From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
2 Timothy 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control."
God wants you to develop a self-discipline that pushes you to do things, even as others are giving up.
Over the years, I’ve observed six key expressions of self-discipline:
People with self-discipline master their moods. They live by their commitments, not their emotions. People who do the right thing even when they don’t feel like it accomplish most of what gets done in the world! “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
People with self-discipline watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths. “He who guards his lips guards his life” (Proverbs 13:3).
People with self-discipline restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it” (Proverbs 19:11).
People with self-discipline stick to their schedule. If you don’t determine how you will spend your time you can be sure that others will decide for you! “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility … Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
People with self-discipline manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20).
People with self-discipline maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements. “Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect” (1 Thessalonians 4:4).
The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-discipline. It takes a power greater than yourself: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
The more I accept God’s control over my life, the more self-control he gives me!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
God's Tests
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Job 3:26 "I have no peace nor ease; I have no rest, for trouble comes!"
The cost of being one of God's anointed can be great. Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation.
When God anoints us, it often is accompanied by some severe tests. These tests are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our life. Should we fail these tests God cannot elevate us to the next level. For a businessperson, these tests often involve money, relationships, and other issues of the heart.
What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are you passing the tests He is bringing about in your life? These tests are designed to bring about greater obedience. In most instances it will involve great adversity. The Bible tells us that the King of kings learned obedience through the things that He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). If this is true, why would it be any different for His children? Be aware of the tests God may be bringing before you in order to prepare you for His service.
Job 3:26 "I have no peace nor ease; I have no rest, for trouble comes!"
The cost of being one of God's anointed can be great. Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation.
When God anoints us, it often is accompanied by some severe tests. These tests are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our life. Should we fail these tests God cannot elevate us to the next level. For a businessperson, these tests often involve money, relationships, and other issues of the heart.
What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are you passing the tests He is bringing about in your life? These tests are designed to bring about greater obedience. In most instances it will involve great adversity. The Bible tells us that the King of kings learned obedience through the things that He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). If this is true, why would it be any different for His children? Be aware of the tests God may be bringing before you in order to prepare you for His service.
Be Careful What You Ask For
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Psalm 106:15 "And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul."
I sometimes hear people say, "I have been wrestling with God in prayer!" My first thought always is, "I hope you lost."
If you have been trying to bend God your way, then that is a problem. Prayer is not trying to move God your way; it is moving yourself His way.
In fact, I'm glad that God hasn't said yes to every prayer I have ever prayed. When I look back on some things I've prayed for, I realize that if the Lord would have allowed them, they could have destroyed me. They were not the right things or the right situations. So God graciously and lovingly said no.
In John 15:7, Jesus gave an incredible promise regarding answered prayer. He said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." From the original language, this verse could be translated, "If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My word is at home with you, I command you to ask at once for yourself whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours."
When I read a promise like that, I gravitate immediately toward the part that says I can ask whatever my heart desires and it will be mine. But before that, Jesus said, "If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My word is at home with you. . . ."
If this is happening in your life, then you are going to want what God wants. If you maintain a living communion with God and His words are at home in your heart, then your outlook, your desires—and in time, your prayers—will change.
Psalm 106:15 "And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul."
I sometimes hear people say, "I have been wrestling with God in prayer!" My first thought always is, "I hope you lost."
If you have been trying to bend God your way, then that is a problem. Prayer is not trying to move God your way; it is moving yourself His way.
In fact, I'm glad that God hasn't said yes to every prayer I have ever prayed. When I look back on some things I've prayed for, I realize that if the Lord would have allowed them, they could have destroyed me. They were not the right things or the right situations. So God graciously and lovingly said no.
In John 15:7, Jesus gave an incredible promise regarding answered prayer. He said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." From the original language, this verse could be translated, "If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My word is at home with you, I command you to ask at once for yourself whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours."
When I read a promise like that, I gravitate immediately toward the part that says I can ask whatever my heart desires and it will be mine. But before that, Jesus said, "If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My word is at home with you. . . ."
If this is happening in your life, then you are going to want what God wants. If you maintain a living communion with God and His words are at home in your heart, then your outlook, your desires—and in time, your prayers—will change.
Happiness
From: Daily In Christ Ministries
1 Timothy 6:6 "Godliness with contentment is great gain"
The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're not really happy until we get what we want.
God's concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: "Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are focusing on what you don't have, you'll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you'll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 ).
Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don't have.
1 Timothy 6:6 "Godliness with contentment is great gain"
The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're not really happy until we get what we want.
God's concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: "Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are focusing on what you don't have, you'll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you'll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 ).
Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don't have.
Fellowship
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens his fellow man."
