From: New Life Devotional - Steve Arterburn
Proverbs 4:6 "Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you."
Sometimes, amid the demands of daily life, we lose perspective. Life seems out of balance, and the pressures of everyday living seem overwhelming. What’s needed is a fresh perspective, a restored sense of balance . . . and God.
If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it’s time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God’s priorities and your possibilities. When you do, you’ll soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.
When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God’s priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. So today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: your thoughts are intensely powerful things, so handle them with care.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Study, Prepare And Be Ready
From: The Word For You Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Acts 20:24 "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus, bearing witness to the gospel of God's grace."
We don't hear much about Abraham Lincoln's defeats because his victories were so notable. But for much of his life the odds were against him. His mother died when he was nine. In 1832 he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. In 1849 he was rejected as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He lost Senate races in 1855 and 1858, and in between failed to win a vice-presidential nomination.
However, his most painful losses were the deaths of his four-year-old and twelve-year-old sons. Born in the backwoods of Kentucky, Lincoln had only a few months of 'blab school' - one without books where students repeated the teacher's words. He taught himself mathematics, read the classics and worked on his writing and speaking skills using the Bible as his model. His philosophy was, 'I'll study and prepare, and when the time comes I'll be ready.' He told a friend, 'Bear in mind, your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.'
His Gettysburg Address is one of the most notable speeches in history. During the darkest days of the Civil War he said, 'I do the very best I know how… and I mean to keep on doing it to the end.'
Paul refused to let life's problems derail him. He understood that what happens in you is more important than what happens to you. He also understood that when you look to Jesus as your role model and draw strength from Him each day, He'll give you all that's needed to overcome in life.
Acts 20:24 "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus, bearing witness to the gospel of God's grace."
We don't hear much about Abraham Lincoln's defeats because his victories were so notable. But for much of his life the odds were against him. His mother died when he was nine. In 1832 he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. In 1849 he was rejected as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He lost Senate races in 1855 and 1858, and in between failed to win a vice-presidential nomination.
However, his most painful losses were the deaths of his four-year-old and twelve-year-old sons. Born in the backwoods of Kentucky, Lincoln had only a few months of 'blab school' - one without books where students repeated the teacher's words. He taught himself mathematics, read the classics and worked on his writing and speaking skills using the Bible as his model. His philosophy was, 'I'll study and prepare, and when the time comes I'll be ready.' He told a friend, 'Bear in mind, your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.'
His Gettysburg Address is one of the most notable speeches in history. During the darkest days of the Civil War he said, 'I do the very best I know how… and I mean to keep on doing it to the end.'
Paul refused to let life's problems derail him. He understood that what happens in you is more important than what happens to you. He also understood that when you look to Jesus as your role model and draw strength from Him each day, He'll give you all that's needed to overcome in life.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Bounce Back!
From: Byrant Wright Ministries, and The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
John 16:33 “In this world you will have problems. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Corporate downsizing. Rebellious teenagers. An unfaithful spouse. A devastating illness. Life often brings trouble our way. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed we struggle to merely stay afloat. Difficulty during times of trouble should come as no surprise to students of the Bible.
Jesus Christ said, “In this world you will have problems.” That doesn’t sound like a very optimistic outlook. However, He goes on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Now, that message is positive indeed!
Trouble. Difficulty. These things are a reality in this life. Jesus Christ promises us that He has provided victory over those things which cause us so much pain. Trusting in Him is the key to overcoming these problems.
Why not evaluate your present struggles from a Biblical perspective—from Christ’s perspective? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
When life knocks you down don't stay down, bounce back! Everybody stumbles or gets knocked off their feet from time to time; the winners are just the ones who keep getting back up!
That's what Paul meant when he said, "In all these things we are more than conquerors." (Romans 8:37). If you pray and look hard enough, you'll find the seed of good in every adversity "Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve His present end, the survival of many people." (Genesis 50:20). The difference between winners and losers, is their ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
John 16:33 “In this world you will have problems. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Corporate downsizing. Rebellious teenagers. An unfaithful spouse. A devastating illness. Life often brings trouble our way. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed we struggle to merely stay afloat. Difficulty during times of trouble should come as no surprise to students of the Bible.
Jesus Christ said, “In this world you will have problems.” That doesn’t sound like a very optimistic outlook. However, He goes on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Now, that message is positive indeed!
