From: Boyd Baily Ministries
Proverbs 3:13-14 "Happy the person who finds wisdom, who gains in understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold in her revenue."
Wisdom is like money, as its value compounds over time. When we regularly add wisdom to our life we become wealthy in the ways of God. What is wisdom? Why is it so valuable? It is the ability to discern right from wrong, and to understand what is true and lasting. It exposes the devil’s deceptions and lies. Wisdom frees us to know God’s ways.
Wisdom keeps you engaged with God’s perspective. It is a life preserver for the drowning, a compass for the lost explorer, and a light in a dark and perplexed situation. However, there is a price to pay in the process of its discovery and acquisition. But once wisdom lodges in a mind and heart: it grows wise, humble leaders.
Its value does not fluctuate with the stock market—instead it consistently increases over time. Gray hair does not guarantee wisdom, but examined experience does position you to obtain wisdom. It is possible to be an old fool or to be wise beyond your years. Youth or aged, smart or an average IQ, you can gain wisdom. Seek out the wisdom of God and you will find it. This eternal intentionality with holy aggression pays divine dividends.
Wisdom begins and ends with the fear (reverence) of God. The truly enlightened engage God in the equation of life. Indeed, you fly life solo without your Savior’s insights. The fear of God means you involve Him in your attitude and actions—you meditate on His ways and His truth. As followers of the Lord, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
However, wisdom resides with God. He owns the trademark and the patent. Anyone who attempts to take credit for its effectiveness could lose the rights of its use. So seek out wise individuals that humbly depend on God, who give Him the credit for the wisdom entrusted to them. Humility mixed with wisdom builds relational and eternal wealth.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Faith Must Be Tested
From: Oswald Chambers Ministries
Matthew 6:30 "...O you of little faith." Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual.
Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, “It’s all a lie”? When you are on the mountaintop, it’s easy to say, “Oh yes, I believe God can do it,” but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42).
Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe 'God shall supply all my need,' " the testing of my faith begins (Philippians 4:19). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?
Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it.
Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6).
Matthew 6:30 "...O you of little faith." Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual.
Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, “It’s all a lie”? When you are on the mountaintop, it’s easy to say, “Oh yes, I believe God can do it,” but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42).
Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe 'God shall supply all my need,' " the testing of my faith begins (Philippians 4:19). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?
Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it.
Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Complainer
From: Bayless Conley Ministries
Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God...a shining light to the world."
One of the things I believe grieves the heart of God is when His children grumble and complain. The word complainer is really two Greek words stuck together. The first word means to blame, and the second word means your fate or lot in life. The point is that complainers blame someone else for their lot in life. Isn't it always amazing how someone can make wrong choices, and when they have to face the consequences of those choices, it is always somebody else's fault?
I have two pieces of advice on this. First, if you are a complainer and grumbler, stop. God is not honored, and you are only showing that you are not walking according to God's Spirit.
Second, stay away from people like that or you will end up being like them. Their attitudes and mindsets will bleed off on you. "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." (Proverbs 22:24-25)
Did you ever throw a pair of jeans in the washing machine with a red shirt? What happened to your blue jeans? They turned pink, didn't they? The red dye bled over into the blue jeans, and the blue jeans were no longer blue. They were pink.
If you hang around with people who grumble and complain, their attitudes will bleed over into your way of thinking. And the last thing you want to be is a grumbler and complainer.
Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God...a shining light to the world."
One of the things I believe grieves the heart of God is when His children grumble and complain. The word complainer is really two Greek words stuck together. The first word means to blame, and the second word means your fate or lot in life. The point is that complainers blame someone else for their lot in life. Isn't it always amazing how someone can make wrong choices, and when they have to face the consequences of those choices, it is always somebody else's fault?
I have two pieces of advice on this. First, if you are a complainer and grumbler, stop. God is not honored, and you are only showing that you are not walking according to God's Spirit.
