From: Max Lucado Ministries
John 16:13 "When He comes, being the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth."
Of the three persons of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is the one we understand the least. Perhaps the most common mistake made regarding the Spirit is perceiving him as a power but not a person, a force with no identity. Such is not true.
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. The Holy Spirit is not an "it." He is a person. John calls him the Helper. He has knowledge (1 Cor. 2:11). He has a will (1 Cor. 12:11). He has a mind (Rom. 8:27). He has affections (Rom. 15:30). You can lie to him (Acts 5:3-4). You can insult him (Heb. 10:29). You can grieve him (Eph. 4:30).
What does the Spirit do? He comforts the saved. (John 16:7). He convicts the lost. (John 16:8). He conveys the truth. (John 16:13).
Have you ever been convicted? Have you ever sensed a stab of sorrow for your actions? Then you've been touched by the Holy Spirit.
Or have you ever understood a new truth? Or seen an old principle in a new way? The light comes on. Your eyes pop open. "Aha, now I understand." Ever happen to you? If so, that was the Holy Spirit conveying to you a new truth.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Big God, Small Problems
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Job 40:1-2 "Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"
When Job went before the Lord, as any person should do when they are suffering, he asked the question why. And there is nothing wrong with asking why. I have asked why many times. There is nothing wrong with asking why as long as you don't get the idea that God somehow owes you an answer.
We don't always know why. And I don't even think there is anything wrong with saying, "I don't like or agree with this plan." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39). Go to God with your whys. Go to God with your doubts. Go to God with your struggles. But ultimately, we need to say to the Lord, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Job asked a lot of questions, and then he started giving his opinions and trying to explain things away. Finally, God had enough. He asked Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding" (Job 38:4). Effectively He was saying, "Well, Job, you are such an expert now! Will you tell me what is going on? I don't remember seeing you around when I was creating the planets."
God never told Job why. Instead, He just revealed more of himself to Job. More than an explanation, what we really need is an encounter with God—a revelation of God. Because when we see God for who He is, we see our problems for what they are. Big God, small problems.
Job 40:1-2 "Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"
When Job went before the Lord, as any person should do when they are suffering, he asked the question why. And there is nothing wrong with asking why. I have asked why many times. There is nothing wrong with asking why as long as you don't get the idea that God somehow owes you an answer.
We don't always know why. And I don't even think there is anything wrong with saying, "I don't like or agree with this plan." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39). Go to God with your whys. Go to God with your doubts. Go to God with your struggles. But ultimately, we need to say to the Lord, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Job asked a lot of questions, and then he started giving his opinions and trying to explain things away. Finally, God had enough. He asked Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding" (Job 38:4). Effectively He was saying, "Well, Job, you are such an expert now! Will you tell me what is going on? I don't remember seeing you around when I was creating the planets."
God never told Job why. Instead, He just revealed more of himself to Job. More than an explanation, what we really need is an encounter with God—a revelation of God. Because when we see God for who He is, we see our problems for what they are. Big God, small problems.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"Inner Voice"
From: Winning Walk Daily Devotionals - Ed Young
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
I wonder how many times in your life and my life the sovereignty of God has prevailed at critical junctures? How many times has He enabled us to move safely through a moment of difficult decision?
You see, there is a moral guidance system by which we humans operate, and that system helps us determine the will and the purpose of God. We can sense it, but it is difficult to explain.
Would God leave His children with no way to determine His will for their lives? Never. He has given us our own built-in reason, intelligence, giftedness and inclinations. Best of all, He has left us His own "inner voice" that speaks to us when we get still enough, and leads us in the right way.
Don't lean solely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
I wonder how many times in your life and my life the sovereignty of God has prevailed at critical junctures? How many times has He enabled us to move safely through a moment of difficult decision?
You see, there is a moral guidance system by which we humans operate, and that system helps us determine the will and the purpose of God. We can sense it, but it is difficult to explain.
Would God leave His children with no way to determine His will for their lives? Never. He has given us our own built-in reason, intelligence, giftedness and inclinations. Best of all, He has left us His own "inner voice" that speaks to us when we get still enough, and leads us in the right way.
Don't lean solely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
University of Learning to Wait (ULW)
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Habakkuk 2:3 "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Habakkuk 2:3 "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Have you ever been in a hurry when God wasn't? It's so irritating! You're ready, but God isn't. God wants to work on you before He works on the project. Every believer must go through the University of Learning to Wait (ULW). Some of us are still working on our degrees from ULW!
1. Noah waited 120 years from the time he started building the ark until it began to rain.
2. Abraham was told he would be the father of a great nation and didn't have a child until he was -ninety-nine.
3. God told Moses he would be the leader to lead his people out of four hundred years of slavery, but then made him wait in the desert forty years.
