From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Micah 6:8 "He has showed you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
God has expectations for His children: justice, mercy and humility are three of His requirements. These are not electives for the student of God’s Word, but three virtuous attributes that are required of each of us. Furthermore, the Lord does not ask His followers to behave in any fashion that He has not already modeled for them.
He acts justly, He loves mercy and He walks humbly. He does not expect any behavior from His followers that He has not already exhibited. His justice is sure, right, and above questioning. His mercy is fresh, deep, and everlasting. His humility is authentic, tranquil, and service oriented. Jesus came to earth from heaven to give us a picture of God’s glory and expectations.
So what does it mean to walk with God? First, you quit striving in your own strength. Slow down and prayerfully channel that same energy heavenward. By faith, trust God to work out the people and the circumstances which are beyond your control. This is a walk of faith.
Secondly, as you walk with Him listen to His voice and enjoy His presence. His voice is reassuring and His presence is calming. Justice, mercy and humility will come upon you as you walk with your heavenly father. Walking with God meets His requirements, as He provides for that which He requires. Isn’t this just like our gracious God? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Guard Your Mind
From: Adrian Rogers Ministries
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
There was a sign in a business that said, "We are not what we think we are; what we think - we are."
What are you allowing into your mind and thereby controlling your heart, your actions, and your words?
God made you where you can't think two thoughts at one time. If you're thinking what's right, you can't be thinking what's wrong. And as you think, you will become.
Guard your mind. Center your mind upon the Lord Jesus. Don't let the devil take away your pure-hearted devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay in love with Jesus, and there won't be any room for those filthy, dirty, wicked, lascivious, lustful, and prideful thoughts that bombard us all.
Start today to become more active in marshalling your thoughts and bringing them into obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
There was a sign in a business that said, "We are not what we think we are; what we think - we are."
What are you allowing into your mind and thereby controlling your heart, your actions, and your words?
God made you where you can't think two thoughts at one time. If you're thinking what's right, you can't be thinking what's wrong. And as you think, you will become.
Guard your mind. Center your mind upon the Lord Jesus. Don't let the devil take away your pure-hearted devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay in love with Jesus, and there won't be any room for those filthy, dirty, wicked, lascivious, lustful, and prideful thoughts that bombard us all.
Start today to become more active in marshalling your thoughts and bringing them into obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
Monday, January 24, 2011
Unmistakable Work Of God
From: My Utmost For His Highest - Oswald Chambers
John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
Being born again by the Spirit is an unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, and as surprising as God Himself. We don’t know where it begins— it is hidden away in the depths of our soul. Being born again from above is an enduring, perpetual, and eternal beginning. It provides a freshness all the time in thinking, talking, and living— a continual surprise of the life of God.
Staleness is an indication that something in our lives is out of step with God. We say to ourselves, "I have to do this thing or it will never get done." That is the first sign of staleness. Do we feel fresh this very moment or are we stale, frantically searching our minds for something to do? Freshness is not the result of obedience; it comes from the Holy Spirit. Obedience keeps us "in the light as He is in the light . . ." (1 John 1:7)
Guard your relationship with God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one just as We are one"(John 17:21). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don’t pretend to be open with Him. Are you drawing your life from any source other than God Himself? If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.
Being born of the Spirit means much more than we usually think. It gives us new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything through the never-ending supply of the life of God.
John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
Being born again by the Spirit is an unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, and as surprising as God Himself. We don’t know where it begins— it is hidden away in the depths of our soul. Being born again from above is an enduring, perpetual, and eternal beginning. It provides a freshness all the time in thinking, talking, and living— a continual surprise of the life of God.
Staleness is an indication that something in our lives is out of step with God. We say to ourselves, "I have to do this thing or it will never get done." That is the first sign of staleness. Do we feel fresh this very moment or are we stale, frantically searching our minds for something to do? Freshness is not the result of obedience; it comes from the Holy Spirit. Obedience keeps us "in the light as He is in the light . . ." (1 John 1:7)
Guard your relationship with God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one just as We are one"(John 17:21). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don’t pretend to be open with Him. Are you drawing your life from any source other than God Himself? If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.