Second, stay away from people like that or you will end up being like them. Their attitudes and mindsets will bleed off on you. "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." (Proverbs 22:24-25)
Did you ever throw a pair of jeans in the washing machine with a red shirt? What happened to your blue jeans? They turned pink, didn't they? The red dye bled over into the blue jeans, and the blue jeans were no longer blue. They were pink.
If you hang around with people who grumble and complain, their attitudes will bleed over into your way of thinking. And the last thing you want to be is a grumbler and complainer.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Secret Of Victory
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Acts 18:9 "One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.'"
When God gives you a vision, 1) it will interrupt you. Sometimes God will speak in a voice you can't tune out. Other times, like Jonah, God will let you go to the bottom to get your attention. Either way, things won't go right until you say yes to Him.
2) It will illuminate you. You may not like what God says. Ananias didn't like going to pray for Saul of Tarsus, a man with the power to put Christians to death. But God said, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel... I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) Notice the word 'suffer'. The Devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you have decided to do God's will, so be prepared for attack.
3) It will inspire you. You will accomplish things you never dreamed possible. Look at Gideon. When God found him he was hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11); not exactly a promising start. When the angel called him "a mighty man of valour" (v 12), he replied, "I am the least in my father's house." (v 15)
When the angel said,"The Lord is with you,' he replied, 'If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?'" (vv 12-13). When he finally took the job, he wondered, "How can so few of us defeat so many of them?" Yet at that very moment his enemies were having nightmares about him. (Judges 7:13-15). The secret of victory lies in knowing "It is God working in me." (Philippians 2:13).
Acts 18:9 "One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.'"
When God gives you a vision, 1) it will interrupt you. Sometimes God will speak in a voice you can't tune out. Other times, like Jonah, God will let you go to the bottom to get your attention. Either way, things won't go right until you say yes to Him.
2) It will illuminate you. You may not like what God says. Ananias didn't like going to pray for Saul of Tarsus, a man with the power to put Christians to death. But God said, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel... I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) Notice the word 'suffer'. The Devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you have decided to do God's will, so be prepared for attack.
3) It will inspire you. You will accomplish things you never dreamed possible. Look at Gideon. When God found him he was hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11); not exactly a promising start. When the angel called him "a mighty man of valour" (v 12), he replied, "I am the least in my father's house." (v 15)
When the angel said,"The Lord is with you,' he replied, 'If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?'" (vv 12-13). When he finally took the job, he wondered, "How can so few of us defeat so many of them?" Yet at that very moment his enemies were having nightmares about him. (Judges 7:13-15). The secret of victory lies in knowing "It is God working in me." (Philippians 2:13).
Monday, August 16, 2010
Patience
From: Leading The Way Ministries - Michael Youssef
Hebrews 10:36 "You need patience to do God's will and receive what He has promised."
Have you ever been described as an impatient person? It is easy to feel impatient. Maybe traffic isn't moving fast enough and you are going to be late for your meeting. Or you can't get through the checkout lane quickly enough to pick up your children from the babysitter. These daily irritations can zap your strength and cause you to lose sight of what really matters.
The source of true patience is the Spirit of God. His patience toward us allows us the opportunity to grow and to become more like Him. He does not give up on us. When we are stubborn and fail to learn what God wants to teach us, He continues to demonstrate His patience.
Many times, we grow impatient with a colleague, friend, child, or spouse and forget that God is patient with us and requires us to do the same with others. One of the causes of impatience is spiritual shortsightedness. Our view is limited. Therefore, many times we only see what has a direct impact on our lives. We become impatient because we can't see life from God's perspective!
God has a greater plan. While He does not always show us the details, we can know the big picture—we are in His loving hands.
Hebrews 10:36 "You need patience to do God's will and receive what He has promised."
Have you ever been described as an impatient person? It is easy to feel impatient. Maybe traffic isn't moving fast enough and you are going to be late for your meeting. Or you can't get through the checkout lane quickly enough to pick up your children from the babysitter. These daily irritations can zap your strength and cause you to lose sight of what really matters.
