From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Without question, life is full of troubles. We have concerns about our future, concerns about our health, concerns about our family, concerns about our finances, and the list goes on. Things happen that scare us—and sometimes even terrify us. There are things that concern us, things that alarm us, and things that cause us to be filled with anxiety.
Everyone worries a little. We all have anxiety. I admit that I worry, and I don't say that proudly. Worry is not a virtue. In fact, it can be a sin in which we are failing to trust in God. So I have a suggestion: the next time you are tempted to worry, pray instead.
Prayer is the way by which God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry. Maybe God will take your problem away. That is possible. Then again, maybe He won't. But here is what happens: you get perspective. You see God for who He is, and thus you see your problem for what it is. If you have a big God, then you have a relatively small problem. But if you have a big problem, it may be that you have a small God, because you are not seeing Him in His glory and for what He can do.
Prayer gives us His peace and His strength to help us get through whatever it is we are dealing with. That is what God does for the person who will call on Him.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
God's Good Purpose
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Deuteronomy 11:2 "Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with Him."
Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal. Paul worried that the believers in Galatia would waste the pain they had been through. He said, "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!" (Galatians 3:4)
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. When Jesus washed Peter's feet, he said, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)
Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Examine your experiences and extract the lessons you've learned. Review your life and think about how it has shaped you.
Deuteronomy 11:2 "Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with Him."
Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal. Paul worried that the believers in Galatia would waste the pain they had been through. He said, "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!" (Galatians 3:4)
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. When Jesus washed Peter's feet, he said, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)
Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Examine your experiences and extract the lessons you've learned. Review your life and think about how it has shaped you.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Unshakeable Trust
From: In Touch Ministries
Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more our unshakeable trust in Him will become.
Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more our unshakeable trust in Him will become.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Shaped For A Purpose
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Ephesians 5:17 "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
God shaped you for a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents He has given you to use.
When you attempt to serve God in ways that you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It's frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, talent, and energy. The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential.
Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do. Don't let another day go by. Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, "Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves ...." (Romans 12:3)
Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder! If no one is following you, you're not a leader.
Ask questions like these: Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
Ephesians 5:17 "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
God shaped you for a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents He has given you to use.
When you attempt to serve God in ways that you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It's frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, talent, and energy. The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential.
Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do. Don't let another day go by. Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, "Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves ...." (Romans 12:3)
Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder! If no one is following you, you're not a leader.
Ask questions like these: Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Nothing Catches Him By Surprise
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Psalm 139:13 "You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother's womb."
God remembers everything—at all times. There is never a lapse in His memory. He never forgets someone. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. God's knowledge is as eternal as He is. What God knows now, He has always known and always will know. God doesn't learn new things; He knows them from the beginning. And He doesn't forget what He has learned like we do. We learn new things, but God never does.
The Bible says that God knows about every little bird that falls to the ground. And not only that, He knows about you. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Now it doesn't require a lot to number the hairs on my head. But for others, it is a lot more work.
This awesome God who created the universe is interested in you. What bothers you? What concerns you? What brings heartache to you? What brings tears to your eyes? It is of concern to God. So whatever you are facing right now, He knows about it. He is concerned about it. He is aware of the wrongs that are done in our world today. Nothing catches Him by surprise, because He dwells in the eternal realm. He knows the end from the beginning. This all-knowing God loves you. And He welcomes you into fellowship with Him.
Psalm 139:13 "You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother's womb."
God remembers everything—at all times. There is never a lapse in His memory. He never forgets someone. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. God's knowledge is as eternal as He is. What God knows now, He has always known and always will know. God doesn't learn new things; He knows them from the beginning. And He doesn't forget what He has learned like we do. We learn new things, but God never does.
The Bible says that God knows about every little bird that falls to the ground. And not only that, He knows about you. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Now it doesn't require a lot to number the hairs on my head. But for others, it is a lot more work.
