"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them
also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and
one shepherd." - John 10:16
A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel.
They were in the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when
they saw a group of sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep
into a round pen for the night. Then, a few minutes later, another
shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a few minutes later, yet
another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were three groups
of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My
friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the
next day.
The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to
his sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep
followed his voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only
that shepherd's sheep follow him and the others remain in the pen. What
a picture of Jesus' words spoken centuries earlier.
Hearing and responding to Jesus' voice is the key to having a two-way
relationship with God. It is the difference between having religion and
a relationship. Can you recognize God's voice in your life? Are you
listening to the Shepherd's voice? Do you respond when He calls? Ask
Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give more time to
spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to be
your Good Shepherd.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
DESERT PREPARATION
"Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I
was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus." - Galatians 1:17
The apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the
facts surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly
understood the call Jesus placed on his life. He did not have to consult
other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his
own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go
to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus
Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in
Arabia. However, based upon many examples of God placing special calls
on people's lives, we know it often requires a time of separation
between the old life and the new life. No doubt, Paul had plenty of time
to consider what had taken place in his life and time to develop an
intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life
was about to change dramatically.
So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a
separation between the old life and the new life. There is a time of
being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is
coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was
separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban.
Moses was sent to the desert.
When God began a deeper work in my own life, it required a separation
from all I had known before. He removed all that I had placed confidence
in up to that point. It was very painful and very scary since I was in
my mid-40's. In my mind, it was not the time to start life over. I had
been making plans for early retirement. God had a different idea. He
removed all my comforts and security in order to accomplish a much
greater work than what I could see at the time. The picture is clear
now. I understand why it was necessary, but I didn't at the time.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot
make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press
into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you.
The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be
found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your
life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will fully complete
the work He has started in you.
was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus." - Galatians 1:17
The apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the
facts surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly
understood the call Jesus placed on his life. He did not have to consult
other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his
own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go
to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus
Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in
Arabia. However, based upon many examples of God placing special calls
on people's lives, we know it often requires a time of separation
between the old life and the new life. No doubt, Paul had plenty of time
to consider what had taken place in his life and time to develop an
intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life
was about to change dramatically.
So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a
separation between the old life and the new life. There is a time of
being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is
coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was
separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban.
Moses was sent to the desert.
When God began a deeper work in my own life, it required a separation
from all I had known before. He removed all that I had placed confidence
in up to that point. It was very painful and very scary since I was in
my mid-40's. In my mind, it was not the time to start life over. I had
been making plans for early retirement. God had a different idea. He
removed all my comforts and security in order to accomplish a much
greater work than what I could see at the time. The picture is clear
now. I understand why it was necessary, but I didn't at the time.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot
make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press
into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you.
The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be
found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your
life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will fully complete
the work He has started in you.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
CHECK UNDER THE HOOD
"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger,
rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." -Colossians 3:8
"The root issue you are dealing with is fear. The physical symptom is
control, and when you cannot control, you get angry because of unmet
expectations." These were the words I spoke during a conversation in a
restaurant to my friend who was separated from his wife. He described
his anger and how he never saw some of these characteristics in his life
until he entered this marriage.
A friend once said to me, "Anger is like the lights on a dashboard. They
tell you something is going on under the hood. You must find out the
source of the problem." Whenever we have expectations of another person
and those expectations do not materialize, our tendency is to get angry.
The source of the anger is often the fear that the unmet expectation
will negatively impact us. We fear that our finances, our well-being,
our image, or any number of things may be impacted by the unmet
expectation. My friend's wife had not met his expectations in many areas
of his life, so then, many times it resulted in harsh words that damaged
his wife's self-esteem. Now, it was leading to a marriage crisis.
Jesus often spoke of living as though we were dead. How can you live as
though you are dead? "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but
alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:11). It is a choice each of us
must make. Once you become dead to that which stirs an emotion in you,
God is free to change that situation. Until then, you can expect God to
allow that situation to remain until you reckon yourself dead to the
effects of the issue that causes you to struggle.
Is there something that causes anger within you? Ask God what the source
of that anger is. You might be surprised at what you find. Then ask God
to give you the grace to reckon yourself dead to that issue. You will
find new freedom in your relationships and your own peace of mind.
rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." -Colossians 3:8
"The root issue you are dealing with is fear. The physical symptom is
control, and when you cannot control, you get angry because of unmet
expectations." These were the words I spoke during a conversation in a
restaurant to my friend who was separated from his wife. He described
his anger and how he never saw some of these characteristics in his life
until he entered this marriage.
A friend once said to me, "Anger is like the lights on a dashboard. They
tell you something is going on under the hood. You must find out the
source of the problem." Whenever we have expectations of another person
and those expectations do not materialize, our tendency is to get angry.
The source of the anger is often the fear that the unmet expectation
will negatively impact us. We fear that our finances, our well-being,
our image, or any number of things may be impacted by the unmet
expectation. My friend's wife had not met his expectations in many areas
of his life, so then, many times it resulted in harsh words that damaged
his wife's self-esteem. Now, it was leading to a marriage crisis.
Jesus often spoke of living as though we were dead. How can you live as
though you are dead? "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but
alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:11). It is a choice each of us
must make. Once you become dead to that which stirs an emotion in you,
God is free to change that situation. Until then, you can expect God to
allow that situation to remain until you reckon yourself dead to the
effects of the issue that causes you to struggle.
Is there something that causes anger within you? Ask God what the source
of that anger is. You might be surprised at what you find. Then ask God
to give you the grace to reckon yourself dead to that issue. You will
find new freedom in your relationships and your own peace of mind.
Monday, December 19, 2011
ANGER BORN OF THE SPIRIT
"When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power,
and he burned with anger." - 1 Samuel 11:6
There are occasions in which God justifies righteous anger. It is a type
of anger that does not lead to sin, but fulfills God's purposes.
Saul had just been crowned as the new king of Israel. His first battle
was upon him, and he had to bring a new nation together to fight the
Ammonites. The Spirit of God fell on Saul and resulted in righteous
anger against God's enemies. God led him to send an unusual
"direct-mail" package to all the regions where the people lived. He cut
up pieces of oxen and sent the pieces throughout Israel with a
warning-"Join the army or your oxen will be as these!"
Sometimes God uses strong measures to accomplish His purposes. In this
case, fear and intimidation were used to motivate the army of God to be
as one. God must have felt this is what was needed to drive this army to
become a unified force.
God knows the only way to achieve success is if the army is one. A house
divided cannot stand. What will it take to unify your company, your
church, and your family to be one? Unless you are one, you cannot win
the battles you will face. Ask God to make you and those you walk with
to be one in mission and one in spirit.
and he burned with anger." - 1 Samuel 11:6
There are occasions in which God justifies righteous anger. It is a type
of anger that does not lead to sin, but fulfills God's purposes.
Saul had just been crowned as the new king of Israel. His first battle
was upon him, and he had to bring a new nation together to fight the
Ammonites. The Spirit of God fell on Saul and resulted in righteous
anger against God's enemies. God led him to send an unusual
"direct-mail" package to all the regions where the people lived. He cut
up pieces of oxen and sent the pieces throughout Israel with a
warning-"Join the army or your oxen will be as these!"
Sometimes God uses strong measures to accomplish His purposes. In this
case, fear and intimidation were used to motivate the army of God to be
as one. God must have felt this is what was needed to drive this army to
become a unified force.
God knows the only way to achieve success is if the army is one. A house
divided cannot stand. What will it take to unify your company, your
church, and your family to be one? Unless you are one, you cannot win
the battles you will face. Ask God to make you and those you walk with
to be one in mission and one in spirit.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
DO YOU NEED REFRESHMENT?
Life giving water sources always have an incoming source and an outgoing flow. If either one of these stops, life stops. The same is true in our own lives and ministry.
