to take the risks involved?
(4) Am I committed to giving God all the glory?
When should you give up? When you're absolutely certain God wants you to head in a new direction - and not a minute sooner. Until then, hold on! Hold fast! Hold out! Who knows what unexpected results the second, the tenth or even the twenty-seventh try will bring you!
James 1:4 "Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing."
Theodor Seuss Giesel drew cartoons in a 'creature-of-the-month' ad campaign for a popular insecticide called "Flit." He wanted to expand into commercial illustrating, but his advertising contract wouldn't allow it. So he tried his hand at writing children's books - and flopped!
After 27 rejections of his first attempt, A Story No One Can Beat, he was ready to quit. One night, on the way home to burn his manuscript, he ran into an old schoolmate who'd just been hired as a children's book editor with Vanguard Press. With a little help, and changing the title to And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street, Theodor's first book finally made it to press.
Thus began the career of the best-selling children's author of all time, Doctor Seuss. In addition to winning The Pulitzer Prize in 1984, he was awarded eight honorary degrees. By the time he died, his books had sold over 200 million copies!Before you give up, ask yourself these questions:
(1) Am I convinced it's God's will?
(2) Am I prepared to put in the time and effort?
(3) Am I willing to take the risks involved?
(4) Am I committed to giving God all the glory?
When should you give up? When you're absolutely certain God wants you to head in a new direction - and not a minute sooner. Until then, hold on! Hold fast! Hold out! Who knows what unexpected results the second, the tenth or even the twenty-seventh try will bring you!
Believe In Yourself
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Harvey MacKay tells the story of a professor who stood before his class of 30 senior molecular biology students. Before passing out the final exam he said, "I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or graduate school next autumn. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grade point averages up. Because I am confident that you know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam."
The relief was audible. A number of students jumped up from their desks, thanking the professor for the lifeline he had thrown them. "Any other takers?" he asked. "This is your last opportunity." One more student decided to go. The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences. It read: "Congratulations, you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself." It was a just reward for the students who had worked hard and believed in themselves.
The Apostle Paul experienced more headaches and heartaches in a month than most of us will see in a lifetime. Yet he wrote, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Come on, start believing in yourself, in the Christ who lives within you, in the gifts He's placed at your disposal, and the destiny to which He's called you.
Refuse to settle for a B when God has promised and called you to an A.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Harvey MacKay tells the story of a professor who stood before his class of 30 senior molecular biology students. Before passing out the final exam he said, "I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or graduate school next autumn. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grade point averages up. Because I am confident that you know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam."
The relief was audible. A number of students jumped up from their desks, thanking the professor for the lifeline he had thrown them. "Any other takers?" he asked. "This is your last opportunity." One more student decided to go. The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences. It read: "Congratulations, you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself." It was a just reward for the students who had worked hard and believed in themselves.
The Apostle Paul experienced more headaches and heartaches in a month than most of us will see in a lifetime. Yet he wrote, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Come on, start believing in yourself, in the Christ who lives within you, in the gifts He's placed at your disposal, and the destiny to which He's called you.
Refuse to settle for a B when God has promised and called you to an A.
Accountability
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 14:12 "Every one of us will have to give an account of himself before God."
The Bible says, "Each of us will give an account of himself to God." You say, "Account for what?" The assignment God gave you in life.
The editor of the Bellefontaine Examiner newspaper in Ohio, Gene Marine, sent a new sports reporter to cover a big game. He returned to the paper with no report. "What's the story?" asked Marine. "There is none," replied the reporter. "What?" growled Marine, "and why not?" "Because there was no game," replied the reporter. "No game? What happened?" quizzed the editor. "The stadium collapsed." Unable to believe what he was hearing the editor asked, "Then where's the report on its collapse?" After an awkward silence the reporter replied, "That wasn't my assignment, sir." Needless to say, that was the end of his career.Jesus shared some attention-getting insights on taking your assignment seriously; He points out that in the final analysis our responsibility is to God, and the rewards that will really matter and last, come from God.
Eugene Petersen paraphrases it this way in The Message: "Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time? He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he's doing his job.
