From: Neil Anderson Ministries
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for You are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage."
The life led by the Spirit of God is marvelous. Sensing His presence, living victoriously, and knowing the truth are characteristics of a free person. But what if you couldn't sense His presence? What if God, for some reason, suspended His blessings? What would you do if you were faithfully following God and suddenly all external circumstances turned sour?
What is a person to do during these times? David tells us that no matter how dark it gets, we are to keep on walking. In the light we can see the next step. The path ahead is clear. We know a friend from an enemy and we can see where the obstacles are. But when darkness settles in, every natural instinct says to drop out, sit down, stop! We become fearful of the next step.
David's message is don't stop; keep on walking. Keep walking in the light of faith.
If God's ministry of darkness should envelop you, understand that God has not left you; He has only suspended His conscious presence so that your faith will not rest on feelings or be established by unique experiences or blessings. Listen to David's words: Keep on walking. Never doubt in the darkness that God is at your side.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Commitment To Quality
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
What causes you to become dissatisfied? I often ask people when they became dissatisfied. Inevitably they identify the time when the quality of a relationship, the service rendered, or the product produced diminished.
Satisfaction is a quality issue, not a quantity issue. You will achieve greater satisfaction from doing a few things well than from doing many things in a haphazard or hasty manner. The key to personal satisfaction is not in broadening your involvements, but in deepening them through a commitment to quality.
The same is true in relationships. If you are dissatisfied in your relationships, perhaps you have spread yourself too thin. Solomon wrote: "Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). It may be nice to know a lot of people on the surface, but you need a few good friends who are committed to a quality relationship with each other. We all need the satisfaction which quality relationships bring.
Paul accomplished what he was called to do. He left a lot undone, but he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Jesus also left a lot undone, but He did His Father's will and was able to say, "It is finished." You may not be able to do all you want to do for Christ in your lifetime, but you can live obediently and faithfully day by day.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
What causes you to become dissatisfied? I often ask people when they became dissatisfied. Inevitably they identify the time when the quality of a relationship, the service rendered, or the product produced diminished.
Satisfaction is a quality issue, not a quantity issue. You will achieve greater satisfaction from doing a few things well than from doing many things in a haphazard or hasty manner. The key to personal satisfaction is not in broadening your involvements, but in deepening them through a commitment to quality.
The same is true in relationships. If you are dissatisfied in your relationships, perhaps you have spread yourself too thin. Solomon wrote: "Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). It may be nice to know a lot of people on the surface, but you need a few good friends who are committed to a quality relationship with each other. We all need the satisfaction which quality relationships bring.
Paul accomplished what he was called to do. He left a lot undone, but he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Jesus also left a lot undone, but He did His Father's will and was able to say, "It is finished." You may not be able to do all you want to do for Christ in your lifetime, but you can live obediently and faithfully day by day.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Listen Well
From: Wisdom Hunters Devotionals
Matthew 17:5 “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
What does it mean to listen well? Those who learn good listening skills develop robust relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract others into their influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.
You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people; instead you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing and direction. The Almighty’s attention is focused on His children that come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.
Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to your heavenly Father’s heart. He sent His son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death—heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Almighty so pleased with His son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
So, listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. And once you have heard from Him—humbly listen to others—discern their needs and then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well and watch God work! “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Matthew 17:5 “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
What does it mean to listen well? Those who learn good listening skills develop robust relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract others into their influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.
You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people; instead you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing and direction. The Almighty’s attention is focused on His children that come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.
Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to your heavenly Father’s heart. He sent His son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death—heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Almighty so pleased with His son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
So, listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. And once you have heard from Him—humbly listen to others—discern their needs and then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well and watch God work! “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Monday, July 26, 2010
Finishing Well
From: Wisdom Hunters Devotionals
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end—you need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Some people do not finish the race well and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances yet make very wise choices. If so, there is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best of conditions but make unwise choices. In this case, the chances are you will not finish well.
Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the one you love. And what about those who love you? Yes, accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind—who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Finishing well also means you live like you are dying—because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, and friends. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Luke 19:17)
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end—you need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Some people do not finish the race well and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances yet make very wise choices. If so, there is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best of conditions but make unwise choices. In this case, the chances are you will not finish well.
Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the one you love. And what about those who love you? Yes, accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind—who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Finishing well also means you live like you are dying—because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, and friends. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Luke 19:17)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Daily Attitude Alignment
From: Wisdom Hunters - Boyd Bailey
Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Attitude is everything; it can lift you up or bring you down. It is a barometer of your heart. If your heart is not right, your attitude will suffer. Attitude is critical because it influences your course of action. If your attitude is negative, then your words and your behavior will be too. There is a difference in being a realist about negative circumstances, and living with a chronically bad attitude.
However, your attitude is rooted in who you are in Christ, so there is no need to be fearful, guilty, or insecure. The attitude that Jesus exhibited was one of humility and servant leadership. His attitude reflected submission to His heavenly Father, which resulted in service, generosity, and love for people. Jesus was joyful and hopeful, because He rested in the will of God.
Do not allow others’ bad attitude to influence yours. Be the attitude influencer instead. Greet a frown with a smile, crush criticism with affirmation, and listen patiently until fury loses its steam. A positive attitude will eventually outlast and overpower a negative one. Most of all, pray for those who thrive on negativity. Pray for them to be set free from their hurt, anger, guilt, and insecurity. God has you in their lives to reflect the Almighty and to encourage an attitude adjustment through Him.
God is the genesis of a right attitude, and He is the right attitude sustainer. He wants His attitude to be our attitude. This is why you need a daily attitude alignment from your heavenly Father. Each day, your attitude gets knocked around and abused by life. If left unattended, your attitude will drift into wrong thinking, harsh words, and bad behavior. Self-pity and anger can begin to replace selflessness and forgiveness. With just a little bit of daily tweaking, your attitude stays in line with His.
Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Attitude is everything; it can lift you up or bring you down. It is a barometer of your heart. If your heart is not right, your attitude will suffer. Attitude is critical because it influences your course of action. If your attitude is negative, then your words and your behavior will be too. There is a difference in being a realist about negative circumstances, and living with a chronically bad attitude.
However, your attitude is rooted in who you are in Christ, so there is no need to be fearful, guilty, or insecure. The attitude that Jesus exhibited was one of humility and servant leadership. His attitude reflected submission to His heavenly Father, which resulted in service, generosity, and love for people. Jesus was joyful and hopeful, because He rested in the will of God.
Do not allow others’ bad attitude to influence yours. Be the attitude influencer instead. Greet a frown with a smile, crush criticism with affirmation, and listen patiently until fury loses its steam. A positive attitude will eventually outlast and overpower a negative one. Most of all, pray for those who thrive on negativity. Pray for them to be set free from their hurt, anger, guilt, and insecurity. God has you in their lives to reflect the Almighty and to encourage an attitude adjustment through Him.
God is the genesis of a right attitude, and He is the right attitude sustainer. He wants His attitude to be our attitude. This is why you need a daily attitude alignment from your heavenly Father. Each day, your attitude gets knocked around and abused by life. If left unattended, your attitude will drift into wrong thinking, harsh words, and bad behavior. Self-pity and anger can begin to replace selflessness and forgiveness. With just a little bit of daily tweaking, your attitude stays in line with His.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What Are You Passionate About?
From: the Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 27:19 "A person's heart reflects the person."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Another word for heart is passion. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations - what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
God has given each of us a unique emotional heartbeat that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God! "Find your delight in the Lord Who will give you your heart's desire." (Psalm 37:4) Just remember, if it goes against God's nature or character...it's not from Him!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Proverbs 27:19 "A person's heart reflects the person."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Another word for heart is passion. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations - what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
God has given each of us a unique emotional heartbeat that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God! "Find your delight in the Lord Who will give you your heart's desire." (Psalm 37:4) Just remember, if it goes against God's nature or character...it's not from Him!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
True Joy
From: Michael Youssef Ministries
John 15:11 "I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
John 15:11 "I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Trusting God Wholeheartedly
From: The Ministry of Lasserre Bradley Jr
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding."
