From: Powerpoint Ministries - Jack Graham
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
In times when you face challenges in your personal life or when your world seems to be falling apart, you still have plenty of reasons to be grateful as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why? Because God is good… and He’s good all the time. He is full of grace and mercy, and He cares about you. He knows where you are in life and what you’re going through.
Also, remember that God is in control. He is sovereign. He sees the big picture—the past, present, and future.
What’s even more exciting is that the God of the universe has a plan specifically for your life. And that plan is already in motion. He knows where you’re going and how to get you there.
This is why you and I should give thanks in every situation or challenge—no matter how daunting or intimidating it may seem.
Because God will use it ultimately for your good. You and I may not understand why we face certain trials in life, but God has a purpose and a plan that is in place for you. Through it all, He is equipping, preparing, and positioning you for His ultimate purpose.
One of my favorite verses, Romans 8:28, offers this hope: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
We are blessed because God loves us! We are blessed because God is still in control! We are blessed because God has called us to a unique purpose!
So no matter what you’re facing today, I want to encourage you to take a moment to consider your blessings.
Remember what God has brought you through and get excited about where He is taking you. When you do, you’ll be able to live with an attitude of gratitude no matter what your circumstances are!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Make The Commitment
The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Hebrews 4:7 "Today, if you should hear the voice of God, harden not your hearts."
You don't have to understand all the implications of your decision when you choose to follow Jesus. You simply need to respond to his invitation, to make a commitment to follow Christ.
Your commitments shape your life more than anything else. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you.
Tell me what you're committed to and I'll tell you what you'll be in ten years. We become whatever we're committed to.
It is at this very point of commitment that most people miss God's purpose for their lives. Many are afraid to commit to anything and just drift through life. Others make half-hearted (lukewarm) commitments to competing values, which lead to frustration and mediocrity. Others make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter.
Christlikeness comes from making Christlike commitments.
Hebrews 4:7 "Today, if you should hear the voice of God, harden not your hearts."
You don't have to understand all the implications of your decision when you choose to follow Jesus. You simply need to respond to his invitation, to make a commitment to follow Christ.
Your commitments shape your life more than anything else. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you.
Tell me what you're committed to and I'll tell you what you'll be in ten years. We become whatever we're committed to.
It is at this very point of commitment that most people miss God's purpose for their lives. Many are afraid to commit to anything and just drift through life. Others make half-hearted (lukewarm) commitments to competing values, which lead to frustration and mediocrity. Others make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter.
Christlikeness comes from making Christlike commitments.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Hunger For The Word Of God
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I found Your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart."
Job said, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). When God’s Word is as important to you as your physical food, then you’re going to start to grow in your Christian life.
I wonder if one day the dust on our Bibles is not going to testify against us. The following poetic lines sober my heart: “These hath God married and no man shall part, dust on the Bible and drought on the heart.”
Oh, that we would hunger for the Word of God!
Fast from one meal today. Sense just a touch of the hunger our hearts are to have for the Word of God, and remember to pray for those who need the pure milk of His Word!
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I found Your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart."
Job said, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). When God’s Word is as important to you as your physical food, then you’re going to start to grow in your Christian life.
I wonder if one day the dust on our Bibles is not going to testify against us. The following poetic lines sober my heart: “These hath God married and no man shall part, dust on the Bible and drought on the heart.”
Oh, that we would hunger for the Word of God!
Fast from one meal today. Sense just a touch of the hunger our hearts are to have for the Word of God, and remember to pray for those who need the pure milk of His Word!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Christian Unity
John 17:21 "I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me"
As many of you know, my passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. If this dream sounds too big or impossible that's OK. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...and we can start in Georgia!
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost. As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful.
Christian unity is the one thing the "enemy" fears most. Scripture is very clear: Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
It occurs to me that now, in this time of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
James put it rather clearly and bluntly in his letter: "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
God Bless
Bobby
As many of you know, my passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. If this dream sounds too big or impossible that's OK. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...and we can start in Georgia!
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost. As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful.
Christian unity is the one thing the "enemy" fears most. Scripture is very clear: Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
It occurs to me that now, in this time of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
James put it rather clearly and bluntly in his letter: "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
God Bless
Bobby
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Life Is A Series Of Choices
From: Jack Graham Ministries
Ephesians 5:8 "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
Every day, you and I choose whether or not to pray, we choose to read God’s Word or not, we choose how much energy we’ll devote to work, how we deal with coworkers, how we spend our money, how we will react to our spouse and our children, how we will deal with temptations. Every day is full of choices!