Being born of the Spirit means much more than we usually think. It gives us new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything through the never-ending supply of the life of God.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Path We Choose
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."
The path you choose is the path you use, so be very wise about the choices you make. Make sure that the path you traverse follows through the woods of God’s will. Your path is a picture of overlaid choices. One after another, your daily decisions dig out a well-beaten path.
Your current path is not insignificant. If it is a path of preparation, then prepare well. The more you prepare, the wider this path becomes. The less you prepare the narrower it becomes. The path of preparation may seem long and onerous at times, but be patient and stay the course. Your faithfulness now will bolster your influence later. The path of preparation is the strong foundation of any excellent and eternally significant endeavor.
Another path to walk wisely upon is the path of personal intimacy with God. When you walk the path of intimacy with God, He fills you with His peace, security and hope. This is not a path of quick fixes; rather, it is one of trust and endurance. Traveling a path without God is like walking in the country on a moonless night, or like running through a city during the day—blindfolded.
In either case there is a lot of activity, but the activity is filled with fear, confusion, misdirection and eventual hurt. Indeed, the path of God is not without pain or uncertainty. But, as you travel on His path, you are filled with His presence...peaceful, purifying and pleasing to the soul.
The path of Christ is bumpy at times, but His freedom is exhilarating. As you travel with God, be ever mindful of His guardrails of grace, love and law. They are there for your protection. They keep you from straying off His path of kingdom purpose.
Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."
The path you choose is the path you use, so be very wise about the choices you make. Make sure that the path you traverse follows through the woods of God’s will. Your path is a picture of overlaid choices. One after another, your daily decisions dig out a well-beaten path.
Your current path is not insignificant. If it is a path of preparation, then prepare well. The more you prepare, the wider this path becomes. The less you prepare the narrower it becomes. The path of preparation may seem long and onerous at times, but be patient and stay the course. Your faithfulness now will bolster your influence later. The path of preparation is the strong foundation of any excellent and eternally significant endeavor.
Another path to walk wisely upon is the path of personal intimacy with God. When you walk the path of intimacy with God, He fills you with His peace, security and hope. This is not a path of quick fixes; rather, it is one of trust and endurance. Traveling a path without God is like walking in the country on a moonless night, or like running through a city during the day—blindfolded.
In either case there is a lot of activity, but the activity is filled with fear, confusion, misdirection and eventual hurt. Indeed, the path of God is not without pain or uncertainty. But, as you travel on His path, you are filled with His presence...peaceful, purifying and pleasing to the soul.
The path of Christ is bumpy at times, but His freedom is exhilarating. As you travel with God, be ever mindful of His guardrails of grace, love and law. They are there for your protection. They keep you from straying off His path of kingdom purpose.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Personal Encounter
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Isaiah 6:5 "Then I said, 'Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.'"
You'll only really understand yourself when you have a personal encounter with God! Isaiah's immediate response to his personal encounter with God wasn't great joy, excitement and vigor. No, Isaiah was devastated. He'd thought quite well of himself. He had a good self-image.
But suddenly that self-image was shattered by his exposure to God. In the face of God's presence, holiness and glory, Isaiah suddenly realized that he wasn't the center of his own existence, that his sense of his own goodness was a delusion in the face of God's holiness. Here was this unfallen, perfect angel covering his face in the presence of God. What hope did Isaiah have?
Isaiah fell before his great God a broken man, aware of his weaknesses, failings and sins. That is just where he needed to be; it was where God wanted him. That brokenness was God's goal in Isaiah's life.
It is God's goal in your life too. Brokenness comes first; anointing comes later. Tears come first; joy comes later. Confession comes first; healing comes later. God comes first; then He makes you what you need to be. But you'll never find that brokenness until you encounter God Himself.
