From: PowerPoint Ministries - Jack Graham
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths."
As you think about your paths today… about God’s will for your life… remember that knowing the will of God is not so much a life map as it is a lifestyle. It’s not so much a road map as it is a relationship.
What this means is this: The will of God isn’t accomplished in your life by you figuring out a confusing formula or going through some kind of convoluted process. It’s found as you walk with God one day at a time, one step at a time, trusting Him in all your ways. That’s when His will will be made apparent in your life!
But it’s important to note that when you’re seeking the will of God for your life, you first have to concentrate on your character. Because God is more interested in who you are than in what you do.
So today, let me ask you, are there any character issues in your life about which you need to talk to God? Really think about that for a moment. What about the words you speak? The places you visit on the internet? The people you let influence you? What about the decisions you make at work?
It’s been said that our character is the sum total of the decisions we make. So if that’s the case, what do your decisions say about your character?
Commit your character to Him and look forward with anticipation to what He has in store for you!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Turn Your Thread Into A Rope
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Isaiah 40:31 "Those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength."
God usually doesn't tell us how He will answer our prayers, or even when. But He does promise those who wait on Him one thing - strength. The word "wait" in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts out as a thread, and every strand added just increases its strength. So each time you wait on the Lord you add another thread to the rope; you get a little stronger, a little more able to cope.
Do you feel like you're just hanging on by a thread today? Spend more time in God's presence and God's Word, and watch your thread turn into a rope. But waiting is not always passive, sometimes it's active, like waiting on a customer, seeing that his or her needs are met. In this case, waiting is not so much a position as it is a focus.
The Bible says, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You" (Isaiah 26:3). Whether it's sitting prayerfully in His presence or actively carrying out His will, you have God's assurance that your strength will be renewed.
Isaiah 40:31 "Those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength."
God usually doesn't tell us how He will answer our prayers, or even when. But He does promise those who wait on Him one thing - strength. The word "wait" in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts out as a thread, and every strand added just increases its strength. So each time you wait on the Lord you add another thread to the rope; you get a little stronger, a little more able to cope.
Do you feel like you're just hanging on by a thread today? Spend more time in God's presence and God's Word, and watch your thread turn into a rope. But waiting is not always passive, sometimes it's active, like waiting on a customer, seeing that his or her needs are met. In this case, waiting is not so much a position as it is a focus.
The Bible says, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You" (Isaiah 26:3). Whether it's sitting prayerfully in His presence or actively carrying out His will, you have God's assurance that your strength will be renewed.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Obama/Notre Dame...Pro-Life Initiatives
http://www.redenvelopeproject.org/
http://nrlc.org/press_releases_new/Release032309.html
Exodus 20:13 "You shall not kill", Deuteronomy 5:17 "You shall not kill."
God repeated Himself for emphasis!
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide.
There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law. Let's be very clear and unambiguous: You cannot be a true follower of Christ (child of God) if you support abortion. "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."(John 8:31).
This especially applies to President Obama, Vice-President Biden and Speaker Pelosi...1,2,3 in line as the most powerful people in the United States Government. These folks will have a higher accountability because of their position and authority. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." (Luke 12:48).
The Catholic Church is arguably the standard bearer for Pro-Life, the single most important issue facing mankind today (over 3300 babies were killed in the last 24 hours in the U.S.). Notre Dame is ostensibly the most recognizable Catholic school in the world. By honoring someone, and worse, giving them a platform to promote views that blatantly reject God's laws and undermine the Pro-Life efforts of the Catholic Church, is unconscionable.
This in no way judges or condemns any woman who has sadly given in to the "enemy" and ended the life of their child. Fortunately many women have repented, and now are on the front lines supporting the sanctity of life for our precious unborn.
Christians must be the most forgiving and we are. But we cannot endorse or give credibility to anyone engaging in, pursuing or supporting the intentional ending of an innocent, helpless human life (abortion). It is murder, a clear and gross violation of the 5th Commandment, (6th if you're Protestant). May God have mercy on the United States of America. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Bobby
http://nrlc.org/press_releases_new/Release032309.html
Exodus 20:13 "You shall not kill", Deuteronomy 5:17 "You shall not kill."
God repeated Himself for emphasis!
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide.
There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law. Let's be very clear and unambiguous: You cannot be a true follower of Christ (child of God) if you support abortion. "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."(John 8:31).