But if he says to himself, 'The master is certainly taking his time,' begins maltreating the servants and maids, throws parties for his friends, and gets drunk, the master will walk in when he least expects it, give him the thrashing of his life, and put him back in the kitchen peeling potatoes…
Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!" (Luke 12:42-48).
Romans 14:12 "Every one of us will have to give an account of himself before God."
The Bible says, "Each of us will give an account of himself to God." You say, "Account for what?" The assignment God gave you in life.
The editor of the Bellefontaine Examiner newspaper in Ohio, Gene Marine, sent a new sports reporter to cover a big game. He returned to the paper with no report. "What's the story?" asked Marine. "There is none," replied the reporter. "What?" growled Marine, "and why not?" "Because there was no game," replied the reporter. "No game? What happened?" quizzed the editor. "The stadium collapsed." Unable to believe what he was hearing the editor asked, "Then where's the report on its collapse?" After an awkward silence the reporter replied, "That wasn't my assignment, sir." Needless to say, that was the end of his career.Jesus shared some attention-getting insights on taking your assignment seriously; He points out that in the final analysis our responsibility is to God, and the rewards that will really matter and last, come from God.
Eugene Petersen paraphrases it this way in The Message: "Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time? He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he's doing his job.
But if he says to himself, 'The master is certainly taking his time,' begins maltreating the servants and maids, throws parties for his friends, and gets drunk, the master will walk in when he least expects it, give him the thrashing of his life, and put him back in the kitchen peeling potatoes…
Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!" (Luke 12:42-48).
Divine Discipline
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
James 1:12 "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. It is because God wants us to learn. He wants us to mature spiritually. God wants us to learn to trust Him, even when we don't understand Him. He wants us to be patient with Him, even when He doesn't work according to our schedules.
The Bible says, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." (Hebrews 12:6). Although God will discipline you when necessary, the word chasten also means "to train." God wants to teach you. He wants you to grow. He loves you so much that He will bring a series of tests and lessons into your life to whip you into shape. Those very tests, those very difficulties, and those very obstacles all can be indications of God's love for you.
When you start to cross the line and do something you shouldn't, God's Holy Spirit will be there to convict you. When you try to do something that you know is wrong and God puts an obstacle in your path, it is because He loves you.
The times you should be concerned are when you can do things that you know are wrong and feel no remorse. But when you know something is wrong and struggle with it, that is a sign you are a child of God and He loves you enough to show you when you are going astray. Instead of seeing God's chastening as an intrusion in your life, welcome it. And be thankful He is looking out for you.
James 1:12 "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. It is because God wants us to learn. He wants us to mature spiritually. God wants us to learn to trust Him, even when we don't understand Him. He wants us to be patient with Him, even when He doesn't work according to our schedules.
The Bible says, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." (Hebrews 12:6). Although God will discipline you when necessary, the word chasten also means "to train." God wants to teach you. He wants you to grow. He loves you so much that He will bring a series of tests and lessons into your life to whip you into shape. Those very tests, those very difficulties, and those very obstacles all can be indications of God's love for you.
When you start to cross the line and do something you shouldn't, God's Holy Spirit will be there to convict you. When you try to do something that you know is wrong and God puts an obstacle in your path, it is because He loves you.
The times you should be concerned are when you can do things that you know are wrong and feel no remorse. But when you know something is wrong and struggle with it, that is a sign you are a child of God and He loves you enough to show you when you are going astray. Instead of seeing God's chastening as an intrusion in your life, welcome it. And be thankful He is looking out for you.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Icebergs
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Luke 6:44 "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit."
The Titanic received five iceberg warnings just before it went down. When the sixth message came during the wee hours of the morning: "Look out for icebergs," the operator wired back "Shut-up! I'm busy!" Thirty minutes later the great 'unsinkable' vessel was sinking fast.
What happened? They forgot the truth about icebergs. What they saw above the water couldn't have sunk the great ship. But unfortunately most of an iceberg is below the water. Do you know what? That iceberg represents your life! The 10% above the water is your reputation; the 90% below is your character. And it's what's below the surface that sinks your ship.