Our men's group meets weekly to praise the Lord, to learn from one another's testimonies, and then to share our troubles and joys. We are mechanics, doctors, lawyers, educators, laborers, ministers, but we leave our professions at the door. We leave our confessed past there too - adulterers, paroled prisoners, liars, cheaters, and myriad other labels that would fit our past selves and regrettably, at times, our present ones. We know our lives are but a breath and that our eternity is in the hands of Jesus Christ.
We gather around a table to pray - for our world, for friends and acquaintances, and for total strangers. We pray for physical healing and for spiritual redemption. We pray for each other to be filled with the Holy Spirit so we can love and honor God as we return to our daily work.
The time we spend praying as a community is powerful in its impact on those for whom we pray. But our time together is equally powerful in its effect on those of us gathered to pray. For most of us, it is one of the best hours of our week.
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens his fellow man."
Our men's group meets weekly to praise the Lord, to learn from one another's testimonies, and then to share our troubles and joys. We are mechanics, doctors, lawyers, educators, laborers, ministers, but we leave our professions at the door. We leave our confessed past there too - adulterers, paroled prisoners, liars, cheaters, and myriad other labels that would fit our past selves and regrettably, at times, our present ones. We know our lives are but a breath and that our eternity is in the hands of Jesus Christ.
We gather around a table to pray - for our world, for friends and acquaintances, and for total strangers. We pray for physical healing and for spiritual redemption. We pray for each other to be filled with the Holy Spirit so we can love and honor God as we return to our daily work.
The time we spend praying as a community is powerful in its impact on those for whom we pray. But our time together is equally powerful in its effect on those of us gathered to pray. For most of us, it is one of the best hours of our week.
Agape Love
From: Every Day Light Ministries
Ephesians 3:17-19 "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself."
When we perceive how much God loves us, an amazing effect is produced in our personalities -- we begin to love like Him. We cannot help it. Love -- agape love -- is not the fruit of labor; it is a response. When we stand at the foot of Calvary, the place where the love of God is fully focused and caught up, the scales drop from our eyes and our own love flames in response. We love Him because He first loved us.
Teresa of Avila tells how one day, going into her private room, she noticed a picture of our Lord being scourged before His crucifixion. She must have seen it hundreds of times, but in that moment of revelation she saw it as she had never seen it before. She saw God suffering -- suffering for love and suffering for her. The revelation sent her to her knees sobbing in pain and wonder, and when she arose, she was a changed woman. The revelation of Calvary's love was the great divide in her life. She said that she arose with a sense of "unpayable debt" and went out to share God's realized love with others.
Don't try to manufacture love. Linger in the shadow of the Cross. The love of God finds its most burning expression there. Meditate on it. Contemplate it.
Remember that heaven knows no higher strategy for begetting love in mortal hearts than by granting us a vision of how much we are loved, a vision strong enough to evoke a response in our hearts. By demonstrating to others the love begotten in us by the Holy Spirit, we are freed and purged and saved.
Ephesians 3:17-19 "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself."
When we perceive how much God loves us, an amazing effect is produced in our personalities -- we begin to love like Him. We cannot help it. Love -- agape love -- is not the fruit of labor; it is a response. When we stand at the foot of Calvary, the place where the love of God is fully focused and caught up, the scales drop from our eyes and our own love flames in response. We love Him because He first loved us.
Teresa of Avila tells how one day, going into her private room, she noticed a picture of our Lord being scourged before His crucifixion. She must have seen it hundreds of times, but in that moment of revelation she saw it as she had never seen it before. She saw God suffering -- suffering for love and suffering for her. The revelation sent her to her knees sobbing in pain and wonder, and when she arose, she was a changed woman. The revelation of Calvary's love was the great divide in her life. She said that she arose with a sense of "unpayable debt" and went out to share God's realized love with others.
Don't try to manufacture love. Linger in the shadow of the Cross. The love of God finds its most burning expression there. Meditate on it. Contemplate it.
Remember that heaven knows no higher strategy for begetting love in mortal hearts than by granting us a vision of how much we are loved, a vision strong enough to evoke a response in our hearts. By demonstrating to others the love begotten in us by the Holy Spirit, we are freed and purged and saved.
God-Inspired Delays
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts."
Delays in our life are not always easy to handle or to reconcile in our minds. Often, when God does not answer our prayers in the time that we feel He should, we appoint all sorts of characteristics to God's nature that imply He does not care. Such was the case with Lazarus' sisters when Lazarus became ill and died. Jesus was a close friend to Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. (Mary, you may recall, was the woman who came and poured perfume on Jesus' feet.) When Jesus arrived two days later, Martha shamed Him by saying, "If You had come he would not have died." She implied that He didn't care enough to come when sent for. It was a matter of priorities for Jesus, not lack of love.
