From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham
1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
There is so much that you and I can learn from the failures and victories of athletic champions. And not too long ago I learned one of these lessons by reading about legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.
This great coach began his career at UCLA in 1948 at the age of 37. But it took him 16 years to win his first national championship! After his team had lost in the first round of the championships in 1950, 1952, and 1956, he read something that changed his thinking. It said, "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts!"
You see, Wooden thought he knew everything about basketball, but he didn't. So he invited other coaches to evaluate his players in practice. He hired assistants who would challenge his thinking. He re-evaluated everything. And eventually, UCLA became one of the great powerhouses of NCAA basketball!
And from his experiences, Wooden gave us one of the great quotes about life. He said, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Let me ask you something. Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you?
Listen! We all experience failure, but God wants you to trust him and keep going. Stay in the Scripture. Learn from other followers. Don't stop now, your victory will come!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
We Must Bear Fruit
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
How do people know that you are a Christian? They can't see your heart. They can't see your faith—but they can see the results of it. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). The only way someone can determine whether you are a follower of Jesus is not merely by your profession of Him, but by the evidence they see in your life. And that evidence should be spiritual fruit.
Fruit doesn't grow overnight. And sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life might be someone else. You can be very introspective and say, "Have I become more like Jesus in the last 24 hours?" But that would be like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is subtle, yet someone who hasn't seen your children for several months will notice it. In the same way, you don't necessarily see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, "You have really changed. I see you are becoming more like Jesus."
But what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the answer: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self-control. Against such there is no law." We bear fruit by walking in communion with Jesus, by staying close to Him. And spiritual fruit is a result of that relationship.
What we really need today is to bear spiritual fruit in our lives so that others can say, "Now there is a follower of Jesus Christ."
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
How do people know that you are a Christian? They can't see your heart. They can't see your faith—but they can see the results of it. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). The only way someone can determine whether you are a follower of Jesus is not merely by your profession of Him, but by the evidence they see in your life. And that evidence should be spiritual fruit.
Fruit doesn't grow overnight. And sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life might be someone else. You can be very introspective and say, "Have I become more like Jesus in the last 24 hours?" But that would be like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is subtle, yet someone who hasn't seen your children for several months will notice it. In the same way, you don't necessarily see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, "You have really changed. I see you are becoming more like Jesus."
But what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the answer: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self-control. Against such there is no law." We bear fruit by walking in communion with Jesus, by staying close to Him. And spiritual fruit is a result of that relationship.
What we really need today is to bear spiritual fruit in our lives so that others can say, "Now there is a follower of Jesus Christ."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Follow His Direction
From: Powerpoint Ministries - Jack Graham
Luke 5:4 "And when Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Do you remember the story in the book of Luke when the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing? Seeing they were empty handed, Jesus told Simon Peter to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.
Now, you can hear the lack of excitement in Simon Peter's response when he said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" But still he threw the net out as Jesus told him to do. And a miracle happened! They caught so many fish that their two boats began to take on water!
So overwhelmed with what he saw, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8).
You see, Simon Peter came to the end of himself, but Jesus was just beginning! In fact, Jesus gave him a new calling saying, "From now on you'll be catching men."
Have you reached the end of yourself? Has your toil left you empty-handed? Are you exhausted from working in your own strength? If so, then it's time to fall at Jesus' feet.
Yield to Jesus completely. Follow his direction. And he will restore you and prepare you to fulfill your calling in his kingdom.
Luke 5:4 "And when Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'"
Do you remember the story in the book of Luke when the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing? Seeing they were empty handed, Jesus told Simon Peter to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.
Now, you can hear the lack of excitement in Simon Peter's response when he said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" But still he threw the net out as Jesus told him to do. And a miracle happened! They caught so many fish that their two boats began to take on water!
So overwhelmed with what he saw, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8).
You see, Simon Peter came to the end of himself, but Jesus was just beginning! In fact, Jesus gave him a new calling saying, "From now on you'll be catching men."
Have you reached the end of yourself? Has your toil left you empty-handed? Are you exhausted from working in your own strength? If so, then it's time to fall at Jesus' feet.
Yield to Jesus completely. Follow his direction. And he will restore you and prepare you to fulfill your calling in his kingdom.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Live For Today...Or Eternity
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."
God's voice doesn't always come to us the way we want it; sometimes He teaches us our greatest lessons through the most difficult experiences of our lives!
Satan wants you to live for today, to pursue instant gratification, to escape from trials. God wants you to live for eternity, to pursue godliness, and to grow to spiritual maturity through trials.
What's the outcome of your living for today? It means your spiritual life remains shallow, and you'll miss some of the greatest spiritual growth that God offers (Phil 3:10-12). It means that you'll only focus on the parts of Scripture that promise God's blessing through prosperity and health. It means that your faith will be in danger of collapse when God brings you into times of trial, because trials won't fit into your view of God.
What's the outcome of living for eternity? It means that you'll see the spiritual blessing that lies behind trials (2 Cor. 4:17). And you'll look for how God wants to grow you through those hard times (Psalm 119:71). Instead of your faith being weakened by pain, it will grow as you meet God there!
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."
God's voice doesn't always come to us the way we want it; sometimes He teaches us our greatest lessons through the most difficult experiences of our lives!
Satan wants you to live for today, to pursue instant gratification, to escape from trials. God wants you to live for eternity, to pursue godliness, and to grow to spiritual maturity through trials.
