From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham
Jeremiah 29:13 "When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot."
What an amazing God we have. God's plan for us is to know Him better and better, progressively throughout our lives! He is a God who can be known and loved, and who loves us back! And the better you know and understand Him, the more He transforms you into His image.
God could never be satisfied having a shallow relationship with you. God hasn't called us to a distant or casual relationship with him. He seeks a deep, intimate relationship where you steadily recognize and understand more and more about who He is.
Do you want to know God this way? You can! This was not just God's purpose for Paul. This is God's purpose for your life, too. You can know Him better each day. Pursue Him with a passion and He will make Himself known to you.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Begin With A Friendship
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 5:17 "Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord."
It’s wise to figure out why you were put on earth. It’s unwise to go through life without a clue. Fortunately, God doesn’t play games with us. He wants us to understand His will for our lives. When we look toward the wrong things, we create barriers to discovering God’s will.
Here’s the key: God’s will for your life begins with a friendship. God is far more interested in having you establish a relationship with Him than He is interested in having you follow a set of rules.
First and foremost, God wants you to get to know Him, like He already knows you. Once this relationship is established everything else—career, family, goals, recreation, ambitions, finances, health and friendships—will begin to fall into their proper place.
Regardless of the circumstances of your birth, you are not an accident. God does have a plan for you life and He wants you to not only know it, but to succeed at it!
Ephesians 5:17 "Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord."
It’s wise to figure out why you were put on earth. It’s unwise to go through life without a clue. Fortunately, God doesn’t play games with us. He wants us to understand His will for our lives. When we look toward the wrong things, we create barriers to discovering God’s will.
Here’s the key: God’s will for your life begins with a friendship. God is far more interested in having you establish a relationship with Him than He is interested in having you follow a set of rules.
First and foremost, God wants you to get to know Him, like He already knows you. Once this relationship is established everything else—career, family, goals, recreation, ambitions, finances, health and friendships—will begin to fall into their proper place.
Regardless of the circumstances of your birth, you are not an accident. God does have a plan for you life and He wants you to not only know it, but to succeed at it!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Lip Service
From: In Touch Ministries
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord, Jesus."
The Lord calls us to share His truth with others, but oftentimes our actions and attitude completely contradict the words that are coming out of our mouths. This is an area in which we all seem to struggle from time to time.
Every day, every one of us communicates something to someone. We send messages by what we say and by what we don’t say, by what we do and by what we don’t do. The apostle Paul understood what powerful lessons we teach by our actions. For this reason, he made sure he modeled the right behavior and values for his spiritual children to emulate.
It is not an issue of whether or not we will communicate a message. Rather, the issue is, What kind of message are you already communicating? Search yourself for any disparity between what you say and what you do, and choose to share a complete, unified message of hope with the world.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord, Jesus."
The Lord calls us to share His truth with others, but oftentimes our actions and attitude completely contradict the words that are coming out of our mouths. This is an area in which we all seem to struggle from time to time.
Every day, every one of us communicates something to someone. We send messages by what we say and by what we don’t say, by what we do and by what we don’t do. The apostle Paul understood what powerful lessons we teach by our actions. For this reason, he made sure he modeled the right behavior and values for his spiritual children to emulate.
It is not an issue of whether or not we will communicate a message. Rather, the issue is, What kind of message are you already communicating? Search yourself for any disparity between what you say and what you do, and choose to share a complete, unified message of hope with the world.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dream Big Dreams
From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn
Ephesians 3:20 "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."
It takes courage to dream big dreams. You will discover that courage when you do three things: accept the past, trust God to handle the future, and make the most of the time He has given you today.
Are you excited about the opportunities of today and thrilled by the possibilities of tomorrow? Do you confidently expect God to lead you to a place of abundance, peace, and joy? And, when your days on earth are over, do you expect to receive the priceless gift of eternal life? If you trust God's promises, and if you have welcomed God's Son into your heart, then you should believe that your future is intensely and eternally bright.
No dreams are too big for God—not even yours. So start living—and dreaming—accordingly.
Ephesians 3:20 "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."
It takes courage to dream big dreams. You will discover that courage when you do three things: accept the past, trust God to handle the future, and make the most of the time He has given you today.
Are you excited about the opportunities of today and thrilled by the possibilities of tomorrow? Do you confidently expect God to lead you to a place of abundance, peace, and joy? And, when your days on earth are over, do you expect to receive the priceless gift of eternal life? If you trust God's promises, and if you have welcomed God's Son into your heart, then you should believe that your future is intensely and eternally bright.
