“Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’”
Exodus 3:1-4
God uses the vexing route of brokenness to merge us into His fullness. Moses would have never seen the miracles of the Red Sea and the wilderness unless he had been weaned from the self-sufficiency of his youth. David would have never known the intimacy and care of God if he had instantly stepped into the royal palace following his victory over Goliath. Joseph could never have grasped the magnificent sovereignty of God in feeding the nations if his brothers had not sold him into forced slavery.
God does not lack great and mighty things to show us. He waits on humble, hungry men and women who have admitted their inadequacy and have no other hope but Himself. He achieves that transformation by striking at the root of self-sufficiency - pride.
Pride gets in God’s way. It expresses itself in some form of manipulation or over-confidence. It seeks to exalt self and cherishes the admiration of others. The riches of God’s storehouse are distributed to the meek of heart, the weak in spirit. The tightly clenched hand of pride cannot receive it. Only brokenness can release the grip.
“God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves.” -Dwight L. Moody.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Brokenness - The Principle, Part 2
“Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in dark places,
like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart is appalled within me.
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
I stretch out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.
Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.” Psalm 143
Brokenness is not the exception in the Christian life - it is the norm. We like to recite the triumphs of stirring biblical characters - Moses and the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Paul and the spread of the gospel. Their moving exploits, however, are incomplete apart from the bleak contrast of their afflictions - Moses wandering the wasteland, David moving from one cave to another, Paul from one jail to another.
Their times of idleness, misunderstanding, rejection, and isolation were thorny preparations for their triumphs. They were not ushered into the work of the kingdom amid applause and affirmation but on the wings of the storm. The same principle is at work in Christians today. Following and knowing God is not a scenic highway with one majestic experience after another. The pathway of discipleship is often downward before it is upward, emptying before it is filling.
God uses men and women who have been broken by Him for His purposes. The breaking can be strenuous, but the result is a vessel fit for the Master’s use. And isn’t that what we should desire the most?
“Afflictions are but the shadow of God’s wings.” -George MacDonald
Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in dark places,
like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart is appalled within me.
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
I stretch out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.
Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.” Psalm 143
Brokenness is not the exception in the Christian life - it is the norm. We like to recite the triumphs of stirring biblical characters - Moses and the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Paul and the spread of the gospel. Their moving exploits, however, are incomplete apart from the bleak contrast of their afflictions - Moses wandering the wasteland, David moving from one cave to another, Paul from one jail to another.
Their times of idleness, misunderstanding, rejection, and isolation were thorny preparations for their triumphs. They were not ushered into the work of the kingdom amid applause and affirmation but on the wings of the storm. The same principle is at work in Christians today. Following and knowing God is not a scenic highway with one majestic experience after another. The pathway of discipleship is often downward before it is upward, emptying before it is filling.
God uses men and women who have been broken by Him for His purposes. The breaking can be strenuous, but the result is a vessel fit for the Master’s use. And isn’t that what we should desire the most?
“Afflictions are but the shadow of God’s wings.” -George MacDonald
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Brokenness - The Principle
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” John 12:24-25
Rub some seed corn between your fingers and instantly you will be struck by its hardness. You can step on it, throw it, or try to crush it and the seed will remain intact in most instances. Amazingly, an abundant source of life is stored within this rigid outer husk. The potential for thousands of kernels is bound up in one tiny seed corn.
As any farmer or gardener knows, prolific life is released only when the corn is buried several inches beneath the turned soil. There it lies in darkness and seeming oblivion for many days. The rains come, and the seed waits. The sun shines, and the seed waits.
Then one day the waiting is over. A small green shoot thrusts the earth. In the months to come, the plant will grow, tassel, and produce ample food for man and beast. The joy of harvest would never be realized apart from the breaking of the seed’s protective shell.
There is a corresponding spiritual process at work in the Christian. It is brokenness - the principle by which God gloriously works to liberate us for abundant living. It is a hard way, but it is God’s way to blessing, joy, and abundant life.
“...in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75
Rub some seed corn between your fingers and instantly you will be struck by its hardness. You can step on it, throw it, or try to crush it and the seed will remain intact in most instances. Amazingly, an abundant source of life is stored within this rigid outer husk. The potential for thousands of kernels is bound up in one tiny seed corn.
As any farmer or gardener knows, prolific life is released only when the corn is buried several inches beneath the turned soil. There it lies in darkness and seeming oblivion for many days. The rains come, and the seed waits. The sun shines, and the seed waits.
Then one day the waiting is over. A small green shoot thrusts the earth. In the months to come, the plant will grow, tassel, and produce ample food for man and beast. The joy of harvest would never be realized apart from the breaking of the seed’s protective shell.
There is a corresponding spiritual process at work in the Christian. It is brokenness - the principle by which God gloriously works to liberate us for abundant living. It is a hard way, but it is God’s way to blessing, joy, and abundant life.
“...in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75
Monday, May 28, 2012
How to Handle Your Anxiety
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
The early followers of Christ endured unbelievable trials. Most lost everything - their city, their homes, their lives. Rome was outraged at the growth of Christianity. Horrendous forms of persecution were the favorite disciplines used to keep the young church in line.
Anxiety was at full pitch. The apostle Peter understood the fears involved but encouraged the young believers to remain faithful. His first epistle is directed to dispersed Jews living outside Jerusalem. Within these pages he shares the secret to disarming the enemy.
Peter knew anxiety's tactic. He had fallen to it earlier; but by the power of the Holy Spirit, he had learned the method to overcome its deception. The key is faith. Faith in Jesus Christ and His promises always dissolves the fierceness of anxiety. Peter's words are just as relevant today: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
Realize that nothing you will ever face is outside of the control of God. The same hand that comforted the early church is the same one that will deliver you from the unrest of anxiety.
"Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God." -Billy Graham
The early followers of Christ endured unbelievable trials. Most lost everything - their city, their homes, their lives. Rome was outraged at the growth of Christianity. Horrendous forms of persecution were the favorite disciplines used to keep the young church in line.
Anxiety was at full pitch. The apostle Peter understood the fears involved but encouraged the young believers to remain faithful. His first epistle is directed to dispersed Jews living outside Jerusalem. Within these pages he shares the secret to disarming the enemy.
