Gift of Prophecy

“...so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:5-8

Mention the word prophecy, and most people associate it with foretelling the future. The New Testament reference to prophecy deals specifically with speaking forth the truth, not foretelling the future. Let’s look at the basic motivation of the believer with the gift of prophecy.

He or she is very concerned with discovering what God is saying, and they are very sensitive about the individual through whom that message comes. This believer is one who sees things in black and white. They depend strongly upon the validation of Scripture. He or she is intent on spotting evil or hypocrisy. They are of leadership material and will challenge and motivate others to a deep commitment to Christ.

Each gift can be identified by certain characteristics in our lives. The following list indicates qualities which will surface when we follow God’s Spirit or our own self-will:
Spirit / Flesh
Committed to Truth / Deceptive
Obedient / Willful
Sincere / Hypocritical
Virtue (purity) / Defilement
Boldness / Fearful
Forgiving / Rejecting
Persuasive / Argumentative

Hold Fast

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!’
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:1-4

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

The Apostle Paul often admonished his readers to “hold fast” to their faith and system of beliefs. Are you “holding fast”? Are you anchored to Christ. If you wonder if Christ Jesus is able to carry out His promise never to leave or forsake you or to be your Helper, consider His unchanging qualities:

- His unchanging person. The writer of Hebrews stated this precisely when he wrote, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Heb. 13:8). When asked to define “forever,” a little girl thoughtfully answered, “That means every day after tomorrow.” And so it does.

- His unchanging purpose. The Lord Jesus Christ came to meet mankind’s deepest needs, the ones men cannot satisfy. He came “to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Our salvation is His underlying purpose.

- His unchanging Word. Isaiah said, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever” (40:8).

- His unchanging work. Through the ministry of His Holy Spirit, God is still at work in the lives of His children, bringing comfort and guidance. He is always busy convicting men of sin.

- His unchanging love. The foremost indicator of godliness? Love.

Thought for the Day:
“To each child, God gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others.” -A.W. Tozer

Conformed to His Image

“And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren...”
Romans 8:23-29

What is the underlying goal of you life? Beyond all your achievements and desires, what motivation charts you course in life? To glorify God? To be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ?

Within the spirit of every child of God, there is that specific witness of the Spirit, drawing that person to oneness with Christ (or Christlikeness). This is so much more than simply patterning our lives after the teachings of Christ and attempting to mirror His character. What an impossible task that would be. Yet many attempt to do just that.

The truth is - conformity to Christ has to come from within. It can only occur as we allow Him to live His life in and through us, expressing Christ in us. Much more than a mere imitation of Christ, we are representations of Christ to the world though His indwelling presence - imperfect, chosen through which to reveal Himself to lost mankind.

Are you doing your part to let others see Christ Who lives within you? Do you let your convictions be known? Do you say or do something when prompted by God’s Spirit? If you were someone’s only introduction to God, would they want to know Him.

Thought for the Day:
Allow God to be as creative with others as He has been with you.

Glorified

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
‘For your sake we are being put to death all day long;
we were considered as sheep to bee slaughtered.’
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:29-39

For those who are always looking for one more argument against surrender to Christ - consider the following: God’s purpose for creating man was to create a people for Himself - people upon whom He could shower His love and people who in return would glorify Him. That is God’s great plan.

But through rebellion, we have robbed God of the glory which is due Him. Everyone who lives in rebellion against God has literally failed God. They have wasted their lives and missed God’s ultimate, supreme, divine, eternal purpose.

What is God’s purpose for your life? That you would be made into the likeness of Christ and thereby glorify God the Father. Are you consciously aware of this purpose as you daily go about the process of living? Did you know that you have a one-word goal in life? Christlikeness. That’s it. Nothing brings more joy to the Father than seeing the reflection of His Son in your life.

Maybe one of our greatest hindrances is that we are unaware. Begin today to ask the Lord for an awareness of how your life brings glory to Him and how your life can be an extension of His life, and expression of His love, and an exhibition of His power.

Thought for the Day:
“Dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul.” -Henry W. Longfellow

Sanctified

“For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:5-14

Much of the power which is lacking in the lives of Christians is due to their ignorance of what took place at the cross of Christ. When He died, something so significant happened that it changed forever our relationship with God. Paul states it this way in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

This is God’s great provision for living above the power of sin. In His wisdom He does not cancel out the lure with which sin entices believer and unbeliever alike. Instead He places within us the ability to overcome temptation’s pull and sin’s dominance.

