“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.” Philippians 1:12-18
A key to living above your circumstances is to lean on the faithfulness of Christ while refusing to be caught up in the stability of your surroundings. Paul used the analogy of a runner to explain how we are to respond to life’s circumstance (1 Cor. 9:24-26). We are to fix our gaze on the finish line and race will all our might toward that goal. Once God places a goal in your heart, never give up. Instead, move toward it with swiftness and courage.
Paul’s goal was to take the gospel message to Asia. Three completed missionary journeys proved he had a plan and purpose. Personal testimonies bear witness he achieved his goal, but not without cost. None of us completes the race of life without facing many trials and tribulations.
Paul had a wonderful system for bypassing negative thinking and potential defeat. He looked beyond his circumstance to the sovereignty of God. He focused on the positive results of his ministry, not the personal pain.
In the end, the trials Paul faced served to mature and strengthen his spiritual walk. Even though you are hard pressed on every side, Jesus will bring light to all you are facing. Trust Him and you will see His victory.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Living Above the Circumstance
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:21-26
Paul’s letter to the Philippians wasn’t written in elegant or secure surroundings, nor was it penned in the comfort of a cozy study. Instead, it was composed under the most difficult of circumstances. The very thing that led to the letter’s writing, sharing the Gospel, eventually led to it’s author’s death. Yet Paul was confident: God’s redemptive message must be told, and those who follow Christ must be shown the way.
Spiritually, Paul learned to live above his circumstances by focusing on something much grander than his earthly existence. Yet for a moment, we sense his desire to leave the pain and suffering behind. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose...yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary...” (Phil. 1:21-24).
Are you facing a time of deep discouragement? Each of us does at some point. It’s important to remember that when troubles come, Jesus remains at your side. You have a lot to live for because Christ lives in you. Never be afraid to ask Him for a fresh sense of His hope and peace. He’s faithful and will answer the prayers of His children.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians wasn’t written in elegant or secure surroundings, nor was it penned in the comfort of a cozy study. Instead, it was composed under the most difficult of circumstances. The very thing that led to the letter’s writing, sharing the Gospel, eventually led to it’s author’s death. Yet Paul was confident: God’s redemptive message must be told, and those who follow Christ must be shown the way.
Spiritually, Paul learned to live above his circumstances by focusing on something much grander than his earthly existence. Yet for a moment, we sense his desire to leave the pain and suffering behind. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose...yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary...” (Phil. 1:21-24).
Are you facing a time of deep discouragement? Each of us does at some point. It’s important to remember that when troubles come, Jesus remains at your side. You have a lot to live for because Christ lives in you. Never be afraid to ask Him for a fresh sense of His hope and peace. He’s faithful and will answer the prayers of His children.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Developing Your Character
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:23-28
If you scanned the shelves of major bookstore chains in the self-help and pop psychology sections, you’d find many books with superficial solutions. How to look successful, how to influence others, how to feel good about yourself - most topics are geared toward appearance and quick results.
Not many address the deeper issues of morality and the enrichment of the inner person. Jesus, however, was very concerned about what goes on in the heart. He was angry at the self-righteous Pharisees, who prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail of religious law.
Comparing them to whitewashed tombs was a graphic way of saying they looked good on the outside, but inside they were morally corrupt. The attractive human walls didn’t count for much when the contents were ugly.
Developing your character is Jesus’ top priority. Step by step, as you trust Him to shape your thinking, your behavior is turned around. You’re on the track to genuine success when you allow Him to instill godly qualities. Remember, His plan isn’t a “look good quick” scheme of temporary changes. His process takes time, but the good results are real and lasting.
If you scanned the shelves of major bookstore chains in the self-help and pop psychology sections, you’d find many books with superficial solutions. How to look successful, how to influence others, how to feel good about yourself - most topics are geared toward appearance and quick results.
Not many address the deeper issues of morality and the enrichment of the inner person. Jesus, however, was very concerned about what goes on in the heart. He was angry at the self-righteous Pharisees, who prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail of religious law.
Comparing them to whitewashed tombs was a graphic way of saying they looked good on the outside, but inside they were morally corrupt. The attractive human walls didn’t count for much when the contents were ugly.
Developing your character is Jesus’ top priority. Step by step, as you trust Him to shape your thinking, your behavior is turned around. You’re on the track to genuine success when you allow Him to instill godly qualities. Remember, His plan isn’t a “look good quick” scheme of temporary changes. His process takes time, but the good results are real and lasting.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Are You a Time Waster?
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
Fax machines. Computers. Jets. Microwaves. Cellular phones. Electronic transfers. Overnight delivery. Speed is the name of the game today. The faster you get a job done, the more you can accomplish. And saving time is a priority for almost everyone - from the businessman coordinating dozens of appointments to the mother keeping a household in order.
Trying to maximize your time is a good idea if you keep the right balance. When you recognize that your time is a gift from God to be used wisely, you’re grateful for every moment He has granted (Psalm 139:16). He has designed you to act as a faithful steward and to make the most out of every minute.
As you schedule your day, God wants you to put time in His perspective. Because the things of earth will pass away like a puff of air, how you use your time is a crucial issue (Psalm 39:5). In the light of eternity, “wasted” time is time spent on work that doesn’t have eternal value.
