“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Rev. 22:12
When the sixteenth-century Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus first proposed that the earth revolved around the sun, not vice versa he was met with scorn and ridicule. It was years later that his theory was found to be entirely accurate. Life often seems that way. Evil men are treated as kings, while good men are ignored.
David contemplated this seeming discrepancy in Psalm 73: “Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure...” verses 12-13.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus indicated that His followers would be persecuted on earth. He went on to say, however, that they should rejoice in such treatment because your “reward in heaven is great...” Matt. 5:12.
Believers are justly recompensed in heaven for their conduct and works on earth - as they trust the Lord to do through them His works. All inequities and injustices are more than compensated by the rewards that Christ will distribute to His followers. Whether or not you are now recognized at work or home - whether or not you are treated with due respect, remember that God will honor your obedience for all eternity.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Walk by the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:16-18
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident...” Galatians 5:19. “But the fruit of the Spirit is...” Galatians 5:22.
The distinction here is so critical that it can mean the difference between an enjoyable, profitable, abundant Christian life and a mediocre, vacillating one. Here’s why. Your life and journey as a Christian began through the work of the Spirit and, if it is to be successful, must continue through His work in you.
Once saved, our tendency is to revert to our established behavior patterns to deal with our sin. We do not understand when we fail and try harder and fail again. But resolve and grit could not save us from sin or self, and it will not free us from our problems after we are saved.
What must happen is a transforming dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit. The victorious life is one that abides and rests in and yields to the Spirit of God.
That does not mean that we fail to pray, work, study, read, or accept responsibility. It does mean that we do those things with reliance upon the power of God to liberate us.
How does that happen? By simple faith that God will do it (just as you were saved) and a submissive, obedient heart that looks to and leans on the Spirit of God.
The key: Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident...” Galatians 5:19. “But the fruit of the Spirit is...” Galatians 5:22.
The distinction here is so critical that it can mean the difference between an enjoyable, profitable, abundant Christian life and a mediocre, vacillating one. Here’s why. Your life and journey as a Christian began through the work of the Spirit and, if it is to be successful, must continue through His work in you.
Once saved, our tendency is to revert to our established behavior patterns to deal with our sin. We do not understand when we fail and try harder and fail again. But resolve and grit could not save us from sin or self, and it will not free us from our problems after we are saved.
What must happen is a transforming dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit. The victorious life is one that abides and rests in and yields to the Spirit of God.
That does not mean that we fail to pray, work, study, read, or accept responsibility. It does mean that we do those things with reliance upon the power of God to liberate us.
How does that happen? By simple faith that God will do it (just as you were saved) and a submissive, obedient heart that looks to and leans on the Spirit of God.
The key: Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Understanding the Flesh
“For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:15-25
You are a believer. The deepest yearning of your heart is to know, serve, and please God.
But before you trusted Christ, you had a severe problem with anger. You still do. Before salvation, you grappled daily with depression. Now, as a believer, you still are easily discouraged.
So what do you do? You commit yourself to study the Bible, pray regularly, memorize Scripture dealing with your particular albatross, read books, and listen to CDs.
What is the result? Sometimes temporary conquest but almost always eventual relapse. It all can lead to a very frustrating circle of resolve and regret.
Why does this seem to be such a common experience? Although we became new spiritual creations in Christ at salvation, our minds, emotions, and habits were not automatically transformed.
Once saved, we realize that these old patterns are not compatible with our new identity. Our natural response then is to do all we can to improve our behavior.
While such effort is admirable and makes us feel a little less guilty, it doesn’t work very well. The root cause requires a radical approach that is foreign to our familiar problem-solving techniques.
You are a believer. The deepest yearning of your heart is to know, serve, and please God.
But before you trusted Christ, you had a severe problem with anger. You still do. Before salvation, you grappled daily with depression. Now, as a believer, you still are easily discouraged.
So what do you do? You commit yourself to study the Bible, pray regularly, memorize Scripture dealing with your particular albatross, read books, and listen to CDs.
What is the result? Sometimes temporary conquest but almost always eventual relapse. It all can lead to a very frustrating circle of resolve and regret.
Why does this seem to be such a common experience? Although we became new spiritual creations in Christ at salvation, our minds, emotions, and habits were not automatically transformed.
Once saved, we realize that these old patterns are not compatible with our new identity. Our natural response then is to do all we can to improve our behavior.
While such effort is admirable and makes us feel a little less guilty, it doesn’t work very well. The root cause requires a radical approach that is foreign to our familiar problem-solving techniques.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Spiritual vs. Carnal
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
A veteran U.S. Senator humorously once said how is late father used to describe fence-sitters: “My daddy told me there isn’t anything in the middle of the road except dead skunks and a yellow line.”
His reference was obviously political, but the same principle applies even in the spiritual dimension: Compromise with worldly, fleshly standards does not please anyone, ourselves, or God. And that is exactly where the carnal Christian finds himself: trying as best he can to walk some spiritual middle of the road where he can blend his bent toward self with faith toward God.
Such a state is described by God in more graphic terms: “'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot;...So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16
Why such disgust? Because Jesus must be acknowledged as Lord of all. Receiving Christ is the step on a brand new course of life that can be run only by the wholehearted Christian - as he or she trusts Christ to express His life through them. If you are attempting to hold on to a lifestyle that denies the absolute lordship of Christ, realize the danger and ask Him to take total possession and control of your life.
A veteran U.S. Senator humorously once said how is late father used to describe fence-sitters: “My daddy told me there isn’t anything in the middle of the road except dead skunks and a yellow line.”
His reference was obviously political, but the same principle applies even in the spiritual dimension: Compromise with worldly, fleshly standards does not please anyone, ourselves, or God. And that is exactly where the carnal Christian finds himself: trying as best he can to walk some spiritual middle of the road where he can blend his bent toward self with faith toward God.
Such a state is described by God in more graphic terms: “'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot;...So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16
Why such disgust? Because Jesus must be acknowledged as Lord of all. Receiving Christ is the step on a brand new course of life that can be run only by the wholehearted Christian - as he or she trusts Christ to express His life through them. If you are attempting to hold on to a lifestyle that denies the absolute lordship of Christ, realize the danger and ask Him to take total possession and control of your life.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Light to My Path
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Why is it that we who have had our hearts and minds opened to the truth still seemingly walk in darkness? Often it is because we fail to understand that we must continue in the same light of revelation that first brought us to an awareness of our sin and God’s redemptive plan.