This especially applies to President Obama, Vice-President Biden and Speaker Pelosi...1,2,3 in line as the most powerful people in the United States Government. These folks will have a higher accountability because of their position and authority. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." (Luke 12:48).
The Catholic Church is arguably the standard bearer for Pro-Life, the single most important issue facing mankind today (over 3300 babies were killed in the last 24 hours in the U.S.). Notre Dame is ostensibly the most recognizable Catholic school in the world. By honoring someone, and worse, giving them a platform to promote views that blatantly reject God's laws and undermine the Pro-Life efforts of the Catholic Church, is unconscionable.
This in no way judges or condemns any woman who has sadly given in to the "enemy" and ended the life of their child. Fortunately many women have repented, and now are on the front lines supporting the sanctity of life for our precious unborn.
Christians must be the most forgiving and we are. But we cannot endorse or give credibility to anyone engaging in, pursuing or supporting the intentional ending of an innocent, helpless human life (abortion). It is murder, a clear and gross violation of the 5th Commandment, (6th if you're Protestant). May God have mercy on the United States of America. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Bobby
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Success
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
You’ve heard it said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” Is that success? Having your dreams come true? Getting all you want? Earning enough money so that you never have to work again?
May I tell you what success is? And I say this without equivocation. Success is the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. That’s what it is.
It’s not how much money you have. It’s not how famous you are. It’s not how healthy you are. It’s not how many friends you have or how many toys you have acquired. Success is nothing more, nothing less, than the progressive realization of the will of God for your life.
Do you want to know God’s will? Do you want your heart’s desire to come true? "May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly. May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you." (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
You’ve heard it said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” Is that success? Having your dreams come true? Getting all you want? Earning enough money so that you never have to work again?
May I tell you what success is? And I say this without equivocation. Success is the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. That’s what it is.
It’s not how much money you have. It’s not how famous you are. It’s not how healthy you are. It’s not how many friends you have or how many toys you have acquired. Success is nothing more, nothing less, than the progressive realization of the will of God for your life.
Do you want to know God’s will? Do you want your heart’s desire to come true? "May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly. May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you." (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Be Imitators Of Christ
From: The Upper Room Devotionals
Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.'"
My hands and fingernails were grubby from working in the garden with my two-year-old daughter, Victoria. When we came inside and washed our hands, I used a soft-bristled brush to get the grime out of my skin and from under my fingernails.
Watching me, Victoria picked up the brush and ran it across her hands as she had seen me do. Now, whenever she washes her hands at that sink, she uses the brush. She has no idea why; she just saw mom do it. As I thought of all the things she has done simply because she has seen me do them, I realized this is what God wants from us - that we be imitators of Christ.
In our complex world, it is easy to stray from the way of Christ, to give in to temptation, to rationalize wrong behavior. But faithful followers of Jesus Christ do not choose to be like Him only at certain times or in certain situations. Even though we do not understand everything He has told us to do, we can follow Christ with childlike trust.
Children believe, they trust, they imitate. Maybe this is why Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like
them.
Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.'"
My hands and fingernails were grubby from working in the garden with my two-year-old daughter, Victoria. When we came inside and washed our hands, I used a soft-bristled brush to get the grime out of my skin and from under my fingernails.
Watching me, Victoria picked up the brush and ran it across her hands as she had seen me do. Now, whenever she washes her hands at that sink, she uses the brush. She has no idea why; she just saw mom do it. As I thought of all the things she has done simply because she has seen me do them, I realized this is what God wants from us - that we be imitators of Christ.
In our complex world, it is easy to stray from the way of Christ, to give in to temptation, to rationalize wrong behavior. But faithful followers of Jesus Christ do not choose to be like Him only at certain times or in certain situations. Even though we do not understand everything He has told us to do, we can follow Christ with childlike trust.
Children believe, they trust, they imitate. Maybe this is why Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like
them.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It Has To Be Personal
From: The Upper Room Devotionals
John 15:5 "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
In my home while growing up, I was exposed to the Bible early and often. I memorized the names of the books of the Bible, learned to locate scripture references quickly, and memorized many scripture passages. In my 30s, I attended church regularly and taught Sunday school, using the knowledge I had gained as a child.
But as I entered the fifth decade of my life, my faith was nonexistent. Though I knew a lot about Christ and the Bible, I did not have a personal relationship with the living God.
God was gracious. A personal crisis brought me to a state of brokenness. In desperation and through the loving counsel of a pastor and other friends, I committed myself to a deeper relationship with Christ.
