From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."
I have discovered a pattern in the way God speaks to me when I'm faced with major decisions. I will spend a great deal of time seeking direction from Him and asking Him to speak to me regarding a decision. I spend time in prayer and Bible study. Many times I have suddenly had a rush over me with an overwhelming feeling of His presence. The feeling is usually so intense I will begin to cry, sometimes uncontrollably. (Thank God this doesn't happen too often, because it is rather embarrassing in a public setting.)
I recall one time when I was praying about whether I should make a commitment to work for a ministry that would involve at least a one-year commitment. It seemed like the right thing, but I was still awaiting confirmation. One morning during my quiet time, the situation I just described came over me. My wife Angie walked into the room to find me crying. (She always laughs when this happens and says there's nothing like seeing a grown man cry.) I told her God was telling me to enter into a working relationship with this ministry. It was a great release in my spirit and confirmation of what I was to do. Two years later, I was able to look back and see that God had led that decision which resulted in much fruit.
A well known Bible teacher F. B Meyer once said, "When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always occur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Focus On the Goal
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
When a runner is in a race, he puts his eyes on the goal. He doesn't look at the grandstand or the other runners. He has his eyes on the goal. He looks away from everything else. The finish line is all he sees.
That's exactly what we're to do. The reason many of us fail in the race is that we have not learned to look away from other things. We're trying to look in both directions at the same time. Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 5:32 "Be careful, therefore, to do as the Lord, your God, has commanded you, not turning aside to the right or to the left, but exactly the way prescribed for you by the lord, your God, that you may live long and prosper."
Where is your focus today? Has the world drawn you back into itself, luring you away from the command of our Lord? Stay focused on the most important goal in your life...the calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
When a runner is in a race, he puts his eyes on the goal. He doesn't look at the grandstand or the other runners. He has his eyes on the goal. He looks away from everything else. The finish line is all he sees.
That's exactly what we're to do. The reason many of us fail in the race is that we have not learned to look away from other things. We're trying to look in both directions at the same time. Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 5:32 "Be careful, therefore, to do as the Lord, your God, has commanded you, not turning aside to the right or to the left, but exactly the way prescribed for you by the lord, your God, that you may live long and prosper."
Where is your focus today? Has the world drawn you back into itself, luring you away from the command of our Lord? Stay focused on the most important goal in your life...the calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Solid As A Rock
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 7:25 "The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock."
John Ruskin said, 'The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.' It's said that when Michael Eisner, head of the Disney Corporation, had plans drawn up for a house, one wall was so thin it almost buckled under its own weight. Another software billionaire's house had pine siding that rotted before the house was even completed. So, were they just too busy to notice?
Architects say that people find construction details boring; they'd rather spend their money on glitzy stuff. Yet it's the foundation that determines the strength, stability, and ultimately the value of the house.
Houses built on sand are quick, cheap and easy; they provide temporary comfort and instant gratification. Building on rock is hard; it takes time, effort, foresight and perseverance-but the results are worth it. If you're not sure what kind of house you're building, watch what happens when the storm hits!
A house built on rock will withstand the same storm that levels those built on sand. Simply stated, there are no shortcuts. Character is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to the principles of God's Word. When you make these things the foundation of your life you'll make it through any storm.
Matthew 7:25 "The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock."
John Ruskin said, 'The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.' It's said that when Michael Eisner, head of the Disney Corporation, had plans drawn up for a house, one wall was so thin it almost buckled under its own weight. Another software billionaire's house had pine siding that rotted before the house was even completed. So, were they just too busy to notice?
Architects say that people find construction details boring; they'd rather spend their money on glitzy stuff. Yet it's the foundation that determines the strength, stability, and ultimately the value of the house.
Houses built on sand are quick, cheap and easy; they provide temporary comfort and instant gratification. Building on rock is hard; it takes time, effort, foresight and perseverance-but the results are worth it. If you're not sure what kind of house you're building, watch what happens when the storm hits!
A house built on rock will withstand the same storm that levels those built on sand. Simply stated, there are no shortcuts. Character is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to the principles of God's Word. When you make these things the foundation of your life you'll make it through any storm.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Resist Discouragement
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come – yet – that doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer, or that He’s forgotten you, or that He doesn’t care about you. It simply means “not yet!”
Spiritual maturity is knowing the difference between “No” and “Not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And, anybody can be patient twice. And, just about anybody can be patient three times. So God tests your patience over and over and over.
Why? To see how patient you are? No, He does it so that you can see how patient you are. So you’ll know what’s inside of you, and you’ll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know He is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed.