Each of us in ministry need to be refreshed on a continual basis. Without refreshment, our well will ultimately run dry. On the other hand, we are called to be the source of refreshment to others. They depend on us for encouragement and help. Without our encouragement, they will fail. There is a giving and receiving side to refreshment; we need both to experience true Life in Jesus Christ.
In a recently added sermon titled, "The Ministry of Refreshment", Rev. Phillip Harrelson shares great insight into the Apostle Paul's ability to encourage and refresh others in ministry. Paul was able to do so because there were men in his life who encouraged and refreshed him. One of these men is a man rarely spoken of; His name is Onesiphorus. In this sermon, Rev. Harrelson shares the story of Onesiphorus's devotion to encouraging and refreshing Paul during his darkest hours. When Paul was locked down in Rome, It was Onesiphorus who turned Rome upside down until he found him and encouraged him.
2 Timothy 1:17 KJV But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
Rev. Harrelson states;
This is how great churches are built, by people who are willing to shoulder the responsibility and do the work of the ministry of refreshment. Great churches don't just happen, they are populated by men and women who have great-hearts and are inclined to help somebody with their chain.
Responsibility rings out of that passage of Scripture. He sought me out very diligently. He searched hard.
· This means traveling the high, stormy seas from Asia to Italy.
This means putting life on hold for an extended period of time.
· This means leaving the warmth of family and the camaraderie of friends.
· This means getting there at your own expense to do the will of God.
Onesiphorus was a noble-minded and strong-hearted man who had determined to give himself to the ministry of refreshment.
This kind of devotion will knit the hearts of people in a church together.
Paul was successful because he recognized the importance of the ministry of refreshment. There was always an incoming source and an outgoing flow of this ministry in his life.
Each of us in ministry need to be refreshed on a continual basis. Without refreshment, our well will ultimately run dry. On the other hand, we are called to be the source of refreshment to others. They depend on us for encouragement and help. Without our encouragement, they will fail. There is a giving and receiving side to refreshment; we need both to experience true Life in Jesus Christ.
In a recently added sermon titled, "The Ministry of Refreshment", Rev. Phillip Harrelson shares great insight into the Apostle Paul's ability to encourage and refresh others in ministry. Paul was able to do so because there were men in his life who encouraged and refreshed him. One of these men is a man rarely spoken of; His name is Onesiphorus. In this sermon, Rev. Harrelson shares the story of Onesiphorus's devotion to encouraging and refreshing Paul during his darkest hours. When Paul was locked down in Rome, It was Onesiphorus who turned Rome upside down until he found him and encouraged him.
2 Timothy 1:17 KJV But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
Rev. Harrelson states;
This is how great churches are built, by people who are willing to shoulder the responsibility and do the work of the ministry of refreshment. Great churches don't just happen, they are populated by men and women who have great-hearts and are inclined to help somebody with their chain.
Responsibility rings out of that passage of Scripture. He sought me out very diligently. He searched hard.
· This means traveling the high, stormy seas from Asia to Italy.
This means putting life on hold for an extended period of time.
· This means leaving the warmth of family and the camaraderie of friends.
· This means getting there at your own expense to do the will of God.
Onesiphorus was a noble-minded and strong-hearted man who had determined to give himself to the ministry of refreshment.
This kind of devotion will knit the hearts of people in a church together.
Paul was successful because he recognized the importance of the ministry of refreshment. There was always an incoming source and an outgoing flow of this ministry in his life.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
PAUL'S PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the
fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11
We hear a lot these days about planning and goal setting. Proponents of
planning say, "If you aim at nothing, chances are you will probably hit
it." They say that to wander aimlessly through life is like sailing a
boat without a sail and rudder. You end up wherever the wind takes you.
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal
mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary
statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and
the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three
important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product.
Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product.
Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He
understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would
experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship,
there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the
kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in
casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for
it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face
similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in
life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If
not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more
intimately.
fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11
We hear a lot these days about planning and goal setting. Proponents of
planning say, "If you aim at nothing, chances are you will probably hit
it." They say that to wander aimlessly through life is like sailing a
boat without a sail and rudder. You end up wherever the wind takes you.
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal
mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary
statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and
the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three
important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product.
Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product.
Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He
understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would
experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship,
there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the
kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in
casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for
it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face
similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in
life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If
not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more
intimately.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
RECEIVING ONLY FROM GOD
"To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from
heaven." - John 3:27
"God never gave you that property," said my friend who had entered my
life at a time of great turmoil. These were hard words at the time. I
was separated in my marriage, and my financial resources were drying up
on all fronts. It was like rowing a boat with five big holes in it, not
knowing which one to try to plug. My business, my personal finances, my
marriage, all seemed to be drying up at the same time. My friend had
made an observation about some land we had purchased years before. His
point was that I had acquired something that God had never given me. In
other words, it was not a Spirit-directed purchase that was blessed by
God. It was not a by-product of God's blessing; it was a source of sweat
and toil born out of the wrong motives of the heart.
When John's disciples came to him and asked if he was the Messiah, he
responded that he was not and that one could only be what God had given
him to be. He was a forerunner to the Messiah, and he was fulfilling a
call God had given him. We cannot acquire and become anything that God
has not given us. God gave John that anointing. We must ask whether we
are trying to be or trying to acquire anything God has not given us.
When we seek to acquire anything that God has not given us, we can
expect God to respond to us like any good father would to a child. He
will remove that which the child is not supposed to have.
David understood this principle. When he was preparing to furnish the
temple, he told God in his prayer, "Everything comes from You, and we
have given You only what comes from Your hand" (1 Chron. 29:14b).
heaven." - John 3:27
"God never gave you that property," said my friend who had entered my
life at a time of great turmoil. These were hard words at the time. I
was separated in my marriage, and my financial resources were drying up
on all fronts. It was like rowing a boat with five big holes in it, not
knowing which one to try to plug. My business, my personal finances, my
marriage, all seemed to be drying up at the same time. My friend had
made an observation about some land we had purchased years before. His
point was that I had acquired something that God had never given me. In
other words, it was not a Spirit-directed purchase that was blessed by
God. It was not a by-product of God's blessing; it was a source of sweat
and toil born out of the wrong motives of the heart.
When John's disciples came to him and asked if he was the Messiah, he
responded that he was not and that one could only be what God had given
him to be. He was a forerunner to the Messiah, and he was fulfilling a
call God had given him. We cannot acquire and become anything that God
has not given us. God gave John that anointing. We must ask whether we
are trying to be or trying to acquire anything God has not given us.
When we seek to acquire anything that God has not given us, we can
expect God to respond to us like any good father would to a child. He
will remove that which the child is not supposed to have.
David understood this principle. When he was preparing to furnish the
temple, he told God in his prayer, "Everything comes from You, and we
have given You only what comes from Your hand" (1 Chron. 29:14b).
Monday, September 12, 2011
STAY CONNECTED
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my
trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." -Psalm 143:8
Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer
and e-mail. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be
productive in my business life. E-mail has allowed me to stay connected
to people all around the world with the touch of a button.
My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes
e-mail cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I
cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then
the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations
mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my
calling in my work to the fullest.
The morning time with God is much like these situations. God pours His
Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an
important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to
hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I refuse to "get
connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my
day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what
He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not
mine.
The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only
way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person's voice.
David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman.
He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His
morning allowed him to connect with God's love, renew his trust in Him,
and hear His directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same?
trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." -Psalm 143:8
Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer
and e-mail. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be
productive in my business life. E-mail has allowed me to stay connected
to people all around the world with the touch of a button.
My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes
e-mail cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I
cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then
the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations
mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my
calling in my work to the fullest.
The morning time with God is much like these situations. God pours His
Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an
important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to
hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I refuse to "get
connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my
day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what
He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not
mine.