God often has to delay His work in us in order to accomplish something for His purposes that can be achieved only in the delay. Jesus had to let Lazarus die in order for the miracle that was about to take place to have its full effect. If Jesus had simply healed a sick man, the impact of the miracle would not have been as newsworthy as resurrecting a man who had been dead for four days.
God often sets the stage so that His glory is revealed through the events that He orchestrates. He did this with Moses and Pharaoh, allowing delay after delay for release of the Israelites from Egypt. He did this with Abraham and Sarah for the promised child, Isaac. God granted Sarah a baby past the age of childbearing in order to demonstrate His power.
My friend, don't take the delays lightly. Do not faint as God places you in what seems to be a holding pattern. God is at work. God knows the purposes for His delays. Don't give up, for they are for His greater glory; so we need to remain faithful.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts."
Delays in our life are not always easy to handle or to reconcile in our minds. Often, when God does not answer our prayers in the time that we feel He should, we appoint all sorts of characteristics to God's nature that imply He does not care. Such was the case with Lazarus' sisters when Lazarus became ill and died. Jesus was a close friend to Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. (Mary, you may recall, was the woman who came and poured perfume on Jesus' feet.) When Jesus arrived two days later, Martha shamed Him by saying, "If You had come he would not have died." She implied that He didn't care enough to come when sent for. It was a matter of priorities for Jesus, not lack of love.
God often has to delay His work in us in order to accomplish something for His purposes that can be achieved only in the delay. Jesus had to let Lazarus die in order for the miracle that was about to take place to have its full effect. If Jesus had simply healed a sick man, the impact of the miracle would not have been as newsworthy as resurrecting a man who had been dead for four days.
God often sets the stage so that His glory is revealed through the events that He orchestrates. He did this with Moses and Pharaoh, allowing delay after delay for release of the Israelites from Egypt. He did this with Abraham and Sarah for the promised child, Isaac. God granted Sarah a baby past the age of childbearing in order to demonstrate His power.
My friend, don't take the delays lightly. Do not faint as God places you in what seems to be a holding pattern. God is at work. God knows the purposes for His delays. Don't give up, for they are for His greater glory; so we need to remain faithful.
When Bad Things Happen
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
There are so many things in life that make us cry, "Why?" "Why me?" "Why now?" I don't think we are capable of knowing all the answers to these questions. Our lives fit into a vast and complicated tapestry that only God could unravel, because He's the one making it.
There are things that happen in our lives that are tied in an intricate domino effect to something else happening somewhere else that we may never realize in this life. I've heard of enough bizarre connections to know this is happening a lot more than we realize. Chalk it up to God's amazing creativity as He weaves His will into the events of the world.
Someone gets sick, goes to the hospital, and ends up leading the person in the next bed to the Lord. Not only this, but huge growth issues were established in both of their lives when this happened, and this started a chain of events still going on today. And we want to ask "Why?" I have a feeling God might say, "You don't have time for that answer. Besides, you haven't lived long enough to see the end of it. Sorry, but I could never explain it all to you. You just have to trust Me."
Our job is to look at what happens in our lives and learn from what God is trying to teach us. There are no mistakes here. God doesn't go, "Whoops!" or to the angels: "OK, what went wrong here? Which one of you guys had Fischer this time?"
Here's the truth of the matter: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Which is another way of saying that God's purpose is in everything that you and I go through, whether we are able to see it or not. And that purpose is producing something good in and through our lives, no matter what happens. Do you believe that?
We all have things in our lives in which it is hard – almost impossible – to see God's purpose. That doesn't mean anything except that we are shortsighted and short on faith sometimes. That's when we need to keep on believing and knowing that God is working things out for the best.
What about you? Is something bad happening to you right now? Think back on a time when you felt like this about something that you now see God had a purpose in, and believe that He is at work, doing the same redemptive act with what you can't see right now and believe. Don't stop believing.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
There are so many things in life that make us cry, "Why?" "Why me?" "Why now?" I don't think we are capable of knowing all the answers to these questions. Our lives fit into a vast and complicated tapestry that only God could unravel, because He's the one making it.
There are things that happen in our lives that are tied in an intricate domino effect to something else happening somewhere else that we may never realize in this life. I've heard of enough bizarre connections to know this is happening a lot more than we realize. Chalk it up to God's amazing creativity as He weaves His will into the events of the world.
Someone gets sick, goes to the hospital, and ends up leading the person in the next bed to the Lord. Not only this, but huge growth issues were established in both of their lives when this happened, and this started a chain of events still going on today. And we want to ask "Why?" I have a feeling God might say, "You don't have time for that answer. Besides, you haven't lived long enough to see the end of it. Sorry, but I could never explain it all to you. You just have to trust Me."
Our job is to look at what happens in our lives and learn from what God is trying to teach us. There are no mistakes here. God doesn't go, "Whoops!" or to the angels: "OK, what went wrong here? Which one of you guys had Fischer this time?"