What is character? (a) Self-discipline - the ability to do what's right, even when you don't feel like it. (b) Core values - principles you live by in spite of the pressures around you. (c) Sense of identity - a self-image based on who God, not others, says you are. (d) Emotional security - the capacity to be emotionally stable and consistent.
Your life's greatest impact doesn't come from what you own, but from what you are. Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit… The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart" (Luke 6:44-45).
Whatever's happening today on the outside of your life comes from what's happening on the inside. God puts "being" before "doing." He prioritizes taking care of the inside (your heart) because that will determine what takes place on the outside (your behavior). Think about it!
Luke 6:44 "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit."
The Titanic received five iceberg warnings just before it went down. When the sixth message came during the wee hours of the morning: "Look out for icebergs," the operator wired back "Shut-up! I'm busy!" Thirty minutes later the great 'unsinkable' vessel was sinking fast.
What happened? They forgot the truth about icebergs. What they saw above the water couldn't have sunk the great ship. But unfortunately most of an iceberg is below the water. Do you know what? That iceberg represents your life! The 10% above the water is your reputation; the 90% below is your character. And it's what's below the surface that sinks your ship.
What is character? (a) Self-discipline - the ability to do what's right, even when you don't feel like it. (b) Core values - principles you live by in spite of the pressures around you. (c) Sense of identity - a self-image based on who God, not others, says you are. (d) Emotional security - the capacity to be emotionally stable and consistent.
Your life's greatest impact doesn't come from what you own, but from what you are. Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit… The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart" (Luke 6:44-45).
Whatever's happening today on the outside of your life comes from what's happening on the inside. God puts "being" before "doing." He prioritizes taking care of the inside (your heart) because that will determine what takes place on the outside (your behavior). Think about it!
The Enemy
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it.
Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for them.
After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove and God said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am greatly pleased with him" (Matthew 3:17). Then He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil.
The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation.
You wonder how that could happen. But that is just the devil's way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life.
The devil is watching us and he's looking for vulnerabilities. That is why we need to pray for any person whom we know that God is using. And that is why we need to brace ourselves. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil.
John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it.
Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for them.
After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove and God said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am greatly pleased with him" (Matthew 3:17). Then He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil.
The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation.
You wonder how that could happen. But that is just the devil's way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life.
The devil is watching us and he's looking for vulnerabilities. That is why we need to pray for any person whom we know that God is using. And that is why we need to brace ourselves. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil.
Manage Your Mind
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Galatians 6:7 "A man will reap only what he sows."
Managing your mind should be one of your top priorities. Your mind is like a computer, it only spits out the data you feed it. Winners work hard at investing the right material inside themselves.
Dr. Hans Selye researched and popularized a tiny membrane in the back of our head known as the RAS: Reticular Activating System. Your RAS has a primary function: it moves you in the direction of your dominant thought at that moment. We naturally act on what fills our minds. When we become preoccupied with a thought, eventually we want to act on it.
This explains a lot of things - like why so many rapes happen after guys have watched pornography night after night. It also explains the huge amount of violence among young people between the ages of 12 and 24. By then the average young person has seen more than 4,000 murders on TV, not to mention video games.
Indiana University School of Medicine studied how the images we see impact our brains. For instance, adolescents who had a higher level of exposure to violence had reduced levels of cognitive function. The more violence they saw the less thinking, learning, reasoning and emotional stamina they had. The garbage they fed their minds affected what came out. Their computer stored the wrong information - now they could only retrieve the wrong stuff.
The apostle Paul didn't know about computers. But he knew about agriculture: "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8). So, manage your mind!
Galatians 6:7 "A man will reap only what he sows."
Managing your mind should be one of your top priorities. Your mind is like a computer, it only spits out the data you feed it. Winners work hard at investing the right material inside themselves.
Dr. Hans Selye researched and popularized a tiny membrane in the back of our head known as the RAS: Reticular Activating System. Your RAS has a primary function: it moves you in the direction of your dominant thought at that moment. We naturally act on what fills our minds. When we become preoccupied with a thought, eventually we want to act on it.
