“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Ephesians 3:14-15
As Great Britain faced the German might alone in the initial stages of World War II, Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill sent this urgent, but concise message to President Franklin Roosevelt: “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.” The power of the Holy Spirit is the supernatural tool God has given to equip and enable each believer.
The power of the Holy Spirit is to do the work God calls us to accomplish. Serving others, loving even our enemies, building up one another in the faith, sharing Christ, and exercising our spiritual gifts are possible only through the Holy Spirit’s enabling ministry. Trying to do such tasks in our own wisdom and strength and by our own methodology will eventually lead to failure and burnout.
The power of the Holy Spirit is also available for us to become the people God wants us to be. How can we possibly be loving, kind, gentle, patient, joyous, self-controlled, or peaceful apart from the Spirit’s help? Depend daily on Him and the job of becoming Christlike and building His kingdom can be achieved.
“Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience...” Colossians 1:11
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
What We Need Today
The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’
So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:1-8
Immediately before Jesus’ ascension, the disciples eagerly asked the resurrected Savior His intentions for Israel. “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus never answered their query, informing them instead of the imminent, personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1:8).
We all have piercing questions we would like answered. But we are not to be overly occupied with them. Our real need is for power to enjoy and experience the abundant Christian life. Our most pressing demand is the divine enabling to know and follow Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear. What the apostles needed and what we need today is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are you experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit on a consistent basis? Are you aware of His equipping and enabling in matters that are too difficult for you? As God’s child you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He will release His power through you to meet every demand, every problem, every emergency, every circumstance. Just call on His name.
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18
So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:1-8
Immediately before Jesus’ ascension, the disciples eagerly asked the resurrected Savior His intentions for Israel. “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus never answered their query, informing them instead of the imminent, personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1:8).
We all have piercing questions we would like answered. But we are not to be overly occupied with them. Our real need is for power to enjoy and experience the abundant Christian life. Our most pressing demand is the divine enabling to know and follow Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear. What the apostles needed and what we need today is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are you experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit on a consistent basis? Are you aware of His equipping and enabling in matters that are too difficult for you? As God’s child you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He will release His power through you to meet every demand, every problem, every emergency, every circumstance. Just call on His name.
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Devoted to God
“Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, ‘We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.’” Daniel 6:4-5
“Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, ‘Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?’ The king replied, ‘The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Then they answered and spoke before the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.’
Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, ‘Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’” Daniel 6:10-16
“When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:20-23
Even though Persian decree demanded worship to be given solely to King Darius, Daniel continued to worship God. He knew that violation of the decree would lead to the lion’s den, yet he refused to compromise his convictions. We all have moments when we feel like Daniel - times when we stand for what we know is right, but end up feeling like we have been cast into a den of lions. It happens in our jobs, communities, families, and even our churches.
The thing that separated Daniel was his devotion to God. He was not concerned about what others thought of him. Above everything else, Daniel wanted to live only for God. Nothing could change the upward direction of his worship. When people see your life, do they see Jesus? Daniel’s witness was so strong that it made a lasting impression on the king. From the top of the lion’s den, King Darius shouted down, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you” (Dan. 6:16).
May the words of our Savior motivate us to an even stronger commitment, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
God is interested in men and women who are willing to commit themselves to Him without reserve.
“Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, ‘Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?’ The king replied, ‘The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Then they answered and spoke before the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.’
Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, ‘Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’” Daniel 6:10-16
“When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:20-23
Even though Persian decree demanded worship to be given solely to King Darius, Daniel continued to worship God. He knew that violation of the decree would lead to the lion’s den, yet he refused to compromise his convictions. We all have moments when we feel like Daniel - times when we stand for what we know is right, but end up feeling like we have been cast into a den of lions. It happens in our jobs, communities, families, and even our churches.
The thing that separated Daniel was his devotion to God. He was not concerned about what others thought of him. Above everything else, Daniel wanted to live only for God. Nothing could change the upward direction of his worship. When people see your life, do they see Jesus? Daniel’s witness was so strong that it made a lasting impression on the king. From the top of the lion’s den, King Darius shouted down, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you” (Dan. 6:16).
May the words of our Savior motivate us to an even stronger commitment, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
God is interested in men and women who are willing to commit themselves to Him without reserve.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Right Motivation
“The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego.
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.’ But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.’
So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food.” Daniel 1:5-15
After he was taken into Babylonian captivity, Daniel refused to defile himself by eating food from the king’s table. He was committed to serving God without compromise and knew certain foods were not allowed by Jewish law. However, the Law was not the motivating factor behind Daniel’s decision. It was his unyielding devotion to God that persuaded the commander to serve him vegetables instead of meat.
Many people rationalize their lack of obedience by shifting the blame to others society. Phrases like, “Our world is changing and I must change with it” undercut obedience. When God calls us to obey certain principles written in His Word, He makes no apologies.
The Bible says, “God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander...” (Dan. 1:9). When our motivation is fueled by a sincere love and desire to please God, He always provides a way through the temptation.
What is the motivation of your heart? Is it self-gratification or glorification of Jesus Christ? When you seek Jesus above the things of this world, your life will look strange to those who are lost. Make sure the motivation of your heart matches His call for your life.
The way you respond to temptation reveals the depth of your devotion to God.
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.’ But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.’
So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food.” Daniel 1:5-15
After he was taken into Babylonian captivity, Daniel refused to defile himself by eating food from the king’s table. He was committed to serving God without compromise and knew certain foods were not allowed by Jewish law. However, the Law was not the motivating factor behind Daniel’s decision. It was his unyielding devotion to God that persuaded the commander to serve him vegetables instead of meat.
Many people rationalize their lack of obedience by shifting the blame to others society. Phrases like, “Our world is changing and I must change with it” undercut obedience. When God calls us to obey certain principles written in His Word, He makes no apologies.