And these choices ultimately define who we are and what our future looks like. In fact, someone once said that character is the sum total of the choices we make in life.
So what about you? What do your choices say about you?
Are you making good choices? But more than that, what informs the choices you make? The world around you? Or the Word of God?
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s vital that you saturate your life with the living Word of God.
Because it will give you the strength you need for today and it will guide you as you make choices, choices that will ultimately determine the quality of your character and your life.
Ephesians 5:8 "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
Every day, you and I choose whether or not to pray, we choose to read God’s Word or not, we choose how much energy we’ll devote to work, how we deal with coworkers, how we spend our money, how we will react to our spouse and our children, how we will deal with temptations. Every day is full of choices!
And these choices ultimately define who we are and what our future looks like. In fact, someone once said that character is the sum total of the choices we make in life.
So what about you? What do your choices say about you?
Are you making good choices? But more than that, what informs the choices you make? The world around you? Or the Word of God?
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s vital that you saturate your life with the living Word of God.
Because it will give you the strength you need for today and it will guide you as you make choices, choices that will ultimately determine the quality of your character and your life.
Reason For Living
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus' coming."
Most everyone is interested in discovering his purpose for living - the reason for being born and the reason for existing.
Well, I have good news. God has put that desire within you, for as your Creator, He has a purpose and plan for your life. Your role is to discover it and use the gifts and the talents and opportunities that God has given you to make the most of your life. God's ultimate purpose is that everyone would have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. And everyone can - through faith.
Then there is more good news. God's word says, "I am confident...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus' coming."
What a promise! Once we put our life and trust in God, He then promises us He'll begin to reveal our life purpose to us. He'll also provide the power needed to see that we get it done. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to discover your reason for living and live it out.
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus' coming."
Most everyone is interested in discovering his purpose for living - the reason for being born and the reason for existing.
Well, I have good news. God has put that desire within you, for as your Creator, He has a purpose and plan for your life. Your role is to discover it and use the gifts and the talents and opportunities that God has given you to make the most of your life. God's ultimate purpose is that everyone would have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. And everyone can - through faith.
Then there is more good news. God's word says, "I am confident...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus' coming."
What a promise! Once we put our life and trust in God, He then promises us He'll begin to reveal our life purpose to us. He'll also provide the power needed to see that we get it done. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to discover your reason for living and live it out.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Continual Learning
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Luke 8:15 "The seed on good ground are those who hear the Word in a spirit of openness, retain it, and bear fruit through perseverance."
In their book, The Laws of Lifetime Growth, authors Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura explain, "Continual learning is essential for lifetime growth. You can have a great deal of experience and be no smarter for all the things you've done, seen, and heard. Experience alone is no guarantee of lifetime growth. But if you regularly transform your experiences into new lessons, you'll make each day of your life a source of growth.
The smartest people are those who can transform even the smallest events or situations into breakthroughs in thinking and action. Look at all of life as a school and every experience as a lesson, and your learning will always be greater than your experience."
In an old Peanuts cartoon, Charles Schulz shows Charlie Brown at the beach building a magnificent sandcastle. It's a work of art. As he stands back to admire it, suddenly it's destroyed by a big wave. In the last frame he says, "There must be a lesson here, but for the life of me I don't know what it is."
That's how many of us feel after a potentially valuable experience. We go through it but don't grow. We attend meetings designed to help us learn, then do nothing with what we've heard after closing our notebooks. Don't get excited about a learning event, get excited about learning! And you haven't really learned it until you've applied it.
Luke 8:15 "The seed on good ground are those who hear the Word in a spirit of openness, retain it, and bear fruit through perseverance."
In their book, The Laws of Lifetime Growth, authors Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura explain, "Continual learning is essential for lifetime growth. You can have a great deal of experience and be no smarter for all the things you've done, seen, and heard. Experience alone is no guarantee of lifetime growth. But if you regularly transform your experiences into new lessons, you'll make each day of your life a source of growth.
The smartest people are those who can transform even the smallest events or situations into breakthroughs in thinking and action. Look at all of life as a school and every experience as a lesson, and your learning will always be greater than your experience."
In an old Peanuts cartoon, Charles Schulz shows Charlie Brown at the beach building a magnificent sandcastle. It's a work of art. As he stands back to admire it, suddenly it's destroyed by a big wave. In the last frame he says, "There must be a lesson here, but for the life of me I don't know what it is."