I will spend the remainder of my life learning what it means for me to let Christ be Lord. Now the Bible holds great value for me. I study it as a hungering pupil who wants to know more about the One I love and serve.
John 15:5 "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
In my home while growing up, I was exposed to the Bible early and often. I memorized the names of the books of the Bible, learned to locate scripture references quickly, and memorized many scripture passages. In my 30s, I attended church regularly and taught Sunday school, using the knowledge I had gained as a child.
But as I entered the fifth decade of my life, my faith was nonexistent. Though I knew a lot about Christ and the Bible, I did not have a personal relationship with the living God.
God was gracious. A personal crisis brought me to a state of brokenness. In desperation and through the loving counsel of a pastor and other friends, I committed myself to a deeper relationship with Christ.
I will spend the remainder of my life learning what it means for me to let Christ be Lord. Now the Bible holds great value for me. I study it as a hungering pupil who wants to know more about the One I love and serve.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Covering The Masterpiece
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
1 Corinthians 1:31 "Let him who would boast, boast in the Lord."
Legend has it that Michelangelo painted with a brush in one hand and a candle in the other to prevent his shadow from covering his masterpiece in progress.
That’s the kind of attitude we should adopt if we are serious about wanting to display the masterpiece of God’s glory on the canvas of our lives. Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves—our cars, our clothes, our careers, our position, our cleverness, our success. And when life is all about us, it’s hard for people to see Jesus in us. Jesus saved us to be reflections of His glory (Rom. 8:29), but when we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His presence in us.
When the believers in Corinth were feeling too full of themselves, Paul warned them “that no flesh should glory [boast] in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29), and reminded them of what Jeremiah said, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (Jer. 9:24).
Think of your life as a canvas on which a picture is being painted. What would you rather have people see: the masterpiece of the presence of Jesus or the shadow of your own profile? Don’t get in the way of a great painting in progress. Live to let others see Jesus in you. - Joe Stowell
1 Corinthians 1:31 "Let him who would boast, boast in the Lord."
Legend has it that Michelangelo painted with a brush in one hand and a candle in the other to prevent his shadow from covering his masterpiece in progress.
That’s the kind of attitude we should adopt if we are serious about wanting to display the masterpiece of God’s glory on the canvas of our lives. Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves—our cars, our clothes, our careers, our position, our cleverness, our success. And when life is all about us, it’s hard for people to see Jesus in us. Jesus saved us to be reflections of His glory (Rom. 8:29), but when we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His presence in us.
When the believers in Corinth were feeling too full of themselves, Paul warned them “that no flesh should glory [boast] in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29), and reminded them of what Jeremiah said, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (Jer. 9:24).
Think of your life as a canvas on which a picture is being painted. What would you rather have people see: the masterpiece of the presence of Jesus or the shadow of your own profile? Don’t get in the way of a great painting in progress. Live to let others see Jesus in you. - Joe Stowell
Sunday, March 22, 2009
How To Have Great Faith
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
Romans 10:17 "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
When people struggle with their faith in God, it's not because their faith-object is insufficient. It's because people have unreal expectations of God. They expect Him to operate a certain way or answer prayer a certain way--their way, not His--and when He doesn't comply they say, "Forget You, God." But God doesn't change; He's the perfect faith-object. Faith in God only fails when people hold a faulty understanding of Him.
If you want your faith in God to increase, you must increase your understanding of Him as the object of your faith. If you have little knowledge about God and His Word, you will have little faith. If you have great knowledge of God and His Word, you will have great faith.
Faith cannot be pumped up by coaxing yourself, "If only I can believe! If only I can believe!" Any attempt to push yourself beyond what you know about God and his ways is to move from faith to presumption. You choose to believe God according to what you already know to be true.
"Well," you may say, "that means there's a limit to our faith." Yes, there's a limit. But God isn't controlling it; you are. As the object of your faith, He is infinite. The only limit to your faith is your knowledge and understanding of God, which grows every time you read your Bible, memorize a new Scripture verse, participate in a Bible study, or meditate on a scriptural truth. Can you see the practical, tangible potential for your faith to grow as you endeavor to know God through His Word? It's boundless!
Romans 10:17 "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
When people struggle with their faith in God, it's not because their faith-object is insufficient. It's because people have unreal expectations of God. They expect Him to operate a certain way or answer prayer a certain way--their way, not His--and when He doesn't comply they say, "Forget You, God." But God doesn't change; He's the perfect faith-object. Faith in God only fails when people hold a faulty understanding of Him.
