From: In Touch Ministries
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."
We often find it easy to trust the Lord when circumstances are pleasant. In difficult times, though, resting in Him can be challenging. Yet that is precisely what God told David to "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall deliver you" (Ps. 50:15).
Trusting the Lord is possible because of His love for us. In the Bible, we see this divine love clearly demonstrated through the Father's character, the Savior's atoning death, and the believer's adoption as a child of God.
Another reason we can rely upon our heavenly Father is His infinite wisdom (Rom. 11:33). He always knows what is best for us, and His judgments are perfect. We don't understand all that goes into God's plan—compared to the full, clear view He has of our lives, we see just a limited picture of reality. Therefore, what He chooses for us may not make sense at the time.
We can also depend upon the Lord because He is sovereign. In other words, whatever He—in His wisdom and love—chooses to do, He is able to accomplish. Nothing stands in the way of our God. He is in complete control of all things; even Satan must obtain His permission before taking action (Job 1:9-12).
We understandably dislike adversity intensely and may feel tempted to ask, "Why, Lord?" Yet by recognizing that God acts in love, wisdom, and sovereignty, we can know that He's allowed the situation and has our long-term best in mind. So we can replace "why?" with gratitude and trust.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Workplace Ministry
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, the greatest mission field of our day and represents the greatest opportunity for societal transformation. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists and most workplace believers do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday.
God is removing the wall of separation by speaking to pastors and workplace believers all over the world. We are entering a new era in the Church when workplace believers are seen as members of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field - the workplace. You don't have to be a trained preacher to be an ambassador for Christ! St. Francis of Assisi said, "Always preach the Gospel...and sometimes use words."
Pray that God will help local church leaders understand and affirm this calling, and that they will respond by training their people for their own ministry in their workplaces. And also pray that Corporate leaders will recognize the need, and benefit of Corporate Chaplaincy. In fact, both Houses of Congress have enjoyed the use of appointed Chaplains since the founding of our Nation. Very good idea!
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, the greatest mission field of our day and represents the greatest opportunity for societal transformation. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists and most workplace believers do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday.
God is removing the wall of separation by speaking to pastors and workplace believers all over the world. We are entering a new era in the Church when workplace believers are seen as members of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field - the workplace. You don't have to be a trained preacher to be an ambassador for Christ! St. Francis of Assisi said, "Always preach the Gospel...and sometimes use words."
Pray that God will help local church leaders understand and affirm this calling, and that they will respond by training their people for their own ministry in their workplaces. And also pray that Corporate leaders will recognize the need, and benefit of Corporate Chaplaincy. In fact, both Houses of Congress have enjoyed the use of appointed Chaplains since the founding of our Nation. Very good idea!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Peace And Trust
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…"
Your thoughts, perceptions, emotions, will, memory and imagination are all wrapped up in your human consciousness called the mind. This is why your mind is like the rudder of your life. Wherever your mind takes you, your behavior will follow. If thoughts take you toward the rocks of fear, you will act fearful. If they take you toward the shore of peace, you will act calm.
But, a mind, latched onto the Lord, trusts Him when circumstances beg for you to cower in fear. Thus, keep your perspective on the horizon of heaven. Like a ship cascading through the open sea, you have the wind of the Holy Spirit moving you forward, with the compass of truth leading you toward the ultimate destination of God’s will.
Make peace and trust a staple of your spiritual diet, as they nourish your soul like food and water invigorates your body. Like a security detail, they will escort you through good and bad times. They will protect you from lashing out in anger when you have been deeply hurt. A steadfast mind is one that stays focused on Jesus and His expectations.
Your mind is a school for study, so make sure your faculty members flow from the character of God. Cultivate your brain for more creative ways to apply His peace and trust. Do not analyze God out of the equation. Rather, draw Him into your conclusions. A peaceful trust comes from our perfect God!
Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…"
Your thoughts, perceptions, emotions, will, memory and imagination are all wrapped up in your human consciousness called the mind. This is why your mind is like the rudder of your life. Wherever your mind takes you, your behavior will follow. If thoughts take you toward the rocks of fear, you will act fearful. If they take you toward the shore of peace, you will act calm.
But, a mind, latched onto the Lord, trusts Him when circumstances beg for you to cower in fear. Thus, keep your perspective on the horizon of heaven. Like a ship cascading through the open sea, you have the wind of the Holy Spirit moving you forward, with the compass of truth leading you toward the ultimate destination of God’s will.
