From: In Touch Ministries
1 Samuel 3:9 "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."
Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. To do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Psalm 25:4); to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention.
Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." If we pray those simple words with conviction before we open our Bible, we will hear God more clearly.
If we want to experience God working in our life, we must come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. All will sense joy. Let's recognize what a gift we have in God’s Word.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Focus On The Lord
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 14:29 "Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus."
When Peter was certain it was Jesus who was calling him, he left the security of the boat and entrusted himself to the power of God. So far, so good. 'But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted' (Matthew 14:30). So you must focus on the Lord, not the storm.
We all know what it's like to 'see the waves'. You begin a new venture - a job, a relationship, an area of spiritual growth - full of hope. Then you encounter storms and setbacks. Jesus said, 'Here on earth you will have many trials...' (John 16:33). Expect it; it's part of the journey of faith!
Growth requires taking on new challenges. Each time you do you'll experience fear, because growth and fear go together. But each time you risk leaving the boat it means you're more likely to do it again. And each time you step out on the water without drowning, you realize that fear no longer has the power over you.
The answer to fear is to get out of the boat a little more each day, until fear loses its hold on you.
Matthew 14:29 "Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus."
When Peter was certain it was Jesus who was calling him, he left the security of the boat and entrusted himself to the power of God. So far, so good. 'But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted' (Matthew 14:30). So you must focus on the Lord, not the storm.
We all know what it's like to 'see the waves'. You begin a new venture - a job, a relationship, an area of spiritual growth - full of hope. Then you encounter storms and setbacks. Jesus said, 'Here on earth you will have many trials...' (John 16:33). Expect it; it's part of the journey of faith!
Growth requires taking on new challenges. Each time you do you'll experience fear, because growth and fear go together. But each time you risk leaving the boat it means you're more likely to do it again. And each time you step out on the water without drowning, you realize that fear no longer has the power over you.
The answer to fear is to get out of the boat a little more each day, until fear loses its hold on you.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Experience: The Best Teacher, But A Hard Grader
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Matthew 14:29-30 "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'"
"Success," said Winston Churchill, "is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures. In The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar, Orlando Magic executive Pat Williams observed, "Our experiences may not all be triumphs and successes, but so what? Failure is usually a far better teacher than success - if we are willing to learn the lessons. As Houston Astros pitcher Larry Dierker observed, 'Experience is the best teacher, but a hard grader. She gives the test first, the lesson later.'"*
God never gets mired in our past failures. He is constantly viewing our lives with future success in mind. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isa. 43:19). Someone once said, "When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave." God wants to give us new dreams that are bigger than anything that has ever happened to us in the past.
Don't let past failures keep you from future successes.
Matthew 14:29-30 "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'"
"Success," said Winston Churchill, "is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures. In The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar, Orlando Magic executive Pat Williams observed, "Our experiences may not all be triumphs and successes, but so what? Failure is usually a far better teacher than success - if we are willing to learn the lessons. As Houston Astros pitcher Larry Dierker observed, 'Experience is the best teacher, but a hard grader. She gives the test first, the lesson later.'"*
God never gets mired in our past failures. He is constantly viewing our lives with future success in mind. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isa. 43:19). Someone once said, "When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave." God wants to give us new dreams that are bigger than anything that has ever happened to us in the past.
Don't let past failures keep you from future successes.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Keep Trusting God
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
The Lord wants you to be alert — to recognize that you have a spiritual enemy who would love to weaken your faith and destroy your spiritual vitality. He may do it through attracting you with worldly things, or distracting you with hobbies or activities, or shaming you with ridicule, or any other of his tactics.
Don’t let your spiritual guard down. If things are going well, then deepen your relationship with God, look for ways to speak about Him to people around you, make your life count. If things are going badly, your enemy will be trying to take advantage of that and make you discontent or resentful toward God.
Keep trusting God. Praise God’s goodness in the middle of your battle. You will come through that experience a seasoned spiritual soldier with a much more mature faith.
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
The Lord wants you to be alert — to recognize that you have a spiritual enemy who would love to weaken your faith and destroy your spiritual vitality. He may do it through attracting you with worldly things, or distracting you with hobbies or activities, or shaming you with ridicule, or any other of his tactics.
Don’t let your spiritual guard down. If things are going well, then deepen your relationship with God, look for ways to speak about Him to people around you, make your life count. If things are going badly, your enemy will be trying to take advantage of that and make you discontent or resentful toward God.