The Bible says, “God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander...” (Dan. 1:9). When our motivation is fueled by a sincere love and desire to please God, He always provides a way through the temptation.
What is the motivation of your heart? Is it self-gratification or glorification of Jesus Christ? When you seek Jesus above the things of this world, your life will look strange to those who are lost. Make sure the motivation of your heart matches His call for your life.
The way you respond to temptation reveals the depth of your devotion to God.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Faith Without Works
“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’” James 2:14-18
Rahab hid the two Israelite spies under stalks of flax that covered the roof of her home in Jericho. Soon after, messengers from the king of Jericho came to see her, demanding that she tell them where the men were. Her life was in danger if they found out the truth - hiding spies was a crime.
However, Rahab did not tell. The messengers left, and Rahab told the Israelite men why she had protected them. “I know that the Lord has given you the land....For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you....for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11).
Rahab believed in the One true God, and God saved her, even including her in the family line of David and of Jesus (Josh. 2:9-11). Rahab put into living practice the faith that was in her heart, and God used her as an instrument of victory to bring His chosen people into the Promised Land.
When you trusted Jesus as your Savior, Jesus came to live within you. You placed your faith in the Living Word who gives you wisdom and guidance for all things. But just knowing His truth does not put that truth to work in your life. You must apply what He shows you and take a step of obedience.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers...” James 1:22
Rahab hid the two Israelite spies under stalks of flax that covered the roof of her home in Jericho. Soon after, messengers from the king of Jericho came to see her, demanding that she tell them where the men were. Her life was in danger if they found out the truth - hiding spies was a crime.
However, Rahab did not tell. The messengers left, and Rahab told the Israelite men why she had protected them. “I know that the Lord has given you the land....For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you....for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11).
Rahab believed in the One true God, and God saved her, even including her in the family line of David and of Jesus (Josh. 2:9-11). Rahab put into living practice the faith that was in her heart, and God used her as an instrument of victory to bring His chosen people into the Promised Land.
When you trusted Jesus as your Savior, Jesus came to live within you. You placed your faith in the Living Word who gives you wisdom and guidance for all things. But just knowing His truth does not put that truth to work in your life. You must apply what He shows you and take a step of obedience.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers...” James 1:22
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Battle of the Flesh
“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:15-25
When temptation comes, the pressure can seem overwhelming. We feel the tug-of-war between our sin and our new, redeemed self; sometimes the pain is intense. In the heat of spiritual battle, we need to remember who we are - victors in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin once and for all on the cross.
Elisabeth Elliot, in her book On Asking God Why, explains this relationship. “Our context is the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of this world (which is the kingdom of self). You can’t have it all....You may not have it your way. You opted out of all that when you made up your mind to follow a Master who Himself had relinquished all rights, all equality with the Father, and His own will as well.”
With Christ as your Savior and Lord, you belong to Him completely. This is wonderful news in the midst of trial and temptation. And He has promised you this kind of help: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
He will not let you fall if you lean on Him.
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory...” 2 Cor. 4:17
I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:15-25
When temptation comes, the pressure can seem overwhelming. We feel the tug-of-war between our sin and our new, redeemed self; sometimes the pain is intense. In the heat of spiritual battle, we need to remember who we are - victors in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin once and for all on the cross.
Elisabeth Elliot, in her book On Asking God Why, explains this relationship. “Our context is the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of this world (which is the kingdom of self). You can’t have it all....You may not have it your way. You opted out of all that when you made up your mind to follow a Master who Himself had relinquished all rights, all equality with the Father, and His own will as well.”
With Christ as your Savior and Lord, you belong to Him completely. This is wonderful news in the midst of trial and temptation. And He has promised you this kind of help: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
He will not let you fall if you lean on Him.
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory...” 2 Cor. 4:17
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Test of Commitment
“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’” Genesis 22:1-2
“Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” Genesis 22:9-12
When J.C. Penney opened his first store, a meat market, he had no idea how his Christian business ethics would be tested. The chef of a nearby hotel demanded a bottle of liquor each month as a bribe in exchange for the hotel’s continued business. Penny refused. The hotel and other major clients took their business elsewhere. Penney’s shop closed down, but he didn’t give up. He built his new, successful dry goods business on the same biblical principles. Eventually, certain skeptics recognized the value of following biblical principles.
At some point, the Lord will test your commitment to Him. The test may not be financial, and it may not be like Abraham’s ordeal of faith, but you will be tested. Remember that in every trial, He has your best interest at heart. God does not test you to discover your level of commitment. He already knows how you will respond. Instead, God challenges you so that you will learn the level of your devotion. What areas do you need to give to Him? Is there anything you are holding back?
Friends, family, or co-workers may criticize, but God promises to see you through. Be obedient to His leading, and you will be positioned for His richest blessings. God honors those who obey Him at any cost.
“Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” Genesis 22:9-12
When J.C. Penney opened his first store, a meat market, he had no idea how his Christian business ethics would be tested. The chef of a nearby hotel demanded a bottle of liquor each month as a bribe in exchange for the hotel’s continued business. Penny refused. The hotel and other major clients took their business elsewhere. Penney’s shop closed down, but he didn’t give up. He built his new, successful dry goods business on the same biblical principles. Eventually, certain skeptics recognized the value of following biblical principles.
At some point, the Lord will test your commitment to Him. The test may not be financial, and it may not be like Abraham’s ordeal of faith, but you will be tested. Remember that in every trial, He has your best interest at heart. God does not test you to discover your level of commitment. He already knows how you will respond. Instead, God challenges you so that you will learn the level of your devotion. What areas do you need to give to Him? Is there anything you are holding back?
Friends, family, or co-workers may criticize, but God promises to see you through. Be obedient to His leading, and you will be positioned for His richest blessings. God honors those who obey Him at any cost.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
God Knows and God Calls
“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.’ But he said, ‘Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will.’
Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses, and He said, ‘Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him. You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs.’” Exodus 4:10-17
Moses thought he was the wrong man for the job. Why should a pharaoh listen to a man who had spent the last forty years tending sheep? However, God reminded Moses of his true identity. “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Ex. 4:11). In other words, God put Moses attention and focus back on Him.
Not one detail of Moses’ life or background had escaped God’s attention. Moses’ belonged to God alone. The Lord created him specially for His purposes, called him, and promised to supply everything for the tasks ahead.
You can only understand your identity and the unique works which God has planned for you when you identify yourself fully with Jesus Christ. You are an eternal part of God’s family. Insecurity, emptiness, and purposelessness have no place in your life - the Lord provides fulfillment and direction.
Do you feel inadequate or unprepared for some specific challenge? Is the threat of failure eroding your faith? Remember that God is sovereign and gives you the strength and wisdom of what He asks you to do. He calls you to step out in obedient faith, letting Him handle the details.
“And you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses, and He said, ‘Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him. You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs.’” Exodus 4:10-17
Moses thought he was the wrong man for the job. Why should a pharaoh listen to a man who had spent the last forty years tending sheep? However, God reminded Moses of his true identity. “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Ex. 4:11). In other words, God put Moses attention and focus back on Him.
Not one detail of Moses’ life or background had escaped God’s attention. Moses’ belonged to God alone. The Lord created him specially for His purposes, called him, and promised to supply everything for the tasks ahead.
You can only understand your identity and the unique works which God has planned for you when you identify yourself fully with Jesus Christ. You are an eternal part of God’s family. Insecurity, emptiness, and purposelessness have no place in your life - the Lord provides fulfillment and direction.
Do you feel inadequate or unprepared for some specific challenge? Is the threat of failure eroding your faith? Remember that God is sovereign and gives you the strength and wisdom of what He asks you to do. He calls you to step out in obedient faith, letting Him handle the details.
“And you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Called to Commitment
Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:1-6
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” Exodus 3:10-15
Before you commit yourself to a cause or activity, you want to know who is in charge, the person who will be leading you or providing direction. Leadership is vital. That was the question in Moses’ mind when he asked the Lord what he should tell the captive Israelites when they asked who was sending him. God answered him clearly and directly: “‘I Am Who I Am...’ Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers...has sent me to you’” (Ex. 3:14-15).
This answer told Moses everything he needed to know about the One calling him to do a humanly impossible task. He could rest in the eternal promises and security of the God who guided his forefathers through every circumstance, good and bad. The Lord wanted Moses to know that saying yes to Him and obeying Him was a winning decision.
As a child of God, you are called to surrender yourself completely to Him. God is not a mysterious and distant Commander; He is real and personal and reveals His character and love in His Word. Are you saying yes to Him in all things? You will learn to trust Him more as your discover the depth of His commitment to you.
Commitment to God means total surrender, leaving the consequences to Him.
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” Exodus 3:10-15
Before you commit yourself to a cause or activity, you want to know who is in charge, the person who will be leading you or providing direction. Leadership is vital. That was the question in Moses’ mind when he asked the Lord what he should tell the captive Israelites when they asked who was sending him. God answered him clearly and directly: “‘I Am Who I Am...’ Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers...has sent me to you’” (Ex. 3:14-15).
This answer told Moses everything he needed to know about the One calling him to do a humanly impossible task. He could rest in the eternal promises and security of the God who guided his forefathers through every circumstance, good and bad. The Lord wanted Moses to know that saying yes to Him and obeying Him was a winning decision.
As a child of God, you are called to surrender yourself completely to Him. God is not a mysterious and distant Commander; He is real and personal and reveals His character and love in His Word. Are you saying yes to Him in all things? You will learn to trust Him more as your discover the depth of His commitment to you.
Commitment to God means total surrender, leaving the consequences to Him.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Power of Partnership
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-8
Time and distance are not prohibitive factors in God’s work. You don’t have to be highly educated or have special training and financial backing. You’re qualified to be a missionary partner right now. “How can I really help a missionary thousands of miles away when I have to stay at home and do my job?” you ask. It may seem impossible, but God has many ways for you to be involved.
Get to know some missionaries - Take advantage of mission conferences and talk to your missions personnel. They will be happy to give you names, and perhaps pictures, so you can develop genuine interest as you learn their needs and desires.
Pray for them daily - Ask God to help them see the results of their work, the fruit that He is bringing about from their obedience. Also pray that God will give them courage and the right words to say in all situations.
Encourage them often and support them if you can - The people you pray for and support want to know who you are. Letters, small gifts, and clippings from newspapers and magazines are wonderful ways to say “I care.”
When you participate actively with believers around the world, there is no limit to the influence you can have for Christ’s kingdom.
Your influence on earth depends upon your investment in the kingdom of heaven.
Time and distance are not prohibitive factors in God’s work. You don’t have to be highly educated or have special training and financial backing. You’re qualified to be a missionary partner right now. “How can I really help a missionary thousands of miles away when I have to stay at home and do my job?” you ask. It may seem impossible, but God has many ways for you to be involved.
Get to know some missionaries - Take advantage of mission conferences and talk to your missions personnel. They will be happy to give you names, and perhaps pictures, so you can develop genuine interest as you learn their needs and desires.
Pray for them daily - Ask God to help them see the results of their work, the fruit that He is bringing about from their obedience. Also pray that God will give them courage and the right words to say in all situations.
Encourage them often and support them if you can - The people you pray for and support want to know who you are. Letters, small gifts, and clippings from newspapers and magazines are wonderful ways to say “I care.”
When you participate actively with believers around the world, there is no limit to the influence you can have for Christ’s kingdom.