Make peace and trust a staple of your spiritual diet, as they nourish your soul like food and water invigorates your body. Like a security detail, they will escort you through good and bad times. They will protect you from lashing out in anger when you have been deeply hurt. A steadfast mind is one that stays focused on Jesus and His expectations.
Your mind is a school for study, so make sure your faculty members flow from the character of God. Cultivate your brain for more creative ways to apply His peace and trust. Do not analyze God out of the equation. Rather, draw Him into your conclusions. A peaceful trust comes from our perfect God!
Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Maybe You Should Trade Places
From: Powerpoint Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Trust can be difficult, can't it? There have been times in my life when I put my trust in someone and was completely let down. And every time that happens, it makes it that much harder to trust them again. But while people will fail you, God will never let you down.
God has a master plan for every Christian… a blueprint for every believer… a wonderful will for your life as well as mine. And whether you are a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker, God has a purpose for your life. We can know for certain that God is in control, that we're not just aimlessly wandering and meandering through life, because the Scripture affirms that over and over again.
The Lord only asks that you trust in Him to know what's best for you… to not lean on your own understanding of how things should be. It's like that bumper sticker I see all the time that says, "If God is your copilot, then you better trade places!"
When you begin to trust in God for everything, He will do amazing things in your life for his glory!
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Trust can be difficult, can't it? There have been times in my life when I put my trust in someone and was completely let down. And every time that happens, it makes it that much harder to trust them again. But while people will fail you, God will never let you down.
God has a master plan for every Christian… a blueprint for every believer… a wonderful will for your life as well as mine. And whether you are a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker, God has a purpose for your life. We can know for certain that God is in control, that we're not just aimlessly wandering and meandering through life, because the Scripture affirms that over and over again.
The Lord only asks that you trust in Him to know what's best for you… to not lean on your own understanding of how things should be. It's like that bumper sticker I see all the time that says, "If God is your copilot, then you better trade places!"
When you begin to trust in God for everything, He will do amazing things in your life for his glory!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Faithful Stewardship
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."
We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans it to us while we're here. It was God's property before we arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after we die. We just get to enjoy it for a while.
The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands.
Jesus often referred to life as a trust and told many stories to illustrate our responsibility toward God. In the story of the talents, a businessman entrusts his wealth to the care of his servants while he's away. When he returns, he evaluates each servant's responsibility and rewards them accordingly. The owner says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."
At the end of our life on earth we will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well we handled what God entrusted to us.
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."
We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans it to us while we're here. It was God's property before we arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after we die. We just get to enjoy it for a while.
The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands.
Jesus often referred to life as a trust and told many stories to illustrate our responsibility toward God. In the story of the talents, a businessman entrusts his wealth to the care of his servants while he's away. When he returns, he evaluates each servant's responsibility and rewards them accordingly. The owner says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."
At the end of our life on earth we will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well we handled what God entrusted to us.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Testing Your Heart
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
2 Chronicles 32:31 "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart."
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.
Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in Scripture. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed a test from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed great tests, such as Job, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.
We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense His closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so He never allows them to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them (1 Corinthians 10:13).
2 Chronicles 32:31 "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart."
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.
Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in Scripture. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed a test from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed great tests, such as Job, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.
We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense His closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so He never allows them to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"I Got The Part"
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Matthew 23:12 "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
Have you ever asked, 'How could God use someone like me?' The Psalmist answers, "For His name's sake!" (Psalm 23:3) Only one name counts - and it's not yours! With the same intensity that God hates pride, He loves humility. His Word says, "...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
So here are a few tips on staying humble. First, evaluate yourself honestly. Don't be like the beaver who told the rabbit as they stared up at the immense wall of Hoover Dam in USA, "No, I didn't actually build it myself. But it was based on an idea of mine." The Bible says, "Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself... but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities." (Romans 12:3-4)
Second, learn to celebrate others. Paul writes, "...don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) Every goal scored in life is usually a team effort. Be like the little boy who came home from the auditions for the school play and announced, "Mommy, I got the part. I've been chosen to sit in the audience and cheer." When you can do that, your head finally fits your hat size.
