From: PowerPoint Ministries
Philippians 1:12 "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."
I know people who are disappointed with the Christian life because they thought faith promised an easy road or that it would exempt them from life's hardships. But faith promises you and me no such thing.
What faith does, however, is help us handle our problems and adversities. Often we can't change our circumstances, but we can change the way we respond to them. In fact, if we live in obedience to God, he'll use adversity to move us forward. God uses adversity to accomplish his will through us!
You see, adversity produces possibilities that we may not see at the time. But God is behind the scenes working creatively and constructively in our lives for his ultimate purposes.
For instance, why would God allow the apostle Paul, who was traveling the world spreading the gospel, to go to prison? While in prison, Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament! And concerning his prison experience Paul said, "What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."
Don't despise adversity when it comes, but consider how God is at work. Your suffering today may advance the Kingdom tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Stay Focused
From: Bayless Conley Ministries
1 Corinthians 9:26 "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step."
People will innocently divert you from doing what God has called you to do. It is only when you know your purpose that you will not be sidetracked, and you will not be distracted from what you are supposed to do.
The apostle Paul knew his purpose. In fact, he said this, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." He was not about to get distracted from God's purpose for his life.
Our lives are not to be aimless, but they are to have purpose and direction, and we are to stay focused on that purpose, running straight at that goal. Keep focused on the purpose for which God has created you.
Be able to say like Paul, "I am running straight to the goal with purpose in every step."
1 Corinthians 9:26 "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step."
People will innocently divert you from doing what God has called you to do. It is only when you know your purpose that you will not be sidetracked, and you will not be distracted from what you are supposed to do.
The apostle Paul knew his purpose. In fact, he said this, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." He was not about to get distracted from God's purpose for his life.
Our lives are not to be aimless, but they are to have purpose and direction, and we are to stay focused on that purpose, running straight at that goal. Keep focused on the purpose for which God has created you.
Be able to say like Paul, "I am running straight to the goal with purpose in every step."
Monday, September 13, 2010
Higher Levels
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Deuteronomy 32:11 "As an eagle incites its nestlings forth by hovering over its brood, so he spread his wings to receive them and bore them up on his pinions."
God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area. Change is often a catalyst for growth in our lives, and it keeps up from getting stuck in a rut. To help keep us on our path toward our destiny, God will supernaturally open and close doors of opportunity. He will "stir us" out of comfortable situations and stretch us because He loves us too much to allow us to live in mediocrity.
Do you know how an eaglet learns to fly? That mother eagle will take her eaglet to the very highest point—way out of its comfort zone—and then she just releases it. As the eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air.
That's what God wants for you today. He wants you to soar in life! You might feel like that eaglet learning to fly, but know that God is right there with you! He is bringing you new times and seasons so that you will rise higher and embrace the very best He has in store for you.
Deuteronomy 32:11 "As an eagle incites its nestlings forth by hovering over its brood, so he spread his wings to receive them and bore them up on his pinions."
God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area. Change is often a catalyst for growth in our lives, and it keeps up from getting stuck in a rut. To help keep us on our path toward our destiny, God will supernaturally open and close doors of opportunity. He will "stir us" out of comfortable situations and stretch us because He loves us too much to allow us to live in mediocrity.
Do you know how an eaglet learns to fly? That mother eagle will take her eaglet to the very highest point—way out of its comfort zone—and then she just releases it. As the eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air.
That's what God wants for you today. He wants you to soar in life! You might feel like that eaglet learning to fly, but know that God is right there with you! He is bringing you new times and seasons so that you will rise higher and embrace the very best He has in store for you.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Wise Listener
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel."
God sends people your way who offer great advice. Therefore, listen intently because you never know who may be speaking on behalf of God. These may be people you trust or distrust. Either way, do not allow pride to stand in your way of listening to what they say. Wisdom can come from the most unlikely sources; therefore, listen with discernment.