Peter knew anxiety's tactic. He had fallen to it earlier; but by the power of the Holy Spirit, he had learned the method to overcome its deception. The key is faith. Faith in Jesus Christ and His promises always dissolves the fierceness of anxiety. Peter's words are just as relevant today: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
Realize that nothing you will ever face is outside of the control of God. The same hand that comforted the early church is the same one that will deliver you from the unrest of anxiety.
"Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God." -Billy Graham
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Get the Big Picture
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:3-12
Galileo, an Italian astronomer and a devout believer, was one of the first persons to declare that the earth was not the center of the universe. With the latest invention in hand, the telescope, Galileo gave evidence to his discovery. Through its lense, he had gained a new perspective. He saw life differently and on a much grander scale.
When it comes to our view of God, we have the same tendency as those who first opposed Galileo. Our perspective is often shaded and narrow. We tend to forget that God sees things from an eternal perspective. He is not limited by time or space.
We struggle with the day-to-day problems because our perspective is not tuned into His big picture. We worry about become a temporal success when God says to keep our eyes on the eternal: “My ultimate goal is that you would glorify Me.” That is a serious twist to the world’s message that calls us to focus only on our wants and needs. The apostle Paul writes that our one goal in life should be “to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).
We are God’s only reflection of Jesus Christ on earth. Ask God to help you gain the big picture - for your life and His redemptive plan.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
Galileo, an Italian astronomer and a devout believer, was one of the first persons to declare that the earth was not the center of the universe. With the latest invention in hand, the telescope, Galileo gave evidence to his discovery. Through its lense, he had gained a new perspective. He saw life differently and on a much grander scale.
When it comes to our view of God, we have the same tendency as those who first opposed Galileo. Our perspective is often shaded and narrow. We tend to forget that God sees things from an eternal perspective. He is not limited by time or space.
We struggle with the day-to-day problems because our perspective is not tuned into His big picture. We worry about become a temporal success when God says to keep our eyes on the eternal: “My ultimate goal is that you would glorify Me.” That is a serious twist to the world’s message that calls us to focus only on our wants and needs. The apostle Paul writes that our one goal in life should be “to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).
We are God’s only reflection of Jesus Christ on earth. Ask God to help you gain the big picture - for your life and His redemptive plan.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
Friday, May 25, 2012
Faced with a Challenge
“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 1:6-9
The challenges of life come to us by many different avenues - the death of a loved one, a new job, financial changes, the birth of a child. With every challenge, God is preparing us for the future. Joshua faced a life-changing challenge when chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Years of training had seen Joshua grow into a finely tuned warrior. But he was accustomed to the feel of the javelin in his hand, not the rod of leadership.
God told Joshua on three separate occasions how to handle the challenge placed before him: “Only be strong and very courageous...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...” (Joshua 1:7-8). Was God questioning Joshua’s ability? No. He knew that with every challenge comes the possibility of falling to doubts and fears. Joshua enjoyed success in the midst of the challenge by recalling the words of God, binding them to his heart, and determining to walk in the ways of God.
Begin your day with God’s Word. He will lead you through every challenge just as He did Joshua.
“Disregard the study of God and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life.” -J.I. Packer
The challenges of life come to us by many different avenues - the death of a loved one, a new job, financial changes, the birth of a child. With every challenge, God is preparing us for the future. Joshua faced a life-changing challenge when chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Years of training had seen Joshua grow into a finely tuned warrior. But he was accustomed to the feel of the javelin in his hand, not the rod of leadership.
God told Joshua on three separate occasions how to handle the challenge placed before him: “Only be strong and very courageous...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...” (Joshua 1:7-8). Was God questioning Joshua’s ability? No. He knew that with every challenge comes the possibility of falling to doubts and fears. Joshua enjoyed success in the midst of the challenge by recalling the words of God, binding them to his heart, and determining to walk in the ways of God.
Begin your day with God’s Word. He will lead you through every challenge just as He did Joshua.
“Disregard the study of God and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life.” -J.I. Packer
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Your Greatest Friend
“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:15-17
Part of the daily routine for terminally ill patients is healthy, appropriate “hug” times. In many cases, lives have been extended because touch conveys caring; and the sensation of being cared for brings hope. The difference is touch and the friendship it conveys.
Jesus came into a world that was torn apart by strife and political unrest. Everywhere He turned He saw the effects of loneliness and confusion. He cried over Jerusalem because He knew the hearts of the people were cold and calculating.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus moved through the crowds, touching the sick, embracing the lonely, and intently listening to those trapped in sin. He touched them; and for those who received Him, He brought healing through His divine gift of friendship.
There is a place deep within each one of us that hungers for this type of relationship. Jesus knew what friendship meant. In the end it called Him to give all that He was that we might enjoy His friendship for eternity.
You can bring your hurts, complaints, and problems to God. He welcomes them. He will never turn you away. The greatest friend you or I will ever have is Jesus Christ.
“...I have called you friends...” John 15:15
Part of the daily routine for terminally ill patients is healthy, appropriate “hug” times. In many cases, lives have been extended because touch conveys caring; and the sensation of being cared for brings hope. The difference is touch and the friendship it conveys.
Jesus came into a world that was torn apart by strife and political unrest. Everywhere He turned He saw the effects of loneliness and confusion. He cried over Jerusalem because He knew the hearts of the people were cold and calculating.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus moved through the crowds, touching the sick, embracing the lonely, and intently listening to those trapped in sin. He touched them; and for those who received Him, He brought healing through His divine gift of friendship.
There is a place deep within each one of us that hungers for this type of relationship. Jesus knew what friendship meant. In the end it called Him to give all that He was that we might enjoy His friendship for eternity.
You can bring your hurts, complaints, and problems to God. He welcomes them. He will never turn you away. The greatest friend you or I will ever have is Jesus Christ.
“...I have called you friends...” John 15:15
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Your Best Friend
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14
The number one problem in America is not physical homelessness; it is homelessness of the heart. More people struggle with loneliness than anything else. That is hard to imagine in a society that boasts of an advanced communications system. Yet no other nation knows the emotional devastation of America.