Isaiah 6:5 "Then I said, 'Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.'"
You'll only really understand yourself when you have a personal encounter with God! Isaiah's immediate response to his personal encounter with God wasn't great joy, excitement and vigor. No, Isaiah was devastated. He'd thought quite well of himself. He had a good self-image.
But suddenly that self-image was shattered by his exposure to God. In the face of God's presence, holiness and glory, Isaiah suddenly realized that he wasn't the center of his own existence, that his sense of his own goodness was a delusion in the face of God's holiness. Here was this unfallen, perfect angel covering his face in the presence of God. What hope did Isaiah have?
Isaiah fell before his great God a broken man, aware of his weaknesses, failings and sins. That is just where he needed to be; it was where God wanted him. That brokenness was God's goal in Isaiah's life.
It is God's goal in your life too. Brokenness comes first; anointing comes later. Tears come first; joy comes later. Confession comes first; healing comes later. God comes first; then He makes you what you need to be. But you'll never find that brokenness until you encounter God Himself.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Taking Inventory
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Romans 12:3 "Do not think of your self more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
You can’t get to where you need to be until you first know where you are. Romans 12 says you need to humbly assess or evaluate your current state. Now the reason I say humbly is because we don’t want to admit what’s not working in our lives. We don’t want to admit things aren’t working out. We don’t like to admit we need to change. We want to pretend we have it all together. That’s the barrier of pride.
Humility is the ingredient for change that will counter our pride. We have to start by admitting we don’t have it all together. What are you pretending is not a problem in your life? Is it a problem in your marriage? An addiction? A problem with your body? Whatever it is, you need to start with an honest evaluation of yourself.
Change also takes faith. Do you believe you can change? Do you believe things can be different in your life? Ask yourself how much faith you will need in order to make the changes you want in your life. Is it more than you have right now? That’s evaluating the measure of your faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. I want you to grow in the measure of your faith, and I want you to set goals that are so big they force you to grow in faith. Where will you get this faith to grow? Romans 10:13 says, "Faith comes from hearing the Word of God." In other words, if you read the Bible more often, your faith will grow, your trust in God will deepen, and then you will change.
Romans 12:3 "Do not think of your self more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
You can’t get to where you need to be until you first know where you are. Romans 12 says you need to humbly assess or evaluate your current state. Now the reason I say humbly is because we don’t want to admit what’s not working in our lives. We don’t want to admit things aren’t working out. We don’t like to admit we need to change. We want to pretend we have it all together. That’s the barrier of pride.
Humility is the ingredient for change that will counter our pride. We have to start by admitting we don’t have it all together. What are you pretending is not a problem in your life? Is it a problem in your marriage? An addiction? A problem with your body? Whatever it is, you need to start with an honest evaluation of yourself.
Change also takes faith. Do you believe you can change? Do you believe things can be different in your life? Ask yourself how much faith you will need in order to make the changes you want in your life. Is it more than you have right now? That’s evaluating the measure of your faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. I want you to grow in the measure of your faith, and I want you to set goals that are so big they force you to grow in faith. Where will you get this faith to grow? Romans 10:13 says, "Faith comes from hearing the Word of God." In other words, if you read the Bible more often, your faith will grow, your trust in God will deepen, and then you will change.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Headlights In Dark Times
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - Joe Stowell
Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
I’ve always thought that I could get through just about anything if the Lord would tell me what the outcome would be. I believe that "all things work together for good" in the end (Romans 8:28), but I’d do a lot better in dark times if I knew exactly what the "good" would look like.
But God usually doesn’t show us where He is taking us. He just asks us to trust Him. It’s like driving a car at night. Our headlights never shine all the way to our destination; they illuminate only about 160 feet ahead. But that doesn’t deter us from moving forward. We trust our headlights. All we really need is enough light to keep moving forward.
