“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
From a dreary dungeon come the words of the apostle Paul to capture our hearts and imaginations. Alone and suffering a punishment that few of us can comprehend, Paul writes: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am...in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-3).
Is this idealistic fluff? Mere words written to pass the time of day? No. Paul had learned the most valuable of all secrets - the secret of contentment. He no longer looked to temporal values for security and peace. He looked only to Jesus for his strength and reward.
While many rushed to gain prominence, Paul sought the highest reward of all - a personal relationship with Christ. Few people enter the sanctuary of God as Paul did. Unshackled from bonds of fear and anxiety, Paul walked boldly into the presence of God, finding eternal peace and providential care.
Contentment’s greatest adversary is anxiety - fretting over things beyond the control of God. Have you learned the secret of contentment?
“There is a stillness that lets God answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.” -A.B. Simpson
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
He is Our Present Help, Part 2
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
‘Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-11
The writer of Psalm 46 knew what it meant to face turmoil and tragedy. Wars and violence were very much a part of Old Testament life. Entire civilizations were wiped out without warning. Imagine the fear and dismay of such perilous times. You may know personally what it feels like to abide in the instability of pain and suffering. At times you find yourself longing for something or someone to anchor and steady your hurting heart. Jesus is your anchor. He is your sure hope.
The psalmist tells us that even though our world appears disjointed, turned upside down, and on the brink of desolation, God is with us. He never abandons His omnipotent station. He is our hiding place when the storms of life lash out at us. He is our abode of trust, covering us with His divine veil of protection when forces too powerful attack. Martin Luther captured this thought in the words: “A mighty fortress is our God.” God is our refuge, and He cannot be shaken.
How do you tap into His sovereign watchcare? Verse ten of Psalm 46 holds the answer: “Cease striving [be still] and know that I am God.” Lay aside your human effort and call out to your Eternal Hope - Jesus Christ.
“In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety.” -Charles Spurgeon
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
‘Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-11
The writer of Psalm 46 knew what it meant to face turmoil and tragedy. Wars and violence were very much a part of Old Testament life. Entire civilizations were wiped out without warning. Imagine the fear and dismay of such perilous times. You may know personally what it feels like to abide in the instability of pain and suffering. At times you find yourself longing for something or someone to anchor and steady your hurting heart. Jesus is your anchor. He is your sure hope.
The psalmist tells us that even though our world appears disjointed, turned upside down, and on the brink of desolation, God is with us. He never abandons His omnipotent station. He is our hiding place when the storms of life lash out at us. He is our abode of trust, covering us with His divine veil of protection when forces too powerful attack. Martin Luther captured this thought in the words: “A mighty fortress is our God.” God is our refuge, and He cannot be shaken.
How do you tap into His sovereign watchcare? Verse ten of Psalm 46 holds the answer: “Cease striving [be still] and know that I am God.” Lay aside your human effort and call out to your Eternal Hope - Jesus Christ.
“In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety.” -Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, January 29, 2012
He is Our Present Help
“So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:17-26
Few of us are prepared for the worst when it comes. Often tragedy strikes without notice - the sudden death of a loved one, a lay-off at work, or a medical report confirming a terminal illness. These events and many more have the potential to turn our world upside down. How do we handle circumstances that leave us suddenly feeling out of control and frightened?
At the death of her brother, Martha longed for Jesus to return to Bethany. The pain was too great for her to bear alone. She knew He was the Christ, the Son of God; and yet she was torn emotionally by her human feelings. Had Jesus been present when Lazarus became ill, she reasoned, he never would have died.
Faith versus human reasoning - in this case faith won out. Fighting back tears Martha said: “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22). She believed Jesus had complete control over the situation. No matter how upside down her world appeared, Christ’s presence restored order and hope.
God may not completely remove the painfulness of your circumstances. But He will bring order and peace if you will turn to Him. He is our present help in troubled times.
“Jesus is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms.” -Annie Johnson Flint
Few of us are prepared for the worst when it comes. Often tragedy strikes without notice - the sudden death of a loved one, a lay-off at work, or a medical report confirming a terminal illness. These events and many more have the potential to turn our world upside down. How do we handle circumstances that leave us suddenly feeling out of control and frightened?
At the death of her brother, Martha longed for Jesus to return to Bethany. The pain was too great for her to bear alone. She knew He was the Christ, the Son of God; and yet she was torn emotionally by her human feelings. Had Jesus been present when Lazarus became ill, she reasoned, he never would have died.
Faith versus human reasoning - in this case faith won out. Fighting back tears Martha said: “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22). She believed Jesus had complete control over the situation. No matter how upside down her world appeared, Christ’s presence restored order and hope.
God may not completely remove the painfulness of your circumstances. But He will bring order and peace if you will turn to Him. He is our present help in troubled times.
“Jesus is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms.” -Annie Johnson Flint
Friday, January 27, 2012
Obedience
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.’
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.’ And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.’” Matthew 26:36-42
It was the hardest decision he had ever made. Only a telephone call separated him and twenty thousand dollars - illegal and untraceable gain. Thoughts of what he could do with the money ran through his mind. No one would ever know. No one, that is, except God.
As tension grew inside of him, he suddenly found himself recalling the words of his grandfather: “Son, no matter what you do in life, make your goal obedience to God. You’ll never lose by obeying Him, and you’ll never win if you disobey.” A smile crossed his face and tears flushed through his eyes. How could he have allowed himself to be so tempted? Obedience to God’s standards is not always easy. At times it is quite difficult.
The night before the crucifixion, Jesus faced the severest of trials. He was not tempted in a human sense to refuse the Father’s will, but instead was intensely challenged to obey. Obedience was the only way to fulfill the Father’s will, and Jesus chose that way.
The magnitude of the task was overwhelmingly repugnant. Yet in pure and perfect obedience, Jesus took the sins of humanity onto Himself, thus opening a way for eternal salvation. Anything less than perfect obedience is disobedience. Is obedience to God your life’s goal?
“If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight.” -Oswald Chambers
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.’ And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.’” Matthew 26:36-42
It was the hardest decision he had ever made. Only a telephone call separated him and twenty thousand dollars - illegal and untraceable gain. Thoughts of what he could do with the money ran through his mind. No one would ever know. No one, that is, except God.
As tension grew inside of him, he suddenly found himself recalling the words of his grandfather: “Son, no matter what you do in life, make your goal obedience to God. You’ll never lose by obeying Him, and you’ll never win if you disobey.” A smile crossed his face and tears flushed through his eyes. How could he have allowed himself to be so tempted? Obedience to God’s standards is not always easy. At times it is quite difficult.