If you want your faith in God to increase, you must increase your understanding of Him as the object of your faith. If you have little knowledge about God and His Word, you will have little faith. If you have great knowledge of God and His Word, you will have great faith.
Faith cannot be pumped up by coaxing yourself, "If only I can believe! If only I can believe!" Any attempt to push yourself beyond what you know about God and his ways is to move from faith to presumption. You choose to believe God according to what you already know to be true.
"Well," you may say, "that means there's a limit to our faith." Yes, there's a limit. But God isn't controlling it; you are. As the object of your faith, He is infinite. The only limit to your faith is your knowledge and understanding of God, which grows every time you read your Bible, memorize a new Scripture verse, participate in a Bible study, or meditate on a scriptural truth. Can you see the practical, tangible potential for your faith to grow as you endeavor to know God through His Word? It's boundless!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Did We Get Too Busy?
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil."
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate relationship with Jesus. If they gain that connection, our power over them will be broken. So let them go to a church; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time.
"How can we do this?" shouted the angels. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life. Invent schemes to occupy their minds. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work for long hours and husbands to work six or seven days a week so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work.
Over stimulate their minds so they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to keep the TV, DVDs,CDs, PCs and iPods going constantly in their home. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Pound their minds twenty-four hours a day. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming week.
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, rushing here and there.
Has Satan been successful at his schemes? You be the judge. Satan's goal is to take our minds and hearts off Christ then steer us to the cares of the world. If we're too busy for God, then we're too busy.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil."
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate relationship with Jesus. If they gain that connection, our power over them will be broken. So let them go to a church; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time.
"How can we do this?" shouted the angels. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life. Invent schemes to occupy their minds. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work for long hours and husbands to work six or seven days a week so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work.
Over stimulate their minds so they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to keep the TV, DVDs,CDs, PCs and iPods going constantly in their home. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Pound their minds twenty-four hours a day. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming week.
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, rushing here and there.
Has Satan been successful at his schemes? You be the judge. Satan's goal is to take our minds and hearts off Christ then steer us to the cares of the world. If we're too busy for God, then we're too busy.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Love Your Neighbor
From: Power Point Ministries - Jack Graham
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
If being a servant to others is such a simple concept to grasp, why don’t more people actually do it?
The answer is because we’re too focused on ourselves and our own needs! And in a culture that celebrates self above all else, it’s easy to understand why this is.
The Scripture says that Jesus made himself nothing and took the form of a servant. And if Jesus who was God incarnate did this, so should we!
Think about the people with whom you live life. Think about your neighbors. Which of them could use your help? Who needs their yard mowed? Their trees pruned? Their leaves raked?
Think about work or school. Who needs help with their workload? Who needs a smile or word of encouragement given in the name of Christ? Think about your home life. How could you help your spouse out today? How could you serve your children?
It’s one thing to say you’re a Christian. It’s quite another thing to show that you’re a Christian.
Genuine love shown through humble service is a sure-fire way to turn people on to Jesus Christ. As he says in today’s verse, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
If being a servant to others is such a simple concept to grasp, why don’t more people actually do it?
The answer is because we’re too focused on ourselves and our own needs! And in a culture that celebrates self above all else, it’s easy to understand why this is.
The Scripture says that Jesus made himself nothing and took the form of a servant. And if Jesus who was God incarnate did this, so should we!
Think about the people with whom you live life. Think about your neighbors. Which of them could use your help? Who needs their yard mowed? Their trees pruned? Their leaves raked?
Think about work or school. Who needs help with their workload? Who needs a smile or word of encouragement given in the name of Christ? Think about your home life. How could you help your spouse out today? How could you serve your children?
It’s one thing to say you’re a Christian. It’s quite another thing to show that you’re a Christian.
Genuine love shown through humble service is a sure-fire way to turn people on to Jesus Christ. As he says in today’s verse, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Talk It Out, Think It Out, Walk It Out!
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
How can you make God's Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical, not a theoretical Word. It's intended for real-world application. "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock." (Matthew 7:24). The obedient builder's rock-solid foundation withstood the storm's violence.
Conversely, "Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them," Jesus says, is a fool, and the storms will erode his foundation. (Matthew 7:26). Now, Jesus didn't condemn this man for building an inadequate structure, or failing to hear, understand and believe His Words...but for failing to act on them. "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says… the man who looks intently into the perfect law… not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25).