Your influence on earth depends upon your investment in the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, September 19, 2011
God’s Work in You
“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; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
You have probably heard someone say, “Please be patient - God isn’t finished with me yet.” That light-hearted saying is absolutely true. When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you begin a growing process that lasts a lifetime.
In his book Lifetime Guarantee, Bill Gillham explains it this way: “Once a person is born from above, his nature is already Christlike, but it’s infantile in maturity. He is like an oak sapling that can mature into a fully grown oak tree....And by faith and obedience, as he begins, as he begins to act consistently with his new nature, he will look more and more like Jesus.”
The Lord engineers all the circumstances of your life in order to conform you to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:28). God works in everything that He sends and allows in your life. “But what about sin and failure?” you may ask. Jesus took care of your sin problem on the cross. When you trust in Him, you are forgiven.
Yes, God may discipline you and let you experience some of the painful consequences of wrong actions, but His plan hasn’t changed. Someday you will stand in the presence of Almighty God, radiant and complete, fully transformed. It’s a goal worth the wait.
A child of God is never without purpose and direction.
You have probably heard someone say, “Please be patient - God isn’t finished with me yet.” That light-hearted saying is absolutely true. When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you begin a growing process that lasts a lifetime.
In his book Lifetime Guarantee, Bill Gillham explains it this way: “Once a person is born from above, his nature is already Christlike, but it’s infantile in maturity. He is like an oak sapling that can mature into a fully grown oak tree....And by faith and obedience, as he begins, as he begins to act consistently with his new nature, he will look more and more like Jesus.”
The Lord engineers all the circumstances of your life in order to conform you to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:28). God works in everything that He sends and allows in your life. “But what about sin and failure?” you may ask. Jesus took care of your sin problem on the cross. When you trust in Him, you are forgiven.
Yes, God may discipline you and let you experience some of the painful consequences of wrong actions, but His plan hasn’t changed. Someday you will stand in the presence of Almighty God, radiant and complete, fully transformed. It’s a goal worth the wait.
A child of God is never without purpose and direction.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
I Will Build My Church!
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.’” Matthew 16:13-19
The late theologian Dr. Francis Schaeffer explains what the role of the church should be in his book The Church At The End Of The Twentieth Century. “Our churches must be real communities. With an orthodoxy of doctrine there must equally be an orthodoxy of community. Our Christian organization must be communities in which others see what God has revealed in the teaching of His word....Unless people see in our churches not only the preaching of the truth but the practice of the truth....they will not listen and they should not listen.”
The mission of the church is to take the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to all people. As a believer, you are a living part of Christ, called to serve Him and make an impact on others’ lives. The church teaches God’s Word to equip you to share the gospel and disciple others at home, in your neighborhood, at the workplace. This support from fellow believers is essential in helping you seek the Lord consistently.
Your church is your “home base” in a tough world. You witness to others in the way God intends when you are joined with an obedient, loving body of believers.
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
The late theologian Dr. Francis Schaeffer explains what the role of the church should be in his book The Church At The End Of The Twentieth Century. “Our churches must be real communities. With an orthodoxy of doctrine there must equally be an orthodoxy of community. Our Christian organization must be communities in which others see what God has revealed in the teaching of His word....Unless people see in our churches not only the preaching of the truth but the practice of the truth....they will not listen and they should not listen.”
The mission of the church is to take the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to all people. As a believer, you are a living part of Christ, called to serve Him and make an impact on others’ lives. The church teaches God’s Word to equip you to share the gospel and disciple others at home, in your neighborhood, at the workplace. This support from fellow believers is essential in helping you seek the Lord consistently.
Your church is your “home base” in a tough world. You witness to others in the way God intends when you are joined with an obedient, loving body of believers.
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
Friday, September 16, 2011
Understanding His Higher Purpose
“God be gracious to us and bless us,
and cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.
That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
for You will judge the peoples with uprightness
and guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.
God blesses us,
that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 67:1-7
George Bennard accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of sixteen. He served for a time in the Salvation Army and was later ordained as a minister, leading many revivals throughout Michigan and New York. Then, in 1913, he experienced a time of extreme crises.
Bennard did what he had done for years - he turned to the Lord. He spent much time in prayer and Bible study, thinking deeply about the Cross. Wanting to share the truth he discovered, Bennard wrote his thoughts in verse form with music to accompany. His work is a spiritual legacy to believers everywhere, the beloved hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”
The Lord used His dealings with one man to bless countless others. When God deals with us individually, He has a great purpose in mind. God blesses His children and works in their lives because He loves them dearly, and He wants His goodness to go even farther. His plan for you fits perfectly with His plan for the world.
Recognizing God’s overall plan is a key to a growing relationship with Him. You see yourself as He sees you, a much loved child with talents and gifts to use for His service. When you understand His higher purposes for your life, you are a useful tool in His hands.
Praise is not lip service. It’s an expression of your life.
and cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.
That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
for You will judge the peoples with uprightness
and guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.
God blesses us,
that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 67:1-7
George Bennard accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of sixteen. He served for a time in the Salvation Army and was later ordained as a minister, leading many revivals throughout Michigan and New York. Then, in 1913, he experienced a time of extreme crises.
Bennard did what he had done for years - he turned to the Lord. He spent much time in prayer and Bible study, thinking deeply about the Cross. Wanting to share the truth he discovered, Bennard wrote his thoughts in verse form with music to accompany. His work is a spiritual legacy to believers everywhere, the beloved hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”
The Lord used His dealings with one man to bless countless others. When God deals with us individually, He has a great purpose in mind. God blesses His children and works in their lives because He loves them dearly, and He wants His goodness to go even farther. His plan for you fits perfectly with His plan for the world.
Recognizing God’s overall plan is a key to a growing relationship with Him. You see yourself as He sees you, a much loved child with talents and gifts to use for His service. When you understand His higher purposes for your life, you are a useful tool in His hands.
