From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
The designers of an innovative Web site call their creation a "snapshot" of our world. Every hour, computers monitor international news sources, select the most frequently occurring words and pictures, then display them as an interactive image. Over time, these hourly snapshots compose a mosaic of unfolding world events.
If a computer could track our words and actions, what would a snapshot of yesterday reveal? Over the weeks and months, what patterns would emerge? And what theme would dominate the final mosaic of our lives?
Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses the man of God, is a powerfully honest look at the brevity and significance of life. The writer compares an entire lifetime to a dream or a blade of grass, and cries out to God: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Our days often seem so insignificant, yet they add up to so much. The Message is: "Teach us to live wisely and well." It is a prayer for the snapshots of life with the final image in view.
When all the pictures of our life are laid on the table, they will reveal our recurring words and actions. What story will they tell? It's worth considering as we make our choices each day.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Right Seasoning
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
Scripture gives some wonderful advice for witnessing more effectively: "Season your speech with salt." How is that? If somebody sprinkles salt on food and makes it taste good, you appreciate it. But if somebody hands you a spoon of salt and says, "Take this all at once," it's a little hard to swallow. In fact, you can't even digest it!
Well, think how the non-Christian feels when all you do is talk about God and church and Jesus. You never talk about baseball. You never talk about the office. You never talk about politics. You never talk about the struggles in the neighborhood. You never talk about your family. You never talk about the everyday concerns that a non-believer has. On the other hand, if you talk about all of these things and occasionally sprinkle in a little word about the Lord when there's the right opportunity, or an insight you learned from a sermon, or a Bible verse they might not know, then they may think, Well, where did that wisdom come from? Their curiosity is aroused, and longer, deeper conversations may follow.
When you have the opportunity, just sprinkle the conversation with a little spiritual salt. It adds zest and flavor to life.
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
Scripture gives some wonderful advice for witnessing more effectively: "Season your speech with salt." How is that? If somebody sprinkles salt on food and makes it taste good, you appreciate it. But if somebody hands you a spoon of salt and says, "Take this all at once," it's a little hard to swallow. In fact, you can't even digest it!
Well, think how the non-Christian feels when all you do is talk about God and church and Jesus. You never talk about baseball. You never talk about the office. You never talk about politics. You never talk about the struggles in the neighborhood. You never talk about your family. You never talk about the everyday concerns that a non-believer has. On the other hand, if you talk about all of these things and occasionally sprinkle in a little word about the Lord when there's the right opportunity, or an insight you learned from a sermon, or a Bible verse they might not know, then they may think, Well, where did that wisdom come from? Their curiosity is aroused, and longer, deeper conversations may follow.
When you have the opportunity, just sprinkle the conversation with a little spiritual salt. It adds zest and flavor to life.
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Place Of Waiting
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Psalm: 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven person. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
Psalm: 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven person. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
One Week To Live
From: Wisdom From The Psalms Ministries
Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
Shelley had a dream. In it she was told she had only one week to live. The dream haunted her throughout the day. Everytime she did something, she asked herself, "Is this really important?" She found that there were so many things she did that wasted precious time.
People became more important to her than things. She wanted to go for a walk, rather than sit in front of the television set. Time became more valuable, and it caused her to realign her priorities. Shelley found her life completely changed.
God wants us to value the time we have on earth. We take time for granted, acting as though our earthly life will go on forever. Time on earth is too short to waste. Number your days, and God will fill you with a special wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
Shelley had a dream. In it she was told she had only one week to live. The dream haunted her throughout the day. Everytime she did something, she asked herself, "Is this really important?" She found that there were so many things she did that wasted precious time.
People became more important to her than things. She wanted to go for a walk, rather than sit in front of the television set. Time became more valuable, and it caused her to realign her priorities. Shelley found her life completely changed.
God wants us to value the time we have on earth. We take time for granted, acting as though our earthly life will go on forever. Time on earth is too short to waste. Number your days, and God will fill you with a special wisdom.
Spiritual Fitness
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
2 Cor. 4:16 "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."
Some people are obsessed with physical fitness—daily workouts, vitamins, organic food—in spite of the fact that our bodies keep ticking away in inevitable decline. In our twenties and thirties we think we're invincible, but in the decades that follow, the eyesight starts to go, then the knees, then the mind. Let's face it, trying to ensure long-lasting physical health is like trying to stem the tide with a pitchfork!
