From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
I'm sure you have seen movies where the bad guys chase the hero down the street and into an alley. He runs across empty barrels, through hanging laundry, over a stack of rubbish and comes to...a brick wall! Panicked, our hero turns to face the bad guys and you note that his back is (literally) against the wall. And while you watch this scene, you subconsciously recognize it as a metaphor for many fearful moments in your life.
So often in the journey of faith, God leads us to what seems like a dead end, and we can be overcome with a sense of doom. Our human tendency is to take our eyes off of God, look at the problem before us and feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. And when fear floods in, faith floods out! How can you handle these times that seem so hopeless? When your back is against the wall, choose faith over fear. Stand firm in the faith and put your trust in God.
Realize that these frightening moments are only a temporary dead end. God will lead us to the point where we can no longer help ourselves and must trust in God alone. Then God goes to work, and He is glorified in a way greater than ever before. We are called to choose faith over fear, and trust that in God's game plan, there are no permanent dead ends!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Prone To Wander
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Isaiah 53:6 "Like sheep we have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way."
King David stands as the prime example of someone who lost their way. We remember him rightfully as the man after God's own heart—but we also remember David as a murderer and an adulterer.
How could one who was known for his devotion to God fall so horribly? What were the steps that led to his demise?
David's steps to losing his direction were subtle—but very real. When David sat on his rooftop watching Bathsheba bathe on that fateful night, he was not walking with the Lord as he once had.
We read earlier in the psalms how David possessed this great devotion and passion for God. But at this particular point in his life, we don't read of him worshipping or singing love songs to God. David was spiritually idle.
When you stop progressing spiritually, you will soon be a train wreck waiting to happen. We must recognize that deep in our nature we all have a natural tendency to wander.
It is no coincidence that God compares us to wandering sheep. That is our natural tendency. And as an old hymn says, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." We are prone to wander.
If you make Jesus your first priority, everything else will fall into its proper balance. That passion is what keeps us engaged in our relationship with God.
Isaiah 53:6 "Like sheep we have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way."
King David stands as the prime example of someone who lost their way. We remember him rightfully as the man after God's own heart—but we also remember David as a murderer and an adulterer.
How could one who was known for his devotion to God fall so horribly? What were the steps that led to his demise?
David's steps to losing his direction were subtle—but very real. When David sat on his rooftop watching Bathsheba bathe on that fateful night, he was not walking with the Lord as he once had.
We read earlier in the psalms how David possessed this great devotion and passion for God. But at this particular point in his life, we don't read of him worshipping or singing love songs to God. David was spiritually idle.
When you stop progressing spiritually, you will soon be a train wreck waiting to happen. We must recognize that deep in our nature we all have a natural tendency to wander.
It is no coincidence that God compares us to wandering sheep. That is our natural tendency. And as an old hymn says, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." We are prone to wander.
If you make Jesus your first priority, everything else will fall into its proper balance. That passion is what keeps us engaged in our relationship with God.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Power Of Humility
From Every Day Light Ministries - Selwyn Hughes
Proverbs 18:12 "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
In 1 Peter 3:15 we read: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you ... But do this with gentleness and respect." Real Christian witness always has a gracious gentleness about it which is far more effective than the aggressive approach which tries to ram the Gospel down people's throats. As someone has put it: "To win some you must be winsome."
A final text we explore is James 3:13 -- "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." The real ornament of life which is precious in the sight of God is a meek and quiet spirit. Those who think they are not gifted by temperament to relate to people in this way need not despair. The Spirit who dwells in you will, if you allow Him, transform your temperament into the image of Christ.
Paul's spiritual progress may be measured by the fact that in 1 Corinthians 15:9, he says: "I am the least of the apostles," and writing later to the Ephesians 3:8, he says he is less than the least -- not now of the apostles -- but "of all God's people." Still later, when writing in his first letter to Timothy (1:15), he says that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- "of whom I am the worst." Oh, the wonder of humility. God said through Isaiah: "I dwell ... with him who has a contrite and humble spirit." (57:15), James said, "God resists the proud." -- He repels their advances. The haughty He knows only from afar: it is the humble whom the Almighty respects.
Proverbs 18:12 "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
In 1 Peter 3:15 we read: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you ... But do this with gentleness and respect." Real Christian witness always has a gracious gentleness about it which is far more effective than the aggressive approach which tries to ram the Gospel down people's throats. As someone has put it: "To win some you must be winsome."