Trouble. Difficulty. These things are a reality in this life. Jesus Christ promises us that He has provided victory over those things which cause us so much pain. Trusting in Him is the key to overcoming these problems.
Why not evaluate your present struggles from a Biblical perspective—from Christ’s perspective? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
When life knocks you down don't stay down, bounce back! Everybody stumbles or gets knocked off their feet from time to time; the winners are just the ones who keep getting back up!
That's what Paul meant when he said, "In all these things we are more than conquerors." (Romans 8:37). If you pray and look hard enough, you'll find the seed of good in every adversity "Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve His present end, the survival of many people." (Genesis 50:20). The difference between winners and losers, is their ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Aim High ... Aim At Heaven
From: New Life Daily Devotion - Steve Arterburn
Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
We live in the world, but we should not worship it—yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, “Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous.”
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, “Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!” But if we are wise, we won’t fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither.” That’s good advice. You’re likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
We live in the world, but we should not worship it—yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, “Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous.”
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, “Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!” But if we are wise, we won’t fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither.” That’s good advice. You’re likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
No One Is Exempt
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
In the wrap-up to His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told a story about two men who built two homes. They may have been at the same time and close to together. They might have even had the same floor plan.
One of the builders, however, erected his home on shifting sand, while the other built his home on a stable rock foundation. Then the storms came, with wind and driving rain hitting both of those houses—hard! The house that had been built on sand collapsed and fell in upon itself, while the one built on the rock stood firm.
The obvious moral of the story is to build your life on a foundation that will last, like the one we find in the pages of God’s Word. But here’s an application we sometimes miss. The storm came to both lives. The wind beat on both houses. The rain poured on both building sites. The man who was wise and carefully chose a stable foundation got hit with the same hurricane-force winds as the man who foolishly took shortcuts and didn’t bother to plan ahead.
No one is exempt!
We will all experience storms in life. Good things will happen to us, as well as tragic and inexplicable things. Every life will have its share of pain. As much as we would like to believe otherwise, none of us can take an extended vacation beyond the reach of human suffering and tragedy.
God will not make bad into good, because bad is bad. But it is to say that good can come out of bad. As Romans 8:28 affirms: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” A better translation would be, “He is causing all things to work and to continue working together for good.”
Life is a process and, as finite beings who live moment to moment, we can’t see around the bend. We can’t discern God’s ultimate purposes. But we can know this: He is watching and caring, in control and loving us with an everlasting love.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
In the wrap-up to His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told a story about two men who built two homes. They may have been at the same time and close to together. They might have even had the same floor plan.
One of the builders, however, erected his home on shifting sand, while the other built his home on a stable rock foundation. Then the storms came, with wind and driving rain hitting both of those houses—hard! The house that had been built on sand collapsed and fell in upon itself, while the one built on the rock stood firm.
The obvious moral of the story is to build your life on a foundation that will last, like the one we find in the pages of God’s Word. But here’s an application we sometimes miss. The storm came to both lives. The wind beat on both houses. The rain poured on both building sites. The man who was wise and carefully chose a stable foundation got hit with the same hurricane-force winds as the man who foolishly took shortcuts and didn’t bother to plan ahead.
No one is exempt!
We will all experience storms in life. Good things will happen to us, as well as tragic and inexplicable things. Every life will have its share of pain. As much as we would like to believe otherwise, none of us can take an extended vacation beyond the reach of human suffering and tragedy.
God will not make bad into good, because bad is bad. But it is to say that good can come out of bad. As Romans 8:28 affirms: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” A better translation would be, “He is causing all things to work and to continue working together for good.”
Life is a process and, as finite beings who live moment to moment, we can’t see around the bend. We can’t discern God’s ultimate purposes. But we can know this: He is watching and caring, in control and loving us with an everlasting love.
What's The Point?
From: Powerpoint Daily Devotional - Jack Graham
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "For to the one who pleases Him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy..."
We’ve all had days when we throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point?”
Maybe you’ve struggled lately with questions about the purpose of your life. Or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s possible to find real joy and fulfillment in life. So did Solomon.
Solomon tried many things to gain fulfillment: laughter, learning, liquor, luxuries, lust, and labor. He had it all, but he was still empty inside and dissatisfied with his life.