The night before the crucifixion, Jesus faced the severest of trials. He was not tempted in a human sense to refuse the Father’s will, but instead was intensely challenged to obey. Obedience was the only way to fulfill the Father’s will, and Jesus chose that way.
The magnitude of the task was overwhelmingly repugnant. Yet in pure and perfect obedience, Jesus took the sins of humanity onto Himself, thus opening a way for eternal salvation. Anything less than perfect obedience is disobedience. Is obedience to God your life’s goal?
“If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight.” -Oswald Chambers
Thursday, January 26, 2012
God Knows...Still God Calls
Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’” Isaiah 6:5-9
The days in which Isaiah lived were filled with sinful peril. Israel worshiped many gods and adhered to all kinds of evil. When sin surrounds you, you rarely notice its silent gathering. Such was the case with the prophet Isaiah.
It is true; he should have known better than to overlook Israel’s compromise. He knew the value of holiness. Yet sin in its quiet deception had stolen a place in his heart. The day he stood in the presence of God with heralds of Seraphim hovering above him with his day of reckoning. God was looking for one man, one voice to carry His truth to the people. Who would go for Him? Who would answer His call? The startling presence of the holiness brought the prophet to his knees. As he cried out at the reality of his sin, the Seraphim rushed to cleanse his lips with coals taken from the altar of God.
Has God called you to a certain task but the memory of past failure holds you back? Take heart; He is near. Get on your face before Him. Tell Him the ways you have failed, and He will cleanse you. One of the most wondrous attributes of our heavenly Father is His mercy in forgiveness. Will you, like Isaiah, answer His call?
“...‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us’...?” Isaiah 6:8
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’” Isaiah 6:5-9
The days in which Isaiah lived were filled with sinful peril. Israel worshiped many gods and adhered to all kinds of evil. When sin surrounds you, you rarely notice its silent gathering. Such was the case with the prophet Isaiah.
It is true; he should have known better than to overlook Israel’s compromise. He knew the value of holiness. Yet sin in its quiet deception had stolen a place in his heart. The day he stood in the presence of God with heralds of Seraphim hovering above him with his day of reckoning. God was looking for one man, one voice to carry His truth to the people. Who would go for Him? Who would answer His call? The startling presence of the holiness brought the prophet to his knees. As he cried out at the reality of his sin, the Seraphim rushed to cleanse his lips with coals taken from the altar of God.
Has God called you to a certain task but the memory of past failure holds you back? Take heart; He is near. Get on your face before Him. Tell Him the ways you have failed, and He will cleanse you. One of the most wondrous attributes of our heavenly Father is His mercy in forgiveness. Will you, like Isaiah, answer His call?
“...‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us’...?” Isaiah 6:8
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Who Will Go?
In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”
And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’” Isaiah 6:1-9
For a moment he studied the crowd moving toward the front of the church. Then with sweaty palms and a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach, he stepped out into the aisle. As he walked to the front of the church, the words of Have Thine Own Way comforted him.
Standing at the altar, he suddenly felt a small hand slip inside of his. In looking down he saw the face of his seven-year-old daughter. “I will go for Jesus, too, Daddy,” she beamed. As he lifted his eyes, he saw his wife holding their eighteen-month-old son, “Darling, we’ll all go for Him.”
He knew this moment meant total surrender to the will of God. But so much had happened in the past. So many tears. So many words spoken in haste and anger. Could Jesus see past the years spent in sin and denial? Could God really be calling them to carry the light of His gospel halfway around the world? Yes.
God uses people with hearts turned toward Him. Past sins and failures are forgiven. He abides in the immediacy of the moment. When we open our hearts in obedient faith to His will, He uses us. There is a job Jesus has for you to do, and no one else can take your place.
God doesn’t just call out international missionaries - He calls all of us. We all can be in a ministry for Him. Will you go for Him? Will you answer His call?
“...‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go...’” Isaiah 6:8-9
And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’” Isaiah 6:1-9
For a moment he studied the crowd moving toward the front of the church. Then with sweaty palms and a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach, he stepped out into the aisle. As he walked to the front of the church, the words of Have Thine Own Way comforted him.
Standing at the altar, he suddenly felt a small hand slip inside of his. In looking down he saw the face of his seven-year-old daughter. “I will go for Jesus, too, Daddy,” she beamed. As he lifted his eyes, he saw his wife holding their eighteen-month-old son, “Darling, we’ll all go for Him.”
He knew this moment meant total surrender to the will of God. But so much had happened in the past. So many tears. So many words spoken in haste and anger. Could Jesus see past the years spent in sin and denial? Could God really be calling them to carry the light of His gospel halfway around the world? Yes.
God uses people with hearts turned toward Him. Past sins and failures are forgiven. He abides in the immediacy of the moment. When we open our hearts in obedient faith to His will, He uses us. There is a job Jesus has for you to do, and no one else can take your place.
God doesn’t just call out international missionaries - He calls all of us. We all can be in a ministry for Him. Will you go for Him? Will you answer His call?
“...‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go...’” Isaiah 6:8-9
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
We are Ambassadors for Christ
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Those who met Jesus were eternally changed. The man born blind. The woman who anointed His feet with oil. The leper He healed and the Pharisee who came to Him by night. No one meets Jesus and remains the same. Even Judas after the betrayal cried, “I have betrayed an innocent man” (Matt. 27:4). Either we accept Jesus as the Messiah and become reconciled to God, or we reject Him and live a life of separation and denial. No matter how you view it, anytime someone encounters Christ they are changed.
Sin once separated us from God; but Jesus, being God’s Son, broke the power of sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. When we accept Him as our Savior, God reconciles us eternally unto Himself. Reconciliation is the goal of salvation. Yet the message of reconciliation does not stop here but continues through us to reach others who have never heard the truth of the gospel. Nothing has changed since the call of the Great Commission. God reconciles us to Himself that we might have a ministry of reconciliation.
The words He spoke to His disciples at the resurrection are the same words He speaks to us today. We are His channels of reconciliation to a lost and dying world. We have been blessed by God that we might be a blessing to others.