God’s Word is like headlights in dark times. It is full of promises we need to keep us from driving our lives into the ditch of bitterness and despair. His Word promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His Word assures us that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give us "a future full of hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). And He tells us that our trials are there to make us better, not bitter (James 1:2-4).
So the next time you feel as if you’re driving in the dark, remember to trust your headlights—God’s Word will light your way.
Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
I’ve always thought that I could get through just about anything if the Lord would tell me what the outcome would be. I believe that "all things work together for good" in the end (Romans 8:28), but I’d do a lot better in dark times if I knew exactly what the "good" would look like.
But God usually doesn’t show us where He is taking us. He just asks us to trust Him. It’s like driving a car at night. Our headlights never shine all the way to our destination; they illuminate only about 160 feet ahead. But that doesn’t deter us from moving forward. We trust our headlights. All we really need is enough light to keep moving forward.
God’s Word is like headlights in dark times. It is full of promises we need to keep us from driving our lives into the ditch of bitterness and despair. His Word promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His Word assures us that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give us "a future full of hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). And He tells us that our trials are there to make us better, not bitter (James 1:2-4).
So the next time you feel as if you’re driving in the dark, remember to trust your headlights—God’s Word will light your way.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Self-Help Books
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 16:9 "We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it."
Godly goals are achieved only through God's power. This is what makes them different from every other goal planning program on the planet. The other day I checked on the internet and found there are almost 90,000 self-help books currently available. That's a lot of advice!
But the problem is, none of those books can do what the Bible does. None of those books can give you the power to do what they say to do. They tell you don't hold onto that hurt, let it go. But have you ever tried to do that? It's not easy. It takes God's power to let it go.
So these self-help books tell you the right thing, but they can’t give you any power. Only God can do that. Only God can give you the ability to truly change.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
What's the Bible saying here? First, trust the Lord with all your heart, then God becomes your spiritual partner to guide you toward your goals.
Proverbs 16:9 "We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it."
Godly goals are achieved only through God's power. This is what makes them different from every other goal planning program on the planet. The other day I checked on the internet and found there are almost 90,000 self-help books currently available. That's a lot of advice!
But the problem is, none of those books can do what the Bible does. None of those books can give you the power to do what they say to do. They tell you don't hold onto that hurt, let it go. But have you ever tried to do that? It's not easy. It takes God's power to let it go.
So these self-help books tell you the right thing, but they can’t give you any power. Only God can do that. Only God can give you the ability to truly change.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
What's the Bible saying here? First, trust the Lord with all your heart, then God becomes your spiritual partner to guide you toward your goals.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Motivated By Love
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
1 Corinthians 16:14 "Everything you do must be done with love."
God is more interested in why you do what you do than what you do. Godly goals -- the kind God will bless -- must be motivated by love.
People can be motivated by many things when they set goals -- peer pressure; guilt, greed, materialism, revenge, pride, envy, or jealousy. But God will only bless goals that are motivated by love. The Bible says everything you do must be done with love. So every goal you set should be for God’s glory, and every goal you set must be motivated by love. The Bible says, "Everything you do must be done with love."
The love that motivates us can be our love for Jesus or our love for other people. That's called the Great Commandment: "Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself." When a goal moves you to love God more or love other people more, then God will get behind that goal.
If you set goals without love, then people become tools in your life and you stop seeing them as human beings; instead, you see them as projects and that keeps you from learning how to love. God wants us to spend our time on earth learning how to love Him and to love others.
1 Corinthians 16:14 "Everything you do must be done with love."
God is more interested in why you do what you do than what you do. Godly goals -- the kind God will bless -- must be motivated by love.
People can be motivated by many things when they set goals -- peer pressure; guilt, greed, materialism, revenge, pride, envy, or jealousy. But God will only bless goals that are motivated by love. The Bible says everything you do must be done with love. So every goal you set should be for God’s glory, and every goal you set must be motivated by love. The Bible says, "Everything you do must be done with love."
