From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the man who gains understanding."
The truth is that experience is costly. You cannot gain experience without paying a price. You just have to hope that the price is not greater than the value of the experience you gain. And sometimes you cannot judge what the price will be until after you have gained the experience. Further, not learning from experience is more costly.
It's tragic to pay the price for experience and not learn the lesson. But that's often what happens. When an experience is negative we want to run away from it and say, 'I'll never do that again.' No, don't run away from your experiences; instead, evaluate and learn from them. Remember, evaluated experience lifts you above the crowd.
The school of life offers many difficult courses. Some we sign up for, others we find ourselves taking unexpectedly. All can teach us valuable lessons, but only if we desire to learn and are willing to reflect on these lessons.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Pruning
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
John 15:2 "He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does He prunes so that it may bear more fruit."
Are you a gardener? Do you enjoy seeing things grow? If so, you understand the principle that a plant must be pruned in order to produce at its peak. Dead wood and unhealthy parts must be cut away.
Pruning is a reality in the garden, but it's also a very real part of human life. Because God loves us, sometimes He chooses to prune our lives. This may come through the loss of a job or a loved one, or a move away from something that's comfortable for us. It may happen in many ways when we face adversity.
What is accomplished by pruning? For the plant, it's a healthier and more vigorous growth with more fruit. For us, it's the ability to rely more completely on God, our source of life, and the ability to live a more spiritually secure and disciplined life.
Pruning is painful; but it allows us to live a more fruitful life. With God, pruning always gives us hope.
John 15:2 "He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does He prunes so that it may bear more fruit."
Are you a gardener? Do you enjoy seeing things grow? If so, you understand the principle that a plant must be pruned in order to produce at its peak. Dead wood and unhealthy parts must be cut away.
Pruning is a reality in the garden, but it's also a very real part of human life. Because God loves us, sometimes He chooses to prune our lives. This may come through the loss of a job or a loved one, or a move away from something that's comfortable for us. It may happen in many ways when we face adversity.
What is accomplished by pruning? For the plant, it's a healthier and more vigorous growth with more fruit. For us, it's the ability to rely more completely on God, our source of life, and the ability to live a more spiritually secure and disciplined life.
Pruning is painful; but it allows us to live a more fruitful life. With God, pruning always gives us hope.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 "The Lord gives wisdom."
We all know people with lots of knowledge, but little understanding. They have the means, but they don't know the meaning of anything. What's the problem? Their life experience is void of reflection and evaluation. When 25 years go by they don't gain 25 years experience, they gain one year of experience 25 times! To win in life you must turn your experience into wisdom.
Contrary to what you may have heard, experience is not the best teacher - evaluated experience is the best teacher! Everybody has some kind of experience; it's what you do with your experience that matters.
So, slow down. Wisdom is gleaned over time, not overnight. Then, drill down. The treasure is there, but you have to dig for it. Finally, get down. Yes, get down on your knees and talk to God, because '… "The Lord gives wisdom."
We all know people with lots of knowledge, but little understanding. They have the means, but they don't know the meaning of anything. What's the problem? Their life experience is void of reflection and evaluation. When 25 years go by they don't gain 25 years experience, they gain one year of experience 25 times! To win in life you must turn your experience into wisdom.
Contrary to what you may have heard, experience is not the best teacher - evaluated experience is the best teacher! Everybody has some kind of experience; it's what you do with your experience that matters.
So, slow down. Wisdom is gleaned over time, not overnight. Then, drill down. The treasure is there, but you have to dig for it. Finally, get down. Yes, get down on your knees and talk to God, because '… "The Lord gives wisdom."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Waiting
From: The Upper Room Devotionals
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength."
Some years ago I realized that I was spending a good deal of my week just waiting: in lines, in offices, in traffic. In fact, I had grown accustomed to waiting -- but had done nothing to use that time for something constructive.
Waiting, however, does not have to be the same as doing nothing. I realized that waiting could also be an opportunity to turn attention toward higher ideals or God. I began to use waiting time as an opportunity to read, to pray, or to meditate.
In our fast-paced world, we often feel we don't have time to wait, though we do a lot of it. Our concern should not be about waiting but rather about what we can do while we wait.