The more you know God, the more you will trust God. What is there not to trust? He is completely loving, wise, powerful, and good.
But it is one thing to express a belief in God, and another to actually trust in Him with all your heart. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His Word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means resolutely refusing to lean on your own understanding. This, of course, does not mean that we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has given us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life.
The question to ask yourself is this: do you trust God in precisely those places where your natural inclination is strongest against His leadership or direction or commandments? When the Bible clearly spells out His counsel, will you take it regardless of your personal preferences or preconceptions?
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding."
The more you know God, the more you will trust God. What is there not to trust? He is completely loving, wise, powerful, and good.
But it is one thing to express a belief in God, and another to actually trust in Him with all your heart. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His Word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means resolutely refusing to lean on your own understanding. This, of course, does not mean that we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has given us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life.
The question to ask yourself is this: do you trust God in precisely those places where your natural inclination is strongest against His leadership or direction or commandments? When the Bible clearly spells out His counsel, will you take it regardless of your personal preferences or preconceptions?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Prewired To Be Imitators
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Change Your Focus
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Take Hold Of God's Strength
From: Answers For Each Day - Bayless Conley
2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
When Paul wrote these words, he was being harassed everywhere he went by an evil spirit that he referred to as "a thorn in the flesh." It was a messenger sent from Satan to buffet him, to constantly harass him. The constant harassment of this spirit finally got to him, and he begged God three times to take it away. Paul was clearly at the end of his rope.
But, even though Paul prayed for God's intervention three times, the spirit did not depart. And God's response to Paul was the verse we read above. His strength is made perfect in weakness.
What does perfect mean? It means that His power comes to full maturity…it blossoms…it is fully expressed in our weakness. What was Paul's response? He went on to say in verses 9-10 of that same chapter, "Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
It seems that sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will look fully to God. But when we do, we find that He is more than enough. If you are there today or close to that point, take hold of God's strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
When Paul wrote these words, he was being harassed everywhere he went by an evil spirit that he referred to as "a thorn in the flesh." It was a messenger sent from Satan to buffet him, to constantly harass him. The constant harassment of this spirit finally got to him, and he begged God three times to take it away. Paul was clearly at the end of his rope.
But, even though Paul prayed for God's intervention three times, the spirit did not depart. And God's response to Paul was the verse we read above. His strength is made perfect in weakness.
What does perfect mean? It means that His power comes to full maturity…it blossoms…it is fully expressed in our weakness. What was Paul's response? He went on to say in verses 9-10 of that same chapter, "Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
It seems that sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will look fully to God. But when we do, we find that He is more than enough. If you are there today or close to that point, take hold of God's strength.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Defining Moments
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Exodus 14:21-22 "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left."
History often remembers people because of a defining moment that took place in their life. There are good defining moments and bad defining moments. September 11, 2001 was a bad defining moment for the United States of America. Many people's lives were changed as a result. Israel had a defining moment when they crossed the Jordan River and stepped onto the Promised Land. Moses had a defining moment when he parted the Red Sea with his staff. We could go on.
How would you like to be remembered? Is there a defining moment in your life with which others will associate your name? Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus is remembered as "Doubting Thomas." What a shame. I wonder what other good things Thomas did. However, because Thomas doubted that Jesus had truly come back from the dead and needed Jesus to show the nail marks in his hands and side, he will forever be associated with this question posed to the Savior when He saw Him after he was resurrected.
For most of us we can still define our moments for the future. God may yet have a defining moment when you will discover something new or see the work of God in your life in a unique way. I think God likes defining moments. He wants you to have an experience with Him that is memorable.