And while it is true that the older we get the worse we get physically, it doesn't have to be that way spiritually. Believe it or not, it is possible to get better with age. It's what the apostle Paul meant when he said, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."
Many of us fear aging with all the trouble it brings. But when we are gradually stripped of everything that props us up—whether wealth, independence, health, dignity, beauty, or all of the above—we are left with more and more of God.
So no matter how old you are, it's not too late to dig deep in God's Word and invest more and more time in your spiritual well-being. You'll see the payoffs, now and later. The older you get, the better you can become! - Joe Stowell
2 Cor. 4:16 "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."
Some people are obsessed with physical fitness—daily workouts, vitamins, organic food—in spite of the fact that our bodies keep ticking away in inevitable decline. In our twenties and thirties we think we're invincible, but in the decades that follow, the eyesight starts to go, then the knees, then the mind. Let's face it, trying to ensure long-lasting physical health is like trying to stem the tide with a pitchfork!
And while it is true that the older we get the worse we get physically, it doesn't have to be that way spiritually. Believe it or not, it is possible to get better with age. It's what the apostle Paul meant when he said, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."
Many of us fear aging with all the trouble it brings. But when we are gradually stripped of everything that props us up—whether wealth, independence, health, dignity, beauty, or all of the above—we are left with more and more of God.
So no matter how old you are, it's not too late to dig deep in God's Word and invest more and more time in your spiritual well-being. You'll see the payoffs, now and later. The older you get, the better you can become! - Joe Stowell
Searching For Contentment
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Jeremiah 2:13 "My people have… forsaken… the… living water, and… dug… broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
It's easy to be content when things in life are going your way. But how often does that happen? The Bible says we are to practice being "happy at any time in everything" (Philippians 4:12) because if you put your life on hold waiting for what you want to happen, you may be waiting a long time! Epicurus said, "Don't spoil what you have, by desiring what you don't have. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you hoped for."
Three things constantly feed our discontentment:
(1) Greed. When you dwell on what you don't have, you're not enjoying what God's already given you. Be satisfied! Setting goals is good, but stop focusing so hard on the end result and learn to rejoice in the Lord while you're on your way.
(2) Fear. It wants you to run from something that's not chasing you. It's the enemy's way of (a) robbing you of peace and stability; (b) tormenting you with the 'what if's'; (c) keeping you from trusting God. The Psalmist said, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:4).
(3) Seeking satisfaction in the wrong places. God said, "My people have… forsaken… the… living water, and… dug… broken cisterns that cannot hold water." It's said that we spend our first 50 years searching for security, and the rest of our lives looking for significance.
But we don't have to. "Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates on His law day and night. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade." (Psalm 1:1-3)
Jeremiah 2:13 "My people have… forsaken… the… living water, and… dug… broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
It's easy to be content when things in life are going your way. But how often does that happen? The Bible says we are to practice being "happy at any time in everything" (Philippians 4:12) because if you put your life on hold waiting for what you want to happen, you may be waiting a long time! Epicurus said, "Don't spoil what you have, by desiring what you don't have. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you hoped for."
Three things constantly feed our discontentment:
(1) Greed. When you dwell on what you don't have, you're not enjoying what God's already given you. Be satisfied! Setting goals is good, but stop focusing so hard on the end result and learn to rejoice in the Lord while you're on your way.
(2) Fear. It wants you to run from something that's not chasing you. It's the enemy's way of (a) robbing you of peace and stability; (b) tormenting you with the 'what if's'; (c) keeping you from trusting God. The Psalmist said, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:4).
(3) Seeking satisfaction in the wrong places. God said, "My people have… forsaken… the… living water, and… dug… broken cisterns that cannot hold water." It's said that we spend our first 50 years searching for security, and the rest of our lives looking for significance.
But we don't have to. "Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates on His law day and night. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade." (Psalm 1:1-3)
Your Thought Life
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered."
In a general sense, your emotions are a product of your thought life. If you are not thinking right, if your mind is not being renewed, if you are not perceiving God and His Word properly, it will be reflected in your emotional life.