No dreams are too big for God—not even yours. So start living—and dreaming—accordingly.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
My Grace Is Sufficient
From: Paul Wallace Ministries
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Sometimes God does not deliver us from our suffering but gives us the grace to endure it. That can be a more powerful testimony of God at work in us than if we were to be healed. You probably know someone that lives with hardship and yet does so graciously, even helping others in the process. That says more about the power of God in their life than if they were to be healed.
Some insist that all people are to be healed. This case of Paul shows us that is not always true.
Paul had to have such power from God for his ministry that only an affliction could keep him from pride. Paul's response to his situation was to boast about the weakness so that the power could rest on him. He would prefer to have the power of God in his life and be weak than to be in full health and not be used as mightily by God. Which would your prefer?
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Sometimes God does not deliver us from our suffering but gives us the grace to endure it. That can be a more powerful testimony of God at work in us than if we were to be healed. You probably know someone that lives with hardship and yet does so graciously, even helping others in the process. That says more about the power of God in their life than if they were to be healed.
Some insist that all people are to be healed. This case of Paul shows us that is not always true.
Paul had to have such power from God for his ministry that only an affliction could keep him from pride. Paul's response to his situation was to boast about the weakness so that the power could rest on him. He would prefer to have the power of God in his life and be weak than to be in full health and not be used as mightily by God. Which would your prefer?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"I Call You Friends"
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Revelation 3:20 "Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me."
I am constantly amazed that the Creator of the universe wants to have an intimate relationship with us. While we are frantically searching for that certain something to make us happy, God is standing there the entire time saying "Here I am!"
The scripture in Revelation says that He is standing at our door and knocking. If only we would take the time to listen and invite Him in!
Jesus says, "I no longer speak of you as slaves, for a slave does not know what his master is about. Instead I call you friends" (John 15:15). Jesus, our Saviour, wants to be our friend. Wow!
Revelation 3:20 "Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me."
I am constantly amazed that the Creator of the universe wants to have an intimate relationship with us. While we are frantically searching for that certain something to make us happy, God is standing there the entire time saying "Here I am!"
The scripture in Revelation says that He is standing at our door and knocking. If only we would take the time to listen and invite Him in!
Jesus says, "I no longer speak of you as slaves, for a slave does not know what his master is about. Instead I call you friends" (John 15:15). Jesus, our Saviour, wants to be our friend. Wow!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
His Ultimate Purpose
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Psalm 23:6 "Surely your goodness . . . will pursue me all the days of my life."
Even in the middle of your hurts, habits, and hang-up, God is watching over you.
“Surely your goodness . . . will pursue me”: King David is not saying, ‘Surely only good things are going to happen to me!’ He knew as well as anyone that bad things happen to good people.
David’s point is only that God’s goodness will follow after or pursue him. No matter how bad, evil, or difficult something seems, God will work it out for good.
It’s one of God’s great promises that he’s given to believers: We know all that happens to us is working for our good—if we love God and are fitting into his plans (Romans 8:28). If you're a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good—not that all things are good—but working together for good.
There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in the life of a believer that God can’t ultimately turn toward his purpose.
Psalm 23:6 "Surely your goodness . . . will pursue me all the days of my life."
Even in the middle of your hurts, habits, and hang-up, God is watching over you.
“Surely your goodness . . . will pursue me”: King David is not saying, ‘Surely only good things are going to happen to me!’ He knew as well as anyone that bad things happen to good people.
David’s point is only that God’s goodness will follow after or pursue him. No matter how bad, evil, or difficult something seems, God will work it out for good.
It’s one of God’s great promises that he’s given to believers: We know all that happens to us is working for our good—if we love God and are fitting into his plans (Romans 8:28). If you're a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good—not that all things are good—but working together for good.
There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in the life of a believer that God can’t ultimately turn toward his purpose.
Monday, September 14, 2009
No Need To Fear The Future
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Psalms 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
What are the things you’re worried about? The economy? Your health? Your bills? Your kids? Are you worried about the future? The fact is there are lots of reasons to be afraid in today’s world, but God’s promise is that, even in your darkest valleys, he is walking beside you.
It’s interesting to note that there are 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one ‘fear not’ message for every day of the year! Don’t you think God is saying, “Get the message. Don't be afraid.” It's interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing He says is, "Don't be afraid!"
Why? Because our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true and Jesus is the proof of that.