If we think reading, knowing, and even believing God's Word fulfils our obligation to it, we're self-deceived. James didn't say, "he will be blessed in what he believes," but "he will be blessed in what he does!"
How can you get the maximum benefit out of God's Word? Receive it as a permanent Word, not a temporary Word. "Program your mind with the Scriptures." How do you do that?
(1) "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." (Colossians 3:16). Give it permanent residence, not just visitor status.
(2) "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8). To retain it permanently, talk it out, think it out, walk it out!
How can you make God's Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical, not a theoretical Word. It's intended for real-world application. "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock." (Matthew 7:24). The obedient builder's rock-solid foundation withstood the storm's violence.
Conversely, "Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them," Jesus says, is a fool, and the storms will erode his foundation. (Matthew 7:26). Now, Jesus didn't condemn this man for building an inadequate structure, or failing to hear, understand and believe His Words...but for failing to act on them. "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says… the man who looks intently into the perfect law… not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25).
If we think reading, knowing, and even believing God's Word fulfils our obligation to it, we're self-deceived. James didn't say, "he will be blessed in what he believes," but "he will be blessed in what he does!"
How can you get the maximum benefit out of God's Word? Receive it as a permanent Word, not a temporary Word. "Program your mind with the Scriptures." How do you do that?
(1) "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." (Colossians 3:16). Give it permanent residence, not just visitor status.
(2) "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8). To retain it permanently, talk it out, think it out, walk it out!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Trust God
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him"
How is your faith quotient? On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you rank yourself? Everyday, I marvel at the faith most of us exercise without even thinking about it.
We drive our cars 60-70 miles per hour with an oncoming car doing the same with only a white line and six to eight feet separating us. We place our faith that every car will not cross into our lane. We fly on airplanes that take us over oceans, trusting the pilots with our very lives. We ride on thrilling amusement rides that take us several stories into the air and travel fifty to seventy miles per hour down a winding slope. We trust the operators of that ride with our own mortality.
There is a great irony in the fact that we can place our faith in such things but cannot place our faith in the hands of our Creator. God got angry with one of his priests named Zechariah when he questioned his angelic messenger about his wife becoming pregnant with John the Baptist.
"Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.' The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time'" (Luke 1:8-20).
Zechariah was struck mute because of his unbelief for nine months until the birth of John the Baptist. What consequence have you suffered from a lack of faith? Jesus is always looking for faith on the earth. Is there an area in your life where you have not been able to trust God?
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him"
How is your faith quotient? On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you rank yourself? Everyday, I marvel at the faith most of us exercise without even thinking about it.
We drive our cars 60-70 miles per hour with an oncoming car doing the same with only a white line and six to eight feet separating us. We place our faith that every car will not cross into our lane. We fly on airplanes that take us over oceans, trusting the pilots with our very lives. We ride on thrilling amusement rides that take us several stories into the air and travel fifty to seventy miles per hour down a winding slope. We trust the operators of that ride with our own mortality.
There is a great irony in the fact that we can place our faith in such things but cannot place our faith in the hands of our Creator. God got angry with one of his priests named Zechariah when he questioned his angelic messenger about his wife becoming pregnant with John the Baptist.
"Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.' The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time'" (Luke 1:8-20).
Zechariah was struck mute because of his unbelief for nine months until the birth of John the Baptist. What consequence have you suffered from a lack of faith? Jesus is always looking for faith on the earth. Is there an area in your life where you have not been able to trust God?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
You Are Not Alone
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you.'"
You know the drill. Things are going well, no crisis, no conflicts to speak of, pretty much smooth sailing.
Then seemingly out of nowhere, a storm hits. Maybe it’s a crisis, or a hardship. Maybe it’s a personal tragedy.
So what do you do when a hurricane-force storm hits and water is filling your boat?
Answer: You take heart. Because you are not alone.
When Paul was at sea on his way to Rome and the mighty tempest hit him and the others on board, he was able to courageously encourage others. He told them, “But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me” (Acts 27:22-23).
How was Paul able to be so confident? He was conscious of the presence of God in the face of danger. He knew that God was there with him.
And God is with us in our storms as well. God will always give us what we need when we need it.
You remember that Paul had what he called his “thorn in the flesh,” which was presumably some kind of physical disability or illness. He asked the Lord three times to remove it.
God’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9), which is another way of saying, “I will be with you, Paul. Instead of a healing, I will personally be there in a special and sufficient way.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you.'"
You know the drill. Things are going well, no crisis, no conflicts to speak of, pretty much smooth sailing.