He eventually even said, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity!” And he was right. None of the things Solomon tried could satisfy him. Only God could! As our verse for today says, Solomon found that wisdom, joy, and knowledge comes from God. You can only have a life full of purpose and meaning when you live life sold out to the Lord Jesus.
WE’RE ON EARTH ONLY A SHORT TIME. MAKE TODAY COUNT BY LIVING IT THROUGH CHRIST!
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "For to the one who pleases Him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy..."
We’ve all had days when we throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point?”
Maybe you’ve struggled lately with questions about the purpose of your life. Or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s possible to find real joy and fulfillment in life. So did Solomon.
Solomon tried many things to gain fulfillment: laughter, learning, liquor, luxuries, lust, and labor. He had it all, but he was still empty inside and dissatisfied with his life.
He eventually even said, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity!” And he was right. None of the things Solomon tried could satisfy him. Only God could! As our verse for today says, Solomon found that wisdom, joy, and knowledge comes from God. You can only have a life full of purpose and meaning when you live life sold out to the Lord Jesus.
WE’RE ON EARTH ONLY A SHORT TIME. MAKE TODAY COUNT BY LIVING IT THROUGH CHRIST!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Life Is A Battleground
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
2 Timothy 2:3 “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Without question, the Christian life is the greatest life you could ever live. And why is that? I can’t even count all the ways!
God takes a life that was empty, aimless, and headed toward certain judgment, and turns it around and transforms it. He forgives us of all of our sin, and if that wasn’t enough, credits the very righteousness of Jesus Christ into our spiritual bank account.
He removes all of our guilt, and fills the void in our lives with Himself, as He literally takes up residence in the very center of who we are. Most importantly, He changes our eternal address from a place called hell to a place called heaven.
This all comes as a result of the power of the gospel proclaimed and believed. And when we do believe, we are gifted with a new desire to glorify God with our lives.
But we need to understand that there will be a whole new set of problems that will take the place of your old problems. That is because the day that you put your trust in Jesus Christ, you enter into a battle that will last for the rest of your life.
Why? Because not only is there a God who loves you and has a plan for your life, there is also a devil who hates you, and fiercely opposes God’s plan.
Some are surprised to find that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. And that is why the apostle Paul said, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:3 “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Without question, the Christian life is the greatest life you could ever live. And why is that? I can’t even count all the ways!
God takes a life that was empty, aimless, and headed toward certain judgment, and turns it around and transforms it. He forgives us of all of our sin, and if that wasn’t enough, credits the very righteousness of Jesus Christ into our spiritual bank account.
He removes all of our guilt, and fills the void in our lives with Himself, as He literally takes up residence in the very center of who we are. Most importantly, He changes our eternal address from a place called hell to a place called heaven.
This all comes as a result of the power of the gospel proclaimed and believed. And when we do believe, we are gifted with a new desire to glorify God with our lives.
But we need to understand that there will be a whole new set of problems that will take the place of your old problems. That is because the day that you put your trust in Jesus Christ, you enter into a battle that will last for the rest of your life.
Why? Because not only is there a God who loves you and has a plan for your life, there is also a devil who hates you, and fiercely opposes God’s plan.
Some are surprised to find that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. And that is why the apostle Paul said, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Situational Ethics
From: Selwyn Hughes Ministries
Proverbs 30:8 "Put falsehood and lying far from me."
In today's world integrity is in short supply. I asked a successful businessman: "What would you say is the greatest need in your field of business?" He thought for a moment, looked me straight in the eye and said, "Integrity." I asked him why, and he said, "Almost daily I am faced with dishonesty and duplicity and whenever I confront it people take the view that dishonesty is only a problem when it is found out."
It's interesting, however, that those who laugh at dishonesty get deeply upset when they are victims of it. I caught sight of this statement in one of my grandson's books: "There are two things essential if you are to succeed in business - integrity and sagacity. Integrity is keeping your word and sagacity is never giving your word."
Is it any wonder that our young people find situational ethics so appealing? It is only fair to say, though, that despite the present-day trend away from honesty and integrity, there are still millions of people who would not claim to be Christians but nevertheless see it as their task to be honest, upright and decent. May their tribe increase!