You are not shaped so much by your environment as you are by your perception of your environment. Life's events don't determine who you are; God determines who you are, and your interpretation of life's events determines how well you will handle the pressures of life.
In reality we have very little control over our emotions, but we do have control over our thoughts, and our thoughts determine our feelings and our responses. That's why it is so important that you fill your mind with the knowledge of God and His Word. You need to see life from God's perspective and respond accordingly.
Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered."
In a general sense, your emotions are a product of your thought life. If you are not thinking right, if your mind is not being renewed, if you are not perceiving God and His Word properly, it will be reflected in your emotional life.
You are not shaped so much by your environment as you are by your perception of your environment. Life's events don't determine who you are; God determines who you are, and your interpretation of life's events determines how well you will handle the pressures of life.
In reality we have very little control over our emotions, but we do have control over our thoughts, and our thoughts determine our feelings and our responses. That's why it is so important that you fill your mind with the knowledge of God and His Word. You need to see life from God's perspective and respond accordingly.
Character Development
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 4:22-24 "You must lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire, and acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking. You must put on that new man created in God's image, whose justice and holiness are born of truth."
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness. If you study and apply God's Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more like Jesus.
Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.
In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are those who isolate themselves from others in mountaintop monasteries, uninfected by contact with other people.But this is a gross misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit! You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. You need to be a part of a church and community.
Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can't practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people. Remember, it's all about love – loving God and loving others.
Ephesians 4:22-24 "You must lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire, and acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking. You must put on that new man created in God's image, whose justice and holiness are born of truth."
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness. If you study and apply God's Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more like Jesus.
Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.
In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are those who isolate themselves from others in mountaintop monasteries, uninfected by contact with other people.But this is a gross misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit! You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. You need to be a part of a church and community.
Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can't practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people. Remember, it's all about love – loving God and loving others.
A Work In Progress
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Colossians 3:17,23 "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men."
Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life. You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when Jesus returns.
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than He is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on specific issues such as "What career should I choose?" The truth is, there are many different careers that could be in God's will for your life. What God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner.
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.
Colossians 3:17,23 "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men."
Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life. You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when Jesus returns.
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than He is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on specific issues such as "What career should I choose?" The truth is, there are many different careers that could be in God's will for your life. What God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner.
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.
The Small Things
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!'"
Life is filled with a series of small things that can amount to something big. Have you ever considered why the God of the universe came to earth and spent 33 years identifying with mankind through work? Jesus grew up as a carpenter's son and, no doubt, learned the trade from His daily routine of helping His father. For 30 years He worked. When it was time for Him to begin to fulfill His purpose for mankind, He told countless stories of people and their work. He told stories of landowners, farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, and so on. He related to the everyday man because He Himself was one. This is why it was important for Him to have some personal work experience.
Life is filled with daily routines. Every now and then, God takes us to the mountaintop to experience His presence in a dramatic way. This is not the norm. It was not the norm for those in the Bible either. Moses spent 40 years in preparation. Paul spent a great deal of his life working toward the wrong purpose until a dramatic event changed his life. Jacob spent 20 years working for Laban.
God uses work to develop character qualities that He plans to use at the appropriate time. In the small things we develop trustworthiness with God. The day-in and day-out grind of working life molds us and makes us into what God desires. God may still be preparing you for something far greater. For now, however, you are learning the daily lessons of small things. Pray that you will be faithful.
Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!'"
Life is filled with a series of small things that can amount to something big. Have you ever considered why the God of the universe came to earth and spent 33 years identifying with mankind through work? Jesus grew up as a carpenter's son and, no doubt, learned the trade from His daily routine of helping His father. For 30 years He worked. When it was time for Him to begin to fulfill His purpose for mankind, He told countless stories of people and their work. He told stories of landowners, farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, and so on. He related to the everyday man because He Himself was one. This is why it was important for Him to have some personal work experience.
Life is filled with daily routines. Every now and then, God takes us to the mountaintop to experience His presence in a dramatic way. This is not the norm. It was not the norm for those in the Bible either. Moses spent 40 years in preparation. Paul spent a great deal of his life working toward the wrong purpose until a dramatic event changed his life. Jacob spent 20 years working for Laban.