The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only
way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person's voice.
David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman.
He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His
morning allowed him to connect with God's love, renew his trust in Him,
and hear His directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same?
Monday, September 5, 2011
LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED
No doubt, there are so many situations that can trouble the heart of many in marriage relationships in our world today. No matter how strong we are, there are times when our strength seems not enough to bear the weight of the burdens, problems, challenges or vicissitudes of life that are certain to confront us in this world. Is it in the area of our finance, child-bearing, in-laws palaver, way-ward husband, quarrelsome wife, childlessness, worrisome child, sickness, period of unemployment, general economic downturn, etc.? Infact, it sometimes looks as if we are so overwhelmed to the point that we fear being ultimately consumed. Sometimes, it’s as if we are the only one in the whole world that seems to have been singled out for troubles!
However, the Lord would not want us to be troubled by troubles. “Let not your heart be troubled” is a demand upon our strength of character. It’s you who should not “let” [allow, permit] your heart be troubled. This means that you have the power, as well as the choice, to “let” or “not let” your heart to be troubled by troubles! Jesus here seems to acknowledge that troubles will surely approach unto you [your heart] one way or the other; but He leaves you with the option to open the door of your heart unto it or not. Actually, He categorically told us that we are going to have troubles as long as we remain kicking upon this earth (Jn. 16:33). No man or woman or marriage is wholesomely immune to this common visitation; the only difference comes in their varieties, timings and dimensions.
Why did the Lord say that we should not let our “heart” be troubled? Why the heart? Because our heart is the “Central Processing Unit” of our life. Our heart is the fountain or spring of every issue of our life (Prov. 4:23). What ever troubles our heart troubles our whole life – our word, our thought, our actions, our disposition, our reaction, our health, our peace, our joy, our finance, etc. God knows that our heart will be negatively affected and heavily weighed down if we accommodate even the least of trouble in it. He did not configure our heart with the tiniest compartment for residency of troubles! Apparently, in the way we were made, our heart and troubles are incompatible; indeed, antagonistic! So, He has full audacity to warn us not to open our heart to be troubled by troubles.
We’ll do ourselves a great good by heeding this heavenly warning. It’s to our benefit so to do; otherwise, the consequences are debilitating – heart-ache, high blood pressure, broken-heart, relationship break-down, hypertension, loss of peace, loss of appetite, sorrow of heart, hopelessness, suicidal tendencies, etc.
There will always be troubles! They will visit you [not a curse]! They visit everybody (1Cor. 10:13). Don’t let the Devil cajole you into assuming you are the only one or that yours is the worst. You may have to leave this world to be absolutely free from them [that is, if you aren’t actually going to hell!]! Are you ready to go now? If not, you let not your heart be troubled!
Believe in God
But could we be un-troubled by troubles on our own strength? Far be it. We cannot on our own withstand and stand against the forays of this world’s many and diverse challenges or troubles. We definitely need external and definitely superior help to be able to “stand”, having done all that we could.
Jesus told His disciples not to be troubled, and He showed them the spiritual wherewithal, the first of which is:
“Believe in God”, says the Lord.
He wants us to have faith in the ability and will of God to be our Help in the times of trouble. He wants us to in faith lift our eyes unto the Lord whenever troubles come knocking at the door of our hearts rather than holing them in there (Psa. 121). He wants us to focus on the God who’s far bigger than all our problems, whatever they may be, rather than focusing on the troubles themselves. Do you really believe that God is bigger than all your problems, whatever the shade and shape? The Angel asked, “Is anything too hard for the LORD”? (Gen. 18:14). Sir/Ma, do you really believe your distressing circumstances of life cannot be too hard for the Lord of the universe to resolve? If so, why carrying it on your own, rather than casting it upon Him, just as His word encouraged, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Pet. 5:5)? Why pine away under the unbearable weight of life’s adversities, whereas you serve a Living God? Only unfaithlessness or unbelief could be the reason. Ask God to help your unbelief right now (Mk. 9:24) and, henceforth, start living by your faith in God (Hab. 2:4).
Believe [also] in Jesus
Believe in God, believe also in me [Jesus], the Lord says. Why the added-on prescription to “also” believe in Jesus? After all, Jesus once said “I and my Father are one” (Jn. 10:30). Why the separate need to believe in God [the Father] and God [the Son]?
First, this statement makes it clear that it is possible to “believe” in God and not to believe in Jesus. How can this be, one may ask? You too consider it, is it every one out there who profess to believe in God that also believe in Jesus? There are many religions in the world that teaches their adherents to have faith in God but which do actually teach the same souls that Jesus is neither God nor the Saviour, and so it does not worth believing in Him and worshipping Him as such.
Why the need to believe in Jesus by the way? What’s there to believe in Him for? It’s because He’s the only Way to the Father. Nobody comes to the Father except by Him (Jn. 14:6). No salvation (redemption, deliverance, lifeline, help, etc.) except in His name [Acts 4:12]. Everything God had done for us had been in and through Him. In Him all things are consisted, including our help in times of troubles (Col. 1:12-17). He is the One that bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him (Isa. 53:4-5). He’s the One who had overcame the world [and its troubles] for us (Jn. 16:33). It is in and with Him that God had given us all things freely (Rom. 8:32). Asking God the Father for intervention in the time of trouble can only avail if channeled through Him (Jn. 14:13-14).
It therefore becomes understandable why we not only need to believe in God the Father, but also the need to believe in God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The summary of all these is that troubles will surely come visiting your home. We need not take it as something strange or peculiar. It’s the lot of all the living, in diverse shade and shape. However, as God’s own children, here’s our Father assuring us that we could live above whatever trouble by our faith – in God, and in Jesus. Through our faith, we can overcome all the troubles in the world (1Jn. 5:4-5). When trouble comes, all you need do in faith is to call upon your heavenly Father, Who’s ever prepared and willing to answer you and, in His love and mercy, intervene and deliver you (Jer. 33:3, Psa. 34:15-22).
If you will heed this advice from the Lord, His peace shall surely reign in your heart and home. The strength of adversity shall surely fizzle out, and new song shall ultimately feel your mouth!
However, the Lord would not want us to be troubled by troubles. “Let not your heart be troubled” is a demand upon our strength of character. It’s you who should not “let” [allow, permit] your heart be troubled. This means that you have the power, as well as the choice, to “let” or “not let” your heart to be troubled by troubles! Jesus here seems to acknowledge that troubles will surely approach unto you [your heart] one way or the other; but He leaves you with the option to open the door of your heart unto it or not. Actually, He categorically told us that we are going to have troubles as long as we remain kicking upon this earth (Jn. 16:33). No man or woman or marriage is wholesomely immune to this common visitation; the only difference comes in their varieties, timings and dimensions.
Why did the Lord say that we should not let our “heart” be troubled? Why the heart? Because our heart is the “Central Processing Unit” of our life. Our heart is the fountain or spring of every issue of our life (Prov. 4:23). What ever troubles our heart troubles our whole life – our word, our thought, our actions, our disposition, our reaction, our health, our peace, our joy, our finance, etc. God knows that our heart will be negatively affected and heavily weighed down if we accommodate even the least of trouble in it. He did not configure our heart with the tiniest compartment for residency of troubles! Apparently, in the way we were made, our heart and troubles are incompatible; indeed, antagonistic! So, He has full audacity to warn us not to open our heart to be troubled by troubles.
We’ll do ourselves a great good by heeding this heavenly warning. It’s to our benefit so to do; otherwise, the consequences are debilitating – heart-ache, high blood pressure, broken-heart, relationship break-down, hypertension, loss of peace, loss of appetite, sorrow of heart, hopelessness, suicidal tendencies, etc.