That light is this: simple faith in the Word of God. When we believed what the Scriptures said about our need for the Savior, we were saved.
The same principle applies to every facet of our new life in Christ. The Word of God illumines our earthly journey. We must discover what God’s Word says about our family roles, our finances, our business ethics, our sexuality, our emotions.
Then we must matter-of-factly accept it as truth and apply it diligently. As we do, we find ourselves consistently walking in the light of His revelation.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him....that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:17-18
Why is it that we who have had our hearts and minds opened to the truth still seemingly walk in darkness? Often it is because we fail to understand that we must continue in the same light of revelation that first brought us to an awareness of our sin and God’s redemptive plan.
That light is this: simple faith in the Word of God. When we believed what the Scriptures said about our need for the Savior, we were saved.
The same principle applies to every facet of our new life in Christ. The Word of God illumines our earthly journey. We must discover what God’s Word says about our family roles, our finances, our business ethics, our sexuality, our emotions.
Then we must matter-of-factly accept it as truth and apply it diligently. As we do, we find ourselves consistently walking in the light of His revelation.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him....that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:17-18
Monday, May 25, 2009
To Open Their Eyes
“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Today in our world of over 6 billion people, over one fifth of the population is devoutly Muslim. Another one fifth is allied with ancient Chinese religions. Hundreds of millions more are trapped in Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism; while tens of millions of Americans are committed to the gods of materialism and hedonism.
If they died today, they would catapult into eternity - lost and separated from God. They would perish from eternal disease of spiritual blindness.
Paul was sent by God to the lost Gentiles of his time “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from dominion of Satan to God...”Acts 28:18. No human being can rightly see the Living God or their own sinful state until they encounter and embrace the person of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual blindness can be cured only by personal faith in death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the Gospel, and it is the preaching and receiving of Christ’s atoning work that brings a man finally to see the truth.
For those who haven’t heard, belief in Christ is the cure for spiritual blindness. Darkness prevails until “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” shines in our hearts.
Remember: “...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving...” 2 Cor. 4:4
Our commission is to go into this world with the love of Christ.
Acts 26:16-18
Today in our world of over 6 billion people, over one fifth of the population is devoutly Muslim. Another one fifth is allied with ancient Chinese religions. Hundreds of millions more are trapped in Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism; while tens of millions of Americans are committed to the gods of materialism and hedonism.
If they died today, they would catapult into eternity - lost and separated from God. They would perish from eternal disease of spiritual blindness.
Paul was sent by God to the lost Gentiles of his time “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from dominion of Satan to God...”Acts 28:18. No human being can rightly see the Living God or their own sinful state until they encounter and embrace the person of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual blindness can be cured only by personal faith in death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the Gospel, and it is the preaching and receiving of Christ’s atoning work that brings a man finally to see the truth.
For those who haven’t heard, belief in Christ is the cure for spiritual blindness. Darkness prevails until “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” shines in our hearts.
Remember: “...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving...” 2 Cor. 4:4
Our commission is to go into this world with the love of Christ.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Europe trembled. Hitler’s menacing armies were poised for a strike against Poland. Attempting to appease the dreaded dictator, England’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain traveled to Germany and, on September 29, 1938, signed the infamous Munich pact. Upon his return Chamberlain triumphantly announced: “I believe it is peace for our time.” A short time later Germany invaded Poland, and World War II began.
Was Jesus’ talk of peace like Chamberlain’s optimistic boast? After all, why talk of such when war, violence, greed, and ill will still abound? While Jesus talked much about peace and promised the disciples (and us) that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of the world’s conflict.
That’s why His Passover message concerning peace was immediately followed by this clarification: “...In the world you have tribulation...” John 16:33. Jesus was a realist. There is nothing of evasiveness or idealism in His ministry. How then could He promise peace?
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace...” John 16:33. Christ Himself is our peace. His presence, strength, and comfort are our in every gale; for He is always with us.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Europe trembled. Hitler’s menacing armies were poised for a strike against Poland. Attempting to appease the dreaded dictator, England’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain traveled to Germany and, on September 29, 1938, signed the infamous Munich pact. Upon his return Chamberlain triumphantly announced: “I believe it is peace for our time.” A short time later Germany invaded Poland, and World War II began.
Was Jesus’ talk of peace like Chamberlain’s optimistic boast? After all, why talk of such when war, violence, greed, and ill will still abound? While Jesus talked much about peace and promised the disciples (and us) that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of the world’s conflict.
That’s why His Passover message concerning peace was immediately followed by this clarification: “...In the world you have tribulation...” John 16:33. Jesus was a realist. There is nothing of evasiveness or idealism in His ministry. How then could He promise peace?
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace...” John 16:33. Christ Himself is our peace. His presence, strength, and comfort are our in every gale; for He is always with us.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Spiritual Slippage
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Col. 2:6-7
No-till farming has become a standard practice in the Midwest. To prevent the loss of fertile topsoil, crop stubble is left after harvest instead of plowed under, maximizing dirt and moisture retention. Spiritual slippage can likewise be minimized and steady growth fostered as the Holy Spirit applies these time-tested principles to the soil of our souls:
A renewed concentration on the Word of God. We become “firmly rooted” in Christ as the principles and power of God’s Word are implanted into our minds and woven into our behavior. Regular reading, studying, and meditating upon the Scriptures add solid layers of Christlike character to our lives which act as invisible sea walls against the forces of spiritual erosion.
A heightened attention to worship and praise. The less awesome God becomes in our eyes, the easier it is to drift. Praise and adoration lead to an exalted view of God and restore our spiritual passion.
A revived focus on service to others. Ministering to the practical needs of others is a great stimulus for reversing spiritual erosion because it releases the power and love of God.
You can regain the joy, peace, and confidence you once had in your relationship with Christ. Apply at least one principle today, and watch God rebuild your life.