A final text we explore is James 3:13 -- "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." The real ornament of life which is precious in the sight of God is a meek and quiet spirit. Those who think they are not gifted by temperament to relate to people in this way need not despair. The Spirit who dwells in you will, if you allow Him, transform your temperament into the image of Christ.
Paul's spiritual progress may be measured by the fact that in 1 Corinthians 15:9, he says: "I am the least of the apostles," and writing later to the Ephesians 3:8, he says he is less than the least -- not now of the apostles -- but "of all God's people." Still later, when writing in his first letter to Timothy (1:15), he says that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- "of whom I am the worst." Oh, the wonder of humility. God said through Isaiah: "I dwell ... with him who has a contrite and humble spirit." (57:15), James said, "God resists the proud." -- He repels their advances. The haughty He knows only from afar: it is the humble whom the Almighty respects.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Value Of A Smile
From: Anonymous
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech (and eye contact) be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you."
A smile costs nothing, but creates much good. It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it away. It happens in a flash but the memory of it can last forever. No one is so rich that he can get along without it. No one is too poor to feel rich when receiving it.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen...for it is something of no earthly good to anybody until it is given away willingly.
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech (and eye contact) be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you."
A smile costs nothing, but creates much good. It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it away. It happens in a flash but the memory of it can last forever. No one is so rich that he can get along without it. No one is too poor to feel rich when receiving it.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen...for it is something of no earthly good to anybody until it is given away willingly.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Don't Despair
From: In Touch Ministries
Acts 27:25 "So keep up your courage. I trust in God that it will all work out just as I have been told, though we still have to face shipwreck on some island."
Life doesn't always meet our expectations. Even when making plans according to God's lead, we may run into something that interrupts them. Frustration over the obstacle can lead to discouragement and loss of hope. Then, if the hindrance should persist, our spirits may plummet toward despair.
Circumstances which seem impossible to overcome are often the ones that trip us up. Think about Paul's voyage to Rome by sea. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked hard to save the ship. But since they couldn't control the weather, they gradually gave up all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20).
There are times when we can't change what has happened—whether it's a job loss, a loved one's death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness can overtake us.
Feeling abandoned by the Lord can throw believers off track. I remember a season of life when I felt all alone. My mind said God was with me, but my feelings said He wasn't. To counter those emotions, I pursued the Lord through Scripture, meditation and prayer.
In times of discouragement, you have a choice. Will you focus on your circumstances, or will you fix your gaze on our loving Father and trust Him?
Acts 27:25 "So keep up your courage. I trust in God that it will all work out just as I have been told, though we still have to face shipwreck on some island."
Life doesn't always meet our expectations. Even when making plans according to God's lead, we may run into something that interrupts them. Frustration over the obstacle can lead to discouragement and loss of hope. Then, if the hindrance should persist, our spirits may plummet toward despair.
Circumstances which seem impossible to overcome are often the ones that trip us up. Think about Paul's voyage to Rome by sea. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked hard to save the ship. But since they couldn't control the weather, they gradually gave up all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20).
There are times when we can't change what has happened—whether it's a job loss, a loved one's death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness can overtake us.
Feeling abandoned by the Lord can throw believers off track. I remember a season of life when I felt all alone. My mind said God was with me, but my feelings said He wasn't. To counter those emotions, I pursued the Lord through Scripture, meditation and prayer.
In times of discouragement, you have a choice. Will you focus on your circumstances, or will you fix your gaze on our loving Father and trust Him?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"Count It All Joy"...Are You Kidding?
From: Daily Disciples Ministries
James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
How often do we find joy in the midst of our trials? Can we realistically count it all joy today? Does this statement by James even make sense? Let us examine these verses more closely and see if we can better understand what James is saying. One of the main reasons for us to read and study the Bible is not just to learn meaning and content, but also to learn how to apply its principles to our lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us and opens our minds to understand what God is saying to us personally through His Word.
Difficulties with marriage, kids, finances, health and daily issues of life can seem overwhelming at times. But James says to "count it all joy" when these problems come. We can only begin to understand the meaning of this statement if we look at the results in our own lives. The issue is not if we will have them, it is how we will get through them. When we feel as though the battle is too much and the struggles are too intense, how do we respond?