This awesome God who created the universe is interested in you. What bothers you? What concerns you? What brings heartache to you? What brings tears to your eyes? It is of concern to God. So whatever you are facing right now, He knows about it. He is concerned about it. He is aware of the wrongs that are done in our world today. Nothing catches Him by surprise, because He dwells in the eternal realm. He knows the end from the beginning. This all-knowing God loves you. And He welcomes you into fellowship with Him.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Prepare For Spiritual Battle
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Prepare yourself for spiritual battle before it comes to you!
We have a powerful and clever spiritual enemy, but God has given us armor and weapons that will enable us to defeat his attacks in our lives.
Still, unless we use that armor and prepare for battle we will experience constant defeat in our spiritual lives. As Charles Spurgeon said, "We may sleep, but Satan does not."
The time to start praying and reading your Bible and going to Bible study is not when you are in a tough time and being tempted and attacked spiritually at every turn. For sure, run to God then; but God is speaking to you today through these verses and telling you that the key to victory is to be walking in close fellowship with Him BEFORE the attacks come.
How can you strengthen your spiritual life today?
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Prepare yourself for spiritual battle before it comes to you!
We have a powerful and clever spiritual enemy, but God has given us armor and weapons that will enable us to defeat his attacks in our lives.
Still, unless we use that armor and prepare for battle we will experience constant defeat in our spiritual lives. As Charles Spurgeon said, "We may sleep, but Satan does not."
The time to start praying and reading your Bible and going to Bible study is not when you are in a tough time and being tempted and attacked spiritually at every turn. For sure, run to God then; but God is speaking to you today through these verses and telling you that the key to victory is to be walking in close fellowship with Him BEFORE the attacks come.
How can you strengthen your spiritual life today?
Spiritual Fitness
From: The Upper Room Daily Devotionals - Terri Meehan
1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future."
At the start of each new year, I take inventory of my lifestyle, looking for ways to improve myself. Like many people, after a holiday season of indulgence, I vow to exercise more and eat healthier foods. I have decided on a daily walking program for the winter months when my activity level is lowest. A brisk walk around the block every morning and evening seems to be an elixir for me.
While I was proud of my new physical regimen the first time I saw results in the mirror, I realized that I might have been neglecting my spiritual life as well. So I made a commitment to set aside 20 minutes each morning as devotional time. I am rereading parts of the Bible to gain a better understanding of God.
Some parts of my daily readings I am tempted to skip over, especially if the meanings are unclear. However, I pray for the strength to continue, knowing that studying God's word is worth the time and effort. Just like my walking, it gives me many rewards. The more I understand the Bible, the better I can live my life and bless those around me. Could there be a better way to begin a new year and a new life?
1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future."
At the start of each new year, I take inventory of my lifestyle, looking for ways to improve myself. Like many people, after a holiday season of indulgence, I vow to exercise more and eat healthier foods. I have decided on a daily walking program for the winter months when my activity level is lowest. A brisk walk around the block every morning and evening seems to be an elixir for me.
While I was proud of my new physical regimen the first time I saw results in the mirror, I realized that I might have been neglecting my spiritual life as well. So I made a commitment to set aside 20 minutes each morning as devotional time. I am rereading parts of the Bible to gain a better understanding of God.
Some parts of my daily readings I am tempted to skip over, especially if the meanings are unclear. However, I pray for the strength to continue, knowing that studying God's word is worth the time and effort. Just like my walking, it gives me many rewards. The more I understand the Bible, the better I can live my life and bless those around me. Could there be a better way to begin a new year and a new life?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
One-Day-At-A-Time Strength
From: The Upper Room Daily Devotional - Mike Smoot
Matthew 6:34 "Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I have often found that a particular task seems too great when I look at it in its entirety. However, when I break it down into smaller parts and do just what I can do today, I can complete the task over time.
Jesus encouraged us to deal with today's concerns and to trust Him for the rest--for all that we need in the future. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, what at first seems impossible becomes more than possible. It becomes accomplished!