This explains a lot of things - like why so many rapes happen after guys have watched pornography night after night. It also explains the huge amount of violence among young people between the ages of 12 and 24. By then the average young person has seen more than 4,000 murders on TV, not to mention video games.
Indiana University School of Medicine studied how the images we see impact our brains. For instance, adolescents who had a higher level of exposure to violence had reduced levels of cognitive function. The more violence they saw the less thinking, learning, reasoning and emotional stamina they had. The garbage they fed their minds affected what came out. Their computer stored the wrong information - now they could only retrieve the wrong stuff.
The apostle Paul didn't know about computers. But he knew about agriculture: "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8). So, manage your mind!
Called To A Higher Standard
From: The Word For Today
Luke 12:48 "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Christians can be some of the most sour and selective people on earth. Many times we feel obligated to show our faith by criticizing people with whom we work, rather than loving them and seeking a chance to say something encouraging. We ruin our testimony because others know that while we talk about Christ we don't act Christ-like.
Often our testimony suffers because of our poor work ethic, long breaks, reading the Bible on company time, talking on the phone for hours with our friends, etc. But the worst thing is, we alienate ourselves as an elite group and leave others feeling "less than."
Not Jesus! He rubbed elbows with everybody. He was adept at reaching out to those society looked down upon - the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the lepers. We like to put people into two boxes: the ones we like and the ones we don't. Jesus said, "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Hey, you've been called to a higher standard; one that requires exercising wisdom, humility and grace in the midst of tension.
When King Saul threw javelins at him, David ducked and kept on serving. While he was innocent of any wrongdoing, David handled the situation without becoming "defensive." If your fellow workers don't go to church, the only chance they have of seeing the fruits of the Spirit in operation is in your life. By responding with patience, love and professionalism you'll make a lasting impact on them - one that could attract them to the Christ you claim to serve.
Luke 12:48 "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Christians can be some of the most sour and selective people on earth. Many times we feel obligated to show our faith by criticizing people with whom we work, rather than loving them and seeking a chance to say something encouraging. We ruin our testimony because others know that while we talk about Christ we don't act Christ-like.
Often our testimony suffers because of our poor work ethic, long breaks, reading the Bible on company time, talking on the phone for hours with our friends, etc. But the worst thing is, we alienate ourselves as an elite group and leave others feeling "less than."
Not Jesus! He rubbed elbows with everybody. He was adept at reaching out to those society looked down upon - the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the lepers. We like to put people into two boxes: the ones we like and the ones we don't. Jesus said, "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Hey, you've been called to a higher standard; one that requires exercising wisdom, humility and grace in the midst of tension.
When King Saul threw javelins at him, David ducked and kept on serving. While he was innocent of any wrongdoing, David handled the situation without becoming "defensive." If your fellow workers don't go to church, the only chance they have of seeing the fruits of the Spirit in operation is in your life. By responding with patience, love and professionalism you'll make a lasting impact on them - one that could attract them to the Christ you claim to serve.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Fifth Vow Of Success
James 1:2-4 "My brothers, count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial. Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance. Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing."
In Og Mandino's sequel to his best seller "The Greatest Salesman in the World" (15 million copies), "The Greatest Salesman in the World Part II", he does a wonderful job of revisiting his 10 success principles, all from a Biblical perspective. The Fifth Vow Of Success in Chapter 13 was particularly interesting to me. The following is just a small slice of Hafid's (Mandino's lead character) wisdom.
Always will I seek the seed of triumph in every adversity.
"There is no better school than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve my performance the next time. Never again will I contribute to my downfall by refusing to face the truth and learn from my past mistakes.
Experience is the most valuable extract of suffering and yet one of the terrible conditions of this life is that its wisdom cannot be transferred to another. All must attend their own school and for each the lessons are different. There is no other way. Adversity is always the first path to truth, however, and I am prepared to learn whatever I need to know in order to improve the condition of my life.
Adversity is with us from birth to burial. The gem cannot be polished without friction and I cannot be perfected without trials.