We have become masters at communicating the right words while learning to hide the intimate details of our hearts. We conceal our feelings to gain the acceptance of others. But Jesus doesn’t require that of us. He accepts us just the way we are - all the flaws. The Bible says: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
Can you imagine having a friend who knows all your mistakes, your secret desires, dreams, yet accepts you unconditionally? In John 15:13, Jesus tells us that He is that kind of friend. There is nothing you can do to cause Him to reject you. The only pressure Jesus will ever place on your life is the pressure of His love and forgiveness. You can relax and enjoy the treasure of His friendship.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
The number one problem in America is not physical homelessness; it is homelessness of the heart. More people struggle with loneliness than anything else. That is hard to imagine in a society that boasts of an advanced communications system. Yet no other nation knows the emotional devastation of America.
We have become masters at communicating the right words while learning to hide the intimate details of our hearts. We conceal our feelings to gain the acceptance of others. But Jesus doesn’t require that of us. He accepts us just the way we are - all the flaws. The Bible says: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
Can you imagine having a friend who knows all your mistakes, your secret desires, dreams, yet accepts you unconditionally? In John 15:13, Jesus tells us that He is that kind of friend. There is nothing you can do to cause Him to reject you. The only pressure Jesus will ever place on your life is the pressure of His love and forgiveness. You can relax and enjoy the treasure of His friendship.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The God You Serve
“Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, ‘Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?’ The king replied, ‘The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Then they answered and spoke before the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.’
Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, ‘Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’”
Daniel 6:11-16
“Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: ‘May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;
For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.’
So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” Daniel 6:19-28
An unshakable faith is anchored in a living, unchanging, sovereign God: “For He is the living God...” (Dan. 6:26). The Christian’s faith works because he trusts in a personal, living God Who hears his pleas and works on his behalf. Our living God never sleeps or slumbers. There is no hour, day, or night when we cannot instantly and confidently approach Him. He lives.
“For He is the living God and enduring forever...” (Dan. 6:26). Our faith is firm because God is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the same for every man, woman, and child of every generation, of every culture. His ways never change; His character is unalterable. He is the stability of our times.
“...And His dominion will be forever” (Dan. 6:26). Our faith is steadfast because God is sovereign, ruling over men and affairs to achieve His purposes. God is in control even when everything seems out of control. He overrules all evil, using even our bitter, painful moments for divine good. God lives. He lives forever. His kingdom and rule on earth are being established now and will be permanently installed upon His return.
This is a God you can trust without reserve or regret.
“...His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19
Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, ‘Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’”
Daniel 6:11-16
“Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: ‘May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;
For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.’
So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” Daniel 6:19-28
An unshakable faith is anchored in a living, unchanging, sovereign God: “For He is the living God...” (Dan. 6:26). The Christian’s faith works because he trusts in a personal, living God Who hears his pleas and works on his behalf. Our living God never sleeps or slumbers. There is no hour, day, or night when we cannot instantly and confidently approach Him. He lives.
“For He is the living God and enduring forever...” (Dan. 6:26). Our faith is firm because God is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the same for every man, woman, and child of every generation, of every culture. His ways never change; His character is unalterable. He is the stability of our times.
“...And His dominion will be forever” (Dan. 6:26). Our faith is steadfast because God is sovereign, ruling over men and affairs to achieve His purposes. God is in control even when everything seems out of control. He overrules all evil, using even our bitter, painful moments for divine good. God lives. He lives forever. His kingdom and rule on earth are being established now and will be permanently installed upon His return.
This is a God you can trust without reserve or regret.
“...His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Consistent Faith
“It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, ‘We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.’
Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: ‘King Darius, live forever! All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.” Daniel 6:1-10
God’s faithfulness to us does not depend on our behavior. Paul reminded Timothy of God’s firm trustworthiness: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). It does not imply that our consistent obedience is unnecessary for a life of faith. As we practice daily faithfulness to God, our faith in Him is fortified. Such was the case with Daniel. His life reflected unswerving devotion to Jehovah. He lived and worked in the spirit of faithfulness.
You can cultivate faithfulness to Christ through a lifestyle of conviction. Conviction simply means you have decided to acknowledge Christ in all your ways. You do not compromise for personal gain or acceptance but stay on a godly course. You do not succumb to rationalization or yield to pressure. You refuse to be detoured from God’s Word.
Faithfulness is also fostered by a lifestyle of commitment. Commitment stems from conviction. Christian commitment is based on love for Christ. You obey Him because He has given Himself for you. Be faithful through conviction and commitment, and your faith will be steadily nourished.
“Belief means...that everything Christ says is true.” -William Barclay
Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: ‘King Darius, live forever! All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.” Daniel 6:1-10
God’s faithfulness to us does not depend on our behavior. Paul reminded Timothy of God’s firm trustworthiness: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). It does not imply that our consistent obedience is unnecessary for a life of faith. As we practice daily faithfulness to God, our faith in Him is fortified. Such was the case with Daniel. His life reflected unswerving devotion to Jehovah. He lived and worked in the spirit of faithfulness.
You can cultivate faithfulness to Christ through a lifestyle of conviction. Conviction simply means you have decided to acknowledge Christ in all your ways. You do not compromise for personal gain or acceptance but stay on a godly course. You do not succumb to rationalization or yield to pressure. You refuse to be detoured from God’s Word.
Faithfulness is also fostered by a lifestyle of commitment. Commitment stems from conviction. Christian commitment is based on love for Christ. You obey Him because He has given Himself for you. Be faithful through conviction and commitment, and your faith will be steadily nourished.
“Belief means...that everything Christ says is true.” -William Barclay
Sunday, May 20, 2012
One Who Overcomes
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5
Today we are pushing seven billion people in this world. Of that total, about two billion would be classified as “Christians” in the sense of living in areas where Christianity is the prevailing religion. Only a small segment of that figure would be authentic Christians. If you are a believer, you are obviously in the minority. Yet the Scriptures confess that you are one of the few who has “overcome the world” through your trust in Jesus (1 John 5:5).
