From: Max Lucado Ministries
John 16:13 "When He comes, being the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth."
Of the three persons of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is the one we understand the least. Perhaps the most common mistake made regarding the Spirit is perceiving him as a power but not a person, a force with no identity. Such is not true.
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. The Holy Spirit is not an "it." He is a person. John calls him the Helper. He has knowledge (1 Cor. 2:11). He has a will (1 Cor. 12:11). He has a mind (Rom. 8:27). He has affections (Rom. 15:30). You can lie to him (Acts 5:3-4). You can insult him (Heb. 10:29). You can grieve him (Eph. 4:30).
What does the Spirit do? He comforts the saved. (John 16:7). He convicts the lost. (John 16:8). He conveys the truth. (John 16:13).
Have you ever been convicted? Have you ever sensed a stab of sorrow for your actions? Then you've been touched by the Holy Spirit.
Or have you ever understood a new truth? Or seen an old principle in a new way? The light comes on. Your eyes pop open. "Aha, now I understand." Ever happen to you? If so, that was the Holy Spirit conveying to you a new truth.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Big God, Small Problems
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Job 40:1-2 "Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"
When Job went before the Lord, as any person should do when they are suffering, he asked the question why. And there is nothing wrong with asking why. I have asked why many times. There is nothing wrong with asking why as long as you don't get the idea that God somehow owes you an answer.
We don't always know why. And I don't even think there is anything wrong with saying, "I don't like or agree with this plan." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39). Go to God with your whys. Go to God with your doubts. Go to God with your struggles. But ultimately, we need to say to the Lord, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Job asked a lot of questions, and then he started giving his opinions and trying to explain things away. Finally, God had enough. He asked Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding" (Job 38:4). Effectively He was saying, "Well, Job, you are such an expert now! Will you tell me what is going on? I don't remember seeing you around when I was creating the planets."
God never told Job why. Instead, He just revealed more of himself to Job. More than an explanation, what we really need is an encounter with God—a revelation of God. Because when we see God for who He is, we see our problems for what they are. Big God, small problems.
Job 40:1-2 "Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"
When Job went before the Lord, as any person should do when they are suffering, he asked the question why. And there is nothing wrong with asking why. I have asked why many times. There is nothing wrong with asking why as long as you don't get the idea that God somehow owes you an answer.
We don't always know why. And I don't even think there is anything wrong with saying, "I don't like or agree with this plan." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39). Go to God with your whys. Go to God with your doubts. Go to God with your struggles. But ultimately, we need to say to the Lord, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Job asked a lot of questions, and then he started giving his opinions and trying to explain things away. Finally, God had enough. He asked Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding" (Job 38:4). Effectively He was saying, "Well, Job, you are such an expert now! Will you tell me what is going on? I don't remember seeing you around when I was creating the planets."
God never told Job why. Instead, He just revealed more of himself to Job. More than an explanation, what we really need is an encounter with God—a revelation of God. Because when we see God for who He is, we see our problems for what they are. Big God, small problems.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"Inner Voice"
From: Winning Walk Daily Devotionals - Ed Young
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
I wonder how many times in your life and my life the sovereignty of God has prevailed at critical junctures? How many times has He enabled us to move safely through a moment of difficult decision?
You see, there is a moral guidance system by which we humans operate, and that system helps us determine the will and the purpose of God. We can sense it, but it is difficult to explain.
Would God leave His children with no way to determine His will for their lives? Never. He has given us our own built-in reason, intelligence, giftedness and inclinations. Best of all, He has left us His own "inner voice" that speaks to us when we get still enough, and leads us in the right way.
Don't lean solely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
I wonder how many times in your life and my life the sovereignty of God has prevailed at critical junctures? How many times has He enabled us to move safely through a moment of difficult decision?
You see, there is a moral guidance system by which we humans operate, and that system helps us determine the will and the purpose of God. We can sense it, but it is difficult to explain.
Would God leave His children with no way to determine His will for their lives? Never. He has given us our own built-in reason, intelligence, giftedness and inclinations. Best of all, He has left us His own "inner voice" that speaks to us when we get still enough, and leads us in the right way.
Don't lean solely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
University of Learning to Wait (ULW)
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Habakkuk 2:3 "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Habakkuk 2:3 "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Have you ever been in a hurry when God wasn't? It's so irritating! You're ready, but God isn't. God wants to work on you before He works on the project. Every believer must go through the University of Learning to Wait (ULW). Some of us are still working on our degrees from ULW!