Praise is not lip service. It’s an expression of your life.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Be My Witness
“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’
So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:4-8
Mary Slessor was an unlikely evangelist. Born to a poor family in Scotland in 1848, she grew up in a slum controlled by vicious gangs. She survived beatings by her alcoholic father and began work at a mill when she was thirteen to help support the family
How did she cope in these dark times? Mary accepted Jesus as her Savior as a young girl and found comfort in His love. God had filled her with compassion for helpless, suffering people; and she was willing to go wherever He called her.
When African missionary Dr. David Livingstone asked for others to carry on his work there, Mary was ready. Until her death, she worked for thirty-nine years among people whose lives were dominated by witchcraft, alcohol abuse, and cruelty to children.
Not one heartache in her life had been wasted; God turned her struggles as a youth into strength and specific wisdom to offer hurting people. Many came to know Jesus as Savior because Mary was obedient to God.
Through every experience and circumstance, God builds your character and shapes you for the good works He has given you to do (Eph. 2:10). Be willing to obey in all things; He will equip you with everything you need.
“...Lord...grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence.” Acts 4:29
So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:4-8
Mary Slessor was an unlikely evangelist. Born to a poor family in Scotland in 1848, she grew up in a slum controlled by vicious gangs. She survived beatings by her alcoholic father and began work at a mill when she was thirteen to help support the family
How did she cope in these dark times? Mary accepted Jesus as her Savior as a young girl and found comfort in His love. God had filled her with compassion for helpless, suffering people; and she was willing to go wherever He called her.
When African missionary Dr. David Livingstone asked for others to carry on his work there, Mary was ready. Until her death, she worked for thirty-nine years among people whose lives were dominated by witchcraft, alcohol abuse, and cruelty to children.
Not one heartache in her life had been wasted; God turned her struggles as a youth into strength and specific wisdom to offer hurting people. Many came to know Jesus as Savior because Mary was obedient to God.
Through every experience and circumstance, God builds your character and shapes you for the good works He has given you to do (Eph. 2:10). Be willing to obey in all things; He will equip you with everything you need.
“...Lord...grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence.” Acts 4:29
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Danger of Drifting
“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:1-4
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Heb. 2:1). Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God’s Word. The type of movies you attend, the way you dress, the friends you associate with, or any number of other things could be a source of compromise.
Once we take the first step, Satan urges us to “do it again.” “After all,” he reasons, “nothing happened the first time.” Before we know it our attitude has changed and our lifestyle reflects the shift in our commitment to Christ.
No one is immune to drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as “not to become too serious.” However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His Father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting.
Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and you won’t drift.
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Heb. 2:1). Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God’s Word. The type of movies you attend, the way you dress, the friends you associate with, or any number of other things could be a source of compromise.
Once we take the first step, Satan urges us to “do it again.” “After all,” he reasons, “nothing happened the first time.” Before we know it our attitude has changed and our lifestyle reflects the shift in our commitment to Christ.
No one is immune to drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as “not to become too serious.” However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His Father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting.
Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and you won’t drift.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Can You Trust Your Conscience?
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:1-4
The voice of our conscience is either that of God’s Holy Spirit, the deceiver, or our own. As Christians, it’s important for us to know who is doing the talking. One way to discern the source of our internal communication is by testing the message. Ask yourself, “Do the words of my conscience line up with the Word of God, or is the message confusing and condemning?”
When God speaks to us, He never uses words of hopelessness, defeat, disillusionment, fear, confusion, or failure. Instead, His message offers hope, victory, peace, power, joy, and love. The only time God speaks words of condemnation is when it is connected to sin. He hates sin and seeks to expose it. Satan, on the other hand, loves to ridicule, accuse, and confuse. His goal is to weaken and discourage the body of Christ. He is a guiltful talker and desires to chastise the saints of God.
The Holy Spirit never argues with you. His message is simple and direct. One way to know that your conscience is Spirit-controlled is by spending time alone with God. The more you know about Jesus and His love for you, the more familiar His voice will become.
“...we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
The voice of our conscience is either that of God’s Holy Spirit, the deceiver, or our own. As Christians, it’s important for us to know who is doing the talking. One way to discern the source of our internal communication is by testing the message. Ask yourself, “Do the words of my conscience line up with the Word of God, or is the message confusing and condemning?”
When God speaks to us, He never uses words of hopelessness, defeat, disillusionment, fear, confusion, or failure. Instead, His message offers hope, victory, peace, power, joy, and love. The only time God speaks words of condemnation is when it is connected to sin. He hates sin and seeks to expose it. Satan, on the other hand, loves to ridicule, accuse, and confuse. His goal is to weaken and discourage the body of Christ. He is a guiltful talker and desires to chastise the saints of God.
The Holy Spirit never argues with you. His message is simple and direct. One way to know that your conscience is Spirit-controlled is by spending time alone with God. The more you know about Jesus and His love for you, the more familiar His voice will become.
“...we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Monday, September 12, 2011
Our Internal Warning System
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5
The sales associate realized what he had done was wrong. Yet the temptation to take cash from the register was very alluring. He justified his actions by claiming his family needed extra money. But he laid at night awake - consumed with guilt and knowing he had taken something that did not belong to him. His conscience convicted him of his sin and the need to make restitution.
As he confessed his actions to the Lord, he felt the Holy Spirit prompting him to talk with his employer. Despite the tension, God gave him peace and a clean, clear conscience. “Consciences are built on universal, divinely-given, moral principles,” writes Christian counselor Gary Collins. “[They] are placed in us by God before we are able to even think about right or wrong.” The primary responsibility of our conscience is to warn us of danger and approaching sin. It is a vehicle of hope and cleansing, not a tool of despair and fear.
When God thinks of you, He envisions you living freely and joyfully within His love and grace. He does not want you to suffer the constriction and limitation that sin creates. Commit your conscience to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to be your only guide.