Here's the truth of the matter: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Which is another way of saying that God's purpose is in everything that you and I go through, whether we are able to see it or not. And that purpose is producing something good in and through our lives, no matter what happens. Do you believe that?
We all have things in our lives in which it is hard – almost impossible – to see God's purpose. That doesn't mean anything except that we are shortsighted and short on faith sometimes. That's when we need to keep on believing and knowing that God is working things out for the best.
What about you? Is something bad happening to you right now? Think back on a time when you felt like this about something that you now see God had a purpose in, and believe that He is at work, doing the same redemptive act with what you can't see right now and believe. Don't stop believing.
Your Thoughts
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 4:23 "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."
The Bible says our thoughts influence six areas of our lives:
My interpretation influences my situation. It's not what happens to me that matters as much as how I choose to see it. The way I react will determine whether the circumstance makes me better or bitter. I can view everything as an obstacle or an opportunity for growth – a stumbling block or a stepping stone. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
My impressions influence my depressions. In other words, my mind affects my mood; my thinking determines my feelings. If I'm feeling depressed, it's because I'm choosing to think depressing thoughts – about my work, family, or anything else. While you cannot always control a feeling, you can choose what you think about, which will control how you feel."Hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught . . ." (Psalm 55:2).
My beliefs influence my behavior. We always act according to our beliefs, even when those ideas are false. For instance, as a child, if you believed a shadow in your bedroom at night was a monster, your body reacted in fear (adrenaline and jitters) even though it wasn't true. That's why it's so important to make sure you are operating on true information! Your convictions about yourself, about life, and about God influence your conduct. "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples" (John 8:31).
My self-talk influences my self-esteem. You are constantly talking to yourself unconsciously. When you walk into a room full of strangers, what do you tend to think about yourself? To develop more confidence you're going to have to stop running yourself down! "As he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
My attitude influences my ability. Winners expect to win. Your perception controls your performance. Mohammed Ali only lost two fights in his career. Before both of them, he said something that he hadn't said before other fights: "If I should lose this fight […].","All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23).
My imagination influences my aspirations. In other words, your dreams determine your destiny. To accomplish anything, you must first have a mission, a goal, a hope, a vision. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).
Proverbs 4:23 "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."
The Bible says our thoughts influence six areas of our lives:
My interpretation influences my situation. It's not what happens to me that matters as much as how I choose to see it. The way I react will determine whether the circumstance makes me better or bitter. I can view everything as an obstacle or an opportunity for growth – a stumbling block or a stepping stone. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
My impressions influence my depressions. In other words, my mind affects my mood; my thinking determines my feelings. If I'm feeling depressed, it's because I'm choosing to think depressing thoughts – about my work, family, or anything else. While you cannot always control a feeling, you can choose what you think about, which will control how you feel."Hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught . . ." (Psalm 55:2).
My beliefs influence my behavior. We always act according to our beliefs, even when those ideas are false. For instance, as a child, if you believed a shadow in your bedroom at night was a monster, your body reacted in fear (adrenaline and jitters) even though it wasn't true. That's why it's so important to make sure you are operating on true information! Your convictions about yourself, about life, and about God influence your conduct. "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples" (John 8:31).
My self-talk influences my self-esteem. You are constantly talking to yourself unconsciously. When you walk into a room full of strangers, what do you tend to think about yourself? To develop more confidence you're going to have to stop running yourself down! "As he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
My attitude influences my ability. Winners expect to win. Your perception controls your performance. Mohammed Ali only lost two fights in his career. Before both of them, he said something that he hadn't said before other fights: "If I should lose this fight […].","All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23).
My imagination influences my aspirations. In other words, your dreams determine your destiny. To accomplish anything, you must first have a mission, a goal, a hope, a vision. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).
How To Face An Uncertain Future
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 27:1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth."
The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Let God set your goals. It's foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He's the only one who does know the future, and He's eager to guide you through it. The Bible says "We may make our plans, but God has the last word" (Proverbs 16:1). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do you want me to do?"
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live tomorrow until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time for today! Commit to making the most of each moment of each day. Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time" (Matthew 6:34).
3. Don't procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days," but then "one of these days" turns into "none of these days." The Bible says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth". What have you planned to do that you haven't done yet? When do you intend to start working on it?
Proverbs 27:1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth."
The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Let God set your goals. It's foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He's the only one who does know the future, and He's eager to guide you through it. The Bible says "We may make our plans, but God has the last word" (Proverbs 16:1). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do you want me to do?"
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live tomorrow until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time for today! Commit to making the most of each moment of each day. Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time" (Matthew 6:34).
3. Don't procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days," but then "one of these days" turns into "none of these days." The Bible says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth". What have you planned to do that you haven't done yet? When do you intend to start working on it?
One Day At A Time
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 6:34 "Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own."