So who in your life is currently offering you advice and counsel? Is it your wife? Is it your father or father-in-law? Is it your mother or mother-in-law? Is it your boss? Is it your employee? Is it your friend? Are you truly listening, or are you just going through the motions and not really adjusting or modifying your behavior?
There is a very good chance that the methods you have employed up to now will not propel you into the future. This time of uncertainty may be a good time to evaluate the basics of life and work. What is the purpose? What do you do best? What is your capacity? Do you value quality over quantity? Do relationships have priority over tasks? What is your motive? This honest self-evaluation, coupled with the counsel of others, will help take you to the next level of living.
Moreover, listen to God. He offers clear guidance in the Holy Bible, and many, many times He is speaking directly to you through the advice of people. Do not be afraid to ask someone, “What do you think?” Pray about it and then value them and the Lord by acting on the counsel that you believe is a word from God.
If you do not take the time for wise listening, your life will translate into foolish living. A wise listener listens with a propensity for change. Without change for the better, we become worse. Listen, for He is speaking. This is wise and healthy living. Wise counsel continues for the wise listener, but it ceases for the one who chooses not to listen. We learn when we listen. God is “all about” advice and “all over” a wise listener!
Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel."
God sends people your way who offer great advice. Therefore, listen intently because you never know who may be speaking on behalf of God. These may be people you trust or distrust. Either way, do not allow pride to stand in your way of listening to what they say. Wisdom can come from the most unlikely sources; therefore, listen with discernment.
So who in your life is currently offering you advice and counsel? Is it your wife? Is it your father or father-in-law? Is it your mother or mother-in-law? Is it your boss? Is it your employee? Is it your friend? Are you truly listening, or are you just going through the motions and not really adjusting or modifying your behavior?
There is a very good chance that the methods you have employed up to now will not propel you into the future. This time of uncertainty may be a good time to evaluate the basics of life and work. What is the purpose? What do you do best? What is your capacity? Do you value quality over quantity? Do relationships have priority over tasks? What is your motive? This honest self-evaluation, coupled with the counsel of others, will help take you to the next level of living.
Moreover, listen to God. He offers clear guidance in the Holy Bible, and many, many times He is speaking directly to you through the advice of people. Do not be afraid to ask someone, “What do you think?” Pray about it and then value them and the Lord by acting on the counsel that you believe is a word from God.
If you do not take the time for wise listening, your life will translate into foolish living. A wise listener listens with a propensity for change. Without change for the better, we become worse. Listen, for He is speaking. This is wise and healthy living. Wise counsel continues for the wise listener, but it ceases for the one who chooses not to listen. We learn when we listen. God is “all about” advice and “all over” a wise listener!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Waking By Faith
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass
2 Corinthians 5:7 "Walk by faith, not by sight."
Following a plan you didn't devise, to a destination you see in your mind but can't explain, is called 'walking by faith'. God decides the plan, moves you from point A to point B, and says, 'Trust Me; I've got it all worked out.'
In 1945, before he met Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows and his fiancée, Billie, had scraped together enough funds for a simple wedding and two train tickets to a city with a resort hotel. On arrival, however, they found the hotel shut down. Stranded in an unfamiliar city with little money, they hitched a lift. A sympathetic driver took them to a grocery store owned by a woman he knew. The newlyweds spent their first night in a room above the store.
The next day, when the lady overheard Cliff playing Christian songs on his trombone, she arranged for them to spend the rest of their honeymoon at a friend's house. Several days later the host invited them to attend a youth rally where a young evangelist was speaking. The song leader that night was sick, and Cliff was asked to take charge of the music. The young evangelist, of course, was Billy Graham. The two became partners from then on. When things don't go your way, God has plans of His own. Better plans!
2 Corinthians 5:7 "Walk by faith, not by sight."
Following a plan you didn't devise, to a destination you see in your mind but can't explain, is called 'walking by faith'. God decides the plan, moves you from point A to point B, and says, 'Trust Me; I've got it all worked out.'
