From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham
1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
There is so much that you and I can learn from the failures and victories of athletic champions. And not too long ago I learned one of these lessons by reading about legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.
This great coach began his career at UCLA in 1948 at the age of 37. But it took him 16 years to win his first national championship! After his team had lost in the first round of the championships in 1950, 1952, and 1956, he read something that changed his thinking. It said, "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts!"
You see, Wooden thought he knew everything about basketball, but he didn't. So he invited other coaches to evaluate his players in practice. He hired assistants who would challenge his thinking. He re-evaluated everything. And eventually, UCLA became one of the great powerhouses of NCAA basketball!
And from his experiences, Wooden gave us one of the great quotes about life. He said, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Let me ask you something. Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you?
Listen! We all experience failure, but God wants you to trust him and keep going. Stay in the Scripture. Learn from other followers. Don't stop now, your victory will come!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
We Must Bear Fruit
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
How do people know that you are a Christian? They can't see your heart. They can't see your faith—but they can see the results of it. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). The only way someone can determine whether you are a follower of Jesus is not merely by your profession of Him, but by the evidence they see in your life. And that evidence should be spiritual fruit.
Fruit doesn't grow overnight. And sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life might be someone else. You can be very introspective and say, "Have I become more like Jesus in the last 24 hours?" But that would be like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is subtle, yet someone who hasn't seen your children for several months will notice it. In the same way, you don't necessarily see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, "You have really changed. I see you are becoming more like Jesus."
But what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the answer: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self-control. Against such there is no law." We bear fruit by walking in communion with Jesus, by staying close to Him. And spiritual fruit is a result of that relationship.
What we really need today is to bear spiritual fruit in our lives so that others can say, "Now there is a follower of Jesus Christ."
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
How do people know that you are a Christian? They can't see your heart. They can't see your faith—but they can see the results of it. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). The only way someone can determine whether you are a follower of Jesus is not merely by your profession of Him, but by the evidence they see in your life. And that evidence should be spiritual fruit.
Fruit doesn't grow overnight. And sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life might be someone else. You can be very introspective and say, "Have I become more like Jesus in the last 24 hours?" But that would be like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is subtle, yet someone who hasn't seen your children for several months will notice it. In the same way, you don't necessarily see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, "You have really changed. I see you are becoming more like Jesus."
But what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the answer: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self-control. Against such there is no law." We bear fruit by walking in communion with Jesus, by staying close to Him. And spiritual fruit is a result of that relationship.
What we really need today is to bear spiritual fruit in our lives so that others can say, "Now there is a follower of Jesus Christ."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Follow His Direction
From: Powerpoint Ministries - Jack Graham
Luke 5:4 "And when Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Do you remember the story in the book of Luke when the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing? Seeing they were empty handed, Jesus told Simon Peter to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.
Now, you can hear the lack of excitement in Simon Peter's response when he said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" But still he threw the net out as Jesus told him to do. And a miracle happened! They caught so many fish that their two boats began to take on water!
So overwhelmed with what he saw, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8).
You see, Simon Peter came to the end of himself, but Jesus was just beginning! In fact, Jesus gave him a new calling saying, "From now on you'll be catching men."
Have you reached the end of yourself? Has your toil left you empty-handed? Are you exhausted from working in your own strength? If so, then it's time to fall at Jesus' feet.
Yield to Jesus completely. Follow his direction. And he will restore you and prepare you to fulfill your calling in his kingdom.
Luke 5:4 "And when Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Do you remember the story in the book of Luke when the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing? Seeing they were empty handed, Jesus told Simon Peter to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.
Now, you can hear the lack of excitement in Simon Peter's response when he said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" But still he threw the net out as Jesus told him to do. And a miracle happened! They caught so many fish that their two boats began to take on water!
So overwhelmed with what he saw, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8).
You see, Simon Peter came to the end of himself, but Jesus was just beginning! In fact, Jesus gave him a new calling saying, "From now on you'll be catching men."