The prophet Isaiah said that in waiting on God we find renewed strength. When we turn our attention to God, we discover that our inner self is refreshed. God inhabits not only our active times but our quiet spaces as well. We increase our strength when we rest in the presence of God.
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength."
Some years ago I realized that I was spending a good deal of my week just waiting: in lines, in offices, in traffic. In fact, I had grown accustomed to waiting -- but had done nothing to use that time for something constructive.
Waiting, however, does not have to be the same as doing nothing. I realized that waiting could also be an opportunity to turn attention toward higher ideals or God. I began to use waiting time as an opportunity to read, to pray, or to meditate.
In our fast-paced world, we often feel we don't have time to wait, though we do a lot of it. Our concern should not be about waiting but rather about what we can do while we wait.
The prophet Isaiah said that in waiting on God we find renewed strength. When we turn our attention to God, we discover that our inner self is refreshed. God inhabits not only our active times but our quiet spaces as well. We increase our strength when we rest in the presence of God.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Unseen Hand
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn. He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it. Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn. He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it. Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Complain Or Rejoice
From: Christian Perspective Devotionals
Psalm 32:10-11 "The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"
God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.
Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him.
For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice.
May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God's unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.
Psalm 32:10-11 "The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"
God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.
Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him.
For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice.
May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God's unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Our Father's Business
From: Paul Wallace Ministries
Mark 13:35-36 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping."
Jesus likened His return to a master who went on a journey. He asked the keeper of the door to stand watch. To watch meant to be vigilant. It meant to actively be attentive. Though the master of the household is away, the servants are supposed to go about their business and not take advantage of His absence. We do not have the manifest presence of Christ here before us reminding us that He is Lord.
The gentle Holy Spirit within our hearts is easily quieted by our stubborn willfulness. These words of Christ came at the end of His discourse on the destruction of the Temple and His Second Coming. In the millenniums in between, many Christians have heard this warning to remain at their post.
The world would lull us to sleep with ease and comfort, but we must remember we don't know the number of our days. No one is guaranteed 80 years. Accidents and disease strike without warning. You could enter into His presence today. Will He find you were vigilant to the end? Will He find your first love was still burning strong? Remain vigilant to the end.
At 12 years of age He said He had to be about His Father's business. At 30 years of age He said He had done the work the Father had given Him to do. Jesus is our ultimate example of remaining actively attentive to the will of the Father throughout His life.
Consider: Will this day find you actively attentive to the work the Master has given you to do? We must be about our Father's business.
Mark 13:35-36 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping."
Jesus likened His return to a master who went on a journey. He asked the keeper of the door to stand watch. To watch meant to be vigilant. It meant to actively be attentive. Though the master of the household is away, the servants are supposed to go about their business and not take advantage of His absence. We do not have the manifest presence of Christ here before us reminding us that He is Lord.
The gentle Holy Spirit within our hearts is easily quieted by our stubborn willfulness. These words of Christ came at the end of His discourse on the destruction of the Temple and His Second Coming. In the millenniums in between, many Christians have heard this warning to remain at their post.
The world would lull us to sleep with ease and comfort, but we must remember we don't know the number of our days. No one is guaranteed 80 years. Accidents and disease strike without warning. You could enter into His presence today. Will He find you were vigilant to the end? Will He find your first love was still burning strong? Remain vigilant to the end.
At 12 years of age He said He had to be about His Father's business. At 30 years of age He said He had done the work the Father had given Him to do. Jesus is our ultimate example of remaining actively attentive to the will of the Father throughout His life.
Consider: Will this day find you actively attentive to the work the Master has given you to do? We must be about our Father's business.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Bear Much Fruit
From: Leading The Way Ministries - Michael Youssef
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
When we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as one of God's children, and when we daily seek to be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit, then we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33) We will only find spiritual wholeness if we manifest the fruit of the Spirit—not through false spirituality found in meditation, self-help books, or motivational seminars.
