From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
We can trust God because He knows what He is doing even when we don't!
Sometimes we just can't understand why God would do certain things, or how He could love us and still allow something exceedingly painful to occur in our lives. But think about it, if we could understand everything about God and His actions, He wouldn't be God! The fact that He is God automatically means that He is beyond our understanding and sometimes He will do things based on His wisdom and insight and absolute knowledge that we will not be able to understand.
When pain comes into your life, you have a choice. You can drag God down to your level and say, "I will not trust until I understand!" Or you can acknowledge God's greatness and say, "I don't understand it Lord, but I trust you and your good purpose in my life."
William Culbertson once said, "Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers!"
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sufficient Grace
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - Anne Cetas
2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you."
We long to “shred” memories of bad things that others have done to us or difficult circumstances we’re going through. The apostle Paul wanted relief from his present suffering, an infirmity that made him feel weak (2 Cor. 12:7-10). "But God said to him, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'"
God didn’t take away the problem. Instead, He gave Paul the grace to live with it.
Difficulties burden us as we mull them over in our minds, affecting our relationships and our outlook on life. We as believers in Christ have a place to take these burdens. First Peter 5:7 tells us, "Cast all your care upon the Lord, for He cares for you."
Whenever life’s burdens oppress you
And trials seem too much to face,
Remember God’s strength in your weakness;
He’ll give you His power and grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you."
We long to “shred” memories of bad things that others have done to us or difficult circumstances we’re going through. The apostle Paul wanted relief from his present suffering, an infirmity that made him feel weak (2 Cor. 12:7-10). "But God said to him, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'"
God didn’t take away the problem. Instead, He gave Paul the grace to live with it.
Difficulties burden us as we mull them over in our minds, affecting our relationships and our outlook on life. We as believers in Christ have a place to take these burdens. First Peter 5:7 tells us, "Cast all your care upon the Lord, for He cares for you."
Whenever life’s burdens oppress you
And trials seem too much to face,
Remember God’s strength in your weakness;
He’ll give you His power and grace.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Light Always Overpowers Darkness
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
The candle lighting service is a beautiful moment of our church’s Christmas Eve celebration. When all the lights are out in the Sanctuary, we light a single candle, and that one candle overcomes all the darkness of the entire room. It’s a wonderful demonstration of this fact - darkness cannot overpower light. Well, it’s the same with spiritual darkness and spiritual light of Jesus Christ. His Light will overpower the darkness.
There have been times in history where it seemed like the spiritual darkness was overpowering the spiritual light. For instance, in the 20th century Marxism had great momentum. The Soviet revolution, then the Communist revolution in China, then Cuba, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia soon tumbled after.
It seemed like that darkness of atheism was overpowering the light within the church. But by the end of the 20th century, the Soviet Union was no more and Eastern Europe became the birthplace of many fledgling democracies. Even though it sometimes seems darkness wins for a time, it never permanently overpowers the Light.
Of course, the greatest example of that is the cross. For a moment, it appeared that the devil had won. But two days later, the Light was turned on, never to be snuffed out again. For in the end, the Light of Jesus always overpowers the darkness.
John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
The candle lighting service is a beautiful moment of our church’s Christmas Eve celebration. When all the lights are out in the Sanctuary, we light a single candle, and that one candle overcomes all the darkness of the entire room. It’s a wonderful demonstration of this fact - darkness cannot overpower light. Well, it’s the same with spiritual darkness and spiritual light of Jesus Christ. His Light will overpower the darkness.
There have been times in history where it seemed like the spiritual darkness was overpowering the spiritual light. For instance, in the 20th century Marxism had great momentum. The Soviet revolution, then the Communist revolution in China, then Cuba, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia soon tumbled after.
It seemed like that darkness of atheism was overpowering the light within the church. But by the end of the 20th century, the Soviet Union was no more and Eastern Europe became the birthplace of many fledgling democracies. Even though it sometimes seems darkness wins for a time, it never permanently overpowers the Light.
Of course, the greatest example of that is the cross. For a moment, it appeared that the devil had won. But two days later, the Light was turned on, never to be snuffed out again. For in the end, the Light of Jesus always overpowers the darkness.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Love Must Become Your Habit
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God and everyone who loves is begotten of God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love."
