“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 31:28-31
The following is a list of “I owe you’s” which apply to mothers all over the country, all of which are long overdue. Stop after each one and consider the priceless value of the one who made your life possible - your mother.
“Dear Mom:
As I walk through my museum of memories,
I owe you - for your time. Day and night.
I owe you - for your example. Consistent and dependable.
I owe you - for your support. Stimulating and challenging.
I owe you - for your humor. Sparky and quick.
I owe you - for your counsel. Wise and quiet.
I owe you - for your humility. Genuine and gracious.
I owe you - for your hospitality. Smiling and warm.
I owe you - for your insight. Keen and honest.
I owe you - for your flexibility. Patient and joyful.
I owe you - for your sacrifices. Numerous and quickly forgotten.
I owe you - for your faith. Solid and sure.
I owe you - for your hope. Ceaseless and indestructible.
I owe you - for your love. Devoted and deep.”
-Charles R. Swindoll, Strong Family
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
How to Handle Fear
“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19
There is nothing wrong with a few healthy fears. We should be wary of poisonous snakes, hurricanes, drugs, and fires. Usually it is not these kinds of fears that cause us problems. Rather it is the fear of people or of legitimate events or circumstances that can form enslaving strongholds which torment us night and day.
The foundation for overcoming our bondage begins with an understanding of fear’s origin and nature. Fear began with the fall of man. Before sin, fear was nonexistent (Gen. 2:25; 3:8-10). Then the origin of sin can be traced to Satan’s influence in the world. Behind our fears is the work of our archenemy, seeking to rob us of our confidence and joy.
Think of your fear in this way: Whatever the nature of your fear, it is based on false assumptions. Your fear is a lie because its perpetrator, the devil, is a “liar” (John 8:44). You may be afraid of what the future holds. That is Satan’s lie - designed to obscure the truth of God’s sovereignty and care (Phil. 1:21-24). You may be afraid of failure. That is Satan’s lie - conceived to hide the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is within you, will never fail or forsake you (Col. 3:4; Heb. 13:5).
There is no fear in love. Trust God - He loves you and will never forsake you!
“The fear of man brings a snare...” Proverbs 29:25
There is nothing wrong with a few healthy fears. We should be wary of poisonous snakes, hurricanes, drugs, and fires. Usually it is not these kinds of fears that cause us problems. Rather it is the fear of people or of legitimate events or circumstances that can form enslaving strongholds which torment us night and day.
The foundation for overcoming our bondage begins with an understanding of fear’s origin and nature. Fear began with the fall of man. Before sin, fear was nonexistent (Gen. 2:25; 3:8-10). Then the origin of sin can be traced to Satan’s influence in the world. Behind our fears is the work of our archenemy, seeking to rob us of our confidence and joy.
Think of your fear in this way: Whatever the nature of your fear, it is based on false assumptions. Your fear is a lie because its perpetrator, the devil, is a “liar” (John 8:44). You may be afraid of what the future holds. That is Satan’s lie - designed to obscure the truth of God’s sovereignty and care (Phil. 1:21-24). You may be afraid of failure. That is Satan’s lie - conceived to hide the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is within you, will never fail or forsake you (Col. 3:4; Heb. 13:5).
There is no fear in love. Trust God - He loves you and will never forsake you!
“The fear of man brings a snare...” Proverbs 29:25
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Pursuit of Happiness
“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Happiness often becomes an endless pursuit, not an achievement. The biblical prescription for happiness in the fifth chapter of Matthew opposes the world’s counsel - but offers genuine fulfillment:
“Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit (the contented person)...” (Matt. 5:3).
“Blessed are those who mourn (the caring person)...” (5:4).
“Blessed are the gentle (the giving person)...” (5:5).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (the God-fearing person)...” (5:6).
“Blessed are the merciful (the compassionate person)...” (5:7).
“Blessed are the pure in heart (the single-minded person)...” (5:8).
“Blessed are the peacemakers (the loving person)...” (5:9).
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness (the obedient person)...” (5:10).
As you meditate on the above Scriptures and ask the Father to apply their truth in your life, lasting happiness can be a possession, not merely a futile pursuit. Christ Jesus is our happiness (Neh. 8:10).
“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD...” Psalm 128:1
Happiness often becomes an endless pursuit, not an achievement. The biblical prescription for happiness in the fifth chapter of Matthew opposes the world’s counsel - but offers genuine fulfillment:
“Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit (the contented person)...” (Matt. 5:3).
“Blessed are those who mourn (the caring person)...” (5:4).
“Blessed are the gentle (the giving person)...” (5:5).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (the God-fearing person)...” (5:6).
“Blessed are the merciful (the compassionate person)...” (5:7).
“Blessed are the pure in heart (the single-minded person)...” (5:8).
“Blessed are the peacemakers (the loving person)...” (5:9).
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness (the obedient person)...” (5:10).