When we do not seek the Holy Spirit's filling each day, we become more and more influenced by our sinful nature. Paul warned the Galatians: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16)
The fruit of the Spirit is about our character, not our behavior or conduct. The fruit of the Spirit is about being not doing. The fruit of the Spirit is the likeness of the Spirit. We need to stay connected to Him in order to bear His fruit. If we begin to shut God out of our hearts, we will cease to be fruitful. Jesus cautioned, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4)
John 15:8 "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
When we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as one of God's children, and when we daily seek to be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit, then we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33) We will only find spiritual wholeness if we manifest the fruit of the Spirit—not through false spirituality found in meditation, self-help books, or motivational seminars.
When we do not seek the Holy Spirit's filling each day, we become more and more influenced by our sinful nature. Paul warned the Galatians: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16)
The fruit of the Spirit is about our character, not our behavior or conduct. The fruit of the Spirit is about being not doing. The fruit of the Spirit is the likeness of the Spirit. We need to stay connected to Him in order to bear His fruit. If we begin to shut God out of our hearts, we will cease to be fruitful. Jesus cautioned, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4)
John 15:8 "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Key To Victory
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
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.
Remember: "... Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
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.
Remember: "... Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ready...Or Not
From: My Utmost For His Highest - Oswald Chambers
Exodus 3:4 "God called to Moses and he answered, 'Here I am.'"
When God speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer. Moses’ reply to God revealed that he knew where he was and that he was ready. Readiness means having a right relationship to God and having the knowledge of where we are. We are so busy telling God where we would like to go. Yet the man or woman who is ready for God and His work is the one who receives the prize when the summons comes.
We wait with the idea that some great opportunity or something sensational will be coming our way, and when it does come we are quick to cry out, “Here I am.” Whenever we sense that Jesus Christ is rising up to take authority over some great task, we are there, but we are not ready for some obscure duty.
Readiness for God means that we are prepared to do the smallest thing or the largest thing— it makes no difference. It means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Whenever any duty presents itself, we hear God’s voice as our Lord heard His Father’s voice, and we are ready for it with the total readiness of our love for Him. Jesus Christ expects to do with us just as His Father did with Him. He can put us wherever He wants, in pleasant duties or in menial ones, because our union with Him is the same as His union with the Father. “. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . .” (John 17:22)
Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the person who is ready, and it is on fire with the presence of God Himself.
Exodus 3:4 "God called to Moses and he answered, 'Here I am.'"
When God speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer. Moses’ reply to God revealed that he knew where he was and that he was ready. Readiness means having a right relationship to God and having the knowledge of where we are. We are so busy telling God where we would like to go. Yet the man or woman who is ready for God and His work is the one who receives the prize when the summons comes.
We wait with the idea that some great opportunity or something sensational will be coming our way, and when it does come we are quick to cry out, “Here I am.” Whenever we sense that Jesus Christ is rising up to take authority over some great task, we are there, but we are not ready for some obscure duty.
Readiness for God means that we are prepared to do the smallest thing or the largest thing— it makes no difference. It means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Whenever any duty presents itself, we hear God’s voice as our Lord heard His Father’s voice, and we are ready for it with the total readiness of our love for Him. Jesus Christ expects to do with us just as His Father did with Him. He can put us wherever He wants, in pleasant duties or in menial ones, because our union with Him is the same as His union with the Father. “. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . .” (John 17:22)
Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the person who is ready, and it is on fire with the presence of God Himself.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"Father Knows Best"
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Matthew 6:10 "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
We worship God when we give Him our lives every time we pray. Jesus says when we pray, we should commit ourselves to God's will. After I give God my love, I give Him my life.
Notice the prayer says, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." Did you know God has a specific will for your life? The Bible says in Romans 12 that His will is good and perfect and it fits you. Part of connecting with God is saying, "God, what is Your will for me today? I want to do Your will."
In Heaven, God's will is done perfectly. The problem on earth is God's will is not always done. That's why we're to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." We're saying, "God, I want to submit to You. I want to do what You want me to do." True success in life is knowing the will of God and getting right in the center of it.
You can pray "Your will be done" in three different ways. You can say it in resentment: "Your will be done, but I don't like it." You can say it in resignation: "Your will be done, because I can't help it." Or you can say it in anticipation: "Your will be done, because I know it is the best and that's what I want for my life today!"
When I was a kid, we watched a popular TV show entitled, "Father Knows Best." Your earthly father may not always know what's best, but your Heavenly Father does. That's what it means to say, "Your will be done."