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Those who met Jesus were eternally changed. The man born blind. The woman who anointed His feet with oil. The leper He healed and the Pharisee who came to Him by night. No one meets Jesus and remains the same. Even Judas after the betrayal cried, “I have betrayed an innocent man” (Matt. 27:4). Either we accept Jesus as the Messiah and become reconciled to God, or we reject Him and live a life of separation and denial. No matter how you view it, anytime someone encounters Christ they are changed.
Sin once separated us from God; but Jesus, being God’s Son, broke the power of sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. When we accept Him as our Savior, God reconciles us eternally unto Himself. Reconciliation is the goal of salvation. Yet the message of reconciliation does not stop here but continues through us to reach others who have never heard the truth of the gospel. Nothing has changed since the call of the Great Commission. God reconciles us to Himself that we might have a ministry of reconciliation.
The words He spoke to His disciples at the resurrection are the same words He speaks to us today. We are His channels of reconciliation to a lost and dying world. We have been blessed by God that we might be a blessing to others.
Monday, January 23, 2012
On a Divine Mission of Love
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” She said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.
John 4:7-19
The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
John 4:25-26
Jesus insisted on going to Galilee via Samaria. He could have taken any one of three other routes, but He chose the one least traveled by the Jews. The reason - He was on a divine mission of love. Samaritans were a mixed race - part of Jew and part Gentile - that grew out of the Assyrian captivity. They were rejected by the Jews because they could not prove their genealogy. However, Jesus was not swayed by Jewish prejudices.
By the time He and His disciples arrived at Jacob’s well, it was late in the day. After dismissing them to buy food, Jesus noticed a woman drawing water from the well. She was as Samaritan and a known adulteress. He knew their paths would cross the moment he began His journey. Racial barriers and sin are no match for the love of God.
Often people want to know who Jesus is. They cannot imagine love like His so divine, so wondrous as being theirs. Just like this woman, their lives are entrapped by sin. However, these are the very people Jesus rushes to meet.
The giving of His love at Calvary was God’s way of shouting to the world: “I love you unconditionally.” No matter where you are in this life, Jesus loves you want wants His best for you.
“...Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come...” Revelation 1:4
The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.
John 4:7-19
The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
John 4:25-26
Jesus insisted on going to Galilee via Samaria. He could have taken any one of three other routes, but He chose the one least traveled by the Jews. The reason - He was on a divine mission of love. Samaritans were a mixed race - part of Jew and part Gentile - that grew out of the Assyrian captivity. They were rejected by the Jews because they could not prove their genealogy. However, Jesus was not swayed by Jewish prejudices.
By the time He and His disciples arrived at Jacob’s well, it was late in the day. After dismissing them to buy food, Jesus noticed a woman drawing water from the well. She was as Samaritan and a known adulteress. He knew their paths would cross the moment he began His journey. Racial barriers and sin are no match for the love of God.
Often people want to know who Jesus is. They cannot imagine love like His so divine, so wondrous as being theirs. Just like this woman, their lives are entrapped by sin. However, these are the very people Jesus rushes to meet.
The giving of His love at Calvary was God’s way of shouting to the world: “I love you unconditionally.” No matter where you are in this life, Jesus loves you want wants His best for you.
“...Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come...” Revelation 1:4
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Let God Meet Your Needs
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34
Samson was a man of supernatural strength. Yet even this gift from God did not keep him from seeking to meet his needs in an immoral way. We all know the end of his tragic story.
God understands our needs. He wants to meet them in such a way that Christ is honored, we grow spiritually, and the gospel is advanced through our circumstances. Unfortunately, we often choose our ways instead of God’s. We seek our own solution, calculating what we think is best instead of sifting our need through His Word and the insight of His Spirit.
If you have a need and are on the verge of making a decision to fulfill that need, make sure you address the crucial spiritual issues. Have you sincerely asked for God’s will to be done, even at the expense of ruining your own plans? Have you spent time in the Scriptures asking God to speak to you concerning your situation? Have you waited on God to give you direction? Are you willing to work on His time schedule instead of yours?
If you respond positively to these questions, you are on your way to getting your needs met God’s way. Take what steps you need, give God the right to stop you at any point, and look to Him as your Source along the way.
God saves the very best to those who are willing to leave the choice to Him of where and when.
Samson was a man of supernatural strength. Yet even this gift from God did not keep him from seeking to meet his needs in an immoral way. We all know the end of his tragic story.
God understands our needs. He wants to meet them in such a way that Christ is honored, we grow spiritually, and the gospel is advanced through our circumstances. Unfortunately, we often choose our ways instead of God’s. We seek our own solution, calculating what we think is best instead of sifting our need through His Word and the insight of His Spirit.
If you have a need and are on the verge of making a decision to fulfill that need, make sure you address the crucial spiritual issues. Have you sincerely asked for God’s will to be done, even at the expense of ruining your own plans? Have you spent time in the Scriptures asking God to speak to you concerning your situation? Have you waited on God to give you direction? Are you willing to work on His time schedule instead of yours?
If you respond positively to these questions, you are on your way to getting your needs met God’s way. Take what steps you need, give God the right to stop you at any point, and look to Him as your Source along the way.
God saves the very best to those who are willing to leave the choice to Him of where and when.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Come to Me...
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
When our burdens become unbearable, we can seek to dump our loads in several places. Perhaps we have a friend who will listen to our problems. Perhaps we can find relief in a brief get-a-way where we can be refreshed and strengthened. We might even have access to a Christian counselor who can give us solid advice. But nothing or no one can provide the rest and relief that Jesus can when we come to Him with our burdens. Our Savior has broad shoulders, sturdy hands, and a compassionate heart. There is no grievous or weighty matter that He does not bid us to give to Him.
If you are carrying a burden that has you at the breaking point, come to Jesus in prayer. Don’t worry about the right words; just cry out to God. Tell Him how you feel. Prayer is simply talking with God, and that is what you do to shift your burden to Christ.
Come in childlike faith. Jesus said He would give His light and easy load in return for your heaviness. Does He lie? Is He being to simplistic? No. God can sustain you as you trust Him. Focus on His power and receive His all-sufficient help. He will not let you down. He will not let you fall. Jesus hears your plea. He will lighten your load so that you may persevere.
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you...” Psalm 55:22
When our burdens become unbearable, we can seek to dump our loads in several places. Perhaps we have a friend who will listen to our problems. Perhaps we can find relief in a brief get-a-way where we can be refreshed and strengthened. We might even have access to a Christian counselor who can give us solid advice. But nothing or no one can provide the rest and relief that Jesus can when we come to Him with our burdens. Our Savior has broad shoulders, sturdy hands, and a compassionate heart. There is no grievous or weighty matter that He does not bid us to give to Him.