What's the outcome of your living for today? It means your spiritual life remains shallow, and you'll miss some of the greatest spiritual growth that God offers (Phil 3:10-12). It means that you'll only focus on the parts of Scripture that promise God's blessing through prosperity and health. It means that your faith will be in danger of collapse when God brings you into times of trial, because trials won't fit into your view of God.
What's the outcome of living for eternity? It means that you'll see the spiritual blessing that lies behind trials (2 Cor. 4:17). And you'll look for how God wants to grow you through those hard times (Psalm 119:71). Instead of your faith being weakened by pain, it will grow as you meet God there!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Let God Speak To You
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - C.P. Hia
1 Kings 19:10 "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
Have you ever felt like giving up? Elijah did. The Lord had just used him to show the nation of Israel that the Lord is God. Yet, the threats of Queen Jezebel so alarmed him that he ran to Beersheba, 100 miles south. Then he walked another 150 miles south to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing there. Both times he answered with identical words—"I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." He had become so preoccupied with his own fears that he had forgotten what God had done through him at Mount Carmel. Despite his great victory, Elijah plunged into the depths of discouragement. How easy it is for us to do the same.
God did not accept Elijah’s notice that he was quitting. Instead, He commissioned His tired servant to handle three major tasks.
Perhaps, like Elijah, you are despairing at the circumstances in your life. Let God speak to you. Instead of allowing you to quit, He will show you what you can do through His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
1 Kings 19:10 "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
Have you ever felt like giving up? Elijah did. The Lord had just used him to show the nation of Israel that the Lord is God. Yet, the threats of Queen Jezebel so alarmed him that he ran to Beersheba, 100 miles south. Then he walked another 150 miles south to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing there. Both times he answered with identical words—"I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." He had become so preoccupied with his own fears that he had forgotten what God had done through him at Mount Carmel. Despite his great victory, Elijah plunged into the depths of discouragement. How easy it is for us to do the same.
God did not accept Elijah’s notice that he was quitting. Instead, He commissioned His tired servant to handle three major tasks.
Perhaps, like Elijah, you are despairing at the circumstances in your life. Let God speak to you. Instead of allowing you to quit, He will show you what you can do through His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
He Does Know The Way
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries - David McCasland
Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away;
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He does know the way. — Overton
Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away;
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He does know the way. — Overton
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Intimate Relationship
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
I was talking to my son one day, and he reminded me of something that happened when he was a little boy. He said, "Dad, I was sitting in church, and you looked at me, and I knew I was going to get a whipping when I got home."
If you're married, you know how your spouse can give you that look that says, "Whatever you're talking about — stop!" That's the intimate relationship that people have who know one another well. You're to have such an intimate relationship with God that He can just look at you and your heart is touched.
Throughout the day today, think of the eyes of the Lord upon you and allow this to direct your steps and give you courage. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3)
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."
I was talking to my son one day, and he reminded me of something that happened when he was a little boy. He said, "Dad, I was sitting in church, and you looked at me, and I knew I was going to get a whipping when I got home."
If you're married, you know how your spouse can give you that look that says, "Whatever you're talking about — stop!" That's the intimate relationship that people have who know one another well. You're to have such an intimate relationship with God that He can just look at you and your heart is touched.
Throughout the day today, think of the eyes of the Lord upon you and allow this to direct your steps and give you courage. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Christian Unity
Romans 12:12-13 "The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ. It was in one Spirit that all of us were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit."
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church, focuses on the essential need for prayer for Christian unity. Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
The theme for the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010 has been announced: "You Are Witnesses of These Things." (Luke 24:48). Millions of Christians across the globe will join their hands and voices in prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to be held Monday to Monday, Jan. 18-25, 2010.
Ecumenism has shown how important prayer is for Christian unity, and for over a 100 years, Christians have gathered around the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). “Christians, who share belief in Christ and share one baptism and one Lord should be able to overcome the stumbling block of disunity. Christians of every generation and every decade must enter into relationship of prayer and dialogue to sense where it is that the Holy Spirit is leading them to be one. Unity however does not mean uniformity."
"Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Spiritual Ecumenism can easily be accomplished on three levels: theological discourse, mixed study and prayer groups on the local level, and shared outreach in the issues of peace, justice, and service. We certainly see this manifested in the Pro-life initiative and the emergency relief response to Haiti. All it takes is an open heart and mind for the Holy Spirit to work in every Christian's life.
“During this time, we also pray for Christian unity, dear Lord! May every believer in Christ be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel. Together, may we be a witness to your presence, Lord.” Pope Benedict XVI
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church, focuses on the essential need for prayer for Christian unity. Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
The theme for the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010 has been announced: "You Are Witnesses of These Things." (Luke 24:48). Millions of Christians across the globe will join their hands and voices in prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to be held Monday to Monday, Jan. 18-25, 2010.
Ecumenism has shown how important prayer is for Christian unity, and for over a 100 years, Christians have gathered around the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). “Christians, who share belief in Christ and share one baptism and one Lord should be able to overcome the stumbling block of disunity. Christians of every generation and every decade must enter into relationship of prayer and dialogue to sense where it is that the Holy Spirit is leading them to be one. Unity however does not mean uniformity."
"Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Spiritual Ecumenism can easily be accomplished on three levels: theological discourse, mixed study and prayer groups on the local level, and shared outreach in the issues of peace, justice, and service. We certainly see this manifested in the Pro-life initiative and the emergency relief response to Haiti. All it takes is an open heart and mind for the Holy Spirit to work in every Christian's life.
“During this time, we also pray for Christian unity, dear Lord! May every believer in Christ be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel. Together, may we be a witness to your presence, Lord.” Pope Benedict XVI
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Gracious Uncertainty
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pray About It
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.
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.
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