Are you a time waster? Do you invest more hours in trivial concerns than you do in the kingdom of God? Ask the Lord to help you plan your hours based on His calendar. The time you spend for His tasks is time worth saving.
Fax machines. Computers. Jets. Microwaves. Cellular phones. Electronic transfers. Overnight delivery. Speed is the name of the game today. The faster you get a job done, the more you can accomplish. And saving time is a priority for almost everyone - from the businessman coordinating dozens of appointments to the mother keeping a household in order.
Trying to maximize your time is a good idea if you keep the right balance. When you recognize that your time is a gift from God to be used wisely, you’re grateful for every moment He has granted (Psalm 139:16). He has designed you to act as a faithful steward and to make the most out of every minute.
As you schedule your day, God wants you to put time in His perspective. Because the things of earth will pass away like a puff of air, how you use your time is a crucial issue (Psalm 39:5). In the light of eternity, “wasted” time is time spent on work that doesn’t have eternal value.
Are you a time waster? Do you invest more hours in trivial concerns than you do in the kingdom of God? Ask the Lord to help you plan your hours based on His calendar. The time you spend for His tasks is time worth saving.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Key to Time Management
“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being cured. And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.”
Luke 6:12-19
You won’t find a Bible passage that says Jesus rushed or ran. He never dashed to keep an appointment or scrambled to finish a task. He did exactly what He needed to do in just the right amount of time - never early, never late. He was never too busy to meet unexpected needs.
For a Savior with so much to do in so short a time, this unhurried approach may seem surprising. Three years was all He had to complete His ministry. And constantly the needy crowds were pushing to get to Him, desperately seeking His attention.
What was His secret? Jesus knew who sustained Him and kept Him on track. “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (verse 12). It was God the Father who set His pace and directed every step. As a result, spending time with His Father was more important to Jesus than anything else. The next day He was refreshed and ready to begin the Sermon on the Mount.
The key to time management is time spent with God. When you give Him first place each day in prayer and reading His Word, He helps you discern what’s important to Him and accomplish it on time. Are you letting the Lord set your agenda? His schedule is always best.
Luke 6:12-19
You won’t find a Bible passage that says Jesus rushed or ran. He never dashed to keep an appointment or scrambled to finish a task. He did exactly what He needed to do in just the right amount of time - never early, never late. He was never too busy to meet unexpected needs.
For a Savior with so much to do in so short a time, this unhurried approach may seem surprising. Three years was all He had to complete His ministry. And constantly the needy crowds were pushing to get to Him, desperately seeking His attention.
What was His secret? Jesus knew who sustained Him and kept Him on track. “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (verse 12). It was God the Father who set His pace and directed every step. As a result, spending time with His Father was more important to Jesus than anything else. The next day He was refreshed and ready to begin the Sermon on the Mount.
The key to time management is time spent with God. When you give Him first place each day in prayer and reading His Word, He helps you discern what’s important to Him and accomplish it on time. Are you letting the Lord set your agenda? His schedule is always best.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Our Understanding Savior
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:39-46
Someone you thought deeply cared about you says, “I don’t want to see you again.” You didn’t do or say anything wrong; for whatever reason, the person simply chose to turn away and end the relationship permanently. Maybe you’ve been turned down from the job you felt was perfect, and the interviewer didn’t even have the courtesy to tell you. You had to call the company and find out secondhand from the secretary that someone else was hired.
Rejection in any form is painful. It may take a long time for emotions to heal. The good news is that you have a Savior who knows the intense hurt of rejection. He reaches out to you with a hand that was once torn by nails. He carries your burdens on shoulders that were ripped by scourges and weighted down by the beam of the cross.
Jesus wasn’t just rejected by mankind. When He gave up His spirit on the cross, He shouted the cry of someone utterly abandoned: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Almighty God looked away from His own Son, who bore the guilt of all the sins of the world.
When others turn their backs, cling to the loving and gracious Savior who never lets you go and understands the trauma or rejection.
Someone you thought deeply cared about you says, “I don’t want to see you again.” You didn’t do or say anything wrong; for whatever reason, the person simply chose to turn away and end the relationship permanently. Maybe you’ve been turned down from the job you felt was perfect, and the interviewer didn’t even have the courtesy to tell you. You had to call the company and find out secondhand from the secretary that someone else was hired.
Rejection in any form is painful. It may take a long time for emotions to heal. The good news is that you have a Savior who knows the intense hurt of rejection. He reaches out to you with a hand that was once torn by nails. He carries your burdens on shoulders that were ripped by scourges and weighted down by the beam of the cross.
Jesus wasn’t just rejected by mankind. When He gave up His spirit on the cross, He shouted the cry of someone utterly abandoned: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Almighty God looked away from His own Son, who bore the guilt of all the sins of the world.
When others turn their backs, cling to the loving and gracious Savior who never lets you go and understands the trauma or rejection.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Strength for the Battle
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone.’” And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13
The best counselors are often those who have been through problems themselves. Because they have worked through similar emotions and struggled to overcome trials, they can offer accurate advice. No one wants to confide in counselors who take a cold textbook approach to difficulties they’ve never confronted.