If you are carrying a burden that has you at the breaking point, come to Jesus in prayer. Don’t worry about the right words; just cry out to God. Tell Him how you feel. Prayer is simply talking with God, and that is what you do to shift your burden to Christ.
Come in childlike faith. Jesus said He would give His light and easy load in return for your heaviness. Does He lie? Is He being to simplistic? No. God can sustain you as you trust Him. Focus on His power and receive His all-sufficient help. He will not let you down. He will not let you fall. Jesus hears your plea. He will lighten your load so that you may persevere.
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you...” Psalm 55:22
Thursday, January 19, 2012
How to Handle Your Own Burden
“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.”
Psalm 32:1-7
Sin is not only a slam against the character of God, it can be a milestone around our emotional and spiritual necks. King David found himself carrying that burden after his adulterous sin with Bathsheba. Psalm 32, though not definitely connected with this act, is thought by many biblical scholars to be the sequel to Psalm 51. Listen to the oppressive adjectives David used to describe the state of his soul: Wasted, groaning, heavy, drained, fever heat.
The burden for the penalty of our sins - eternal death - is removed by Christ’s sacrificial death when we place our personal trust in Jesus. The penalty has been paid in full. However, when we sin after salvation, our sin - while not separating us from God - does fog our fellowship and make our communion with the Father bittersweet. But there is release. David addressed the blessed cure in Psalm 32:5: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
If you have sinned, your burden of guilt can be instantly removed through humble and honest confession. It is a burden you need not carry any longer.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.”
Psalm 32:1-7
Sin is not only a slam against the character of God, it can be a milestone around our emotional and spiritual necks. King David found himself carrying that burden after his adulterous sin with Bathsheba. Psalm 32, though not definitely connected with this act, is thought by many biblical scholars to be the sequel to Psalm 51. Listen to the oppressive adjectives David used to describe the state of his soul: Wasted, groaning, heavy, drained, fever heat.
The burden for the penalty of our sins - eternal death - is removed by Christ’s sacrificial death when we place our personal trust in Jesus. The penalty has been paid in full. However, when we sin after salvation, our sin - while not separating us from God - does fog our fellowship and make our communion with the Father bittersweet. But there is release. David addressed the blessed cure in Psalm 32:5: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
If you have sinned, your burden of guilt can be instantly removed through humble and honest confession. It is a burden you need not carry any longer.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
How to Bear One Another’s Burdens, Part 2
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
A handmade sign in a local craft store read: “A heart for God, and a hand to man.” That summarizes the two great commandments given by Christ and paints a complete portrait of authentic Christianity. Bearing one another’s burdens is an essential means to fulfilling the second commandment - loving one another as we love ourselves by extending a helping hand.
The first step toward shouldering the load of others is realizing you cannot help everyone. Jesus did not heal everyone. He did not visit every city. He did not share meals at every citizen’s home. But you can depend on God to guide you to the particular people that need your prayers and love. Often, they are experiencing some of the same conflicts you endured. Your empathy is real and your understanding accurate.
In other instances, you may be called to serve a person whose burden is foreign to you. Do not choose and escape route if God is leading you. You can listen. You may not understand, but you can tell them you do care and will pray for them and aid them as possible. This is a tremendous encouragement to the fainthearted. A heart for God is incomplete without a hand to man.
“...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
A handmade sign in a local craft store read: “A heart for God, and a hand to man.” That summarizes the two great commandments given by Christ and paints a complete portrait of authentic Christianity. Bearing one another’s burdens is an essential means to fulfilling the second commandment - loving one another as we love ourselves by extending a helping hand.
The first step toward shouldering the load of others is realizing you cannot help everyone. Jesus did not heal everyone. He did not visit every city. He did not share meals at every citizen’s home. But you can depend on God to guide you to the particular people that need your prayers and love. Often, they are experiencing some of the same conflicts you endured. Your empathy is real and your understanding accurate.
In other instances, you may be called to serve a person whose burden is foreign to you. Do not choose and escape route if God is leading you. You can listen. You may not understand, but you can tell them you do care and will pray for them and aid them as possible. This is a tremendous encouragement to the fainthearted. A heart for God is incomplete without a hand to man.
“...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
How to Bear One Another’s Burdens
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.”Galatians 6:1-5
C.S. Lewis wrote that “mankind is one vast need.” How true. Emotional, physical, financial, marital, parental, and a horde of other demands weigh us down and keep us preoccupied with finding solutions to our abundance of problems. It is this common predicament that often renders us unavailable to help others in their time of need. How can we help others with their problems when we are so overwhelmed with our own?
What we need is a spiritual perspective that allows us to deal with our set of problems so we are free to minister to others. One of the most satisfying endeavors for a Christian is supporting hurting believers. It refreshes us as well as them. That can begin with an outlook that “seeks first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33). God cares for us, values us, and promises that if we make His priorities ours, He will provide our needs - all of them.
That freedom continues as we learn to daily cast our burdens on Christ. Jesus was a burden bearer for our sins and is a burden bearer for our everyday problems. The load becomes His, not ours; and suddenly we have room in our hearts for the burdens of others.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden...” Psalm 68:19
C.S. Lewis wrote that “mankind is one vast need.” How true. Emotional, physical, financial, marital, parental, and a horde of other demands weigh us down and keep us preoccupied with finding solutions to our abundance of problems. It is this common predicament that often renders us unavailable to help others in their time of need. How can we help others with their problems when we are so overwhelmed with our own?
What we need is a spiritual perspective that allows us to deal with our set of problems so we are free to minister to others. One of the most satisfying endeavors for a Christian is supporting hurting believers. It refreshes us as well as them. That can begin with an outlook that “seeks first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33). God cares for us, values us, and promises that if we make His priorities ours, He will provide our needs - all of them.
That freedom continues as we learn to daily cast our burdens on Christ. Jesus was a burden bearer for our sins and is a burden bearer for our everyday problems. The load becomes His, not ours; and suddenly we have room in our hearts for the burdens of others.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden...” Psalm 68:19
Monday, January 16, 2012
How to Deal with Personal Conflict, Part 3
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
While some have suggested that Paul’s physical eyesight was impaired, his vision of God was perfectly clear. In his troubles, he learned to never focus on his circumstances but instead to turn toward Christ and keep his eyes on the Deliverer and Savior. In this way, he came to know Jesus in the most personal, intimate way possible.