No-till farming has become a standard practice in the Midwest. To prevent the loss of fertile topsoil, crop stubble is left after harvest instead of plowed under, maximizing dirt and moisture retention. Spiritual slippage can likewise be minimized and steady growth fostered as the Holy Spirit applies these time-tested principles to the soil of our souls:
A renewed concentration on the Word of God. We become “firmly rooted” in Christ as the principles and power of God’s Word are implanted into our minds and woven into our behavior. Regular reading, studying, and meditating upon the Scriptures add solid layers of Christlike character to our lives which act as invisible sea walls against the forces of spiritual erosion.
A heightened attention to worship and praise. The less awesome God becomes in our eyes, the easier it is to drift. Praise and adoration lead to an exalted view of God and restore our spiritual passion.
A revived focus on service to others. Ministering to the practical needs of others is a great stimulus for reversing spiritual erosion because it releases the power and love of God.
You can regain the joy, peace, and confidence you once had in your relationship with Christ. Apply at least one principle today, and watch God rebuild your life.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Spiritual Erosion
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:10-11
J.P. Phillips translates verse 11 this way:
“Let us keep the fires of the spirit burning, as we do our work for the Lord.” Rom. 12:11 (Phillips)
Like water cutting a channel through rock, spiritual erosion happens slowly but surely. The believer who started out with great zeal in adolescence is on the verge of complacency in his thirties. The heart that was once stirred by the Scriptures is now indifferent to them.
Such decline happens so subtly that we are often unaware of it’s deadly work. It often comes through these almost imperceptible means:
A gradual shift from devotion to performance. Christ commended the church at Ephesus for their ceaseless labor but admonished them for neglecting their “first love” (Rev. 2:4). Spiritual attrition is inevitable when our passion for Christ becomes secondary to our deeds.
A gradual change from commitment to convenience. Faithfulness in little things is the stuff disciples are made of. When our relationship to Christ is structured to fit into our tidy agendas, spiritual decline sets in. Christ demands our all - both in season and out of season. We will not move on to spiritual maturity if we keep making excuses for why we cannot press on to know God.
A gradual change from repentance to tolerance of sin. As our love for and commitment to Christ wanes, it becomes easier to condone our sins instead of repenting of them. Such sins then establish strongholds in our lives and frustrate our growth.
J.P. Phillips translates verse 11 this way:
“Let us keep the fires of the spirit burning, as we do our work for the Lord.” Rom. 12:11 (Phillips)
Like water cutting a channel through rock, spiritual erosion happens slowly but surely. The believer who started out with great zeal in adolescence is on the verge of complacency in his thirties. The heart that was once stirred by the Scriptures is now indifferent to them.
Such decline happens so subtly that we are often unaware of it’s deadly work. It often comes through these almost imperceptible means:
A gradual shift from devotion to performance. Christ commended the church at Ephesus for their ceaseless labor but admonished them for neglecting their “first love” (Rev. 2:4). Spiritual attrition is inevitable when our passion for Christ becomes secondary to our deeds.
A gradual change from commitment to convenience. Faithfulness in little things is the stuff disciples are made of. When our relationship to Christ is structured to fit into our tidy agendas, spiritual decline sets in. Christ demands our all - both in season and out of season. We will not move on to spiritual maturity if we keep making excuses for why we cannot press on to know God.
A gradual change from repentance to tolerance of sin. As our love for and commitment to Christ wanes, it becomes easier to condone our sins instead of repenting of them. Such sins then establish strongholds in our lives and frustrate our growth.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Building Truth into Our Lives
“...and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind...” Eph. 4:23
How then do we build truth into our lives? First, we must rely on the conviction and instruction of the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit of truth” alone can reveal our personal inconsistencies and impart transforming truth (John 14:17). He guides us into the otherwise inscrutable ways of God.
Second, we must develop an unceasing concentration on God’s Word. The body of Scriptures - from Genesis to Revelation - is “the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) and “the message of truth” (Eph. 1:13). The Word of God is our complete specification list for abundant living.
Third, we must be committed to a life of prayer. It is through communion and interaction with our Heavenly Father that we allow the Spirit and the Word to do Their transforming work. Prayer allows us to sift our needs, desires, and troubles through the mind and will of God, gaining His discernment and guidance.
Fourth, we must have the courage to act. Truth can never be left on the table. It must be applied if we are to receive it’s consequences. It is not just knowing but doing that makes truth relevant.
In cultivating the above disciplines, our entire thought processes are altered to conform to God’s pattern for living, and our lives become solid reflections of His image.
How then do we build truth into our lives? First, we must rely on the conviction and instruction of the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit of truth” alone can reveal our personal inconsistencies and impart transforming truth (John 14:17). He guides us into the otherwise inscrutable ways of God.
Second, we must develop an unceasing concentration on God’s Word. The body of Scriptures - from Genesis to Revelation - is “the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) and “the message of truth” (Eph. 1:13). The Word of God is our complete specification list for abundant living.
Third, we must be committed to a life of prayer. It is through communion and interaction with our Heavenly Father that we allow the Spirit and the Word to do Their transforming work. Prayer allows us to sift our needs, desires, and troubles through the mind and will of God, gaining His discernment and guidance.
Fourth, we must have the courage to act. Truth can never be left on the table. It must be applied if we are to receive it’s consequences. It is not just knowing but doing that makes truth relevant.
In cultivating the above disciplines, our entire thought processes are altered to conform to God’s pattern for living, and our lives become solid reflections of His image.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
As a Man Thinks
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you.” Proverbs 23:7
Long before the rattle of hammers and buzzing of saws come to a residential or commercial building site, the contractor has an architectural blueprint in hand. Pipes, nails, shingles, studs, joists, ceilings, rooms, windows - in essence, the entire finished product - merely follow the detailed rendering.
Our growth as Christians has this one striking similarity: Our measurable, visible behavior inevitably follows our mental blueprint. What we do - and what others see - is an expression of our internal mindset.
That is why Jesus said obviously identifiable acts - such as murder, theft, and adultery - stem from an inner evil. The thought precedes the act. Real change, thus, proceeds from the inside out - from our thinking to our living.
The world’s bent toward greed and self-protection must be abandoned. Our old habits that have cut deep thought patterns into our psychological and emotional grid systems can no longer be trusted.