In Jesus Christ, you have a Counselor who has truly been through it all as the uncompromised and holy Victor. Hebrews 4:15 says: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
Imagine the turmoil Jesus felt when Satan plied Him with crafty words. He knows the devil’s cunning arguments better than anyone. When you struggle mentally or when you feel the strong pull of sin urging you to do something you knows isn’t right, you have a Savior who can say, “I know just how you feel.”
Christ came to earth in human form to do more than die for your sins and bring you eternal life. He lived, ate, slept, taught, and walked among us to identify with every nuance of your heartaches and trials. You never face temptation alone. The Savior who understands is there to give you strength for the battle.
And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13
The best counselors are often those who have been through problems themselves. Because they have worked through similar emotions and struggled to overcome trials, they can offer accurate advice. No one wants to confide in counselors who take a cold textbook approach to difficulties they’ve never confronted.
In Jesus Christ, you have a Counselor who has truly been through it all as the uncompromised and holy Victor. Hebrews 4:15 says: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
Imagine the turmoil Jesus felt when Satan plied Him with crafty words. He knows the devil’s cunning arguments better than anyone. When you struggle mentally or when you feel the strong pull of sin urging you to do something you knows isn’t right, you have a Savior who can say, “I know just how you feel.”
Christ came to earth in human form to do more than die for your sins and bring you eternal life. He lived, ate, slept, taught, and walked among us to identify with every nuance of your heartaches and trials. You never face temptation alone. The Savior who understands is there to give you strength for the battle.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Grace: God’s New Lifestyle
“And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’” Luke 22:19-20
Jesus calls us to live life as representatives of His new covenant. It is a lifestyle controlled by grace, not human expectations. The life of grace is flavored with these characteristics:
Acceptance: No matter what your past contains, God loves you. He loved you before your birth, and He loves you now. He’s your eternal Source of hope and acceptance.
Assurance: Your salvation is eternally secure, because it is not based on something you do but what Christ did for you at Calvary.
Availability: God is in every situation with you. Seek Him and He will give you His rest and peace.
Adequacy: God’s power is adequate for every situation. Through the Holy Spirit, you can victoriously meet and defeat the lies of the enemy.
Abundance: God’s blessings are tailored to meet individual needs. Never measure the content of your life against someone else’s. God is constantly working for your good and His glory.
Abiding: God abides with His people, and He has promised never to leave us.
Accountability: God has never broken a promise. He is faithful and true. Give Him every part of your life, and by His grace you will experience everlasting joy and peace.
Jesus calls us to live life as representatives of His new covenant. It is a lifestyle controlled by grace, not human expectations. The life of grace is flavored with these characteristics:
Acceptance: No matter what your past contains, God loves you. He loved you before your birth, and He loves you now. He’s your eternal Source of hope and acceptance.
Assurance: Your salvation is eternally secure, because it is not based on something you do but what Christ did for you at Calvary.
Availability: God is in every situation with you. Seek Him and He will give you His rest and peace.
Adequacy: God’s power is adequate for every situation. Through the Holy Spirit, you can victoriously meet and defeat the lies of the enemy.
Abundance: God’s blessings are tailored to meet individual needs. Never measure the content of your life against someone else’s. God is constantly working for your good and His glory.
Abiding: God abides with His people, and He has promised never to leave us.
Accountability: God has never broken a promise. He is faithful and true. Give Him every part of your life, and by His grace you will experience everlasting joy and peace.
Friday, February 18, 2011
A Covenant of Grace
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says,
‘Behold, days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will effect a new covenant
with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
not like the covenant which I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
for they did not continue in My covenant,
and I did not care for them, says the Lord.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
And I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.’” Hebrews 8:6-10
God’s covenant with us is not based on human performance. It is based on Christ’s death at Calvary. Our lives are rooted in His grace, not the rewards of our talents and abilities. In the Old Testament God made covenants with men based on works. However, man couldn’t uphold his end of the covenant.
Henry Thiessen writes: “At Mount Sinai God proposed the covenant of works, and the people accepted it. They promised to do ‘all that the Lord has spoken’ (Ex. 19:8). But it is evident that the people did not reckon with depravity of the human heart, nor the power of Satan. Before Moses could deliver the Ten Commandments...Israel had made an idol and had begun to worship it.”
Even Christ’s presence was not enough to convince or convict the Jews of their need for God’s grace. They insisted on striving to obtain salvation through works and their hearts hardened to the things of God. Jesus offers us a new lifestyle and a new beginning. It is not a life of rules and regulations. It is a life of unconditional love and acceptance. The key to God’s grace is accepting His Son as Savior. When we give up the old way of doing things, God gives us a new lifestyle of grace.
‘Behold, days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will effect a new covenant
with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
not like the covenant which I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
for they did not continue in My covenant,
and I did not care for them, says the Lord.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
And I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.’” Hebrews 8:6-10
God’s covenant with us is not based on human performance. It is based on Christ’s death at Calvary. Our lives are rooted in His grace, not the rewards of our talents and abilities. In the Old Testament God made covenants with men based on works. However, man couldn’t uphold his end of the covenant.