Whenever I am struck down, in the future, by any terrible defeat, I will always inquire of myself, after the first pain has passed, how I can turn that adversity into good. What a great opportunity that moment might present...to take the bitter root I am holding and transform it into a fragrant garden of flowers!"
In Og Mandino's sequel to his best seller "The Greatest Salesman in the World" (15 million copies), "The Greatest Salesman in the World Part II", he does a wonderful job of revisiting his 10 success principles, all from a Biblical perspective. The Fifth Vow Of Success in Chapter 13 was particularly interesting to me. The following is just a small slice of Hafid's (Mandino's lead character) wisdom.
Always will I seek the seed of triumph in every adversity.
"There is no better school than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve my performance the next time. Never again will I contribute to my downfall by refusing to face the truth and learn from my past mistakes.
Experience is the most valuable extract of suffering and yet one of the terrible conditions of this life is that its wisdom cannot be transferred to another. All must attend their own school and for each the lessons are different. There is no other way. Adversity is always the first path to truth, however, and I am prepared to learn whatever I need to know in order to improve the condition of my life.
Adversity is with us from birth to burial. The gem cannot be polished without friction and I cannot be perfected without trials.
Whenever I am struck down, in the future, by any terrible defeat, I will always inquire of myself, after the first pain has passed, how I can turn that adversity into good. What a great opportunity that moment might present...to take the bitter root I am holding and transform it into a fragrant garden of flowers!"
Called To A Higher Standard
From: The Word For Today
Luke 12:48 "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Christians can be some of the most sour and selective people on earth. Many times we feel obligated to show our faith by criticizing people with whom we work, rather than loving them and seeking a chance to say something encouraging. We ruin our testimony because others know that while we talk about Christ we don't act Christ-like.
Often our testimony suffers because of our poor work ethic, long breaks, reading the Bible on company time, talking on the phone for hours with our friends, etc. But the worst thing is, we alienate ourselves as an elite group and leave others feeling "less than."
Not Jesus! He rubbed elbows with everybody. He was adept at reaching out to those society looked down upon - the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the lepers. We like to put people into two boxes: the ones we like and the ones we don't. Jesus said, "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Hey, you've been called to a higher standard; one that requires exercising wisdom, humility and grace in the midst of tension.
When King Saul threw javelins at him, David ducked and kept on serving. While he was innocent of any wrongdoing, David handled the situation without becoming "defensive." If your fellow workers don't go to church, the only chance they have of seeing the fruits of the Spirit in operation is in your life. By responding with patience, love and professionalism you'll make a lasting impact on them - one that could attract them to the Christ you claim to serve.
Luke 12:48 "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Christians can be some of the most sour and selective people on earth. Many times we feel obligated to show our faith by criticizing people with whom we work, rather than loving them and seeking a chance to say something encouraging. We ruin our testimony because others know that while we talk about Christ we don't act Christ-like.
Often our testimony suffers because of our poor work ethic, long breaks, reading the Bible on company time, talking on the phone for hours with our friends, etc. But the worst thing is, we alienate ourselves as an elite group and leave others feeling "less than."
Not Jesus! He rubbed elbows with everybody. He was adept at reaching out to those society looked down upon - the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the lepers. We like to put people into two boxes: the ones we like and the ones we don't. Jesus said, "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Hey, you've been called to a higher standard; one that requires exercising wisdom, humility and grace in the midst of tension.
When King Saul threw javelins at him, David ducked and kept on serving. While he was innocent of any wrongdoing, David handled the situation without becoming "defensive." If your fellow workers don't go to church, the only chance they have of seeing the fruits of the Spirit in operation is in your life. By responding with patience, love and professionalism you'll make a lasting impact on them - one that could attract them to the Christ you claim to serve.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Embracing The Lean Times
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."
Have you ever considered at what point a test becomes so difficult that you decide you can no longer trust in God and you must take over to solve the problem? The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve a financial problem can become so great that we trust in man's way to solve it.