God uses work to develop character qualities that He plans to use at the appropriate time. In the small things we develop trustworthiness with God. The day-in and day-out grind of working life molds us and makes us into what God desires. God may still be preparing you for something far greater. For now, however, you are learning the daily lessons of small things. Pray that you will be faithful.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Desired Destination
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange. However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.
It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God's Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.
Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange. However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.
It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God's Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.
Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Friends
From: Every Day Light Ministries - Selwyn Hughes
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Sometimes I hear Christians say, "Why do I need friends? God is my friend - isn't that enough?" Such a statement demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the purpose of human relationships. Yes, we need God as our Friend - our close and most intimate Friend - but, as I once heard a little boy put it, "We need friends with skin on also."
You won't know who you are until you are in a relationship. Paul Tillich, a well-known theologian, made the same point: "You don't really know yourself until you are put over against someone other than yourself." You see, if no one ever reflects to you how you come across, never challenges your views, never confronts you, never encourages you to talk out your problems, then parts of you remain undiscovered. Others can do that, of course, who are not friends, but it is best done by someone who knows you best.
My favorite definition of a friend is: "someone who knows all there is to know about you and loves you just the same." Looking back on my life, I can see how valuable my friends have been to me. Because I have felt safe with them, I have been able to reveal myself and in the revealing I have come to know myself in a way that I could never have done with a mere acquaintance.
Yes, we need God as our friend, but we need human friends also. This might be difficult for some to accept, but the more effectively we relate on a horizontal level with our human friends, the more effectively we will relate on a vertical level with our heavenly Friend.
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Sometimes I hear Christians say, "Why do I need friends? God is my friend - isn't that enough?" Such a statement demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the purpose of human relationships. Yes, we need God as our Friend - our close and most intimate Friend - but, as I once heard a little boy put it, "We need friends with skin on also."
You won't know who you are until you are in a relationship. Paul Tillich, a well-known theologian, made the same point: "You don't really know yourself until you are put over against someone other than yourself." You see, if no one ever reflects to you how you come across, never challenges your views, never confronts you, never encourages you to talk out your problems, then parts of you remain undiscovered. Others can do that, of course, who are not friends, but it is best done by someone who knows you best.
My favorite definition of a friend is: "someone who knows all there is to know about you and loves you just the same." Looking back on my life, I can see how valuable my friends have been to me. Because I have felt safe with them, I have been able to reveal myself and in the revealing I have come to know myself in a way that I could never have done with a mere acquaintance.
Yes, we need God as our friend, but we need human friends also. This might be difficult for some to accept, but the more effectively we relate on a horizontal level with our human friends, the more effectively we will relate on a vertical level with our heavenly Friend.
Life's Instruction Manual
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Psalm 25:4 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me."
One day I purchased an entertainment center. I began to assemble the unit as soon as I got home, putting aside the instruction manual. When I finished, there were extra screws and a couple of other parts left over, but the unit seemed fine. However, when I placed the TV and other equipment on it, the entertainment center came apart because it could not support the weight of all the equipment. Obviously, I had not assembled the unit correctly, according to the instruction manual.
In terms of the spiritual life, we have a resource to serve as our guide, an instruction manual composed of 66 books (73 if you're Catholic), full of sage advice and wisdom for living according to God's will. The Bible is this instruction manual. If we read it, study it, and apply its wisdom as a guide for living a God-centered life, we can bear the weight of what life brings.
Not only that but, guided by the word of God, we can live victoriously. In 1 John 5:13 we have the promise: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." I believe eternal life begins right now, as we journey with God day by day here on earth.
Psalm 25:4 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me."
One day I purchased an entertainment center. I began to assemble the unit as soon as I got home, putting aside the instruction manual. When I finished, there were extra screws and a couple of other parts left over, but the unit seemed fine. However, when I placed the TV and other equipment on it, the entertainment center came apart because it could not support the weight of all the equipment. Obviously, I had not assembled the unit correctly, according to the instruction manual.