Matthew 6:34 "Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I have often found that a particular task seems too great when I look at it in its entirety. However, when I break it down into smaller parts and do just what I can do today, I can complete the task over time.
Jesus encouraged us to deal with today's concerns and to trust Him for the rest--for all that we need in the future. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, what at first seems impossible becomes more than possible. It becomes accomplished!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Find Your Strength Zone
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Corinthians 12:11 "He alone decides which gift each person should have."
We all have equal value in God's eyes, but we don't have equal giftedness. In their book Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton state that every person is capable of doing something better than the next 10,000 people. And they support that with research. They call this area your strength zone, and they encourage you to find it and make the most of it.
It doesn't matter how aware you are of your abilities, how you feel about yourself, or whether you have previously achieved success. You have talent, and God requires you to develop it! But you can only develop the talent you have, not the one you want. When it comes to your character, you must never stop working on your areas of weakness. But when it comes to fulfiling your God-given assignment, you must recognize your strength zone and give yourself to it.
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "It's been my observation that people can increase their ability in an area by only 2 points on a scale of 1-10. For example, if your natural talent in an area is 4, with hard work you may raise it to a 6. In other words, you can go from a little below average to a little above average.
But let's say you find a place where you are a 7; you have the potential to become a 9, maybe even a 10, if it's your strength zone and you work hard! That helps you advance from 1 in 10,000 talent to 1 in 100,000 talent - but only if you do the other things needed to maximize your talent." So, find your strength zone!
1 Corinthians 12:11 "He alone decides which gift each person should have."
We all have equal value in God's eyes, but we don't have equal giftedness. In their book Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton state that every person is capable of doing something better than the next 10,000 people. And they support that with research. They call this area your strength zone, and they encourage you to find it and make the most of it.
It doesn't matter how aware you are of your abilities, how you feel about yourself, or whether you have previously achieved success. You have talent, and God requires you to develop it! But you can only develop the talent you have, not the one you want. When it comes to your character, you must never stop working on your areas of weakness. But when it comes to fulfiling your God-given assignment, you must recognize your strength zone and give yourself to it.
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "It's been my observation that people can increase their ability in an area by only 2 points on a scale of 1-10. For example, if your natural talent in an area is 4, with hard work you may raise it to a 6. In other words, you can go from a little below average to a little above average.
But let's say you find a place where you are a 7; you have the potential to become a 9, maybe even a 10, if it's your strength zone and you work hard! That helps you advance from 1 in 10,000 talent to 1 in 100,000 talent - but only if you do the other things needed to maximize your talent." So, find your strength zone!
Monday, January 4, 2010
No Shortcut To Spiritual Maturity
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Do you want to grow spiritually? Then allow God to take you through difficult times and wait for Him to do His work in you!
There are some aspects of the Christian life that come instantaneously, like being born again, or the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, or God anointing you for ministry in a specific situation. But there are also aspects of the Christian life for which there is no shortcut. Spiritual maturity is one of those.
There is no quick maturity in the Christian life. We want to just have a spectacular experience of the Holy Spirit and suddenly be mature, but it doesn't work like that. Even being filled with the Spirit as a way of life is not the same as maturity. Maturity only comes from walking through the valleys, trusting in God's purposes even when you can't see them, and honoring Him all the way.
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Do you want to grow spiritually? Then allow God to take you through difficult times and wait for Him to do His work in you!
There are some aspects of the Christian life that come instantaneously, like being born again, or the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, or God anointing you for ministry in a specific situation. But there are also aspects of the Christian life for which there is no shortcut. Spiritual maturity is one of those.
There is no quick maturity in the Christian life. We want to just have a spectacular experience of the Holy Spirit and suddenly be mature, but it doesn't work like that. Even being filled with the Spirit as a way of life is not the same as maturity. Maturity only comes from walking through the valleys, trusting in God's purposes even when you can't see them, and honoring Him all the way.
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