That's how many of us feel after a potentially valuable experience. We go through it but don't grow. We attend meetings designed to help us learn, then do nothing with what we've heard after closing our notebooks. Don't get excited about a learning event, get excited about learning! And you haven't really learned it until you've applied it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Right Reason
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
During His earthly ministry, Jesus faced the problem of people who would follow Him for the wrong reasons. He was constantly challenging them to count the cost and to make sure that their motives were right.
He wants us all to follow Him, but He wants us to do it for the right reasons. To truly come to know God, I must come on His terms and not my own. I must do it His way and not mine.
It is not for me to pick and choose the commandments in the Bible that personally appeal to me or the attributes that I personally find interesting or appealing. It is for me to live life God's way or not to follow Him at all.
It is clear that there are many today who do not follow Him for the right reasons. Jesus taught that there would be those on judgment day who thought they were believers but really were not. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
If you are primarily interested in what is cool or what is hip or what is socially acceptable, I need to tell you right now that following Jesus Christ probably won't work into your plans. But if you are interested in what is right and what is the best way to spend your life, and if you are interested in the hope of heaven and a life with meaning, then there are no other options to choose from.
Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
During His earthly ministry, Jesus faced the problem of people who would follow Him for the wrong reasons. He was constantly challenging them to count the cost and to make sure that their motives were right.
He wants us all to follow Him, but He wants us to do it for the right reasons. To truly come to know God, I must come on His terms and not my own. I must do it His way and not mine.
It is not for me to pick and choose the commandments in the Bible that personally appeal to me or the attributes that I personally find interesting or appealing. It is for me to live life God's way or not to follow Him at all.
It is clear that there are many today who do not follow Him for the right reasons. Jesus taught that there would be those on judgment day who thought they were believers but really were not. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
If you are primarily interested in what is cool or what is hip or what is socially acceptable, I need to tell you right now that following Jesus Christ probably won't work into your plans. But if you are interested in what is right and what is the best way to spend your life, and if you are interested in the hope of heaven and a life with meaning, then there are no other options to choose from.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Things Of Eternal Value
From: Power Point Ministries - Jack Graham
Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”
In the current financial crisis, almost everyone has been impacted in some way.
Some have seen their portfolios plummet in value. Some have seen their retirement funds dramatically decrease. And some, in fact many, have lost their jobs.
In times like these, it’s easy to see why putting our faith in financial security or a career is so dangerous—and why God warns us against it. Because neither can buy real joy or true contentment… and both can be gone in an instant!
That’s why it’s so important that you and I… as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ… invest in things of eternal value. Things that moths and rust can’t destroy and things that thieves can’t break in and steal.
One of those things is investing in the lives of others. What might that look like in your life?
Maybe it means serving your spouse or parent in some unexpected way today. Or maybe it means getting down on the floor and playing with your children, giving them your undivided attention. It could mean finally befriending that neighbor across the street.
Whatever it looks like in your life, investing in the lives of others is a conscious choice you make every day. So the question is will you invest yourself in the life of someone else today?
IT’S VITAL THAT YOU INVEST IN THINGS OF ETERNAL VALUE.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”
In the current financial crisis, almost everyone has been impacted in some way.
Some have seen their portfolios plummet in value. Some have seen their retirement funds dramatically decrease. And some, in fact many, have lost their jobs.
In times like these, it’s easy to see why putting our faith in financial security or a career is so dangerous—and why God warns us against it. Because neither can buy real joy or true contentment… and both can be gone in an instant!
That’s why it’s so important that you and I… as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ… invest in things of eternal value. Things that moths and rust can’t destroy and things that thieves can’t break in and steal.
One of those things is investing in the lives of others. What might that look like in your life?
Maybe it means serving your spouse or parent in some unexpected way today. Or maybe it means getting down on the floor and playing with your children, giving them your undivided attention. It could mean finally befriending that neighbor across the street.
Whatever it looks like in your life, investing in the lives of others is a conscious choice you make every day. So the question is will you invest yourself in the life of someone else today?
IT’S VITAL THAT YOU INVEST IN THINGS OF ETERNAL VALUE.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Feel His Presence
From: Power Point Ministries - Jack Graham
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
If these last few weeks and months have been a struggle for you… if you’ve come upon financial troubles… lost your job… or you’re looking at a future that’s pretty bleak… I have a word of hope for you today.
That word is this: God has not left you. He hasn’t let you go! Jesus did not come to earth to take away our pain, hardships and trials. He came so that we may feel His Presence in those tough times.