Overcoming the world means that you are not conformed to the dominant philosophy of the culture in which you live. As a disciple of Christ, you exhibit the uncommon characteristics of another world - the kingdom of heaven. Overcoming the world also means that you have escaped the corruption that pollutes the world. Your sin is forgiven, your guilt removed by the death of Jesus Christ.
You are a new creature in Christ with a new nature that is not ruled by the passions of sin. Yes, you wrestle with unruly impulses; but you are no longer subservient to their tyranny. Christ is your Master. You are an overcomer in Christ.
“You...have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Today we are pushing seven billion people in this world. Of that total, about two billion would be classified as “Christians” in the sense of living in areas where Christianity is the prevailing religion. Only a small segment of that figure would be authentic Christians. If you are a believer, you are obviously in the minority. Yet the Scriptures confess that you are one of the few who has “overcome the world” through your trust in Jesus (1 John 5:5).
Overcoming the world means that you are not conformed to the dominant philosophy of the culture in which you live. As a disciple of Christ, you exhibit the uncommon characteristics of another world - the kingdom of heaven. Overcoming the world also means that you have escaped the corruption that pollutes the world. Your sin is forgiven, your guilt removed by the death of Jesus Christ.
You are a new creature in Christ with a new nature that is not ruled by the passions of sin. Yes, you wrestle with unruly impulses; but you are no longer subservient to their tyranny. Christ is your Master. You are an overcomer in Christ.
“You...have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Friday, May 18, 2012
The Faith that Conquers
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.’
Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.” 1 Samuel 17:45-49
Sincere expressions of faith do not always have happy endings. We may not get the job we prayed about so intensely. Our loved one may fail to respond to medical treatment that had so much promise. How can we say that our faith conquers in such situations?
Even when our motives are pure and our prayers biblical, our trust is not automatically rewarded as we envisioned. But our faith can remain unshaken as we embrace the following principle: We trust in God to bring about His purposes, regardless of the immediate results or future consequences.
God is sovereign. He is in control of all things, both good and evil. Our faith is in Him to do as He pleases, when He pleases, and how he pleases, which is always for our very best. We pray as we feel God leads us. But we entrust the outcome to His wisdom and love, confident in His power and ability. David defeated Goliath, but was forced from his throne by his own son. In each case, David’s faith was anchored in God’s providential care and provision.
When God has His way, we always win. And our faith inevitably conquers.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.” 1 Samuel 17:45-49
Sincere expressions of faith do not always have happy endings. We may not get the job we prayed about so intensely. Our loved one may fail to respond to medical treatment that had so much promise. How can we say that our faith conquers in such situations?
Even when our motives are pure and our prayers biblical, our trust is not automatically rewarded as we envisioned. But our faith can remain unshaken as we embrace the following principle: We trust in God to bring about His purposes, regardless of the immediate results or future consequences.
God is sovereign. He is in control of all things, both good and evil. Our faith is in Him to do as He pleases, when He pleases, and how he pleases, which is always for our very best. We pray as we feel God leads us. But we entrust the outcome to His wisdom and love, confident in His power and ability. David defeated Goliath, but was forced from his throne by his own son. In each case, David’s faith was anchored in God’s providential care and provision.
When God has His way, we always win. And our faith inevitably conquers.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Good News!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
The bad infection of sin cannot be treated by good works, self-effort, or religious tradition. That is like treating cancer with aspirin. You may feel better, but you have done nothing to solve the disease. Sin must be taken away, and that was done by Christ at the cross through His sacrificial death. Christ is the answer to sin. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Paul penned the heart of the gospel in his second epistle to the Corinthians: “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 Cor. 5:21). Martin Luther called this the “great exchange.” Jesus became what He was not (sin) in order that we might become what we are not (the righteousness of God).
The good news of the gospel is that our sin has been forgiven by Christ. He cleared away our guilt, died our death, and offers us reconciliation with God. The gift of God’s righteousness can be yours be simple faith in Him. Believe in Jesus Christ. Your sins will be taken away. You will become a child of God, rightly related to Him and assured of everlasting life with Him.
“...‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
The bad infection of sin cannot be treated by good works, self-effort, or religious tradition. That is like treating cancer with aspirin. You may feel better, but you have done nothing to solve the disease. Sin must be taken away, and that was done by Christ at the cross through His sacrificial death. Christ is the answer to sin. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Paul penned the heart of the gospel in his second epistle to the Corinthians: “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 Cor. 5:21). Martin Luther called this the “great exchange.” Jesus became what He was not (sin) in order that we might become what we are not (the righteousness of God).
The good news of the gospel is that our sin has been forgiven by Christ. He cleared away our guilt, died our death, and offers us reconciliation with God. The gift of God’s righteousness can be yours be simple faith in Him. Believe in Jesus Christ. Your sins will be taken away. You will become a child of God, rightly related to Him and assured of everlasting life with Him.
“...‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Our Sin...The Ultimate Question
“For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
and done what is evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak
and blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will be converted to You.”
Psalm 51:3-13
If the gospel is such good news, then why isn’t everyone on tiptoe to hear and embrace it? Precisely because we must first acknowledge the bad news of sin. We must first diagnose the illness before we take the prescription.
We were conceived in sin. We are born with a destructive bent away from God, seeking self-fulfillment, living independently of God. Sin is not a force. It is not generic evil. We have sinned. We are sinners. We are separated from God if we have yet to receive Christ. Sin is not corporate. It is personal.
We are guilty before God, spiritually dead, and defiled thoroughly by sin. We fall short of God’s glory, far short. Not only have we sinned, but our sin breaks God’s holy law, offending God Himself. “Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:4).
If you do not know Christ, have you admitted the bad news that you are a sinner, destined for an eternity in hell? If not, you are fighting a losing battle. Once you recognize your plight, you are ready for the divine corrective - the good news of salvation.
“And He...will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8
and my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
and done what is evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak
and blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will be converted to You.”
Psalm 51:3-13
If the gospel is such good news, then why isn’t everyone on tiptoe to hear and embrace it? Precisely because we must first acknowledge the bad news of sin. We must first diagnose the illness before we take the prescription.
We were conceived in sin. We are born with a destructive bent away from God, seeking self-fulfillment, living independently of God. Sin is not a force. It is not generic evil. We have sinned. We are sinners. We are separated from God if we have yet to receive Christ. Sin is not corporate. It is personal.