Have you reached the end of yourself? Has your toil left you empty-handed? Are you exhausted from working in your own strength? If so, then it's time to fall at Jesus' feet.
Yield to Jesus completely. Follow his direction. And he will restore you and prepare you to fulfill your calling in his kingdom.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Live For Today...Or Eternity
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
God's voice doesn't always come to us the way we want it; sometimes He teaches us our greatest lessons through the most difficult experiences of our lives!
Satan wants you to live for today, to pursue instant gratification, to escape from trials. God wants you to live for eternity, to pursue godliness, and to grow to spiritual maturity through trials.
What's the outcome of your living for today? It means your spiritual life remains shallow, and you'll miss some of the greatest spiritual growth that God offers (Phil 3:10-12). It means that you'll only focus on the parts of Scripture that promise God's blessing through prosperity and health. It means that your faith will be in danger of collapse when God brings you into times of trial, because trials won't fit into your view of God.
What's the outcome of living for eternity? It means that you'll see the spiritual blessing that lies behind trials (2 Cor. 4:17). And you'll look for how God wants to grow you through those hard times (Psalm 119:71). Instead of your faith being weakened by pain, it will grow as you meet God there!
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
God's voice doesn't always come to us the way we want it; sometimes He teaches us our greatest lessons through the most difficult experiences of our lives!
Satan wants you to live for today, to pursue instant gratification, to escape from trials. God wants you to live for eternity, to pursue godliness, and to grow to spiritual maturity through trials.
What's the outcome of your living for today? It means your spiritual life remains shallow, and you'll miss some of the greatest spiritual growth that God offers (Phil 3:10-12). It means that you'll only focus on the parts of Scripture that promise God's blessing through prosperity and health. It means that your faith will be in danger of collapse when God brings you into times of trial, because trials won't fit into your view of God.
What's the outcome of living for eternity? It means that you'll see the spiritual blessing that lies behind trials (2 Cor. 4:17). And you'll look for how God wants to grow you through those hard times (Psalm 119:71). Instead of your faith being weakened by pain, it will grow as you meet God there!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Let God Speak To You
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - C.P. Hia
1 Kings 19:10 "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
Have you ever felt like giving up? Elijah did. The Lord had just used him to show the nation of Israel that the Lord is God. Yet, the threats of Queen Jezebel so alarmed him that he ran to Beersheba, 100 miles south. Then he walked another 150 miles south to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing there. Both times he answered with identical words—"I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." He had become so preoccupied with his own fears that he had forgotten what God had done through him at Mount Carmel. Despite his great victory, Elijah plunged into the depths of discouragement. How easy it is for us to do the same.
God did not accept Elijah’s notice that he was quitting. Instead, He commissioned His tired servant to handle three major tasks.
Perhaps, like Elijah, you are despairing at the circumstances in your life. Let God speak to you. Instead of allowing you to quit, He will show you what you can do through His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
1 Kings 19:10 "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
Have you ever felt like giving up? Elijah did. The Lord had just used him to show the nation of Israel that the Lord is God. Yet, the threats of Queen Jezebel so alarmed him that he ran to Beersheba, 100 miles south. Then he walked another 150 miles south to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing there. Both times he answered with identical words—"I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." He had become so preoccupied with his own fears that he had forgotten what God had done through him at Mount Carmel. Despite his great victory, Elijah plunged into the depths of discouragement. How easy it is for us to do the same.
God did not accept Elijah’s notice that he was quitting. Instead, He commissioned His tired servant to handle three major tasks.
Perhaps, like Elijah, you are despairing at the circumstances in your life. Let God speak to you. Instead of allowing you to quit, He will show you what you can do through His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
He Does Know The Way
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - David McCasland
Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away;
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He does know the way. — Overton
Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away;
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He does know the way. — Overton
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Intimate Relationship
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
I was talking to my son one day, and he reminded me of something that happened when he was a little boy. He said, "Dad, I was sitting in church, and you looked at me, and I knew I was going to get a whipping when I got home."