There will always be troubles! They will visit you [not a curse]! They visit everybody (1Cor. 10:13). Don’t let the Devil cajole you into assuming you are the only one or that yours is the worst. You may have to leave this world to be absolutely free from them [that is, if you aren’t actually going to hell!]! Are you ready to go now? If not, you let not your heart be troubled!
Believe in God
But could we be un-troubled by troubles on our own strength? Far be it. We cannot on our own withstand and stand against the forays of this world’s many and diverse challenges or troubles. We definitely need external and definitely superior help to be able to “stand”, having done all that we could.
Jesus told His disciples not to be troubled, and He showed them the spiritual wherewithal, the first of which is:
“Believe in God”, says the Lord.
He wants us to have faith in the ability and will of God to be our Help in the times of trouble. He wants us to in faith lift our eyes unto the Lord whenever troubles come knocking at the door of our hearts rather than holing them in there (Psa. 121). He wants us to focus on the God who’s far bigger than all our problems, whatever they may be, rather than focusing on the troubles themselves. Do you really believe that God is bigger than all your problems, whatever the shade and shape? The Angel asked, “Is anything too hard for the LORD”? (Gen. 18:14). Sir/Ma, do you really believe your distressing circumstances of life cannot be too hard for the Lord of the universe to resolve? If so, why carrying it on your own, rather than casting it upon Him, just as His word encouraged, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Pet. 5:5)? Why pine away under the unbearable weight of life’s adversities, whereas you serve a Living God? Only unfaithlessness or unbelief could be the reason. Ask God to help your unbelief right now (Mk. 9:24) and, henceforth, start living by your faith in God (Hab. 2:4).
Believe [also] in Jesus
Believe in God, believe also in me [Jesus], the Lord says. Why the added-on prescription to “also” believe in Jesus? After all, Jesus once said “I and my Father are one” (Jn. 10:30). Why the separate need to believe in God [the Father] and God [the Son]?
First, this statement makes it clear that it is possible to “believe” in God and not to believe in Jesus. How can this be, one may ask? You too consider it, is it every one out there who profess to believe in God that also believe in Jesus? There are many religions in the world that teaches their adherents to have faith in God but which do actually teach the same souls that Jesus is neither God nor the Saviour, and so it does not worth believing in Him and worshipping Him as such.
Why the need to believe in Jesus by the way? What’s there to believe in Him for? It’s because He’s the only Way to the Father. Nobody comes to the Father except by Him (Jn. 14:6). No salvation (redemption, deliverance, lifeline, help, etc.) except in His name [Acts 4:12]. Everything God had done for us had been in and through Him. In Him all things are consisted, including our help in times of troubles (Col. 1:12-17). He is the One that bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him (Isa. 53:4-5). He’s the One who had overcame the world [and its troubles] for us (Jn. 16:33). It is in and with Him that God had given us all things freely (Rom. 8:32). Asking God the Father for intervention in the time of trouble can only avail if channeled through Him (Jn. 14:13-14).
It therefore becomes understandable why we not only need to believe in God the Father, but also the need to believe in God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The summary of all these is that troubles will surely come visiting your home. We need not take it as something strange or peculiar. It’s the lot of all the living, in diverse shade and shape. However, as God’s own children, here’s our Father assuring us that we could live above whatever trouble by our faith – in God, and in Jesus. Through our faith, we can overcome all the troubles in the world (1Jn. 5:4-5). When trouble comes, all you need do in faith is to call upon your heavenly Father, Who’s ever prepared and willing to answer you and, in His love and mercy, intervene and deliver you (Jer. 33:3, Psa. 34:15-22).
If you will heed this advice from the Lord, His peace shall surely reign in your heart and home. The strength of adversity shall surely fizzle out, and new song shall ultimately feel your mouth!
Monday, August 22, 2011
WORKING VERSUS STRIVING
"So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by
might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the
skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the
great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord;
yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities
God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one
of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what
we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our
own
abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of
excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an
obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally
do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God
retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be
continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will
use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times
that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it
is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers.
Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in
God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let
God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has
learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost
restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and
actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in
a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial
increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to
participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on
it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the
invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of
the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small
voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the
skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the
great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord;
yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities
God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one
of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what
we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our
own
abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of
excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an
obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally
do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God
retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be
continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will
use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times
that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it
is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers.
Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in
God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let
God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has
learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost
restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and
actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in
a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial
increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to
participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on
it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the
invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of
the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small
voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
Monday, August 15, 2011
THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands
have produced this wealth for me." - (Deuteronomy 8:17)
We've all heard someone say, "He's a self-made man." What are
they saying in this statement? Are they saying that this
individual achieved success by his hard work and sweat? Many a
person has achieved success through honest hard work. There is a
danger for any of us who may have achieved significance through
our work. That danger is the belief that we achieved it through
our own efforts apart from God's grace and mercy. When we live in
this belief, we assert that we are entitled to certain rights and
privileges because of the position we have earned and feel we
deserve.
The prodigal son's brother who refused to celebrate the wayward
son's return was a man who felt he was entitled to certain
rights. He saw himself as one who had been faithful to his
responsibilities and deserving of more attention. He could not
appreciate his brother's failure and the pain of falling into a
sinful life because, in his mind, he had never failed. This pride
kept him from experiencing God's real grace. This is how legalism
develops in believers. It grows into a cold heart and an
insensitive attitude toward others who may have stumbled in their
lives. This same brother did not truly understand the love of his
father apart from works; for he felt he gained acceptance only by
doing his job.
Do you feel accepted by God, regardless of what you do? Have you
wrongfully viewed your works as something you alone have
achieved? These are the minefields of which each of us in
business must be aware. God has gifted us to accomplish anything
through His grace, not by our works.
have produced this wealth for me." - (Deuteronomy 8:17)
We've all heard someone say, "He's a self-made man." What are
they saying in this statement? Are they saying that this
individual achieved success by his hard work and sweat? Many a
person has achieved success through honest hard work. There is a
danger for any of us who may have achieved significance through
our work. That danger is the belief that we achieved it through
our own efforts apart from God's grace and mercy. When we live in
this belief, we assert that we are entitled to certain rights and
privileges because of the position we have earned and feel we
deserve.
The prodigal son's brother who refused to celebrate the wayward
son's return was a man who felt he was entitled to certain
rights. He saw himself as one who had been faithful to his
responsibilities and deserving of more attention. He could not
appreciate his brother's failure and the pain of falling into a
sinful life because, in his mind, he had never failed. This pride
kept him from experiencing God's real grace. This is how legalism
develops in believers. It grows into a cold heart and an
insensitive attitude toward others who may have stumbled in their
lives. This same brother did not truly understand the love of his
father apart from works; for he felt he gained acceptance only by
doing his job.
Do you feel accepted by God, regardless of what you do? Have you
wrongfully viewed your works as something you alone have
achieved? These are the minefields of which each of us in
business must be aware. God has gifted us to accomplish anything
through His grace, not by our works.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
WRESTLING WITH GOD
"The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because
of his hip." - Genesis 32:31
Jacob was a man who was a controller. He connived and manipulated his
way to get what he wanted. It was a generational stronghold passed down
through his mother, who encouraged her son to play a trick on his
father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau. This trick led Isaac to give
the family blessing to Jacob, which meant Jacob would eventually inherit
the land God had promised to Abraham's seed. Jacob also learned control
from his uncle Laban who caused Jacob to work for 14 years to take
Rachel as his lifelong mate. One must ask which was more ugly in God's
sight, the self-centered nature and worldliness of Esau, or the control
and manipulation of Jacob?
Control is a problem for men and women. Many women use sex to control
their husbands. Many men use power and force to control their wives.
Control is at the core of that which is opposite the cross-self-rule.