We are guilty before God, spiritually dead, and defiled thoroughly by sin. We fall short of God’s glory, far short. Not only have we sinned, but our sin breaks God’s holy law, offending God Himself. “Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:4).
If you do not know Christ, have you admitted the bad news that you are a sinner, destined for an eternity in hell? If not, you are fighting a losing battle. Once you recognize your plight, you are ready for the divine corrective - the good news of salvation.
“And He...will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Results of Sin
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Ephesians 2:1-4
We live in an abnormal world. It is not the way it was in the Garden, nor is it the way it will be when Christ returns as King. Sin has created a malfunction, a disorder in the present world that affects man in three particularly warped means.
Sin has changed man’s relationship to God. Unbelieving man is alienated from God, separated from His life, fellowship, and personal rule.
Sin has changed man’s relationship to one another. Personal relationships are marked by power plays, greed, and selfishness.
Sin has changed our relationship to self. We cannot truly know ourselves as the ancients said for our hearts are deceitfully wicked. We lead even ourselves astray.
The effects of these changed relationships are two-fold - death and conflict. Sin brings death. Death is the inevitable penalty of sin. For the non-Christian, death is both a state and a destiny. There is also conflict. Pagan man and God are not on friendly terms. There is irritating strife with other people and inner frictions as he seeks to fill his meaninglessness with unsatisfying substitutes.
Sin has brought change, not for the better but for the worse. Left untreated, is always deadly.
“For the wages of sin is death...” Romans 6:23
We live in an abnormal world. It is not the way it was in the Garden, nor is it the way it will be when Christ returns as King. Sin has created a malfunction, a disorder in the present world that affects man in three particularly warped means.
Sin has changed man’s relationship to God. Unbelieving man is alienated from God, separated from His life, fellowship, and personal rule.
Sin has changed man’s relationship to one another. Personal relationships are marked by power plays, greed, and selfishness.
Sin has changed our relationship to self. We cannot truly know ourselves as the ancients said for our hearts are deceitfully wicked. We lead even ourselves astray.
The effects of these changed relationships are two-fold - death and conflict. Sin brings death. Death is the inevitable penalty of sin. For the non-Christian, death is both a state and a destiny. There is also conflict. Pagan man and God are not on friendly terms. There is irritating strife with other people and inner frictions as he seeks to fill his meaninglessness with unsatisfying substitutes.
Sin has brought change, not for the better but for the worse. Left untreated, is always deadly.
“For the wages of sin is death...” Romans 6:23
Monday, May 14, 2012
All of us are Sinners
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned — for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Romans 5:12-14
Malcolm Muggeridge, the late British author who converted to Christianity, once said that the evening news was proof enough for the reality of sin. Entering the human race through Adam’s rebellion in the Garden, sin pervades our planet, expressing itself most vividly in the twisted, tainted actions of men.
We sin because we are sinners. Every man and woman conceived on planet earth is born with a sin nature - a bent away from God that seeks to live independently of Him, either passively or actively rejecting Him. If you trace your human heritage, you would ultimately arrive at Adam and Eve, the fountainhead of the human race. When they sinned, we all were dragged down with them for our humanity was bound up in them.
The evidence that we are sinners is, as Muggeridge attested, quite obvious. Crime, drugs, war, pestilence, greed, and corruption of every sort is the staple of our media diet. But the greater problem is that we as individuals experience the ravages of sin. After all, a society’s problems are but the culmination of individual ills. Its cure can be found only in Christ.
“...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel...” 2 Corinthians 4:4
Malcolm Muggeridge, the late British author who converted to Christianity, once said that the evening news was proof enough for the reality of sin. Entering the human race through Adam’s rebellion in the Garden, sin pervades our planet, expressing itself most vividly in the twisted, tainted actions of men.
We sin because we are sinners. Every man and woman conceived on planet earth is born with a sin nature - a bent away from God that seeks to live independently of Him, either passively or actively rejecting Him. If you trace your human heritage, you would ultimately arrive at Adam and Eve, the fountainhead of the human race. When they sinned, we all were dragged down with them for our humanity was bound up in them.
The evidence that we are sinners is, as Muggeridge attested, quite obvious. Crime, drugs, war, pestilence, greed, and corruption of every sort is the staple of our media diet. But the greater problem is that we as individuals experience the ravages of sin. After all, a society’s problems are but the culmination of individual ills. Its cure can be found only in Christ.
“...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel...” 2 Corinthians 4:4
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother’s Day!
“Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
‘Many daughters have done nobly,
but you excel them all.’
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:25-31
Have a blessed day!
and she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
‘Many daughters have done nobly,
but you excel them all.’
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:25-31
Have a blessed day!
Friday, May 11, 2012
He Drove The Man Out...
“Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’— therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3:22-24
Divorce has become a common affair in our fractured age. Its crippling effects - financially, emotionally, and socially - are well documented in various studies. In a real sense, sin has effected a divorce between man and God. When the original couple, Adam and Eve, sinned in the Garden, God evicted man from His presence. “So He drove the man out...” (Gen. 3:24). The Hebrew word for drove is also used in the Old Testament on five occasions for divorce.
God and man, united at creation in intimacy, fellowship, and purpose, were separated by sin. The holiness of God and the sin of man are incompatible. The Creator and the creation, man, can no longer live together in harmony apart from faith in Christ. Sin drives unbelieving man out of God’s presence and into chaos and evil.
The great divorce, as author C.S. Lewis put it, has fixed a gulf, a chasm, between God and man. Born into sin, man suffers from the emotional and spiritual wreckage of life apart from God, driven by wayward desires and instincts, walking in the darkness of his own counsel. The truth about sin is ugly. But we must know the truth, the good and the bad, before we can be set free.
“...through one man sin entered into the world...” Romans 5:12
Divorce has become a common affair in our fractured age. Its crippling effects - financially, emotionally, and socially - are well documented in various studies. In a real sense, sin has effected a divorce between man and God. When the original couple, Adam and Eve, sinned in the Garden, God evicted man from His presence. “So He drove the man out...” (Gen. 3:24). The Hebrew word for drove is also used in the Old Testament on five occasions for divorce.