If you're married, you know how your spouse can give you that look that says, "Whatever you're talking about — stop!" That's the intimate relationship that people have who know one another well. You're to have such an intimate relationship with God that He can just look at you and your heart is touched.
Throughout the day today, think of the eyes of the Lord upon you and allow this to direct your steps and give you courage. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3)
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
I was talking to my son one day, and he reminded me of something that happened when he was a little boy. He said, "Dad, I was sitting in church, and you looked at me, and I knew I was going to get a whipping when I got home."
If you're married, you know how your spouse can give you that look that says, "Whatever you're talking about — stop!" That's the intimate relationship that people have who know one another well. You're to have such an intimate relationship with God that He can just look at you and your heart is touched.
Throughout the day today, think of the eyes of the Lord upon you and allow this to direct your steps and give you courage. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Christian Unity
Romans 12:12-13 "The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ. It was in one Spirit that all of us were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit."
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church, focuses on the essential need for prayer for Christian unity. Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
The theme for the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010 has been announced: "You Are Witnesses of These Things." (Luke 24:48). Millions of Christians across the globe will join their hands and voices in prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to be held Monday to Monday, Jan. 18-25, 2010.
Ecumenism has shown how important prayer is for Christian unity, and for over a 100 years, Christians have gathered around the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). “Christians, who share belief in Christ and share one baptism and one Lord should be able to overcome the stumbling block of disunity. Christians of every generation and every decade must enter into relationship of prayer and dialogue to sense where it is that the Holy Spirit is leading them to be one. Unity however does not mean uniformity."
"Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Spiritual Ecumenism can easily be accomplished on three levels: theological discourse, mixed study and prayer groups on the local level, and shared outreach in the issues of peace, justice, and service. We certainly see this manifested in the Pro-life initiative and the emergency relief response to Haiti. All it takes is an open heart and mind for the Holy Spirit to work in every Christian's life.
“During this time, we also pray for Christian unity, dear Lord! May every believer in Christ be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel. Together, may we be a witness to your presence, Lord.” Pope Benedict XVI
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church, focuses on the essential need for prayer for Christian unity. Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
The theme for the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010 has been announced: "You Are Witnesses of These Things." (Luke 24:48). Millions of Christians across the globe will join their hands and voices in prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to be held Monday to Monday, Jan. 18-25, 2010.
Ecumenism has shown how important prayer is for Christian unity, and for over a 100 years, Christians have gathered around the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). “Christians, who share belief in Christ and share one baptism and one Lord should be able to overcome the stumbling block of disunity. Christians of every generation and every decade must enter into relationship of prayer and dialogue to sense where it is that the Holy Spirit is leading them to be one. Unity however does not mean uniformity."
"Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Spiritual Ecumenism can easily be accomplished on three levels: theological discourse, mixed study and prayer groups on the local level, and shared outreach in the issues of peace, justice, and service. We certainly see this manifested in the Pro-life initiative and the emergency relief response to Haiti. All it takes is an open heart and mind for the Holy Spirit to work in every Christian's life.
“During this time, we also pray for Christian unity, dear Lord! May every believer in Christ be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel. Together, may we be a witness to your presence, Lord.” Pope Benedict XVI
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Gracious Uncertainty
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pray About It
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Without question, life is full of troubles. We have concerns about our future, concerns about our health, concerns about our family, concerns about our finances, and the list goes on. Things happen that scare us—and sometimes even terrify us. There are things that concern us, things that alarm us, and things that cause us to be filled with anxiety.
Everyone worries a little. We all have anxiety. I admit that I worry, and I don't say that proudly. Worry is not a virtue. In fact, it can be a sin in which we are failing to trust in God. So I have a suggestion: the next time you are tempted to worry, pray instead.
Prayer is the way by which God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry. Maybe God will take your problem away. That is possible. Then again, maybe He won't. But here is what happens: you get perspective. You see God for who He is, and thus you see your problem for what it is. If you have a big God, then you have a relatively small problem. But if you have a big problem, it may be that you have a small God, because you are not seeing Him in His glory and for what He can do.