Then seemingly out of nowhere, a storm hits. Maybe it’s a crisis, or a hardship. Maybe it’s a personal tragedy.
So what do you do when a hurricane-force storm hits and water is filling your boat?
Answer: You take heart. Because you are not alone.
When Paul was at sea on his way to Rome and the mighty tempest hit him and the others on board, he was able to courageously encourage others. He told them, “But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me” (Acts 27:22-23).
How was Paul able to be so confident? He was conscious of the presence of God in the face of danger. He knew that God was there with him.
And God is with us in our storms as well. God will always give us what we need when we need it.
You remember that Paul had what he called his “thorn in the flesh,” which was presumably some kind of physical disability or illness. He asked the Lord three times to remove it.
God’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9), which is another way of saying, “I will be with you, Paul. Instead of a healing, I will personally be there in a special and sufficient way.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Start Your Day With God
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 5:3 "In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
We think everything rests on our shoulders, but it doesn't! It's God's world, not ours. At the beginning of each day God reminds us that He has His way, that He controls outcomes, and that He cares about every detail of our lives.
The way we get up in the morning sets the tone for our entire day, so try this: first thing tomorrow, get alone with God for a few minutes. Don't try to make it last an hour, just start with five minutes. Go over your plans for the day. If you have a calendar, look over it with Jesus. As you're going through it you'll have some concerns. Just hand them over to Him. Maybe you'll notice a meeting or a particular problem you're worried about. Ask Him for wisdom.
If He doesn't give you an immediate answer, realize that it's because He wants you to trust Him. He has something better in mind, something that you haven't thought of yet.
So many of us start our day anxious, hurried, fearful, or rushed. But we don't have to. We're going to start our day anyway; why not start it with Jesus? Do we have any better offers? We're going to have a first thought anyhow, a first word, so why not let it belong to God, before Whom all our anxieties flee? We can do this. We really can. We can start our day with God.
Psalm 5:3 "In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
We think everything rests on our shoulders, but it doesn't! It's God's world, not ours. At the beginning of each day God reminds us that He has His way, that He controls outcomes, and that He cares about every detail of our lives.
The way we get up in the morning sets the tone for our entire day, so try this: first thing tomorrow, get alone with God for a few minutes. Don't try to make it last an hour, just start with five minutes. Go over your plans for the day. If you have a calendar, look over it with Jesus. As you're going through it you'll have some concerns. Just hand them over to Him. Maybe you'll notice a meeting or a particular problem you're worried about. Ask Him for wisdom.
If He doesn't give you an immediate answer, realize that it's because He wants you to trust Him. He has something better in mind, something that you haven't thought of yet.
So many of us start our day anxious, hurried, fearful, or rushed. But we don't have to. We're going to start our day anyway; why not start it with Jesus? Do we have any better offers? We're going to have a first thought anyhow, a first word, so why not let it belong to God, before Whom all our anxieties flee? We can do this. We really can. We can start our day with God.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Listening Will Transform Your Relationships
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
James 1:19 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
One of the most common causes of frustration and friction in relationships is that we don't really listen to each other. Too often we talk at each other rather than with each other.
Fortunately, listening is a skill that can be developed.
The benefits of learning how to listen are enormous: fewer mistakes, better negotiating, greater wisdom, more friends, less arguments, and much more.
The Bible tells us to be “Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." If you master the first two skills, the third will be automatic.
Three things hinder our hearing:
Presumption: when we think we already know it all. "He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13).
Impatience: when we interrupt and jump to conclusions. "There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking" (Proverbs 29:20).
Pride: when we’re defensive and unteachable. "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice" (Proverbs 12:15). You can learn from anyone if you know the right questions to ask.
Let me suggest three hearing aids:
Listen with your eyes. Probably 80% of communication is non-verbal. Facial expressions and body language usually tell the real story. Look at people when you listen to them!
Listen with your heart. Be sympathetic. Tune in to the emotions behind the words.
Make time to listen to the people around you. In the business world, Tom Peters calls this "Managing By Walking Around," or MBWA. Imagine how your relationships could be transformed if you focused on carefully listening to those around you.
James 1:19 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
One of the most common causes of frustration and friction in relationships is that we don't really listen to each other. Too often we talk at each other rather than with each other.
Fortunately, listening is a skill that can be developed.
The benefits of learning how to listen are enormous: fewer mistakes, better negotiating, greater wisdom, more friends, less arguments, and much more.