In terms of the spiritual life, we have a resource to serve as our guide, an instruction manual composed of 66 books (73 if you're Catholic), full of sage advice and wisdom for living according to God's will. The Bible is this instruction manual. If we read it, study it, and apply its wisdom as a guide for living a God-centered life, we can bear the weight of what life brings.
Not only that but, guided by the word of God, we can live victoriously. In 1 John 5:13 we have the promise: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." I believe eternal life begins right now, as we journey with God day by day here on earth.
Faithfulness
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much."
I don't know many qualities more appreciated than faithfulness. Faithfulness is about dependability, loyalty, trustworthiness, and consistency.
Faithful people are faithful all the time -- not most of the time. I've been married over 30 years. That's over 10,950 days. How do you think my wife would feel if I prided myself on being faithful to her 10,949 days? Trust me - she wouldn't be happy. Just one day of unfaithfulness can ruin all the days of faithfulness, because faithfulness means being faithful all the time.
The longer I live, the more I appreciate people who are faithful; especially those who are faithful to God. That leads them to be faithful to their spouse, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, church members, co-workers, and those with whom they serve in a ministry or an organization. The longer we live, the more we appreciate faithfulness.
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much."
I don't know many qualities more appreciated than faithfulness. Faithfulness is about dependability, loyalty, trustworthiness, and consistency.
Faithful people are faithful all the time -- not most of the time. I've been married over 30 years. That's over 10,950 days. How do you think my wife would feel if I prided myself on being faithful to her 10,949 days? Trust me - she wouldn't be happy. Just one day of unfaithfulness can ruin all the days of faithfulness, because faithfulness means being faithful all the time.
The longer I live, the more I appreciate people who are faithful; especially those who are faithful to God. That leads them to be faithful to their spouse, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, church members, co-workers, and those with whom they serve in a ministry or an organization. The longer we live, the more we appreciate faithfulness.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Big Picture
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths."
It is not unusual for even the most spiritual people to have their days of doubt. Moses, on one occasion at least, was overwhelmed by his circumstances. After he had listened to the constant complaining of the children of Israel, he basically told the Lord, "I'm fed up. Just kill me. I don't want to deal with this another day."
Elijah, after his contest with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, heard that Jezebel had put a contract out on his life. He was so overwhelmed by his circumstances, so discouraged, so uncertain, and so filled with doubt that he said to God, "Take my life."
Even the great apostle Paul had moments when he was discouraged. He wrote to the church at Corinth, "We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life" (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Jeremiah, the great prophet, faced it as well. He was ridiculed and harassed for giving out the Word of God. Because he was tired of the pressure he was facing, it made him want to stop giving out God's Word altogether. He said, "The word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, 'I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name' " (Jeremiah 20:8–9).
You are not the only one who has ever faced doubt or uncertainty, or has been perplexed as to why God did not work in a certain way. We may be in the midst of God's work and can't see the big picture as He can.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths."
It is not unusual for even the most spiritual people to have their days of doubt. Moses, on one occasion at least, was overwhelmed by his circumstances. After he had listened to the constant complaining of the children of Israel, he basically told the Lord, "I'm fed up. Just kill me. I don't want to deal with this another day."
Elijah, after his contest with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, heard that Jezebel had put a contract out on his life. He was so overwhelmed by his circumstances, so discouraged, so uncertain, and so filled with doubt that he said to God, "Take my life."
Even the great apostle Paul had moments when he was discouraged. He wrote to the church at Corinth, "We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life" (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Jeremiah, the great prophet, faced it as well. He was ridiculed and harassed for giving out the Word of God. Because he was tired of the pressure he was facing, it made him want to stop giving out God's Word altogether. He said, "The word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, 'I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name' " (Jeremiah 20:8–9).
You are not the only one who has ever faced doubt or uncertainty, or has been perplexed as to why God did not work in a certain way. We may be in the midst of God's work and can't see the big picture as He can.
Your Best Defense
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
When you came to life in Christ, Satan didn't curl up his tail and pull in his fangs. He is committed to foul up your life through his deception to "prove" that Christianity doesn't work, that God's Word isn't true, and that nothing really happened when you were born again.
You don't have to be a defenseless hockey puck at the mercy of Satan and his demons. God has already supplied the protection you need to ward off any and every attack in the spiritual realm. You just need to know what God has provided and to apply it to your own experience. Your best defense against the god of this world is to live a righteous life in Christ.