When we understand God's grace and mercy, then we have no need to fear the future. God isn't trying to get even with you. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything you've ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross.
So when a bad thing happens, you don't have to think, “God's getting even with me.” Instead, remember, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
What are the things you’re worried about? The economy? Your health? Your bills? Your kids? Are you worried about the future? The fact is there are lots of reasons to be afraid in today’s world, but God’s promise is that, even in your darkest valleys, he is walking beside you.
It’s interesting to note that there are 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one ‘fear not’ message for every day of the year! Don’t you think God is saying, “Get the message. Don't be afraid.” It's interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing He says is, "Don't be afraid!"
Why? Because our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true and Jesus is the proof of that.
When we understand God's grace and mercy, then we have no need to fear the future. God isn't trying to get even with you. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything you've ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross.
So when a bad thing happens, you don't have to think, “God's getting even with me.” Instead, remember, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Courage For The Journey
From: New Life Daily Devotional - Steve Arterburn
Matthew 14:27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'"
A storm rose quickly on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had seen Jesus perform many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives, so they turned to their Savior, and He calmed the waters and the wind.
Sometimes, we, like the disciples, feel threatened by the inevitable storms of life. And when we are fearful, we, too, can turn to Christ for courage and for comfort.
The next time you're afraid, remember that the One who calmed the wind and the waves is also your personal Savior. And remember that the ultimate battle has already been won at Calvary. We, as believers, can live courageously in the promises of our Lord... and we should.
Down through the centuries, in times of trouble and trial, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble. Billy Graham
Matthew 14:27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'"
A storm rose quickly on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had seen Jesus perform many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives, so they turned to their Savior, and He calmed the waters and the wind.
Sometimes, we, like the disciples, feel threatened by the inevitable storms of life. And when we are fearful, we, too, can turn to Christ for courage and for comfort.
The next time you're afraid, remember that the One who calmed the wind and the waves is also your personal Savior. And remember that the ultimate battle has already been won at Calvary. We, as believers, can live courageously in the promises of our Lord... and we should.
Down through the centuries, in times of trouble and trial, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble. Billy Graham
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mental Reconditioning
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.”
The way we act is determined by the way we feel. The way we feel is determined by the way we think. If we want to change the way we act, we've got to change the way we think. If we want to change a habitual pattern of improper anger management—pouting, blowing up, criticizing, etc.—then we need to have some mental reconditioning.
I’d suggest reading the Bible often, so that as God’s Word fills your thoughts, you're transformed by the renewing of your mind. It's going to change you.
The truth is, angry people are insecure people. The more insecure I am, the more things tick me off. The more insecure I am, the more upset I get and the more irritable I am.
But here’s the thing: when you understand how much God loves you and you understand your security in Christ, when you understand how much you matter to God, then you are less likely to be irritable.
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.”
The way we act is determined by the way we feel. The way we feel is determined by the way we think. If we want to change the way we act, we've got to change the way we think. If we want to change a habitual pattern of improper anger management—pouting, blowing up, criticizing, etc.—then we need to have some mental reconditioning.
I’d suggest reading the Bible often, so that as God’s Word fills your thoughts, you're transformed by the renewing of your mind. It's going to change you.
The truth is, angry people are insecure people. The more insecure I am, the more things tick me off. The more insecure I am, the more upset I get and the more irritable I am.
But here’s the thing: when you understand how much God loves you and you understand your security in Christ, when you understand how much you matter to God, then you are less likely to be irritable.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Way We Respond Matters
From: In Touch Ministries
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you."
The Scriptures record many instances of conflict—between nations, among friends, and in families. Today we see the same types of problems. While fighting, people can say harsh and even unfair words. Their accusations create turmoil and emotional pain. What we believe will determine the way we respond to such difficulties.
Scripture proclaims God's sovereignty over nature (Ps. 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). Nothing in heaven or on earth is hidden from Him or outside of His control. How does this help us in a conflict?
First, our heavenly Father knows when people verbally attack us, and He has promised to protect us. Nothing can touch His children apart from His permissive will. Second, He has the power to work painful times into something beneficial (Rom. 8:28). We can have hope because His will cannot be thwarted, even in bad circumstances. Finally, we are His beloved children. He is a loving Father who understands what we're going through and remains by our side.
When we believe in the Lord's sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.
Conflict is inevitable in our fallen world. When the turmoil's source is our mistake, we are to apologize. But we are also called to forgive without exception. As Christ's ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you."