What delivers us from this fleshly nature of control? A crisis. Jacob's
crisis came when he was faced with the prospect of meeting a brother who
said he would kill him the next time he saw him. Esau had built his own
clan and was about to meet Jacob and his clan in the middle of the
desert. Jacob was fearful, so he retreated. There he met a messenger
from God who wrestled with him. Jacob clung to God and refused to let go
of this angel. It is the place where Jacob was given a painful but
necessary spiritual heart transplant. From that point on, Jacob would
walk with a limp, because God had to dislocate his hip in order to
overcome Jacob's strong will.
For workplace believers, God often has to "dislocate our hip" through
failure and disappointment. Sometimes it is the only way He can get our
attention. Our nature to control and manipulate is so strong that it
takes a catastrophic event to wake us up. Yet God did not reject Jacob
for these character traits. In fact, God blessed him greatly because He
saw something in Jacob that pleased Him. He saw a humble and contrite
heart beneath the cold and manipulative exterior of Jacob's life, and it
was that trait that God needed to develop. He did this by bringing about
the crisis in Jacob's life that led to total consecration. This event
was marked by Jacob getting a new name, Israel. For the first time,
Jacob had a nature change, not just a habit change. What will God have
to do in our lives to gain our complete consecration to His will and
purposes?
of his hip." - Genesis 32:31
Jacob was a man who was a controller. He connived and manipulated his
way to get what he wanted. It was a generational stronghold passed down
through his mother, who encouraged her son to play a trick on his
father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau. This trick led Isaac to give
the family blessing to Jacob, which meant Jacob would eventually inherit
the land God had promised to Abraham's seed. Jacob also learned control
from his uncle Laban who caused Jacob to work for 14 years to take
Rachel as his lifelong mate. One must ask which was more ugly in God's
sight, the self-centered nature and worldliness of Esau, or the control
and manipulation of Jacob?
Control is a problem for men and women. Many women use sex to control
their husbands. Many men use power and force to control their wives.
Control is at the core of that which is opposite the cross-self-rule.
What delivers us from this fleshly nature of control? A crisis. Jacob's
crisis came when he was faced with the prospect of meeting a brother who
said he would kill him the next time he saw him. Esau had built his own
clan and was about to meet Jacob and his clan in the middle of the
desert. Jacob was fearful, so he retreated. There he met a messenger
from God who wrestled with him. Jacob clung to God and refused to let go
of this angel. It is the place where Jacob was given a painful but
necessary spiritual heart transplant. From that point on, Jacob would
walk with a limp, because God had to dislocate his hip in order to
overcome Jacob's strong will.
For workplace believers, God often has to "dislocate our hip" through
failure and disappointment. Sometimes it is the only way He can get our
attention. Our nature to control and manipulate is so strong that it
takes a catastrophic event to wake us up. Yet God did not reject Jacob
for these character traits. In fact, God blessed him greatly because He
saw something in Jacob that pleased Him. He saw a humble and contrite
heart beneath the cold and manipulative exterior of Jacob's life, and it
was that trait that God needed to develop. He did this by bringing about
the crisis in Jacob's life that led to total consecration. This event
was marked by Jacob getting a new name, Israel. For the first time,
Jacob had a nature change, not just a habit change. What will God have
to do in our lives to gain our complete consecration to His will and
purposes?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
YOUR WORK
"I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to
do. " - John 17:4
The Lord has revealed to us that the number one thing we are to do is
love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as
ourselves. His desire is for us to know Him and the power of His
resurrection. These mandates deal with our relationship with Him. The
fruit of this relationship must then result in our glorifying Him by
completing the work He has given each of us to do. It will become a
by-product of this relationship, not an end in itself.
What is the work God has called you to do? Jesus never did anything the
Father had not instructed Him to do. He lived in such communion with
the Father that He knew when to turn left and when to turn to the right. Is
it possible to have such a relationship with our heavenly Father? I
think that if it weren't, He would not have given us such an example.
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable
things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). What has He called you to do?
Perhaps you are called to be the best CPA in your city or the best
advertising executive or the best office worker or assembly line person
in your company. Whatever work He has called you to do, He will use you
as His instrument to accomplish something that He has uniquely prepared
you to do.
When our life is complete, what a glorious day it will be if we can
each say, "I have completed the work You gave me to do." This will have
brought great glory to Him.
do. " - John 17:4
The Lord has revealed to us that the number one thing we are to do is
love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as
ourselves. His desire is for us to know Him and the power of His
resurrection. These mandates deal with our relationship with Him. The
fruit of this relationship must then result in our glorifying Him by
completing the work He has given each of us to do. It will become a
by-product of this relationship, not an end in itself.
What is the work God has called you to do? Jesus never did anything the
Father had not instructed Him to do. He lived in such communion with
the Father that He knew when to turn left and when to turn to the right. Is
it possible to have such a relationship with our heavenly Father? I
think that if it weren't, He would not have given us such an example.
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable
things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). What has He called you to do?
Perhaps you are called to be the best CPA in your city or the best
advertising executive or the best office worker or assembly line person
in your company. Whatever work He has called you to do, He will use you
as His instrument to accomplish something that He has uniquely prepared
you to do.
When our life is complete, what a glorious day it will be if we can
each say, "I have completed the work You gave me to do." This will have
brought great glory to Him.
Monday, July 25, 2011
HARNESS YOUR MIND
"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Phillipians 4:8
What happen in your mind is likely to happen in your future. Meditate on some specific scriptures today that will unlock your faith in God.
Make your mind your servant. Fill your mental warehouse with The Word of God.
What happen in your mind is likely to happen in your future. Meditate on some specific scriptures today that will unlock your faith in God.
Make your mind your servant. Fill your mental warehouse with The Word of God.
Friday, July 8, 2011
RENAME YOUR MOMENTS OF BATTLE...AS THE SEASON OF DOUBLE PORTION
"..also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." - Job 42:10
God your creator, carefully observes every attack against your life. He will get involved. It is inevitable. And, like Job, when your battle is over, you will receive a Double portion of His blessings.
God your creator, carefully observes every attack against your life. He will get involved. It is inevitable. And, like Job, when your battle is over, you will receive a Double portion of His blessings.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
REMEMBER THAT PAIN PASSES
"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." - Paslm 30:5
Pain is discomfort created by disorder. Every champion has discovered that pain is seasonal. It will pass.
It is your passage to promotion. Don't be discouraged by it. A new day is about to dawn in your life. Endurance is the seed for reward.
Pain is discomfort created by disorder. Every champion has discovered that pain is seasonal. It will pass.
It is your passage to promotion. Don't be discouraged by it. A new day is about to dawn in your life. Endurance is the seed for reward.
Monday, July 4, 2011
FIGHT BACK...ONLY ON YOUR TIME TABLE
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." - James 4:7
During the battle of life be bold and fight back. Satan is a bully. His tactics are always the same...threats and intimidation. Real Fighters intimidate satan and resist his lies.
Choose The 4 Scriptural Weapons: Worship..Words..Wisdom and ..the Word of God.
Whatever satan confronts you with today, resist him and he will flee. Never Telegraph your plan.
During the battle of life be bold and fight back. Satan is a bully. His tactics are always the same...threats and intimidation. Real Fighters intimidate satan and resist his lies.
Choose The 4 Scriptural Weapons: Worship..Words..Wisdom and ..the Word of God.
Whatever satan confronts you with today, resist him and he will flee. Never Telegraph your plan.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
SEARCH FOR TREASURES HIDDEN IN WARFARE
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and prosecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven." - Matt 5: 11-12.
Opposition is merely a signal that you are making progress. Herod sought to kill Jesus. Pharaoh sought to kill Moses. You will always experience warfare when you pursue your dreams and goals.
Warfare always surrounds the birth of a miracle.
Opposition is merely a signal that you are making progress. Herod sought to kill Jesus. Pharaoh sought to kill Moses. You will always experience warfare when you pursue your dreams and goals.