The source of true patience is the Spirit of God. His patience toward us allows us the opportunity to grow and to become more like Him. He does not give up on us. When we are stubborn and fail to learn what God wants to teach us, He continues to demonstrate His patience.
Many times, we grow impatient with a colleague, friend, child, or spouse and forget that God is patient with us and requires us to do the same with others. One of the causes of impatience is spiritual shortsightedness. Our view is limited. Therefore, many times we only see what has a direct impact on our lives. We become impatient because we can't see life from God's perspective!
God has a greater plan. While He does not always show us the details, we can know the big picture—we are in His loving hands.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Confirmation Through Others
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Proverbs 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
Confirming major decisions through the counsel of others is one way God protects us from poor decisions. This process is designed to confirm direction for which we are seeking confirmation. Paul was sensitive not to get too heavy-handed in the confirmation process though. He offered advice to others but was not the enforcer of their decisions. "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter." (2 Corinthians 8:10)
The requirement for efficient administration frequently requires single points of decision-making. Where there is willingness and trust to receive input, there is also humility, faith, and grace for God to work His pleasure in His servant. Where there is unwillingness, the opposite is true.
The scriptures encourage us to seek advice and counsel from other Godly people who share the same values and goals that we have. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." (Proverbs 19:20)
Peace of mind is another important confirmation requirement for making decisions. If you do not have peace about a decision, you should wait until God gives you peace. This does not mean your decision may not have some tension due to the faith aspect of it, but deep down you should have a peace that it is the right decision. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Do you need to make a major decision? Ask God to give you confirmation through others.
Proverbs 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
Confirming major decisions through the counsel of others is one way God protects us from poor decisions. This process is designed to confirm direction for which we are seeking confirmation. Paul was sensitive not to get too heavy-handed in the confirmation process though. He offered advice to others but was not the enforcer of their decisions. "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter." (2 Corinthians 8:10)
The requirement for efficient administration frequently requires single points of decision-making. Where there is willingness and trust to receive input, there is also humility, faith, and grace for God to work His pleasure in His servant. Where there is unwillingness, the opposite is true.
The scriptures encourage us to seek advice and counsel from other Godly people who share the same values and goals that we have. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." (Proverbs 19:20)
Peace of mind is another important confirmation requirement for making decisions. If you do not have peace about a decision, you should wait until God gives you peace. This does not mean your decision may not have some tension due to the faith aspect of it, but deep down you should have a peace that it is the right decision. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Do you need to make a major decision? Ask God to give you confirmation through others.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
True Wisdom
From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn
Proverbs 4:7 "The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have, get understanding."
According to the Bible, there are two aspects of wisdom: the spiritual and the practical. Spiritual wisdom gives insight into the true nature of things. It includes things like, "Ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. . . . Learn to know God better and better." (Colossians 1:9-10), and, "May your hearts be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called." (Ephesians 1:18)
Wisdom can be evaluated by its qualities. The Bible tells us that, "God's wisdom is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." (James 3:17)
On the practical level, our wisdom can be judged by whether our actions conform to God's instructions or not. God's instructions were given to us because they naturally lead to healthy living. Using them, we can find the wisdom we need to walk progressively toward wholeness. This can be one of the standards we use in our continuing daily inventory.
True wisdom will always lead those who follow it toward peace and wholeness.
Proverbs 4:7 "The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have, get understanding."
According to the Bible, there are two aspects of wisdom: the spiritual and the practical. Spiritual wisdom gives insight into the true nature of things. It includes things like, "Ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. . . . Learn to know God better and better." (Colossians 1:9-10), and, "May your hearts be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called." (Ephesians 1:18)
Wisdom can be evaluated by its qualities. The Bible tells us that, "God's wisdom is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." (James 3:17)
On the practical level, our wisdom can be judged by whether our actions conform to God's instructions or not. God's instructions were given to us because they naturally lead to healthy living. Using them, we can find the wisdom we need to walk progressively toward wholeness. This can be one of the standards we use in our continuing daily inventory.