4. Joseph spent years in prison before God raised him up and he became the ruler God wanted him to be.
5. God had David anointed as king, but then David waited for years until he actually got to be king.
We all have to go through these waiting periods. Even Jesus waited for thirty years in the carpenter's shop before setting out on His public ministry.
Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that His timing is perfect. One of the facts we have to learn is this: God's delay never destroys His purpose.
A delay is not a denial. Children must learn the difference between "no" and "not yet," and so must we. Many times we think God is saying, "No," but He is saying, "Not yet."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Love God And Live In His Will
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Some people believe the Bible teaches, "All things work together for good." Period. End of sentence. But this is nonsense! All things don't work together for good for those who die and wind up in hell!
What the Bible does teach is that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are living in His will. We love God through Jesus Christ and live according to His teaching in Scripture. To believe anything else, or to live any way we want, nullifies the truth of this verse.
But when we love God and are living for Him, then through any tragedy or any suffering, God can bring good. For with every tragedy and every setback, our choice is to grow bitter or to trust God to bring good out of great grief and difficulty. Look for the good that God can bring. You won't be disappointed.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Some people believe the Bible teaches, "All things work together for good." Period. End of sentence. But this is nonsense! All things don't work together for good for those who die and wind up in hell!
What the Bible does teach is that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are living in His will. We love God through Jesus Christ and live according to His teaching in Scripture. To believe anything else, or to live any way we want, nullifies the truth of this verse.
But when we love God and are living for Him, then through any tragedy or any suffering, God can bring good. For with every tragedy and every setback, our choice is to grow bitter or to trust God to bring good out of great grief and difficulty. Look for the good that God can bring. You won't be disappointed.
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Exemptions
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."
We can accept the idea of suffering in general, especially when it happens as a consequence of bad behavior. But when bad things happen to good people, we don't get it.
Being a Christian is not a guarantee that we will be exempt from suffering, however. Christians will suffer. Christians get cancer. Christians have heart attacks. Christians die in automobile accidents and plane crashes. Christians face the same tragedies as everyone else.
Yet we are surprised, even shocked by that. As Peter reminds us, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." In other words, don't be shocked that it is happening to you.
Since my son Christopher went to heaven, I have had people come up to me and say, "Why did this happen to you of all people?" The implication being that I get a free pass because I am a pastor. But I suffer along with everyone else. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
As Chuck Swindoll has wisely pointed out, "God never promised He would inform us ahead of time all about His plan. He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory." I know that He is in control. And I know that He is good.
1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."
We can accept the idea of suffering in general, especially when it happens as a consequence of bad behavior. But when bad things happen to good people, we don't get it.
Being a Christian is not a guarantee that we will be exempt from suffering, however. Christians will suffer. Christians get cancer. Christians have heart attacks. Christians die in automobile accidents and plane crashes. Christians face the same tragedies as everyone else.
Yet we are surprised, even shocked by that. As Peter reminds us, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." In other words, don't be shocked that it is happening to you.
Since my son Christopher went to heaven, I have had people come up to me and say, "Why did this happen to you of all people?" The implication being that I get a free pass because I am a pastor. But I suffer along with everyone else. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
As Chuck Swindoll has wisely pointed out, "God never promised He would inform us ahead of time all about His plan. He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory." I know that He is in control. And I know that He is good.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Communication
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 12:34 "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say."
The sign under a large mouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: 'If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!' Jesus said, "… Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships.
Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings… it comes out in your speech… If we intentionally… fill our hearts with love and respect… it overflows into our speech."
Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger… harsh words make tempers flare." (Proverbs 15:1).
Matthew 12:34 "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say."
The sign under a large mouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: 'If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!' Jesus said, "… Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships.
Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings… it comes out in your speech… If we intentionally… fill our hearts with love and respect… it overflows into our speech."
Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger… harsh words make tempers flare." (Proverbs 15:1).
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Love Never Gives Up
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
Sometimes you just don't feel like you have any more love to give. Maybe you're in a people-intensive job - such as management, teacher, salesman, waitress, or ministry - and you come home and think, "I just can't face another need, another problem, or another heartache." So you just shut down.
The Bible says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Love NEVER gives up.
How can you have that kind of persistent love for another person? You get refueled.
When my kids were young, I remember taking the family to a nearby air show. It was so impressive to see how they would hook up a tanker to a jet in flight to refuel. I'll never forget that.
But, can you imagine someone flying a jet saying, "I don't need to refuel?" The jet would crash and burn. In a long distance flight, a jet has to refuel.
To give the kind of persistent love that God wants you to give, you have to refuel your love tank. How do you refuel your love tank? You start by letting God love you. "We love because He first loved us." (1John 4:19) When you're worn out, tired, and can't imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that God loved you so much that He sent His son to die for you.