1. Noah waited 120 years from the time he started building the ark until it began to rain.
2. Abraham was told he would be the father of a great nation and didn't have a child until he was -ninety-nine.
3. God told Moses he would be the leader to lead his people out of four hundred years of slavery, but then made him wait in the desert forty years.
4. Joseph spent years in prison before God raised him up and he became the ruler God wanted him to be.
5. God had David anointed as king, but then David waited for years until he actually got to be king.
We all have to go through these waiting periods. Even Jesus waited for thirty years in the carpenter's shop before setting out on His public ministry.
Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that His timing is perfect. One of the facts we have to learn is this: God's delay never destroys His purpose.
A delay is not a denial. Children must learn the difference between "no" and "not yet," and so must we. Many times we think God is saying, "No," but He is saying, "Not yet."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Love God And Live In His Will
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Some people believe the Bible teaches, "All things work together for good." Period. End of sentence. But this is nonsense! All things don't work together for good for those who die and wind up in hell!
What the Bible does teach is that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are living in His will. We love God through Jesus Christ and live according to His teaching in Scripture. To believe anything else, or to live any way we want, nullifies the truth of this verse.
But when we love God and are living for Him, then through any tragedy or any suffering, God can bring good. For with every tragedy and every setback, our choice is to grow bitter or to trust God to bring good out of great grief and difficulty. Look for the good that God can bring. You won't be disappointed.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Some people believe the Bible teaches, "All things work together for good." Period. End of sentence. But this is nonsense! All things don't work together for good for those who die and wind up in hell!
What the Bible does teach is that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are living in His will. We love God through Jesus Christ and live according to His teaching in Scripture. To believe anything else, or to live any way we want, nullifies the truth of this verse.
But when we love God and are living for Him, then through any tragedy or any suffering, God can bring good. For with every tragedy and every setback, our choice is to grow bitter or to trust God to bring good out of great grief and difficulty. Look for the good that God can bring. You won't be disappointed.
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Exemptions
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."
We can accept the idea of suffering in general, especially when it happens as a consequence of bad behavior. But when bad things happen to good people, we don't get it.
Being a Christian is not a guarantee that we will be exempt from suffering, however. Christians will suffer. Christians get cancer. Christians have heart attacks. Christians die in automobile accidents and plane crashes. Christians face the same tragedies as everyone else.
Yet we are surprised, even shocked by that. As Peter reminds us, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." In other words, don't be shocked that it is happening to you.
Since my son Christopher went to heaven, I have had people come up to me and say, "Why did this happen to you of all people?" The implication being that I get a free pass because I am a pastor. But I suffer along with everyone else. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
As Chuck Swindoll has wisely pointed out, "God never promised He would inform us ahead of time all about His plan. He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory." I know that He is in control. And I know that He is good.
1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."
We can accept the idea of suffering in general, especially when it happens as a consequence of bad behavior. But when bad things happen to good people, we don't get it.
Being a Christian is not a guarantee that we will be exempt from suffering, however. Christians will suffer. Christians get cancer. Christians have heart attacks. Christians die in automobile accidents and plane crashes. Christians face the same tragedies as everyone else.
Yet we are surprised, even shocked by that. As Peter reminds us, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." In other words, don't be shocked that it is happening to you.
Since my son Christopher went to heaven, I have had people come up to me and say, "Why did this happen to you of all people?" The implication being that I get a free pass because I am a pastor. But I suffer along with everyone else. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
As Chuck Swindoll has wisely pointed out, "God never promised He would inform us ahead of time all about His plan. He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory." I know that He is in control. And I know that He is good.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Communication
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 12:34 "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say."
The sign under a large mouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: 'If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!' Jesus said, "… Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships.
Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings… it comes out in your speech… If we intentionally… fill our hearts with love and respect… it overflows into our speech."
Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger… harsh words make tempers flare." (Proverbs 15:1).
Matthew 12:34 "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say."
The sign under a large mouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: 'If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!' Jesus said, "… Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships.
Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings… it comes out in your speech… If we intentionally… fill our hearts with love and respect… it overflows into our speech."
Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger… harsh words make tempers flare." (Proverbs 15:1).
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Love Never Gives Up
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
Sometimes you just don't feel like you have any more love to give. Maybe you're in a people-intensive job - such as management, teacher, salesman, waitress, or ministry - and you come home and think, "I just can't face another need, another problem, or another heartache." So you just shut down.
The Bible says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Love NEVER gives up.
How can you have that kind of persistent love for another person? You get refueled.