Christ’s death for our sins makes possible not just a new destiny but a radically new outlook on all of life. Thus, our minds must be made wholly new each day. Such transformation begins, continues, and ends through the daily intake of God’s supernatural change-agent - divine truth.
Long before the rattle of hammers and buzzing of saws come to a residential or commercial building site, the contractor has an architectural blueprint in hand. Pipes, nails, shingles, studs, joists, ceilings, rooms, windows - in essence, the entire finished product - merely follow the detailed rendering.
Our growth as Christians has this one striking similarity: Our measurable, visible behavior inevitably follows our mental blueprint. What we do - and what others see - is an expression of our internal mindset.
That is why Jesus said obviously identifiable acts - such as murder, theft, and adultery - stem from an inner evil. The thought precedes the act. Real change, thus, proceeds from the inside out - from our thinking to our living.
The world’s bent toward greed and self-protection must be abandoned. Our old habits that have cut deep thought patterns into our psychological and emotional grid systems can no longer be trusted.
Christ’s death for our sins makes possible not just a new destiny but a radically new outlook on all of life. Thus, our minds must be made wholly new each day. Such transformation begins, continues, and ends through the daily intake of God’s supernatural change-agent - divine truth.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Growing in Our World View
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20
Unfortunately “pea-sized Christianity” is not a rare disease. If we’re honest, we must admit it affects all believers to some degree.
But there is a remedy. God can kick out our self-oriented walls and open our spiritual eyes to the staggering, compelling view of the world as He sees it.
Bryant outlines some basic, practical suggestions that can transform our telescopic Christianity into a wide-angled thoroughfare of God’s far-reaching plan of world redemption. He calls it “the 5-4-3-2 plan”:
“5 - Spend five minutes sometime each day in personal devotions, discovering something of what Scripture teaches about Christ’s global cause.
4 - Spend an additional four minutes reading current world-related literature such as a magazine article.
3 - Every day take three minutes to carry out a mission to the world through intercessory prayer.
2 - Sometime each day, in personal conversation with another Christian, share for two minutes what God has given you in the previous twelve minutes of building your vision and reaching out in prayer.”
Each of these activities cultivates the soil that will nourish God’s world view.
Unfortunately “pea-sized Christianity” is not a rare disease. If we’re honest, we must admit it affects all believers to some degree.
But there is a remedy. God can kick out our self-oriented walls and open our spiritual eyes to the staggering, compelling view of the world as He sees it.
Bryant outlines some basic, practical suggestions that can transform our telescopic Christianity into a wide-angled thoroughfare of God’s far-reaching plan of world redemption. He calls it “the 5-4-3-2 plan”:
“5 - Spend five minutes sometime each day in personal devotions, discovering something of what Scripture teaches about Christ’s global cause.
4 - Spend an additional four minutes reading current world-related literature such as a magazine article.
3 - Every day take three minutes to carry out a mission to the world through intercessory prayer.
2 - Sometime each day, in personal conversation with another Christian, share for two minutes what God has given you in the previous twelve minutes of building your vision and reaching out in prayer.”
Each of these activities cultivates the soil that will nourish God’s world view.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Pea-Sized Christianity
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20
In his book, In the Gap, David Bryant coins a term to identify the average Christian’s reluctance for missionary involvement:
“Underneath disinterest in the world outreach, underneath small missions budgets or limited personnel and the scandal of billions yet unreached, hides a culprit I call ‘pea-sized Christianity.’
...There is a pea-sized box called convert Christianity - life in Christ gets no bigger than making it safely inside the kingdom. Or there’s character Christianity - life in Christ gets no bigger than pulling one’s own spiritual act together.
When life in Christ is no bigger than the warm, secure fellowship I have each week with my good Christian buddies, I’m in a box of cloister Christianity. Or when life in Christ is no bigger for me than getting nicely settled in a good-paying job after graduation, then I’m trapped in career Christianity. Many of us are groping around the box of church Christianity - the Sunday school picnic, the choir’s Christmas pageant.
In summary, when my Christian experience expands no further than my salvation or a small group or church or future, it’s pea-sized. When my activities...don’t link me to the reaching of the earth’s unreached people, I’ve succumbed to pea-sized Christianity.”
In his book, In the Gap, David Bryant coins a term to identify the average Christian’s reluctance for missionary involvement:
“Underneath disinterest in the world outreach, underneath small missions budgets or limited personnel and the scandal of billions yet unreached, hides a culprit I call ‘pea-sized Christianity.’
...There is a pea-sized box called convert Christianity - life in Christ gets no bigger than making it safely inside the kingdom. Or there’s character Christianity - life in Christ gets no bigger than pulling one’s own spiritual act together.
When life in Christ is no bigger than the warm, secure fellowship I have each week with my good Christian buddies, I’m in a box of cloister Christianity. Or when life in Christ is no bigger for me than getting nicely settled in a good-paying job after graduation, then I’m trapped in career Christianity. Many of us are groping around the box of church Christianity - the Sunday school picnic, the choir’s Christmas pageant.
In summary, when my Christian experience expands no further than my salvation or a small group or church or future, it’s pea-sized. When my activities...don’t link me to the reaching of the earth’s unreached people, I’ve succumbed to pea-sized Christianity.”
Friday, May 15, 2009
...Pray On My Behalf
"Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." And Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” Exodus 17:8-13
It is evident in many of the Apostle Paul's letters that he considered the prayers of God's people vital to his missionary success. To the Romans he wrote, "Now I urge you, brethren,... to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" Romans 15:30
Of the Ephesians, he asked, "And pray on my behalf... to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel" Ephesians 6:19.
No less today do we need the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ through intercessory prayer. We are supernaturally aided through the meaningful petitions of others.
Our struggles against sin, Satan, and the world system are far too demanding for solo spiritual warriors. Even the best of men, like Moses, face dangerous spiritual foes. Our spirits are willing, but our frail bodies often crumble beneath the load. Reinforcement comes specifically through the sincere prayers of Christian brethren who go boldly before God on our behalf.
Do you have someone who can bear your burdens? Can others lean on you? The answer could be the difference between prevailing or failing - for you and your brother or sister.