Matthew 6:10 "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
We worship God when we give Him our lives every time we pray. Jesus says when we pray, we should commit ourselves to God's will. After I give God my love, I give Him my life.
Notice the prayer says, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." Did you know God has a specific will for your life? The Bible says in Romans 12 that His will is good and perfect and it fits you. Part of connecting with God is saying, "God, what is Your will for me today? I want to do Your will."
In Heaven, God's will is done perfectly. The problem on earth is God's will is not always done. That's why we're to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." We're saying, "God, I want to submit to You. I want to do what You want me to do." True success in life is knowing the will of God and getting right in the center of it.
You can pray "Your will be done" in three different ways. You can say it in resentment: "Your will be done, but I don't like it." You can say it in resignation: "Your will be done, because I can't help it." Or you can say it in anticipation: "Your will be done, because I know it is the best and that's what I want for my life today!"
When I was a kid, we watched a popular TV show entitled, "Father Knows Best." Your earthly father may not always know what's best, but your Heavenly Father does. That's what it means to say, "Your will be done."
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Grace To Bear It
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 66:10-12 "For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver… You brought us to a place of abundance."
Tests of faith are opportunities to surrender something of value to God, even when we have the right not to. In a test of faith you'll feel assaulted and stretched by circumstances, yet not distant from God; tried by them, but not judged or guilty.
The Psalmist writes, 'For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver… You brought us to a place of abundance.' A test of faith doesn't really test anything unless it pushes you beyond your last test - past what you've already proven! If you try to run or pull back each time you reach what seems like your limit, you'll never know how much you can trust God - or how much He can trust you.
The fire that refines us like silver can come as a job lost, a relationship lost, good health lost, or a reputation lost. But with God, the end result is never in doubt.
If you're wondering today, 'How much more can I take?' listen to the words of Bishop JC Ryle: 'This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it can and will send the grace to bear it.' In God's kingdom it works like this: 'Faith tested, character refined, abundance given.'
Psalm 66:10-12 "For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver… You brought us to a place of abundance."
Tests of faith are opportunities to surrender something of value to God, even when we have the right not to. In a test of faith you'll feel assaulted and stretched by circumstances, yet not distant from God; tried by them, but not judged or guilty.
The Psalmist writes, 'For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver… You brought us to a place of abundance.' A test of faith doesn't really test anything unless it pushes you beyond your last test - past what you've already proven! If you try to run or pull back each time you reach what seems like your limit, you'll never know how much you can trust God - or how much He can trust you.
The fire that refines us like silver can come as a job lost, a relationship lost, good health lost, or a reputation lost. But with God, the end result is never in doubt.
If you're wondering today, 'How much more can I take?' listen to the words of Bishop JC Ryle: 'This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it can and will send the grace to bear it.' In God's kingdom it works like this: 'Faith tested, character refined, abundance given.'
Monday, April 12, 2010
Draw Close
From: In Touch Ministries
James 4:8 "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."
If someone asked me, "Do you know God?," I'd have to say that I am learning about Him. My relationship with the Lord is becoming more exciting and satisfying as the years go by, but I realize that I have much more to discover about my Savior.
Since the Lord reveals Himself in His Word, that is where we need to start. Our understanding of who God is must match what Scripture says about Him; otherwise, we have deceived ourselves by trying to make the Lord into our own image. Descriptions of His characteristics and methods are scattered throughout the Bible. As you read, look for His attributes, desires, and ways. Consider how He responds in various circumstances.
Spend time interacting with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Discuss any insights you have received, ask Him about the concepts you don't understand, and consider how to apply what you have learned. Those who are willing to obey His commands and follow His guidance will discover how faithful He is. They'll also find that He is their most intimate friend.
Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can learn to know Him. It's as if He is saying, "I want you all to Myself for a little while." Take Him up on the invitation to come away to a quiet place and learn of Him.
James 4:8 "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."
If someone asked me, "Do you know God?," I'd have to say that I am learning about Him. My relationship with the Lord is becoming more exciting and satisfying as the years go by, but I realize that I have much more to discover about my Savior.