This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
Jeremiah drew a sharp comparison between the man who trusts in his own effort to solve his problem and the man who trusts in God when he cannot see the outcome. The man who trusts in God bears fruit despite the circumstances in his life. He does not shrivel when the heat comes; in fact, his roots go deeper into God's grace. He continues to bear fruit in spite of his circumstances.
Recently, a friend from South Africa explained to me that whenever a plant lives in an arid climate, the roots drive deeper and deeper into the soil to get the water they need. This forces the plant to develop a root system that is far beyond the normal plant because it is forced to go deeper to gain the water it needs.
Sometimes God forces us to go deeper into the grace of His love in order to build a greater foundation in our own lives. These lean times are designed to accomplish this in us. If you find yourself in this condition, ask the Lord who provides the water for our soul for the grace you need today to continue to bear fruit in the desert.
Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."
Have you ever considered at what point a test becomes so difficult that you decide you can no longer trust in God and you must take over to solve the problem? The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve a financial problem can become so great that we trust in man's way to solve it.
This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
Jeremiah drew a sharp comparison between the man who trusts in his own effort to solve his problem and the man who trusts in God when he cannot see the outcome. The man who trusts in God bears fruit despite the circumstances in his life. He does not shrivel when the heat comes; in fact, his roots go deeper into God's grace. He continues to bear fruit in spite of his circumstances.
Recently, a friend from South Africa explained to me that whenever a plant lives in an arid climate, the roots drive deeper and deeper into the soil to get the water they need. This forces the plant to develop a root system that is far beyond the normal plant because it is forced to go deeper to gain the water it needs.
Sometimes God forces us to go deeper into the grace of His love in order to build a greater foundation in our own lives. These lean times are designed to accomplish this in us. If you find yourself in this condition, ask the Lord who provides the water for our soul for the grace you need today to continue to bear fruit in the desert.
The User's Manual For Living
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Psalm 119:105 "A lamp to my feet is Your Word, a light to my path."
A young man who was graduating from college wanted a new car for his graduation gift. Finally, graduation day arrived, and his dad handed him a box. He opened it with anticipation, only to find a Bible inside. He was so angry and disappointed that he handed the box to his dad, walked away, and never spoke to him again.
Years later, his father died, and it was the young man's responsibility to go to his father's home to put his affairs in order. As he was looking through papers on his desk, he spotted the box. He opened it up, and sure enough, there was the Bible his father had given him.
For the first time, he opened the Bible. There inside the Bible was an envelope. He opened it and found a cashier's check dated the same day as his graduation and made out for the exact amount of the car he wanted.
If he had taken time to open the Bible, he would have discovered that what he really wanted was there all along. Instead, he missed out on all that his father had done for him.
But there was something far more valuable in that Bible than a cashier's check for a new car, because the Bible contains the words of eternal life. It is the user's manual for living. Our Heavenly Father has so much that He wants to show us, if only we will read the Word of God. Yet so few people really take the time to find out what it has to say.
Psalm 119:105 "A lamp to my feet is Your Word, a light to my path."
A young man who was graduating from college wanted a new car for his graduation gift. Finally, graduation day arrived, and his dad handed him a box. He opened it with anticipation, only to find a Bible inside. He was so angry and disappointed that he handed the box to his dad, walked away, and never spoke to him again.
Years later, his father died, and it was the young man's responsibility to go to his father's home to put his affairs in order. As he was looking through papers on his desk, he spotted the box. He opened it up, and sure enough, there was the Bible his father had given him.
For the first time, he opened the Bible. There inside the Bible was an envelope. He opened it and found a cashier's check dated the same day as his graduation and made out for the exact amount of the car he wanted.
If he had taken time to open the Bible, he would have discovered that what he really wanted was there all along. Instead, he missed out on all that his father had done for him.
But there was something far more valuable in that Bible than a cashier's check for a new car, because the Bible contains the words of eternal life. It is the user's manual for living. Our Heavenly Father has so much that He wants to show us, if only we will read the Word of God. Yet so few people really take the time to find out what it has to say.
Salt And Light
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - Joe Stowell
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father."