Henry Thiessen writes: “At Mount Sinai God proposed the covenant of works, and the people accepted it. They promised to do ‘all that the Lord has spoken’ (Ex. 19:8). But it is evident that the people did not reckon with depravity of the human heart, nor the power of Satan. Before Moses could deliver the Ten Commandments...Israel had made an idol and had begun to worship it.”
Even Christ’s presence was not enough to convince or convict the Jews of their need for God’s grace. They insisted on striving to obtain salvation through works and their hearts hardened to the things of God. Jesus offers us a new lifestyle and a new beginning. It is not a life of rules and regulations. It is a life of unconditional love and acceptance. The key to God’s grace is accepting His Son as Savior. When we give up the old way of doing things, God gives us a new lifestyle of grace.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
God’s Grace and Our Finances
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,
‘He scattered abroad, He Gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.’
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
God’s goal in blessing us financially isn’t just so we can enjoy wealth and prosperity. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. The apostle Paul writes: “...he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7).
Before you begin any giving program, seek God’s wisdom concerning your situation. Many times we compulsively jump ahead of Him which, in the end, can be as dangerous as withholding help from people and causes He wants us to support.
A good place to start is with the tithe. We give back to God a percentage of what He has given us. Our motivation for giving should be one of love and thanksgiving and never obligation. Tithing is a step of faith and declares God as the principle source and benefactor of all we have.
Sacrificial giving begins only after we have tithed and met our financial responsibilities. It is amazing how He stretches our finances when we obey and trust Him for the future. Ask God to make you sensitive to His will for your life. Pray that His grace will be evident to you as your give to others.
‘He scattered abroad, He Gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.’
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
God’s goal in blessing us financially isn’t just so we can enjoy wealth and prosperity. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. The apostle Paul writes: “...he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7).
Before you begin any giving program, seek God’s wisdom concerning your situation. Many times we compulsively jump ahead of Him which, in the end, can be as dangerous as withholding help from people and causes He wants us to support.
A good place to start is with the tithe. We give back to God a percentage of what He has given us. Our motivation for giving should be one of love and thanksgiving and never obligation. Tithing is a step of faith and declares God as the principle source and benefactor of all we have.
Sacrificial giving begins only after we have tithed and met our financial responsibilities. It is amazing how He stretches our finances when we obey and trust Him for the future. Ask God to make you sensitive to His will for your life. Pray that His grace will be evident to you as your give to others.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Cost of Grace
“Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ And he replied, ‘Say it, Teacher.’
‘A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have judged correctly.’ Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.’ Luke 7:36-48
The evening was cool - the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling starts. The woman knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee. Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.
As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them - feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.
The woman responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift. The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure.
‘A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have judged correctly.’ Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.’ Luke 7:36-48
The evening was cool - the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling starts. The woman knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee. Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.
As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them - feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.
The woman responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift. The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Throne of Grace
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
In the Book of Revelation, the throne of God is presented in all its splendor and glory. From there Jesus Christ, our Lord, will reign forever. One day we will gather around His throne to worship Him in holiness and purity of spirit. But for now, how do we approach the awesome throne of God?
In the Old Testament, the Israelites believed God reigned from His holy mountain, Mt Sinai - a mountain they could neither approach nor touch without fear of death. The image of God’s mountain was connected with the keeping of the Law, for it was where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
However, when Jesus was born a new way to God was established. It was a way of salvation by grace and not by keeping of the law. God’s throne is a throne of grace. It is where divine love abides and reigns in majesty. It is a place where sins are forgiven and lives restored. It is a place of unconditional acceptance.
Jesus Christ is available to you any time and any place. Through prayer, you can boldly approach His throne. He is your loving Lord and is quick to cleanse and revive your hope. Draw near to Him and experience the wonder of His matchless grace. Take full advantage of your unlimited access to God today.
In the Book of Revelation, the throne of God is presented in all its splendor and glory. From there Jesus Christ, our Lord, will reign forever. One day we will gather around His throne to worship Him in holiness and purity of spirit. But for now, how do we approach the awesome throne of God?
In the Old Testament, the Israelites believed God reigned from His holy mountain, Mt Sinai - a mountain they could neither approach nor touch without fear of death. The image of God’s mountain was connected with the keeping of the Law, for it was where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
However, when Jesus was born a new way to God was established. It was a way of salvation by grace and not by keeping of the law. God’s throne is a throne of grace. It is where divine love abides and reigns in majesty. It is a place where sins are forgiven and lives restored. It is a place of unconditional acceptance.
Jesus Christ is available to you any time and any place. Through prayer, you can boldly approach His throne. He is your loving Lord and is quick to cleanse and revive your hope. Draw near to Him and experience the wonder of His matchless grace. Take full advantage of your unlimited access to God today.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Draw Near
“So much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:22-28
Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51). For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The high priest himself ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.
By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin. He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (verse 25).
You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.
Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51). For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The high priest himself ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.
By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin. He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (verse 25).
You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The New You!
“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:17-24
Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.”
That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord...” (Eph. 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth (Rom. 12:2).
As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.
Humility - You need to recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person. You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace (Eph. 2:8-9).
Dependence - You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s will and serve others.
Confidence - You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good (Jer. 29:11-13; Rom. 8:28).
Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.”
That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord...” (Eph. 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth (Rom. 12:2).