Keep trusting God. Praise God’s goodness in the middle of your battle. You will come through that experience a seasoned spiritual soldier with a much more mature faith.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Encouragement
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do."
Everyone is in need of encouragement. Each day life issues extract courage from other human beings. Indeed, we all are candidates to receive back courage from another caring soul. We need to hear, "Job well done", "You can do it", "You are a blessing", "You are a gift from the Lord", "I need you" and "I love you". Like the gas tank in an automobile, people need a regular fill up of encouraging words, kind deeds and a listening ear.
When you give others hope—you become hopeful. When you give others peace—you become peaceful. When you give others faith—you become faithful. When you give others comfort—you become comforted. When you give others encouragement—you become encouraged. When you give others Jesus—you become like Jesus!
No one normally complains of too much encouragement, so be a regular replenisher of courage. Most of all lead others to be refreshed by the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do."
Everyone is in need of encouragement. Each day life issues extract courage from other human beings. Indeed, we all are candidates to receive back courage from another caring soul. We need to hear, "Job well done", "You can do it", "You are a blessing", "You are a gift from the Lord", "I need you" and "I love you". Like the gas tank in an automobile, people need a regular fill up of encouraging words, kind deeds and a listening ear.
When you give others hope—you become hopeful. When you give others peace—you become peaceful. When you give others faith—you become faithful. When you give others comfort—you become comforted. When you give others encouragement—you become encouraged. When you give others Jesus—you become like Jesus!
No one normally complains of too much encouragement, so be a regular replenisher of courage. Most of all lead others to be refreshed by the Lord.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Surprise Visits
From: Oswald Chambers Devotionals
Exodus 3:4 "God called out to him from the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' He answered, 'Here I am!'"
When God speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer. Moses’ reply to God revealed that he knew where he was and that he was ready.
Readiness for God means that we are prepared to do the smallest thing or the largest thing— it makes no difference. It means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Whenever any duty presents itself, we hear God’s voice as our Lord heard His Father’s voice, and we are ready for it with the total readiness of our love for Him.
Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the person who is ready, and it is on fire with the presence of God Himself.
Exodus 3:4 "God called out to him from the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' He answered, 'Here I am!'"
When God speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer. Moses’ reply to God revealed that he knew where he was and that he was ready.
Readiness for God means that we are prepared to do the smallest thing or the largest thing— it makes no difference. It means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Whenever any duty presents itself, we hear God’s voice as our Lord heard His Father’s voice, and we are ready for it with the total readiness of our love for Him.
Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the person who is ready, and it is on fire with the presence of God Himself.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
My Therapist
From: Bayless Conley Ministries
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
In America, people spend millions of dollars visiting their therapists. They talk over all their problems with their therapists to try and relieve the stress and worries of life. I have a confession to make…I have a therapist. I talk to Him every single day. My therapist is my Father in heaven. I bring all my problems to Him. And I talk over everything with Him.
One of the keys in unburdening your heart when you pray is being completely honest. God knows what you are thinking, anyway. You may as well tell Him the truth about what is weighing you down.
It is no accident you are reading this today. Perhaps you are so filled with anxiety and stress that you are working on an ulcer right now. You don't sleep like you should. Your anxieties have robbed you of the quality of life God wants you to have.
God wants you free from your burdens. Take them to God today, and every day, and see how those burdens are lifted.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
In America, people spend millions of dollars visiting their therapists. They talk over all their problems with their therapists to try and relieve the stress and worries of life. I have a confession to make…I have a therapist. I talk to Him every single day. My therapist is my Father in heaven. I bring all my problems to Him. And I talk over everything with Him.
One of the keys in unburdening your heart when you pray is being completely honest. God knows what you are thinking, anyway. You may as well tell Him the truth about what is weighing you down.
It is no accident you are reading this today. Perhaps you are so filled with anxiety and stress that you are working on an ulcer right now. You don't sleep like you should. Your anxieties have robbed you of the quality of life God wants you to have.
God wants you free from your burdens. Take them to God today, and every day, and see how those burdens are lifted.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Transform Your Character
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Psalm 25:4 "Make known to me Your ways, Lord; teach me Your paths."
Knowing God grows your character, as intimacy with Him influences you to be like Him. Christ’s character begins to transform your character. His influence in your life broadens your influence in other lives. Indeed, your depth of character determines your breadth of influence. Grow in grace, so you can export grace throughout your circle of influence.