It is a crucial lesson for you to learn as well. Conflict will force you to turn your knowledge about Christ into knowledge of Christ. It will take you out of the theory and study and put you in the furnace of application and reality.
This is good, for the more you know of Christ, the more you will trust Him. When crises push you to Christ, you cry out to Him. He answers you through a Scripture, a word from a friend or Bible teacher, or an arrangement of certain encouraging events.
The more you trust God and see evidence of His faithfulness, the more you love Him. And isn’t this the real goal - to love Him with all your heart and soul? You love Him not just for what He does but for who He is. Knowing God. Trusting God. Loving God. These are the tried and true results of conflict. So no matter what the trouble, you can endure, for God is at work deep within in a dramatic way.
“Growing deep beneath the sod, strife has never conquered mortals who are rooted deep in God.” -Byron Debolt
While some have suggested that Paul’s physical eyesight was impaired, his vision of God was perfectly clear. In his troubles, he learned to never focus on his circumstances but instead to turn toward Christ and keep his eyes on the Deliverer and Savior. In this way, he came to know Jesus in the most personal, intimate way possible.
It is a crucial lesson for you to learn as well. Conflict will force you to turn your knowledge about Christ into knowledge of Christ. It will take you out of the theory and study and put you in the furnace of application and reality.
This is good, for the more you know of Christ, the more you will trust Him. When crises push you to Christ, you cry out to Him. He answers you through a Scripture, a word from a friend or Bible teacher, or an arrangement of certain encouraging events.
The more you trust God and see evidence of His faithfulness, the more you love Him. And isn’t this the real goal - to love Him with all your heart and soul? You love Him not just for what He does but for who He is. Knowing God. Trusting God. Loving God. These are the tried and true results of conflict. So no matter what the trouble, you can endure, for God is at work deep within in a dramatic way.
“Growing deep beneath the sod, strife has never conquered mortals who are rooted deep in God.” -Byron Debolt
Sunday, January 15, 2012
How to Deal with Personal Conflict, Part 2
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Paul was “knocked down but not out” as The Living Bible paraphrases the apostle’s struggles (2 Cor. 4:9). It is conflict that drives us to God, exposing the trivial aspects of the Christian life and compelling us to honest, heartfelt interaction with our personal God. There is purpose in turmoil. It is not accidental for we have a sovereign God controlling every circumstance. Paul knew his external dilemmas only caused his inner man to be strengthened for it forced him to rely on Christ daily.
Our weakness is opportunity for Christ’s strength to be demonstrated (2 Cor. 12:9). God does not want to help us in the sense of lending an occasional helping hand but to actually live His life through us by His Spirit. He is within us, and His life is experienced most extravagantly when we depend on Him for our life breath. The wisdom, power, and love of God are fully available to you during your struggles.
Don’t give up. Jesus, the Overcomer, is the One who is with you, for you, and in you. He will not ever leave or forsake you. Let that truth sustain you through your troubles. He is able when you are not.
“Crises bring us face to face with our inadequacy which leads us to the...sufficiency of God.” -Catherine Marshall
Paul was “knocked down but not out” as The Living Bible paraphrases the apostle’s struggles (2 Cor. 4:9). It is conflict that drives us to God, exposing the trivial aspects of the Christian life and compelling us to honest, heartfelt interaction with our personal God. There is purpose in turmoil. It is not accidental for we have a sovereign God controlling every circumstance. Paul knew his external dilemmas only caused his inner man to be strengthened for it forced him to rely on Christ daily.
Our weakness is opportunity for Christ’s strength to be demonstrated (2 Cor. 12:9). God does not want to help us in the sense of lending an occasional helping hand but to actually live His life through us by His Spirit. He is within us, and His life is experienced most extravagantly when we depend on Him for our life breath. The wisdom, power, and love of God are fully available to you during your struggles.
Don’t give up. Jesus, the Overcomer, is the One who is with you, for you, and in you. He will not ever leave or forsake you. Let that truth sustain you through your troubles. He is able when you are not.
“Crises bring us face to face with our inadequacy which leads us to the...sufficiency of God.” -Catherine Marshall
Friday, January 13, 2012
How to Deal with Personal Conflict
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
In speaking before a Chicago audience in 1899, Theodore Roosevelt spoke of the benefits of conflict for personal progress. “I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life,” the sturdy Roosevelt said. “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
That is good advice for Christians as well. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). More than anyone, Christians should be realists about trouble. We have an adversary, the devil, who is committed to our harassment; a world system ordered by principles directly opposed to Scripture; and the power of sin that is still around in our mortal bodies to lead us down the wrong road.
Problems are the norm, not the exception. Accepting that reality is the starting point, and you will be in good position to successfully deal with your conflicts.
“Our antagonist is our helper. He that wrestles with us strengthens our muscles, sharpens our skill.” -Edmund Burke
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
In speaking before a Chicago audience in 1899, Theodore Roosevelt spoke of the benefits of conflict for personal progress. “I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life,” the sturdy Roosevelt said. “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
That is good advice for Christians as well. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). More than anyone, Christians should be realists about trouble. We have an adversary, the devil, who is committed to our harassment; a world system ordered by principles directly opposed to Scripture; and the power of sin that is still around in our mortal bodies to lead us down the wrong road.
Problems are the norm, not the exception. Accepting that reality is the starting point, and you will be in good position to successfully deal with your conflicts.
“Our antagonist is our helper. He that wrestles with us strengthens our muscles, sharpens our skill.” -Edmund Burke
Thursday, January 12, 2012
How to Deal with Criticism, Part 2
“The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.” Proverbs 27:21
Everyone likes a pat on the back. An encouraging word from a mate, employer, or friend puts extra fuel into our emotional tanks, lifting our spirits and lightening our load. Yet for some, praise can be a stumbling block, leading to overbearing pride. Praise can be a scriptural test, revealing motives that lie deep within. We can handle praise sensibly and rightly as we employ several practical principles.
First, be direct when kudos come your way. A simple “thank you” is a succinct response that acknowledges the acclamation without false pretense or humility.
Second, deflect the praise to others when appropriate. In most instances your success was made possible by the background efforts of others.
Third, as soon as you have occasion for privacy, be driven to your knees where you graciously thank God for His blessing. He is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving and is the source for your success.
In this manner, praise is handled appropriately. Your work is commended; you acknowledge the help of others; and most importantly, you ascribe credit to Christ, who enables you for every good work.