God and man, united at creation in intimacy, fellowship, and purpose, were separated by sin. The holiness of God and the sin of man are incompatible. The Creator and the creation, man, can no longer live together in harmony apart from faith in Christ. Sin drives unbelieving man out of God’s presence and into chaos and evil.
The great divorce, as author C.S. Lewis put it, has fixed a gulf, a chasm, between God and man. Born into sin, man suffers from the emotional and spiritual wreckage of life apart from God, driven by wayward desires and instincts, walking in the darkness of his own counsel. The truth about sin is ugly. But we must know the truth, the good and the bad, before we can be set free.
“...through one man sin entered into the world...” Romans 5:12
Thursday, May 10, 2012
How to Handle Those Who Hurt You
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9
Dr. David Seamands, author, seminary professor, and former pastor, reveals the pivotal role of receiving and extending forgiveness in handling our hurts. Seamands writes in his book Healing For Damaged Emotions:
“When we fail to receive God’s grace and forgiveness, we also fail to give unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people. And this results in a breakdown of our interpersonal relationships. It results in emotional conflicts between us and other people. The unforgiven are the unforgiving, and the unforgiving complete the vicious circle because they cannot be forgiven.
“...Think of how you apply this to the significant others in your life: parents who hurt you when you were growing up; brothers and sisters who failed you when you needed help...; a friend who betrayed you; a sweetheart who rejected you; your marriage partner, who promised to love, honor, comfort, and care for you, but instead has nagged or caused you pain.
“...Because He has set us free, we can set others free and thereby set in motion grace and love. The apostle Paul summed it up in nine words: ‘Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another...’ (Rom. 13:8).”
“...‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?...’” Matthew 18:21
Dr. David Seamands, author, seminary professor, and former pastor, reveals the pivotal role of receiving and extending forgiveness in handling our hurts. Seamands writes in his book Healing For Damaged Emotions:
“When we fail to receive God’s grace and forgiveness, we also fail to give unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people. And this results in a breakdown of our interpersonal relationships. It results in emotional conflicts between us and other people. The unforgiven are the unforgiving, and the unforgiving complete the vicious circle because they cannot be forgiven.
“...Think of how you apply this to the significant others in your life: parents who hurt you when you were growing up; brothers and sisters who failed you when you needed help...; a friend who betrayed you; a sweetheart who rejected you; your marriage partner, who promised to love, honor, comfort, and care for you, but instead has nagged or caused you pain.
“...Because He has set us free, we can set others free and thereby set in motion grace and love. The apostle Paul summed it up in nine words: ‘Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another...’ (Rom. 13:8).”
“...‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?...’” Matthew 18:21
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Be of Good Courage
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18
As the ruler of this “kosmos” (world system), Satan has very precise schemes orchestrated to frustrate the believer in Christ. Recognizing and understanding his ploys can help us thwart his shrewd tactics and walk in victory.
The devil seeks to impede our spiritual progress by keeping us from prayer. He accomplishes this by propagating a defective doctrine of guilt. When we are overloaded with guilty feelings, we withdraw from God. This is Satan’s cruel hoax. Your guilt, all of it, was placed on Christ at Calvary. You are completely accepted by God. If you have sinned, sincere confession instantly restores joyful fellowship.
Satan’s other primary stratagem to foil our walk with Christ is causing us to doubt God’s promises. The spiritual conflict hinges upon faith. Do we really believe God will do what He says? Will He honor His Word? Can we bank on the Scriptures without reservation and expect God to fulfill His pledges? Absolutely. God’s Word is written by Himself. It is His unalterable Word to you.
Reject guilt. Be of good courage and refuse doubt. Satan’s chief schemes will be defused and God’s truth unleashed for triumph.
“...but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
As the ruler of this “kosmos” (world system), Satan has very precise schemes orchestrated to frustrate the believer in Christ. Recognizing and understanding his ploys can help us thwart his shrewd tactics and walk in victory.
The devil seeks to impede our spiritual progress by keeping us from prayer. He accomplishes this by propagating a defective doctrine of guilt. When we are overloaded with guilty feelings, we withdraw from God. This is Satan’s cruel hoax. Your guilt, all of it, was placed on Christ at Calvary. You are completely accepted by God. If you have sinned, sincere confession instantly restores joyful fellowship.
Satan’s other primary stratagem to foil our walk with Christ is causing us to doubt God’s promises. The spiritual conflict hinges upon faith. Do we really believe God will do what He says? Will He honor His Word? Can we bank on the Scriptures without reservation and expect God to fulfill His pledges? Absolutely. God’s Word is written by Himself. It is His unalterable Word to you.
Reject guilt. Be of good courage and refuse doubt. Satan’s chief schemes will be defused and God’s truth unleashed for triumph.
“...but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Preparation for the Battle
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13
The Middle East conflict was a highlight film of readiness. Each day’s broadcasts usually contained a segment of how tank mechanics, flight crewmen, soldiers, and other military personnel took extra precautions to clean and repair their respective tools of war.
Fighting a spiritual war involves similar painstaking preparations. We cannot participate and enjoy the spoils of Christ’s triumph over Satan without personal cleansing from sin. The Bible calls this repentance. It means we turn away from behavior that violates God’s commands and practice what is right in His eyes.
Like abrasive desert sand, sin clogs our fellowship with the Father, disrupting our clear sense of His direction and creating static in our relationship to Him. The all important line of communication with the Captain of our Salvation is garbled, making victory more difficult.
Repentance will not happen until you are serious about sin. See it as God does. Hate it as He does. Understand its crippling effects on the man of God. Prepare yourself for the good fight of faith by identifying obvious sin, turning away from its practice, and in faith looking to God for His righteous help. You will be ready for the struggle with a clean and pure heart.
“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called...” 1 Timothy 6:12
The Middle East conflict was a highlight film of readiness. Each day’s broadcasts usually contained a segment of how tank mechanics, flight crewmen, soldiers, and other military personnel took extra precautions to clean and repair their respective tools of war.