Max Lucado says, "Worry is to joy what a vacuum cleaner is to dirt; you might as well attach your heart to a happiness-sucker and flip the switch." Jesus said, "Don't get worked up about… tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
When it looks like things are falling apart, Paul reminds us, "Every detail in our lives… is worked into something good" (Romans 8:28). When it seems like the world's gone mad, don't forget God "existed before anything else,… and He holds all creation together" (Colossians 1:17). When worry whispers, "God doesn't know what you need," remember God promised to "take care of everything you need" (Philp 4:19).
Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." You won't get the wisdom or resources to handle tomorrow's problems till you need them. When we "go confidently to the throne… we'll find kindness, which will help us at the right time" (Hebrews 4:16).
Over a century ago Charles Spurgeon said: "Enough for today is all we can enjoy. We cannot eat, drink, or wear more than today's supply of food and clothing. The surplus gives us the care of storing it and the anxiety that someone might steal it. One staff aids a traveler; a bunch of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is as good as a feast, and more than gluttony can enjoy. Enough is all we should expect; a craving for more is ungratefulness. When our Father doesn't give you more, be content with your daily allowance."
Matthew 6:34 "Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own."
Max Lucado says, "Worry is to joy what a vacuum cleaner is to dirt; you might as well attach your heart to a happiness-sucker and flip the switch." Jesus said, "Don't get worked up about… tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
When it looks like things are falling apart, Paul reminds us, "Every detail in our lives… is worked into something good" (Romans 8:28). When it seems like the world's gone mad, don't forget God "existed before anything else,… and He holds all creation together" (Colossians 1:17). When worry whispers, "God doesn't know what you need," remember God promised to "take care of everything you need" (Philp 4:19).
Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." You won't get the wisdom or resources to handle tomorrow's problems till you need them. When we "go confidently to the throne… we'll find kindness, which will help us at the right time" (Hebrews 4:16).
Over a century ago Charles Spurgeon said: "Enough for today is all we can enjoy. We cannot eat, drink, or wear more than today's supply of food and clothing. The surplus gives us the care of storing it and the anxiety that someone might steal it. One staff aids a traveler; a bunch of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is as good as a feast, and more than gluttony can enjoy. Enough is all we should expect; a craving for more is ungratefulness. When our Father doesn't give you more, be content with your daily allowance."
Conflict Resolution
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
James 1:19 "My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."
I'll tell you how to deal with conflict quickly, but you're not going to like it. The solution to conflict resolution is one word: confrontation.
If you're going to resolve conflict, you must confront. But, you don't have to confront in anger. In fact, you should try not to confront in anger. Lovingly go to the person and, then speaking the truth in love, deal with the problem immediately.
Very few of us enjoy confrontation. The only people who really do are troublemakers who seem to delight in confrontation. They love to go to people and say, "You're blowing it!" That's their thrill.
Because it's risky and uncomfortable, most people don't like confrontation, but it's the only way to resolve conflict. What's the best way to confront? James 1:19 teaches three rules for confrontation. Everyone should be:
· Quick to listen,
· Slow to speak, and
· Slow to become angry.
If you're quick to listen and if you're slow to speak, you'll automatically be slow to anger. What are you listening for? You are listening for the hurt in that person. Hurting people always hurt other people. When someone is being a jerk, more than likely it's because that person is hurting. When you understand their hurt a bit, you have a better understanding of why they do what they do, and you're a little more patient with them.
Understanding always brings patience. When we don't understand things, we're impatient. When we understand them, we're much more patient.
James 1:19 "My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."
I'll tell you how to deal with conflict quickly, but you're not going to like it. The solution to conflict resolution is one word: confrontation.
If you're going to resolve conflict, you must confront. But, you don't have to confront in anger. In fact, you should try not to confront in anger. Lovingly go to the person and, then speaking the truth in love, deal with the problem immediately.
Very few of us enjoy confrontation. The only people who really do are troublemakers who seem to delight in confrontation. They love to go to people and say, "You're blowing it!" That's their thrill.
Because it's risky and uncomfortable, most people don't like confrontation, but it's the only way to resolve conflict. What's the best way to confront? James 1:19 teaches three rules for confrontation. Everyone should be:
· Quick to listen,
· Slow to speak, and
· Slow to become angry.
If you're quick to listen and if you're slow to speak, you'll automatically be slow to anger. What are you listening for? You are listening for the hurt in that person. Hurting people always hurt other people. When someone is being a jerk, more than likely it's because that person is hurting. When you understand their hurt a bit, you have a better understanding of why they do what they do, and you're a little more patient with them.
Understanding always brings patience. When we don't understand things, we're impatient. When we understand them, we're much more patient.
Nothing Is Impossible
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."