The Scriptures record many instances of conflict—between nations, among friends, and in families. Today we see the same types of problems. While fighting, people can say harsh and even unfair words. Their accusations create turmoil and emotional pain. What we believe will determine the way we respond to such difficulties.
Scripture proclaims God's sovereignty over nature (Ps. 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). Nothing in heaven or on earth is hidden from Him or outside of His control. How does this help us in a conflict?
First, our heavenly Father knows when people verbally attack us, and He has promised to protect us. Nothing can touch His children apart from His permissive will. Second, He has the power to work painful times into something beneficial (Rom. 8:28). We can have hope because His will cannot be thwarted, even in bad circumstances. Finally, we are His beloved children. He is a loving Father who understands what we're going through and remains by our side.
When we believe in the Lord's sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.
Conflict is inevitable in our fallen world. When the turmoil's source is our mistake, we are to apologize. But we are also called to forgive without exception. As Christ's ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Invisible Hand
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotional - Jack Graham
Ephesians 1:17-18 "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."
What is God calling you to do? From our perspective, life can sometimes seem like a random series of events, when what we are really witnessing is the invisible hand of God at work around us.
That same hand… the invisible, sovereign hand of God… is at work in your life. No matter what you're going through, God is working progressively and providentially in your life right now.
So today, ask Him to help you recognize where his hand is at work, and then choose to work with Him to fulfill His purpose for your life.
If you really desire to know what God wants for you, His purpose for your life ...get to know Him clearly!
Ephesians 1:17-18 "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."
What is God calling you to do? From our perspective, life can sometimes seem like a random series of events, when what we are really witnessing is the invisible hand of God at work around us.
That same hand… the invisible, sovereign hand of God… is at work in your life. No matter what you're going through, God is working progressively and providentially in your life right now.
So today, ask Him to help you recognize where his hand is at work, and then choose to work with Him to fulfill His purpose for your life.
If you really desire to know what God wants for you, His purpose for your life ...get to know Him clearly!
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Gray Areas
From: Leading The Way Ministries - Michael Youssef
Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
How do you handle the "gray areas" of life? If you're like many Christians, you probably struggle with the balance of grace and legalism. You want to please God, yet you're not always sure where the line is between sin and acceptable. How much freedom do we have with regard to behavior not explicitly forbidden in the Word of God?
As Christians, we fall into the temptation of lopsided faith—we either become too legalistic, or we take license with God's grace. Legalism places rules above faith. It says keeping rules is more important than our relationship with God. At the other extreme, too much grace leads to sinfulness and excess, all the while saying "God's grace covers my sin."
We must balance both legalism and grace. When we fully understand the cost of our sin, we choose not to take God's grace for granted. When we fully understand Jesus' sacrifice and love, we begin to cherish our relationship with Him above all else. When we love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, we will hate sin and crave a closer relationship with Him.
This balanced faith helps discern how to handle those gray areas of life. But even with balance, we must be cautious in using the freedoms of grace. What may seem inconsequential to us may wound the conscience of another person. What we may think of as a harmless action could damage the spiritual walk of another believer.
Who is watching you today? Someone is, whether you notice them or not. If you have been a careless Christian, confess that to God. Seek to become a good example for others.
Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
How do you handle the "gray areas" of life? If you're like many Christians, you probably struggle with the balance of grace and legalism. You want to please God, yet you're not always sure where the line is between sin and acceptable. How much freedom do we have with regard to behavior not explicitly forbidden in the Word of God?
As Christians, we fall into the temptation of lopsided faith—we either become too legalistic, or we take license with God's grace. Legalism places rules above faith. It says keeping rules is more important than our relationship with God. At the other extreme, too much grace leads to sinfulness and excess, all the while saying "God's grace covers my sin."
We must balance both legalism and grace. When we fully understand the cost of our sin, we choose not to take God's grace for granted. When we fully understand Jesus' sacrifice and love, we begin to cherish our relationship with Him above all else. When we love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, we will hate sin and crave a closer relationship with Him.
This balanced faith helps discern how to handle those gray areas of life. But even with balance, we must be cautious in using the freedoms of grace. What may seem inconsequential to us may wound the conscience of another person. What we may think of as a harmless action could damage the spiritual walk of another believer.
Who is watching you today? Someone is, whether you notice them or not. If you have been a careless Christian, confess that to God. Seek to become a good example for others.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Be On Guard
From: Devotions ChopChop - Haywood Stubble
1 Peter 5:8 "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Elijah had just scored a major victory in his dealings with Ahab and the prophets of Baal. He called fire from heaven and it consumed the water-soaked altar. But when Ahab went to see his wife Jezebel, Elijah went to pieces. He folded. He caved.