The conscience is our God-given radar system.
The sales associate realized what he had done was wrong. Yet the temptation to take cash from the register was very alluring. He justified his actions by claiming his family needed extra money. But he laid at night awake - consumed with guilt and knowing he had taken something that did not belong to him. His conscience convicted him of his sin and the need to make restitution.
As he confessed his actions to the Lord, he felt the Holy Spirit prompting him to talk with his employer. Despite the tension, God gave him peace and a clean, clear conscience. “Consciences are built on universal, divinely-given, moral principles,” writes Christian counselor Gary Collins. “[They] are placed in us by God before we are able to even think about right or wrong.” The primary responsibility of our conscience is to warn us of danger and approaching sin. It is a vehicle of hope and cleansing, not a tool of despair and fear.
When God thinks of you, He envisions you living freely and joyfully within His love and grace. He does not want you to suffer the constriction and limitation that sin creates. Commit your conscience to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to be your only guide.
The conscience is our God-given radar system.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Time to Remember
“Blessed be the LORD,
because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
therefore my heart exults,
and with my song I shall thank Him.
The Lord is their strength,
and He is a saving defense to His anointed.
Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9
It was ten years ago today that we were attacked by terrorists and over 3,000 innocent people were murdered. Take a moment to pray.
“And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
therefore my heart exults,
and with my song I shall thank Him.
The Lord is their strength,
and He is a saving defense to His anointed.
Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9
It was ten years ago today that we were attacked by terrorists and over 3,000 innocent people were murdered. Take a moment to pray.
“And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
Friday, September 9, 2011
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20
The tennis instructor told her students, “I want your eyes so fixed on the ball that when it crosses the net you can see the name imprint.” This is truly a “fixed focus.” It is also the way God calls us to live. Nothing should impair our concentration toward Him.
Paul describes how Hymenaeus and Alexander allowed this very thing to happen. Once counted among the faithful, a yielding glance at something other than Jesus Christ delivered a devastating blow to their Christian walk. Paul rebuked their blasphemy: “I have handed [them] over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:20). Apostasy sears the conscience and dilutes our devotion.
“Paul warned Timothy,” writes Warren Wiersbe, “the only way to succeed [is] to hold fast to ‘faith and a good conscience’....Professed Christians who ‘make shipwreck’ of their faith do so by sinning against their consciences.”
Many times it is far too easy to resist His correction by failing to heed His warning. Make sure your spiritual focus is solely on Him, then all you do and say will fall in line with His purpose and plan for your life.
Program your life by the Word of God.
The tennis instructor told her students, “I want your eyes so fixed on the ball that when it crosses the net you can see the name imprint.” This is truly a “fixed focus.” It is also the way God calls us to live. Nothing should impair our concentration toward Him.
Paul describes how Hymenaeus and Alexander allowed this very thing to happen. Once counted among the faithful, a yielding glance at something other than Jesus Christ delivered a devastating blow to their Christian walk. Paul rebuked their blasphemy: “I have handed [them] over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:20). Apostasy sears the conscience and dilutes our devotion.
“Paul warned Timothy,” writes Warren Wiersbe, “the only way to succeed [is] to hold fast to ‘faith and a good conscience’....Professed Christians who ‘make shipwreck’ of their faith do so by sinning against their consciences.”
Many times it is far too easy to resist His correction by failing to heed His warning. Make sure your spiritual focus is solely on Him, then all you do and say will fall in line with His purpose and plan for your life.
Program your life by the Word of God.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Does it Line up with the Word?
“As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:3-5
The apostle Paul tells us that in the “later times” there will be believers who abandon the Christian faith and adopt false doctrines. This is how apostasy entered the early church. Many turned away from the truth of God. Despite eyewitness accounts of Christ’s resurrection and the authenticity of the apostle’s message, apostasy (falling away from God’s truth) surfaced in the early church and spread rapidly.
Christ has equipped us to face every scheme of Satan. Taking our position before the throne of God as His children and putting on His armor are two of the most important elements in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6). Never trust human intuition when it comes to spiritual matters. If something doesn’t line up with the Word of God, avoid it (2 Tim. 3:1-5)!
Apostasy’s primary target is the church. Many find this difficult go accept, but it is true. Satan’s chief goal is to weaken and destroy the testimony of the body of Christ. Ask God to make you keenly aware of your moral environment. Avoid false philosophies and anything that leads you away from Christ and into deception by keeping God’s truth constantly before.
When your conscience is defiled, nothing is sacred and nothing is pure.
The apostle Paul tells us that in the “later times” there will be believers who abandon the Christian faith and adopt false doctrines. This is how apostasy entered the early church. Many turned away from the truth of God. Despite eyewitness accounts of Christ’s resurrection and the authenticity of the apostle’s message, apostasy (falling away from God’s truth) surfaced in the early church and spread rapidly.
Christ has equipped us to face every scheme of Satan. Taking our position before the throne of God as His children and putting on His armor are two of the most important elements in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6). Never trust human intuition when it comes to spiritual matters. If something doesn’t line up with the Word of God, avoid it (2 Tim. 3:1-5)!
Apostasy’s primary target is the church. Many find this difficult go accept, but it is true. Satan’s chief goal is to weaken and destroy the testimony of the body of Christ. Ask God to make you keenly aware of your moral environment. Avoid false philosophies and anything that leads you away from Christ and into deception by keeping God’s truth constantly before.
When your conscience is defiled, nothing is sacred and nothing is pure.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Danger of Drifting
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:13-16
Taking the small, inflatable raft, he went out just beyond the wave break where he could relax and enjoy the coolness of the ocean water. He had left his glasses with his wife on the beach. Though his vision was blurry, he kept telling himself, “I can still see the shore.” Soon, the sound of the lifeguard’s horn and shouts of onlookers signaled that he had drifted out into dangers water, never feeling the silent pull of the ocean’s undertow.