Jesus born of a virgin? Many sophisticated minds classify such claims as preposterous, right alongside other legends and myths. The virgin birth may seem like a tabloid headline: "Teenage Virgin Claims God is the Father." A virgin birth does make a good story, but it is often impossible for a rational person to accept.
But think about what it means if you do accept the virgin birth. It means you believe that nothing is impossible with God. Right now, you may be facing some real trials and struggles in your life and see no possible way to deal with those issues. If you can believe in the virgin birth, you can easily come to the realization that nothing is impossible with God! There is no problem, there is no hardship; there is no difficulty that is too tough for God. Don't give up hope!
Realize that if you choose not to believe in the virgin birth you're going to miss out on the true nature of Jesus Christ. Because if Jesus was not born of a virgin, the only conclusion you can draw is that he was just a man - a good man, but just a man. If you reject the virgin birth, you have chosen to believe in a mighty small God. But our God resurrected a man from the dead, so what's the big deal about a virgin birth? Remember, nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."
Jesus born of a virgin? Many sophisticated minds classify such claims as preposterous, right alongside other legends and myths. The virgin birth may seem like a tabloid headline: "Teenage Virgin Claims God is the Father." A virgin birth does make a good story, but it is often impossible for a rational person to accept.
But think about what it means if you do accept the virgin birth. It means you believe that nothing is impossible with God. Right now, you may be facing some real trials and struggles in your life and see no possible way to deal with those issues. If you can believe in the virgin birth, you can easily come to the realization that nothing is impossible with God! There is no problem, there is no hardship; there is no difficulty that is too tough for God. Don't give up hope!
Realize that if you choose not to believe in the virgin birth you're going to miss out on the true nature of Jesus Christ. Because if Jesus was not born of a virgin, the only conclusion you can draw is that he was just a man - a good man, but just a man. If you reject the virgin birth, you have chosen to believe in a mighty small God. But our God resurrected a man from the dead, so what's the big deal about a virgin birth? Remember, nothing is impossible with God.
Do Not Worry
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Luke 12:22 "Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear."
The company I was working for reduced staff, and I lost my job. This left me feeling very concerned about the future. Would I be able to provide for my wife and children?
One day when I was feeling particularly worried, I took a walk in a nearby park. Suddenly a flash of brilliant blue caught my eye. It was a kingfisher that had just flown down from a nearby branch. Quickly the bird was back up in the tree, gulping down a worm. This surprised me. I had thought that kingfishers ate only fish. The bird flew down to the ground and back up into the tree six or seven times. Each time it returned to the tree with a worm, which it swiftly swallowed. Then it began to sing a happy song.
The kingfisher easily caught many worms. Although they weren't its preferred food, it seemed to be happy. Then I realized that the God who provides food for a kingfisher would no doubt provide for me and my family. Even if I had to survive on less money and fewer goods than before, I could still be joyful in God.
Luke 12:22 "Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear."
The company I was working for reduced staff, and I lost my job. This left me feeling very concerned about the future. Would I be able to provide for my wife and children?
One day when I was feeling particularly worried, I took a walk in a nearby park. Suddenly a flash of brilliant blue caught my eye. It was a kingfisher that had just flown down from a nearby branch. Quickly the bird was back up in the tree, gulping down a worm. This surprised me. I had thought that kingfishers ate only fish. The bird flew down to the ground and back up into the tree six or seven times. Each time it returned to the tree with a worm, which it swiftly swallowed. Then it began to sing a happy song.
The kingfisher easily caught many worms. Although they weren't its preferred food, it seemed to be happy. Then I realized that the God who provides food for a kingfisher would no doubt provide for me and my family. Even if I had to survive on less money and fewer goods than before, I could still be joyful in God.
Priorities
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Matthew: 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
One of the biggest dilemmas for most people is juggling the roles and responsibilities of modern life. These roles clash with one another, competing for our time. The constant struggle to choose takes our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. We may feel life is out of control as we go in different directions and find no satisfaction in any of our accomplishments.
Turning to God can give us peace in the midst of this chaos. Through the years I have come to realize that the most important priority in my life is to cultivate a personal, intimate relationship with God. When I commit to doing what God has called me to do, my choices become clearer. This puts my other responsibilities and roles in perspective, blessed by God's wisdom.
Matthew: 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
One of the biggest dilemmas for most people is juggling the roles and responsibilities of modern life. These roles clash with one another, competing for our time. The constant struggle to choose takes our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. We may feel life is out of control as we go in different directions and find no satisfaction in any of our accomplishments.
Turning to God can give us peace in the midst of this chaos. Through the years I have come to realize that the most important priority in my life is to cultivate a personal, intimate relationship with God. When I commit to doing what God has called me to do, my choices become clearer. This puts my other responsibilities and roles in perspective, blessed by God's wisdom.
Patience
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - Joe Stowell
Galatians 5:22 "The fruit of the Spirit is...patience."