True wisdom will always lead those who follow it toward peace and wholeness.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Strain Produces Strength
From: Oswald Chambers Devotionals
John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7).
John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7).
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Don't Wait Passively
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
James 1:5 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
When facing a difficult decision, ask God for wisdom and then wait for Him to give it! He knows we need His insights and He promises to give generously.
This passage is not about getting an answer from God about which way you should go in the decision. Rather, it is about asking God for the wisdom to make the decision yourself — the wise decision.
There are times when God gives a person absolute confidence about what He wants them to do, but very often God does not give this kind of direction. Often God simply gives the insight for a person to see the best way forward themselves. And this insight usually takes time to develop.
If you are impatient and jump to make your decision immediately without waiting for wisdom and insight to develop, you will very often regret it. We don't like to wait, but that is often exactly what God wants us to do. Ask Him for wisdom and wait for it to develop.
And don't wait passively. Rather, be actively seeking the Lord, spending time in His word, praying about the decision, getting different perspectives on it, increasing your spiritual insight on the situation.
James 1:5 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
When facing a difficult decision, ask God for wisdom and then wait for Him to give it! He knows we need His insights and He promises to give generously.
This passage is not about getting an answer from God about which way you should go in the decision. Rather, it is about asking God for the wisdom to make the decision yourself — the wise decision.
There are times when God gives a person absolute confidence about what He wants them to do, but very often God does not give this kind of direction. Often God simply gives the insight for a person to see the best way forward themselves. And this insight usually takes time to develop.
If you are impatient and jump to make your decision immediately without waiting for wisdom and insight to develop, you will very often regret it. We don't like to wait, but that is often exactly what God wants us to do. Ask Him for wisdom and wait for it to develop.
And don't wait passively. Rather, be actively seeking the Lord, spending time in His word, praying about the decision, getting different perspectives on it, increasing your spiritual insight on the situation.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
How To Direct Your Life
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Trust in God is like being an instrument rated pilot who flies through the night. The flickering lights that illumine the ground can be misleading. It is the accuracy of the pilot’s instrument panel that can be trusted.
So are the instruments of prayer, God’s word and wise counsel. God uses these tools to provide you the coordinates on how to direct your life. Do not be in a hurry. Good things happen to those who wait on God. He gives you His coordinates for your life as you are ready to receive them. Whether they come one at a time or all at once, remain patient.
Refrain from moving forward until you know exactly the longitude and latitude of God’s will. The last thing you want to do is land prematurely or even worse crash and burn. Trust in God. He is trustworthy. You cannot see Him, but you can see His evidences all around you.
Trust can be allusive. One day you rest in Him with no problem. The next day you wrestle with Him over your problems. Trust means you moment-by-moment give to God everything, especially those things out of your control. Trust in the unseen rather than the seen and then the seen becomes all the more beautiful and useful for God’s purposes.
2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Trust in God is like being an instrument rated pilot who flies through the night. The flickering lights that illumine the ground can be misleading. It is the accuracy of the pilot’s instrument panel that can be trusted.
So are the instruments of prayer, God’s word and wise counsel. God uses these tools to provide you the coordinates on how to direct your life. Do not be in a hurry. Good things happen to those who wait on God. He gives you His coordinates for your life as you are ready to receive them. Whether they come one at a time or all at once, remain patient.
Refrain from moving forward until you know exactly the longitude and latitude of God’s will. The last thing you want to do is land prematurely or even worse crash and burn. Trust in God. He is trustworthy. You cannot see Him, but you can see His evidences all around you.
Trust can be allusive. One day you rest in Him with no problem. The next day you wrestle with Him over your problems. Trust means you moment-by-moment give to God everything, especially those things out of your control. Trust in the unseen rather than the seen and then the seen becomes all the more beautiful and useful for God’s purposes.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Spiritual Training Is Much Better
From: New Life Daily Devotion
1 Timothy 4:7-8 "Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better."
It is amazing to behold what a human being can achieve through a consistent, disciplined effort. How many times have we watched seasoned gymnasts or other athletes and marveled at the ease with which they performed their sport? We realize that they developed that ability through rigorous training, which is what sets the true athlete apart from the spectator.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better." The word translated training specifically referred to the disciplined training done by gymnasts in Paul's day.