If you are a born-again believer, God is working in your life. It is a certainty. He has a plan for your life, and sometimes that plan involves hardships and trials. But every challenge helps prepare and position you for the purpose God has for your life.
Don’t believe me? Try this exercise. Think about the greatest struggles of your life so far. What have you learned from them? Are you wiser and stronger because of them? What good came out of each trial?
You see, the journey of your life is a plan in God’s hands. Trust Him with your life today… and with your future.
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
If these last few weeks and months have been a struggle for you… if you’ve come upon financial troubles… lost your job… or you’re looking at a future that’s pretty bleak… I have a word of hope for you today.
That word is this: God has not left you. He hasn’t let you go! Jesus did not come to earth to take away our pain, hardships and trials. He came so that we may feel His Presence in those tough times.
If you are a born-again believer, God is working in your life. It is a certainty. He has a plan for your life, and sometimes that plan involves hardships and trials. But every challenge helps prepare and position you for the purpose God has for your life.
Don’t believe me? Try this exercise. Think about the greatest struggles of your life so far. What have you learned from them? Are you wiser and stronger because of them? What good came out of each trial?
You see, the journey of your life is a plan in God’s hands. Trust Him with your life today… and with your future.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fulfilling Your Purpose
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Psalm 139:1-4 "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD"
Your purpose in life is chosen by God. It is not negotiable. It is like calling water wet-there is no changing that fact, and there's no changing God's purpose for your life. While you may not fulfill the purpose for which you were made, you still have a purpose that God intends for you to fulfill. This is your blueprint from God. In the same way that He had a specific purpose in mind for Jesus when He sent Him to the earth, He has a specific purpose in mind for your life.
This doesn't mean, however, that there is one highly specific niche for you to fill and that if you miss it, too bad. It is my belief that you can achieve your purpose in many different and creative ways. This should take the pressure off. You won't throw your entire life off course by choosing the wrong college, job or mate. God is much bigger than any miscalculation or disobedience on your part. "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me" (Psalm. 138:8). Isn't that comforting to know?
Defining your purpose will help you to determine the activities that you should be involved in. Like Jesus, you should not involve yourself in activities that contradict His purpose for your existence. Jesus’ purpose was to do the will of the Father and become the salvation for mankind.
Each of us must ask why we are involved in an activity. Is it a God-activity, or just a good activity? Remember, Jesus only did something if He saw the Father doing it, and He was able to see what His Father was doing because of His intimate relationship with Him.
Today, take steps to insure you are aligned with your purpose.
Psalm 139:1-4 "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD"
Your purpose in life is chosen by God. It is not negotiable. It is like calling water wet-there is no changing that fact, and there's no changing God's purpose for your life. While you may not fulfill the purpose for which you were made, you still have a purpose that God intends for you to fulfill. This is your blueprint from God. In the same way that He had a specific purpose in mind for Jesus when He sent Him to the earth, He has a specific purpose in mind for your life.
This doesn't mean, however, that there is one highly specific niche for you to fill and that if you miss it, too bad. It is my belief that you can achieve your purpose in many different and creative ways. This should take the pressure off. You won't throw your entire life off course by choosing the wrong college, job or mate. God is much bigger than any miscalculation or disobedience on your part. "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me" (Psalm. 138:8). Isn't that comforting to know?
Defining your purpose will help you to determine the activities that you should be involved in. Like Jesus, you should not involve yourself in activities that contradict His purpose for your existence. Jesus’ purpose was to do the will of the Father and become the salvation for mankind.
Each of us must ask why we are involved in an activity. Is it a God-activity, or just a good activity? Remember, Jesus only did something if He saw the Father doing it, and He was able to see what His Father was doing because of His intimate relationship with Him.
Today, take steps to insure you are aligned with your purpose.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Character
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Proverbs 20:7 "When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him!"
This world says, "If we could just arrange conditions so that we never had any sorrow, pain, or hurts, then we could change men. If we can change conditions, then we can change character."
But the Bible teaches just the opposite. The world puts the emphasis on condition. God puts the emphasis on character.
Someone has well said you can't purify the water by painting the pump. And yet that's what we try to do. We think that if we can change the exterior or make conditions such that we never have any hurts, then we're going to be okay. But Jesus put the emphasis upon character — on what you are, not what you have.
Is there someone in your life that you admire? Someone who is a person of integrity? Praise God for His work in that person's life and give him or her a word of encouragement today.