Someone has said that a great saint is made by the great temptation he steadfastly resists. If you have little temptation, who is to know what kind of character you have? If you stand against strong and consistent temptation, the grace of God is tremendously evident in your life. Allow your position as one who is in Christ to lead you to victory!

Thought for the Day:
When temptation comes knocking on your door, ask Jesus to answer it.

Justified

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:17-21

The key to the issue of our justification is to see it from God’s point of view. Once we enter into a relationship with God, our position takes a drastic change. You’ll recall the story The Prince and the Pauper in which a prince and a street boy (who happen to look just alike) change places. Even though the boys changed their identity, they could not change their position.

That’s just how it is with you. As a Christian, you have been born again into a position as an heir of God. How do you see yourself? As a lowly sinner saved by grace? Or as a saint? Begin to see yourself from God’s point of view. Your nature has been changed; you are a new creation. Old things - old desires which controlled you - have passed away. All things have become new.

“But I don’t feel like a saint.” Just remember that you carry that name because of what Jesus did, not for anything you have done. Your position as a saint is:
- All of God
- All of grace
- All of faith

Thought for the Day:
Beware of justifying yourself when God alone is the Justifier

Reconciled

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21

A common emotional response which a divorced person experiences is grief. No matter how relieved they may be to have the issue settled, grief is an instant companion. For that person, a special hope and ideal has just suffered a mortal wound. Can you imagine the grief experienced by one who knew another in an intimate relationship and, in the darkest moment of their life, realized that the other had turned their back on them?

For our benefit, that’s what happened when Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins. God the Father - with Whom Jesus had existed for eternity - turned His back. The rejection was unbearable. From Jesus’ body erupted the haunting cry, “My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

Out of that heart-rending moment came God’s provision for building relationships with every man, woman, boy, and girl. He extended His hand to bring us back to Himself. Have you accepted Him?

Think about it -
The cross is a continuous affair.

A Book of Redemption

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:3-8a

The theme of God’s redeeming love is clearly indicated throughout the Bible. Beginning in the first two chapters of Genesis, we see Redemption Planned. In Genesis 3-11 (the fall and flood), we see Redemption Required. The Old Testament then joins together to show Redemption Prepared in the expectation of the coming Messiah.

When you come to the Gospels, you see Redemption Effected in the coming of Christ, His ministry, and His redeeming work on the cross of Calvary. Redemption Shared is the theme of the book of Acts as the New Testament church begins to develop and grow.

The epistles take on the role of Redemption Explained. Through their teachings, we understand what took place on the cross - how it affects us now and for eternity. Then the final book of the Bible reveals to us Redemption Consummated as we read God’s final plan for humanity.

As you read, be mindful that it all points to God’s great purpose: bringing lost mankind back to Himself. You have been bought, or redeemed, with the price of the precious blood of Jesus. You are of great value in God’s eyes.

Thought for the Day:
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, grace has redeemed us once for all.

Forgiven!

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” Colossians 2:9-15

Jerry had been convicted twice for theft. Now, standing before the judge again on a third count, he faced the reality of imprisonment. “I’m guilty alright,” he muttered to himself. “I guess I’m just gettin’ what I deserve.” But what is this? His attorney and the judge were whispering back and forth. “Now what?” thought Jerry. “Oh, the sentence.” The judge speaks. “Although your guilt has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt,” he pauses, “the court has agreed to suspend any sentence. You are forgiven.”

Imagine, if you will, the unbelievable emotional relief and gratitude on Jerry’s behalf. Yes, he’s guilty but he’s forgiven. You too, like Jerry, are guilty of rebellion toward God: independence and self-will. But because God loves you just the way you are (you don’t have to improve for Him to love you), He wants you to be forgiven and have a meaningful relationship with Him.

Forgiveness is extended to you by the nail-scarred hand of Jesus. Will you take His hand, take His forgiveness, and live your life in a new manner? If you have already done so, how have you shown your appreciation to God for declaring you “forgiven”?

God’s Unconditional Love

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11

One of the hindrances people encounter in their journey to Christ is not something from without the something from within. There are many things that war against our awareness of and relationship with God. Any one of them has the potential to keep us in the dark.