Warfare always surrounds the birth of a miracle.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
UNCOMMON TREASURES REQUIRES YOUR WILLINGNESS TO PURSUE
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20
You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue. Joshua observed Moses, Ruth reached to Boaz, Elisha followed Elisha. Make a habit of pursuing greatness. Your respect for greatness is the first clue that you possess it your self.
You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue. Joshua observed Moses, Ruth reached to Boaz, Elisha followed Elisha. Make a habit of pursuing greatness. Your respect for greatness is the first clue that you possess it your self.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
TITHE HABITUALLY
"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God had prospered him, that there should not be any gathering when i return." - 1 Corinth 16:2
Obedience guarantee prosperity. Habitual sowing guarantee habitual reaping. Think like a sower. Your seed is any thing God gives back to you. The Tithe is proof of honour.
Obedience guarantee prosperity. Habitual sowing guarantee habitual reaping. Think like a sower. Your seed is any thing God gives back to you. The Tithe is proof of honour.
Friday, June 10, 2011
MOVING IN PRESUMPTION
"Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp." - Numbers 14:44
The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.
The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.
God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.
Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.
It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.
..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.
The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.
God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.
Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.
It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.
..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
Monday, June 6, 2011
DISSOLVING PARTNERSHIPS
"So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre
at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord." - Genesis 13:18
One day Abraham and his nephew Lot realized that the land they were
living on could no longer support both families and all their flocks. It
was decision time. They were going to have to split up. This meant
someone had to go a different direction. But who should get first choice
of the land? Obviously, Abraham was Lot's senior and by all rights
should have that choice. Abraham could have pulled rank on Lot since he
was the elder. This story is the model for splitting a business
partnership. However, few workplace believers are willing to follow
Abraham's example.
Abraham took a totally different approach to solving this problem. He
told Lot to choose which land he wanted. Imagine, Abraham could have
been dooming himself and his family if he was unable to find adequate
land and water for them. He gave up his rights in the matter, and Lot
took full advantage. "Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the
Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of
Egypt, toward Zoar" (Gen. 13:10). So Lot left and took up residence in
the valley later to be known as Sodom and Gomorrah. Sometimes what seems
good on the front end turns out to be disastrous later. Such would be
the case for Lot and his family.
As for Abraham, he made a choice. He decided to take life's high road-a
choice that didn't necessarily mean his life circumstances would benefit
him. He was willing to leave that outcome to God. He made the decision
based on an eternal measuring stick. Interestingly, the place where
Abraham moved was called Mamre. In Hebrew, the name Mamre means
"strength." How can choosing the weakest position become "strength"?
Jesus must have asked the same question of His Father when faced with
the proposition of going to the cross. How can the cross be a place of
strength? The devil thought he had won, but the cross is what freed the
captives for eternity. The Bible tells us that when we are weak, then we
are really strong. To willingly choose the way of the cross becomes our
strength.
at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord." - Genesis 13:18
One day Abraham and his nephew Lot realized that the land they were
living on could no longer support both families and all their flocks. It
was decision time. They were going to have to split up. This meant
someone had to go a different direction. But who should get first choice
of the land? Obviously, Abraham was Lot's senior and by all rights
should have that choice. Abraham could have pulled rank on Lot since he
was the elder. This story is the model for splitting a business
partnership. However, few workplace believers are willing to follow
Abraham's example.
Abraham took a totally different approach to solving this problem. He
told Lot to choose which land he wanted. Imagine, Abraham could have
been dooming himself and his family if he was unable to find adequate
land and water for them. He gave up his rights in the matter, and Lot
took full advantage. "Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the
Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of
Egypt, toward Zoar" (Gen. 13:10). So Lot left and took up residence in
the valley later to be known as Sodom and Gomorrah. Sometimes what seems
good on the front end turns out to be disastrous later. Such would be
the case for Lot and his family.
As for Abraham, he made a choice. He decided to take life's high road-a
choice that didn't necessarily mean his life circumstances would benefit
him. He was willing to leave that outcome to God. He made the decision
based on an eternal measuring stick. Interestingly, the place where
Abraham moved was called Mamre. In Hebrew, the name Mamre means
"strength." How can choosing the weakest position become "strength"?
Jesus must have asked the same question of His Father when faced with
the proposition of going to the cross. How can the cross be a place of
strength? The devil thought he had won, but the cross is what freed the
captives for eternity. The Bible tells us that when we are weak, then we
are really strong. To willingly choose the way of the cross becomes our
strength.
Friday, June 3, 2011
SEEING WHAT OTHERS CANNOT SEE
"And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. "-
2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
THE ISOLATION CHAMBER
"Be still and know that I am God...." - Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
Friday, May 27, 2011
A REMNANT THAT PRAYS
"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." - Luke 11:1
God is calling out a remnant of workplace believers throughout the world who understand the role of prayer in their work. These people have learned that prayer is not a five-minute exercise in the morning devotion time, but it is a vital strategic tool to discern and know God's will and purposes in their work lives. You see they have learned that their business lives are their ministries to God and others.
These men and women have entered into covenant relationships with intercessory prayer partners who help discern the activities they should be involved in. Some even have paid staff, who intercede for the decisions and activities in which they will be involved. They are a small remnant of workplace believers who know that skill and technique are not enough to fulfill God's purposes.
A servant of the Lord has well said: Prayer is the rail for God's work. Indeed, prayer is to God's will as rails are to a train. The locomotive is full of power: it is capable of running a thousand miles a day. But if there are no rails, it cannot move forward a single inch. If it dares to move without them, it will soon sink into the earth. It may be able to travel over great distances, yet it cannot go to any place where no rails have been laid. And such is the relation between prayer and God's work. Without any doubt God is almighty and He works mightily, but He will not and cannot work if you and I do not labor together with Him in prayer, prepare the way for His will, and pray "with all prayer and supplication" (Eph. 6:18) to grant Him the maneuverability to so work. Many are the things, which God wills to do, and would like to do, but His hands are bound because His children do not sympathize with Him and have not prayed so as to prepare ways for Him. Let me say to all who have wholly given themselves to God: Do examine yourselves and see if in this respect you have limited Him day after day. [Watchman Nee, Let Us Pray (New York, New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1977), 11.]
Is prayer a vital part of your strategic business practices? Put prayer on the front lines, instead of making it an afterthought. You will begin to see renewed power in your work life.
God is calling out a remnant of workplace believers throughout the world who understand the role of prayer in their work. These people have learned that prayer is not a five-minute exercise in the morning devotion time, but it is a vital strategic tool to discern and know God's will and purposes in their work lives. You see they have learned that their business lives are their ministries to God and others.
These men and women have entered into covenant relationships with intercessory prayer partners who help discern the activities they should be involved in. Some even have paid staff, who intercede for the decisions and activities in which they will be involved. They are a small remnant of workplace believers who know that skill and technique are not enough to fulfill God's purposes.
A servant of the Lord has well said: Prayer is the rail for God's work. Indeed, prayer is to God's will as rails are to a train. The locomotive is full of power: it is capable of running a thousand miles a day. But if there are no rails, it cannot move forward a single inch. If it dares to move without them, it will soon sink into the earth. It may be able to travel over great distances, yet it cannot go to any place where no rails have been laid. And such is the relation between prayer and God's work. Without any doubt God is almighty and He works mightily, but He will not and cannot work if you and I do not labor together with Him in prayer, prepare the way for His will, and pray "with all prayer and supplication" (Eph. 6:18) to grant Him the maneuverability to so work. Many are the things, which God wills to do, and would like to do, but His hands are bound because His children do not sympathize with Him and have not prayed so as to prepare ways for Him. Let me say to all who have wholly given themselves to God: Do examine yourselves and see if in this respect you have limited Him day after day. [Watchman Nee, Let Us Pray (New York, New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1977), 11.]