Some Christians are a little paranoid about evil powers, suspecting that demons lurk around every corner just waiting to possess them. That's an unfounded fear. Our relationship to demonic powers in the spiritual realm is a lot like our relationship to germs in the physical realm. We know that germs are all around us: in the air, in the water, in our food, in other people, even in us. But do you live in constant fear of catching some disease? No--unless you're a hypochondriac!
It's the same in the spiritual realm. Demons are like little invisible germs looking for someone to infect. We are never told in Scripture to be afraid of them. You just need to be aware of their reality and commit yourself to live a righteous life in spite of them. Should you come under attack, deal with it and go on with life. Remember: the only thing big about a demon is its mouth. Demons are habitual liars. In Jesus Christ, the Truth, you are equipped with all the authority and protection you need to deal with anything they throw at you.
1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
When you came to life in Christ, Satan didn't curl up his tail and pull in his fangs. He is committed to foul up your life through his deception to "prove" that Christianity doesn't work, that God's Word isn't true, and that nothing really happened when you were born again.
You don't have to be a defenseless hockey puck at the mercy of Satan and his demons. God has already supplied the protection you need to ward off any and every attack in the spiritual realm. You just need to know what God has provided and to apply it to your own experience. Your best defense against the god of this world is to live a righteous life in Christ.
Some Christians are a little paranoid about evil powers, suspecting that demons lurk around every corner just waiting to possess them. That's an unfounded fear. Our relationship to demonic powers in the spiritual realm is a lot like our relationship to germs in the physical realm. We know that germs are all around us: in the air, in the water, in our food, in other people, even in us. But do you live in constant fear of catching some disease? No--unless you're a hypochondriac!
It's the same in the spiritual realm. Demons are like little invisible germs looking for someone to infect. We are never told in Scripture to be afraid of them. You just need to be aware of their reality and commit yourself to live a righteous life in spite of them. Should you come under attack, deal with it and go on with life. Remember: the only thing big about a demon is its mouth. Demons are habitual liars. In Jesus Christ, the Truth, you are equipped with all the authority and protection you need to deal with anything they throw at you.
Life's Storms
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Psalm 107:29 "They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out from their distress; He made the storm be still."
By this time, you have probably figured out that life is not free of challenges. Difficulties and even tragedies are to be expected. As a matter of fact, Jesus told His disciples, "Take courage. There are many storms in this life. But take heart, I have overcome the storms and the world." (John 16:33)
Whenever you face a storm, your first urge may be to scream, "Why?" Certain storms do come into our lives because of our own sin, but many storms occur when we're right in the middle of God's will. We're not doing anything wrong. We're doing what God wants us to do. Certainly, that was the case for the disciples. Jesus told them to get into the boat and row across the Sea of Galilee. They were obeying Jesus when they suddenly found themselves in a horrific storm. It was so bad they didn't even know if they'd survive. But here is the important message from that event - they did survive. With the help of Jesus, they did survive.
Accept the fact that your life will not be a perfectly smooth ride. The road will sometimes have bumps and potholes and sharp turns. All roads do. Look upon these tragedies and difficulties as part of life. Turn to Jesus for guidance and He will be beside you as you ride out your storms.
Psalm 107:29 "They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out from their distress; He made the storm be still."
By this time, you have probably figured out that life is not free of challenges. Difficulties and even tragedies are to be expected. As a matter of fact, Jesus told His disciples, "Take courage. There are many storms in this life. But take heart, I have overcome the storms and the world." (John 16:33)
Whenever you face a storm, your first urge may be to scream, "Why?" Certain storms do come into our lives because of our own sin, but many storms occur when we're right in the middle of God's will. We're not doing anything wrong. We're doing what God wants us to do. Certainly, that was the case for the disciples. Jesus told them to get into the boat and row across the Sea of Galilee. They were obeying Jesus when they suddenly found themselves in a horrific storm. It was so bad they didn't even know if they'd survive. But here is the important message from that event - they did survive. With the help of Jesus, they did survive.