If you’re discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask Him to transform your discouragement into patience.
You may be going through difficult times right now and feel like dropping off the planet. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair. It may seem unbearable and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”
But you can. You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit.
Don’t quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you.
Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come – yet – that doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer, or that He’s forgotten you, or that He doesn’t care about you. It simply means “not yet!”
Spiritual maturity is knowing the difference between “No” and “Not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And, anybody can be patient twice. And, just about anybody can be patient three times. So God tests your patience over and over and over.
Why? To see how patient you are? No, He does it so that you can see how patient you are. So you’ll know what’s inside of you, and you’ll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know He is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed.
If you’re discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask Him to transform your discouragement into patience.
You may be going through difficult times right now and feel like dropping off the planet. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair. It may seem unbearable and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”
But you can. You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit.
Don’t quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Keep The Right Attitude
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Isaiah 42:16 "...I will turn darkness into light and make crooked ways straight..."
There are times in life when we all face situations that seem impossible. It's easy to get discouraged and think that things won't ever work out. But the Scripture tells us that God goes before us and makes our crooked places straight.
In other words, even though you may not have the connections you need right now, you don't have to worry. God is going before you lining up the right people, arranging the right breaks, and setting up the right opportunities. He is preparing the way for victory!
Today, if you are facing difficulty, don't fall into the temptation to get negative and sour. That adversity is no a surprise to God. He's not up in the heavens scratching His head and thinking, "Oh, no. Now what am I going to do?"
No, He already has every day of your life written in His book. Before you had that problem, God already had the solution. He is going before you right now preparing the next chapter of your life. Stay in faith and keep the right attitude because He is moving you forward into the victory He has prepared for you!
Isaiah 42:16 "...I will turn darkness into light and make crooked ways straight..."
There are times in life when we all face situations that seem impossible. It's easy to get discouraged and think that things won't ever work out. But the Scripture tells us that God goes before us and makes our crooked places straight.
In other words, even though you may not have the connections you need right now, you don't have to worry. God is going before you lining up the right people, arranging the right breaks, and setting up the right opportunities. He is preparing the way for victory!
Today, if you are facing difficulty, don't fall into the temptation to get negative and sour. That adversity is no a surprise to God. He's not up in the heavens scratching His head and thinking, "Oh, no. Now what am I going to do?"
No, He already has every day of your life written in His book. Before you had that problem, God already had the solution. He is going before you right now preparing the next chapter of your life. Stay in faith and keep the right attitude because He is moving you forward into the victory He has prepared for you!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Divine Interruption Could Be Divine Protection
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
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."
We all have times when our plans don't work out. We get delayed, interrupted, and inconvenienced. It's easy to get frustrated and fight against everything that doesn't go our way. But I've learned that every interruption is not bad. Every closed door doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. Every delay doesn't mean you're not where you're supposed to be.
There is something I call a divine interruption where God, on purpose, will delay us to protect us from an accident. On purpose, He will close a door because it's not His best. Sometimes, God will allow us to be inconvenienced so we can help someone else in need. We have to be willing to press through difficulty so we can be at the right place at the right time.
The next time you're interrupted, delayed, or inconvenienced, don't start thinking, "This is a pain. This is getting me off schedule." No, get a new perspective. Look for what God wants to do because it could be divine interruption or divine protection. Trust Him today because He is directing your steps.
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."
We all have times when our plans don't work out. We get delayed, interrupted, and inconvenienced. It's easy to get frustrated and fight against everything that doesn't go our way. But I've learned that every interruption is not bad. Every closed door doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. Every delay doesn't mean you're not where you're supposed to be.
There is something I call a divine interruption where God, on purpose, will delay us to protect us from an accident. On purpose, He will close a door because it's not His best. Sometimes, God will allow us to be inconvenienced so we can help someone else in need. We have to be willing to press through difficulty so we can be at the right place at the right time.
The next time you're interrupted, delayed, or inconvenienced, don't start thinking, "This is a pain. This is getting me off schedule." No, get a new perspective. Look for what God wants to do because it could be divine interruption or divine protection. Trust Him today because He is directing your steps.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
There's A Branch Near You
From: Joe Gibbs' Game Plan For Life
Matthew 6:20 "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
We understand the part about not storing up "treasures on earth." (verse 19) We get it that we can't take our stuff with us into eternity. We never see a hearse pulling a moving van. We know that. But "treasures in heaven." What are those? And how do they become part of our life's purpose?