Since the Lord reveals Himself in His Word, that is where we need to start. Our understanding of who God is must match what Scripture says about Him; otherwise, we have deceived ourselves by trying to make the Lord into our own image. Descriptions of His characteristics and methods are scattered throughout the Bible. As you read, look for His attributes, desires, and ways. Consider how He responds in various circumstances.
Spend time interacting with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Discuss any insights you have received, ask Him about the concepts you don't understand, and consider how to apply what you have learned. Those who are willing to obey His commands and follow His guidance will discover how faithful He is. They'll also find that He is their most intimate friend.
Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can learn to know Him. It's as if He is saying, "I want you all to Myself for a little while." Take Him up on the invitation to come away to a quiet place and learn of Him.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
In The Depths Of Loneliness
From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes
Psalm 142:4 "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way."
Just when it looks as if you are facing what seems like unmitigated disaster, the "God of remarkable surprises" turns a desperate situation into an opportunity for unparalleled joy. How does He do it? Just when we are feeling as if there is no one in the world who cares and that we will not be able to get through the day, He draws close to us and wraps the warmth of His presence around us in a way that makes the experience of temporary isolation worthwhile.
You see, sometimes our knowledge of God is just theoretical - we know Him in our heads, but we don't really know Him in our hearts. In the depths of loneliness, however, this undergoes a deep change - the theory is turned into reality.
Someone has defined loneliness as "the surprising opportunity to know God." It is. When there is no one but God - those are the times when we learn to know God - and really know Him. The experience of loneliness is not easy to go through, but believe me, it is worth far more than the cost.
Psalm 142:4 "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way."
Just when it looks as if you are facing what seems like unmitigated disaster, the "God of remarkable surprises" turns a desperate situation into an opportunity for unparalleled joy. How does He do it? Just when we are feeling as if there is no one in the world who cares and that we will not be able to get through the day, He draws close to us and wraps the warmth of His presence around us in a way that makes the experience of temporary isolation worthwhile.
You see, sometimes our knowledge of God is just theoretical - we know Him in our heads, but we don't really know Him in our hearts. In the depths of loneliness, however, this undergoes a deep change - the theory is turned into reality.
Someone has defined loneliness as "the surprising opportunity to know God." It is. When there is no one but God - those are the times when we learn to know God - and really know Him. The experience of loneliness is not easy to go through, but believe me, it is worth far more than the cost.
Friday, April 9, 2010
"He Must Pray"
From: A Good Thing Daily Devotionals
James 5:13 "If anyone among you is suffering hardship, he must pray."
On the matter of affliction—gut-wrenching, spirit-pounding, heart-crushing affliction—James gives his guidance in only three words: he must pray.
"Is that it?" we might ask. What about formulating an exit strategy? What about checking all our options for circumventing the pain? What about gathering a support group to cheer us up and cheer us on? The greatest therapy, the surest solution, the sweetest healing that we will find, James says, is in fervent and honest and faith-full conversation with God.
James is not suggesting a momentary, fleeting mention of our trial—perhaps in the middle of blessing our breakfast food—as the answer to affliction. The verb he uses is in the present tense: let him, in other words, continually be praying.
Perhaps you know what it is like to be so pressed by a sorrow or pain or trial that you pray, not only as you breath, but in order to be able to keep on breathing. There are times when God's people truly find Him their only source of strength, of life, of purpose, and of joy. They pray, not because they have to, but because they can't not pray.
Whether your affliction is earth-shattering or hardly-worth-mentioning, take your trial to God in prayer. And out of the fountain of close communion with your Father, will flow the calming, refreshing, restoring waters of spiritual renewal.
James 5:13 "If anyone among you is suffering hardship, he must pray."
On the matter of affliction—gut-wrenching, spirit-pounding, heart-crushing affliction—James gives his guidance in only three words: he must pray.
"Is that it?" we might ask. What about formulating an exit strategy? What about checking all our options for circumventing the pain? What about gathering a support group to cheer us up and cheer us on? The greatest therapy, the surest solution, the sweetest healing that we will find, James says, is in fervent and honest and faith-full conversation with God.
James is not suggesting a momentary, fleeting mention of our trial—perhaps in the middle of blessing our breakfast food—as the answer to affliction. The verb he uses is in the present tense: let him, in other words, continually be praying.