Fighting a spiritual war involves similar painstaking preparations. We cannot participate and enjoy the spoils of Christ’s triumph over Satan without personal cleansing from sin. The Bible calls this repentance. It means we turn away from behavior that violates God’s commands and practice what is right in His eyes.
Like abrasive desert sand, sin clogs our fellowship with the Father, disrupting our clear sense of His direction and creating static in our relationship to Him. The all important line of communication with the Captain of our Salvation is garbled, making victory more difficult.
Repentance will not happen until you are serious about sin. See it as God does. Hate it as He does. Understand its crippling effects on the man of God. Prepare yourself for the good fight of faith by identifying obvious sin, turning away from its practice, and in faith looking to God for His righteous help. You will be ready for the struggle with a clean and pure heart.
“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called...” 1 Timothy 6:12
Monday, May 7, 2012
The War has Been Won!
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:28-30
General Norman Schwarzkopf revealed after the Persian Gulf War that the 100 hour battle was decided in the very first minutes when Allied planes savaged Iraqi air defenses. “When I saw our planes knock out their radar, I knew at that very moment we had them,” Schwarzkopf said. There is a very distinct parallel for the Christian. Although we are in a very real war, with enticements to sin and an adversary who harasses us, the outcome of the conflict has been decided.
That occurred at Calvary when Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities” making “a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Col. 2:15). Jesus defeated Satan on the cross. He took away the sting of death by bearing our sins, making reconciliation between God and man possible.
The man or woman who has believed in Him and received His forgiveness of sins is on the winning side. But we deal with our foe on the ground of victory. We are not helpless, frightened little children but sons and daughters of God who triumph over Satan “through Him.”
Don’t shrink from the battle. It was won at Golgotha; and you share in its victory through your union with the Victor, Jesus Christ.
“But resist him, firm in your faith...” 1 Peter 5:9
John 19:28-30
General Norman Schwarzkopf revealed after the Persian Gulf War that the 100 hour battle was decided in the very first minutes when Allied planes savaged Iraqi air defenses. “When I saw our planes knock out their radar, I knew at that very moment we had them,” Schwarzkopf said. There is a very distinct parallel for the Christian. Although we are in a very real war, with enticements to sin and an adversary who harasses us, the outcome of the conflict has been decided.
That occurred at Calvary when Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities” making “a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Col. 2:15). Jesus defeated Satan on the cross. He took away the sting of death by bearing our sins, making reconciliation between God and man possible.
The man or woman who has believed in Him and received His forgiveness of sins is on the winning side. But we deal with our foe on the ground of victory. We are not helpless, frightened little children but sons and daughters of God who triumph over Satan “through Him.”
Don’t shrink from the battle. It was won at Golgotha; and you share in its victory through your union with the Victor, Jesus Christ.
“But resist him, firm in your faith...” 1 Peter 5:9
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Fight of Faith
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
War changes the tenor of men and nations. During the Persian Gulf War, residents of the countries represented by the coalition forces were transfixed for weeks. Both citizens and soldiers were alert to the slightest developments, keenly aware the next maneuver could mean victory or defeat, life or death. When the conflict concluded, concern gradually diminished; and life returned to the ordinary routine for most.
Every believer in Jesus Christ is involved in a fierce spiritual struggle. Unlike wars that begin and end, we face an incessant foe in the devil who never relaxes his evil desires. Thus, we can never let down our guard against Satan’s weapons of doubt and deception. He cannot affect our eternal destiny for that has been secured by Christ’s death and resurrection; but he certainly can disrupt our present state of affairs with his rebellious scheming.
Be alert. Be vigilant. Be disciplined. You are in a fight of faith, a real war with casualties of great proportions. Wake up each morning with your game face on and engage the enemy with confident faith.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” 2 Corinthians 10:4
War changes the tenor of men and nations. During the Persian Gulf War, residents of the countries represented by the coalition forces were transfixed for weeks. Both citizens and soldiers were alert to the slightest developments, keenly aware the next maneuver could mean victory or defeat, life or death. When the conflict concluded, concern gradually diminished; and life returned to the ordinary routine for most.
Every believer in Jesus Christ is involved in a fierce spiritual struggle. Unlike wars that begin and end, we face an incessant foe in the devil who never relaxes his evil desires. Thus, we can never let down our guard against Satan’s weapons of doubt and deception. He cannot affect our eternal destiny for that has been secured by Christ’s death and resurrection; but he certainly can disrupt our present state of affairs with his rebellious scheming.
Be alert. Be vigilant. Be disciplined. You are in a fight of faith, a real war with casualties of great proportions. Wake up each morning with your game face on and engage the enemy with confident faith.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” 2 Corinthians 10:4
Friday, May 4, 2012
A Life That Works
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
The parts of the new bicycle laid scattered, roughly forming a small circle. At its center sat a determined fourteen-year-old, frantically trying to assemble the pieces into some recognizable form. Hours had passed since removing the various parts from the carton. Looking over his shoulder, the boy sees his dad watching. Fighting tears of frustration, he hangs his head and acknowledges his failure to listen to the advice of his father.
The new bicycle had come with precise instructions. Together, he and his dad had reviewed them and agreed that he could try the assembly on his own. But in the excitement of the moment, the instructions were cast aside, and the boy’s own determination had taken over. The result was obvious - chaos.
The Bible is our instruction guide to every area of life. Tossing it aside is disastrous. Jesus tells us if we hear His words and apply them to our lives then we will gain wisdom - God’s wisdom (Matt. 7:24). Not only that, but the foundation of our lives will be solid as if it were anchored to a rock because it is founded in the Word of God.
A life that listens to God and follows His instructions is a life that works. It is a life that endures trials with each piece assembled according to God’s specifications. When in doubt, read the instructions.
The parts of the new bicycle laid scattered, roughly forming a small circle. At its center sat a determined fourteen-year-old, frantically trying to assemble the pieces into some recognizable form. Hours had passed since removing the various parts from the carton. Looking over his shoulder, the boy sees his dad watching. Fighting tears of frustration, he hangs his head and acknowledges his failure to listen to the advice of his father.