In 1945, before he met Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows and his fiancée, Billie, had scraped together enough funds for a simple wedding and two train tickets to a city with a resort hotel. On arrival, however, they found the hotel shut down. Stranded in an unfamiliar city with little money, they hitched a lift. A sympathetic driver took them to a grocery store owned by a woman he knew. The newlyweds spent their first night in a room above the store.
The next day, when the lady overheard Cliff playing Christian songs on his trombone, she arranged for them to spend the rest of their honeymoon at a friend's house. Several days later the host invited them to attend a youth rally where a young evangelist was speaking. The song leader that night was sick, and Cliff was asked to take charge of the music. The young evangelist, of course, was Billy Graham. The two became partners from then on. When things don't go your way, God has plans of His own. Better plans!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Time Is Short
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Colossians 4:5-6 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
What does it mean to redeem the time? It is an attitude that values every minute as a gift from God to be stewarded well. Time is short, as we are only alive a short time. Are we investing our time well?
Without being watchful in how we prioritize our time, we drift into unwise living and miss living out the perfect will of God. It’s easier to execute the expedient, rather than the eternal. What does Jesus think about how you spend your time? Does it fulfill His will for you? If no, then reconsider how to better honor Christ in your career and in your choices.
What open door is before you that invites your entrance? What opportunities has the Lord given you that are waiting for your attention? By faith walk through the open door and prayerfully plan a process to better manage your Master’s opportunities. Fools complain and remain frustrated, while the wise rise to the occasion with fresh faith and fulfilling work. When you use your gifts for God the time will fly by in fruitful living for Him.
Colossians 4:5-6 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
What does it mean to redeem the time? It is an attitude that values every minute as a gift from God to be stewarded well. Time is short, as we are only alive a short time. Are we investing our time well?
Without being watchful in how we prioritize our time, we drift into unwise living and miss living out the perfect will of God. It’s easier to execute the expedient, rather than the eternal. What does Jesus think about how you spend your time? Does it fulfill His will for you? If no, then reconsider how to better honor Christ in your career and in your choices.
What open door is before you that invites your entrance? What opportunities has the Lord given you that are waiting for your attention? By faith walk through the open door and prayerfully plan a process to better manage your Master’s opportunities. Fools complain and remain frustrated, while the wise rise to the occasion with fresh faith and fulfilling work. When you use your gifts for God the time will fly by in fruitful living for Him.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Good Old Days
From: New Life Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Psalm 42:11 "I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You. . . . I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!"
In bad times we may get lost in our memories of the "good old days." We may find ourselves struggling with conflicting emotions, teetering between the extremes of depression and hope.
The psalmist reflected these emotions, saying to himself, "My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You. . . . I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!" (Psalm 42:4-6, 11).
Look how the psalmist improved his conscious contact with God. He talked to himself, commanding his emotions, "I will put my hope in God!" He repeated, "I will praise him again," even though he didn't feel that way right then. In the dark times he sang songs, thought about God's steadfast love, and prayed. We can do these things, too.
We will discover hope when we discard our inabilities for God's infinite ability.
Psalm 42:11 "I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You. . . . I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!"
In bad times we may get lost in our memories of the "good old days." We may find ourselves struggling with conflicting emotions, teetering between the extremes of depression and hope.
The psalmist reflected these emotions, saying to himself, "My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You. . . . I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!" (Psalm 42:4-6, 11).
Look how the psalmist improved his conscious contact with God. He talked to himself, commanding his emotions, "I will put my hope in God!" He repeated, "I will praise him again," even though he didn't feel that way right then. In the dark times he sang songs, thought about God's steadfast love, and prayed. We can do these things, too.
We will discover hope when we discard our inabilities for God's infinite ability.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Patience With God
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Life is normally lived waiting. We wait in lines. A teenager waits for his or her next birthday. We wait for job promotions. We wait for news from the doctor. We wait for the next meal. We wait for our future spouse. We wait for a lawsuit to settle. We wait for a meeting to conclude. We wait for those who have yet to keep their commitment. Every time we turn around we have an opportunity to wait.