As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.
Humility - You need to recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person. You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace (Eph. 2:8-9).
Dependence - You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s will and serve others.
Confidence - You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good (Jer. 29:11-13; Rom. 8:28).
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Transforming Grace of God
“...realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:9-17
Concerned about her salvation, the woman met with her pastor. “I don’t know how Jesus can accept me,” she cried. “I want to give my life to Him, but I’m not ready. You don’t know what I’ve done. Jesus can’t possible forgive me.”
Feeling guilty about past wrongs is understandable. Sin is ugly in God’s eyes, but He took care of the problem on the Cross. When you agree with God that your sin is wrong and accept Jesus’ payment in your place, you are freed by His blood - clean and righteous in God’s sight. No one too wicked, too horrible, too unlovable, too vile for Jesus to love.
Paul, the missionary and the apostle, said: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience...” (verses 15-16). One of the greatest evangelists of all time was once a vicious persecutor of Christians.
No mater what you have said or done, you can hold fast to this promise: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7
Concerned about her salvation, the woman met with her pastor. “I don’t know how Jesus can accept me,” she cried. “I want to give my life to Him, but I’m not ready. You don’t know what I’ve done. Jesus can’t possible forgive me.”
Feeling guilty about past wrongs is understandable. Sin is ugly in God’s eyes, but He took care of the problem on the Cross. When you agree with God that your sin is wrong and accept Jesus’ payment in your place, you are freed by His blood - clean and righteous in God’s sight. No one too wicked, too horrible, too unlovable, too vile for Jesus to love.
Paul, the missionary and the apostle, said: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience...” (verses 15-16). One of the greatest evangelists of all time was once a vicious persecutor of Christians.
No mater what you have said or done, you can hold fast to this promise: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7
Thursday, February 10, 2011
His Grace Makes a Way
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...” Philippians 3:7-9
You probably have a childhood memory of being sick and having to take some awful medicine. It was a disgusting color and smelled horrible, and you just knew it would taste worse than it looked. Still, your mother said, “It’s good for you - really. You’ll feel better.” It was hard to imagine how something that seemed so bad could actually be for your good.
Paul endured beating after beating, rejection, mockery, shipwreck. Yet with rejoicing and confidence, he made this statement of conquering faith while in a Roman prison: “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...” (verse 8).
The events that many people would consider a curse or a punishment, Paul considered trivialities, unimportant when compared to the outcome of following Christ. As a result, Paul not only found deep and abiding fellowship with Jesus, but he was God’s key instrument for reaching much of the world with the gospel.
Do you view your problems in light of God’s purposes? Even when it’s difficult to see what lies ahead, you can rely on His grace to make every trouble a channel of His blessing. The flow of His grace is swiftest when the need is greatest.
You probably have a childhood memory of being sick and having to take some awful medicine. It was a disgusting color and smelled horrible, and you just knew it would taste worse than it looked. Still, your mother said, “It’s good for you - really. You’ll feel better.” It was hard to imagine how something that seemed so bad could actually be for your good.
Paul endured beating after beating, rejection, mockery, shipwreck. Yet with rejoicing and confidence, he made this statement of conquering faith while in a Roman prison: “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...” (verse 8).
The events that many people would consider a curse or a punishment, Paul considered trivialities, unimportant when compared to the outcome of following Christ. As a result, Paul not only found deep and abiding fellowship with Jesus, but he was God’s key instrument for reaching much of the world with the gospel.
Do you view your problems in light of God’s purposes? Even when it’s difficult to see what lies ahead, you can rely on His grace to make every trouble a channel of His blessing. The flow of His grace is swiftest when the need is greatest.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
His Grace is Sufficient
“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 torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave 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, so 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.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
True or false: If you have enough faith, pray regularly, and obey God, He will change or remove the negative circumstances in your life.
Anyone who tells you the answer to this statement is “true” isn’t being honest. The message of Jesus Christ is not a “name it and claim it” gospel that says if you want a certain blessing badly enough God will give it to you on your conditions.
As your loving father, He has your best interest at heart. If something you ask for doesn’t fit His perfect plan for your work and well-being, He may say no. His care goes beyond the pleasure of the moment. He is always at work preparing you for the future, sometimes at the expense of temporary pain.
Paul learned this lesson well. After petitioning God three times to remove a problem, he began to understand why God didn’t take his trouble away. “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, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (verse 9).
God’s grace touches your life even through the most discouraging negatives. You will see your weak points become God’s “power points” when you trust in His sufficiency.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
True or false: If you have enough faith, pray regularly, and obey God, He will change or remove the negative circumstances in your life.
Anyone who tells you the answer to this statement is “true” isn’t being honest. The message of Jesus Christ is not a “name it and claim it” gospel that says if you want a certain blessing badly enough God will give it to you on your conditions.
As your loving father, He has your best interest at heart. If something you ask for doesn’t fit His perfect plan for your work and well-being, He may say no. His care goes beyond the pleasure of the moment. He is always at work preparing you for the future, sometimes at the expense of temporary pain.
Paul learned this lesson well. After petitioning God three times to remove a problem, he began to understand why God didn’t take his trouble away. “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, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (verse 9).