When my kids were young, I remember taking the family to a nearby air show. It was so impressive to see how they would hook up a tanker to a jet in flight to refuel. I'll never forget that.
But, can you imagine someone flying a jet saying, "I don't need to refuel?" The jet would crash and burn. In a long distance flight, a jet has to refuel.
To give the kind of persistent love that God wants you to give, you have to refuel your love tank. How do you refuel your love tank? You start by letting God love you. "We love because He first loved us." (1John 4:19) When you're worn out, tired, and can't imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that God loved you so much that He sent His son to die for you.
Now that's real fuel. That's what keeps you going when you want to quit.
1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
Sometimes you just don't feel like you have any more love to give. Maybe you're in a people-intensive job - such as management, teacher, salesman, waitress, or ministry - and you come home and think, "I just can't face another need, another problem, or another heartache." So you just shut down.
The Bible says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Love NEVER gives up.
How can you have that kind of persistent love for another person? You get refueled.
When my kids were young, I remember taking the family to a nearby air show. It was so impressive to see how they would hook up a tanker to a jet in flight to refuel. I'll never forget that.
But, can you imagine someone flying a jet saying, "I don't need to refuel?" The jet would crash and burn. In a long distance flight, a jet has to refuel.
To give the kind of persistent love that God wants you to give, you have to refuel your love tank. How do you refuel your love tank? You start by letting God love you. "We love because He first loved us." (1John 4:19) When you're worn out, tired, and can't imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that God loved you so much that He sent His son to die for you.
Now that's real fuel. That's what keeps you going when you want to quit.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Global Positioning Systems
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Luke 3:5 "The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."
I love the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the new cars. A voice comes on and tells me how far I have to go and when to turn. However, sometimes I get off course and the voice says: "Recalculating route." The GPS is telling me I have gone off course and it is now recalculating the route based on my wrong turn. Sometimes we can make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going the right direction only to discover it was never God's will to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person - the examples are limitless.
There is an amazing thing about God. He can make our crooked places straight. He has an ability to make whatever blunder you make turn out right. It may mean there might be some consequences to those decisions, but He will always allow your actions to work together for good for those called according to His purposes if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.
God's omnipotence is always ahead of our incompetence. Do you think He knew you would make that misstep? Absolutely. Do you think your life was planned even with that misstep figured in? Absolutely. Isn't it comforting to know you cannot plan God out of the equation no matter how bad you mess up? He will always turn crooked places into straight places for those who are humble and contrite.
Luke 3:5 "The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."
I love the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the new cars. A voice comes on and tells me how far I have to go and when to turn. However, sometimes I get off course and the voice says: "Recalculating route." The GPS is telling me I have gone off course and it is now recalculating the route based on my wrong turn. Sometimes we can make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going the right direction only to discover it was never God's will to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person - the examples are limitless.
There is an amazing thing about God. He can make our crooked places straight. He has an ability to make whatever blunder you make turn out right. It may mean there might be some consequences to those decisions, but He will always allow your actions to work together for good for those called according to His purposes if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.
God's omnipotence is always ahead of our incompetence. Do you think He knew you would make that misstep? Absolutely. Do you think your life was planned even with that misstep figured in? Absolutely. Isn't it comforting to know you cannot plan God out of the equation no matter how bad you mess up? He will always turn crooked places into straight places for those who are humble and contrite.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Character...When It's Crunch Time
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Comedian Red Allen, said, "You only live once. But if you work it right, once is enough." So, how can you work it right? By living by your convictions every day; do that, and you will have few regrets.
Living a life of integrity involves: a) thinking regularly about your values and letting them soak in; and, b) constantly measuring your choices against God's Word and whenever it is appropriate, talking about them. This not only cements your values, it also adds a level of safety and accountability.
We get into trouble when our convictions and our impulses collide. When everything's going our way it is not difficult to live by our convictions. But 'where it comes to the crunch,' is when those convictions demand that we do something that will hurt or cost us!
You do not feel your way into doing what is right; you act first, act scripturally, act consistently - your feelings follow suit. Usually it does not involve anything dramatic; the tough decisions are the everyday ones.
Character is built like a wall, one brick at a time. Nice people may appear to finish last, but usually it is because they are running a different race. Running that race involves pausing regularly to examine your life.
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Comedian Red Allen, said, "You only live once. But if you work it right, once is enough." So, how can you work it right? By living by your convictions every day; do that, and you will have few regrets.