Make a commitment to the Lord today to allow your defining moment to be one that has a positive faith experience, not a regret.
Exodus 14:21-22 "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left."
History often remembers people because of a defining moment that took place in their life. There are good defining moments and bad defining moments. September 11, 2001 was a bad defining moment for the United States of America. Many people's lives were changed as a result. Israel had a defining moment when they crossed the Jordan River and stepped onto the Promised Land. Moses had a defining moment when he parted the Red Sea with his staff. We could go on.
How would you like to be remembered? Is there a defining moment in your life with which others will associate your name? Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus is remembered as "Doubting Thomas." What a shame. I wonder what other good things Thomas did. However, because Thomas doubted that Jesus had truly come back from the dead and needed Jesus to show the nail marks in his hands and side, he will forever be associated with this question posed to the Savior when He saw Him after he was resurrected.
For most of us we can still define our moments for the future. God may yet have a defining moment when you will discover something new or see the work of God in your life in a unique way. I think God likes defining moments. He wants you to have an experience with Him that is memorable.
Make a commitment to the Lord today to allow your defining moment to be one that has a positive faith experience, not a regret.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
That Still Small Voice
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Hebrews 3:7 "Therefore as the Holy Spirit says, 'Oh, that today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…'"
Every believer has been wired to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives. One of the primary ways He encourages believers is through other believers. However, many of us have been duped into thinking we cannot hear God's voice.
Today, be especially sensitive to that still small voice inside of you. Whenever a thought pops into your mind that seems out of character for you, consider that it might be the Holy Spirit speaking to you. If it is indeed from God's Holy Spirit it will never be outside of His Character.
Hebrews 3:7 "Therefore as the Holy Spirit says, 'Oh, that today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…'"
Every believer has been wired to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives. One of the primary ways He encourages believers is through other believers. However, many of us have been duped into thinking we cannot hear God's voice.
Today, be especially sensitive to that still small voice inside of you. Whenever a thought pops into your mind that seems out of character for you, consider that it might be the Holy Spirit speaking to you. If it is indeed from God's Holy Spirit it will never be outside of His Character.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Walk By Faith
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Matthew 26:39 "My Father, if it is possible let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will."
Although God takes no pleasure in our pain, we have to acknowledge that He sometimes allows painful circumstances to occur in our lives in order to shape us and make us more like Christ. Sometimes our times of despair turn out to be a much needed light into our soul.
The lines of this poem written by an anonymous soldier express the soul of a man who has learned to view his times of adversity from a different perspective:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.
Do we trust God to lead us even though we can't see the pathway in front of us? Do we trust Him to be all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful? Do we believe He does all things well? Only in the darkness do we learn to walk by faith.
Matthew 26:39 "My Father, if it is possible let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will."
Although God takes no pleasure in our pain, we have to acknowledge that He sometimes allows painful circumstances to occur in our lives in order to shape us and make us more like Christ. Sometimes our times of despair turn out to be a much needed light into our soul.
The lines of this poem written by an anonymous soldier express the soul of a man who has learned to view his times of adversity from a different perspective:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.
Do we trust God to lead us even though we can't see the pathway in front of us? Do we trust Him to be all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful? Do we believe He does all things well? Only in the darkness do we learn to walk by faith.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Just Listen
From: Answers For Each Day - Bayless Conley
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
God always tries to warn us to keep us out of the pits and to keep our lives from danger. And He speaks to us in many different ways...through His Word, in our dreams, conversations with friends and family, even comments from strangers (often angels in disguise...see Hebrews 13:2).
As I look at my own life, I can see that I have fallen into pits at various times because I did not listen to God's warnings. There have been times I have been too busy to perceive the fact that God was talking to me. It wasn't that God wasn't warning me. He was. I just had a bunch of other things going on in my life and was not taking time to listen to Him.