God's goal in allowing us to experience various trials is to make us grow stronger, to learn patience, and to develop a deeper faith in our walk with God. We can choose to "count it all joy" as we go through them because we have the assurance in God's word that the end result will benefit our faith.
How many times have you looked back after a trial has passed and recognized the benefits it produced in your life? So often, we get the point after the fact. We tend to acknowledge the blessings after the trial is over. "Oh, now I see what God was doing." But what James is saying is, do not wait until afterwards to receive the blessing, instead, find the joy in the midst of the trials. Trials and testing can produce patience. There is not much we can do about avoiding such things in life; however, we can decide how to get through them.
If you find yourself in trials today, ask the Lord to help you find joy through His Holy Spirit so that you will come through the testing with an increased patience, strength and faith.
James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
How often do we find joy in the midst of our trials? Can we realistically count it all joy today? Does this statement by James even make sense? Let us examine these verses more closely and see if we can better understand what James is saying. One of the main reasons for us to read and study the Bible is not just to learn meaning and content, but also to learn how to apply its principles to our lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us and opens our minds to understand what God is saying to us personally through His Word.
Difficulties with marriage, kids, finances, health and daily issues of life can seem overwhelming at times. But James says to "count it all joy" when these problems come. We can only begin to understand the meaning of this statement if we look at the results in our own lives. The issue is not if we will have them, it is how we will get through them. When we feel as though the battle is too much and the struggles are too intense, how do we respond?
God's goal in allowing us to experience various trials is to make us grow stronger, to learn patience, and to develop a deeper faith in our walk with God. We can choose to "count it all joy" as we go through them because we have the assurance in God's word that the end result will benefit our faith.
How many times have you looked back after a trial has passed and recognized the benefits it produced in your life? So often, we get the point after the fact. We tend to acknowledge the blessings after the trial is over. "Oh, now I see what God was doing." But what James is saying is, do not wait until afterwards to receive the blessing, instead, find the joy in the midst of the trials. Trials and testing can produce patience. There is not much we can do about avoiding such things in life; however, we can decide how to get through them.
If you find yourself in trials today, ask the Lord to help you find joy through His Holy Spirit so that you will come through the testing with an increased patience, strength and faith.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wake -Up Calls
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides."
Whenever I travel over the ocean, I am always reminded of the seemingly insignificant time we have on this earth. I often imagine dropping a glass of water out the window of the jet into the huge body of water below. The Lord then reminds me that this is how my life is compared to eternity-a mere drop in the ocean.
Yet, every day millions of people will go to work seeking to gain that elusive thing called success. The rewards of this life continue to provide the incentive for 60-hour weeks or the extra weekend away from the family. Sometimes we get entrenched in the message of the world. This message is an appealing, seductive call to sell out eternity for the temporal.
As a Christian businessman, I fell for this for many years until the Lord allowed me to wake up. It took some severe wake-up calls, but they did their job. I'm so grateful the Lord cares enough to give us these wake-up calls. He knows what real life is about. We think we know what it is, only to learn once again that real life is only in what is built on eternity.
Are you building around a world whose reward is in this lifetime, or an eternal one? Do those with whom you associate live in such a way that they demonstrate their reward is not concerning this life? Jesus said to seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added. Amen.
"Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you get neither." C.S. Lewis
Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides."
Whenever I travel over the ocean, I am always reminded of the seemingly insignificant time we have on this earth. I often imagine dropping a glass of water out the window of the jet into the huge body of water below. The Lord then reminds me that this is how my life is compared to eternity-a mere drop in the ocean.
Yet, every day millions of people will go to work seeking to gain that elusive thing called success. The rewards of this life continue to provide the incentive for 60-hour weeks or the extra weekend away from the family. Sometimes we get entrenched in the message of the world. This message is an appealing, seductive call to sell out eternity for the temporal.
As a Christian businessman, I fell for this for many years until the Lord allowed me to wake up. It took some severe wake-up calls, but they did their job. I'm so grateful the Lord cares enough to give us these wake-up calls. He knows what real life is about. We think we know what it is, only to learn once again that real life is only in what is built on eternity.
Are you building around a world whose reward is in this lifetime, or an eternal one? Do those with whom you associate live in such a way that they demonstrate their reward is not concerning this life? Jesus said to seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added. Amen.
"Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you get neither." C.S. Lewis
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