Christians who lack integrity hinder the progress of the gospel in this world and set the Christian message in a false light. Determine to be honest in thought and speech and act. Lay this down as a cornerstone of your life, especially you who are young, and begin building from there. Whatever you do, shun like a plague the teachings of the situational ethics people and admit no exceptions.
Proverbs 30:8 "Put falsehood and lying far from me."
In today's world integrity is in short supply. I asked a successful businessman: "What would you say is the greatest need in your field of business?" He thought for a moment, looked me straight in the eye and said, "Integrity." I asked him why, and he said, "Almost daily I am faced with dishonesty and duplicity and whenever I confront it people take the view that dishonesty is only a problem when it is found out."
It's interesting, however, that those who laugh at dishonesty get deeply upset when they are victims of it. I caught sight of this statement in one of my grandson's books: "There are two things essential if you are to succeed in business - integrity and sagacity. Integrity is keeping your word and sagacity is never giving your word."
Is it any wonder that our young people find situational ethics so appealing? It is only fair to say, though, that despite the present-day trend away from honesty and integrity, there are still millions of people who would not claim to be Christians but nevertheless see it as their task to be honest, upright and decent. May their tribe increase!
Christians who lack integrity hinder the progress of the gospel in this world and set the Christian message in a false light. Determine to be honest in thought and speech and act. Lay this down as a cornerstone of your life, especially you who are young, and begin building from there. Whatever you do, shun like a plague the teachings of the situational ethics people and admit no exceptions.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Mind vs. The Brain
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Did you know that there is a difference between your mind and your brain? The brain is what the mind thinks with. The relationship of the mind and the brain is very similar to the relationship of a pianist and a piano. The piano is the brain and the pianist is the mind.
The most dangerous thing in the world is a man with a bad mind and a good brain. He is a clever devil.
When you get saved, you don’t get a new brain. You get a new mind. And the god of this world will do all he can to distort your mind. Why? Because Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Did you know that there is a difference between your mind and your brain? The brain is what the mind thinks with. The relationship of the mind and the brain is very similar to the relationship of a pianist and a piano. The piano is the brain and the pianist is the mind.
The most dangerous thing in the world is a man with a bad mind and a good brain. He is a clever devil.
When you get saved, you don’t get a new brain. You get a new mind. And the god of this world will do all he can to distort your mind. Why? Because Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Our Thought Life
From: In Touch Ministries
1 Corinthians 2:11 "Who, for example, knows a man's innermost self but the man's own spirit within him?"
God calls His children to live holy lives (1 Pet. 1:15-16). This requires both the Holy Spirit’s help and our cooperation. We should begin with our thought life because our actions are based upon what we believe.
The first step is to acknowledge that our thoughts need changing. Selfishness, jealousy, and other unrighteous behavior come from ungodly thinking. Examining ourselves will reveal impure thoughts. Our Father wants these replaced with thinking bent toward forgiveness and kindness. This will happen as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in renewing our minds.
Next, we make a commitment to the Lord that we will pursue godliness. This promise is much more than a New Year’s resolution. It encompasses our entire being and is expressed as a desire to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means dedicating ourselves to become like our Savior.
Daily time in the Word will keep our resolve strong. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit will transform our mind and strengthen our inner being to bring about any needed changes. If we neglect Bible study, we leave ourselves open to the influence of the world and our “flesh,” neither of which cares about godliness.
1 Corinthians 2:11 "Who, for example, knows a man's innermost self but the man's own spirit within him?"
God calls His children to live holy lives (1 Pet. 1:15-16). This requires both the Holy Spirit’s help and our cooperation. We should begin with our thought life because our actions are based upon what we believe.
The first step is to acknowledge that our thoughts need changing. Selfishness, jealousy, and other unrighteous behavior come from ungodly thinking. Examining ourselves will reveal impure thoughts. Our Father wants these replaced with thinking bent toward forgiveness and kindness. This will happen as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in renewing our minds.
Next, we make a commitment to the Lord that we will pursue godliness. This promise is much more than a New Year’s resolution. It encompasses our entire being and is expressed as a desire to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means dedicating ourselves to become like our Savior.
Daily time in the Word will keep our resolve strong. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit will transform our mind and strengthen our inner being to bring about any needed changes. If we neglect Bible study, we leave ourselves open to the influence of the world and our “flesh,” neither of which cares about godliness.
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