We've all heard the prayer: "Lord, make me more patient—and do it now!"
Why is it that patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam? Or we rush to the "10 items or less" line at the store, only to find someone in front of us with 16 items!
Being forced to wait ratchets up the stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we not only fail to be patient but we undercut the Spirit's work in our lives.
Patience is not just a virtue, it's a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)—which means that demonstrations of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our fallen hearts rather than the sweetness of Jesus in our lives. Since God is a patient God, when we abandon patience we miss the opportunity to show our world the glory of God through our lives.
Bursts of impatience only demonstrate that we are more concerned with our own agendas than the needs and struggles of others. So let's all take a deep breath and turn our focus away from ourselves by patiently loving others instead of ourselves in the midst of stress.
Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others.
Galatians 5:22 "The fruit of the Spirit is...patience."
We've all heard the prayer: "Lord, make me more patient—and do it now!"
Why is it that patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam? Or we rush to the "10 items or less" line at the store, only to find someone in front of us with 16 items!
Being forced to wait ratchets up the stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we not only fail to be patient but we undercut the Spirit's work in our lives.
Patience is not just a virtue, it's a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)—which means that demonstrations of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our fallen hearts rather than the sweetness of Jesus in our lives. Since God is a patient God, when we abandon patience we miss the opportunity to show our world the glory of God through our lives.
Bursts of impatience only demonstrate that we are more concerned with our own agendas than the needs and struggles of others. So let's all take a deep breath and turn our focus away from ourselves by patiently loving others instead of ourselves in the midst of stress.
Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others.
A Low Profile
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
1 Peter 5:5 "God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble."
Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another" (1 Peter 5:5).
If recognized for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work. Paul exposed a kind of service that appears to be spiritual but is really just a put-on, a show, an act to get attention. He called it "eyeservice," serving in order to impress people with how spiritual we are (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22).
This was a sin of the Pharisees. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into a performance for others. Jesus hated this attitude and warned, "When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix. Real servants don't serve for the approval or applause of others. They live for an audience of One. As Paul said, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).
You won't find many real servants in the limelight; in fact, they avoid it whenever possible. They are content with quietly serving in the shadows.
Joseph is a great example. He didn't draw attention to himself, but quietly served Potiphar, then his jailer, then Pharaoh's baker and wine taster, and God blessed that attitude. When Pharaoh promoted him to prominence, Joseph still maintained a servant's heart, even with his brothers, who had betrayed him.
Unfortunately, many leaders today start off as servants but end up as celebrities. They become addicted to attention, unaware that always being in the spotlight blinds you.
You may be serving in obscurity in some small place, feeling unknown and unappreciated. Listen: God put you where you are for a purpose! He has every hair on your head numbered, and he knows your address.
1 Peter 5:5 "God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble."
Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another" (1 Peter 5:5).
If recognized for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work. Paul exposed a kind of service that appears to be spiritual but is really just a put-on, a show, an act to get attention. He called it "eyeservice," serving in order to impress people with how spiritual we are (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22).
This was a sin of the Pharisees. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into a performance for others. Jesus hated this attitude and warned, "When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix. Real servants don't serve for the approval or applause of others. They live for an audience of One. As Paul said, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).
You won't find many real servants in the limelight; in fact, they avoid it whenever possible. They are content with quietly serving in the shadows.
Joseph is a great example. He didn't draw attention to himself, but quietly served Potiphar, then his jailer, then Pharaoh's baker and wine taster, and God blessed that attitude. When Pharaoh promoted him to prominence, Joseph still maintained a servant's heart, even with his brothers, who had betrayed him.
Unfortunately, many leaders today start off as servants but end up as celebrities. They become addicted to attention, unaware that always being in the spotlight blinds you.
You may be serving in obscurity in some small place, feeling unknown and unappreciated. Listen: God put you where you are for a purpose! He has every hair on your head numbered, and he knows your address.
Trust The Pilot
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Hebrews 10:38 "The just shall live by faith."
Walking by faith is not easy. When you make up your mind to trust God the odds are usually stacked against you. Remember Noah? When he built the ark there had never been rain! And the outcome isn't always what you expect.
Walking by faith doesn't mean your problems suddenly evaporate. Sometimes faith doesn't change your circumstances, it changes you by giving you the tenacity to hang in there when the cheque doesn't come in the mail, the doctor says, "It's malignant," your spouse asks for a divorce, the children are running riot, or the place you've worked in for 30 years closes its doors. Faith gives you the fortitude to endure these things, confident that God is working on your behalf. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for" (Hebrews 11:1-2).
When the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" it doesn't mean little sporadic bursts. No, it's talking about a lifestyle! Anybody can go the first few rounds in the ring; it's when you're knocked down in the ninth that you need the faith to get back up and keep fighting. When the plane you're flying on encounters turbulence you don't throw away your ticket or bail out, you sit still and trust the pilot.