He is always faithful to warn us. It's just that we are not always faithful to listen. So if you find yourself in a pit today because you did not heed God's warning, just say, "God, I'm sorry." He will forgive you. Then just take the time to listen to Him. And you will be in the position to receive His deliverance.
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
God always tries to warn us to keep us out of the pits and to keep our lives from danger. And He speaks to us in many different ways...through His Word, in our dreams, conversations with friends and family, even comments from strangers (often angels in disguise...see Hebrews 13:2).
As I look at my own life, I can see that I have fallen into pits at various times because I did not listen to God's warnings. There have been times I have been too busy to perceive the fact that God was talking to me. It wasn't that God wasn't warning me. He was. I just had a bunch of other things going on in my life and was not taking time to listen to Him.
He is always faithful to warn us. It's just that we are not always faithful to listen. So if you find yourself in a pit today because you did not heed God's warning, just say, "God, I'm sorry." He will forgive you. Then just take the time to listen to Him. And you will be in the position to receive His deliverance.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Focus On Who God Is
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered."
Focus on who God is—His unchanging nature. Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, He loves me, He is with me, He knows what I'm going through, He cares, and He has a good plan for my life. Raymond Edman said, "Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light."
When Job's life fell apart, and God was silent, Job still found reasons to praise God:
That He is good and loving. (Job 10:12)
That He is all-powerful. (Job 42:2; 37:5, 23)
That He notices every detail of my life. (Job 23:10; 31:4)
That He is in control. (Job 34:13)
That He has a plan for my life. (Job 23:14)
That He will save me. (Job 19:25)
Trust God to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that He is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed.
So don't be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change the character of God. God's grace is still in full force; He is still for you, even when you don't feel it. In the absence of confirming circumstances, Job held on to God's Word. He said, "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12)
This trust in God's Word caused Job to remain faithful even though nothing made sense. His faith was strong in the midst of pain.
Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered."
Focus on who God is—His unchanging nature. Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, He loves me, He is with me, He knows what I'm going through, He cares, and He has a good plan for my life. Raymond Edman said, "Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light."
When Job's life fell apart, and God was silent, Job still found reasons to praise God:
That He is good and loving. (Job 10:12)
That He is all-powerful. (Job 42:2; 37:5, 23)
That He notices every detail of my life. (Job 23:10; 31:4)
That He is in control. (Job 34:13)
That He has a plan for my life. (Job 23:14)
That He will save me. (Job 19:25)
Trust God to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that He is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed.
So don't be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change the character of God. God's grace is still in full force; He is still for you, even when you don't feel it. In the absence of confirming circumstances, Job held on to God's Word. He said, "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12)
This trust in God's Word caused Job to remain faithful even though nothing made sense. His faith was strong in the midst of pain.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
God Knows
From: Bayless Conley Ministries
Psalm 88:3-4 "Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave."
When you are in the pits, it can often seem like there is no way out. Your soul is full of trouble, you are despondent, you are overwhelmed by the problems of life, you can almost feel like something has died inside of you, and you might feel totally cut off from God, like He has somehow forgotten you. As you read the Psalms, you realize King David often felt this way.
What I want you to see in today's Scripture is that you are not alone. Every one of us has gone through these difficult days. Even King David!
God knows your struggles. Like David, take time today to share with God all that is on your heart, and He will get you out of the pits!
Psalm 88:3-4 "Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave."
When you are in the pits, it can often seem like there is no way out. Your soul is full of trouble, you are despondent, you are overwhelmed by the problems of life, you can almost feel like something has died inside of you, and you might feel totally cut off from God, like He has somehow forgotten you. As you read the Psalms, you realize King David often felt this way.
What I want you to see in today's Scripture is that you are not alone. Every one of us has gone through these difficult days. Even King David!
