From: BBH Daily Devotionals
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
How good is your vision? Can you see accurately up to 20 feet? Maybe even 50 feet? Only about 35 percent of all adults have 20/20 vision without correction, but maybe you are among the fortunate, better-than-average group. Even so, can you see into the future? What about into the hearts of your friends? Are you able to see every possible outcome of any given choice?
When we consider the limitations of our vision, no matter who we are, we come to realize what an incredible privilege is offered to us, by God Himself. He promises to instruct and inform us of the correct paths to take in life, using—not our finite and limited vision—but His perfect, all-seeing, all-knowing eye as our guide. The One Who knows all ends offers to lead us to the perfect destination for each of us!
Knowing that each of us faces a myriad of hair-pulling, gut-wrenching decisions at different times in our lives—and recognizing that even the smallest decisions can have big ramifications for our lives—what an amazing gift this is! And, yet, so many of us prefer to stumble blindly through the deadly obstacle course of this world, setting our own course and choosing our own turns, just so that we can say, "I did it my way."
If you are wrestling today with difficult decisions, know that God's perfect wisdom and vision is available to you—it is only a prayer away. When we go to God, asking His help and looking into His Word for direction, He gives us this guarantee: "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
God's Weapon For Spiritual Battle
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:13,17 "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. …take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
The reality is that every one of us is involved in a spiritual battle. The real struggle of your life is not relational conflict or financial difficulties—the real struggle is in your spiritual life. Have you learned to trust God with the issues of your life yet? Have you put Jesus Christ on the throne of your life? Have you made yourself available to Him? If you are trying to win the spiritual battle of your life without your weapon, what chance do you have of victory? None.
Have you been trying to fight the spiritual battle and do what is right and walk with God, but you find yourself losing the battle at every turn? Do you find conflict and anxiety dominating your life? Are you trying to fight your battles with your Bible closed?
God is challenging you today to use the Scriptures as a central part of your daily life. The Bible is a powerful spiritual weapon in your life in the hands of the Holy Spirit, but only if you open it!
The Bible is God's weapon for the spiritual battle in my life!
Ephesians 6:13,17 "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. …take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
The reality is that every one of us is involved in a spiritual battle. The real struggle of your life is not relational conflict or financial difficulties—the real struggle is in your spiritual life. Have you learned to trust God with the issues of your life yet? Have you put Jesus Christ on the throne of your life? Have you made yourself available to Him? If you are trying to win the spiritual battle of your life without your weapon, what chance do you have of victory? None.
Have you been trying to fight the spiritual battle and do what is right and walk with God, but you find yourself losing the battle at every turn? Do you find conflict and anxiety dominating your life? Are you trying to fight your battles with your Bible closed?
God is challenging you today to use the Scriptures as a central part of your daily life. The Bible is a powerful spiritual weapon in your life in the hands of the Holy Spirit, but only if you open it!
The Bible is God's weapon for the spiritual battle in my life!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Bible
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."
When you buy a new piece of equipment, the maker supplies an instruction manual with it, to help you get the most from it. If you don't follow the instructions in the manual it voids your warranty and can lead to disaster.
Someone has said that B-I-B-L-E stands for "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth." When God placed us here on earth, He provided an instruction manual so that we could make the most of our lives. How foolish we would be not to study that manual!
The Bible is "profitable for teaching"—that is, it shows us how to live life. It guides us with God's life-principles. Life is good and right when we live life God's way. The Bible is also "for reproof"—when we go off God's path for our lives He uses the Bible to get our attention and show us where we went wrong.
And the Bible is also "for correction"—it shows us the way back to God. Very often God uses His Word to convict us about steps we need to take in our spiritual lives. And the Bible is "for training in righteousness"—when we have renewed our walk with God the Bible keeps us going that way.
Take a moment to speak with God about what His Word means to you.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."
When you buy a new piece of equipment, the maker supplies an instruction manual with it, to help you get the most from it. If you don't follow the instructions in the manual it voids your warranty and can lead to disaster.
Someone has said that B-I-B-L-E stands for "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth." When God placed us here on earth, He provided an instruction manual so that we could make the most of our lives. How foolish we would be not to study that manual!
The Bible is "profitable for teaching"—that is, it shows us how to live life. It guides us with God's life-principles. Life is good and right when we live life God's way. The Bible is also "for reproof"—when we go off God's path for our lives He uses the Bible to get our attention and show us where we went wrong.