Living a life of integrity involves: a) thinking regularly about your values and letting them soak in; and, b) constantly measuring your choices against God's Word and whenever it is appropriate, talking about them. This not only cements your values, it also adds a level of safety and accountability.
We get into trouble when our convictions and our impulses collide. When everything's going our way it is not difficult to live by our convictions. But 'where it comes to the crunch,' is when those convictions demand that we do something that will hurt or cost us!
You do not feel your way into doing what is right; you act first, act scripturally, act consistently - your feelings follow suit. Usually it does not involve anything dramatic; the tough decisions are the everyday ones.
Character is built like a wall, one brick at a time. Nice people may appear to finish last, but usually it is because they are running a different race. Running that race involves pausing regularly to examine your life.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Success
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Acts 13:36 "For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation."
Will God be able to say you served your purpose in your generation? Imagine being able to say that. God was able to say this about the life of David, even though David made some incredibly bad choices in his life that led to long term consequences. However, because David repented each time he erred, his purpose was accomplished on earth as God had designed it.
One of the prayers I often pray for people whenever I'm asked to pray for them is this; "Lord, may You fulfill every purpose for which You made them. May there be nothing left on the table that he/she is destined to accomplish."
That is really the definition of success. Success is fulfilling the complete purpose for which God made you. It has nothing to do with wealth, accomplishments, stature in life, or standard of living. It has to do with living a life of obedience to the Father. And when we live a life of obedience to the Father, we will fulfill the purposes that God had in mind when He made you and me.
Acts 13:36 "For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation."
Will God be able to say you served your purpose in your generation? Imagine being able to say that. God was able to say this about the life of David, even though David made some incredibly bad choices in his life that led to long term consequences. However, because David repented each time he erred, his purpose was accomplished on earth as God had designed it.
One of the prayers I often pray for people whenever I'm asked to pray for them is this; "Lord, may You fulfill every purpose for which You made them. May there be nothing left on the table that he/she is destined to accomplish."
That is really the definition of success. Success is fulfilling the complete purpose for which God made you. It has nothing to do with wealth, accomplishments, stature in life, or standard of living. It has to do with living a life of obedience to the Father. And when we live a life of obedience to the Father, we will fulfill the purposes that God had in mind when He made you and me.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Difficult Times
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
"Difficult times will come." It's a fact of life, isn't it? There are good times and bad times in everybody's life. We are fallen beings living in fallen bodies in a fallen world, surrounded by other fallen people. And it is only going to get worse as we move towards the "last days".
God allows us to experience the fallenness of life, just like everyone else. It is in our spiritual response to the difficulties of life that God is most glorified.
If you are experiencing dark times, don't think it is unusual or that God has abandoned you. God wants you to know that until you go to be with Him, you will have the stress of life in a fallen world. The difference is that God walks through that experience with you, transforming both you and those you touch.
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
"Difficult times will come." It's a fact of life, isn't it? There are good times and bad times in everybody's life. We are fallen beings living in fallen bodies in a fallen world, surrounded by other fallen people. And it is only going to get worse as we move towards the "last days".
God allows us to experience the fallenness of life, just like everyone else. It is in our spiritual response to the difficulties of life that God is most glorified.
If you are experiencing dark times, don't think it is unusual or that God has abandoned you. God wants you to know that until you go to be with Him, you will have the stress of life in a fallen world. The difference is that God walks through that experience with you, transforming both you and those you touch.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Character
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on specific issues such as "What career should I choose?"
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
You must make a counterculture decision to focus on becoming more like Jesus. Otherwise, other forces like peers, co-workers, and culture will try to mold you into their image.
Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before He takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on specific issues such as "What career should I choose?"
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
You must make a counterculture decision to focus on becoming more like Jesus. Otherwise, other forces like peers, co-workers, and culture will try to mold you into their image.
Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before He takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Spiritual Growth
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect."
Life is filled with choices. From the moment you get up in the morning to the moment you lay your head down on your pillow at night, you will have made hundreds, maybe even thousands, of choices.
There are some choices that don't mean a lot, while other choices mean a whole lot. And it comes down to this: we make our choices, and our choices make us. So if you want to grow spiritually, you will. And if you don't want to grow spiritually, you won't. Either you will go forward as a Christian, or you will go backward. Either you will progress, or you will regress. Either you will gain ground, or you will lose ground. And if you stand still, then you will lose ground.
There are choices that will impair our spiritual growth, and there are choices that will enhance it. That is why we need to make a commitment to seek to grow spiritually on a daily basis—not to just hold our ground, but to gain ground in our relationship with Christ. Let's commit ourselves to spiritual growth.