It is evident in many of the Apostle Paul's letters that he considered the prayers of God's people vital to his missionary success. To the Romans he wrote, "Now I urge you, brethren,... to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" Romans 15:30
Of the Ephesians, he asked, "And pray on my behalf... to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel" Ephesians 6:19.
No less today do we need the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ through intercessory prayer. We are supernaturally aided through the meaningful petitions of others.
Our struggles against sin, Satan, and the world system are far too demanding for solo spiritual warriors. Even the best of men, like Moses, face dangerous spiritual foes. Our spirits are willing, but our frail bodies often crumble beneath the load. Reinforcement comes specifically through the sincere prayers of Christian brethren who go boldly before God on our behalf.
Do you have someone who can bear your burdens? Can others lean on you? The answer could be the difference between prevailing or failing - for you and your brother or sister.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Don't Be A Fool
"And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a certain rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "And he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry." ' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:16-21
In Jesus' parable of the rich fool that Jesus told, recorded in Luke 12:16-21, the man had amassed so much material wealth that he needed to tear down his existing barns and build bigger ones. The he told himself, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come, take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."
In the Cotton Patch Gospel. bu Clarence Jordan, the rich man decides to, "Recline, dine, wine, and shine, fool!"
Borneaux, a French painter, musing about this parable, was so moved over it, he took out a canvas, a pallet, paint and brush and began to paint the scene. He painted a man sitting behind a desk, rather portly in size, several bags of money on the front of his desk. Behind him was a shelf, on which was a small bag, as if for a very special purpose. Outside the window of that man's home was a bumper crop blowing in the afternoon breeze and warm sunshine beating down on it.
Then Borneaux painted the opposite side of the canvas. Same man, same desk, same bags of money, same little treasured bag beside him on the shelf, same crops, same window, but now everything was covered with dust.
The death angel had his hand on the man's shoulder. And the angel's lips were pursed, as if to say, "Fool...fool."
Remember, what the writer said- 'Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!'
In Jesus' parable of the rich fool that Jesus told, recorded in Luke 12:16-21, the man had amassed so much material wealth that he needed to tear down his existing barns and build bigger ones. The he told himself, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come, take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."
In the Cotton Patch Gospel. bu Clarence Jordan, the rich man decides to, "Recline, dine, wine, and shine, fool!"
Borneaux, a French painter, musing about this parable, was so moved over it, he took out a canvas, a pallet, paint and brush and began to paint the scene. He painted a man sitting behind a desk, rather portly in size, several bags of money on the front of his desk. Behind him was a shelf, on which was a small bag, as if for a very special purpose. Outside the window of that man's home was a bumper crop blowing in the afternoon breeze and warm sunshine beating down on it.
Then Borneaux painted the opposite side of the canvas. Same man, same desk, same bags of money, same little treasured bag beside him on the shelf, same crops, same window, but now everything was covered with dust.
The death angel had his hand on the man's shoulder. And the angel's lips were pursed, as if to say, "Fool...fool."
Remember, what the writer said- 'Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!'
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Materialism
“Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
When you fix your eyes on things, invariably it leads to materialism. you fix your eyes on things and you will continually be attracted to gadgets, money, an abundance of the plastic, chrome, metal, wood, all the elements about us. You will continually be dissatisfied. The millionaire, John D. Rockefeller, was asked one time, "How much does it take to satisfy a man completely?" He said, "It takes a little bit more than he has."
We live in a very material world - the problem is that 'things' won't make you happy. They can't satisfy your soul, nor will they get you to heaven. The problem however is not you owning things - but the things in life owning you. Idolatry is placing things before God.
There is only one God and He needs to have first place in your life!
When you fix your eyes on things, invariably it leads to materialism. you fix your eyes on things and you will continually be attracted to gadgets, money, an abundance of the plastic, chrome, metal, wood, all the elements about us. You will continually be dissatisfied. The millionaire, John D. Rockefeller, was asked one time, "How much does it take to satisfy a man completely?" He said, "It takes a little bit more than he has."
We live in a very material world - the problem is that 'things' won't make you happy. They can't satisfy your soul, nor will they get you to heaven. The problem however is not you owning things - but the things in life owning you. Idolatry is placing things before God.
There is only one God and He needs to have first place in your life!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Five Truths About Money
"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much. But the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. As he had come naked from his mother's womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. And this also is a grievous evil-- exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So, what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?" Eccles. 5:10-16
Dr. Karl Menninger once asked a very wealthy patient, "What on earth are you going to do with all of that money?" The patient replied, a bit reluctantly. "Just worry about it, I suppose." Well, Menninger went on, "Do you get that much pleasure out of worrying about it?" "No," replied the patient, "but I get such terror when I think of giving some of it to somebody else."
That is exactly what Solomon is talking about in our passage. Look again at this passage from Ecclesiastes and let me give you five truths about money.
Verse 10 - The more you have, the more you want.
Verse 11 - The more you have, the more you spend.
Verse 12 - The more you have, the more you worry.
Verse 13, 14 - The more you have, the more you lose.
Verse 15, 16 - The more you have, the more you leave!
Don't let money be your god!!!
Being a good steward means that you understand everything you have belongs to God.
Let God lead you, teach you, and guide you in your stewardship, and always remember you can't out give God.
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. As he had come naked from his mother's womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. And this also is a grievous evil-- exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So, what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?" Eccles. 5:10-16
Dr. Karl Menninger once asked a very wealthy patient, "What on earth are you going to do with all of that money?" The patient replied, a bit reluctantly. "Just worry about it, I suppose." Well, Menninger went on, "Do you get that much pleasure out of worrying about it?" "No," replied the patient, "but I get such terror when I think of giving some of it to somebody else."
That is exactly what Solomon is talking about in our passage. Look again at this passage from Ecclesiastes and let me give you five truths about money.
Verse 10 - The more you have, the more you want.
Verse 11 - The more you have, the more you spend.
Verse 12 - The more you have, the more you worry.
Verse 13, 14 - The more you have, the more you lose.
Verse 15, 16 - The more you have, the more you leave!
Don't let money be your god!!!
Being a good steward means that you understand everything you have belongs to God.
Let God lead you, teach you, and guide you in your stewardship, and always remember you can't out give God.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Where Are We Heading?