And the Bible is also "for correction"—it shows us the way back to God. Very often God uses His Word to convict us about steps we need to take in our spiritual lives. And the Bible is "for training in righteousness"—when we have renewed our walk with God the Bible keeps us going that way.
Take a moment to speak with God about what His Word means to you.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Stay Tuned In
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Job 33:14 "God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people may not understand it."
Did you know that the room you are in right now is filled with radio waves? You can't see them but if you had the right type of receiver - like a radio - to tune them in, you'd be able to hear them. God designed you to hear His voice. There is a receiver in you that allows you to get guidance from God. We don't understand when we're not tuned in.
What channels does God use? The primary way that God speaks is through the Bible. The Bible is God's guide book. It's like a road map to guide us along the way. It helps you negotiate the mazes you face in life, giving you the directions you need.
God also speaks through godly Bible teachers. Have you ever been in church or at a Bible study and you feel like the teacher is speaking directly to you? In that moment, God is speaking directly to you.
God not only speaks through teachers, he also speaks through every Christian. He even speaks through you. If you'll stay in tune to Him and learn His Word, sometimes God will use you to say things to people that He wants to say to them. It's not something special reserved only for pastors; God speaks through every believer at different times.
God also speaks through your circumstances and your pain. God whispers to us in our pleasure, but He shouts to us in our pain.
God is speaking all the time. But we must listen. Tune in to God and He will lead you on the right path. After we ask in faith for God's guidance, we need to listen for God's response!
Job 33:14 "God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people may not understand it."
Did you know that the room you are in right now is filled with radio waves? You can't see them but if you had the right type of receiver - like a radio - to tune them in, you'd be able to hear them. God designed you to hear His voice. There is a receiver in you that allows you to get guidance from God. We don't understand when we're not tuned in.
What channels does God use? The primary way that God speaks is through the Bible. The Bible is God's guide book. It's like a road map to guide us along the way. It helps you negotiate the mazes you face in life, giving you the directions you need.
God also speaks through godly Bible teachers. Have you ever been in church or at a Bible study and you feel like the teacher is speaking directly to you? In that moment, God is speaking directly to you.
God not only speaks through teachers, he also speaks through every Christian. He even speaks through you. If you'll stay in tune to Him and learn His Word, sometimes God will use you to say things to people that He wants to say to them. It's not something special reserved only for pastors; God speaks through every believer at different times.
God also speaks through your circumstances and your pain. God whispers to us in our pleasure, but He shouts to us in our pain.
God is speaking all the time. But we must listen. Tune in to God and He will lead you on the right path. After we ask in faith for God's guidance, we need to listen for God's response!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Ask God For Wisdom
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Luke 21:15 "I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to… contradict."
God doesn't issue rules and regulations for every moment; instead, He provides guidelines and principles and allows us to make decisions. That's because He's glorified when we choose to consult, trust and obey Him. James writes, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all…. " (James 1:5)
You haven't really begun to live until you've learned to tap into God's wisdom. When you do you'll be amazed how clearly things come into focus.
With God's wisdom comes a remarkable absence of fear. We're no longer intimidated by circumstances or the opinions of those around us. We can lose a job or get promoted, and neither will derail us. We can get into an unexpected valley or soar to the pinnacle of success, and cope equally well with both. That's because the wisdom of God gives us balance, insight and stability. None of these is a natural trait; each is a by-product of the wisdom that comes from God. We don't get them simply because we're Christians. No, we get them because we ask for them. Remember God's response to King Solomon when he was given the option to ask for anything and he asked simply for wisdom to rule God's people justly: "The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request." (1 Kings 3:10)
God's wisdom provides us with the sixth sense needed in confusing situations, and the strength to press on confidently in spite of unanswered questions. Do you need wisdom today? Spend time with the One who said, "I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to… contradict."
Luke 21:15 "I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to… contradict."
God doesn't issue rules and regulations for every moment; instead, He provides guidelines and principles and allows us to make decisions. That's because He's glorified when we choose to consult, trust and obey Him. James writes, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all…. " (James 1:5)
You haven't really begun to live until you've learned to tap into God's wisdom. When you do you'll be amazed how clearly things come into focus.