But, be careful not to compare your character standard to others—even other Christians. Comparison games are the enemy’s game plan to get you off track of trust in Jesus. Pride will puncture your ballooning influence when you begin to take credit for what only the Lord can do. The more you know God—the less you see of yourself and the more you see of Him and others. You know Christ in His death, accompanied by a radical resurrection.
How do you grow to know Him better? It happens in the margins of life, not in a packed schedule with no room for interruptions. A frantic pace lacks grace. A hurried life is tired—unable to trust and give back. Start by slowing down and calendaring time with Christ. Be with Him, so you can hear Him, get to know Him and be changed by Him. Then the depth of your character will grow the breadth of your influence—for His glory!
Psalm 25:4 "Make known to me Your ways, Lord; teach me Your paths."
Knowing God grows your character, as intimacy with Him influences you to be like Him. Christ’s character begins to transform your character. His influence in your life broadens your influence in other lives. Indeed, your depth of character determines your breadth of influence. Grow in grace, so you can export grace throughout your circle of influence.
But, be careful not to compare your character standard to others—even other Christians. Comparison games are the enemy’s game plan to get you off track of trust in Jesus. Pride will puncture your ballooning influence when you begin to take credit for what only the Lord can do. The more you know God—the less you see of yourself and the more you see of Him and others. You know Christ in His death, accompanied by a radical resurrection.
How do you grow to know Him better? It happens in the margins of life, not in a packed schedule with no room for interruptions. A frantic pace lacks grace. A hurried life is tired—unable to trust and give back. Start by slowing down and calendaring time with Christ. Be with Him, so you can hear Him, get to know Him and be changed by Him. Then the depth of your character will grow the breadth of your influence—for His glory!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Pursuit Of Wisdom
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given to you."
We pursue dreams, we pursue jobs, we pursue opportunities, we pursue a husband or a wife, we pursue hobbies, we pursue friends, we pursue adventure, we pursue good health, we pursue success, we pursue significance and we pursue happiness—to name a few of our positive pursuits. Indeed, what we pursue becomes the focus of what we do.
Our pursuits make up who we are, thus it’s important that we pursue the right things. If you were honest, would a pursuit of wisdom make the top ten list of your life’s pursuits? If wisdom is the knowledge of what’s right and the judgment to rightly act on that knowledge, then anyone is capable of learning and applying wisdom. God gives wisdom to believing seekers.
Does the pursuit of wisdom motivate your actions? Is it a part of your portfolio of pursuits? If not, consider moving it up toward the top of your list. After all, wise-decision making affects all of your other pursuits. It could be argued that a life full of wisdom will lead to the most fulfilling life, but a life void of wisdom sets the stage for foolish living. So, at all costs endeavor to seek God’s wisdom. "How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!" (Proverbs 16:16)
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given to you."
We pursue dreams, we pursue jobs, we pursue opportunities, we pursue a husband or a wife, we pursue hobbies, we pursue friends, we pursue adventure, we pursue good health, we pursue success, we pursue significance and we pursue happiness—to name a few of our positive pursuits. Indeed, what we pursue becomes the focus of what we do.
Our pursuits make up who we are, thus it’s important that we pursue the right things. If you were honest, would a pursuit of wisdom make the top ten list of your life’s pursuits? If wisdom is the knowledge of what’s right and the judgment to rightly act on that knowledge, then anyone is capable of learning and applying wisdom. God gives wisdom to believing seekers.
Does the pursuit of wisdom motivate your actions? Is it a part of your portfolio of pursuits? If not, consider moving it up toward the top of your list. After all, wise-decision making affects all of your other pursuits. It could be argued that a life full of wisdom will lead to the most fulfilling life, but a life void of wisdom sets the stage for foolish living. So, at all costs endeavor to seek God’s wisdom. "How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!" (Proverbs 16:16)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A Wise Weapon
From: BBH Daily Devotionals
Hebrews 4:12 "The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Notice first that the Word of God is quick, or alive. It always is (present tense) alive. God’s Word will always be true; it is alive forever. And therefore God’s Word is always relevant.
The Word of God is also powerful. It is, in other words, energetic. If you have ever felt the moving, slicing, energetic operation of God’s Word on your heart as you read, or listened to, or meditated on its truth, you know the kinetic power of God’s Word to reach and melt and penetrate the heart.