The love that motivates us can be our love for Jesus or our love for other people. That's called the Great Commandment: "Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself." When a goal moves you to love God more or love other people more, then God will get behind that goal.
If you set goals without love, then people become tools in your life and you stop seeing them as human beings; instead, you see them as projects and that keeps you from learning how to love. God wants us to spend our time on earth learning how to love Him and to love others.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Nothing Too Dificult For Him
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you. Be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
We all face situations in life that feel out of control. During times like these, it’s easy to get discouraged and allow fear to creep in; but instead, why don’t you focus on the fact that God is holding you in the palm of His hand!
There is nothing too difficult for Him; nothing’s impossible; nothing is beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe; you are cared for. In His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand is everything you need.
No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation around. Let faith arise in your heart and focus on His presence. As you keep your heart and mind focused on Him and choose to obey His Word, you’ll see those supernatural breaks that will launch you further ahead than you ever thought possible because He holds you with His victorious right hand!
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you. Be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
We all face situations in life that feel out of control. During times like these, it’s easy to get discouraged and allow fear to creep in; but instead, why don’t you focus on the fact that God is holding you in the palm of His hand!
There is nothing too difficult for Him; nothing’s impossible; nothing is beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe; you are cared for. In His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand is everything you need.
No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation around. Let faith arise in your heart and focus on His presence. As you keep your heart and mind focused on Him and choose to obey His Word, you’ll see those supernatural breaks that will launch you further ahead than you ever thought possible because He holds you with His victorious right hand!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Eyes On Him
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Psalm 119:10 "I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands."
Walking through freshly fallen snow, a father wanted to teach his son a key lesson in life. He said, "Son, I’m going to walk to that tree fifty feet ahead in a perfectly straight line. Then I want you to do the same."
The father walked to the tree. He turned to look at his son and they both observed the perfectly straight tracks in the snow. Not wanting to fail the test, the son looked at his father and began to walk. He looked down at his steps and veered to the left. He looked up and corrected his course. He looked down again. He veered to the right and had to correct his course once more.
Arriving at the tree, his tracks told the story of his failure. His father explained, "Son, as long as you focused on me, your tracks were straight. The moment you took your eyes off me, you got off track. The key is keeping your eyes on the goal."
So it is in life. There is one primary goal and if it becomes the heart and focus of your life it will be the key to eternal success. That goal is following the Lord. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will keep you right on track to where you need to go.
Psalm 119:10 "I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands."
Walking through freshly fallen snow, a father wanted to teach his son a key lesson in life. He said, "Son, I’m going to walk to that tree fifty feet ahead in a perfectly straight line. Then I want you to do the same."
The father walked to the tree. He turned to look at his son and they both observed the perfectly straight tracks in the snow. Not wanting to fail the test, the son looked at his father and began to walk. He looked down at his steps and veered to the left. He looked up and corrected his course. He looked down again. He veered to the right and had to correct his course once more.
Arriving at the tree, his tracks told the story of his failure. His father explained, "Son, as long as you focused on me, your tracks were straight. The moment you took your eyes off me, you got off track. The key is keeping your eyes on the goal."
So it is in life. There is one primary goal and if it becomes the heart and focus of your life it will be the key to eternal success. That goal is following the Lord. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will keep you right on track to where you need to go.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Highest Return On Life
From: The Word for Today - Bob Gass
Matthew 25:29 "Everyone who has will be given more... Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Every accomplishment starts with a decision. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Jesus gave us the parable of a businessman who gave one employee ten talents to invest, and he doubled them. A second employee received five talents, and he doubled them too. A third employee got one talent, but he buried it. Afraid of losing it, he failed to take even a modest risk. "The master was furious... 'It's criminal to live cautiously like that... you knew I was after the best, why did you do less... ?''' (Matthew 25:26)
The Bible says, "We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Unless you're willing to take prayed-over, carefully-considered and well-advised risks, you're not operating in faith. And, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus ended His parable saying, "Everyone who has will be given more... Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Your goal should be to maximize the investment on everything you do. Ken Blanchard calls this getting the highest return on life. It means putting all your eggs in God's basket (don't worry, He won't drop them!).