Because each of us has an eternal soul, one way to store up "treasures in heaven" is by investing your life in other people—in your wife, your children, your work associates and employees, your neighbors, your friends, even people who cross your path in seemingly random fashion. We're not to regard them anymore "from a worldly point of view," as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:16. We're to see them as a teller window for depositing our time, our attention, our concern, even just a kind "hello" made with deliberate eye contact.
Not every heavenly investment is transacted at church or in some other so-called spiritual setting. Just about anywhere you go, there's a branch near you.
Matthew 6:20 "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
We understand the part about not storing up "treasures on earth." (verse 19) We get it that we can't take our stuff with us into eternity. We never see a hearse pulling a moving van. We know that. But "treasures in heaven." What are those? And how do they become part of our life's purpose?
Because each of us has an eternal soul, one way to store up "treasures in heaven" is by investing your life in other people—in your wife, your children, your work associates and employees, your neighbors, your friends, even people who cross your path in seemingly random fashion. We're not to regard them anymore "from a worldly point of view," as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:16. We're to see them as a teller window for depositing our time, our attention, our concern, even just a kind "hello" made with deliberate eye contact.
Not every heavenly investment is transacted at church or in some other so-called spiritual setting. Just about anywhere you go, there's a branch near you.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Character And Integrity
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
There are so many temptations we encounter as we strive to lead a life of integrity. One of the greatest influences we have for determining the way we live our lives is the group of people with whom we choose to surround ourselves. The fact is, we tend to become like the environment we live in.
As you spend time with people, you may adopt their styles, values, and their decision-making processes. If you associate with unethical people, you may find yourself progressively struggling with ethical decisions. If you surround yourself with men and women of Godly character, you will find the ethical path much easier to navigate.
You probably know this and apply it to the people you befriend, but don't stop there. Join companies, work groups, and social groups that are made up of people with integrity. And, if you own your own business, only hire people with solid character. Include your suppliers, your advertising agency, and your accounting firm on that list. Surround yourself with people of integrity and you will find it easier to follow the guidelines that God has set for us in His Word.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
There are so many temptations we encounter as we strive to lead a life of integrity. One of the greatest influences we have for determining the way we live our lives is the group of people with whom we choose to surround ourselves. The fact is, we tend to become like the environment we live in.
As you spend time with people, you may adopt their styles, values, and their decision-making processes. If you associate with unethical people, you may find yourself progressively struggling with ethical decisions. If you surround yourself with men and women of Godly character, you will find the ethical path much easier to navigate.
You probably know this and apply it to the people you befriend, but don't stop there. Join companies, work groups, and social groups that are made up of people with integrity. And, if you own your own business, only hire people with solid character. Include your suppliers, your advertising agency, and your accounting firm on that list. Surround yourself with people of integrity and you will find it easier to follow the guidelines that God has set for us in His Word.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hang In There - Refuse To Quit!
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Corinthians 15:58 "Be firm and steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Ninety-nine percent of all failure involves quitting too soon! Don Owens says, "People fail because they believe that if at first you don't succeed - try something else! No, failure's a sure thing for those who follow that advice! Visions are fulfilled because visionaries refuse to quit. They never let disappointment get the upper hand. Adversity just spurs them on to greater efforts."
Nobody faced greater challenges than Paul, yet he wrote: "These troubles… won't last… this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing." (2 Corinthians 4:17) So hang in there! Often the last key on the ring is the one that opens the door!
1 Corinthians 15:58 "Be firm and steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Ninety-nine percent of all failure involves quitting too soon! Don Owens says, "People fail because they believe that if at first you don't succeed - try something else! No, failure's a sure thing for those who follow that advice! Visions are fulfilled because visionaries refuse to quit. They never let disappointment get the upper hand. Adversity just spurs them on to greater efforts."
Nobody faced greater challenges than Paul, yet he wrote: "These troubles… won't last… this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing." (2 Corinthians 4:17) So hang in there! Often the last key on the ring is the one that opens the door!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
From: Winning Walk Ministries - Ed Young
Isaiah 55:9 "As high as the Heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts."
Mark Twain once asked a baggage handler on a passenger train if the man thought his briefcase was strong enough to be placed in the baggage compartment. The baggage handler shrugged, took Twain's case, and promptly hurled it to the pavement. "That, sir," he said, "is what she'll get in Philadelphia." Then he picked it up and struck it four or five times against the side of the train. "And that," he continued, "is what she'll get in Chicago."