Accept the fact that your life will not be a perfectly smooth ride. The road will sometimes have bumps and potholes and sharp turns. All roads do. Look upon these tragedies and difficulties as part of life. Turn to Jesus for guidance and He will be beside you as you ride out your storms.
Forgivenness
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Have you ever noticed the presence of that little two-letter word in the Lord's prayer? It says "And forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Did you catch that? The word "as" implies that we cannot be forgiven until we offer that same forgiveness to others. In case we miss the "as," Jesus makes it very clear in the next verse: "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15)
Forgiving someone who has treated you poorly, said evil things about you, even broken up your family, is a very difficult thing to do. It takes Godly intervention to truly offer forgiveness to people who have deeply wounded you. But God commands us to do so, and God would never command us to do anything that He wouldn't provide the ability to do.
Right now, pray for God to give you the strength to forgive those who have hurt you. Not only will God give you the power to do so, but He will also empower you supernaturally to love them, even though you hate what they did. Remember, bitterness is the poison we swallow, hoping the other person dies. Enjoy the release of this terrible burden by experiencing the cleansing power of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Have you ever noticed the presence of that little two-letter word in the Lord's prayer? It says "And forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Did you catch that? The word "as" implies that we cannot be forgiven until we offer that same forgiveness to others. In case we miss the "as," Jesus makes it very clear in the next verse: "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15)
Forgiving someone who has treated you poorly, said evil things about you, even broken up your family, is a very difficult thing to do. It takes Godly intervention to truly offer forgiveness to people who have deeply wounded you. But God commands us to do so, and God would never command us to do anything that He wouldn't provide the ability to do.
Right now, pray for God to give you the strength to forgive those who have hurt you. Not only will God give you the power to do so, but He will also empower you supernaturally to love them, even though you hate what they did. Remember, bitterness is the poison we swallow, hoping the other person dies. Enjoy the release of this terrible burden by experiencing the cleansing power of forgiveness.
Just Words?
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Matthew 12:34,36-37 "The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind. I assure you on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
HARSH words had cascaded from my mouth with the force of rushing water. Ouch! I immediately wanted to take back the hurtful remark. However, just like rushing water, the words could not be stopped nor their force negated. It wasn't that the words weren't true - or even justified. They were just more harsh than the situation required. However, like raging water, the words moved on - unable to be called back.
Our words reflect what is in our hearts. As Jesus said, "The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind." Therefore, when my heart is brimming with an emotion, that feeling will leak or perhaps even spout out of my mouth. If I have unresolved sin or guilt in my heart, at some point my mouth will reveal it.
I used to pray to say the right things or not to say the wrong things. That prayer, however, did not seem to be answered. Negative words still cascaded from my mouth. Now I realize that the problem goes deeper than my words. I need to ask Christ to move in my heart to correct my wrong attitudes. If my heart is filled with love, that opens the way for kind and appropriate words to flow from my mouth.
Matthew 12:34,36-37 "The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind. I assure you on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
HARSH words had cascaded from my mouth with the force of rushing water. Ouch! I immediately wanted to take back the hurtful remark. However, just like rushing water, the words could not be stopped nor their force negated. It wasn't that the words weren't true - or even justified. They were just more harsh than the situation required. However, like raging water, the words moved on - unable to be called back.
Our words reflect what is in our hearts. As Jesus said, "The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind." Therefore, when my heart is brimming with an emotion, that feeling will leak or perhaps even spout out of my mouth. If I have unresolved sin or guilt in my heart, at some point my mouth will reveal it.
I used to pray to say the right things or not to say the wrong things. That prayer, however, did not seem to be answered. Negative words still cascaded from my mouth. Now I realize that the problem goes deeper than my words. I need to ask Christ to move in my heart to correct my wrong attitudes. If my heart is filled with love, that opens the way for kind and appropriate words to flow from my mouth.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Walk The Talk
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
James 2:14 "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?"
A recent Gallup Poll says there are fifty million people in America who say, “I am a Christian.” But truth be told, not all of those fifty million can back it up with the lifestyle they live. Just because a person claims it, doesn’t mean they have it.