“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” 1 Cor. 5:6
Are you concerned at all with the morality of our country? Where are we heading? People just don’t seem to care and if you have morales you are looked at with a skeptical attitude. How far have we come? Read what one magazine wrote:
“On typical nights, television networks run show after show of police activities, social problems, sexual problems, perversion.
For example, on a Christmas Eve, a married couple separate after a fight; there’s a drunk in a bar menacing people with a broken bottle; a priest is killed viciously in a church; a drunken driver is there; there’s a stripper; a Peeping Tom; six other killings; and more than a half-dozen woundings.
Researchers have found that by the time an American child reaches the age of eighteen, he has spent more than 20,000 hours before the television set, much more than he does in any of the classrooms.
Last season, television showed the rape of a housewife, the story of a prostitute’s life, and a homosexual couple living together - topics that were unmentionable on air not long ago.
The morning and afternoon ‘soap operas’ of the ‘70s continue to mirror a version of the ‘typical’ American life that includes abortion, premarital sex, extramarital relationships, blackmail, murder, drugs, wiretapping, and embezzlement.
Violence is so much a part of television’s simulated ‘real life,’ that studies have shown that it may occur five to nine times in one hour in ‘prime-time’ television, as often as thirty times an hour during Saturday morning and after-school cartoons. In studying the responses of 120 boys from the ages of five to fourteen, researchers found clear evidence that ‘heavy TV watchers’ were no longer shocked or horrified by violence...
It will be difficult for children who are raised in this era when they reach adult life to be decision-makers about right and wrong, because they have been without guidelines. They will have no idea what moral concepts are all about.”
This was in U.S. News and World Report October 13, 1975. What was shocking then, is old hat today. We are deadening the moral compass of our current generation. Where will we be in 10-20 years from now?
Are you concerned at all with the morality of our country? Where are we heading? People just don’t seem to care and if you have morales you are looked at with a skeptical attitude. How far have we come? Read what one magazine wrote:
“On typical nights, television networks run show after show of police activities, social problems, sexual problems, perversion.
For example, on a Christmas Eve, a married couple separate after a fight; there’s a drunk in a bar menacing people with a broken bottle; a priest is killed viciously in a church; a drunken driver is there; there’s a stripper; a Peeping Tom; six other killings; and more than a half-dozen woundings.
Researchers have found that by the time an American child reaches the age of eighteen, he has spent more than 20,000 hours before the television set, much more than he does in any of the classrooms.
Last season, television showed the rape of a housewife, the story of a prostitute’s life, and a homosexual couple living together - topics that were unmentionable on air not long ago.
The morning and afternoon ‘soap operas’ of the ‘70s continue to mirror a version of the ‘typical’ American life that includes abortion, premarital sex, extramarital relationships, blackmail, murder, drugs, wiretapping, and embezzlement.
Violence is so much a part of television’s simulated ‘real life,’ that studies have shown that it may occur five to nine times in one hour in ‘prime-time’ television, as often as thirty times an hour during Saturday morning and after-school cartoons. In studying the responses of 120 boys from the ages of five to fourteen, researchers found clear evidence that ‘heavy TV watchers’ were no longer shocked or horrified by violence...
It will be difficult for children who are raised in this era when they reach adult life to be decision-makers about right and wrong, because they have been without guidelines. They will have no idea what moral concepts are all about.”
This was in U.S. News and World Report October 13, 1975. What was shocking then, is old hat today. We are deadening the moral compass of our current generation. Where will we be in 10-20 years from now?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
What is a Mother?
“Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:28-30
Somewhere between the youthful energy of a teenager and the golden years of a woman’s life, there lives a marvelous and loving person known as “Mother.”
A mother is a curious mixture of patience, kindness, understanding, discipline, industriousness, purity, and love.
A mother can be, at one and the same time, both “lovelorn counselor” to a heartsick daughter and “head football coach” to an athletic son.
A mother can sew the tiniest stitch in the material for that dainty prom dress, and she is equally experienced in threading through the heaviest traffic with a station wagon.
A mother is the only creature on earth who can cry when she’s happy, laugh when she’s heartbroken, and work when she’s feeling ill.
A mother is as gentle as a lamb and as strong as a giant. Only a mother can appear so weak and helpless, and yet, be the same one who puts the fruit jar cover on so tightly even Dad can’t get it off.
A mother is a picture of helplessness when Dad is near, and a marvel of resourcefulness when she’s all alone.
A mother has the angelic voice of a member in the celestial choir as she sings Brahms lullaby to a babe held tight in her arms; yet this same voice can dwarf the sound of an amplifier when she calls her boys in for supper.
A mother has the fascinating ability to be almost everywhere at once, and she alone can somehow squeeze an enormous amount of living into an average day.
A mother is “old-fashioned” to her teenager, just “Mom” to her third-grader, and simply “Mama” to little two-year old sister.
But there is no greater thrill in life, than to point to that wonderful woman and be able to say to all the world, “That’s my mother!”
- Fred Kruse
Somewhere between the youthful energy of a teenager and the golden years of a woman’s life, there lives a marvelous and loving person known as “Mother.”
A mother is a curious mixture of patience, kindness, understanding, discipline, industriousness, purity, and love.
A mother can be, at one and the same time, both “lovelorn counselor” to a heartsick daughter and “head football coach” to an athletic son.
A mother can sew the tiniest stitch in the material for that dainty prom dress, and she is equally experienced in threading through the heaviest traffic with a station wagon.
A mother is the only creature on earth who can cry when she’s happy, laugh when she’s heartbroken, and work when she’s feeling ill.
A mother is as gentle as a lamb and as strong as a giant. Only a mother can appear so weak and helpless, and yet, be the same one who puts the fruit jar cover on so tightly even Dad can’t get it off.
A mother is a picture of helplessness when Dad is near, and a marvel of resourcefulness when she’s all alone.
A mother has the angelic voice of a member in the celestial choir as she sings Brahms lullaby to a babe held tight in her arms; yet this same voice can dwarf the sound of an amplifier when she calls her boys in for supper.
A mother has the fascinating ability to be almost everywhere at once, and she alone can somehow squeeze an enormous amount of living into an average day.
A mother is “old-fashioned” to her teenager, just “Mom” to her third-grader, and simply “Mama” to little two-year old sister.