Finally he threw the case to the ground and stomped on it vigorously until the author's books and papers spilled out, saying, "And that's what she'll get in Sioux City."As Twain watched slack-jawed, the handler nodded at his now mangled case and advised, "If you're going any farther than Sioux City, sir, I'd suggest you carry it on yourself!"
In a sense, Twain was lucky. He saw before he boarded the train what the journey ahead would entail. But the best most of us can hope to do is observe the journey of life from our fast-moving train and attempt—while the scenery whizzes past us—to make some half-ordered sense of it all.
Life is full of contrasts and ripe with paradox. It contains full measures of trouble and triumph, of sadness and joy. But at its heart, there is a divine order. Although we long to see it in full and understand it completely, we cannot. We can only trust that God knows the journey, and that His view is bigger and more complete than our own.
Isaiah 55:9 "As high as the Heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts."
Mark Twain once asked a baggage handler on a passenger train if the man thought his briefcase was strong enough to be placed in the baggage compartment. The baggage handler shrugged, took Twain's case, and promptly hurled it to the pavement. "That, sir," he said, "is what she'll get in Philadelphia." Then he picked it up and struck it four or five times against the side of the train. "And that," he continued, "is what she'll get in Chicago."
Finally he threw the case to the ground and stomped on it vigorously until the author's books and papers spilled out, saying, "And that's what she'll get in Sioux City."As Twain watched slack-jawed, the handler nodded at his now mangled case and advised, "If you're going any farther than Sioux City, sir, I'd suggest you carry it on yourself!"
In a sense, Twain was lucky. He saw before he boarded the train what the journey ahead would entail. But the best most of us can hope to do is observe the journey of life from our fast-moving train and attempt—while the scenery whizzes past us—to make some half-ordered sense of it all.
Life is full of contrasts and ripe with paradox. It contains full measures of trouble and triumph, of sadness and joy. But at its heart, there is a divine order. Although we long to see it in full and understand it completely, we cannot. We can only trust that God knows the journey, and that His view is bigger and more complete than our own.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Integrity And Wisdom Are Partners
From: Every Day Light Ministries - Selwyn Hughes
Proverbs 10:9 "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will fare badly."
The dictionary defines integrity as: "wholeness, soundness, trustworthiness, uprightness, honesty." You can see at once that there is a moral quantity about integrity and that morality is an essential characteristic of wisdom.
One of the mistakes many people make when thinking about wisdom is to confuse it with learning, intelligence, brilliance or cleverness. How many times do we read in our newspapers of those who have climbed the ladder of success, have been highly educated or have achieved great prominence in the world, only to see them come tumbling down because of some moral indiscretion?
Many professional people have a great deal of knowledge but lack wisdom. For example, you see this in the marriage counselor who, in spite of all his credentials, can't hold his own marriage together; in the economist who goes bankrupt playing the stock market; in the preacher who shocks his congregation by running off with a young woman.
Learning, understanding, intelligence and professional training are important - don't hear me demean them - but if we are to be experts in the art of living, as Proverbs sets out to teach us, then we must see that without wisdom the things I have listed don't count for too much. "The simplicity of integrity is the profundity of wisdom," says Paul Larsen. How true! How very true!
Proverbs 10:9 "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will fare badly."
The dictionary defines integrity as: "wholeness, soundness, trustworthiness, uprightness, honesty." You can see at once that there is a moral quantity about integrity and that morality is an essential characteristic of wisdom.
One of the mistakes many people make when thinking about wisdom is to confuse it with learning, intelligence, brilliance or cleverness. How many times do we read in our newspapers of those who have climbed the ladder of success, have been highly educated or have achieved great prominence in the world, only to see them come tumbling down because of some moral indiscretion?
Many professional people have a great deal of knowledge but lack wisdom. For example, you see this in the marriage counselor who, in spite of all his credentials, can't hold his own marriage together; in the economist who goes bankrupt playing the stock market; in the preacher who shocks his congregation by running off with a young woman.
Learning, understanding, intelligence and professional training are important - don't hear me demean them - but if we are to be experts in the art of living, as Proverbs sets out to teach us, then we must see that without wisdom the things I have listed don't count for too much. "The simplicity of integrity is the profundity of wisdom," says Paul Larsen. How true! How very true!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Yet Again...And Again
From: A Good Thing Daily Devotions
1 Samuel 23:4a "Again David consulted the Lord..."
Many times, when we are faced with challenging situations, our first inclination, especially if there are others waiting upon or relying on our answer, is to make a hasty decision based on the best understanding we have at the moment. But we should develop the habit, like David, of asking the Lord for direction first.