What is that inner hindrance to coming to God? Interestingly, it is often our own recognition of just how ungodly we are. Early in life we realize that we “fall short” of God’s infallible standard. “Maybe if I do enough good deeds they will cancel out my wrongs,” we are tempted to think. It doesn’t take long for that type of thinking to lead to disappointment when we realize there is no method for keeping records or our deeds.

The message from the cross speaks clearly to the reality that God understands our condition and He loves us just the way we are. We don’t have to improve in order for God to love us; He already does. We can’t do anything to make Him love us more; He already loves us completely.

Do you find yourself unsure of how God sees you? He loves you. He may weep over how you are living, but He still loves you. That is the kind of love that draws us to return that love. Do you?

Thought for the Day:
Not only a symbol of faith, the cross is the central doctrine of the Christian faith.

Trust and Lordship

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

Have you settled the issue of who is lord of your life? You have some options, you know. You can follow the majority of human race and set yourself as lord or your life. These are called the so-called “self-made” men and women who have pushed hard and achieved their goals.

Another option is to yield your life to another who has greater power and obediently serve that one. Some choose to follow the devil, as he is known in Scripture. That lordship will lead a person in only one direction - down. His leadership is a counterfeit of God’s perfect original: the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

As a believer, you should gain great joy when reading that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess “that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10-11). That will happen one day, but until then it is our responsibility to live in such a manner that the world sees His Lordship exhibited in our daily lives.

Even for the surrendered child or God, there may come a time when Jesus Christ is confessed as Lord but not obeyed. Why? Ask yourself this question: Do I really, completely trust Him? Allow Christ to be Lord of all.

Think about it -
“Sin is sovereign till sovereign grace dethrones it.” - Charles Spurgeon

No Man is an Island

“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:5-9

“No man is an island.” For the Christian, that statement has special meaning; it rings with a clear truth. Our lives affect so many others, many of which we are unaware of.The question arises: How am I affecting the lives of those around me? Am I reflecting the hard heart of a confirmed selfist? Or the compassionate heart of one who is Christ-centered and humbly submitted to His Lordship?

Many will go through life never once admitting that Jesus is Lord, but that does not change the fact that Jesus is Lord. He is still Lord if people admit it or not. And one day (read Revelation 19:11-16) all will see Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.

As one who knows and reads the Bible, you may find it easy to say that “Jesus is Lord,” but how do you live that statement? Don’t let the sin of an inconsistent performance kill the vital testimony or your life. If Jesus is Lord, it will cause a commotion inside your heart. There will be a struggle with surrender - especially with what is close to the heart. Don’t allow the intensity of that struggle to keep you from making Jesus Lord of your life. He wants to say to you, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Luke 19:17

Thought for the Day:
Sin is man’s “Declaration of Independence” from God.

Incomplete Obedience

“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, ‘I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands’ And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night.” 1 Samuel 15:10-11

“Samuel said, ‘Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, “Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.” Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord?’ Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’

Samuel said,
‘Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king.’”
1 Samuel 15:17-23

Do you have a “rating system” by which you categorize sin? Is murder a definite “10” while telling a lie may in at a “3”? With God, there is no such scale. Scripture is very clear: Sin is sin. It separates man from God; it hinders the relationship between God and His children.

We also commit sin by our blatant disobedience to the known will of God. King Saul tragically learned that partial obedience is not the same as complete obedience. There is a great gulf between the two. The basis is the choice of the heart: to surrender to His will.

Obedience consists of doing the will of the Father:
- When He says.
In the Christian, timing is an important element. We learn from Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. If we miss God’s timing of an act of obedience, we may be too late - we may be too early. Either one is incomplete - sin.

- How He says.
The ways of God are known only by God. But as a child of God, you have His very Spirit within, offering divine guidance and direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Don’t revert to your own understanding.

Are you really obeying God?

Thought for the Day:
“The climax of sin is that it crucified Jesus Christ.” - Oswald Chambers

Light or Darkness

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10

“God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (verse 5). So begins John’s powerful illustration in which he associates God with light and sin or evil with darkness. This Scripture passage causes the reader to ask one basic, foundational question: “Am I in the light or in the darkness?” It is possible to talk to others about the light in which you walk and yet be walking in absolute darkness. John comments, “...we lie and do not practice the truth” (verse 6).

What does your daily, moment-by-moment practice indicate? A life of walking in the light? Or the darkness? Does your performance or practice cast a perfect reflection of your position in the light?