As you meditate on the above Scriptures and ask the Father to apply their truth in your life, lasting happiness can be a possession, not merely a futile pursuit. Christ Jesus is our happiness (Neh. 8:10).
“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD...” Psalm 128:1
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dealing 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
Conflict affects people in different ways. Some internalize their difficulties - which can lead to sustained anger and frustration. Others fully vent their feelings and emotions - which may make them feel better momentarily but does not solve their problems. Still others try to ignore their problems, hoping they will disappear as time passes.
In God’s plan conflicts initiate the following scriptural scenario:
First, our conflicts should drive us to the Lord Jesus Christ. We look to God’s Word to guide our conduct; we seek His face to steady our course. We lean on His strength, depend on His wisdom, and take refuge in His arms.
Second, we entrust our problems to the Lord’s care. God is responsible for His children. Our conflicts concern Him, and He promises to sustain us if we cast our burdens on Him (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
Third, we thank God for an outcome that glorifies Him. The Lord uses our conflicts to produce outstanding results that will benefit us on earth and in heaven.
By taking our problems to the Father, we have engaged our Mighty God to work in our behalf. These problems can be solved as we allow Him to fight our battles for us (Ex. 14:14; Rev. 19:11).
“...we are powerless...but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
Conflict affects people in different ways. Some internalize their difficulties - which can lead to sustained anger and frustration. Others fully vent their feelings and emotions - which may make them feel better momentarily but does not solve their problems. Still others try to ignore their problems, hoping they will disappear as time passes.
In God’s plan conflicts initiate the following scriptural scenario:
First, our conflicts should drive us to the Lord Jesus Christ. We look to God’s Word to guide our conduct; we seek His face to steady our course. We lean on His strength, depend on His wisdom, and take refuge in His arms.
Second, we entrust our problems to the Lord’s care. God is responsible for His children. Our conflicts concern Him, and He promises to sustain us if we cast our burdens on Him (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
Third, we thank God for an outcome that glorifies Him. The Lord uses our conflicts to produce outstanding results that will benefit us on earth and in heaven.
By taking our problems to the Father, we have engaged our Mighty God to work in our behalf. These problems can be solved as we allow Him to fight our battles for us (Ex. 14:14; Rev. 19:11).
“...we are powerless...but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dealing with Personal Conflict, Part 1
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 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. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
Given the choice, most of us would choose membership in “the status quo society”: “Lord, things are going pretty well for me now. I’d rather not have trouble knock at my door just now.” That is a common sentiment. We want to maintain our comfort zone. We dislike change - especially the kind that is brought on by conflict.
The moment friction enters the picture - in our relationships or in our circumstances - the peaceful, easy feeling of the status quo disintegrates. But if we view conflict as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, we make amazing discoveries.
Conflict generates alertness to both God’s and Satan’s presence. When trouble strikes, we realize we are in spiritual warfare. We sense the adversary at work, but more importantly we are sensitized to God’s Word and His Spirit.
Conflict also generates action. No one has to tell us to open the Scriptures; no one must force us to pray. We are motivated and mobilized by the Lord to both search the Scriptures and pray.
Conflict changes our attitudes. We become more grateful, more submissive, more dependent on God, more humble, and more understanding of others’ needs.
“Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials.” James 1:2
Given the choice, most of us would choose membership in “the status quo society”: “Lord, things are going pretty well for me now. I’d rather not have trouble knock at my door just now.” That is a common sentiment. We want to maintain our comfort zone. We dislike change - especially the kind that is brought on by conflict.
The moment friction enters the picture - in our relationships or in our circumstances - the peaceful, easy feeling of the status quo disintegrates. But if we view conflict as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, we make amazing discoveries.
Conflict generates alertness to both God’s and Satan’s presence. When trouble strikes, we realize we are in spiritual warfare. We sense the adversary at work, but more importantly we are sensitized to God’s Word and His Spirit.
Conflict also generates action. No one has to tell us to open the Scriptures; no one must force us to pray. We are motivated and mobilized by the Lord to both search the Scriptures and pray.
Conflict changes our attitudes. We become more grateful, more submissive, more dependent on God, more humble, and more understanding of others’ needs.
“Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials.” James 1:2
Monday, May 2, 2011
Repentance: Complete or Incomplete
Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said,
“THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’”
Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Matthew 3:1-8
Sometimes repentance can seem a little like commercials in that there is no end. We come before God, confess our sins, express our desire for repentance - and find ourselves in exactly the same condition the next time we approach our Father. Biblical repentance means forsaking sin, not simply confessing it. To forsake is to leave behind, to abandon. We repent not just with our hearts but with our actions.