With God's wisdom comes a remarkable absence of fear. We're no longer intimidated by circumstances or the opinions of those around us. We can lose a job or get promoted, and neither will derail us. We can get into an unexpected valley or soar to the pinnacle of success, and cope equally well with both. That's because the wisdom of God gives us balance, insight and stability. None of these is a natural trait; each is a by-product of the wisdom that comes from God. We don't get them simply because we're Christians. No, we get them because we ask for them. Remember God's response to King Solomon when he was given the option to ask for anything and he asked simply for wisdom to rule God's people justly: "The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request." (1 Kings 3:10)
God's wisdom provides us with the sixth sense needed in confusing situations, and the strength to press on confidently in spite of unanswered questions. Do you need wisdom today? Spend time with the One who said, "I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to… contradict."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Next shot
From: Powerpoint Ministries - Jack Graham
Romans 8:28 "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
There's a debate among golfers as to which shot is most important. Some say that it's the tee shot, because you need to get the ball down the fairway. But others say that it's the putt, because ultimately, you have to put the ball in the cup.
Well, these are both important shots, but the most important shot in golf is the very next shot you're going to hit, whatever it is. You see, no one plays golf perfectly, not even the best players in the world. But if you don't take that next shot, then you're not playing the game.
And when it comes to doing the will of God, you and I won't always do it perfectly, either. Sometimes we get off track or make a bad choice. But God doesn't want you to give up on faith because you've made a mistake. Don't let a bad decision lead to a series of bad choices, or one bad day lead to a string of bad days.
If you let him, God will take your mistakes and missteps and put you back on a track that glorifies Him!
Romans 8:28 "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
There's a debate among golfers as to which shot is most important. Some say that it's the tee shot, because you need to get the ball down the fairway. But others say that it's the putt, because ultimately, you have to put the ball in the cup.
Well, these are both important shots, but the most important shot in golf is the very next shot you're going to hit, whatever it is. You see, no one plays golf perfectly, not even the best players in the world. But if you don't take that next shot, then you're not playing the game.
And when it comes to doing the will of God, you and I won't always do it perfectly, either. Sometimes we get off track or make a bad choice. But God doesn't want you to give up on faith because you've made a mistake. Don't let a bad decision lead to a series of bad choices, or one bad day lead to a string of bad days.
If you let him, God will take your mistakes and missteps and put you back on a track that glorifies Him!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Important Decisions
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
Do you have some important decisions to make? Maybe you need to make critical choices about a relationship, your career, or concerning your children.
Well, regardless of the choices that may be before you, God cares about the decisions you and I will make. And if we let Him, He will guide us to make choices that honor Him and that will bless us.
So let me share a few suggestions that can help you better understand the will of God:
• First, our choices must align with the moral will of God. The Spirit will never lead us to do anything contrary to the Scripture, His truths, or principles.
• Second, seek godly advice. Now, don't seek just anyone's opinion. Talk to people who know the Scripture, who are personally following God's will, and who care about your spiritual faithfulness and growth.
• Third, consider how your choice will impact your immediate relationships. We don't live in isolation, so we must consider how decisions will touch our immediate family and dearest friends.
• Fourth and finally, ask yourself, "What's my motive for making this decision?" Your motive should be honest, sincere, and ultimately, needs to glorify God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
Do you have some important decisions to make? Maybe you need to make critical choices about a relationship, your career, or concerning your children.
Well, regardless of the choices that may be before you, God cares about the decisions you and I will make. And if we let Him, He will guide us to make choices that honor Him and that will bless us.
So let me share a few suggestions that can help you better understand the will of God:
• First, our choices must align with the moral will of God. The Spirit will never lead us to do anything contrary to the Scripture, His truths, or principles.
• Second, seek godly advice. Now, don't seek just anyone's opinion. Talk to people who know the Scripture, who are personally following God's will, and who care about your spiritual faithfulness and growth.
• Third, consider how your choice will impact your immediate relationships. We don't live in isolation, so we must consider how decisions will touch our immediate family and dearest friends.
• Fourth and finally, ask yourself, "What's my motive for making this decision?" Your motive should be honest, sincere, and ultimately, needs to glorify God.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Still Small Voice
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
Life isn't about fate or luck, and it's certainly not a formula. You see, God is personally and providentially working in your life and mine. He's providing guidance and direction. He's actively at work to perform His will in your life and mine. And God is speaking directly to us.
So let me ask you, do you recognize His voice? Are you taking time to listen to God?