Proverbs 20:7 "When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him!"
This world says, "If we could just arrange conditions so that we never had any sorrow, pain, or hurts, then we could change men. If we can change conditions, then we can change character."
But the Bible teaches just the opposite. The world puts the emphasis on condition. God puts the emphasis on character.
Someone has well said you can't purify the water by painting the pump. And yet that's what we try to do. We think that if we can change the exterior or make conditions such that we never have any hurts, then we're going to be okay. But Jesus put the emphasis upon character — on what you are, not what you have.
Is there someone in your life that you admire? Someone who is a person of integrity? Praise God for His work in that person's life and give him or her a word of encouragement today.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Don't Be Anxious About Tomorrow
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."
No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next year, let alone the next few days or weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.
The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Set goals according to God's direction. It's foolish to make 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 in 2009?"
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! 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. Do it now! "Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, for you don't know what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). 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 "one of these days" is usually "none of these days."
What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it?
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."
No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next year, let alone the next few days or weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.
The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Set goals according to God's direction. It's foolish to make 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 in 2009?"
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! 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. Do it now! "Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, for you don't know what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). 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 "one of these days" is usually "none of these days."
What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Don't Let Your Fire Grow Dim
From: In Touch Ministries
Hebrews 3:12 "Take care, my brothers, lest any of you have an evil and unfaithful spirit and fall away from the living God."
Do you feel yourself growing cold toward the Lord?
Spiritual “cooling” can happen to any Christian. Oftentimes, it starts when tragedy or disappointment diverts one’s attention. Instead of crying out to the Lord and finding shelter in Him, the believer slowly ceases reading the Bible. The Word of God is like wood in a fireplace: the flames can be kept alive only when there are logs to burn. As less time is spent in Scripture, other aspects of the relationship with God are affected: church attendance diminishes, giving becomes sporadic, and prayer—which seems increasingly stale—is used only for emergencies.
No longer willing to stand up for what he once deemed important, the Christian soon starts to compromise. He may feel plagued by guilt and become defensive about the way he is living. Finally, the joy, contentment, and peace from God are replaced by worry, doubt, and fear.
A believer who allows himself to drift will miss out on the joy and fulfillment of a rich relationship with the Lord. Think back. Is your excitement about the things of God stronger than ever before? Or has it diminished over time? If your fire needs stoking, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how.
Hebrews 3:12 "Take care, my brothers, lest any of you have an evil and unfaithful spirit and fall away from the living God."
Do you feel yourself growing cold toward the Lord?
Spiritual “cooling” can happen to any Christian. Oftentimes, it starts when tragedy or disappointment diverts one’s attention. Instead of crying out to the Lord and finding shelter in Him, the believer slowly ceases reading the Bible. The Word of God is like wood in a fireplace: the flames can be kept alive only when there are logs to burn. As less time is spent in Scripture, other aspects of the relationship with God are affected: church attendance diminishes, giving becomes sporadic, and prayer—which seems increasingly stale—is used only for emergencies.
No longer willing to stand up for what he once deemed important, the Christian soon starts to compromise. He may feel plagued by guilt and become defensive about the way he is living. Finally, the joy, contentment, and peace from God are replaced by worry, doubt, and fear.
A believer who allows himself to drift will miss out on the joy and fulfillment of a rich relationship with the Lord. Think back. Is your excitement about the things of God stronger than ever before? Or has it diminished over time? If your fire needs stoking, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how.
Filled With Faith And Doubt
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Matthew 17:20 “If you have faith as small as the mustard seed, nothing will be impossible to you.”
Is it possible to be filled with faith and doubt at the same time? Yes! You can have faith that God wants you to do something and still be scared to death. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is going ahead and doing what you’re called to do in spite of your fear.
You have to begin with the faith you already have: it may be just a little, but you start there. A beautiful example of this is the story of the man who brought his sick son to Jesus in Mark 9. Jesus looked at the man and said, “I can heal your son. If you will believe, I will heal him.” The father then makes a classic statement: “Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”
Have you ever felt like that? “Lord, I have some faith. But I also have some doubts.” This man was filled with faith and doubt, yet despite his honest doubts, he went ahead and asked Jesus for a miracle. And he got his miracle – Jesus healed his son.
Mustard seed faith moves mountains. No matter how weak or how frail you think your faith is, it’s enough to get you through what you’re facing because your “little faith” is in a big God.