God knows your struggles. Like David, take time today to share with God all that is on your heart, and He will get you out of the pits!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Perception Is Not Always Reality
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
1 Kings 19:14 "The Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The CEO walked into his manufacturing plant only to observe an employee standing by idly not working. Angrily, he walked over to him, peeled off a $100 bill and gave it to him: "Here, go spend your time elsewhere!" The man looked at the CEO somewhat puzzled, but left with the $100. "How long has that man worked for us?" said the CEO to the employee standing nearby. "Well sir, that man does not work for us; he is only the delivery man."
Perception is not always reality. Elijah was in a crisis. Jezebel wanted to kill him. The nation was falling to Baal worship. From his vantage point - it was all over. He was the only prophet remaining in all the land who had not bent his knee to the idol of Baal. He wanted to die.
Then, the Lord sent His angel to correct Elijah's perception: "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18). There were seven thousand Elijah knew nothing about! Elijah's perception was not reality.
Whenever things are going poorly, there is a temptation to believe God is not working in the situation. We may even believe our life is over. Everything from our vantage point is dark. We see no future. However, even in these times, God's plan is being orchestrated behind the scenes. He is accomplishing His purposes. But we need a fresh perspective on our situation.
Do you need a reality check on your situation? Ask God to show you the truth. It may be very different than your perception.
1 Kings 19:14 "The Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The CEO walked into his manufacturing plant only to observe an employee standing by idly not working. Angrily, he walked over to him, peeled off a $100 bill and gave it to him: "Here, go spend your time elsewhere!" The man looked at the CEO somewhat puzzled, but left with the $100. "How long has that man worked for us?" said the CEO to the employee standing nearby. "Well sir, that man does not work for us; he is only the delivery man."
Perception is not always reality. Elijah was in a crisis. Jezebel wanted to kill him. The nation was falling to Baal worship. From his vantage point - it was all over. He was the only prophet remaining in all the land who had not bent his knee to the idol of Baal. He wanted to die.
Then, the Lord sent His angel to correct Elijah's perception: "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18). There were seven thousand Elijah knew nothing about! Elijah's perception was not reality.
Whenever things are going poorly, there is a temptation to believe God is not working in the situation. We may even believe our life is over. Everything from our vantage point is dark. We see no future. However, even in these times, God's plan is being orchestrated behind the scenes. He is accomplishing His purposes. But we need a fresh perspective on our situation.
Do you need a reality check on your situation? Ask God to show you the truth. It may be very different than your perception.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Vision
From: My Utmost For His Highest - Oswald Chambers
Habakkuk 2:3 "For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint. If it delays it will surely come, it will not be late."
God gives us a vision, and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It is in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience.
Just think of the enormous amount of free time God has! He is never in a hurry. Yet we are always in such a frantic hurry. While still in the light of the glory of the vision, we go right out to do things, but the vision is not yet real in us. God has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the point where He can trust us with the reality of the vision.
Ever since God gave us the vision, He has been at work. He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us, and yet over and over again we try to escape from the Sculptor’s hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal.
The vision that God gives is not some unattainable castle in the sky, but a vision of what God wants you to be down here. Allow the Potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. Then as surely as God is God, and you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of the vision. Just don’t lose heart in the process.
Habakkuk 2:3 "For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint. If it delays it will surely come, it will not be late."
God gives us a vision, and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It is in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience.
Just think of the enormous amount of free time God has! He is never in a hurry. Yet we are always in such a frantic hurry. While still in the light of the glory of the vision, we go right out to do things, but the vision is not yet real in us. God has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the point where He can trust us with the reality of the vision.
Ever since God gave us the vision, He has been at work. He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us, and yet over and over again we try to escape from the Sculptor’s hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal.
The vision that God gives is not some unattainable castle in the sky, but a vision of what God wants you to be down here. Allow the Potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. Then as surely as God is God, and you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of the vision. Just don’t lose heart in the process.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Encouraging Words
From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes Ministries
Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." It's not true. Names do hurt and produce emotional scars that stay within the soul for life.
Unkind words are like deadly missiles that penetrate all the soul's defenses and blast a hole in the personality that may take years to repair. On the other hand, words that are encouraging can lift and cheer the soul in a way that is quite amazing.