“Sweet praise is like perfume. It is fine if you don’t swallow it.” -Dwight D. Eisenhower
Everyone likes a pat on the back. An encouraging word from a mate, employer, or friend puts extra fuel into our emotional tanks, lifting our spirits and lightening our load. Yet for some, praise can be a stumbling block, leading to overbearing pride. Praise can be a scriptural test, revealing motives that lie deep within. We can handle praise sensibly and rightly as we employ several practical principles.
First, be direct when kudos come your way. A simple “thank you” is a succinct response that acknowledges the acclamation without false pretense or humility.
Second, deflect the praise to others when appropriate. In most instances your success was made possible by the background efforts of others.
Third, as soon as you have occasion for privacy, be driven to your knees where you graciously thank God for His blessing. He is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving and is the source for your success.
In this manner, praise is handled appropriately. Your work is commended; you acknowledge the help of others; and most importantly, you ascribe credit to Christ, who enables you for every good work.
“Sweet praise is like perfume. It is fine if you don’t swallow it.” -Dwight D. Eisenhower
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How to Deal with Criticism
“He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
Will dwell among the wise.
He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.”
Proverbs 15:31-32
The boss walks in the office and reprimands you for a minor flaw in an otherwise well-executed plan. Your mate scolds you for forgetting to fix a loose hinge that has now broken and cracked the glass door. Criticism. Whether merited or not, it is never wanted. However, if we are to gain from criticism, we need to install a mental grid system that will glean the positive and remove the unnecessary.
First, listen. Resolve not to defend yourself immediately. Put your emotions in God’s hands while you allow the complaining party to fully state his case. Restate exactly what the criticism is about so there is no misunderstanding.
When possible, delay your response. Pray and examine yourself under the Holy Spirit’s leadership while waiting. Take responsibility for your mistakes and look for ways to improve. If the criticism is unfounded, ask God to protect you from harm and keep you from developing a bitter spirit.
You can learn from criticism as long as you know you are secure in Christ and open to positive correction.
Will dwell among the wise.
He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.”
Proverbs 15:31-32
The boss walks in the office and reprimands you for a minor flaw in an otherwise well-executed plan. Your mate scolds you for forgetting to fix a loose hinge that has now broken and cracked the glass door. Criticism. Whether merited or not, it is never wanted. However, if we are to gain from criticism, we need to install a mental grid system that will glean the positive and remove the unnecessary.
First, listen. Resolve not to defend yourself immediately. Put your emotions in God’s hands while you allow the complaining party to fully state his case. Restate exactly what the criticism is about so there is no misunderstanding.
When possible, delay your response. Pray and examine yourself under the Holy Spirit’s leadership while waiting. Take responsibility for your mistakes and look for ways to improve. If the criticism is unfounded, ask God to protect you from harm and keep you from developing a bitter spirit.
You can learn from criticism as long as you know you are secure in Christ and open to positive correction.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
God Uses People Like You!
“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.” Colossians 4:7-15
In Colossians Paul lists several men who were sources of true encouragement to him. There was Luke, the doctor who treated his illness; Tychicus, Paul’s beloved brother and faithful servant; Barnabas, the ultimate encourager; Timothy, Paul’s beloved son in the faith; and John Mark, the author of the book of Mark and his fellow missionary.
Each of these men was completely different in personality and appearance. Yet each had a common thread holding them together. They had been called to a ministry within the family of God. No one was greater than the next. They were a team. These were common men with uncommon hearts. All they had to give, they gave to the work of God.
Luke had no idea that he would end up becoming Paul’s personal physician or that his education would lead him to author two New Testament books. Timothy was shy in nature; yet Paul sent him to Ephesus, a city steeped in paganism. Because of men like these, we have the new Testament today. You may not know what your ministry is, but you have one. God uses what we make available. Open your heart, and He will show you the ministry He has for you.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...” Ephesians 2:10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.” Colossians 4:7-15
In Colossians Paul lists several men who were sources of true encouragement to him. There was Luke, the doctor who treated his illness; Tychicus, Paul’s beloved brother and faithful servant; Barnabas, the ultimate encourager; Timothy, Paul’s beloved son in the faith; and John Mark, the author of the book of Mark and his fellow missionary.
Each of these men was completely different in personality and appearance. Yet each had a common thread holding them together. They had been called to a ministry within the family of God. No one was greater than the next. They were a team. These were common men with uncommon hearts. All they had to give, they gave to the work of God.
Luke had no idea that he would end up becoming Paul’s personal physician or that his education would lead him to author two New Testament books. Timothy was shy in nature; yet Paul sent him to Ephesus, a city steeped in paganism. Because of men like these, we have the new Testament today. You may not know what your ministry is, but you have one. God uses what we make available. Open your heart, and He will show you the ministry He has for you.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...” Ephesians 2:10
Monday, January 9, 2012
We are His Workmanship
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
Working diligently with a small cross-stitch design, the lady leaned over to her friend and proudly displayed her finished product. Her friend reached out to touch it. But the lady pulled back and said, “Please don’t look at the back.” Turning the needle work over, an abundance of knots and strings were revealed. It was the sure sign of a beginner’s work. But a smile brightened on her friend’s face: “Don’t be silly. The only thing that truly matters is the front, and it looks perfect!”
God has a design for each of our lives. There are times when we fail to follow His plan, and several knots are sewn into our lives. From the back side, our lives may look disastrous. However, turn your life design over and see it from God’s perspective. Yes, there were times of failure; but there also were times of yieldedness and victory. From God’s viewpoint, the knots represent times of instruction.
He knew from the beginning that we would face times of discouragement an defeat. However, He also knew there would be times when we would refuse to yield to Satan’s deception. You are God’s workmanship. From His viewpoint, your life is being woven into a design that bears a remarkable resemblance to the life of His Son.
“...we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:49
Working diligently with a small cross-stitch design, the lady leaned over to her friend and proudly displayed her finished product. Her friend reached out to touch it. But the lady pulled back and said, “Please don’t look at the back.” Turning the needle work over, an abundance of knots and strings were revealed. It was the sure sign of a beginner’s work. But a smile brightened on her friend’s face: “Don’t be silly. The only thing that truly matters is the front, and it looks perfect!”
God has a design for each of our lives. There are times when we fail to follow His plan, and several knots are sewn into our lives. From the back side, our lives may look disastrous. However, turn your life design over and see it from God’s perspective. Yes, there were times of failure; but there also were times of yieldedness and victory. From God’s viewpoint, the knots represent times of instruction.