Matthew 23:12 "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
Have you ever asked, 'How could God use someone like me?' The Psalmist answers, "For His name's sake!" (Psalm 23:3) Only one name counts - and it's not yours! With the same intensity that God hates pride, He loves humility. His Word says, "...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
So here are a few tips on staying humble. First, evaluate yourself honestly. Don't be like the beaver who told the rabbit as they stared up at the immense wall of Hoover Dam in USA, "No, I didn't actually build it myself. But it was based on an idea of mine." The Bible says, "Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself... but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities." (Romans 12:3-4)
Second, learn to celebrate others. Paul writes, "...don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) Every goal scored in life is usually a team effort. Be like the little boy who came home from the auditions for the school play and announced, "Mommy, I got the part. I've been chosen to sit in the audience and cheer." When you can do that, your head finally fits your hat size.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Learn, Follow And Trust
From: Powerpoint Daily Ministries
John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."
Remember when you were little and you would just play outside for hours and hours? Then dinnertime would roll around and there was always that famous call from home, "Dinner!"
Now, no one ever had to look at you and say, "Your parents are calling you." No, you knew your mom or dad's voice because you heard it all the time. And because you knew that, you also knew when it was someone else's mom calling and you still had more time to play!
In the same way, a true follower of Jesus hears His voice. But he doesn't just hear His voice, he follows His voice. It's so important to understand that being one of Christ's sheep means you truly follow Him!
It's one thing to call yourself a Christian, go to church, volunteer for a ministry, and read your Bible. It's another thing entirely to be a Christ-follower… to learn from His teachings and love Him with all your heart.
So don't just learn about Christ, follow Him. Trust in Him with all of your heart. Read your Bible daily and apply it to your life. As a follower of Jesus, you'll be used in amazing ways!
John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."
Remember when you were little and you would just play outside for hours and hours? Then dinnertime would roll around and there was always that famous call from home, "Dinner!"
Now, no one ever had to look at you and say, "Your parents are calling you." No, you knew your mom or dad's voice because you heard it all the time. And because you knew that, you also knew when it was someone else's mom calling and you still had more time to play!
In the same way, a true follower of Jesus hears His voice. But he doesn't just hear His voice, he follows His voice. It's so important to understand that being one of Christ's sheep means you truly follow Him!
It's one thing to call yourself a Christian, go to church, volunteer for a ministry, and read your Bible. It's another thing entirely to be a Christ-follower… to learn from His teachings and love Him with all your heart.
So don't just learn about Christ, follow Him. Trust in Him with all of your heart. Read your Bible daily and apply it to your life. As a follower of Jesus, you'll be used in amazing ways!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Changing Our Nature
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
God will sometimes use a deep valley to frame our lives to create a change in our nature, not just a change in our habits. The depth and width of our valley is often an indicator of the level of calling and influence we will have on others in the future. Our adversity is not just for us, but others who will be in our future path of influence. This is not very comforting when you are in the middle of the valley, but know this is a truth in the Kingdom.
It is often years later when we discover the wisdom of God and why He intentionally led us through the dark valley. Life is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back at the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life while we were there.
When you begin to realize this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along.It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Do you find yourself in a valley? Now is the time to fully trust Him to guide you to higher ground.
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
God will sometimes use a deep valley to frame our lives to create a change in our nature, not just a change in our habits. The depth and width of our valley is often an indicator of the level of calling and influence we will have on others in the future. Our adversity is not just for us, but others who will be in our future path of influence. This is not very comforting when you are in the middle of the valley, but know this is a truth in the Kingdom.
It is often years later when we discover the wisdom of God and why He intentionally led us through the dark valley. Life is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back at the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life while we were there.
When you begin to realize this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along.It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Do you find yourself in a valley? Now is the time to fully trust Him to guide you to higher ground.
Monday, October 18, 2010
"Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled"
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled."
The peace of God is something you need to appropriate daily in your inner world in the midst of the storms which rage in the external world. There are a lot of things that can disrupt your external world because you can't control all your circumstances and relationships. But you can control the inner world of your thoughts by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in your heart on a daily basis.
There may be chaos all around you, but God is bigger than any storm. I keep a little plaque on my desk which reminds me: "Nothing will happen to me today that God and I cannot resolve."
The peace of Christ will rule in your heart when you "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you" (Colossians 3:16). And when you turn to Him in prayer, "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled."
The peace of God is something you need to appropriate daily in your inner world in the midst of the storms which rage in the external world. There are a lot of things that can disrupt your external world because you can't control all your circumstances and relationships. But you can control the inner world of your thoughts by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in your heart on a daily basis.
There may be chaos all around you, but God is bigger than any storm. I keep a little plaque on my desk which reminds me: "Nothing will happen to me today that God and I cannot resolve."
The peace of Christ will rule in your heart when you "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you" (Colossians 3:16). And when you turn to Him in prayer, "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
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