C. E. Macartney tells how he saw sitting on a bench a minister whom he had known. The man was well advanced in years and broken in health. As a result of his condition, he had given up his church and was unable to participate in any kind of pulpit ministry. Macartney says, "I turned to speak to him, expecting to hear from him some word of melancholy, reminiscence or present gloom, but I received a pleasant surprise. He told me that a woman going by had just spoken to him and told him that a message he had given many years ago had been the means of bringing her to Christ. The glow on his face was something I shall never forget."
How wonderful it will be if today you and I can say a cheerful and encouraging word to someone that will lift their burden, lighten their darkness and minister the life of God into their soul. At least let's try!
Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." It's not true. Names do hurt and produce emotional scars that stay within the soul for life.
Unkind words are like deadly missiles that penetrate all the soul's defenses and blast a hole in the personality that may take years to repair. On the other hand, words that are encouraging can lift and cheer the soul in a way that is quite amazing.
C. E. Macartney tells how he saw sitting on a bench a minister whom he had known. The man was well advanced in years and broken in health. As a result of his condition, he had given up his church and was unable to participate in any kind of pulpit ministry. Macartney says, "I turned to speak to him, expecting to hear from him some word of melancholy, reminiscence or present gloom, but I received a pleasant surprise. He told me that a woman going by had just spoken to him and told him that a message he had given many years ago had been the means of bringing her to Christ. The glow on his face was something I shall never forget."
How wonderful it will be if today you and I can say a cheerful and encouraging word to someone that will lift their burden, lighten their darkness and minister the life of God into their soul. At least let's try!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Freedom Always Involves A Price
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Galatians 5:1 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free..."
In 1776, George Washington gathered his troops together and told them he needed someone for a highly secret mission behind enemy lines. A twenty-one-year-old soldier from Yale volunteered. It seemed he was going to be successful, but as he returned with the battle plans of the British, they were tipped off and he was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The next morning, as he was facing execution, he uttered these poignant words: "My only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country."
This young man, Nathan Hale, was willing to pay a price for freedom that required his life. In many ways, what he did symbolized what Christ has done for all of us. Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom from the bondage of sin.
Freedom always involves a price - what Nathan Hale did for America and, likewise, what Jesus has done for us. Our choice is to accept it on repentant faith with gratitude.
Today we thank and celebrate all of those who came before us and paid the price for our freedom. God bless them and God bless America!
Galatians 5:1 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free..."
In 1776, George Washington gathered his troops together and told them he needed someone for a highly secret mission behind enemy lines. A twenty-one-year-old soldier from Yale volunteered. It seemed he was going to be successful, but as he returned with the battle plans of the British, they were tipped off and he was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The next morning, as he was facing execution, he uttered these poignant words: "My only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country."
This young man, Nathan Hale, was willing to pay a price for freedom that required his life. In many ways, what he did symbolized what Christ has done for all of us. Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom from the bondage of sin.
Freedom always involves a price - what Nathan Hale did for America and, likewise, what Jesus has done for us. Our choice is to accept it on repentant faith with gratitude.
Today we thank and celebrate all of those who came before us and paid the price for our freedom. God bless them and God bless America!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Bounce-Back Mentality
From: Joe Osteen Ministries
Proverbs 24:16 "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again."
Life is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you got some bad news concerning your health, or maybe a relationship didn't work out. That was a setback. It's easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we're going to see God's best, we have to have a "bounce-back" mentality.
That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it's a setup for a comeback!
Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you. There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny.
If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you'll move forward into the victory He has in store for you!
Proverbs 24:16 "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again."
Life is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you got some bad news concerning your health, or maybe a relationship didn't work out. That was a setback. It's easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we're going to see God's best, we have to have a "bounce-back" mentality.
That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it's a setup for a comeback!
Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you. There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny.
If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you'll move forward into the victory He has in store for you!
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