Thankfully, we have been given a way to deal with the sin problem. The truth about sin is that we have all sinned, and God has faithfully provided a way to deal with it. John conveys the provision of forgiveness: “If we confess our sins...” (Verse 9). Have you ever felt as if you would just like to start all over? Well, confession of sin is that “new beginning” you’ve been looking for.

Live the truth. Walk in the light, and allow God the opportunity to shine His light through you.

Think about it -
Our sense of sin is in proportion to our nearness to God.

Understanding Sin

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12

Try to convince the average unbeliever that he is a sinner who needs the saving work of Christ in his life, and often you get this type of response: “I know that I’ve done some wrong things, but nobody’s perfect.” Isn’t it interesting how readily people will admit to having a sinful nature an at the same time try to soothe their burning consciences by putting everyone else into the same category.

What do we mean by the term sin or sinner. Many are taught that sin consists of evil or wrong things which people do. But it goes far beyond that. Sin is not so much a definition of wrong performance; it defines a wrong relationship. Defined very basically, sin is a mindset, a lifestyle, an existence which is set on independence and rebellion against God. Sinners’ performances mirror their real selves.

On the stage of life, the actors are playing their real hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” Yes, we all have to admit to a sinful nature, a heart set against God. But the cure comes through the cleansing rebirth or the change of relationship - from sinner to Son.

Think about it -
"Sin is not wrong doing; it is wrong being. It is independence of God." - Oswald Chambers

The Answer Is...

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.”
Eph. 1:3-12

“Why am I here?” “What is the meaning and purpose of life?” Every thinking person at some time in their life seeks to find a satisfying answer to these question which ceaselessly move upon the soul. These are universal questions. They touch all our lives - regardless of nationality, race, sex, or social status. According to the writings of men and women down through history, these have been questions with which humanity has been destined to grapple.

Outside of Jesus Christ, these questions find no significant and fulfilling answer. For the Christian there is even a further question which each must answer: “Am I trying to fit God into the shape of my life? Or am I attempting to fit my life into His great plan and purpose?” Either my viewpoint stems from a great “me” at the center of things with a small god, or there is a great God with a yielded and available instrument to do His good pleasure.

Don’t be afraid to respond to these basic, foundational questions which surface. The mind and the soul will know no rest until you have settled these root issues. Don’t be ashamed to ask that initial, almost unmentionable question: “Is there a God?” It may herald the beginning of your struggle to know Him.

Think about it -
“Thou hast made us for Thyself, and the heart of man is restless until it find its rest in Thee.” - Saint Augustine

Surrender

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

One of the weaknesses of language is that words can often be misunderstood or the real meaning can sometimes be hidden or misrepresented. Have you ever wondered why so many lawyers are involved in important business negotiations where huge fortunes are at stake? Each one is concerned with the exact meaning of key words and phrases. We know we must be alert to the use and meaning of words.

When, in Christian circles, we speak of being “surrendered” to Christ, what do we really mean? First, it seems like a rather archaic expression. It brings up thoughts of past slavery and the indenture of servants. But what does it mean to be surrendered to Christ? Here is a spiritual definition which may put to rest many of your questions:

Surrender: The definite, deliberate, voluntary transfer of the undivided possession, control, and use of my total being - spirit, soul, and body - to Jesus Christ to Whom I rightfully belong by creation and by redemption.

Our first objection? “What about my rights? I can’t surrender to my God until I’m assured that my rights will not be trampled into the dirt.” It is amazing that when we give up our rights, we are no longer concerned with them - only with doing the will of the Father.

Thought for the Day:
Plunge into the love of God. You’ll be amazed at your foolishness for not getting there before.

I Have Decided...

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.’”
Mark 8:34-38

“What confusing words,” you say. “Lose my life to find it. Really? Follow Christ by denying myself? Taking up my cross? Why, that doesn’t do much for my self-esteem or self-worth.” No, but it does follow Christ’s teaching regarding the principles of the kingdom of God. Of course, they are opposed to the “natural way” we do things. The course of this world in which we live has been carefully and meticulously laid by the mater of deception, and it is his “system” into which we are born. Now do you see why it is so important for us to be “born again”?