I love the story of the stressed-out woman who was tailgating a man as they drove on a busy boulevard. When he slowed to a stop at a yellow light, the woman hit the horn, cussing and screaming in frustration and gesturing angrily. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a police officer who ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station and placed her in a holding cell.
An hour later, the officer returned and said, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. This has been a big mistake. When I pulled up behind you, I noticed your 'What Would Jesus Do?' license plate holder and your 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker. I assumed the car was stolen!"
Satan doesn't care so much if you're a Christian as long as you don't act like one. If he can get you to live by his signals, he can damage and disarm you every time and dishonor the name of Christ in the process.
Instead, Jesus calls believers to be "salt" and to, "Let your light shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father."
With Jesus in the driver's seat of our lives, we can show off the love and glory of God.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father."
I love the story of the stressed-out woman who was tailgating a man as they drove on a busy boulevard. When he slowed to a stop at a yellow light, the woman hit the horn, cussing and screaming in frustration and gesturing angrily. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a police officer who ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station and placed her in a holding cell.
An hour later, the officer returned and said, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. This has been a big mistake. When I pulled up behind you, I noticed your 'What Would Jesus Do?' license plate holder and your 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker. I assumed the car was stolen!"
Satan doesn't care so much if you're a Christian as long as you don't act like one. If he can get you to live by his signals, he can damage and disarm you every time and dishonor the name of Christ in the process.
Instead, Jesus calls believers to be "salt" and to, "Let your light shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father."
With Jesus in the driver's seat of our lives, we can show off the love and glory of God.
Your Peace Is A Weapon
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and Your staff that give me courage."
In the battles of the workplace, your peace is actually a weapon. The workplace creates many opportunities to rob us of our peace. Cash flow concerns, deadlines, relationships - all create stress on us. Your confidence in the God of peace declares that you are not falling for the lies of the devil. You see the first step toward having spiritual authority over the adversary is having peace in spite of our circumstances.
When Jesus confronted the devil, he did not confront satan with His emotions or in fear. Knowing that the devil was a liar, He simply refused to be influenced by any voice other than God's. His peace overwhelmed satan; His authority then shattered the lie, which sent demons fleeing.
There is a place of walking with God where you simply fear no evil. David faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. In this Psalm he stood in the "dark valley" itself, yet he "feared no evil." David's trust was in the Lord. He said, "...for You are at my side." Because God is with you, every adversity you face will unfold in victory as you maintain your faith in God! David continued, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a).
The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear.
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and Your staff that give me courage."
In the battles of the workplace, your peace is actually a weapon. The workplace creates many opportunities to rob us of our peace. Cash flow concerns, deadlines, relationships - all create stress on us. Your confidence in the God of peace declares that you are not falling for the lies of the devil. You see the first step toward having spiritual authority over the adversary is having peace in spite of our circumstances.
When Jesus confronted the devil, he did not confront satan with His emotions or in fear. Knowing that the devil was a liar, He simply refused to be influenced by any voice other than God's. His peace overwhelmed satan; His authority then shattered the lie, which sent demons fleeing.
There is a place of walking with God where you simply fear no evil. David faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. In this Psalm he stood in the "dark valley" itself, yet he "feared no evil." David's trust was in the Lord. He said, "...for You are at my side." Because God is with you, every adversity you face will unfold in victory as you maintain your faith in God! David continued, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a).
The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear.
The Most Exacting Test
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Psalm 24:1-2 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
As Christian workplace believers, God calls us to view Him as the owner of everything. We are to be stewards of all that He entrusts to us.
This is one of the hardest of all commandments to follow for the Christian workplace believer because, if we work hard at business, we receive all the benefits of that work. It appears as though all that we have achieved was through our hand. Yet God says that it is by His hand that we are able to make wealth (see Deut. 8). He is the source of that ability. As soon as we become owners and not managers, we fall into trouble with God.
Joseph understood that he was a steward of all the resources of Egypt. God promoted him to affect an entire region of the world. Joseph had more power, prestige, and wealth than any 30-year-old who ever lived before him. The temptation for him in this newfound role in life must have been great.