But there is no greater thrill in life, than to point to that wonderful woman and be able to say to all the world, “That’s my mother!”
- Fred Kruse
Friday, May 8, 2009
Learn To Hate Sin
“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding, and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king's court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily ration from the king's choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king's personal service. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach, and to Azariah Abed-nego.
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:3-8
There is a form of training still practiced in many homes which has lasting effects. How many little mouths each day utter some naughty word of exclamation and soon experience the strong, pungent taste of a bar of hand soap?
In much the same way. God uses adversity to help us remember consequences of sin. The smell, the taste, the texture, the duration of the consequences are forever drilled into our memories.
“How terrible,” some say. The consequences of disobedience may be terrible, but they come only after being sifted through the loving hands of God the Father.
The consequences of sin which we endure are a constant motivation for every child of God to develop a keen hatred and aversion to any type of evil.
Actually, it is love that motivates God. His desire is to protect us from what He knows can destroy us and our future effectiveness. Sin robs us of potential opportunities and blessings which God has provided.
If you have not developed a hatred or aversion to sin, you can expect adversity’s arrival.
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:3-8
There is a form of training still practiced in many homes which has lasting effects. How many little mouths each day utter some naughty word of exclamation and soon experience the strong, pungent taste of a bar of hand soap?
In much the same way. God uses adversity to help us remember consequences of sin. The smell, the taste, the texture, the duration of the consequences are forever drilled into our memories.
“How terrible,” some say. The consequences of disobedience may be terrible, but they come only after being sifted through the loving hands of God the Father.
The consequences of sin which we endure are a constant motivation for every child of God to develop a keen hatred and aversion to any type of evil.
Actually, it is love that motivates God. His desire is to protect us from what He knows can destroy us and our future effectiveness. Sin robs us of potential opportunities and blessings which God has provided.
If you have not developed a hatred or aversion to sin, you can expect adversity’s arrival.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Our Anchor Holds
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” I Peter 1:1-5
How do you face trials and difficulties that come into your life?
The only viable foundation for your life is an absolute faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Those without Christ seek to deaden the pain of circumstances with one or more of Satan’s substitutes. Some drink, smoke, sniff, or shout their way to a “high,” while others attempt to brighten their depressed spirit with amusements, entertainment, or activities. Some silence their suffering in a more drastic manner by taking their own life in a desperate act of suicide.
All those responses to difficultly have a common denominator - life is out of control - “I don’t know how to cope.” “I don’t know how to handle it.”
When one is born again and had spiritual life, they anchor their life upon the Rock, Jesus Christ. That Anchor or Foundation cannot be moved. And because you are rooted to that Foundation, you are rooted to that Foundation, you are not thrown into utter chaos when difficulties arise. You may still feel you can’t cope, but the One Who resides within you is the same Who said to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still” Mark 4:39
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” I Peter 1:1-5
How do you face trials and difficulties that come into your life?
The only viable foundation for your life is an absolute faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Those without Christ seek to deaden the pain of circumstances with one or more of Satan’s substitutes. Some drink, smoke, sniff, or shout their way to a “high,” while others attempt to brighten their depressed spirit with amusements, entertainment, or activities. Some silence their suffering in a more drastic manner by taking their own life in a desperate act of suicide.
All those responses to difficultly have a common denominator - life is out of control - “I don’t know how to cope.” “I don’t know how to handle it.”
When one is born again and had spiritual life, they anchor their life upon the Rock, Jesus Christ. That Anchor or Foundation cannot be moved. And because you are rooted to that Foundation, you are rooted to that Foundation, you are not thrown into utter chaos when difficulties arise. You may still feel you can’t cope, but the One Who resides within you is the same Who said to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still” Mark 4:39
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Committed To Do What Is Right
“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” Genesis 22:1-3
Most often when the issue of discipleship, commitment, or adversity is discussed, the focus centers on God’s discipline in our lives. But there is a source of adversity which must also be taken into consideration - the persecution of believers because of their faithfulness to God, not their disobedience.
Adversity has as its purpose the development of perseverance, character, and hope. Its result is godliness and righteousness in the life of one who responds correctly.
We are admonished in James to rejoice in the midst of trials, seeing that they result in patience, perfection and completeness, lacking in nothing. So, trials (adversities) are God’s tool for developing stability and bringing us to maturity. James 1:2-4
Jesus said, “... you have tribulation” John 16:33. Paul mirrored this thought in II Timothy 3:12-17.
Adversity in the form of persecution can be expected for the believer. It is normal and natural. Be prepared for it. Take heart in Christ’s declaration. “...but take courage; I have overcome the world” John 16:33. And so can you.
Most often when the issue of discipleship, commitment, or adversity is discussed, the focus centers on God’s discipline in our lives. But there is a source of adversity which must also be taken into consideration - the persecution of believers because of their faithfulness to God, not their disobedience.
Adversity has as its purpose the development of perseverance, character, and hope. Its result is godliness and righteousness in the life of one who responds correctly.
We are admonished in James to rejoice in the midst of trials, seeing that they result in patience, perfection and completeness, lacking in nothing. So, trials (adversities) are God’s tool for developing stability and bringing us to maturity. James 1:2-4
Jesus said, “... you have tribulation” John 16:33. Paul mirrored this thought in II Timothy 3:12-17.
Adversity in the form of persecution can be expected for the believer. It is normal and natural. Be prepared for it. Take heart in Christ’s declaration. “...but take courage; I have overcome the world” John 16:33. And so can you.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
One, Who Has Been There
“...but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.” I Peter 4:13
What so you think of first when you hear the name “The Apostle Peter”?
Peter was a powerful man. If he were born into today’s society, he might still be a fisherman or a football player or a construction worker - certainly someone who muscles his way through life.
Peter was a man of steel, yet he was also a man of great weakness. How much like Peter are we at times? We make great promises but find it difficult at best to fulfill them.
Resistance? It flattens us. Criticism? We will wilt under its heat. Testing? We come up with a failing grade.
Committed? Yes. No doubt about that. But are we able to carry our commitment into practice?
Openly admit your inability and weakness. See yourself for who you are. Only then are you willing to admit the same to God.