The Bible tells us to be “Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." If you master the first two skills, the third will be automatic.
Three things hinder our hearing:
Presumption: when we think we already know it all. "He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13).
Impatience: when we interrupt and jump to conclusions. "There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking" (Proverbs 29:20).
Pride: when we’re defensive and unteachable. "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice" (Proverbs 12:15). You can learn from anyone if you know the right questions to ask.
Let me suggest three hearing aids:
Listen with your eyes. Probably 80% of communication is non-verbal. Facial expressions and body language usually tell the real story. Look at people when you listen to them!
Listen with your heart. Be sympathetic. Tune in to the emotions behind the words.
Make time to listen to the people around you. In the business world, Tom Peters calls this "Managing By Walking Around," or MBWA. Imagine how your relationships could be transformed if you focused on carefully listening to those around you.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Rest In God's Providence
From: Power Point Ministries - Jack Graham
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
No one escapes trials in life. When pursuing your God-given dreams, you are on a collision course with challenges and disappointments. But these don’t have to derail your destiny!
Here are a few things you and I need to remember when going through hard times.
Number one, remember God is in control. So don’t demand to understand all the challenges in life. Just trust in God’s plan.
Secondly, remain faithful no matter what the cost. Don’t give up and quit on your dream no matter what you face. Ask God to give you the strength to stay faithful to what He’s called you to do.
Third, reject bitterness. Refuse to allow disappointment to cause a root of bitterness to spring forth in your life. There’s nothing Satan would like more than to let unforgiveness to distract you from God’s plan for your life.
And finally, rest in the providence of God. Be assured that His invisible hand is working in you and in your life. Don’t try to push or manipulate God’s will for your life.
Wait for God’s timing, and in due season, you will get a better picture of why God allowed you to go through your trials and failures.
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
No one escapes trials in life. When pursuing your God-given dreams, you are on a collision course with challenges and disappointments. But these don’t have to derail your destiny!
Here are a few things you and I need to remember when going through hard times.
Number one, remember God is in control. So don’t demand to understand all the challenges in life. Just trust in God’s plan.
Secondly, remain faithful no matter what the cost. Don’t give up and quit on your dream no matter what you face. Ask God to give you the strength to stay faithful to what He’s called you to do.
Third, reject bitterness. Refuse to allow disappointment to cause a root of bitterness to spring forth in your life. There’s nothing Satan would like more than to let unforgiveness to distract you from God’s plan for your life.
And finally, rest in the providence of God. Be assured that His invisible hand is working in you and in your life. Don’t try to push or manipulate God’s will for your life.
Wait for God’s timing, and in due season, you will get a better picture of why God allowed you to go through your trials and failures.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Listen For Inner Promptings
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 27:19 "A man's heart reflects the man."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations – what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be. Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
Another word for heart is passion. There are certain subjects that you feel deeply passionate about and others that you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention, while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart; listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
Proverbs 27:19 "A man's heart reflects the man."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations – what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be. Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
Another word for heart is passion. There are certain subjects that you feel deeply passionate about and others that you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention, while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart; listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Be Humble, Be Gentle, Be Patient
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - David C. McCasland
Ephesians 1:17 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you."
A continuing struggle as we seek to follow Christ is trying to find our calling in life. While we often think in terms of occupation and location, perhaps a more important issue is one of character—the being that undergirds doing. “Lord, who do You want me to be?”
In Ephesians 4:1, Paul wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” He followed this with three “be’s,” as one translation renders it: be humble, be gentle, be patient, “bearing with one another in love” (v.2). Paul wrote this from prison, a difficult place where he continued to live out his calling from God.
Oswald Chambers said: “Consecration is not the giving over of the calling in life to God, but the separation from all other callings and the giving over of ourselves to God, letting His providence place us where He will—in business, or law, or science; in workshop, in politics, or in drudgery. We are to be there working according to the laws and principles of the Kingdom of God.”
When we are the right people before God, we can do whatever task He sends, wherever He puts us. In so doing, we discover and affirm His calling for us.
It’s not what you do but who you are that’s most important.
Ephesians 1:17 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you."
A continuing struggle as we seek to follow Christ is trying to find our calling in life. While we often think in terms of occupation and location, perhaps a more important issue is one of character—the being that undergirds doing. “Lord, who do You want me to be?”
In Ephesians 4:1, Paul wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” He followed this with three “be’s,” as one translation renders it: be humble, be gentle, be patient, “bearing with one another in love” (v.2). Paul wrote this from prison, a difficult place where he continued to live out his calling from God.