But it is here compared to a sword—and elsewhere called a sword (Ephesians 6:17). Why do we need a sword? Because we are in a war. We battle daily, the ever-present foes of sin, self, and Satan. We need the spiritual power of God’s Word to strengthen us and fight for us against these foes.
Finally, God’s Word is called a discerner. The truth of God’s Word sifts through and analyzes the myriad of ideas, aspirations, and desires with which we are enticed and, as a qualified and a skilled judge, discerns truth from error, good from bad. It is a wise weapon!
Hebrews 4:12 "The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Notice first that the Word of God is quick, or alive. It always is (present tense) alive. God’s Word will always be true; it is alive forever. And therefore God’s Word is always relevant.
The Word of God is also powerful. It is, in other words, energetic. If you have ever felt the moving, slicing, energetic operation of God’s Word on your heart as you read, or listened to, or meditated on its truth, you know the kinetic power of God’s Word to reach and melt and penetrate the heart.
But it is here compared to a sword—and elsewhere called a sword (Ephesians 6:17). Why do we need a sword? Because we are in a war. We battle daily, the ever-present foes of sin, self, and Satan. We need the spiritual power of God’s Word to strengthen us and fight for us against these foes.
Finally, God’s Word is called a discerner. The truth of God’s Word sifts through and analyzes the myriad of ideas, aspirations, and desires with which we are enticed and, as a qualified and a skilled judge, discerns truth from error, good from bad. It is a wise weapon!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Perfect Guide
From: InTouch Ministries
Psalm 25:5 "Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior."
When we learn to see God’s footprints in our days, we will become aware of the scope of His involvement in our lives. Maybe He strengthened you for a task or opened a door of opportunity. Perhaps He guided your decisions or helped you respond in a godly way to a difficult person.
If our ears are open to the Lord’s warnings and instructions, we won’t repeat the same mistakes again and again. But those who are deaf to His voice will continue in unhealthy thought patterns, negative emotions, and foolish responses.
Each night before you go to sleep, take some time to reflect on the day’s activities. The Lord is constantly with you, guarding and guiding your way. He wants you to see Him in everything and understand life from His perspective as you rely on His wisdom and power to face any challenge.
Psalm 25:5 "Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior."
When we learn to see God’s footprints in our days, we will become aware of the scope of His involvement in our lives. Maybe He strengthened you for a task or opened a door of opportunity. Perhaps He guided your decisions or helped you respond in a godly way to a difficult person.
If our ears are open to the Lord’s warnings and instructions, we won’t repeat the same mistakes again and again. But those who are deaf to His voice will continue in unhealthy thought patterns, negative emotions, and foolish responses.
Each night before you go to sleep, take some time to reflect on the day’s activities. The Lord is constantly with you, guarding and guiding your way. He wants you to see Him in everything and understand life from His perspective as you rely on His wisdom and power to face any challenge.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friend
From: The Upper Room Devotional
Colossians 4:2 "Pray perseveringly, be attentive to prayer, and pray in a spirit of thanksgiving."
I used to wonder what a day of continuous prayer would be like. I assumed that constant devotion to prayer was only achievable by ordained clergy who have dedicated their lives to worshiping God.
However, those of us in the secular world find the idea of continual prayer a bit daunting. We lead busy lives. With so much to accomplish throughout the day, we rush from one activity to another. Is it any wonder we feel stressed out at the end of the day?
I decided to try to "pray continually," not knowing how to begin except to repeat formal prayers that I knew. Eventually, I began conversing with God as I would with a good friend. Once we begin to be deliberate about prayer, we come to see God in every part of our lives. Often, prayer requires no words at all. Love and kindness shown to another person are prayer in action.
Colossians 4:2 "Pray perseveringly, be attentive to prayer, and pray in a spirit of thanksgiving."
I used to wonder what a day of continuous prayer would be like. I assumed that constant devotion to prayer was only achievable by ordained clergy who have dedicated their lives to worshiping God.
However, those of us in the secular world find the idea of continual prayer a bit daunting. We lead busy lives. With so much to accomplish throughout the day, we rush from one activity to another. Is it any wonder we feel stressed out at the end of the day?
I decided to try to "pray continually," not knowing how to begin except to repeat formal prayers that I knew. Eventually, I began conversing with God as I would with a good friend. Once we begin to be deliberate about prayer, we come to see God in every part of our lives. Often, prayer requires no words at all. Love and kindness shown to another person are prayer in action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