Perhaps you know what it is like to be so pressed by a sorrow or pain or trial that you pray, not only as you breath, but in order to be able to keep on breathing. There are times when God's people truly find Him their only source of strength, of life, of purpose, and of joy. They pray, not because they have to, but because they can't not pray.
Whether your affliction is earth-shattering or hardly-worth-mentioning, take your trial to God in prayer. And out of the fountain of close communion with your Father, will flow the calming, refreshing, restoring waters of spiritual renewal.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Prepare For Battle
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals
1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Throughout Scripture you and I can clearly see the principle of preparation at work in the lives of God's people. Look at the life of David. Before he battled Goliath, David had fought many smaller battles as a shepherd on the humble hillsides of Bethlehem. Alone with God in obscure, isolated places, David honed his battle skills, killing the creatures that threatened his sheep. And these times of preparation were essential to becoming a giant slayer.
How about you? Are you prepared for the giants that are coming your way? Please don't shirk the need to prepare. The reason many people feel overcome by towering challenges is because we have failed to prepare in the smaller places—the secret places. Become consistent in the routine smaller battles that come your way. Your confidence in God will grow, and you will become increasingly adept at waging spiritual warfare.
Start today! Prepare for great victories by faithfully fighting the smaller battles of life! And when it's time to face the giants, you will be ready to win!
1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Throughout Scripture you and I can clearly see the principle of preparation at work in the lives of God's people. Look at the life of David. Before he battled Goliath, David had fought many smaller battles as a shepherd on the humble hillsides of Bethlehem. Alone with God in obscure, isolated places, David honed his battle skills, killing the creatures that threatened his sheep. And these times of preparation were essential to becoming a giant slayer.
How about you? Are you prepared for the giants that are coming your way? Please don't shirk the need to prepare. The reason many people feel overcome by towering challenges is because we have failed to prepare in the smaller places—the secret places. Become consistent in the routine smaller battles that come your way. Your confidence in God will grow, and you will become increasingly adept at waging spiritual warfare.
Start today! Prepare for great victories by faithfully fighting the smaller battles of life! And when it's time to face the giants, you will be ready to win!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Just The Right Time
From: Answers For Each Day - Bayless Conley
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."
1 Peter 5:6-7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
It is easy for us to get anxious when it seems like God is moving more slowly than we would like. But Scripture is clear, God's purposes have their appointed times. They are fulfilled in their season.
Humility and God's exalting of you are two things that are tied together. Perhaps you are feeling pretty frazzled, wondering, "God, when's it going to happen?" Just continue to cast your cares on Him. He will promote you in due time. Do not worry about it.
In fact, the phrase that says, "that He may exalt you in due time", literally means "at the set time" or "at the time prearranged by God."
When your character has been shaped and molded enough, and when other events are ready and in their proper place, then God will promote and exalt you.
Think about Moses who had it in his heart to be a deliverer and a judge, but when he first acted on it he failed miserably. He was 40 years early! (See Acts 7:23-34). The Israelites were not ready to be delivered yet. God had to work at the other end of the line.
Remember, God may have put some things in your heart, but the timing may not be quite right. There may be some work He needs to do in your life, or there may be some other factors God is working on. Until those things come together, God will not push you into that position.
So, focus on being faithful and let God worry about just the right time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."
1 Peter 5:6-7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
It is easy for us to get anxious when it seems like God is moving more slowly than we would like. But Scripture is clear, God's purposes have their appointed times. They are fulfilled in their season.
Humility and God's exalting of you are two things that are tied together. Perhaps you are feeling pretty frazzled, wondering, "God, when's it going to happen?" Just continue to cast your cares on Him. He will promote you in due time. Do not worry about it.
In fact, the phrase that says, "that He may exalt you in due time", literally means "at the set time" or "at the time prearranged by God."
When your character has been shaped and molded enough, and when other events are ready and in their proper place, then God will promote and exalt you.
Think about Moses who had it in his heart to be a deliverer and a judge, but when he first acted on it he failed miserably. He was 40 years early! (See Acts 7:23-34). The Israelites were not ready to be delivered yet. God had to work at the other end of the line.