Perhaps you have already sought the Lord's guidance, though, in a particular situation — a relationship, or a promotion, or a relocation, or another life-changing decision. Or maybe you received clear direction for your last decision, but a fresh challenge has presented itself.
Then inquire of the Lord yet again. There is no such thing as being too dependent upon God. He never wearies of our questions, and we never out-grow our inadequacy without Him.
The great encouragement is that when David went to the Lord yet again, then "the Lord answered him." (1 Samuel 23:4b). He always answers those who inquire of Him, and so He will answer you when you call upon Him and inquire of Him, dear believer.
1 Samuel 23:4a "Again David consulted the Lord..."
Many times, when we are faced with challenging situations, our first inclination, especially if there are others waiting upon or relying on our answer, is to make a hasty decision based on the best understanding we have at the moment. But we should develop the habit, like David, of asking the Lord for direction first.
Perhaps you have already sought the Lord's guidance, though, in a particular situation — a relationship, or a promotion, or a relocation, or another life-changing decision. Or maybe you received clear direction for your last decision, but a fresh challenge has presented itself.
Then inquire of the Lord yet again. There is no such thing as being too dependent upon God. He never wearies of our questions, and we never out-grow our inadequacy without Him.
The great encouragement is that when David went to the Lord yet again, then "the Lord answered him." (1 Samuel 23:4b). He always answers those who inquire of Him, and so He will answer you when you call upon Him and inquire of Him, dear believer.
Monday, June 14, 2010
How Your Character Develops
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 4:23 "Let the Spirit change your way of thinking."
Throughout the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: the Holy Spirit releases His power the moment you take a step of faith.
When Joshua was faced with an impassible barrier, the floodwaters of the Jordan River receded only after the leaders stepped into the rushing current in obedience and faith. Obedience unlocks God's power.
God waits for you to act first. Don't wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character develops.
While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth. At least eight times in the New Testament we are told to "make every effort" in our growth toward becoming like Jesus (Luke 13:24; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14).
Ephesians 4:23 "Let the Spirit change your way of thinking."
Throughout the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: the Holy Spirit releases His power the moment you take a step of faith.
When Joshua was faced with an impassible barrier, the floodwaters of the Jordan River receded only after the leaders stepped into the rushing current in obedience and faith. Obedience unlocks God's power.
God waits for you to act first. Don't wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character develops.
While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth. At least eight times in the New Testament we are told to "make every effort" in our growth toward becoming like Jesus (Luke 13:24; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14).
Sunday, June 13, 2010
PBPGINFWMY
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Habakkuk 2:3 "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!"
Contrary to popular book titles, there are no Easy Steps to Maturity or Secrets of Instant Sainthood. When God wants to make a giant oak, He takes a hundred years, but when He wants to make a mushroom, He does it overnight. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering.
Be patient with the process. James advised, "Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed." (James 1:4)
Don't get discouraged. Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY. It stood for "Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet."
God isn't finished with you, either, so keep moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!
Habakkuk 2:3 "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!"
Contrary to popular book titles, there are no Easy Steps to Maturity or Secrets of Instant Sainthood. When God wants to make a giant oak, He takes a hundred years, but when He wants to make a mushroom, He does it overnight. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering.
Be patient with the process. James advised, "Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed." (James 1:4)
Don't get discouraged. Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY. It stood for "Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet."
God isn't finished with you, either, so keep moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!
Humility
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Proverbs 22:4 "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life."
Humility. It's the one trait that when we think we've got it, we've lost it. But humility is not a false sense of modesty. This puts off other people and insults God, our Creator, for He has given us all gifts and abilities.
So what is real humility? It's a realistic view of ourselves - knowing our strengths and weaknesses. It's being modest about our strengths and honest about our weaknesses. It's doing our best, but not taking ourselves too seriously.
Atlanta's Bobby Jones was perhaps the greatest golfer of all time. He faced a long term debilitating illness in the final years of his life. Herbert Warren Wind said of him, "As a young man, he was able to stand up to just about the best that life could offer, which isn't easy, and later stood up with equal grace to just about the worst." That's humility. Greatness with humility is greatness indeed.
Proverbs 22:4 "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life."
Humility. It's the one trait that when we think we've got it, we've lost it. But humility is not a false sense of modesty. This puts off other people and insults God, our Creator, for He has given us all gifts and abilities.
So what is real humility? It's a realistic view of ourselves - knowing our strengths and weaknesses. It's being modest about our strengths and honest about our weaknesses. It's doing our best, but not taking ourselves too seriously.