The new bicycle had come with precise instructions. Together, he and his dad had reviewed them and agreed that he could try the assembly on his own. But in the excitement of the moment, the instructions were cast aside, and the boy’s own determination had taken over. The result was obvious - chaos.
The Bible is our instruction guide to every area of life. Tossing it aside is disastrous. Jesus tells us if we hear His words and apply them to our lives then we will gain wisdom - God’s wisdom (Matt. 7:24). Not only that, but the foundation of our lives will be solid as if it were anchored to a rock because it is founded in the Word of God.
A life that listens to God and follows His instructions is a life that works. It is a life that endures trials with each piece assembled according to God’s specifications. When in doubt, read the instructions.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
To Him Who is Humble...
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. ‘But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:1-2
The Christian recording artist bowed his head and thanked God for His provision over the past year. The music award that he held tightly within his grasp was slowly raised for all to see, as he said with great emotion: “This and all of me belongs to You, Lord.”
God says He will look with favor on the person who is “humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at [His] word” (Isaiah 66:2). When worldly fame could have stolen the motivation of this man’s heart, he chose instead to give himself and his talent to the cause of Christ. He had learned a lesson that few dare to practice. He learned of God’s divine sovereignty and submitted to it out of obedience and love.
All of us want to know we are living in God’s favor. But how do we know when we have truly given ourselves to Him? Check the course of your heart. Pride stands up in spirit when anything of self is pricked. A life submitted out of devotion to God will bow down.
A life of yieldedness reflects the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ; while an unyielded life is given over to strife and self-sufficiency. Submit all that you are to Him. That act of obedience will change your life forever as your say: “This and all of me belongs to You, Lord.”
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness...” Psalm 100:1-2
The Christian recording artist bowed his head and thanked God for His provision over the past year. The music award that he held tightly within his grasp was slowly raised for all to see, as he said with great emotion: “This and all of me belongs to You, Lord.”
God says He will look with favor on the person who is “humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at [His] word” (Isaiah 66:2). When worldly fame could have stolen the motivation of this man’s heart, he chose instead to give himself and his talent to the cause of Christ. He had learned a lesson that few dare to practice. He learned of God’s divine sovereignty and submitted to it out of obedience and love.
All of us want to know we are living in God’s favor. But how do we know when we have truly given ourselves to Him? Check the course of your heart. Pride stands up in spirit when anything of self is pricked. A life submitted out of devotion to God will bow down.
A life of yieldedness reflects the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ; while an unyielded life is given over to strife and self-sufficiency. Submit all that you are to Him. That act of obedience will change your life forever as your say: “This and all of me belongs to You, Lord.”
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness...” Psalm 100:1-2
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
A Personal Invitation
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. How the faithful city has become a harlot, she who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, but now murderers.” Isaiah 1:18-21
Throughout time, God has repeatedly appealed to us to step away from our sin and follow His way of righteousness. One of the strongest appeals comes from the book of Isaiah: “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow...” (Isaiah 1:18).
Sin alters life by taking what God calls pure and distorting it. An iodine stain on white linen ruins the fabric design and fiber, and nothing can remove its staining power. Sin has the same effect on our lives - it stains deeply. Yet God in His mercy has provided a way for its removal through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Christ is our personal invitation from God to be washed clean from sin’s staining power.
God’s appeal for us to come and reason with Him is not a point of argument. Instead, it is a call for us to think logically of sin’s ultimate purpose - to separate us from God. Once you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, God clothes you in the righteousness of His Son. Your sins are forgiven, and you are made white as snow. His forgiveness means freedom from sin, freedom from guilt, and peace that passes all understanding. It means living forever in the vital union of fellowship with Christ.
“...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Throughout time, God has repeatedly appealed to us to step away from our sin and follow His way of righteousness. One of the strongest appeals comes from the book of Isaiah: “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow...” (Isaiah 1:18).
Sin alters life by taking what God calls pure and distorting it. An iodine stain on white linen ruins the fabric design and fiber, and nothing can remove its staining power. Sin has the same effect on our lives - it stains deeply. Yet God in His mercy has provided a way for its removal through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Christ is our personal invitation from God to be washed clean from sin’s staining power.
God’s appeal for us to come and reason with Him is not a point of argument. Instead, it is a call for us to think logically of sin’s ultimate purpose - to separate us from God. Once you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, God clothes you in the righteousness of His Son. Your sins are forgiven, and you are made white as snow. His forgiveness means freedom from sin, freedom from guilt, and peace that passes all understanding. It means living forever in the vital union of fellowship with Christ.
“...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Do it for the Lord!
“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” Ephesians 6:5-9
In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell, a godly sprinter from Scotland, ran with an unnatural style - head tilted backward and eyes turned heavenward. He explained his unique style to his sister Jenny: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
The same sense of God’s presence and cheer should mark each of our days at home or on the job. Our every task - another day on the road, more sales calls to make, still more clothes to wash - can be approached and accomplished with renewed vigor and purpose.
God sees our works, looks at our hearts, and promises to reward us as we work heartily for Him. Our work really matters to God for we matter to Him. We can enjoy not only the benefit of a job well done but actually know that our Father in heaven will say one day: “Well done, good and faithful slave...” (Matthew 25:21).
You can experience God’s pleasure by concentrating on pleasing Him as well as your boss, associates, or family. There is no such thing as an obscure job, an insignificant chore, or unimportant assignment when you carry out your task in God’s employment.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell, a godly sprinter from Scotland, ran with an unnatural style - head tilted backward and eyes turned heavenward. He explained his unique style to his sister Jenny: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
The same sense of God’s presence and cheer should mark each of our days at home or on the job. Our every task - another day on the road, more sales calls to make, still more clothes to wash - can be approached and accomplished with renewed vigor and purpose.
God sees our works, looks at our hearts, and promises to reward us as we work heartily for Him. Our work really matters to God for we matter to Him. We can enjoy not only the benefit of a job well done but actually know that our Father in heaven will say one day: “Well done, good and faithful slave...” (Matthew 25:21).
You can experience God’s pleasure by concentrating on pleasing Him as well as your boss, associates, or family. There is no such thing as an obscure job, an insignificant chore, or unimportant assignment when you carry out your task in God’s employment.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
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