Now that's real fuel. That's what keeps you going when you want to quit.
1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
Sometimes you just don't feel like you have any more love to give. Maybe you're in a people-intensive job - such as management, teacher, salesman, waitress, or ministry - and you come home and think, "I just can't face another need, another problem, or another heartache." So you just shut down.
The Bible says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Love NEVER gives up.
How can you have that kind of persistent love for another person? You get refueled.
When my kids were young, I remember taking the family to a nearby air show. It was so impressive to see how they would hook up a tanker to a jet in flight to refuel. I'll never forget that.
But, can you imagine someone flying a jet saying, "I don't need to refuel?" The jet would crash and burn. In a long distance flight, a jet has to refuel.
To give the kind of persistent love that God wants you to give, you have to refuel your love tank. How do you refuel your love tank? You start by letting God love you. "We love because He first loved us." (1John 4:19) When you're worn out, tired, and can't imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that God loved you so much that He sent His son to die for you.
Now that's real fuel. That's what keeps you going when you want to quit.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Global Positioning Systems
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Luke 3:5 "The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."
I love the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the new cars. A voice comes on and tells me how far I have to go and when to turn. However, sometimes I get off course and the voice says: "Recalculating route." The GPS is telling me I have gone off course and it is now recalculating the route based on my wrong turn. Sometimes we can make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going the right direction only to discover it was never God's will to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person - the examples are limitless.
There is an amazing thing about God. He can make our crooked places straight. He has an ability to make whatever blunder you make turn out right. It may mean there might be some consequences to those decisions, but He will always allow your actions to work together for good for those called according to His purposes if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.
God's omnipotence is always ahead of our incompetence. Do you think He knew you would make that misstep? Absolutely. Do you think your life was planned even with that misstep figured in? Absolutely. Isn't it comforting to know you cannot plan God out of the equation no matter how bad you mess up? He will always turn crooked places into straight places for those who are humble and contrite.
Luke 3:5 "The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."
I love the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the new cars. A voice comes on and tells me how far I have to go and when to turn. However, sometimes I get off course and the voice says: "Recalculating route." The GPS is telling me I have gone off course and it is now recalculating the route based on my wrong turn. Sometimes we can make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going the right direction only to discover it was never God's will to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person - the examples are limitless.
There is an amazing thing about God. He can make our crooked places straight. He has an ability to make whatever blunder you make turn out right. It may mean there might be some consequences to those decisions, but He will always allow your actions to work together for good for those called according to His purposes if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.
God's omnipotence is always ahead of our incompetence. Do you think He knew you would make that misstep? Absolutely. Do you think your life was planned even with that misstep figured in? Absolutely. Isn't it comforting to know you cannot plan God out of the equation no matter how bad you mess up? He will always turn crooked places into straight places for those who are humble and contrite.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Character...When It's Crunch Time
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Comedian Red Allen, said, "You only live once. But if you work it right, once is enough." So, how can you work it right? By living by your convictions every day; do that, and you will have few regrets.
Living a life of integrity involves: a) thinking regularly about your values and letting them soak in; and, b) constantly measuring your choices against God's Word and whenever it is appropriate, talking about them. This not only cements your values, it also adds a level of safety and accountability.
We get into trouble when our convictions and our impulses collide. When everything's going our way it is not difficult to live by our convictions. But 'where it comes to the crunch,' is when those convictions demand that we do something that will hurt or cost us!
You do not feel your way into doing what is right; you act first, act scripturally, act consistently - your feelings follow suit. Usually it does not involve anything dramatic; the tough decisions are the everyday ones.
Character is built like a wall, one brick at a time. Nice people may appear to finish last, but usually it is because they are running a different race. Running that race involves pausing regularly to examine your life.
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Comedian Red Allen, said, "You only live once. But if you work it right, once is enough." So, how can you work it right? By living by your convictions every day; do that, and you will have few regrets.
Living a life of integrity involves: a) thinking regularly about your values and letting them soak in; and, b) constantly measuring your choices against God's Word and whenever it is appropriate, talking about them. This not only cements your values, it also adds a level of safety and accountability.
We get into trouble when our convictions and our impulses collide. When everything's going our way it is not difficult to live by our convictions. But 'where it comes to the crunch,' is when those convictions demand that we do something that will hurt or cost us!
You do not feel your way into doing what is right; you act first, act scripturally, act consistently - your feelings follow suit. Usually it does not involve anything dramatic; the tough decisions are the everyday ones.
Character is built like a wall, one brick at a time. Nice people may appear to finish last, but usually it is because they are running a different race. Running that race involves pausing regularly to examine your life.
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