Spiritual strength and agility only come through practice. We need to develop our spiritual muscles through consistent effort and daily discipline. Continuing to take personal inventory is one of the disciplines we can develop. The Bible describes it as having our "senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).
Like the athlete, we can motivate ourselves to continue in a disciplined routine by looking to our reward. This kind of discipline "is much better." We must not expect overnight results. As we continue practicing these disciplines each day, we'll eventually grow to enjoy the benefits.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 "Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better."
It is amazing to behold what a human being can achieve through a consistent, disciplined effort. How many times have we watched seasoned gymnasts or other athletes and marveled at the ease with which they performed their sport? We realize that they developed that ability through rigorous training, which is what sets the true athlete apart from the spectator.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better." The word translated training specifically referred to the disciplined training done by gymnasts in Paul's day.
Spiritual strength and agility only come through practice. We need to develop our spiritual muscles through consistent effort and daily discipline. Continuing to take personal inventory is one of the disciplines we can develop. The Bible describes it as having our "senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).
Like the athlete, we can motivate ourselves to continue in a disciplined routine by looking to our reward. This kind of discipline "is much better." We must not expect overnight results. As we continue practicing these disciplines each day, we'll eventually grow to enjoy the benefits.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Win The Relationship
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Mature followers of Jesus learn to argue well. But, have you ever been frustrated in trying to communicate with someone you care deeply about? Yes, we all have. It’s not uncommon to have conflict reflected in caring communication. So how can we learn to argue well? One way is to use language laced with grace and seasoned with sensitivity.
Like selective seasonings over a tasty meal, we want our words to be attractive and appetizing. To argue well requires unfiltered debate, but not unfiltered attitudes. It’s a patient and respectful attitude that solicits the best response. So for example, when a friend, co-worker, child or spouse speaks with concern we listen with understanding. The goal is win the relationship, and not to out debate the other in a defensive exchange.
Persuasive speech without prayerful preparation becomes manipulation. Thus spirited discussions required a Spirit-filled engagement, not carnal combativeness. One of Job’s friends ask a rhetorical question about a wise man’s words, “Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value” (Job 15:2)? No, wisdom measures words well.
Therefore, learn to argue well by listening well and comprehending the heart of the one communicating with you. Those who argue well grow in respect, love, trust and understanding of each other. Everyone wins with these Christ-honoring outcomes. By faith—be vulnerable and initiate authentic conversation.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Mature followers of Jesus learn to argue well. But, have you ever been frustrated in trying to communicate with someone you care deeply about? Yes, we all have. It’s not uncommon to have conflict reflected in caring communication. So how can we learn to argue well? One way is to use language laced with grace and seasoned with sensitivity.
Like selective seasonings over a tasty meal, we want our words to be attractive and appetizing. To argue well requires unfiltered debate, but not unfiltered attitudes. It’s a patient and respectful attitude that solicits the best response. So for example, when a friend, co-worker, child or spouse speaks with concern we listen with understanding. The goal is win the relationship, and not to out debate the other in a defensive exchange.
Persuasive speech without prayerful preparation becomes manipulation. Thus spirited discussions required a Spirit-filled engagement, not carnal combativeness. One of Job’s friends ask a rhetorical question about a wise man’s words, “Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value” (Job 15:2)? No, wisdom measures words well.
Therefore, learn to argue well by listening well and comprehending the heart of the one communicating with you. Those who argue well grow in respect, love, trust and understanding of each other. Everyone wins with these Christ-honoring outcomes. By faith—be vulnerable and initiate authentic conversation.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Adversity
From: Oswald Chambers Devotionals
John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7).
John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7).
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