When you realize how much God loves you - with an extravagant, irresistible, unconditional love - then his love will change you're entire focus on life. If we don't receive God's love for us, we'll have a hard time loving other people. I'm talking about loving the unlovely; loving the difficult; loving the irritable; loving people who are different or demanding.
You can't do that until you have God's love coming through you. You need to know God's love so it can overflow out of your life into others.
Love must become your lifestyle, the habit of your life. Are you ready?
Your life is worth far more than you think, and by learning to love others with the love God gives you, you will have an influence far greater than you could ever imagine. If you will commit to this, you will experience love as God means it to be, filled with hope, energy, and joy.
1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God and everyone who loves is begotten of God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love."
When you realize how much God loves you - with an extravagant, irresistible, unconditional love - then his love will change you're entire focus on life. If we don't receive God's love for us, we'll have a hard time loving other people. I'm talking about loving the unlovely; loving the difficult; loving the irritable; loving people who are different or demanding.
You can't do that until you have God's love coming through you. You need to know God's love so it can overflow out of your life into others.
Love must become your lifestyle, the habit of your life. Are you ready?
Your life is worth far more than you think, and by learning to love others with the love God gives you, you will have an influence far greater than you could ever imagine. If you will commit to this, you will experience love as God means it to be, filled with hope, energy, and joy.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Acknowledge God In Everything You Do
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Focusing on God helps you to reach up! Your life today can be so much more than you can make of it.
"In all your ways acknowledge God." As you wake up, acknowledge God—"Good morning Lord." As you eat breakfast with your family, acknowledge God—"Lord, we thank You for providing all of our needs." As you have your daily quiet time, acknowledge God—"God, I don't want to just read words on the page; I want to hear from You. Please speak to me from Your Word."
As you go about the business of your day, acknowledge God—"Lord, I know that every person I encounter today is someone You want to minister to through me. Please show me how I can minister to this person spiritually right now in a way that will move them closer to You."
As you experience problems or hardship or deep personal struggles, acknowledge God—"Lord, I know that You are in control of all things, and so I know that You have allowed this difficulty into my life for a reason. I can't see the reason but I will respond to this by trusting You and looking for ways to glorify You to others in the midst of this."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Focusing on God helps you to reach up! Your life today can be so much more than you can make of it.
"In all your ways acknowledge God." As you wake up, acknowledge God—"Good morning Lord." As you eat breakfast with your family, acknowledge God—"Lord, we thank You for providing all of our needs." As you have your daily quiet time, acknowledge God—"God, I don't want to just read words on the page; I want to hear from You. Please speak to me from Your Word."
As you go about the business of your day, acknowledge God—"Lord, I know that every person I encounter today is someone You want to minister to through me. Please show me how I can minister to this person spiritually right now in a way that will move them closer to You."
As you experience problems or hardship or deep personal struggles, acknowledge God—"Lord, I know that You are in control of all things, and so I know that You have allowed this difficulty into my life for a reason. I can't see the reason but I will respond to this by trusting You and looking for ways to glorify You to others in the midst of this."
Sunday, December 20, 2009
One Day At A Time
From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn
Romans 8:38 "For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons . . . not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. . . ."
Sometimes we may feel like giving up the struggle. We try, only to fall once again. We take two steps forward, but then stumble backwards. At times there are so many difficulties, so many issues to work through, so many patterns in our lives that have to be changed, we begin to feel like we're going crazy.
God acknowledges the difficulties we may face, but He also promises us victory in the end. The apostle Paul once wrote, "Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons . . . not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. . . . Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
Paul also said, "I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
When we feel like we're going crazy and don't think that we can handle life, God is there. He will not give up on us. We can rely on his persistent love. God has promised to keep working on us until we are whole. There will still be crazy times, but with His help we can handle life, one day at a time.
Romans 8:38 "For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons . . . not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. . . ."
Sometimes we may feel like giving up the struggle. We try, only to fall once again. We take two steps forward, but then stumble backwards. At times there are so many difficulties, so many issues to work through, so many patterns in our lives that have to be changed, we begin to feel like we're going crazy.
God acknowledges the difficulties we may face, but He also promises us victory in the end. The apostle Paul once wrote, "Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons . . . not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. . . . Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
Paul also said, "I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
When we feel like we're going crazy and don't think that we can handle life, God is there. He will not give up on us. We can rely on his persistent love. God has promised to keep working on us until we are whole. There will still be crazy times, but with His help we can handle life, one day at a time.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
No Panic In Heaven
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying unto you, Fear not; I will help you."