Everybody has faith. You had faith this morning when you ate your cereal – faith that your spouse didn’t put poison in your granola!You had faith when you sat down in your computer chair – faith that it wouldn’t collapse.
God wants you start with the faith you have; and based on the example of the mustard seed, you don’t need a whole lot of faith to do great things for God. You just need a little.
So here’s a trustworthy equation:
Little Faith + Big God = Huge Results!
Matthew 17:20 “If you have faith as small as the mustard seed, nothing will be impossible to you.”
Is it possible to be filled with faith and doubt at the same time? Yes! You can have faith that God wants you to do something and still be scared to death. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is going ahead and doing what you’re called to do in spite of your fear.
You have to begin with the faith you already have: it may be just a little, but you start there. A beautiful example of this is the story of the man who brought his sick son to Jesus in Mark 9. Jesus looked at the man and said, “I can heal your son. If you will believe, I will heal him.” The father then makes a classic statement: “Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”
Have you ever felt like that? “Lord, I have some faith. But I also have some doubts.” This man was filled with faith and doubt, yet despite his honest doubts, he went ahead and asked Jesus for a miracle. And he got his miracle – Jesus healed his son.
Mustard seed faith moves mountains. No matter how weak or how frail you think your faith is, it’s enough to get you through what you’re facing because your “little faith” is in a big God.
Everybody has faith. You had faith this morning when you ate your cereal – faith that your spouse didn’t put poison in your granola!You had faith when you sat down in your computer chair – faith that it wouldn’t collapse.
God wants you start with the faith you have; and based on the example of the mustard seed, you don’t need a whole lot of faith to do great things for God. You just need a little.
So here’s a trustworthy equation:
Little Faith + Big God = Huge Results!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Looking Beyond Our Trials
From: In Touch Ministries
Romans 1:17 "For in the Gospel is revealed the justice of God which begins and ends with faith; as Scripture says, 'The just man shall live by faith.'"
In Scripture, we read that strong faith is essential for facing life’s uncertainties. It prompts us to look beyond our trials to the One who’s promised to guide and sustain us.
As trust in the Lord increases, obedience becomes a higher priority than pleasure or profit. Moses’ life illustrates this—he chose to forsake the advantage of Egyptian royalty in order to be identified with God’s people.
As devotion deepens, a second outcome is spiritual discernment—believers develop an ability to look beyond the external appearance to see things as God does. The attractiveness of sin will decrease, and its offer of satisfaction will be recognized as false. At the same time, eternal matters will become more valuable to us. Moses left his livelihood of 40 years to become God’s appointed leader. Pursuing the Lord’s plan became more important than anything else in his life.
Finally, a growing faith will not permit misunderstandings and criticisms to deter us from pursuing God’s plan. The Hebrew slaves didn’t make it easy for Moses to lead, but his beliefs enabled him to move forward.
The Hebrew leader’s faith became the defining quality of his life. The Lord wants the same to be true of you. By trusting God deeply, you, like Moses, will be able to meet each day’s challenges with courage and determination.
Romans 1:17 "For in the Gospel is revealed the justice of God which begins and ends with faith; as Scripture says, 'The just man shall live by faith.'"
In Scripture, we read that strong faith is essential for facing life’s uncertainties. It prompts us to look beyond our trials to the One who’s promised to guide and sustain us.
As trust in the Lord increases, obedience becomes a higher priority than pleasure or profit. Moses’ life illustrates this—he chose to forsake the advantage of Egyptian royalty in order to be identified with God’s people.
As devotion deepens, a second outcome is spiritual discernment—believers develop an ability to look beyond the external appearance to see things as God does. The attractiveness of sin will decrease, and its offer of satisfaction will be recognized as false. At the same time, eternal matters will become more valuable to us. Moses left his livelihood of 40 years to become God’s appointed leader. Pursuing the Lord’s plan became more important than anything else in his life.
Finally, a growing faith will not permit misunderstandings and criticisms to deter us from pursuing God’s plan. The Hebrew slaves didn’t make it easy for Moses to lead, but his beliefs enabled him to move forward.
The Hebrew leader’s faith became the defining quality of his life. The Lord wants the same to be true of you. By trusting God deeply, you, like Moses, will be able to meet each day’s challenges with courage and determination.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Intensive Care Waiting Room
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
We keep saying that relationships are more important to us than anything else, but our actions don't show it. We often shortchange our friends and loved ones for the sake of money or 'getting ahead'.