Many a man has not been able to handle material success. Many of God's choicest servants began well in their calling and service to God only to fail at the end. Consider Hezekiah, the great king who achieved many great things but failed to acknowledge God's blessing at the end of his reign. His reign was cut short due to pride. Gideon's fate was similar. Success can lead to pride if we are not careful.
"Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity" [Oswald Chambers].
Ask the Lord today if you are living as a steward or an owner. Put whatever skills and resources you possess on His altar. Then you can expect God to do great things through you.
Psalm 24:1-2 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
As Christian workplace believers, God calls us to view Him as the owner of everything. We are to be stewards of all that He entrusts to us.
This is one of the hardest of all commandments to follow for the Christian workplace believer because, if we work hard at business, we receive all the benefits of that work. It appears as though all that we have achieved was through our hand. Yet God says that it is by His hand that we are able to make wealth (see Deut. 8). He is the source of that ability. As soon as we become owners and not managers, we fall into trouble with God.
Joseph understood that he was a steward of all the resources of Egypt. God promoted him to affect an entire region of the world. Joseph had more power, prestige, and wealth than any 30-year-old who ever lived before him. The temptation for him in this newfound role in life must have been great.
Many a man has not been able to handle material success. Many of God's choicest servants began well in their calling and service to God only to fail at the end. Consider Hezekiah, the great king who achieved many great things but failed to acknowledge God's blessing at the end of his reign. His reign was cut short due to pride. Gideon's fate was similar. Success can lead to pride if we are not careful.
"Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity" [Oswald Chambers].
Ask the Lord today if you are living as a steward or an owner. Put whatever skills and resources you possess on His altar. Then you can expect God to do great things through you.
Team Leaders
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Mark 9:30 "Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because He was teaching His disciples."
Some of us are like the woman who bragged, "My husband and I have a great marriage. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him and nothing he wouldn't do for me. And that's the way we go through life - doing nothing for each other!"
Self-centred, profit-driven leaders often overlook the needs of the very people who can help them reach their goals. They fail to take the time to invest in those they work with. And when a person feels like they're not noticed or nurtured, they get restless and start looking for greener pastures. This is particularly true when a leader is so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand that they fail to appreciate and invest in their people - which includes noticing skill sets which are right under their nose. J.C. Penney started out as a stock-room worker. King David started out as a harp-strumming shepherd.
Jesus took uninterrupted time with His disciples, explaining to them things that the crowd wasn't privy to. He knew if you want a return, you've got to invest!
Smart leaders put the interests of their team members ahead of their own. C. Gene Wilkes observed: "Team leaders genuinely believe that they do not have all the answers - so they do not insist on providing them. They believe they do not need to make all key decisions - so they do not do so. They believe they cannot succeed without the combined contributions of all the other members of the team to a common end - so they avoid any action that might constrain inputs or intimidate anyone on the team. Ego is not their predominant concern."
Mark 9:30 "Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because He was teaching His disciples."
Some of us are like the woman who bragged, "My husband and I have a great marriage. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him and nothing he wouldn't do for me. And that's the way we go through life - doing nothing for each other!"
Self-centred, profit-driven leaders often overlook the needs of the very people who can help them reach their goals. They fail to take the time to invest in those they work with. And when a person feels like they're not noticed or nurtured, they get restless and start looking for greener pastures. This is particularly true when a leader is so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand that they fail to appreciate and invest in their people - which includes noticing skill sets which are right under their nose. J.C. Penney started out as a stock-room worker. King David started out as a harp-strumming shepherd.
Jesus took uninterrupted time with His disciples, explaining to them things that the crowd wasn't privy to. He knew if you want a return, you've got to invest!
Smart leaders put the interests of their team members ahead of their own. C. Gene Wilkes observed: "Team leaders genuinely believe that they do not have all the answers - so they do not insist on providing them. They believe they do not need to make all key decisions - so they do not do so. They believe they cannot succeed without the combined contributions of all the other members of the team to a common end - so they avoid any action that might constrain inputs or intimidate anyone on the team. Ego is not their predominant concern."
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