God’s grace touches your life even through the most discouraging negatives. You will see your weak points become God’s “power points” when you trust in His sufficiency.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Seven Steps to Giant Faith
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.’ Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”
1 Samuel 17:45-48
1. Fight the battle mentally before you step onto the battle field. God will show you how to approach the situation if you ask for His wisdom. Make a strong profession of faith: “God, I trust You. I know You are with me.”
2. Reaffirm the battle is not yours but God’s. It is God’s battle; His honor is at stake. Your role is to obediently follow His leading and wait for His blessing.
3. Reckon the victory even before you see it coming. A conquering faith believes the victory is God’s and that He will bring deliverance despite the odds.
4. Wait for God’s timing. Don’t rush ahead of God. His timing is perfect. Never react out of anger. Make it your goal to respond in faith.
5. Fight the battle God’s way, not in human ability. God will use your talents, but He wants to receive the glory. Just as God empowered David, He will direct and strengthen the tools He gives you.
6. Fight with confidence. Nothing is more powerful than God. He sovereignly promises to love and protect you.
7. Trust God for the victory. The victory may not come overnight. It could take a few hours, days, or months. But remember, God has not forgotten you; and in His timing, He will make all things beautiful.
1 Samuel 17:45-48
1. Fight the battle mentally before you step onto the battle field. God will show you how to approach the situation if you ask for His wisdom. Make a strong profession of faith: “God, I trust You. I know You are with me.”
2. Reaffirm the battle is not yours but God’s. It is God’s battle; His honor is at stake. Your role is to obediently follow His leading and wait for His blessing.
3. Reckon the victory even before you see it coming. A conquering faith believes the victory is God’s and that He will bring deliverance despite the odds.
4. Wait for God’s timing. Don’t rush ahead of God. His timing is perfect. Never react out of anger. Make it your goal to respond in faith.
5. Fight the battle God’s way, not in human ability. God will use your talents, but He wants to receive the glory. Just as God empowered David, He will direct and strengthen the tools He gives you.
6. Fight with confidence. Nothing is more powerful than God. He sovereignly promises to love and protect you.
7. Trust God for the victory. The victory may not come overnight. It could take a few hours, days, or months. But remember, God has not forgotten you; and in His timing, He will make all things beautiful.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Rely on the Power of God
“Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David's hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron.” 1 Samuel 17:48-52
You can respond to every challenge in a positive way by thanking God for who He is and what you have in Him. You are saved by His grace and eternally secure in Him. You are sealed until the day of redemption by His Holy Spirit, and you have all the power you need through Jesus Christ.
David didn’t need a spear or javelin to win the battle. All he needed was a conquering faith and a willingness to follow God’s leading. A homemade slingshot was the weapon God chose for David to use. In this way, human strength was not the victor. David received none of the glory. God received it all.
A conquering faith relies upon the power of God for victory. When you face difficulties, remember Christ is in the battle with you. God guided the stone that came off of David’s slingshot. It was just a simple stone picked up out of a creek bed, but it was one that God had prepared for years. And just like a bullet, it killed Goliath. David gained the victory by God’s power. His faith was a conquering faith. He reckoned the victory before he even stepped on the battlefield.
You, too, can face any and every circumstance of life knowing it’s not your strength, wisdom, energy, or power; but it’s the power of God through you that delivers you. God is your eternal encourager. He is your hope and help. Through Him alone there is victory!
You can respond to every challenge in a positive way by thanking God for who He is and what you have in Him. You are saved by His grace and eternally secure in Him. You are sealed until the day of redemption by His Holy Spirit, and you have all the power you need through Jesus Christ.
David didn’t need a spear or javelin to win the battle. All he needed was a conquering faith and a willingness to follow God’s leading. A homemade slingshot was the weapon God chose for David to use. In this way, human strength was not the victor. David received none of the glory. God received it all.
A conquering faith relies upon the power of God for victory. When you face difficulties, remember Christ is in the battle with you. God guided the stone that came off of David’s slingshot. It was just a simple stone picked up out of a creek bed, but it was one that God had prepared for years. And just like a bullet, it killed Goliath. David gained the victory by God’s power. His faith was a conquering faith. He reckoned the victory before he even stepped on the battlefield.
You, too, can face any and every circumstance of life knowing it’s not your strength, wisdom, energy, or power; but it’s the power of God through you that delivers you. God is your eternal encourager. He is your hope and help. Through Him alone there is victory!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Be Positive
“Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?’” 1 Samuel 17:26
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ Then Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.’” 1 Samuel 17:32-36
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel...’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46
David understood the nature of the battle. Many times we fight one another in our homes, churches, and businesses; but we should never see one another as the enemy. The enemy is Satan. Ask God to help you understand the nature of the battle. His Spirit can and will reveal the crux of the conflict. Trust Him to expose the enemy’s devices so there will be less strife and more love, understanding, and unity.
A person with a conquering faith responds to a challenge with a positive confession. As he prepared for battle, David made positive confessions to those around him. He told the men who criticized him, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” To Saul he said: “The Lord who delivered me...will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And to Goliath he said, “I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.”
David’s words were a testimony of faith. He was convinced there was no way he could lose because God was with him. There’s no place for negative confessions in the midst of battle. Positive confession energizes us for victory.