Why wait? Most of the time we should wait because that’s what is best for all parties involved. A vegetable gardener is a prisoner to waiting. However, this is seen as an asset not a liability. A tomato is much taster when it is red, large and juicy rather than green, small and hard. The smart gardener will wait for the vegetables to ripen, though He will nurture the soil along the way and keep out the weeds.
There is a waiting cycle that must be completed before there is worthwhile fruit. Even when your waiting is a result of another’s incompetence, you have an opportunity to grow. This holding pattern can facilitate your creativity and resourcefulness. If you did not have to wait, you may have been satisfied with how things have always been done. Now you have the opportunity to think differently.
What a valuable asset we have to wait upon. The Lord God Almighty is worth waiting for. It is worth waiting for His joy, because it comes to uplift us when we are sad in heart. His joy brings a smile to our face. It is worth waiting for His peace that calms our soul when we are worried in mind. His peace allows us to sleep at night. It is worth waiting for His wisdom that provides discernment in our conflicting options.
His wisdom sets our feet on the right path. It is worth waiting for His strength that propels us through our adversity. His strength gives us confidence and perseverance for life’s journey. It is worth waiting for His hope that uplifts us from our despair and depression. His hope keeps the focus on our eternal reward in heaven. He is worth the wait.
Waiting is fundamentally patience with God. After all, He is running the show. He knows what is going on. He knows what is best for you. He knows. He knows. He knows. You can trust Him in your waiting. Use this sabbatical-like time to get to know your heavenly Father more intimately. Waiting is not just a passage to God’s blessing. It is God’s blessing. Wait for the Lord. He is worth the wait!
Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Life is normally lived waiting. We wait in lines. A teenager waits for his or her next birthday. We wait for job promotions. We wait for news from the doctor. We wait for the next meal. We wait for our future spouse. We wait for a lawsuit to settle. We wait for a meeting to conclude. We wait for those who have yet to keep their commitment. Every time we turn around we have an opportunity to wait.
Why wait? Most of the time we should wait because that’s what is best for all parties involved. A vegetable gardener is a prisoner to waiting. However, this is seen as an asset not a liability. A tomato is much taster when it is red, large and juicy rather than green, small and hard. The smart gardener will wait for the vegetables to ripen, though He will nurture the soil along the way and keep out the weeds.
There is a waiting cycle that must be completed before there is worthwhile fruit. Even when your waiting is a result of another’s incompetence, you have an opportunity to grow. This holding pattern can facilitate your creativity and resourcefulness. If you did not have to wait, you may have been satisfied with how things have always been done. Now you have the opportunity to think differently.
What a valuable asset we have to wait upon. The Lord God Almighty is worth waiting for. It is worth waiting for His joy, because it comes to uplift us when we are sad in heart. His joy brings a smile to our face. It is worth waiting for His peace that calms our soul when we are worried in mind. His peace allows us to sleep at night. It is worth waiting for His wisdom that provides discernment in our conflicting options.
His wisdom sets our feet on the right path. It is worth waiting for His strength that propels us through our adversity. His strength gives us confidence and perseverance for life’s journey. It is worth waiting for His hope that uplifts us from our despair and depression. His hope keeps the focus on our eternal reward in heaven. He is worth the wait.
Waiting is fundamentally patience with God. After all, He is running the show. He knows what is going on. He knows what is best for you. He knows. He knows. He knows. You can trust Him in your waiting. Use this sabbatical-like time to get to know your heavenly Father more intimately. Waiting is not just a passage to God’s blessing. It is God’s blessing. Wait for the Lord. He is worth the wait!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
God's Acoustic Cloak
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Our world has become increasingly noisy. But according to a news report, science has found a way to achieve absolute silence: “Scientists have shown off the blueprint for an ‘acoustic cloak,’ which could make objects impervious to sound waves. The technology, outlined in the New Journal of Physics, could be used to build sound-proof homes, advanced concert halls, or stealth warships.”