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect."
Life is filled with choices. From the moment you get up in the morning to the moment you lay your head down on your pillow at night, you will have made hundreds, maybe even thousands, of choices.
There are some choices that don't mean a lot, while other choices mean a whole lot. And it comes down to this: we make our choices, and our choices make us. So if you want to grow spiritually, you will. And if you don't want to grow spiritually, you won't. Either you will go forward as a Christian, or you will go backward. Either you will progress, or you will regress. Either you will gain ground, or you will lose ground. And if you stand still, then you will lose ground.
There are choices that will impair our spiritual growth, and there are choices that will enhance it. That is why we need to make a commitment to seek to grow spiritually on a daily basis—not to just hold our ground, but to gain ground in our relationship with Christ. Let's commit ourselves to spiritual growth.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Words Matter
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - Dave Brannon
Society’s standard of language has declined in recent years, but we don’t have to decline with it. As we strive to be careful how we live, we should think about how to honor God with our words.
We please the Lord with our tongue when we show discernment. “He who restrains his lips is wise,” Proverbs 10:19 reminds us. When we do speak, we are to filter the words that escape our lips: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).
It is important to use kind, positive words—even to address tough subjects. “A harsh word stirs up anger, but the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly” (Proverbs 15:1-2).
Finally, avoid words that reflect poorly on who we are as God’s children. Paul’s admonition to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29) sets a strong standard for the righteous use of words.
To honor God in each part of life, use words that are pleasing and acceptable to a holy God.
Society’s standard of language has declined in recent years, but we don’t have to decline with it. As we strive to be careful how we live, we should think about how to honor God with our words.
We please the Lord with our tongue when we show discernment. “He who restrains his lips is wise,” Proverbs 10:19 reminds us. When we do speak, we are to filter the words that escape our lips: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).
It is important to use kind, positive words—even to address tough subjects. “A harsh word stirs up anger, but the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly” (Proverbs 15:1-2).
Finally, avoid words that reflect poorly on who we are as God’s children. Paul’s admonition to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29) sets a strong standard for the righteous use of words.
To honor God in each part of life, use words that are pleasing and acceptable to a holy God.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Are You Called To Go Deeper?
From: The Upper Room Devotionals
Luke 5:4 "Jesus said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Luke's account of Jesus calling Peter to follow him is striking in many ways. The miracle of the abundant catch, Peter's realization of his spiritual condition, and his immediate assent to Jesus' call to follow Him are all truly remarkable. Yet it is Peter's obedience that impresses me the most. Jesus told Peter, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch."
Once Peter obeyed, his haul of fish was so great that the nets were almost bursting. Peter had to call his partners to help haul in the fish. Then Peter experienced a spiritual transformation and obeyed Jesus' second instruction: "from now on you will be catching people." (verse 10)
God always beckons people to move into deeper waters. Abraham was asked to go far away to an unknown land. (See Gen. 12:1-5.) A similar challenge was rejected by the rich young ruler who came to see Jesus. (See Mark 10:21-22.)
How will we respond when God calls us to go deeper? Will we stay where we feel comfortable and safe in shallow waters, with our feet firmly and securely planted on the ground? Or are we ready to put our hand trustingly in God's and venture into deeper water? The reward will be worth it -- a richer, more intimate walk with God and a more abundant life.
Luke 5:4 "Jesus said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Luke's account of Jesus calling Peter to follow him is striking in many ways. The miracle of the abundant catch, Peter's realization of his spiritual condition, and his immediate assent to Jesus' call to follow Him are all truly remarkable. Yet it is Peter's obedience that impresses me the most. Jesus told Peter, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch."
Once Peter obeyed, his haul of fish was so great that the nets were almost bursting. Peter had to call his partners to help haul in the fish. Then Peter experienced a spiritual transformation and obeyed Jesus' second instruction: "from now on you will be catching people." (verse 10)
God always beckons people to move into deeper waters. Abraham was asked to go far away to an unknown land. (See Gen. 12:1-5.) A similar challenge was rejected by the rich young ruler who came to see Jesus. (See Mark 10:21-22.)
How will we respond when God calls us to go deeper? Will we stay where we feel comfortable and safe in shallow waters, with our feet firmly and securely planted on the ground? Or are we ready to put our hand trustingly in God's and venture into deeper water? The reward will be worth it -- a richer, more intimate walk with God and a more abundant life.
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