The emphasis, the focus of the two kingdoms - Satan’s and God’s - are opposed to one another. Where one emphasizes self, the other underscores service. Just look around you and observe how people act and react. It becomes quite obvious after very little observation that most are extremely self-centered: “I was here first.” “I’m next.” Just under the surface, you also see a reflection of inflated ego, pride, and a tremendous self-will. All of that must meet its death at the cross if God is to have full use of our lives for His purpose and glory.

Has Jesus’ challenging invitation enticed you to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him? There is no greater call.

You Can Run, but...

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.’ But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:1-3

“So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:15-17

What’s it like to be a fugitive? How does it feel to be running from something or someone? Is running really any better than staying and facing the problem?

These questions and more were probably at one time or another the center of thought for the man who in the Bible has the distinction of taking the first three-day submarine excursion. Jonah rebelled against God’s specific direction. He became a fugitive from God. What Jonah learned, among other things, is that you may run from doing God’s will, but you cannot hide from God.

It is the same lesson which Adam and Eve learned shortly after their act of disobedience in the garden. The attempted to hide from God, but God was fully aware of exactly what had taken place - and where they were.

We all know that as Christians we face temptation. Especially in those times when we are all alone, it is most likely to happen that the tempter will offer his golden lie: “But nobody will ever know.” That idea seems to strip away our resistance until we reel with the awareness that we are not alone - God Himself is present.

Do you know that God truly does know all about you? Your past, your present, your future, your deeds, your thoughts, your motives? What amazes us is that He loves us just the way we are.

Scripture to memorize:
“Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence?” Psalm 139:7

My Prayer for You!

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

If you have ever wondered how to effectively pray for a friend or loved one, allow Paul’s exhortation in today’s Scripture to provide a pattern for direction. We often don’t know what to say. Seldom do we really know or understand the day-to-day circumstances which our friends or acquaintances must consistently face. But no matter what life holds for them, the encouraging, uplifting, strengthening prayer of Colossians 1 is always appropriate.

So instead of trying to rehearse their circumstances in your mind, instead of trying to figure out the best alternative plan of action for them, instead of telling God how you think things ought to be, pray Colossians 1:9-14 for them. This is what you’ll be praying into the life of your friend of loved one.
You’ll pray that they may:
- know God’s will,
- have spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him,
- bear fruit in every good work,
- increase in the knowledge of God,
- be strengthened,
- be steadfast and patient,
- joyously give thanks to God.

Thought for the Day:
Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees.

More is Caught than Taught

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

Parent, watch how you handle the precious God-given treasure that rests so trustingly in your arms - your child. Allow these words of wisdom to stand as your challenge-point:

“What if God should place a diamond in your hand and tell you to inscribe on it a sentence which should be read the Last Day and shown there as an index of your thoughts and feelings? What care, what caution would you exercise in the selection?” - Russell Payson (The diamond is your child.)

“The Christian home is the Master’s workshop where the processes of character-molding are silently, lovingly, faithfully, and successfully carried on.” - Richard Milnes

“Strength of character may be acquired at work, but beauty of character is learned at home. There the affections are trained. There the gentle life reaches us, the true heaven life. In one word, the family circle is the supreme conductor of Christianity.” - Henry Drummond

“Little thought is needed to recognize the lasting impressions which are made on children by the words, deeds, attitudes, and actions of dads and moms who, in effect, model the character of God before young eyes. What are your children seeing in you?

Thought for the Day:
“Children are to be seen and not heard.” Really?

Where is Your Head?

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you.” Prov 23:7

Reflect on the following reprint from a church bulletin:

The Twenty-third Channel
“The TV is my shepherd; my spiritual growth shall want. It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for His name’s sake because it requireth all my leisure time. It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world and keepeth me from the study of God’s Word. It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend church and doing nothing in the kingdom of God. Yea, though I live to be a hundred, I shall keep viewing my TV as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion. Its sounds and pictures they comfort me.

It presenteth entertainment before me and keepeth me from doing important things with my family. It fills my head with ideas which differ from those in the Word of God. Surely no good thing will come of my life because of so many wasted hours, and I shall dwell in my remorse and bitter memories forever.”

We become like what we focus on the most. Is it ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox? Or Christ?

Thought for the Day:
The degree of our spiritual vigor will be in direct proportion to the time we spend in God’s Word.

God’s Limitations

“Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them, Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now!’” Hosea 2:6-7

When you look back over the course of your life - whether you are 18 or 88 - if you are discerning, you may be aware of God’s intervention, keeping you from a relationship, an appointment, or an intended course of action.