Sin often operates this way in the life of a believer. Satan begins by tempting us to deviate only slightly from God’s principles. Then he watches for our reaction. Do we find sin palatable or nauseating? Spiritual drifting begins with the words, “I know I probably shouldn’t do this, but I don’t see any harm in doing it just once.” Before you drift into harm’s way and away from the fellowship of God, ask Him to surface any area of sin you may be harboring.
Very few of us successfully resist rationalized sin the second time around. The man who eats a hot fudge sundae and concludes that it doesn’t make him fat is deceived. Make the wise choice to obey and avoid the danger of drifting.
God’s principles are for application by everyone in every circumstance.
Taking the small, inflatable raft, he went out just beyond the wave break where he could relax and enjoy the coolness of the ocean water. He had left his glasses with his wife on the beach. Though his vision was blurry, he kept telling himself, “I can still see the shore.” Soon, the sound of the lifeguard’s horn and shouts of onlookers signaled that he had drifted out into dangers water, never feeling the silent pull of the ocean’s undertow.
Sin often operates this way in the life of a believer. Satan begins by tempting us to deviate only slightly from God’s principles. Then he watches for our reaction. Do we find sin palatable or nauseating? Spiritual drifting begins with the words, “I know I probably shouldn’t do this, but I don’t see any harm in doing it just once.” Before you drift into harm’s way and away from the fellowship of God, ask Him to surface any area of sin you may be harboring.
Very few of us successfully resist rationalized sin the second time around. The man who eats a hot fudge sundae and concludes that it doesn’t make him fat is deceived. Make the wise choice to obey and avoid the danger of drifting.
God’s principles are for application by everyone in every circumstance.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Remember Whose You Are!
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 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.” Romans 6:1-7
Most of us have heard how a frog can be boiled to death without any resistance. Placed in a cool pot of water on a cooking surface, the frog remains content and unsuspecting as the heat beneath is increased. His internal temperature rises with the temperature of the water until finally he is boiled alive!
Abraham and Lot were given a choice about the land they would occupy. Lot, seeing the lushness of the Jordan Valley, chose the richness of Sodom while Abraham settled in the land of Canaan. Greed and lust fueled Lot’s desires. F.B. Meyer writes: “The younger man (Lot) chose according to the sight of his eyes. In his judgement he gained [everything] but the world is full of Lots - shallow, impulsive, doomed to be revealed by their choice and end.”
Lot never considered the character of the inhabitants of the land. He adopted a casual view of their sin. And in doing so he failed to realize the effect their presence would have on his relationship with God.
Have you adopted God’s perspective on sin, or do you have an indifferent attitude toward that which is unholy before a holy God? Don’t risk being lulled into deadly spiritual lethargy by the complacency of our society. God hates sin and calls us to do the same.
Sin is out of character for who we are in Christ.
Most of us have heard how a frog can be boiled to death without any resistance. Placed in a cool pot of water on a cooking surface, the frog remains content and unsuspecting as the heat beneath is increased. His internal temperature rises with the temperature of the water until finally he is boiled alive!
Abraham and Lot were given a choice about the land they would occupy. Lot, seeing the lushness of the Jordan Valley, chose the richness of Sodom while Abraham settled in the land of Canaan. Greed and lust fueled Lot’s desires. F.B. Meyer writes: “The younger man (Lot) chose according to the sight of his eyes. In his judgement he gained [everything] but the world is full of Lots - shallow, impulsive, doomed to be revealed by their choice and end.”
Lot never considered the character of the inhabitants of the land. He adopted a casual view of their sin. And in doing so he failed to realize the effect their presence would have on his relationship with God.
Have you adopted God’s perspective on sin, or do you have an indifferent attitude toward that which is unholy before a holy God? Don’t risk being lulled into deadly spiritual lethargy by the complacency of our society. God hates sin and calls us to do the same.
Sin is out of character for who we are in Christ.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Called to Obey
“Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, ‘Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the LORD your God. You shall therefore obey the LORD your God, and do His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.’” Deuteronomy 27:9-10
Jesus always dealt firmly with sin. He exposed the problem, presented the truth, and expected obedience. He confronted those trapped in sin and admonished them to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11; 5:14). His words were swift and to the point. They never deviated from God’s original plan of purity and holiness. He knew procrastination was the Devil’s folly. Those who wait to obey experience heartache and pain.
The rich young ruler did not follow Jesus because he valued his material possessions more than his walk with God. In contrast, nothing could equal the joy of the Samaritan woman as she responded in obedience to Christ.
How do we avoid divine discipline? Obedience. The moment God puts His finger on something in your life - deal with it. Don’t wait. The reason the Samaritan woman gained such freedom and joy was because she seized the moment by believing Christ would meet all her needs. She responded in obedience and gained eternal life.
Confess any sin and in repentance turn away from that which fouls up your fellowship with God. Then by His grace go forward in life cleansed and purified.
Obeying God begins with the fact that He is our life.
Jesus always dealt firmly with sin. He exposed the problem, presented the truth, and expected obedience. He confronted those trapped in sin and admonished them to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11; 5:14). His words were swift and to the point. They never deviated from God’s original plan of purity and holiness. He knew procrastination was the Devil’s folly. Those who wait to obey experience heartache and pain.
The rich young ruler did not follow Jesus because he valued his material possessions more than his walk with God. In contrast, nothing could equal the joy of the Samaritan woman as she responded in obedience to Christ.
How do we avoid divine discipline? Obedience. The moment God puts His finger on something in your life - deal with it. Don’t wait. The reason the Samaritan woman gained such freedom and joy was because she seized the moment by believing Christ would meet all her needs. She responded in obedience and gained eternal life.
Confess any sin and in repentance turn away from that which fouls up your fellowship with God. Then by His grace go forward in life cleansed and purified.