When we seek out a quiet place for devotional time with God, we may wish we had an “acoustic cloak.” But even if we could silence all external sound, the internal noises of worry would still reverberate in our minds. We are told: “Be still, and know that I am God.” But how do we calm our hearts in practical terms?
God understands our dilemma and has provided His own “acoustic cloak” to quiet our hearts. It involves exchanging our cares for His peace. “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. ” (Philippians 4:6-7)
As we place our concerns in God’s capable hands, we find a quietness that only He can provide.
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Our world has become increasingly noisy. But according to a news report, science has found a way to achieve absolute silence: “Scientists have shown off the blueprint for an ‘acoustic cloak,’ which could make objects impervious to sound waves. The technology, outlined in the New Journal of Physics, could be used to build sound-proof homes, advanced concert halls, or stealth warships.”
When we seek out a quiet place for devotional time with God, we may wish we had an “acoustic cloak.” But even if we could silence all external sound, the internal noises of worry would still reverberate in our minds. We are told: “Be still, and know that I am God.” But how do we calm our hearts in practical terms?
God understands our dilemma and has provided His own “acoustic cloak” to quiet our hearts. It involves exchanging our cares for His peace. “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. ” (Philippians 4:6-7)
As we place our concerns in God’s capable hands, we find a quietness that only He can provide.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Friends
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.”
Sometimes friends forget. They forget birthdays, anniversaries, commitments and what’s important to their friends. The forgetfulness of friends facilitates frustration and disappointment. After all, some of these friends have been past recipients of your help and encouragement. You have been there for them during their days of discouragement. Now when the tables have turned and you are in need, but they don’t seem to be near.
Maybe they are too busy with life, maybe they are buried in their own troubles, or maybe they have simply forgotten you. Unfortunately, some friendships are tentative and unpredictable. When adversity strikes you are able to filter out false friends from forever friends. Fair weather friends will fly in and out of your life. Some friendships are expedient for the moment, while others compound in loyalty and love as the years pass.
However, be careful to not place expectations on your friends. Expectations increase the chances for disappointment. A friend will let you down if you hold over them lofty expectations. If your friend feels the pressure to perform a certain way they will push back in fear or resentment. Friendships are meant for release—not control.
Friends are a gift from Christ. Steward them well, so you can be trusted with more. It is tempting to take our friends for granted. Especially long term friendships, because they are low maintenance and they tend to get the least attention. But, in reality even old friends need nurturing. They need a phone call, a visit or written correspondence. They need time. Friendships grow or atrophy, but care and attention fertilize a friendship.
Am I a friend worthy of friendship? What friend do I need to love on and encourage?
Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.”
Sometimes friends forget. They forget birthdays, anniversaries, commitments and what’s important to their friends. The forgetfulness of friends facilitates frustration and disappointment. After all, some of these friends have been past recipients of your help and encouragement. You have been there for them during their days of discouragement. Now when the tables have turned and you are in need, but they don’t seem to be near.
Maybe they are too busy with life, maybe they are buried in their own troubles, or maybe they have simply forgotten you. Unfortunately, some friendships are tentative and unpredictable. When adversity strikes you are able to filter out false friends from forever friends. Fair weather friends will fly in and out of your life. Some friendships are expedient for the moment, while others compound in loyalty and love as the years pass.
However, be careful to not place expectations on your friends. Expectations increase the chances for disappointment. A friend will let you down if you hold over them lofty expectations. If your friend feels the pressure to perform a certain way they will push back in fear or resentment. Friendships are meant for release—not control.
Friends are a gift from Christ. Steward them well, so you can be trusted with more. It is tempting to take our friends for granted. Especially long term friendships, because they are low maintenance and they tend to get the least attention. But, in reality even old friends need nurturing. They need a phone call, a visit or written correspondence. They need time. Friendships grow or atrophy, but care and attention fertilize a friendship.
Am I a friend worthy of friendship? What friend do I need to love on and encourage?
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