Prayer gives us His peace and His strength to help us get through whatever it is we are dealing with. That is what God does for the person who will call on Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Without question, life is full of troubles. We have concerns about our future, concerns about our health, concerns about our family, concerns about our finances, and the list goes on. Things happen that scare us—and sometimes even terrify us. There are things that concern us, things that alarm us, and things that cause us to be filled with anxiety.
Everyone worries a little. We all have anxiety. I admit that I worry, and I don't say that proudly. Worry is not a virtue. In fact, it can be a sin in which we are failing to trust in God. So I have a suggestion: the next time you are tempted to worry, pray instead.
Prayer is the way by which God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry. Maybe God will take your problem away. That is possible. Then again, maybe He won't. But here is what happens: you get perspective. You see God for who He is, and thus you see your problem for what it is. If you have a big God, then you have a relatively small problem. But if you have a big problem, it may be that you have a small God, because you are not seeing Him in His glory and for what He can do.
Prayer gives us His peace and His strength to help us get through whatever it is we are dealing with. That is what God does for the person who will call on Him.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
God's Good Purpose
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Deuteronomy 11:2 "Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with Him."
Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal. Paul worried that the believers in Galatia would waste the pain they had been through. He said, "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!" (Galatians 3:4)
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. When Jesus washed Peter's feet, he said, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)
Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Examine your experiences and extract the lessons you've learned. Review your life and think about how it has shaped you.
Deuteronomy 11:2 "Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with Him."
Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal. Paul worried that the believers in Galatia would waste the pain they had been through. He said, "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!" (Galatians 3:4)
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. When Jesus washed Peter's feet, he said, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)
Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Examine your experiences and extract the lessons you've learned. Review your life and think about how it has shaped you.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Unshakeable Trust
From: In Touch Ministries
Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more our unshakeable trust in Him will become.
Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more our unshakeable trust in Him will become.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Shaped For A Purpose
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 5:17 "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
God shaped you for a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents He has given you to use.
When you attempt to serve God in ways that you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It's frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, talent, and energy. The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential.
Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do. Don't let another day go by. Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, "Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves ...." (Romans 12:3)
Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder! If no one is following you, you're not a leader.
Ask questions like these: Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
Ephesians 5:17 "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
God shaped you for a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents He has given you to use.
When you attempt to serve God in ways that you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It's frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, talent, and energy. The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential.
Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do. Don't let another day go by. Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, "Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves ...." (Romans 12:3)
Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder! If no one is following you, you're not a leader.
Ask questions like these: Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Nothing Catches Him By Surprise
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Psalm 139:13 "You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother's womb."
God remembers everything—at all times. There is never a lapse in His memory. He never forgets someone. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. God's knowledge is as eternal as He is. What God knows now, He has always known and always will know. God doesn't learn new things; He knows them from the beginning. And He doesn't forget what He has learned like we do. We learn new things, but God never does.
The Bible says that God knows about every little bird that falls to the ground. And not only that, He knows about you. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Now it doesn't require a lot to number the hairs on my head. But for others, it is a lot more work.
This awesome God who created the universe is interested in you. What bothers you? What concerns you? What brings heartache to you? What brings tears to your eyes? It is of concern to God. So whatever you are facing right now, He knows about it. He is concerned about it. He is aware of the wrongs that are done in our world today. Nothing catches Him by surprise, because He dwells in the eternal realm. He knows the end from the beginning. This all-knowing God loves you. And He welcomes you into fellowship with Him.
Psalm 139:13 "You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother's womb."
God remembers everything—at all times. There is never a lapse in His memory. He never forgets someone. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. God's knowledge is as eternal as He is. What God knows now, He has always known and always will know. God doesn't learn new things; He knows them from the beginning. And He doesn't forget what He has learned like we do. We learn new things, but God never does.
The Bible says that God knows about every little bird that falls to the ground. And not only that, He knows about you. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Now it doesn't require a lot to number the hairs on my head. But for others, it is a lot more work.