Atlanta's Bobby Jones was perhaps the greatest golfer of all time. He faced a long term debilitating illness in the final years of his life. Herbert Warren Wind said of him, "As a young man, he was able to stand up to just about the best that life could offer, which isn't easy, and later stood up with equal grace to just about the worst." That's humility. Greatness with humility is greatness indeed.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Run To Win!
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize. Run so as to win!"
In the award-winning film Chariots of Fire, one of the characters is legendary British sprinter Harold Abrahams. He is obsessed with winning, but in a preliminary 100-meter dash leading up to the 1924 Olympics, he is soundly beaten by his rival, Eric Liddell. Abrahams’ response is deep despair. When his girlfriend, Sybil, tries to encourage him, Harold angrily declares, “I run to win. If I can’t win, I won’t run!” Sybil responds wisely, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Life is full of reversals, and we as Christians are not excluded from disappointments that make us want to give up. But in the race that is the Christian life, Paul challenges us to keep running. He told the Corinthians,"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize. Run so as to win!" We are to run faithfully, Paul is saying, spurred on by the knowledge that we run to honor our King and to receive from Him an eternal crown.
If we falter in our running—if we quit serving God or give in to sin because of our difficulties—we risk losing a rich reward we could have received had we run our best.
1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize. Run so as to win!"
In the award-winning film Chariots of Fire, one of the characters is legendary British sprinter Harold Abrahams. He is obsessed with winning, but in a preliminary 100-meter dash leading up to the 1924 Olympics, he is soundly beaten by his rival, Eric Liddell. Abrahams’ response is deep despair. When his girlfriend, Sybil, tries to encourage him, Harold angrily declares, “I run to win. If I can’t win, I won’t run!” Sybil responds wisely, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Life is full of reversals, and we as Christians are not excluded from disappointments that make us want to give up. But in the race that is the Christian life, Paul challenges us to keep running. He told the Corinthians,"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize. Run so as to win!" We are to run faithfully, Paul is saying, spurred on by the knowledge that we run to honor our King and to receive from Him an eternal crown.
If we falter in our running—if we quit serving God or give in to sin because of our difficulties—we risk losing a rich reward we could have received had we run our best.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Get Ready!
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:12-13 "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 on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
You must prepare yourself spiritually to face hard times before they come! The reality is that when hard times come, they come with a vengeance. You have no time then to say, "I had better get ready for this." No, you are either ready, or not!
Here, God is saying to you that hard times will come to you sooner or later. There are forces of evil in this world and they are opposed to God's plan of making you more like Jesus Christ. They want to leave you in despair, depression and discouragement. And so they instigate suffering in your life.
God's reminding you today that these tough times aren't just something to be endured. Rather, they are attacks on your spiritual life. God wants to use them to build you up; Satan wants to use them to destroy your walk with God.
Get ready for these attacks by cultivating your daily spiritual walk with God. Soak up His Word, renew your mind with Truth, and develop a ministry mindset toward those around you.
Ephesians 6:12-13 "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 on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
You must prepare yourself spiritually to face hard times before they come! The reality is that when hard times come, they come with a vengeance. You have no time then to say, "I had better get ready for this." No, you are either ready, or not!
Here, God is saying to you that hard times will come to you sooner or later. There are forces of evil in this world and they are opposed to God's plan of making you more like Jesus Christ. They want to leave you in despair, depression and discouragement. And so they instigate suffering in your life.
God's reminding you today that these tough times aren't just something to be endured. Rather, they are attacks on your spiritual life. God wants to use them to build you up; Satan wants to use them to destroy your walk with God.
Get ready for these attacks by cultivating your daily spiritual walk with God. Soak up His Word, renew your mind with Truth, and develop a ministry mindset toward those around you.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Never In Doubt
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."
It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavor.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow. God views our lives from and for eternity, so He is never in a hurry.
The moment you open yourself to Christ, Jesus begins to work in your life. You may think you have surrendered all your life to Him, but the truth is, there is a lot to your life that you aren't even conscious of. You can only give God as much of yourself as you understand at that moment. That's okay.
Once Jesus begins to work, He takes over more and more of your life until you are completely His. There will be struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in doubt.
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."
It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavor.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow. God views our lives from and for eternity, so He is never in a hurry.
The moment you open yourself to Christ, Jesus begins to work in your life. You may think you have surrendered all your life to Him, but the truth is, there is a lot to your life that you aren't even conscious of. You can only give God as much of yourself as you understand at that moment. That's okay.