Hebrews 10:38 "The just shall live by faith."
Walking by faith is not easy. When you make up your mind to trust God the odds are usually stacked against you. Remember Noah? When he built the ark there had never been rain! And the outcome isn't always what you expect.
Walking by faith doesn't mean your problems suddenly evaporate. Sometimes faith doesn't change your circumstances, it changes you by giving you the tenacity to hang in there when the cheque doesn't come in the mail, the doctor says, "It's malignant," your spouse asks for a divorce, the children are running riot, or the place you've worked in for 30 years closes its doors. Faith gives you the fortitude to endure these things, confident that God is working on your behalf. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for" (Hebrews 11:1-2).
When the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" it doesn't mean little sporadic bursts. No, it's talking about a lifestyle! Anybody can go the first few rounds in the ring; it's when you're knocked down in the ninth that you need the faith to get back up and keep fighting. When the plane you're flying on encounters turbulence you don't throw away your ticket or bail out, you sit still and trust the pilot.
Act With Courage
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
2 Chronicles 19:11 ".... Act with courage and the Lord will be with the good."
Paul writes, "Every detail works to your advantage… So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace" (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).
Note the words, "we're not giving up." Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way. And God's Word teaches us that we should expect nothing less.
H.G. Wells asked, "What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?" Why would he make such a comment? Because adversity is our friend, even though it doesn't feel that way. Each obstacle we overcome teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses. It shapes us, makes us wiser and more confident. The greatest people in history were those who faced the most difficult challenges with courage, and rose to the occasion.
That was certainly true of Winston Churchill. In his book American Scandal, Pat Williams writes about Churchill's last months. He says in 1964 President Eisenhower went to visit the former Prime Minister. Eisenhower sat by the bold-spirited leader's bed for a long period of time, neither speaking. After ten minutes, Churchill slowly raised his hand and painstakingly made the 'V' for victory sign which he had so often flashed to the British people during the war. Eisenhower, fighting back tears, pulled his chair back, stood up, saluted him and left the room. To his aide out in the hallway, Eisenhower said, "I just said goodbye to Winston, but you never say farewell to courage."
2 Chronicles 19:11 ".... Act with courage and the Lord will be with the good."
Paul writes, "Every detail works to your advantage… So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace" (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).
Note the words, "we're not giving up." Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way. And God's Word teaches us that we should expect nothing less.
H.G. Wells asked, "What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?" Why would he make such a comment? Because adversity is our friend, even though it doesn't feel that way. Each obstacle we overcome teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses. It shapes us, makes us wiser and more confident. The greatest people in history were those who faced the most difficult challenges with courage, and rose to the occasion.
That was certainly true of Winston Churchill. In his book American Scandal, Pat Williams writes about Churchill's last months. He says in 1964 President Eisenhower went to visit the former Prime Minister. Eisenhower sat by the bold-spirited leader's bed for a long period of time, neither speaking. After ten minutes, Churchill slowly raised his hand and painstakingly made the 'V' for victory sign which he had so often flashed to the British people during the war. Eisenhower, fighting back tears, pulled his chair back, stood up, saluted him and left the room. To his aide out in the hallway, Eisenhower said, "I just said goodbye to Winston, but you never say farewell to courage."
Are You Available?
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
2 Timothy 2:4 "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier"
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty.
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on. If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
2 Timothy 2:4 "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier"
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty.
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on. If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
The 100 Degree Attitude
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He whom you serve is the Lord."
When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee. After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early, worked late, and within six years became their top producer.
His clients loved him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot more than I don't have." Tim has the 100-degree attitude!
What's the 100-degree attitude? Motivational speaker Mack Anderson explains: "At 99 degrees celcius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great."
Here's some straight talk for slackers, those with no ambition, and those who see no purpose or value in this life: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Ephesians 6:7-8).
The Bible tells us to be "fervent in spirit". This word fervent means 'bubbling or boiling'. In other words, having the 100-degree attitude! By the way, when God promises to reward such an attitude, you don't have to wait until you get to Heaven to enjoy it.
Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He whom you serve is the Lord."
When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee. After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early, worked late, and within six years became their top producer.
His clients loved him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot more than I don't have." Tim has the 100-degree attitude!
What's the 100-degree attitude? Motivational speaker Mack Anderson explains: "At 99 degrees celcius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great."
Here's some straight talk for slackers, those with no ambition, and those who see no purpose or value in this life: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Ephesians 6:7-8).
The Bible tells us to be "fervent in spirit". This word fervent means 'bubbling or boiling'. In other words, having the 100-degree attitude! By the way, when God promises to reward such an attitude, you don't have to wait until you get to Heaven to enjoy it.
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