Obeying God begins with the fact that He is our life.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
His Grace is Adequate
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
and your judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:3-6
I read about a woman who at the age of thirty-four faced divorce and thoughts of being on her own once again. Surrounded by guilt, loneliness, and confusion, her sense of hopelessness led to drug addiction. But even in this depressing darkness, Jesus came to her.
A neighbor began to show a genuine interest in her life. One day their conversation turned from mundane matters to God and His eternal love. She wondered how anyone, especially God, could love her. Her neighbor provided the evidence in God’s Word of His unconditional love and forgiveness. A the age of thirty-eight, she prayed to receive Christ as her Savior. From that point on, she was determined to live and uncompromising life before God.
At first it was difficult. Old friends and abusive habits had cut deep and stubborn ruts into her life. Still, she refused to yield to any hint of sinful behavior, and God honored her faithfulness by freeing her physically an emotionally.
God breaks sin’s power at the point of salvation. However, consequences of our wrong decisions may linger. Regardless of your circumstances, Jesus remains your eternal Advocate before the Father, and His grace is adequate for every situation you face.
“...Commit your way to the Lord...”
dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
and your judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:3-6
I read about a woman who at the age of thirty-four faced divorce and thoughts of being on her own once again. Surrounded by guilt, loneliness, and confusion, her sense of hopelessness led to drug addiction. But even in this depressing darkness, Jesus came to her.
A neighbor began to show a genuine interest in her life. One day their conversation turned from mundane matters to God and His eternal love. She wondered how anyone, especially God, could love her. Her neighbor provided the evidence in God’s Word of His unconditional love and forgiveness. A the age of thirty-eight, she prayed to receive Christ as her Savior. From that point on, she was determined to live and uncompromising life before God.
At first it was difficult. Old friends and abusive habits had cut deep and stubborn ruts into her life. Still, she refused to yield to any hint of sinful behavior, and God honored her faithfulness by freeing her physically an emotionally.
God breaks sin’s power at the point of salvation. However, consequences of our wrong decisions may linger. Regardless of your circumstances, Jesus remains your eternal Advocate before the Father, and His grace is adequate for every situation you face.
“...Commit your way to the Lord...”
Friday, September 2, 2011
When God Disciplines
“But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-32
Many times we can sense the Holy Spirit warning us against a certain action even before we do it. Yet we persist, and as a result our fellowship with Him cools. When this happens, we need to remember that God always offers restoration and forgiveness to those who come to Him. He never disciplines us out of anger.
True humility and a contrite heart are proven pathways to God’s forgiveness. Don’t believe Satan’s lie when he tells you God is mad at you and will not forgive you. God’s anger is vented toward sin itself. And while sin has consequences, God’s love for the sinner is unconditional.
Do take the divine discipline of God seriously. Know that it is based in His eternal love for you - endure and submit to it. Sin, regardless of the form it takes, has repercussions. However, the love of God is stronger still. No matter how deeply entrenched your sin, God can deliver you.
Many times we can sense the Holy Spirit warning us against a certain action even before we do it. Yet we persist, and as a result our fellowship with Him cools. When this happens, we need to remember that God always offers restoration and forgiveness to those who come to Him. He never disciplines us out of anger.
True humility and a contrite heart are proven pathways to God’s forgiveness. Don’t believe Satan’s lie when he tells you God is mad at you and will not forgive you. God’s anger is vented toward sin itself. And while sin has consequences, God’s love for the sinner is unconditional.
Do take the divine discipline of God seriously. Know that it is based in His eternal love for you - endure and submit to it. Sin, regardless of the form it takes, has repercussions. However, the love of God is stronger still. No matter how deeply entrenched your sin, God can deliver you.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Facing Life’s Unknowns
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:1-6
A delayed promotion, an unreached goal, a broken relationship - some of life’s inexplicable turns. Many of the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 knew firsthand about life’s unknowns. Many others also had the opportunity to witness God’s hand at work as He rolled back the waters of the Red Sea, defeated enemy armies, and proved faithful when times of trial and tribulation struck. The test of faith is not merely in trusting but in trusting God when all hope has disappeared.
One of the ways God tests our faith is by allowing life’s unknowns to invade our lives. Samuel anointed David as king over Israel. Yet nothing was mentioned about having to wait years before he sat on Israel’s throne. Thanks to life’s unknowns, David was forced to leave his family and friends and live like a common criminal on the run from a jealous and mentally impaired king. At any point he could have proclaimed his frustration, but David went beyond bitterness and self pity to claim the goodness of God. He realized God’s ways were not the ways of man.
All of life’s unknown are perfectly within God’s sovereign control. If He has give you a promise, cling to it. He will do exactly what He has said He will do (1 Thess. 5:24).
Eyes of faith see God even when darkness tries to invade the light.
A delayed promotion, an unreached goal, a broken relationship - some of life’s inexplicable turns. Many of the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 knew firsthand about life’s unknowns. Many others also had the opportunity to witness God’s hand at work as He rolled back the waters of the Red Sea, defeated enemy armies, and proved faithful when times of trial and tribulation struck. The test of faith is not merely in trusting but in trusting God when all hope has disappeared.
One of the ways God tests our faith is by allowing life’s unknowns to invade our lives. Samuel anointed David as king over Israel. Yet nothing was mentioned about having to wait years before he sat on Israel’s throne. Thanks to life’s unknowns, David was forced to leave his family and friends and live like a common criminal on the run from a jealous and mentally impaired king. At any point he could have proclaimed his frustration, but David went beyond bitterness and self pity to claim the goodness of God. He realized God’s ways were not the ways of man.
All of life’s unknown are perfectly within God’s sovereign control. If He has give you a promise, cling to it. He will do exactly what He has said He will do (1 Thess. 5:24).
Eyes of faith see God even when darkness tries to invade the light.
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