To get more, you must use what God's already given you. When you step out in faith, God moves, and extraordinary things happen.
Matthew 25:29 "Everyone who has will be given more... Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Every accomplishment starts with a decision. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Jesus gave us the parable of a businessman who gave one employee ten talents to invest, and he doubled them. A second employee received five talents, and he doubled them too. A third employee got one talent, but he buried it. Afraid of losing it, he failed to take even a modest risk. "The master was furious... 'It's criminal to live cautiously like that... you knew I was after the best, why did you do less... ?''' (Matthew 25:26)
The Bible says, "We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Unless you're willing to take prayed-over, carefully-considered and well-advised risks, you're not operating in faith. And, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus ended His parable saying, "Everyone who has will be given more... Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Your goal should be to maximize the investment on everything you do. Ken Blanchard calls this getting the highest return on life. It means putting all your eggs in God's basket (don't worry, He won't drop them!).
To get more, you must use what God's already given you. When you step out in faith, God moves, and extraordinary things happen.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Choose Wisely
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Philippians 3:15-16 "So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."
Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at the end of the next ten years. We become whatever we are committed to.
It is at this point of commitment that many of us miss God’s purpose for our lives. Some will be afraid to commit to anything and so they will just drift through the next decade. Others will make half-hearted commitments to competing values, and so they will face frustration and mediocrity over the next ten years. Others will make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter. Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—begins with a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where he leads.
Philippians 3:15-16 "So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."
Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at the end of the next ten years. We become whatever we are committed to.
It is at this point of commitment that many of us miss God’s purpose for our lives. Some will be afraid to commit to anything and so they will just drift through the next decade. Others will make half-hearted commitments to competing values, and so they will face frustration and mediocrity over the next ten years. Others will make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter. Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—begins with a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where he leads.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Finishing Well
From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Philippians 3:14 "My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me, life on high in Christ Jesus."
Our culture has become enamored with instant results and quick fixes. E-mail, on-line banking, fast food, instant mashed potatoes, hair implants, liposuction, and countless options like them have eroded our capacity for patience and perseverance. So when it comes to spiritual growth, we tend to expect instant transformation rather than viewing our growth in Christ as a long-term—and potentially costly—endeavor.
Yet I've learned an important truth that's been verified time and again by the testimony of Scripture: It's not how you start that's important; it's how you finish.
Finishing well in the Christian life requires purposeful planning and a clear view of reality on your part. It won't happen by accident. On the other hand, expecting instant results and quick fixes will result in disappointment, and ultimately, discouragement.
Philippians 3:14 "My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me, life on high in Christ Jesus."
Our culture has become enamored with instant results and quick fixes. E-mail, on-line banking, fast food, instant mashed potatoes, hair implants, liposuction, and countless options like them have eroded our capacity for patience and perseverance. So when it comes to spiritual growth, we tend to expect instant transformation rather than viewing our growth in Christ as a long-term—and potentially costly—endeavor.
Yet I've learned an important truth that's been verified time and again by the testimony of Scripture: It's not how you start that's important; it's how you finish.
Finishing well in the Christian life requires purposeful planning and a clear view of reality on your part. It won't happen by accident. On the other hand, expecting instant results and quick fixes will result in disappointment, and ultimately, discouragement.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Understanding Your Purpose
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a future full of hope."