This awesome God who created the universe is interested in you. What bothers you? What concerns you? What brings heartache to you? What brings tears to your eyes? It is of concern to God. So whatever you are facing right now, He knows about it. He is concerned about it. He is aware of the wrongs that are done in our world today. Nothing catches Him by surprise, because He dwells in the eternal realm. He knows the end from the beginning. This all-knowing God loves you. And He welcomes you into fellowship with Him.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Prepare For Spiritual Battle
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Prepare yourself for spiritual battle before it comes to you!
We have a powerful and clever spiritual enemy, but God has given us armor and weapons that will enable us to defeat his attacks in our lives.
Still, unless we use that armor and prepare for battle we will experience constant defeat in our spiritual lives. As Charles Spurgeon said, "We may sleep, but Satan does not."
The time to start praying and reading your Bible and going to Bible study is not when you are in a tough time and being tempted and attacked spiritually at every turn. For sure, run to God then; but God is speaking to you today through these verses and telling you that the key to victory is to be walking in close fellowship with Him BEFORE the attacks come.
How can you strengthen your spiritual life today?
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Prepare yourself for spiritual battle before it comes to you!
We have a powerful and clever spiritual enemy, but God has given us armor and weapons that will enable us to defeat his attacks in our lives.
Still, unless we use that armor and prepare for battle we will experience constant defeat in our spiritual lives. As Charles Spurgeon said, "We may sleep, but Satan does not."
The time to start praying and reading your Bible and going to Bible study is not when you are in a tough time and being tempted and attacked spiritually at every turn. For sure, run to God then; but God is speaking to you today through these verses and telling you that the key to victory is to be walking in close fellowship with Him BEFORE the attacks come.
How can you strengthen your spiritual life today?
Spiritual Fitness
From: The Upper Room Daily Devotionals - Terri Meehan
1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future."
At the start of each new year, I take inventory of my lifestyle, looking for ways to improve myself. Like many people, after a holiday season of indulgence, I vow to exercise more and eat healthier foods. I have decided on a daily walking program for the winter months when my activity level is lowest. A brisk walk around the block every morning and evening seems to be an elixir for me.
While I was proud of my new physical regimen the first time I saw results in the mirror, I realized that I might have been neglecting my spiritual life as well. So I made a commitment to set aside 20 minutes each morning as devotional time. I am rereading parts of the Bible to gain a better understanding of God.
Some parts of my daily readings I am tempted to skip over, especially if the meanings are unclear. However, I pray for the strength to continue, knowing that studying God's word is worth the time and effort. Just like my walking, it gives me many rewards. The more I understand the Bible, the better I can live my life and bless those around me. Could there be a better way to begin a new year and a new life?
1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future."
At the start of each new year, I take inventory of my lifestyle, looking for ways to improve myself. Like many people, after a holiday season of indulgence, I vow to exercise more and eat healthier foods. I have decided on a daily walking program for the winter months when my activity level is lowest. A brisk walk around the block every morning and evening seems to be an elixir for me.
While I was proud of my new physical regimen the first time I saw results in the mirror, I realized that I might have been neglecting my spiritual life as well. So I made a commitment to set aside 20 minutes each morning as devotional time. I am rereading parts of the Bible to gain a better understanding of God.
Some parts of my daily readings I am tempted to skip over, especially if the meanings are unclear. However, I pray for the strength to continue, knowing that studying God's word is worth the time and effort. Just like my walking, it gives me many rewards. The more I understand the Bible, the better I can live my life and bless those around me. Could there be a better way to begin a new year and a new life?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
One-Day-At-A-Time Strength
From: The Upper Room Daily Devotional - Mike Smoot
Matthew 6:34 "Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I have often found that a particular task seems too great when I look at it in its entirety. However, when I break it down into smaller parts and do just what I can do today, I can complete the task over time.
Jesus encouraged us to deal with today's concerns and to trust Him for the rest--for all that we need in the future. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, what at first seems impossible becomes more than possible. It becomes accomplished!