Great spiritual victories are often followed by very deep darkness in many Believers’ lives. You can even see this pattern in the lives of some of the Disciples. Take Peter for example. Great ministry with Jesus going from town to town, but when the time came, he denied his Lord.
The takeaway from this is that we need to be very careful when we have those major spiritual victories. Satan is right there to snatch it from us, especially if we have gloated in it and forgotten to give God the glory. Even so, we must be on our guard.
1 Peter 5:8 "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Elijah had just scored a major victory in his dealings with Ahab and the prophets of Baal. He called fire from heaven and it consumed the water-soaked altar. But when Ahab went to see his wife Jezebel, Elijah went to pieces. He folded. He caved.
Great spiritual victories are often followed by very deep darkness in many Believers’ lives. You can even see this pattern in the lives of some of the Disciples. Take Peter for example. Great ministry with Jesus going from town to town, but when the time came, he denied his Lord.
The takeaway from this is that we need to be very careful when we have those major spiritual victories. Satan is right there to snatch it from us, especially if we have gloated in it and forgotten to give God the glory. Even so, we must be on our guard.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Don't Get Discouraged
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Hebrews 12:3 "Keep your mind on Jesus [and]… you won't get discouraged and give up."
It's difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don't know why, it can be frustrating. God doesn't give us lengthy explanations on how He works; He's used to creating worlds with a single sentence. So when you don't find an immediate answer in His Word or through prayer or the counsel of others, you're left wondering. And you wouldn't be the first. David repeatedly asks why in the Psalms, and God still called him "a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." So don't get discouraged.
When the answers aren't forthcoming the question then becomes, "How do I get through this?" The Bible addresses it by telling us, "Keep your mind on Jesus [and]… you won't get discouraged and give up." The reason Jesus endured was because He was able to look ahead and envision the joy of pleasing His Father, building the church and saving a lost world.
The Psalmist said, "I have set the Lord always before me… he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved [discouraged, or thrown by the situation]." Staying-power is not denying reality, or 'white-knuckling' it. It's keeping your eyes on Jesus and drawing from Him the strength you need to fight your way through to victory!
Hebrews 12:3 "Keep your mind on Jesus [and]… you won't get discouraged and give up."
It's difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don't know why, it can be frustrating. God doesn't give us lengthy explanations on how He works; He's used to creating worlds with a single sentence. So when you don't find an immediate answer in His Word or through prayer or the counsel of others, you're left wondering. And you wouldn't be the first. David repeatedly asks why in the Psalms, and God still called him "a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." So don't get discouraged.
When the answers aren't forthcoming the question then becomes, "How do I get through this?" The Bible addresses it by telling us, "Keep your mind on Jesus [and]… you won't get discouraged and give up." The reason Jesus endured was because He was able to look ahead and envision the joy of pleasing His Father, building the church and saving a lost world.
The Psalmist said, "I have set the Lord always before me… he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved [discouraged, or thrown by the situation]." Staying-power is not denying reality, or 'white-knuckling' it. It's keeping your eyes on Jesus and drawing from Him the strength you need to fight your way through to victory!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Look In The Right Places
From: New Life Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
James 1:5 "If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking."
Life presents each of us with countless questions, conundrums, doubts, and problems. Thankfully, the riddles of everyday living are not too difficult to solve if we look for answers in the right places. When we have questions, we should consult God’s Word, we should consult our own consciences, and we should consult a few close friends and family members.
Perhaps Søren Kierkegaard was stating the obvious when he observed, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Still, Kierkegaard’s words are far easier to understand than they are to live by.
Taking a forward-looking (and stress-conquering) approach to life means learning the art of solving difficult problems sensibly and consistently . . . and sooner rather than later.
Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily. John Maxwell
James 1:5 "If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking."
Life presents each of us with countless questions, conundrums, doubts, and problems. Thankfully, the riddles of everyday living are not too difficult to solve if we look for answers in the right places. When we have questions, we should consult God’s Word, we should consult our own consciences, and we should consult a few close friends and family members.
Perhaps Søren Kierkegaard was stating the obvious when he observed, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Still, Kierkegaard’s words are far easier to understand than they are to live by.
Taking a forward-looking (and stress-conquering) approach to life means learning the art of solving difficult problems sensibly and consistently . . . and sooner rather than later.
Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily. John Maxwell
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