Relationships are like flowers; if you don't nurture and protect them, they die. That's why Paul writes: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit… look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philp 2:3-4). Sometimes it takes heartache and crisis to remind us how irreplaceable the people in our lives are.
One author writes: "I have spent long hours in the Intensive Care waiting room watching anguished people, listening to urgent questions: 'Will my husband make it? Will my child walk again? How do you live without your companion of 30 years?'"
The Intensive Care waiting room is different from any other place in the world. And the people who wait are different. They can't do enough for each other. No one is rude. The distinctions of race and class melt away. The garbage man loves his wife as much as the university professor loves his, and everyone understands this. Each person pulls for everyone else.
In the Intensive Care waiting room the world changes. Vanity and pretence vanish. The universe is focused on the doctor's next report. If only it will show improvement.
Everyone knows that loving someone else is what life is all about. Could we learn to love like that, if we realized that every day of life is like a day in the Intensive Care waiting room?"
1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
We keep saying that relationships are more important to us than anything else, but our actions don't show it. We often shortchange our friends and loved ones for the sake of money or 'getting ahead'.
Relationships are like flowers; if you don't nurture and protect them, they die. That's why Paul writes: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit… look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philp 2:3-4). Sometimes it takes heartache and crisis to remind us how irreplaceable the people in our lives are.
One author writes: "I have spent long hours in the Intensive Care waiting room watching anguished people, listening to urgent questions: 'Will my husband make it? Will my child walk again? How do you live without your companion of 30 years?'"
The Intensive Care waiting room is different from any other place in the world. And the people who wait are different. They can't do enough for each other. No one is rude. The distinctions of race and class melt away. The garbage man loves his wife as much as the university professor loves his, and everyone understands this. Each person pulls for everyone else.
In the Intensive Care waiting room the world changes. Vanity and pretence vanish. The universe is focused on the doctor's next report. If only it will show improvement.
Everyone knows that loving someone else is what life is all about. Could we learn to love like that, if we realized that every day of life is like a day in the Intensive Care waiting room?"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Just Remember Who Comes First
From: Oswald Chambers Ministries
Matthew 6:25 "I warn you, then: do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat or drink or use for clothing. Is not life more than food? Is not the body more valuable than clothes?"
A warning which needs to be reiterated is that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in, will choke all that God puts in. We are never free from the recurring tides of this encroachment.
If it does not come on the line of clothes and food, it will come on the line of money or lack of money; of friends or lack of friends; or on the line of difficult circumstances. It is one steady encroachment all the time, and unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the standard against it, these things will come in like a flood.
"Be careful about one thing only," says our Lord - "your relationship to Me." Common sense shouts loud and says - "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not.
Beware of allowing the thought that this statement is made by One Who does not understand our particular circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things so as to make them the one concern of our life. Whenever there is competition, be sure that you put your relationship to God first.
Matthew 6:25 "I warn you, then: do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat or drink or use for clothing. Is not life more than food? Is not the body more valuable than clothes?"
A warning which needs to be reiterated is that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in, will choke all that God puts in. We are never free from the recurring tides of this encroachment.
If it does not come on the line of clothes and food, it will come on the line of money or lack of money; of friends or lack of friends; or on the line of difficult circumstances. It is one steady encroachment all the time, and unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the standard against it, these things will come in like a flood.
"Be careful about one thing only," says our Lord - "your relationship to Me." Common sense shouts loud and says - "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not.
Beware of allowing the thought that this statement is made by One Who does not understand our particular circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things so as to make them the one concern of our life. Whenever there is competition, be sure that you put your relationship to God first.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
You Are The Light Of The World
From: The Upper Room Ministries
Ephesians 5:8 "Since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light."
Driving to work, I passed a small roadside pond filled with muddy water. Assorted litter surrounded it. What caught my eye, though, was the sun shining on the gorgeous pair of ducks floating in the middle of the pond. In the midst of garbage but surrounded by sunlight, these two beautiful creatures didn't seem at all perturbed.
If only we could be like those ducks! In a perfect world, there would be no garbage or trash; but sadly, our world is not perfect. Negativity, temptation, and downright ugliness are all around.
How can we reflect God's light in this imperfect world? By making God the center of our lives, we can resist temptations and concentrate on developing a spirit of grace, love, and goodness that radiates to everyone we meet. We will never achieve perfection, but by doing the best we can to live the way of Jesus Christ, we can be a shining example to others in an otherwise tarnished world.
Ephesians 5:8 "Since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light."