Maybe because of Peter’s experience with disappointment and failure, he became one of the great encouragers to those going through the same type of situation.
Read the entire book of I Peter. You will encounter the counsel of a godly man who learned how to respond to the call to commitment.
What so you think of first when you hear the name “The Apostle Peter”?
Peter was a powerful man. If he were born into today’s society, he might still be a fisherman or a football player or a construction worker - certainly someone who muscles his way through life.
Peter was a man of steel, yet he was also a man of great weakness. How much like Peter are we at times? We make great promises but find it difficult at best to fulfill them.
Resistance? It flattens us. Criticism? We will wilt under its heat. Testing? We come up with a failing grade.
Committed? Yes. No doubt about that. But are we able to carry our commitment into practice?
Openly admit your inability and weakness. See yourself for who you are. Only then are you willing to admit the same to God.
Maybe because of Peter’s experience with disappointment and failure, he became one of the great encouragers to those going through the same type of situation.
Read the entire book of I Peter. You will encounter the counsel of a godly man who learned how to respond to the call to commitment.
Monday, May 4, 2009
True Discipleship
“As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. "And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."” John 6:66-69
When confronted with Jesus’ penetrating question, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Peter makes one of the truly outstanding statements found in the Gospel accounts. Do his words stir your own heart?
“Lord, to who shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” John 6:68
Peter was a follower of Christ. His example leaves us a pattern for following Christ today. These requirements lead to true discipleship.
• Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
The way we develop this sensitivity is to practice a lifestyle of obedience to the truths and principles of God.
• Service to others in the name of Jesus
• Sacrifice
Without sacrifice, we know little about the character of God.
• Self-denial
One of the hindrances to God’s work in our lives is the presence of pride. Much of pride stems from an attitude of self-sufficiency which leaves no room for God’s provision.
• Suffering
Sharing the suffering of others is essential to following Christ. Those who have suffered are often the most sensitive and helpful to those who are suffering.
Allow these five requirements to develop in you a true heart set on a course of following Christ.
When confronted with Jesus’ penetrating question, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Peter makes one of the truly outstanding statements found in the Gospel accounts. Do his words stir your own heart?
“Lord, to who shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” John 6:68
Peter was a follower of Christ. His example leaves us a pattern for following Christ today. These requirements lead to true discipleship.
• Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
The way we develop this sensitivity is to practice a lifestyle of obedience to the truths and principles of God.
• Service to others in the name of Jesus
• Sacrifice
Without sacrifice, we know little about the character of God.
• Self-denial
One of the hindrances to God’s work in our lives is the presence of pride. Much of pride stems from an attitude of self-sufficiency which leaves no room for God’s provision.
• Suffering
Sharing the suffering of others is essential to following Christ. Those who have suffered are often the most sensitive and helpful to those who are suffering.
Allow these five requirements to develop in you a true heart set on a course of following Christ.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Why Adversity?
“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 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.” Romans 8:26-28
We tend to build an impenetrable wall around our lives which will give the impression that we have our ‘act together,’ that we are one of the strong ones, unaffected by the things that frustrate, hurt, or destroy others.
In building this wall, we put ourselves in opposition to God’s intended work in and through our lives. We position ourselves as prime candidates to receive great adversity.
The conflict of the world system and the principles of God’s kingdom collide when the issue of adversity arises. The world says, “Only the strong survive. To the victor (the strong, best, winner) go the spoils.”
But Jesus said "...the meek shall inherit the earth - the poor in spirit, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who are persecuted are truly blessed. Matthew 5:3-11
If you find yourself now in an adverse situation, use the experience to examine yourself. Are you responding just like your unsaved friends? Allow adversity the opportunity to draw you closer to Christ.
Remember this thought -
Adversity is God’s way of reminding us of our dependence on Him!
We tend to build an impenetrable wall around our lives which will give the impression that we have our ‘act together,’ that we are one of the strong ones, unaffected by the things that frustrate, hurt, or destroy others.
In building this wall, we put ourselves in opposition to God’s intended work in and through our lives. We position ourselves as prime candidates to receive great adversity.
The conflict of the world system and the principles of God’s kingdom collide when the issue of adversity arises. The world says, “Only the strong survive. To the victor (the strong, best, winner) go the spoils.”
But Jesus said "...the meek shall inherit the earth - the poor in spirit, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who are persecuted are truly blessed. Matthew 5:3-11
If you find yourself now in an adverse situation, use the experience to examine yourself. Are you responding just like your unsaved friends? Allow adversity the opportunity to draw you closer to Christ.
Remember this thought -
Adversity is God’s way of reminding us of our dependence on Him!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Who Is Your Focus?
“And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me-- to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. II Cor. 12:7-10
What is your basis for handling the difficulties, disappointments, trials, and tragedies which come your way? Your response is absolutely crucial.
Unless you understand God’s purpose for allowing adversity, more than likely you will respond wrongly, and a wrong response may destroy the tremendous outcome God planned for that difficult experience.
Some of those we admire most are people who have been willing for God to put them through the valley of adversity to make them a blessing to someone else. Do you have that kind of concern for others?
One of God’s great purposes for allowing adversity is to purify our faith.
God may send adversity to remove from us the very thing we hold dear or that thing in which we place our security. Often we force God to send adversity because we choose to misdirect our faith.
God alone is to be the object of our faith.
Check where your loyalties and affections have their root. Is it still in God Who has blessed you - or are your focusing on the blessing and ignoring the Blesser?
What is your basis for handling the difficulties, disappointments, trials, and tragedies which come your way? Your response is absolutely crucial.
Unless you understand God’s purpose for allowing adversity, more than likely you will respond wrongly, and a wrong response may destroy the tremendous outcome God planned for that difficult experience.
Some of those we admire most are people who have been willing for God to put them through the valley of adversity to make them a blessing to someone else. Do you have that kind of concern for others?
One of God’s great purposes for allowing adversity is to purify our faith.
God may send adversity to remove from us the very thing we hold dear or that thing in which we place our security. Often we force God to send adversity because we choose to misdirect our faith.
God alone is to be the object of our faith.
Check where your loyalties and affections have their root. Is it still in God Who has blessed you - or are your focusing on the blessing and ignoring the Blesser?
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