Why did God do it? Possibly because He knew if you kept to your plans, you would hamper His intended work in your life. Maybe He was keeping you from actual harm or danger or from a situation which would have ruined or destroyed your witness - or even your life.

God uses a “hedge of protection” around us for two purposes:
1. To keep Satan and his destructive elements out of our lives.
2. To keep us from stubbornly going our own way when doing so would lead to our plunge into ruinous lifestyles or habits.

Each of us are quick to admit that we are at times drawn by the pull of temptation which in itself is not evil. Only our surrender to temptation is sin. What a comfort to realize that along with the temptations we face, there is the Savior Who carefully inspects and limits their intensity so that by His grace we are able to come out victorious.

Recognize God’s limitations as acts of genuine love. He is involved in your life.

Thought for the Day:
Christians are like tea - their strength is not drawn our until they get in hot water.

A Hedge of Protection

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’ Then Satan answered the Lord, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.’ Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.’ So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.” Job 1:6-12

Have you ever read the whole book of Job? If not, it may have to do with the fact that we naturally do not want to subject ourselves to the misery and pain of others. But the book of Job has some profound insights to reveal regarding our physical state versus our spiritual state.

How would you have responded if you were in Job’s place? What if yo had completely lost everything dear and precious to you in a quick series of catastrophes? Would your faith be pounded into powder, or would your circumstances cement your trust in God? Until we find ourselves in Job’s shoes, these are difficult questions to answer. How careful we must be not to become “Job’s friends” to those who are in deep adversity.

God lowered Job’s protective hedge, allowing Satan to test Job’s dependence upon God. Note: It’s one thing for God to lower or break down His hedge of protection around an individual for the purpose of testing; it’s quite another thing for us to make an opening in that hedge, allowing Satan access to our lives.

Have you - by your attitudes or actions, by your sin or self-will - caused a gap in the hedge around your life? Rebuild it today.

Thought for the Day:
“He cannot have taught us to trust in His name and brought us thus far to put us to shame.” - Hudson Taylor

Pulling Down Strongholds

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful or the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” 2 Cor. 10:3-6

You may not be all that familiar with the terminology, but you can probably grasp the idea of what is meant by a “spiritual stronghold.” Briefly, it is some sin or debilitating habit which has a hold on your life - a hold which you are powerless to break. Because of a stronghold, you slip into or yield to temptation. Satan has a stronghold (a fortress) in your life.

In an effort to do all you can to protect your family, honestly look at your life and identify and obvious satanic strongholds. Are all areas of your life surrendered to and guided by the Holy Spirit?

Why be concerned about one little stronghold? Like a warring tyrant, Satan is never satisfied with less than complete dominance. His one little “toehold” today can easily become a monstrous stronghold tomorrow.

If you have honestly identified a stronghold in your life, what do you do? Our Scripture reading for today teaches that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (verse 4).

Satan is conquered by the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and by the word of Jesus. In Him, you have victory.

Thought of the Day:
Stronghold = An area of weakness in your life that has never been fully surrendered to Christ.

Lord, Open Our Eyes

“Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, ‘In such and such a place shall be my camp.’ The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, ‘Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.’ The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice. Now the heart of the king of Aram was enraged over this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, ‘Will you tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?’ One of his servants said, ‘No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.’ So he said, ‘Go and see where he is, that I may send and take him.’ And it was told him, saying, ‘Behold, he is in Dothan.’

He sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see’ And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:8-17

Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind has been subjected to many of Satan’s deceitful lies - all aimed to bring individuals to wreck and ruin their precious lives. His master plan of the ages is opposed to the purpose of Almighty God Whose plan was carefully developed before the foundation of the world.

Today we see unfolding before us the enemy’s onslaught of deception and destruction. Right and left, we see lives being ruined by the immediate wages of sin - not to mention the eternal wages which await them.

As you have become aware of the conflict being waged in your surroundings, how have you responded? Has it been with fear? Disbelief? Have you been immobilized? Has it spurred you to action?

If you feel that you need some encouragement, that your faith needs to be challenged and strengthened, do this: Pray Elisha’s prayers (found in the above reference). God will open the eyes of your awareness, and you’ll begin to see - not only the onslaught of the enemy - but the eventual Victor upon His white horse, the King of king and Lord of lords.

Thought for the Day: “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” Psalm 5:3 - Make this your prayer.

Happy New Year!