Once Jesus begins to work, He takes over more and more of your life until you are completely His. There will be struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in doubt.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Unshakeable Faith
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
James 1:2 "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials."
God is in control of all circumstances that surround the believer. The devil can do nothing in the life of the believer without the express permission of God. But why would God give that permission? Because Satan's attacks will show what you are made of.
A faith that cannot be shaken is a faith that has been shaken. And if your faith is real, it will even endure through the worst of circumstances, because character is not made in crisis; it is revealed.
For example, when tragedy struck Job, we find him worshiping God, but we find his wife saying, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). Trials, temptations, and crises separate the wheat from the chaff, the true from the false, and the real from the unreal.
Suffering helps us grow spiritually and makes us stronger in our faith. James reminds us, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing" (James 1:3-4).
Satan claimed that Job only worshiped God because God was blessing him. But Job proved that he really did love God, because he worshipped Him before, during, and after the crisis.
God allowed the tragedy in Job's life to strengthen his faith and to prove Satan wrong—and Job passed the test with flying colors. What a rebuke to the enemy. And what a powerful example for us today.
James 1:2 "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials."
God is in control of all circumstances that surround the believer. The devil can do nothing in the life of the believer without the express permission of God. But why would God give that permission? Because Satan's attacks will show what you are made of.
A faith that cannot be shaken is a faith that has been shaken. And if your faith is real, it will even endure through the worst of circumstances, because character is not made in crisis; it is revealed.
For example, when tragedy struck Job, we find him worshiping God, but we find his wife saying, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). Trials, temptations, and crises separate the wheat from the chaff, the true from the false, and the real from the unreal.
Suffering helps us grow spiritually and makes us stronger in our faith. James reminds us, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing" (James 1:3-4).
Satan claimed that Job only worshiped God because God was blessing him. But Job proved that he really did love God, because he worshipped Him before, during, and after the crisis.
God allowed the tragedy in Job's life to strengthen his faith and to prove Satan wrong—and Job passed the test with flying colors. What a rebuke to the enemy. And what a powerful example for us today.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Believe In Yourself
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
It's not what others believe about you that matters. Opinions can be changed. It's what you believe about yourself!
If you're struggling to find your place in life, maybe this story will help. Sparky didn't have much going for him. In high school he flunked Latin, Algebra, English and Physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only important match of the season; then lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially. More shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school. One thing, however, was important to Sparky; drawing.
He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook, but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to the Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected.
But Sparky didn't quit! He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books, television shows, and licensing opportunities. Sparky, you see, was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, possibly the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things, but he made the most of his talent, refused to quit, and ended up on top! Now, 'Go and do likewise'.
Philippians 1:6 "I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
It's not what others believe about you that matters. Opinions can be changed. It's what you believe about yourself!
If you're struggling to find your place in life, maybe this story will help. Sparky didn't have much going for him. In high school he flunked Latin, Algebra, English and Physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only important match of the season; then lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially. More shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school. One thing, however, was important to Sparky; drawing.
He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook, but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to the Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected.
But Sparky didn't quit! He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books, television shows, and licensing opportunities. Sparky, you see, was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, possibly the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things, but he made the most of his talent, refused to quit, and ended up on top! Now, 'Go and do likewise'.
Choices
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Joshua 24:15 "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Our lives are like icebergs. Only 15 percent is visible; that's reputation. The rest, our character, is below the surface, hidden.
Character is what we think but never share. It's what we do when no one's watching. It's how we react to everyday aggravations. It's how we handle failure - and success. The thing that has made us what we are is our choices. At the end of a successful career, Joshua challenges the people of Israel: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." So the choice is yours!
French writer Francois de la Rochefoucauld asserted, "Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we think up to hide them." Ever notice that people with the weakest character tend to place blame on their circumstances? They talk a lot about poor upbringing, financial difficulties, the unkindness of others, or other circumstances that have made them victims.
Your circumstances may be beyond your control but your character is not. You can no more blame your character on your circumstances than you can blame the mirror for your looks. Developing character is always your choice. Every time you make a character-based decision you take another step forward in your Spiritual growth.
Joshua 24:15 "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Our lives are like icebergs. Only 15 percent is visible; that's reputation. The rest, our character, is below the surface, hidden.
Character is what we think but never share. It's what we do when no one's watching. It's how we react to everyday aggravations. It's how we handle failure - and success. The thing that has made us what we are is our choices. At the end of a successful career, Joshua challenges the people of Israel: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." So the choice is yours!