When God spoke to Elijah (I Kings 19:12), it was in a "low whisper," or what another translation calls, "a still small voice." But listen, if you're in a rush from the moment you get out of bed, it's going to be hard to listen for God's voice. That's why the psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God."
You see, it's important to set aside time each day to be still in His presence, to ask for His help and direction, but even more importantly, to listen to what God is saying to you. He longs to spend time with you. Learn His voice and follow Him.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
Life isn't about fate or luck, and it's certainly not a formula. You see, God is personally and providentially working in your life and mine. He's providing guidance and direction. He's actively at work to perform His will in your life and mine. And God is speaking directly to us.
So let me ask you, do you recognize His voice? Are you taking time to listen to God?
When God spoke to Elijah (I Kings 19:12), it was in a "low whisper," or what another translation calls, "a still small voice." But listen, if you're in a rush from the moment you get out of bed, it's going to be hard to listen for God's voice. That's why the psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God."
You see, it's important to set aside time each day to be still in His presence, to ask for His help and direction, but even more importantly, to listen to what God is saying to you. He longs to spend time with you. Learn His voice and follow Him.
Get Ready
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Ephesians 6:12-13 "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."
You must prepare yourself spiritually to face hard times before they come! The reality is that when hard times come, they come with a vengeance. You have no time then to say, "I had better get ready for this." No, you are either ready, or not.
Here, God is saying to you that hard times will come to you sooner or later. There are forces of evil in this world and they are opposed to God's plan of making you more like Jesus Christ. They want to leave you in despair, depression and discouragement. And so they instigate suffering in your life.
God's reminding you today that these tough times aren't just something to be endured. Rather, they are attacks on your spiritual life. God wants to use them to build you up; Satan wants to use them to destroy your walk with God.
Get ready for these attacks by cultivating your daily spiritual walk with God, soaking up His Word, renewing your mind with Truth, and developing a ministry mindset toward those around you.
Ephesians 6:12-13 "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."
You must prepare yourself spiritually to face hard times before they come! The reality is that when hard times come, they come with a vengeance. You have no time then to say, "I had better get ready for this." No, you are either ready, or not.
Here, God is saying to you that hard times will come to you sooner or later. There are forces of evil in this world and they are opposed to God's plan of making you more like Jesus Christ. They want to leave you in despair, depression and discouragement. And so they instigate suffering in your life.
God's reminding you today that these tough times aren't just something to be endured. Rather, they are attacks on your spiritual life. God wants to use them to build you up; Satan wants to use them to destroy your walk with God.
Get ready for these attacks by cultivating your daily spiritual walk with God, soaking up His Word, renewing your mind with Truth, and developing a ministry mindset toward those around you.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Filled With The Holy Spirit
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
John 14:26 "The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you."
Billy Graham, the great evangelist, shared a personal story about the role of the Holy Spirit in his life-long ministry and how he came to see the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
"In my life there have been times when I have had the sense of being filled with the Spirit, knowing that some special strength was added for some task I was being called to perform. In 1954 we sailed for England for a crusade that was to last for three months. While on the ship, I experienced a definite sense of oppression. Satan seemed to have assembled a formidable array of his artillery against me. Almost night and day I prayed. I knew in a new way what Paul was telling us when he spoke about 'praying without ceasing.' Then one day in a prayer meeting, as I wept before the Lord, I was filled with deep assurance that power belonged to God and He was faithful. From that moment on I was confident that God the Holy Spirit was in control for the tasks that lay ahead. That proved true."
As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.
Today, if you have not done so, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness in your workplace, city and nation.
John 14:26 "The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you."
Billy Graham, the great evangelist, shared a personal story about the role of the Holy Spirit in his life-long ministry and how he came to see the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
"In my life there have been times when I have had the sense of being filled with the Spirit, knowing that some special strength was added for some task I was being called to perform. In 1954 we sailed for England for a crusade that was to last for three months. While on the ship, I experienced a definite sense of oppression. Satan seemed to have assembled a formidable array of his artillery against me. Almost night and day I prayed. I knew in a new way what Paul was telling us when he spoke about 'praying without ceasing.' Then one day in a prayer meeting, as I wept before the Lord, I was filled with deep assurance that power belonged to God and He was faithful. From that moment on I was confident that God the Holy Spirit was in control for the tasks that lay ahead. That proved true."
As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.
Today, if you have not done so, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness in your workplace, city and nation.
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