He knew from the beginning that we would face times of discouragement an defeat. However, He also knew there would be times when we would refuse to yield to Satan’s deception. You are God’s workmanship. From His viewpoint, your life is being woven into a design that bears a remarkable resemblance to the life of His Son.
“...we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:49
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Christ - Our Strength
“Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, ‘Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:1-9
The reason Jesus calmed the raging sea was not so the disciples could witness another miracle, but that they might be caught up in the reality of His strength and personal care for him. Jesus allowed fear to captivate their hearts briefly so they could learn of Him. After the first few opening chapters of the book of Acts, we see His principles come to life in the lives of His followers. They found their strength in Jesus.
Joshua faced a similar situation as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Chosen by God to complete the task, Joshua struggled with thought of fear and failure. The angel of the Lord gave him three principles to keep him focused on the victory of God’s strength: Meditate - focus on the Word of God daily; be watchful and not distracted by the turmoil around him; do exactly whatever God told him to do.
When you begin to realize who Jesus Christ is and how much He cares for you, your trust level will increase. The greater your trust level, the more clear His strength will become. Remember what the angel of the Lord said to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).
There is no way to fall obeying God.
The reason Jesus calmed the raging sea was not so the disciples could witness another miracle, but that they might be caught up in the reality of His strength and personal care for him. Jesus allowed fear to captivate their hearts briefly so they could learn of Him. After the first few opening chapters of the book of Acts, we see His principles come to life in the lives of His followers. They found their strength in Jesus.
Joshua faced a similar situation as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Chosen by God to complete the task, Joshua struggled with thought of fear and failure. The angel of the Lord gave him three principles to keep him focused on the victory of God’s strength: Meditate - focus on the Word of God daily; be watchful and not distracted by the turmoil around him; do exactly whatever God told him to do.
When you begin to realize who Jesus Christ is and how much He cares for you, your trust level will increase. The greater your trust level, the more clear His strength will become. Remember what the angel of the Lord said to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).
There is no way to fall obeying God.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Christ - Our Judge
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:38-43
Think about this for a moment: All you have to be or do in this life is what Jesus has given you to do - nothing more, nothing less. That means you do not have to fight for a job promotion, scrabble for a raise, undermine the employee next to you. All you have to be is what Jesus Christ has made you to be.
The apostle Paul tells us his ultimate goal is to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). That was it - to know Jesus. Paul could have been anything. He had the power, position, financial prominence, even a Roman citizenship that worked to his advantage. However, his one desire more than anything else was to know Christ.
When Jesus comes back, He will come as our ruling Judge. Believers will not be condemned but rewarded for their faith, though some will be disappointed. We can work an entire lifetime striving to achieve all kinds of recognition and never gain the glorious reward of the widow who gave all she had to Jesus.
Can you say with the apostle Paul, “All I want in this life is to know Him”? That is all He made you to be - totally His.
“For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son.” John 5:22
Think about this for a moment: All you have to be or do in this life is what Jesus has given you to do - nothing more, nothing less. That means you do not have to fight for a job promotion, scrabble for a raise, undermine the employee next to you. All you have to be is what Jesus Christ has made you to be.
The apostle Paul tells us his ultimate goal is to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). That was it - to know Jesus. Paul could have been anything. He had the power, position, financial prominence, even a Roman citizenship that worked to his advantage. However, his one desire more than anything else was to know Christ.
When Jesus comes back, He will come as our ruling Judge. Believers will not be condemned but rewarded for their faith, though some will be disappointed. We can work an entire lifetime striving to achieve all kinds of recognition and never gain the glorious reward of the widow who gave all she had to Jesus.
Can you say with the apostle Paul, “All I want in this life is to know Him”? That is all He made you to be - totally His.
“For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son.” John 5:22
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Christ - Our Returning King
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.’” Revelation 19:11-16
Jesus came as a man, a person, much like any one of us. He willingly chose to lay aside His royal robe of glory to take on the tattered robe of humanity. Though sinless, He knew what it felt like to cry, to laugh, and to suffer, disappointment. He felt the encroachment of rejection and the sting of loneliness. He knew there would be times when we felt unloved and unwanted.
He could have chosen any number of avenues, but He chose to come as a baby. All power was His to command. Angels stood waiting to meet His every request. Yet He became a servant so we might grasp the hope of God.
And except for a chorus of angels singing to a band of misfit shepherds, His first coming almost went unnoticed. It was not much of a birth announcement for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He slipped into the pool of humanity with barely a ripple in the clamor of Bethlehem. However, when He returns He will come as the returning Lord and ruling King. His first coming opened the way to salvation. His second coming will be to establish His kingdom.
Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? If not, take this moment to ask Him to come into your heart. Ask as a child. He will not refuse you.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout...” 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Jesus came as a man, a person, much like any one of us. He willingly chose to lay aside His royal robe of glory to take on the tattered robe of humanity. Though sinless, He knew what it felt like to cry, to laugh, and to suffer, disappointment. He felt the encroachment of rejection and the sting of loneliness. He knew there would be times when we felt unloved and unwanted.
He could have chosen any number of avenues, but He chose to come as a baby. All power was His to command. Angels stood waiting to meet His every request. Yet He became a servant so we might grasp the hope of God.
And except for a chorus of angels singing to a band of misfit shepherds, His first coming almost went unnoticed. It was not much of a birth announcement for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He slipped into the pool of humanity with barely a ripple in the clamor of Bethlehem. However, when He returns He will come as the returning Lord and ruling King. His first coming opened the way to salvation. His second coming will be to establish His kingdom.
Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? If not, take this moment to ask Him to come into your heart. Ask as a child. He will not refuse you.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout...” 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Christ - Our Lord
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
Some people just cannot seem to get excited about Jesus Christ. Perhaps they have lost sight of who He was and what He did for us. Perhaps they have never known.
Jesus is the Son of God - our reigning Lord. He was that before time began, and He will be that at time’s ending. He was in the Garden with Adam, with Noah on the Ark, with Abraham on the mount, with Moses in the wilderness, and on and on.
He loved us, even in our sin - and in the fulness of time, left heaven’s glory to become a man. To live with us, teach us, and die for us. He gave to us the love of God, and we put Him on a cross - yet, that was the eternal plan of God. He know what we would do and, yet, He came anyway.
And the Father has highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name above every name. He is not only our Redeemer - He is our Lord!! May His name be praised, and may God give us the grace to serve Him.