Remember, God may have put some things in your heart, but the timing may not be quite right. There may be some work He needs to do in your life, or there may be some other factors God is working on. Until those things come together, God will not push you into that position.
So, focus on being faithful and let God worry about just the right time.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
With God, Nothing Is Impossible
From: Paul Wallace Ministries
Matthew 28:20 "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
Jesus gave His disciples a command that is referred to as the Great Commission. "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:18-19) A disciple is a learner. He sent them out to teach others what He commanded them. He commanded them to love God with their all and to love their neighbor as themselves. He commanded them to believe on the One that God sent, Jesus.
He also commanded them to remain in Him and bear much fruit. Those are the basics of the simple things we are to do and teach. As we attempt to do that we find that is easier said than done. What do we need?
We need His presence in and through us! That is why this gospel ends with the promise that He will always be with us. We need His power, wisdom, strength and courage to live and teach what He taught. We need Him to be Lord over us as He lives in us. We have a precious promise in these words. We will be tempted to doubt them, but they are the unfailing words of the One who has been given all authority. Trust those words! Rely on them! He is with you!
Matthew 28:20 "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
Jesus gave His disciples a command that is referred to as the Great Commission. "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:18-19) A disciple is a learner. He sent them out to teach others what He commanded them. He commanded them to love God with their all and to love their neighbor as themselves. He commanded them to believe on the One that God sent, Jesus.
He also commanded them to remain in Him and bear much fruit. Those are the basics of the simple things we are to do and teach. As we attempt to do that we find that is easier said than done. What do we need?
We need His presence in and through us! That is why this gospel ends with the promise that He will always be with us. We need His power, wisdom, strength and courage to live and teach what He taught. We need Him to be Lord over us as He lives in us. We have a precious promise in these words. We will be tempted to doubt them, but they are the unfailing words of the One who has been given all authority. Trust those words! Rely on them! He is with you!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Run To God When You Feel Discouraged
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Mark 16:12 "Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country."
Sometimes in our minds we feel as though God has fallen short, that He hasn't done what He said He would do. Maybe a tragedy has befallen us. Maybe something has happened in our lives that has left us feeling disappointed with God.
That is how two disciples felt after the crucifixion. They had lost hope. When Jesus appeared to them, they were walking away from Jerusalem into the country. In their minds, Jesus had let them down. They had misunderstood His mission. They thought He would be a militant Messiah, not a suffering Savior. But if they had read the Scriptures carefully, they would have come across a vivid description of the physical sufferings of Christ in Isaiah.
Jesus was doing exactly what He had come to do, and they had misunderstood. And when it seems like God has failed us, it is because we have misunderstood. That was the problem with these discouraged disciples, and so they were leaving Jerusalem. They wanted to get that image of Jesus on the cross out of their minds. They wanted to put as much distance from them and the cross as humanly possible.
Many times when we are discouraged, we think, I don't want to be around Christians. I don't want to read the Bible. I don't want to pray. But that is a big mistake. That is when we ought to be running to God, not away from Him. We ought to be spending time with His people and in His Word, not avoiding them.
Mark 16:12 "Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country."
Sometimes in our minds we feel as though God has fallen short, that He hasn't done what He said He would do. Maybe a tragedy has befallen us. Maybe something has happened in our lives that has left us feeling disappointed with God.
That is how two disciples felt after the crucifixion. They had lost hope. When Jesus appeared to them, they were walking away from Jerusalem into the country. In their minds, Jesus had let them down. They had misunderstood His mission. They thought He would be a militant Messiah, not a suffering Savior. But if they had read the Scriptures carefully, they would have come across a vivid description of the physical sufferings of Christ in Isaiah.
Jesus was doing exactly what He had come to do, and they had misunderstood. And when it seems like God has failed us, it is because we have misunderstood. That was the problem with these discouraged disciples, and so they were leaving Jerusalem. They wanted to get that image of Jesus on the cross out of their minds. They wanted to put as much distance from them and the cross as humanly possible.
Many times when we are discouraged, we think, I don't want to be around Christians. I don't want to read the Bible. I don't want to pray. But that is a big mistake. That is when we ought to be running to God, not away from Him. We ought to be spending time with His people and in His Word, not avoiding them.
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