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ Then Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.’” 1 Samuel 17:32-36
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel...’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46
David understood the nature of the battle. Many times we fight one another in our homes, churches, and businesses; but we should never see one another as the enemy. The enemy is Satan. Ask God to help you understand the nature of the battle. His Spirit can and will reveal the crux of the conflict. Trust Him to expose the enemy’s devices so there will be less strife and more love, understanding, and unity.
A person with a conquering faith responds to a challenge with a positive confession. As he prepared for battle, David made positive confessions to those around him. He told the men who criticized him, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” To Saul he said: “The Lord who delivered me...will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And to Goliath he said, “I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.”
David’s words were a testimony of faith. He was convinced there was no way he could lose because God was with him. There’s no place for negative confessions in the midst of battle. Positive confession energizes us for victory.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Our Source of Encouragement
“Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. The Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine also said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.’ Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.’” 1 Samuel 17:41-47
A conquering faith rejects discouraging thoughts and words. As David prepared to meet Goliath in battle, no one offered any encouragement. The soldiers laughed at him; and out of the embarrassment, his brothers told him to go home. If David had listened to their comments, he never would have fought Goliath.
You must be very careful to whom you listen. Listening to people who have a negative few of life usually leads to adopting their attitude. You cannot internalize negative comments and expect to gain victory. However, if we maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ when trouble comes, we are much more inclined to turn to Him as our Source of encouragement. He never ridicules, discourages, or causes us to doubt when trusting Him.
David’s relationship to God was one of close, personal trust. It was a friendship that went far beyond any human relationship. He could sense God’s leading and knew when God was communicating to him. A major part of faith is learning to be still before God and being sensitive to His words of instruction.
A conquering faith recognizes the true nature of the battle. Most difficulties we face are spiritual battles. It doesn’t matter if it’s financial or emotional or physical. God is involved in every area of our lives.
When Goliath saw David, he cursed him by the power of his gods and said, “‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?...Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.’ Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands...[And] all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands’” (1 Samuel 17:41-47).
A conquering faith rejects discouraging thoughts and words. As David prepared to meet Goliath in battle, no one offered any encouragement. The soldiers laughed at him; and out of the embarrassment, his brothers told him to go home. If David had listened to their comments, he never would have fought Goliath.
You must be very careful to whom you listen. Listening to people who have a negative few of life usually leads to adopting their attitude. You cannot internalize negative comments and expect to gain victory. However, if we maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ when trouble comes, we are much more inclined to turn to Him as our Source of encouragement. He never ridicules, discourages, or causes us to doubt when trusting Him.
David’s relationship to God was one of close, personal trust. It was a friendship that went far beyond any human relationship. He could sense God’s leading and knew when God was communicating to him. A major part of faith is learning to be still before God and being sensitive to His words of instruction.
A conquering faith recognizes the true nature of the battle. Most difficulties we face are spiritual battles. It doesn’t matter if it’s financial or emotional or physical. God is involved in every area of our lives.
When Goliath saw David, he cursed him by the power of his gods and said, “‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?...Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.’ Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands...[And] all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands’” (1 Samuel 17:41-47).
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Check Your Motivation
“So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army. Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.
The men of Israel said, ‘Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.’ Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?’ The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, ‘Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.” 1 Samuel 17:20-27
Think about the times in your life when problems seemed too large for you to handle. Most of us have faced times when we did not know how we could possible handle the circumstances. Yet God never fails to keep His promises. In His mercy, He always provides a way.
I recommend keeping a daily journal to help you recall God’s work in your life. Be sure to record all the challenges you’re facing and what you are trusting God to do in that situation. Ask Him to give you specific Scriptures that address the issues as well as His promises for your future.
A person with a conquering faith also reexamines and reaffirms the proper motivation for going into battle. David did not rush into battle without accurately assessing the situation. He came to a realization that the battle facing Israel was spiritual in nature. Therefore, his primary motivation for fighting Goliath wasn’t to gain wealth or fame but to exalt God.
It’s always wise to ask three questions before dealing with any conflict or problem: “What is my motivation for entering this battle? What is God’s purpose for me in facing this conflict? And what’s really going on here?” Many times the enemy attacks us with the sole purpose of discouraging us. Even if the challenge we face involves the death of a loved one, God has something for us to learn in the sorrow. He wants to be our Comforter and Counselor.
The men of Israel said, ‘Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.’ Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?’ The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, ‘Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.” 1 Samuel 17:20-27
Think about the times in your life when problems seemed too large for you to handle. Most of us have faced times when we did not know how we could possible handle the circumstances. Yet God never fails to keep His promises. In His mercy, He always provides a way.
I recommend keeping a daily journal to help you recall God’s work in your life. Be sure to record all the challenges you’re facing and what you are trusting God to do in that situation. Ask Him to give you specific Scriptures that address the issues as well as His promises for your future.
A person with a conquering faith also reexamines and reaffirms the proper motivation for going into battle. David did not rush into battle without accurately assessing the situation. He came to a realization that the battle facing Israel was spiritual in nature. Therefore, his primary motivation for fighting Goliath wasn’t to gain wealth or fame but to exalt God.