Driving to work, I passed a small roadside pond filled with muddy water. Assorted litter surrounded it. What caught my eye, though, was the sun shining on the gorgeous pair of ducks floating in the middle of the pond. In the midst of garbage but surrounded by sunlight, these two beautiful creatures didn't seem at all perturbed.
If only we could be like those ducks! In a perfect world, there would be no garbage or trash; but sadly, our world is not perfect. Negativity, temptation, and downright ugliness are all around.
How can we reflect God's light in this imperfect world? By making God the center of our lives, we can resist temptations and concentrate on developing a spirit of grace, love, and goodness that radiates to everyone we meet. We will never achieve perfection, but by doing the best we can to live the way of Jesus Christ, we can be a shining example to others in an otherwise tarnished world.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Depths Of Darkness
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
For God's Sake...And Yours, Be A Good Example
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Luke 17:1-2 "He said to His disciples.' Scandals will inevitably arise, but woe to him through whom they come. He would be better off thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck, than giving scandal to one of these little ones.'"
There was a man who had been out of work for a long time and decided to inquire at the local zoo. He told the zookeeper, "I would like a job. I will clean cages. I will do whatever you need."
The zookeeper said, "I'm sorry. We would love to hire you, but there just aren't any openings right now." Noticing how big and burly the man was, the zookeeper suddenly had an idea.
He said, "This is crazy, and you don't have to agree to it, but would you be willing to put on a costume and pretend to be a gorilla? Our gorilla died last week. He was our most popular exhibit. If you will be the gorilla, we will have a suit custom-made for you. We'll pay you really well."
Desperate for work, the man took the job. Feeling a little apprehensive on his first day, he put on the gorilla suit and climbed into the cage. He made a few gorilla moves and beat his chest a little. The people loved it.
The next day, he tried shaking the bars, screaming, and running around. The crowds started growing. By the third day, he was really enjoying his job and began swinging on the vines. But he swung too far, went over the wall, and landed in the middle of the lion's cage.
The lion turned and walked toward him rather quickly. The man knew that if he called for help, people would discover he wasn't really a gorilla. But if he kept quiet, he would be the lion's lunch. So he screamed, "Help!"
"Shut up, stupid!" the lion whispered back. "You'll get us both fired!"
There are a lot of people like this in the church today. They are putting on a show. They are pretending to be something they are really not.
You may be a good representative of Jesus Christ, or you may be a bad one. Either way, you are His representative.
Some people may never open the Bible and read John 3:16. They may never look to see what the Scriptures say to them. But they will watch you. They will take note of the way you live, the way you treat your family, how you do your job, and the way you function as a follower of Jesus Christ. And they will make their evaluation about God accordingly.
Luke 17:1-2 "He said to His disciples.' Scandals will inevitably arise, but woe to him through whom they come. He would be better off thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck, than giving scandal to one of these little ones.'"
There was a man who had been out of work for a long time and decided to inquire at the local zoo. He told the zookeeper, "I would like a job. I will clean cages. I will do whatever you need."
The zookeeper said, "I'm sorry. We would love to hire you, but there just aren't any openings right now." Noticing how big and burly the man was, the zookeeper suddenly had an idea.
He said, "This is crazy, and you don't have to agree to it, but would you be willing to put on a costume and pretend to be a gorilla? Our gorilla died last week. He was our most popular exhibit. If you will be the gorilla, we will have a suit custom-made for you. We'll pay you really well."
Desperate for work, the man took the job. Feeling a little apprehensive on his first day, he put on the gorilla suit and climbed into the cage. He made a few gorilla moves and beat his chest a little. The people loved it.
The next day, he tried shaking the bars, screaming, and running around. The crowds started growing. By the third day, he was really enjoying his job and began swinging on the vines. But he swung too far, went over the wall, and landed in the middle of the lion's cage.
The lion turned and walked toward him rather quickly. The man knew that if he called for help, people would discover he wasn't really a gorilla. But if he kept quiet, he would be the lion's lunch. So he screamed, "Help!"
"Shut up, stupid!" the lion whispered back. "You'll get us both fired!"
There are a lot of people like this in the church today. They are putting on a show. They are pretending to be something they are really not.
You may be a good representative of Jesus Christ, or you may be a bad one. Either way, you are His representative.
Some people may never open the Bible and read John 3:16. They may never look to see what the Scriptures say to them. But they will watch you. They will take note of the way you live, the way you treat your family, how you do your job, and the way you function as a follower of Jesus Christ. And they will make their evaluation about God accordingly.
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