French writer Francois de la Rochefoucauld asserted, "Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we think up to hide them." Ever notice that people with the weakest character tend to place blame on their circumstances? They talk a lot about poor upbringing, financial difficulties, the unkindness of others, or other circumstances that have made them victims.
Your circumstances may be beyond your control but your character is not. You can no more blame your character on your circumstances than you can blame the mirror for your looks. Developing character is always your choice. Every time you make a character-based decision you take another step forward in your Spiritual growth.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Stay On Course
From: In Touch Ministries
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore...let us persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith..."
The Christian life can be likened to a race with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity. Each believer has a personalized route specially designed by the Lord. Our goal is to stay on track and run with endurance, but the path can be discerned and negotiated only by focusing on Jesus. Because He ran the race perfectly and finished His course, He can show us the way.
As with any long-term race, the course is full of obstacles that threaten to trip or sidetrack us. Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures, while busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion. Worry and fear grab hold of our minds, and emotions take us places the Lord never intended for us to go.
Although sins present the most obvious hindrances, other obstacles and detours are subtler. Anything that takes precedence over our relationship with the Lord can send us down the wrong path. Because involvement in the daily activities of earthly life is necessary, we can easily let our families, jobs, and pleasures distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Surprisingly, even God's blessings can become obstacles in the race if we start to pursue them more than we do the Lord.
We must remember that the goal isn't to focus on the path or to try and find our way; instead, we're to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is not only our guide but also our destination. And He will welcome us home with open arms when we finish the race and cross into eternity.
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore...let us persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith..."
The Christian life can be likened to a race with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity. Each believer has a personalized route specially designed by the Lord. Our goal is to stay on track and run with endurance, but the path can be discerned and negotiated only by focusing on Jesus. Because He ran the race perfectly and finished His course, He can show us the way.
As with any long-term race, the course is full of obstacles that threaten to trip or sidetrack us. Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures, while busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion. Worry and fear grab hold of our minds, and emotions take us places the Lord never intended for us to go.
Although sins present the most obvious hindrances, other obstacles and detours are subtler. Anything that takes precedence over our relationship with the Lord can send us down the wrong path. Because involvement in the daily activities of earthly life is necessary, we can easily let our families, jobs, and pleasures distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Surprisingly, even God's blessings can become obstacles in the race if we start to pursue them more than we do the Lord.
We must remember that the goal isn't to focus on the path or to try and find our way; instead, we're to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is not only our guide but also our destination. And He will welcome us home with open arms when we finish the race and cross into eternity.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dark And Uncomfortable Places
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from Him."
God can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places. He can pull you out of situations you thought you'd be stuck in forever. He can give you peace, even in the midst of trauma. Before your life is over, you'll live, love and experience loss. Losing some things will actually help you to appreciate the things you still have. It's the taste of failure that makes success so sweet.
How can you celebrate victory unless you've known defeat? You'll live each day not knowing what tomorrow holds, but knowing that God holds all your tomorrows. They're not in the hands of your boss, your broker, your mate, or anybody else. Nor are they in your hands to manipulate and control. No, all your tomorrows are in God's hands! So whatever you do; get to know Him, because you'll need Him. And He'll be there for you. He'll be there when everybody and everything else has gone.
He'll be there for you in the dark places. His promise to you is, '… Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). However long the night, morning always comes and with it His joy. Just think, no matter how dark the night, you've always lived to see the morning. Right? Somehow His grace has protected you, provided for you, secured you, calmed and comforted you, and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not God. "He comforts us in all our afflictions...", and He's watching over you today!
2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from Him."
God can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places. He can pull you out of situations you thought you'd be stuck in forever. He can give you peace, even in the midst of trauma. Before your life is over, you'll live, love and experience loss. Losing some things will actually help you to appreciate the things you still have. It's the taste of failure that makes success so sweet.
How can you celebrate victory unless you've known defeat? You'll live each day not knowing what tomorrow holds, but knowing that God holds all your tomorrows. They're not in the hands of your boss, your broker, your mate, or anybody else. Nor are they in your hands to manipulate and control. No, all your tomorrows are in God's hands! So whatever you do; get to know Him, because you'll need Him. And He'll be there for you. He'll be there when everybody and everything else has gone.
He'll be there for you in the dark places. His promise to you is, '… Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). However long the night, morning always comes and with it His joy. Just think, no matter how dark the night, you've always lived to see the morning. Right? Somehow His grace has protected you, provided for you, secured you, calmed and comforted you, and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not God. "He comforts us in all our afflictions...", and He's watching over you today!
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