From: Neil Anderson Ministries
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for You are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage."
The life led by the Spirit of God is marvelous. Sensing His presence, living victoriously, and knowing the truth are characteristics of a free person. But what if you couldn't sense His presence? What if God, for some reason, suspended His blessings? What would you do if you were faithfully following God and suddenly all external circumstances turned sour?
What is a person to do during these times? David tells us that no matter how dark it gets, we are to keep on walking. In the light we can see the next step. The path ahead is clear. We know a friend from an enemy and we can see where the obstacles are. But when darkness settles in, every natural instinct says to drop out, sit down, stop! We become fearful of the next step.
David's message is don't stop; keep on walking. Keep walking in the light of faith.
If God's ministry of darkness should envelop you, understand that God has not left you; He has only suspended His conscious presence so that your faith will not rest on feelings or be established by unique experiences or blessings. Listen to David's words: Keep on walking. Never doubt in the darkness that God is at your side.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Commitment To Quality
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
What causes you to become dissatisfied? I often ask people when they became dissatisfied. Inevitably they identify the time when the quality of a relationship, the service rendered, or the product produced diminished.
Satisfaction is a quality issue, not a quantity issue. You will achieve greater satisfaction from doing a few things well than from doing many things in a haphazard or hasty manner. The key to personal satisfaction is not in broadening your involvements, but in deepening them through a commitment to quality.
The same is true in relationships. If you are dissatisfied in your relationships, perhaps you have spread yourself too thin. Solomon wrote: "Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). It may be nice to know a lot of people on the surface, but you need a few good friends who are committed to a quality relationship with each other. We all need the satisfaction which quality relationships bring.
Paul accomplished what he was called to do. He left a lot undone, but he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Jesus also left a lot undone, but He did His Father's will and was able to say, "It is finished." You may not be able to do all you want to do for Christ in your lifetime, but you can live obediently and faithfully day by day.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
What causes you to become dissatisfied? I often ask people when they became dissatisfied. Inevitably they identify the time when the quality of a relationship, the service rendered, or the product produced diminished.
Satisfaction is a quality issue, not a quantity issue. You will achieve greater satisfaction from doing a few things well than from doing many things in a haphazard or hasty manner. The key to personal satisfaction is not in broadening your involvements, but in deepening them through a commitment to quality.
The same is true in relationships. If you are dissatisfied in your relationships, perhaps you have spread yourself too thin. Solomon wrote: "Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). It may be nice to know a lot of people on the surface, but you need a few good friends who are committed to a quality relationship with each other. We all need the satisfaction which quality relationships bring.
Paul accomplished what he was called to do. He left a lot undone, but he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Jesus also left a lot undone, but He did His Father's will and was able to say, "It is finished." You may not be able to do all you want to do for Christ in your lifetime, but you can live obediently and faithfully day by day.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Listen Well
From: Wisdom Hunters Devotionals
Matthew 17:5 “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
What does it mean to listen well? Those who learn good listening skills develop robust relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract others into their influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.
You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people; instead you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing and direction. The Almighty’s attention is focused on His children that come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.
Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to your heavenly Father’s heart. He sent His son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death—heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Almighty so pleased with His son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
So, listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. And once you have heard from Him—humbly listen to others—discern their needs and then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well and watch God work! “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Matthew 17:5 “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
What does it mean to listen well? Those who learn good listening skills develop robust relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract others into their influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.
You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people; instead you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing and direction. The Almighty’s attention is focused on His children that come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.
Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to your heavenly Father’s heart. He sent His son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death—heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Almighty so pleased with His son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
So, listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. And once you have heard from Him—humbly listen to others—discern their needs and then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well and watch God work! “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Monday, July 26, 2010
Finishing Well
From: Wisdom Hunters Devotionals
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end—you need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Some people do not finish the race well and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances yet make very wise choices. If so, there is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best of conditions but make unwise choices. In this case, the chances are you will not finish well.
Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the one you love. And what about those who love you? Yes, accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind—who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Finishing well also means you live like you are dying—because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, and friends. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Luke 19:17)
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end—you need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Some people do not finish the race well and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances yet make very wise choices. If so, there is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best of conditions but make unwise choices. In this case, the chances are you will not finish well.
Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the one you love. And what about those who love you? Yes, accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind—who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Finishing well also means you live like you are dying—because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, and friends. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Luke 19:17)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Daily Attitude Alignment
From: Wisdom Hunters - Boyd Bailey
Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Attitude is everything; it can lift you up or bring you down. It is a barometer of your heart. If your heart is not right, your attitude will suffer. Attitude is critical because it influences your course of action. If your attitude is negative, then your words and your behavior will be too. There is a difference in being a realist about negative circumstances, and living with a chronically bad attitude.