“Oh,” you say, “I wish it were that simple. How can I quit gossiping when I seem addicted to it?” To repent biblically, we must ask God to give us hatred of evil, to give us repentance (2 Tim. 2:24-26). God still hates sin - even in the Christian’s life. Sin is not just a mistake or a shortcoming or a fault; sin is rebellion against God for which Christ died. We possess power in the person of the Holy Spirit to conquer our sin. We can effectively repent of sin because of sin’s Slayer, Jesus Christ, empowers us. We are not left to our own devices, our own will power.
Is there a nagging area of disobedience in your life that you are unable to conquer? Face it as sin; count on God’s unequaled power each day; and preserve as Christ frees you moment by moment from its grip.
“...the kindness of God leads you to repentance.”
Romans 2:4
“THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’”
Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Matthew 3:1-8
Sometimes repentance can seem a little like commercials in that there is no end. We come before God, confess our sins, express our desire for repentance - and find ourselves in exactly the same condition the next time we approach our Father. Biblical repentance means forsaking sin, not simply confessing it. To forsake is to leave behind, to abandon. We repent not just with our hearts but with our actions.
“Oh,” you say, “I wish it were that simple. How can I quit gossiping when I seem addicted to it?” To repent biblically, we must ask God to give us hatred of evil, to give us repentance (2 Tim. 2:24-26). God still hates sin - even in the Christian’s life. Sin is not just a mistake or a shortcoming or a fault; sin is rebellion against God for which Christ died. We possess power in the person of the Holy Spirit to conquer our sin. We can effectively repent of sin because of sin’s Slayer, Jesus Christ, empowers us. We are not left to our own devices, our own will power.
Is there a nagging area of disobedience in your life that you are unable to conquer? Face it as sin; count on God’s unequaled power each day; and preserve as Christ frees you moment by moment from its grip.
“...the kindness of God leads you to repentance.”
Romans 2:4
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Ruin of Rebellion
“That they should put their confidence in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep His commandments,
and not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that did not prepare its heart
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:7-8
“They did not keep the covenant of God
and refused to walk in His law;
They forgot His deeds
and His miracles that He had shown them.” Psalm 78:10-11
“Yet they still continued to sin against Him,
to rebel against the Most High in the desert.” Psalm 78:17
“How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness
and grieved Him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40
“Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God
and did not keep His testimonies,
but turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers;
they turned aside like a treacherous bow.” Psalm 78:56-57
Various singers have made these words famous: “I did it my way...” While that phrase may seem catchy and harmless on the surface, it can conceal the deep, dark root of a rebellious spirit toward God. Whether we are teenagers despising our parents, workers ignoring office rules, or spouses refusing to yield our rights, we have fallen into the dangerous trap of seeking to act independently of God. Ignoring the authority of the Scriptures, we seek to blaze our own path - to achieve our desires in our way, in our power.
When we do rebel against clear standards of Godly authority, we fall for Satan’s lie that our way is better than God’s. The devil is the original and ultimate rebel, challenging God’s authority and reign (Isaiah 14:4-21). His defeat was certain the moment he rebelled, and his eventual fate of the lake of fire is likewise guaranteed (Rev. 20:10).
If you are in a state of rebellion now, think about the causes and consequences. Ultimately its point of origin is Satan who never delivers what he promises because he is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Doing it our way may appear to work for a season, but its end is always bitter. Do it God’s way an enjoy the blessings of obedience.
“How blessed are those who observe His testimonies...” Psalm 119:2
and not forget the works of God,
but keep His commandments,
and not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that did not prepare its heart
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:7-8
“They did not keep the covenant of God
and refused to walk in His law;
They forgot His deeds
and His miracles that He had shown them.” Psalm 78:10-11
“Yet they still continued to sin against Him,
to rebel against the Most High in the desert.” Psalm 78:17
“How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness
and grieved Him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40
“Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God
and did not keep His testimonies,
but turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers;
they turned aside like a treacherous bow.” Psalm 78:56-57
Various singers have made these words famous: “I did it my way...” While that phrase may seem catchy and harmless on the surface, it can conceal the deep, dark root of a rebellious spirit toward God. Whether we are teenagers despising our parents, workers ignoring office rules, or spouses refusing to yield our rights, we have fallen into the dangerous trap of seeking to act independently of God. Ignoring the authority of the Scriptures, we seek to blaze our own path - to achieve our desires in our way, in our power.
When we do rebel against clear standards of Godly authority, we fall for Satan’s lie that our way is better than God’s. The devil is the original and ultimate rebel, challenging God’s authority and reign (Isaiah 14:4-21). His defeat was certain the moment he rebelled, and his eventual fate of the lake of fire is likewise guaranteed (Rev. 20:10).
If you are in a state of rebellion now, think about the causes and consequences. Ultimately its point of origin is Satan who never delivers what he promises because he is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Doing it our way may appear to work for a season, but its end is always bitter. Do it God’s way an enjoy the blessings of obedience.
“How blessed are those who observe His testimonies...” Psalm 119:2
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