Is prayer a vital part of your strategic business practices? Put prayer on the front lines, instead of making it an afterthought. You will begin to see renewed power in your work life.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
TESTED FOR ABUNDANCE
"We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance." - Psalm 66:12b
It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.
For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.
It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.
For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
THE PITFALL OF BEING ENTREPRENEURIAL
"When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his
hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger
burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his
hand
on the ark...." - 1 Chronicles 13:9-10.
There are good things we can do, but only God-things we should do.
Those activities not born out of the Spirit will result in wood, hay, and
stubble. What seems good in our eyes may be an abomination in God's
eyes. For instance, if you decide to build an orphanage but God has
never directed you to do so, then God will not see that work as good;
it was born out of your own strength, even though it was a "good work."
The most difficult challenge a Christian workplace believer will ever
have is to know what things to be involved in and what things not to be
involved in. Many workplace believers have a great ability to see
opportunity. What appears to be a "slam dunk" may come back to haunt us
if God never ordains us to enter that arena.
There are many good things we can be involved with. However, there are
God-things we are supposed to be involved with. Uzzah was a good man in
David's sight. It was a time of celebration, and David and the people
were transporting the ark of God. However, the ark hit a bump, and
Uzzah reached for the ark to hold it steady. He touched the ark, and he
immediately died. David became very upset with God about this
situation; he questioned whether he could serve God.
God's ways are not our ways. The most important quality God desires to
develop in us is our dependence on Him and Him alone. When we begin to
make decisions based on reason and analysis instead of the leading and
prompting of the Holy Spirit, we get into trouble with God. David later
learned the importance of this principle in his own life. This
encounter was one of the stepping-stones in his pilgrimage. David was an
extraordinary entrepreneur. He ran the nation very successfully, but
he,like each of us, had to learn the difference between "good things" and
"God-things."
Are you involved in anything in which God has not directed you to be
involved? Do you seek God about every decision, every action before you
take it? This is where God wants you and me to be. Ask Him to show you
how to walk with Him in this way.
hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger
burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his
hand
on the ark...." - 1 Chronicles 13:9-10.
There are good things we can do, but only God-things we should do.
Those activities not born out of the Spirit will result in wood, hay, and
stubble. What seems good in our eyes may be an abomination in God's
eyes. For instance, if you decide to build an orphanage but God has
never directed you to do so, then God will not see that work as good;
it was born out of your own strength, even though it was a "good work."
The most difficult challenge a Christian workplace believer will ever
have is to know what things to be involved in and what things not to be
involved in. Many workplace believers have a great ability to see
opportunity. What appears to be a "slam dunk" may come back to haunt us
if God never ordains us to enter that arena.
There are many good things we can be involved with. However, there are
God-things we are supposed to be involved with. Uzzah was a good man in
David's sight. It was a time of celebration, and David and the people
were transporting the ark of God. However, the ark hit a bump, and
Uzzah reached for the ark to hold it steady. He touched the ark, and he
immediately died. David became very upset with God about this
situation; he questioned whether he could serve God.
God's ways are not our ways. The most important quality God desires to
develop in us is our dependence on Him and Him alone. When we begin to
make decisions based on reason and analysis instead of the leading and
prompting of the Holy Spirit, we get into trouble with God. David later
learned the importance of this principle in his own life. This
encounter was one of the stepping-stones in his pilgrimage. David was an
extraordinary entrepreneur. He ran the nation very successfully, but
he,like each of us, had to learn the difference between "good things" and
"God-things."
Are you involved in anything in which God has not directed you to be
involved? Do you seek God about every decision, every action before you
take it? This is where God wants you and me to be. Ask Him to show you
how to walk with Him in this way.
Monday, May 2, 2011
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
WHAT IS A FINANCIAL MIRACLE?
" 'Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will
not throw open the floodgates of heaven '' " (Malachi 3:10)
We look now at God's fourth purpose for money: to show His divine
power. God is a supernatural God - something Christians seem to
forget - and He delights to demonstrate His reality and power among
His people. One means through which God has chosen to do this is
through His miraculous provision of money. What is a financial
miracle? It is a supernatural event whereby God provides one of His
children with the money required to meet a financial need - and
usually it involves such precise timing that it cannot fail to point
to the Lord's direct intervention. When a Christian prays about a
financial need, for example, and an unexpected gift is given to him
by someone who knows nothing about the need, the supernatural power
of God is demonstrated. In the days of Elijah, the nation of Israel
tried to worship God and serve Baal at the same time. Elijah knew
that this would inevitably lead to God's judgment, so he proposed a
simple test. The test involved building two altars, one for God and
one for Baal, and whichever answered by a display of supernatural
power was the one whom they would worship. The prophets of Baal cried
out to their non-existent deity all day, but nothing happened. Then
Elijah prayed, and in response to his prayer God sent fire from
heaven. One of the biggest of the false gods of this age is money. It
has become an idol because people expect from it what only God can
give - true security. As the world hankers after money, God wants to
prove to those who seek Him that they will not lack any good thing.
PRAYER:
O Father, help me to see that I grow into the image of the God that I
serve. I don't want to be like money - hard and metallic; I want to
be like You - gracious and beneficent. Help me to keep my focus only
on You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Cor 9:1-15; Deut. 30:9; Psa.132:15
not throw open the floodgates of heaven '' " (Malachi 3:10)
We look now at God's fourth purpose for money: to show His divine
power. God is a supernatural God - something Christians seem to
forget - and He delights to demonstrate His reality and power among
His people. One means through which God has chosen to do this is
through His miraculous provision of money. What is a financial
miracle? It is a supernatural event whereby God provides one of His
children with the money required to meet a financial need - and
usually it involves such precise timing that it cannot fail to point
to the Lord's direct intervention. When a Christian prays about a
financial need, for example, and an unexpected gift is given to him
by someone who knows nothing about the need, the supernatural power
of God is demonstrated. In the days of Elijah, the nation of Israel
tried to worship God and serve Baal at the same time. Elijah knew
that this would inevitably lead to God's judgment, so he proposed a
simple test. The test involved building two altars, one for God and
one for Baal, and whichever answered by a display of supernatural
power was the one whom they would worship. The prophets of Baal cried
out to their non-existent deity all day, but nothing happened. Then
Elijah prayed, and in response to his prayer God sent fire from
heaven. One of the biggest of the false gods of this age is money. It
has become an idol because people expect from it what only God can
give - true security. As the world hankers after money, God wants to
prove to those who seek Him that they will not lack any good thing.
PRAYER:
O Father, help me to see that I grow into the image of the God that I
serve. I don't want to be like money - hard and metallic; I want to
be like You - gracious and beneficent. Help me to keep my focus only
on You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Cor 9:1-15; Deut. 30:9; Psa.132:15
Friday, April 15, 2011
PAUL'S PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. " -Philippians 3:10-11 We hear a lot these days about planning and goal setting. Proponents of planning say, "If you aim at nothing, chances are you will probably hit it." They say that to wander aimlessly through life is like sailing a boat without a sail and rudder. You end up wherever the wind takes you. Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three important characteristics. To know Christ. To know and experience His power. To identify with His sufferings. All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory. Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
PREPARATION FOR GREATNESS
"He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. " - 2 Samuel 22:35
David was a mighty warrior, and God described him as a man after His
own heart. God took David through a training ground that could be looked on
as cruel and unusual punishment by many a person. God chose him at a
young age to be the next king, yet King Saul rejected him and hunted
him down. David was a fugitive for many years. He had uprisings in his own
family, and he had relationship problems. He had a life of extreme ups
and downs. He certainly did not have a life free of problems; he made
mistakes. He was human like all of us, yet he learned from his mistakes
and repented when he failed. This was David's training ground; it made
the man. Without these hardships, it is doubtful David would have
accomplished what he did.
oward the end of David's life, he recounted his relationship with God.