However, your attitude is rooted in who you are in Christ, so there is no need to be fearful, guilty, or insecure. The attitude that Jesus exhibited was one of humility and servant leadership. His attitude reflected submission to His heavenly Father, which resulted in service, generosity, and love for people. Jesus was joyful and hopeful, because He rested in the will of God.
Do not allow others’ bad attitude to influence yours. Be the attitude influencer instead. Greet a frown with a smile, crush criticism with affirmation, and listen patiently until fury loses its steam. A positive attitude will eventually outlast and overpower a negative one. Most of all, pray for those who thrive on negativity. Pray for them to be set free from their hurt, anger, guilt, and insecurity. God has you in their lives to reflect the Almighty and to encourage an attitude adjustment through Him.
God is the genesis of a right attitude, and He is the right attitude sustainer. He wants His attitude to be our attitude. This is why you need a daily attitude alignment from your heavenly Father. Each day, your attitude gets knocked around and abused by life. If left unattended, your attitude will drift into wrong thinking, harsh words, and bad behavior. Self-pity and anger can begin to replace selflessness and forgiveness. With just a little bit of daily tweaking, your attitude stays in line with His.
Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Attitude is everything; it can lift you up or bring you down. It is a barometer of your heart. If your heart is not right, your attitude will suffer. Attitude is critical because it influences your course of action. If your attitude is negative, then your words and your behavior will be too. There is a difference in being a realist about negative circumstances, and living with a chronically bad attitude.
However, your attitude is rooted in who you are in Christ, so there is no need to be fearful, guilty, or insecure. The attitude that Jesus exhibited was one of humility and servant leadership. His attitude reflected submission to His heavenly Father, which resulted in service, generosity, and love for people. Jesus was joyful and hopeful, because He rested in the will of God.
Do not allow others’ bad attitude to influence yours. Be the attitude influencer instead. Greet a frown with a smile, crush criticism with affirmation, and listen patiently until fury loses its steam. A positive attitude will eventually outlast and overpower a negative one. Most of all, pray for those who thrive on negativity. Pray for them to be set free from their hurt, anger, guilt, and insecurity. God has you in their lives to reflect the Almighty and to encourage an attitude adjustment through Him.
God is the genesis of a right attitude, and He is the right attitude sustainer. He wants His attitude to be our attitude. This is why you need a daily attitude alignment from your heavenly Father. Each day, your attitude gets knocked around and abused by life. If left unattended, your attitude will drift into wrong thinking, harsh words, and bad behavior. Self-pity and anger can begin to replace selflessness and forgiveness. With just a little bit of daily tweaking, your attitude stays in line with His.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What Are You Passionate About?
From: the Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Proverbs 27:19 "A person's heart reflects the person."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Another word for heart is passion. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations - what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
God has given each of us a unique emotional heartbeat that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God! "Find your delight in the Lord Who will give you your heart's desire." (Psalm 37:4) Just remember, if it goes against God's nature or character...it's not from Him!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Proverbs 27:19 "A person's heart reflects the person."
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Another word for heart is passion. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations - what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
God has given each of us a unique emotional heartbeat that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from God! "Find your delight in the Lord Who will give you your heart's desire." (Psalm 37:4) Just remember, if it goes against God's nature or character...it's not from Him!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
True Joy
From: Michael Youssef Ministries
John 15:11 "I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
John 15:11 "I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Trusting God Wholeheartedly
From: The Ministry of Lasserre Bradley Jr
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding."
The more you know God, the more you will trust God. What is there not to trust? He is completely loving, wise, powerful, and good.
But it is one thing to express a belief in God, and another to actually trust in Him with all your heart. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His Word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means resolutely refusing to lean on your own understanding. This, of course, does not mean that we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has given us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life.
The question to ask yourself is this: do you trust God in precisely those places where your natural inclination is strongest against His leadership or direction or commandments? When the Bible clearly spells out His counsel, will you take it regardless of your personal preferences or preconceptions?
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding."
The more you know God, the more you will trust God. What is there not to trust? He is completely loving, wise, powerful, and good.
But it is one thing to express a belief in God, and another to actually trust in Him with all your heart. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His Word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means resolutely refusing to lean on your own understanding. This, of course, does not mean that we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has given us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life.
The question to ask yourself is this: do you trust God in precisely those places where your natural inclination is strongest against His leadership or direction or commandments? When the Bible clearly spells out His counsel, will you take it regardless of your personal preferences or preconceptions?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Prewired To Be Imitators
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Change Your Focus
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it's a fun game, but internally they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That's because we are all prewired to be imitators.
Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.
If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating. All you have to do is simply change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God's way, you will get God's results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
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