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Some people just cannot seem to get excited about Jesus Christ. Perhaps they have lost sight of who He was and what He did for us. Perhaps they have never known.
Jesus is the Son of God - our reigning Lord. He was that before time began, and He will be that at time’s ending. He was in the Garden with Adam, with Noah on the Ark, with Abraham on the mount, with Moses in the wilderness, and on and on.
He loved us, even in our sin - and in the fulness of time, left heaven’s glory to become a man. To live with us, teach us, and die for us. He gave to us the love of God, and we put Him on a cross - yet, that was the eternal plan of God. He know what we would do and, yet, He came anyway.
And the Father has highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name above every name. He is not only our Redeemer - He is our Lord!! May His name be praised, and may God give us the grace to serve Him.
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Christ - Our Redeemer
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79
Throughout the Old Testament, there were constant foreshadowings of a divine Redeemer who would deliver men from bondage and captivity. Perhaps the most interesting facet of Old Testament redemption was the kinsman-redeemer which allowed a close family member to rescue a relative through payment of his debts.
The New Testament carry-over is clear. Jesus is our Kinsman. He became flesh and blood so He might share in our humanity, becoming the Son of Man as well as the Son of God. His humanity provided His identity with mankind - being tempted in all things as we are yet without sin.
However, it was the deity of Christ that provided the only acceptable price for deliverance from sin - the shedding of Christ’s blood at Calvary. No one else but Christ could pay the enormous, adequate price. No one could deliver men from sin’s grip except Christ.
The Redeemer has come as your Kinsman, made like you so He could pay the price as your Deliverer. He alone could purchase men from the marketplace of sin and bring them into the kingdom of God.
Our Redeemer came. Our Redeemer lives.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79
Throughout the Old Testament, there were constant foreshadowings of a divine Redeemer who would deliver men from bondage and captivity. Perhaps the most interesting facet of Old Testament redemption was the kinsman-redeemer which allowed a close family member to rescue a relative through payment of his debts.
The New Testament carry-over is clear. Jesus is our Kinsman. He became flesh and blood so He might share in our humanity, becoming the Son of Man as well as the Son of God. His humanity provided His identity with mankind - being tempted in all things as we are yet without sin.
However, it was the deity of Christ that provided the only acceptable price for deliverance from sin - the shedding of Christ’s blood at Calvary. No one else but Christ could pay the enormous, adequate price. No one could deliver men from sin’s grip except Christ.
The Redeemer has come as your Kinsman, made like you so He could pay the price as your Deliverer. He alone could purchase men from the marketplace of sin and bring them into the kingdom of God.
Our Redeemer came. Our Redeemer lives.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
Monday, January 2, 2012
Bathed in Grace
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:1-7
Many of the apostle Paul’s epistles begin and end on the high note of grace: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren” (Gal. 6:18). “Grace to you and peace from God our Father...” (Gal. 1:3). The life of the believer is bathed in the light of God’s grace. Our behavior, altitudes, and lifestyle should reflect the supernatural change that grace brings.
The person walking in grace is grateful. The more we understand and experience the grace of God, the louder our applause for the love of God. We reduce our level of criticism and griping.
The person walking in grace is content. Since all comes from grace, we understand that God will withhold no good thing from us. If we lack something, we perceive that God knows best. If we need it, God’s grace provides it. The grace of God give us whatever we truly need when we need it.
The person walking in grace is kind to others. We cannot receive grace for ourselves without extending that same grace to our fellow man. God does not treat us as we deserve, nor should we treat others as they deserve. The riches of God’s grace are yours through faith in Jesus Christ.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philemon 1:25
Many of the apostle Paul’s epistles begin and end on the high note of grace: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren” (Gal. 6:18). “Grace to you and peace from God our Father...” (Gal. 1:3). The life of the believer is bathed in the light of God’s grace. Our behavior, altitudes, and lifestyle should reflect the supernatural change that grace brings.
The person walking in grace is grateful. The more we understand and experience the grace of God, the louder our applause for the love of God. We reduce our level of criticism and griping.
The person walking in grace is content. Since all comes from grace, we understand that God will withhold no good thing from us. If we lack something, we perceive that God knows best. If we need it, God’s grace provides it. The grace of God give us whatever we truly need when we need it.
The person walking in grace is kind to others. We cannot receive grace for ourselves without extending that same grace to our fellow man. God does not treat us as we deserve, nor should we treat others as they deserve. The riches of God’s grace are yours through faith in Jesus Christ.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philemon 1:25
Sunday, January 1, 2012
God Give Grace..
“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6
The grace of God is the wellspring of all spiritual blessings. Grace gives and gives, super-abounding in its measure and effectiveness. How then can we cease striving, get off the performance treadmill, and learn to walk in such rich and plentiful grace?
Here is the key: The more we humble ourselves before God, the more we receive the fullness of God’s grace. God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). Not to the strong, but to the weak. Not to the self-sufficient, but to the dependent. Not to the proud, but to the poor of spirit.
We humble ourselves by realizing the majesty of God, worshiping Him as the mighty God. The more we adore and praise the Savior, the more highly we think of Him. We can do much, but it is so little when compared to what we may accomplish when directed and empowered by God.
Humbling ourselves does not belittle our self-esteem or worth to God. It positions us to receive our sustenance from the Source of all good things, Jesus Christ. The humble believer flings himself on the grace of God, leaning his full weight on Him. He draws all his strength, peace, joy, and security from the sufficiency of God’s generous grace.
“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10
The grace of God is the wellspring of all spiritual blessings. Grace gives and gives, super-abounding in its measure and effectiveness. How then can we cease striving, get off the performance treadmill, and learn to walk in such rich and plentiful grace?
Here is the key: The more we humble ourselves before God, the more we receive the fullness of God’s grace. God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). Not to the strong, but to the weak. Not to the self-sufficient, but to the dependent. Not to the proud, but to the poor of spirit.
We humble ourselves by realizing the majesty of God, worshiping Him as the mighty God. The more we adore and praise the Savior, the more highly we think of Him. We can do much, but it is so little when compared to what we may accomplish when directed and empowered by God.
Humbling ourselves does not belittle our self-esteem or worth to God. It positions us to receive our sustenance from the Source of all good things, Jesus Christ. The humble believer flings himself on the grace of God, leaning his full weight on Him. He draws all his strength, peace, joy, and security from the sufficiency of God’s generous grace.
“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10
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