Matthew 6:34 "Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I have often found that a particular task seems too great when I look at it in its entirety. However, when I break it down into smaller parts and do just what I can do today, I can complete the task over time.
Jesus encouraged us to deal with today's concerns and to trust Him for the rest--for all that we need in the future. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, what at first seems impossible becomes more than possible. It becomes accomplished!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Find Your Strength Zone
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Corinthians 12:11 "He alone decides which gift each person should have."
We all have equal value in God's eyes, but we don't have equal giftedness. In their book Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton state that every person is capable of doing something better than the next 10,000 people. And they support that with research. They call this area your strength zone, and they encourage you to find it and make the most of it.
It doesn't matter how aware you are of your abilities, how you feel about yourself, or whether you have previously achieved success. You have talent, and God requires you to develop it! But you can only develop the talent you have, not the one you want. When it comes to your character, you must never stop working on your areas of weakness. But when it comes to fulfiling your God-given assignment, you must recognize your strength zone and give yourself to it.
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "It's been my observation that people can increase their ability in an area by only 2 points on a scale of 1-10. For example, if your natural talent in an area is 4, with hard work you may raise it to a 6. In other words, you can go from a little below average to a little above average.
But let's say you find a place where you are a 7; you have the potential to become a 9, maybe even a 10, if it's your strength zone and you work hard! That helps you advance from 1 in 10,000 talent to 1 in 100,000 talent - but only if you do the other things needed to maximize your talent." So, find your strength zone!
1 Corinthians 12:11 "He alone decides which gift each person should have."
We all have equal value in God's eyes, but we don't have equal giftedness. In their book Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton state that every person is capable of doing something better than the next 10,000 people. And they support that with research. They call this area your strength zone, and they encourage you to find it and make the most of it.
It doesn't matter how aware you are of your abilities, how you feel about yourself, or whether you have previously achieved success. You have talent, and God requires you to develop it! But you can only develop the talent you have, not the one you want. When it comes to your character, you must never stop working on your areas of weakness. But when it comes to fulfiling your God-given assignment, you must recognize your strength zone and give yourself to it.
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "It's been my observation that people can increase their ability in an area by only 2 points on a scale of 1-10. For example, if your natural talent in an area is 4, with hard work you may raise it to a 6. In other words, you can go from a little below average to a little above average.
But let's say you find a place where you are a 7; you have the potential to become a 9, maybe even a 10, if it's your strength zone and you work hard! That helps you advance from 1 in 10,000 talent to 1 in 100,000 talent - but only if you do the other things needed to maximize your talent." So, find your strength zone!
Monday, January 4, 2010
No Shortcut To Spiritual Maturity
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Do you want to grow spiritually? Then allow God to take you through difficult times and wait for Him to do His work in you!
There are some aspects of the Christian life that come instantaneously, like being born again, or the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, or God anointing you for ministry in a specific situation. But there are also aspects of the Christian life for which there is no shortcut. Spiritual maturity is one of those.
There is no quick maturity in the Christian life. We want to just have a spectacular experience of the Holy Spirit and suddenly be mature, but it doesn't work like that. Even being filled with the Spirit as a way of life is not the same as maturity. Maturity only comes from walking through the valleys, trusting in God's purposes even when you can't see them, and honoring Him all the way.
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Do you want to grow spiritually? Then allow God to take you through difficult times and wait for Him to do His work in you!
There are some aspects of the Christian life that come instantaneously, like being born again, or the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, or God anointing you for ministry in a specific situation. But there are also aspects of the Christian life for which there is no shortcut. Spiritual maturity is one of those.
There is no quick maturity in the Christian life. We want to just have a spectacular experience of the Holy Spirit and suddenly be mature, but it doesn't work like that. Even being filled with the Spirit as a way of life is not the same as maturity. Maturity only comes from walking through the valleys, trusting in God's purposes even when you can't see them, and honoring Him all the way.
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