If you are going to discover how God wants to use your life and work, you must know why you were created. If you start trying to determine your purpose in life before understanding why you were created, you will inevitably get hung up on the things you do as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
First and foremost, God created you to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. In fact, God says that if a man is going to boast about anything in life, "boast about this: that he understands and knows Me." (Jeremiah 9:24)
Mankind's relationship with God was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus' death on the cross, however, allows us to restore this relationship with God and to have an intimate fellowship with Him. The apostle Paul came to understand this when he said, "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience His resurrection power, be a partner in His suffering, and go all the way with Him to death itself." (Philippians 3:10)
Establishing this relationship with God is vital to understanding your purpose. If you don't have this relationship with God, you will seek to fulfill your purpose out of wrong motives; such as fear, insecurity, pride, money, relationships, guilt, or unresolved anger. God's desire is for you to be motivated out of love for Him and to desire to worship Him in all that you do. As you develop your relationship with God, He will begin to reveal His purpose for your life.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a future full of hope."
If you are going to discover how God wants to use your life and work, you must know why you were created. If you start trying to determine your purpose in life before understanding why you were created, you will inevitably get hung up on the things you do as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
First and foremost, God created you to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. In fact, God says that if a man is going to boast about anything in life, "boast about this: that he understands and knows Me." (Jeremiah 9:24)
Mankind's relationship with God was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus' death on the cross, however, allows us to restore this relationship with God and to have an intimate fellowship with Him. The apostle Paul came to understand this when he said, "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience His resurrection power, be a partner in His suffering, and go all the way with Him to death itself." (Philippians 3:10)
Establishing this relationship with God is vital to understanding your purpose. If you don't have this relationship with God, you will seek to fulfill your purpose out of wrong motives; such as fear, insecurity, pride, money, relationships, guilt, or unresolved anger. God's desire is for you to be motivated out of love for Him and to desire to worship Him in all that you do. As you develop your relationship with God, He will begin to reveal His purpose for your life.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Wait For God's Timing
From: Oswald Chambers Devotionals
Psalm 37:7 "Leave it to the Lord and wait for Him."
There are times when you can’t understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings a time of waiting, and appears to be unresponsive, don’t fill it with busyness, just wait. The time of waiting may come to teach you the meaning of sanctification— to be set apart from sin and made holy— or it may come after the process of sanctification has begun to teach you what service means.
Never run before God gives you His direction. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt— wait.
At first you may see clearly what God’s will is— the severance of a friendship, the breaking off of a business relationship, or something else you feel is distinctly God’s will for you to do. But never act on the impulse of that feeling. If you do, you will cause difficult situations to arise which will take years to untangle.
Wait for God’s timing and He will do it without any heartache or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.
Psalm 37:7 "Leave it to the Lord and wait for Him."
There are times when you can’t understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings a time of waiting, and appears to be unresponsive, don’t fill it with busyness, just wait. The time of waiting may come to teach you the meaning of sanctification— to be set apart from sin and made holy— or it may come after the process of sanctification has begun to teach you what service means.
Never run before God gives you His direction. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt— wait.
At first you may see clearly what God’s will is— the severance of a friendship, the breaking off of a business relationship, or something else you feel is distinctly God’s will for you to do. But never act on the impulse of that feeling. If you do, you will cause difficult situations to arise which will take years to untangle.
Wait for God’s timing and He will do it without any heartache or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Things First
From: Bayless Conley Ministries
Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things shall be added to you."
The secret to receiving God's provision is to put God's Kingdom first, then everything else will be added to you. That includes all the things you worry about and strive after. God promises He will add them to you.
I know for some people it is just too simplistic. It is just a childish notion to be brushed aside. But, to do so is a grave mistake. Never underestimate the power of obedience. When we obey God and get our priorities in line, it unlocks and releases incredible blessings in our life. When we put the spiritual above the material, when we put the cause and the mission of God's Kingdom before our own personal desires, it will cause things to be added to our lives.
I remember reading about J.L. Kraft. He began his business by selling cheese on the streets in Chicago, but failed miserably. One day a Christian friend told him, "J.L., you don't have God first in your life, or in your business. Put Him first in all things you do, and you will see a different outcome." From that day on, he put God's Kingdom first in every way and he built the largest cheese empire in the world.