Once I had the rare opportunity of visiting with Corrie Ten Boom. I drank in her words. I listened and kept my mouth shut. One of her statements went straight to my heart: "There is no panic in heaven, only plans."
That is how God operates — no panic.
Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency session? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child.
Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair. You are a victor. And God is in control!
Repeat the following throughout the day today, "God is in control of my life. He will not leave me. His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days."
Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying unto you, Fear not; I will help you."
Once I had the rare opportunity of visiting with Corrie Ten Boom. I drank in her words. I listened and kept my mouth shut. One of her statements went straight to my heart: "There is no panic in heaven, only plans."
That is how God operates — no panic.
Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency session? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child.
Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair. You are a victor. And God is in control!
Repeat the following throughout the day today, "God is in control of my life. He will not leave me. His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
How Can I Serve God Today?
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn points out that one of the reasons that many people are not doing well is that their outlook on life is wrong. They are simply trying to get through the day.
Instead we should be looking for what we can get out of the day! As you think about this day today, God wants you to recognize that it is His day. He has brought you into it; He has things in store for you today that will bless you and strengthen you. Rejoice in God's plan for your life today.
As you begin today with the anticipation of God's involvement with you throughout the day, it will change your whole perspective on life. Life becomes, not drudgery, but anticipation of God at work.
How would your day be different if you woke up thinking: "God made this day. How does He want to use it in my life? How does He want to use me in someone else's life? What is He going to bring to my mind for prayer about? What challenge will require His intervention? How will I see God at work today?
Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn points out that one of the reasons that many people are not doing well is that their outlook on life is wrong. They are simply trying to get through the day.
Instead we should be looking for what we can get out of the day! As you think about this day today, God wants you to recognize that it is His day. He has brought you into it; He has things in store for you today that will bless you and strengthen you. Rejoice in God's plan for your life today.
As you begin today with the anticipation of God's involvement with you throughout the day, it will change your whole perspective on life. Life becomes, not drudgery, but anticipation of God at work.
How would your day be different if you woke up thinking: "God made this day. How does He want to use it in my life? How does He want to use me in someone else's life? What is He going to bring to my mind for prayer about? What challenge will require His intervention? How will I see God at work today?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Put His Word In Your Heart
Psalms 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."
Daily devotionals are powerful tools in the living out of our daily lives. Devotions can be found more easily these days than just about any time in our history. This truly remarkable way to pause for a moment in our lives to turn ourselves inward and renew our devotion to our Lord and Savior is simple and easy.
Not only does it renew our devotion to our God, it also gives us a chance to reinvigorate our spiritual selves. When we are feeling sad or discouraged, fearful or anxious, a daily devotion can help us renew our spirits and remember that the Lord watches over us in all things."
Do we start our day with the right attitude, perhaps by spending time with God and hiding His word in our heart?
"Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future." (1 Timothy 4:8)
"The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when you read it."
Daily devotionals are powerful tools in the living out of our daily lives. Devotions can be found more easily these days than just about any time in our history. This truly remarkable way to pause for a moment in our lives to turn ourselves inward and renew our devotion to our Lord and Savior is simple and easy.
Not only does it renew our devotion to our God, it also gives us a chance to reinvigorate our spiritual selves. When we are feeling sad or discouraged, fearful or anxious, a daily devotion can help us renew our spirits and remember that the Lord watches over us in all things."
Do we start our day with the right attitude, perhaps by spending time with God and hiding His word in our heart?
"Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future." (1 Timothy 4:8)
"The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when you read it."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wrong Motives
From: Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest
Mark 4:19 "They have listened to the Word but anxieties over life's demands, and the desire for wealth, and cravings of other sorts come to choke it off; it bears no yield."
Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.
Beware of "the cares of this world . . ." They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God.
Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, "I must explain myself," or, "I must get people to understand." Our Lord never explained anything— He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.
When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede by reflecting His influence.
Mark 4:19 "They have listened to the Word but anxieties over life's demands, and the desire for wealth, and cravings of other sorts come to choke it off; it bears no yield."
Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.
Beware of "the cares of this world . . ." They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God.
Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, "I must explain myself," or, "I must get people to understand." Our Lord never explained anything— He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.
When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede by reflecting His influence.
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