It’s always wise to ask three questions before dealing with any conflict or problem: “What is my motivation for entering this battle? What is God’s purpose for me in facing this conflict? And what’s really going on here?” Many times the enemy attacks us with the sole purpose of discouraging us. Even if the challenge we face involves the death of a loved one, God has something for us to learn in the sorrow. He wants to be our Comforter and Counselor.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Remember what God has Done
“The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.
He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, ‘Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.’Again the Philistine said, ‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.’ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”
1 Samuel 17:3-11
“The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.” 1 Samuel 17:16
In 1 Samuel 17, the Scriptures recount how the Philistines taunted the army of Israel for forty days. Their greatest defense was a giant of a man named Goliath who daily shouted slanderous threats at Israel. When David traveled to Israel’s camp, he found the soldiers discouraged and fearful. Not one arrow had been shot, yet it was apparent that Israel was ready to concede defeat (1 Sam. 17:24). Many problems we face act like Goliath. They shout false accusations and threaten us emotionally and physically in an attempt to discourage and keep us from doing God’s will.
The Goliath in your life may be a financial indebtedness, the sudden death of a loved one, a teenager who has left the home, news of a serious illness, a broken relationship, or a friend on drugs. It could be a disappointment at work or a series of personal failures. Whatever it is, God is with you, and He will never abandon you (John 14:18). Every trial, every disappointment, is an opportunity for Him to display His love and faithfulness toward you. Instead of giving in to thoughts of fear and failure, trust Him for the victory.
David’s faith was not based on human ability. It was founded and rooted in the faithfulness of God. One of the things that helped him stand firm when tested was recalling how God had worked in the past. The memory of God’s miraculous intervention raised his confidence level as he remembered the times he faced potential death and God gave him the victory.
He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, ‘Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.’Again the Philistine said, ‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.’ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”
1 Samuel 17:3-11
“The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.” 1 Samuel 17:16
In 1 Samuel 17, the Scriptures recount how the Philistines taunted the army of Israel for forty days. Their greatest defense was a giant of a man named Goliath who daily shouted slanderous threats at Israel. When David traveled to Israel’s camp, he found the soldiers discouraged and fearful. Not one arrow had been shot, yet it was apparent that Israel was ready to concede defeat (1 Sam. 17:24). Many problems we face act like Goliath. They shout false accusations and threaten us emotionally and physically in an attempt to discourage and keep us from doing God’s will.
The Goliath in your life may be a financial indebtedness, the sudden death of a loved one, a teenager who has left the home, news of a serious illness, a broken relationship, or a friend on drugs. It could be a disappointment at work or a series of personal failures. Whatever it is, God is with you, and He will never abandon you (John 14:18). Every trial, every disappointment, is an opportunity for Him to display His love and faithfulness toward you. Instead of giving in to thoughts of fear and failure, trust Him for the victory.
David’s faith was not based on human ability. It was founded and rooted in the faithfulness of God. One of the things that helped him stand firm when tested was recalling how God had worked in the past. The memory of God’s miraculous intervention raised his confidence level as he remembered the times he faced potential death and God gave him the victory.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Faith that Conquers
“For You are my lamp, O LORD; and the LORD illumines my darkness. For by You I can run upon a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, besides the LORD? And who is a rock, besides our God? God is my strong fortress; and He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me on my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your help makes me great.” 2 Samuel 22:29-36
Do you have what it takes to victoriously face life’s challenges? All of us like to think we have the faith needed for any situation. However, faith is often progressive. God leads us through times of testing and difficulty to teach us more about Himself, especially His faithfulness. In the difficult times, He stretches our faith so when we face life’s sorrows, frustrations, and disappointments we can bear up under the weight of the circumstances without wavering.
David came to a point in his life where God allowed his faith to be tested. Frustration, heartache, and disappointment plagued his existence. Yet in even the darkest of times, David knew he was not alone. God had trained him for the battle. He wrote: “He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (2 Sam. 22:35).
God developed David’s childlike trust until it became a conquering faith. The result was a strong and unshakable belief in God. This is the same goal God has for you. He wants you to trust Him at every turn. A person who has a conquering faith will stand on God’s promises and trust Him for deliverance.
Over the next few days, we will look at an experience in the life of David to see some characteristics of a conquering faith. The material used is taken from an article written by Dr. Charles Stanley.
Do you have what it takes to victoriously face life’s challenges? All of us like to think we have the faith needed for any situation. However, faith is often progressive. God leads us through times of testing and difficulty to teach us more about Himself, especially His faithfulness. In the difficult times, He stretches our faith so when we face life’s sorrows, frustrations, and disappointments we can bear up under the weight of the circumstances without wavering.
David came to a point in his life where God allowed his faith to be tested. Frustration, heartache, and disappointment plagued his existence. Yet in even the darkest of times, David knew he was not alone. God had trained him for the battle. He wrote: “He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (2 Sam. 22:35).
God developed David’s childlike trust until it became a conquering faith. The result was a strong and unshakable belief in God. This is the same goal God has for you. He wants you to trust Him at every turn. A person who has a conquering faith will stand on God’s promises and trust Him for deliverance.
Over the next few days, we will look at an experience in the life of David to see some characteristics of a conquering faith. The material used is taken from an article written by Dr. Charles Stanley.
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