Oswald Chambers said: “Consecration is not the giving over of the calling in life to God, but the separation from all other callings and the giving over of ourselves to God, letting His providence place us where He will—in business, or law, or science; in workshop, in politics, or in drudgery. We are to be there working according to the laws and principles of the Kingdom of God.”
When we are the right people before God, we can do whatever task He sends, wherever He puts us. In so doing, we discover and affirm His calling for us.
It’s not what you do but who you are that’s most important.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Shaped To Serve
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 2:10 "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works."
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us is uniquely designed, or "shaped," to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how He wanted you to serve him, and then He shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve Him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, He planned every day of your life to support His shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless He intended to use them for His glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
Ephesians 2:10 "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works."
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us is uniquely designed, or "shaped," to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how He wanted you to serve him, and then He shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve Him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, He planned every day of your life to support His shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless He intended to use them for His glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
Monday, March 2, 2009
No Matter How Dark
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness."
Sometimes God doesn't tell us why because He wants us to know Who. In Psalm 23, David goes from talking about God, "The Lord is my Shepherd," to talking with Him, "You are with me." What happened in between? David learned that no matter how dark the way is, the Lord is there to guide us. He discovered that it's better to walk through the valley with God than stand on the mountaintop alone.
God doesn't always light the path in advance, but He promises, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." (Isaiah 43:2). When you feel like you're out of your depth or in over your head, claim the promise! Job had many unanswered questions, but when he began to understand the difference between reason and relationship, he told God, "I… heard about You before, but now I have seen You." (Job 42:5). When you can't find the reason, trust the relationship. God won't fail you.
Contrary to what you may think, darkness isn't always the work of the enemy. Sometimes it's one of God's best teaching tools.
Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness."
Sometimes God doesn't tell us why because He wants us to know Who. In Psalm 23, David goes from talking about God, "The Lord is my Shepherd," to talking with Him, "You are with me." What happened in between? David learned that no matter how dark the way is, the Lord is there to guide us. He discovered that it's better to walk through the valley with God than stand on the mountaintop alone.
God doesn't always light the path in advance, but He promises, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." (Isaiah 43:2). When you feel like you're out of your depth or in over your head, claim the promise! Job had many unanswered questions, but when he began to understand the difference between reason and relationship, he told God, "I… heard about You before, but now I have seen You." (Job 42:5). When you can't find the reason, trust the relationship. God won't fail you.
Contrary to what you may think, darkness isn't always the work of the enemy. Sometimes it's one of God's best teaching tools.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
When Trouble And Pain Pay A Visit
From: In Touch Ministries
2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong."
Paul was in prison when he wrote half of his letters. He was experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would the Lord allow one of His most faithful servants to endure such suffering? Why didn’t He step in and protect him?
At times God doesn’t rescue us from hard situations because He’s providing something better. We may feel as if He’s abandoning us, but in reality, He is protecting us—not by deliverance but through strengthening.
When trouble and pain pay a visit, we must view the circumstance from God’s perspective and ask ourselves these questions:
• Which is a greater demonstration of the Lord’s power—changing something around me or changing something within my heart?
• Which is the greater faith builder—seeing God’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
• Which reward is greater—immediate relief from discomfort or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
• Which answer to prayer is greater—that God has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace that nothing can steal, not even my circumstances?
Does God have to fix something for you to be happy? If He removes the situation, you may never learn that He is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, let Him change you, and you’ll discover His joy in whatever circumstance comes your way.
2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong."
Paul was in prison when he wrote half of his letters. He was experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would the Lord allow one of His most faithful servants to endure such suffering? Why didn’t He step in and protect him?
At times God doesn’t rescue us from hard situations because He’s providing something better. We may feel as if He’s abandoning us, but in reality, He is protecting us—not by deliverance but through strengthening.
When trouble and pain pay a visit, we must view the circumstance from God’s perspective and ask ourselves these questions:
• Which is a greater demonstration of the Lord’s power—changing something around me or changing something within my heart?
• Which is the greater faith builder—seeing God’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
• Which reward is greater—immediate relief from discomfort or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
• Which answer to prayer is greater—that God has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace that nothing can steal, not even my circumstances?
Does God have to fix something for you to be happy? If He removes the situation, you may never learn that He is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, let Him change you, and you’ll discover His joy in whatever circumstance comes your way.
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