First things first. Jesus said, "Do not worry. Just get your priorities in line, and God will take care of you."
Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things shall be added to you."
The secret to receiving God's provision is to put God's Kingdom first, then everything else will be added to you. That includes all the things you worry about and strive after. God promises He will add them to you.
I know for some people it is just too simplistic. It is just a childish notion to be brushed aside. But, to do so is a grave mistake. Never underestimate the power of obedience. When we obey God and get our priorities in line, it unlocks and releases incredible blessings in our life. When we put the spiritual above the material, when we put the cause and the mission of God's Kingdom before our own personal desires, it will cause things to be added to our lives.
I remember reading about J.L. Kraft. He began his business by selling cheese on the streets in Chicago, but failed miserably. One day a Christian friend told him, "J.L., you don't have God first in your life, or in your business. Put Him first in all things you do, and you will see a different outcome." From that day on, he put God's Kingdom first in every way and he built the largest cheese empire in the world.
First things first. Jesus said, "Do not worry. Just get your priorities in line, and God will take care of you."
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Wisdom
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Proverbs 4:5 "Get Wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter."
Wisdom is a cherished commodity. People are drawn to wisdom. It is attractive and winsome. Wisdom represents a word from the Lord so its value is enormous. Wisdom is one reason we attend church, listen to good Bible teaching, and engage with older mentors. Wisdom is precious and extremely valuable.
It is a gift that protects you from decisions that could haunt you for a lifetime. It is a gift that gives you the confidence to carry on or stop. Wisdom cuts through confusion, and replaces it with clarity. It distills decisions into a sequence of small successes. It warns of impending danger.
Wisdom is God’s gift to carry out His Kingdom-initiatives. If spent on oneself, it becomes self-serving. So seek out the truly wise, those whose top priority is God.
It is wisdom—coupled with humility and obedience to God—that prepares us to finish well. Authentic wisdom is appropriate in all situations. Search for it in the Bible, or through books, people, circumstances, film, life experiences, and creation.
Once you find it, don’t take it for granted. Thank God for wise outcomes. Use it for His glory and for His purposes. Allow wisdom to humble you, rather than give you a sense of superiority. We are all seekers of God’s wisdom. We will seek it until we get to heaven.
Use prayer as a bridge to the wisdom of God. Allow wisdom to draw you closer to your heavenly Father in worship and dependence on Him. Dedicate often your wise intentions to Him. Keep your heavenly Father as your filter for wise decision-making.
Proverbs 4:5 "Get Wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter."
Wisdom is a cherished commodity. People are drawn to wisdom. It is attractive and winsome. Wisdom represents a word from the Lord so its value is enormous. Wisdom is one reason we attend church, listen to good Bible teaching, and engage with older mentors. Wisdom is precious and extremely valuable.
It is a gift that protects you from decisions that could haunt you for a lifetime. It is a gift that gives you the confidence to carry on or stop. Wisdom cuts through confusion, and replaces it with clarity. It distills decisions into a sequence of small successes. It warns of impending danger.
Wisdom is God’s gift to carry out His Kingdom-initiatives. If spent on oneself, it becomes self-serving. So seek out the truly wise, those whose top priority is God.
It is wisdom—coupled with humility and obedience to God—that prepares us to finish well. Authentic wisdom is appropriate in all situations. Search for it in the Bible, or through books, people, circumstances, film, life experiences, and creation.
Once you find it, don’t take it for granted. Thank God for wise outcomes. Use it for His glory and for His purposes. Allow wisdom to humble you, rather than give you a sense of superiority. We are all seekers of God’s wisdom. We will seek it until we get to heaven.
Use prayer as a bridge to the wisdom of God. Allow wisdom to draw you closer to your heavenly Father in worship and dependence on Him. Dedicate often your wise intentions to Him. Keep your heavenly Father as your filter for wise decision-making.
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