Typically, we label people “believers” today if they vaguely sound Christian. At the end of a World Series, a player may come on TV while the champagne is spraying, and say, “I just want to thank the good Lord.” We think, “Oh, he must be a Christian, he said ‘Lord.’” Well, not necessarily. Not everybody who has a Christian bumper sticker on their car is a Christian. Have you figured that one out? In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Not everybody who claims to be a believer really is a believer.
James points out that there’s a big difference between being a professor and a possessor, between saying it and actually having it. So what does Jesus say? What value is this faith that just claims it? Jesus says there’s no value at all. It’s worthless. Talk is cheap, because faith is more than just something you say.
· Take inventory. Is your lifestyle saying something opposite of the bumper sticker on your car? Is Jesus the guiding force in everything you do or is he just along for the ride with several other more benign influences?
· Match words with actions and actions with words. In truth you need both! Prepare for the day ahead by making a promise that you’ll walk the talk!
James 2:14 "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?"
A recent Gallup Poll says there are fifty million people in America who say, “I am a Christian.” But truth be told, not all of those fifty million can back it up with the lifestyle they live. Just because a person claims it, doesn’t mean they have it.
Typically, we label people “believers” today if they vaguely sound Christian. At the end of a World Series, a player may come on TV while the champagne is spraying, and say, “I just want to thank the good Lord.” We think, “Oh, he must be a Christian, he said ‘Lord.’” Well, not necessarily. Not everybody who has a Christian bumper sticker on their car is a Christian. Have you figured that one out? In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Not everybody who claims to be a believer really is a believer.
James points out that there’s a big difference between being a professor and a possessor, between saying it and actually having it. So what does Jesus say? What value is this faith that just claims it? Jesus says there’s no value at all. It’s worthless. Talk is cheap, because faith is more than just something you say.
· Take inventory. Is your lifestyle saying something opposite of the bumper sticker on your car? Is Jesus the guiding force in everything you do or is he just along for the ride with several other more benign influences?
· Match words with actions and actions with words. In truth you need both! Prepare for the day ahead by making a promise that you’ll walk the talk!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Knowing Your Purpose
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Ephesians 1:17-18 "May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom to know Him clearly. May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."
Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. This is why people try dubious methods like astrology and psychics to discover it. When your life has a steadfast purpose you can bear almost anything. Without it, nothing is bearable. Isaiah complained, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing" (Isaiah 49:4). Job lamented, "I give up; I am tired of living. Leave me alone. My life makes no sense" (Job 7:16).
Dr. Bernie Siegel found that he could predict which of his cancer patients were most likely to survive by asking, "Do you want to live to be 100?" Those with a deep sense of purpose who answered "yes", were the ones who would live.
Having a steadfast purpose simplifies life. It defines what you do and what you don't do. It becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren't. Without purpose you have no real foundation on which to base your decisions, allocate your time and use your resources. You tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and your mood at that moment.
When you don't know your purpose you try to do too much, and that causes stress and conflict. It's impossible to do everything people want you to do; you have just enough time to do God's will. If you can't get it all done, you're trying to do more than God intended.
A steadfast purpose makes your lifestyle simpler and your schedule saner. And it leads to peace of mind: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast" (Isaiah 26:3).
Ephesians 1:17-18 "May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom to know Him clearly. May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."
Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. This is why people try dubious methods like astrology and psychics to discover it. When your life has a steadfast purpose you can bear almost anything. Without it, nothing is bearable. Isaiah complained, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing" (Isaiah 49:4). Job lamented, "I give up; I am tired of living. Leave me alone. My life makes no sense" (Job 7:16).
Dr. Bernie Siegel found that he could predict which of his cancer patients were most likely to survive by asking, "Do you want to live to be 100?" Those with a deep sense of purpose who answered "yes", were the ones who would live.
Having a steadfast purpose simplifies life. It defines what you do and what you don't do. It becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren't. Without purpose you have no real foundation on which to base your decisions, allocate your time and use your resources. You tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and your mood at that moment.
When you don't know your purpose you try to do too much, and that causes stress and conflict. It's impossible to do everything people want you to do; you have just enough time to do God's will. If you can't get it all done, you're trying to do more than God intended.
A steadfast purpose makes your lifestyle simpler and your schedule saner. And it leads to peace of mind: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast" (Isaiah 26:3).
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