It is a sermon on God's ways of dealing with a servant leader.
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes
my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You
give me Your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great. You
broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn (2 Samuel
22:33-37).
God was David's source for everything. God gave him the ability to
achieve the many extraordinary things in his life. It was a lifelong
training ground that moved him from one plateau to another, often
dropping into a ravine of despair and hopelessness from time to time.
These are God's ways. They drive us deeper and deeper into the heart of
Him who has prepared a way for us. Let God take you to the heights or
depths He desires for you. He never promised smooth sailing during the
trip, but He did promise to be the captain and companion along the way.
David was a mighty warrior, and God described him as a man after His
own heart. God took David through a training ground that could be looked on
as cruel and unusual punishment by many a person. God chose him at a
young age to be the next king, yet King Saul rejected him and hunted
him down. David was a fugitive for many years. He had uprisings in his own
family, and he had relationship problems. He had a life of extreme ups
and downs. He certainly did not have a life free of problems; he made
mistakes. He was human like all of us, yet he learned from his mistakes
and repented when he failed. This was David's training ground; it made
the man. Without these hardships, it is doubtful David would have
accomplished what he did.
oward the end of David's life, he recounted his relationship with God.
It is a sermon on God's ways of dealing with a servant leader.
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes
my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You
give me Your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great. You
broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn (2 Samuel
22:33-37).
God was David's source for everything. God gave him the ability to
achieve the many extraordinary things in his life. It was a lifelong
training ground that moved him from one plateau to another, often
dropping into a ravine of despair and hopelessness from time to time.
These are God's ways. They drive us deeper and deeper into the heart of
Him who has prepared a way for us. Let God take you to the heights or
depths He desires for you. He never promised smooth sailing during the
trip, but He did promise to be the captain and companion along the way.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
10 LIFESAVERS FOR EVERY COUPLE
1. They experience ongoing conflict without resolution.
No relationship can bear the weight of unresolved conflict. This “baggage”
wears you down, even if you’re able to ignore it on a day-to-day basis.
Couples need the skills to talk about tough issues and to resolve them.
2. They become insensitive and demanding of each other.
With respect dissolved, couples in crisis begin to treat each other badly.
Sarcastic and biting, their language is far short of edifying and
encouraging, further eroding marital integrity.
3. The relationship is filled with criticism and derogatory comments.
They begin to feel contempt for their mate, which erodes the love they once
felt. The criticism becomes pervasive as the couple “forgets” the positives
that attracted them to their mate.
4. They find more excuses to spend time away from each other.
Feeling anger and resentment, couples find reasons to spend time apart. They
get involved in other friendships or activities, instead of spending time
together.
5. They feel uncomfortable sharing intimate feelings with each other.
Finding their mate critical and insensitive, they begin withholding intimate
feelings and details of their daily life. They fail to provide a “safe place
for feelings to land.” This creates further distance.
6. They experience less and less physical intimacy.
Since intimacy is “into me see”, and this is seen as dangerous, the gulf
widens. Couples move apart physically, even to the point of sleeping in
separate bedrooms.
7. They compare their mate unfavorably to others.
The grass begins to look greener on the other side of the street.
Tragically, some begin flirtatious relationships and even affairs as a way
to cope with their pain. Others begin to look better than what they have at
home.
8. They make threats about separation and divorce.
As the pain increases, many begin to make plans, if only in their minds, to
leave their mate. They fantasize what it would be like to live alone.
If you find yourself with any of these warning signs, take action. Things
will never get better on their own. Time alone will not heal your marriage.
Stop telling yourself you should be able to fix things; you can’t. Denial
(Don’t Even Notice I Am Lying!) won’t help you. You must be honest about the
condition of your marriage and take appropriate measures to heal your
relationship. Don’t let pride stop you from seeking professional help. Get a
fresh, objective perspective as to what is wrong and learn the steps
necessary to save your marriage.
You can save your marriage, but not on your own. You need God’s wisdom:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
Get help now!
No relationship can bear the weight of unresolved conflict. This “baggage”
wears you down, even if you’re able to ignore it on a day-to-day basis.
Couples need the skills to talk about tough issues and to resolve them.
2. They become insensitive and demanding of each other.
With respect dissolved, couples in crisis begin to treat each other badly.
Sarcastic and biting, their language is far short of edifying and
encouraging, further eroding marital integrity.
3. The relationship is filled with criticism and derogatory comments.
They begin to feel contempt for their mate, which erodes the love they once
felt. The criticism becomes pervasive as the couple “forgets” the positives
that attracted them to their mate.
4. They find more excuses to spend time away from each other.
Feeling anger and resentment, couples find reasons to spend time apart. They
get involved in other friendships or activities, instead of spending time
together.
5. They feel uncomfortable sharing intimate feelings with each other.
Finding their mate critical and insensitive, they begin withholding intimate
feelings and details of their daily life. They fail to provide a “safe place
for feelings to land.” This creates further distance.
6. They experience less and less physical intimacy.
Since intimacy is “into me see”, and this is seen as dangerous, the gulf
widens. Couples move apart physically, even to the point of sleeping in
separate bedrooms.
7. They compare their mate unfavorably to others.
The grass begins to look greener on the other side of the street.
Tragically, some begin flirtatious relationships and even affairs as a way
to cope with their pain. Others begin to look better than what they have at
home.
8. They make threats about separation and divorce.
As the pain increases, many begin to make plans, if only in their minds, to
leave their mate. They fantasize what it would be like to live alone.
If you find yourself with any of these warning signs, take action. Things
will never get better on their own. Time alone will not heal your marriage.
Stop telling yourself you should be able to fix things; you can’t. Denial
(Don’t Even Notice I Am Lying!) won’t help you. You must be honest about the
condition of your marriage and take appropriate measures to heal your
relationship. Don’t let pride stop you from seeking professional help. Get a
fresh, objective perspective as to what is wrong and learn the steps
necessary to save your marriage.
You can save your marriage, but not on your own. You need God’s wisdom:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
Get help now!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
TEST FOR ABUNDANCE
"We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance." - Psalm 66:12b It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance. For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12). God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine. Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? Psalm 56:12-13 (NKJ) Matthew 19:23-26 And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. And when the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, "Then who can be saved?" And looking upon them Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:23-26 (NAS) Romans 3:23-26 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 (NAS)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
THIS IS WONDER
Our journey began at Genesis through Exodus. On the way, we saw Leviticus recording the Numbers of people at Deuteronomy, while Joshua was waiting at the beautiful gate for Judges to see Ruth calling loudly "Samuel, Samuel". At a stage, the first and second Kings of Chronicles were coming to visit Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther for the misfortune of Job, their brother. Then they noticed that Mr. Psalms was teaching his children Proverbs concerning Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon. This coincided with the period that Isaiah and Jeremiah were engaged in Lamentation for Ezekiel and Daniel their friend. By that time, Amos and Obadiah were not around. Three days later, Hosea, Joel and Jonah travelled in the same ship with Micah and Nahum to Jerusalem . More also, Habakkuk visited Zephaniah who introduced him to Haggai a friend of Zechariah whose cousin is Malachi. Immediately after the old tradition, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John got involved in Acts with the Romans who were behaving like the Corinthians, who were also always at loggerhead with the Galatians. At that time too, the Ephesians realising that the Philippians were close to the Colossians, suggested to the Thessalonians that they should first of all see Timothy who had gone to the house of Titus to teach Philemon his younger brother how to read and write Hebrew. On hearing, James asked Peter to explain to him how the three Johns have disclosed to Jude the Revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have God’s love today!!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
LOSING YOUR LIFE FOR HIS PURPOSES
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it." - Luke 9:24 When the time came for God to fulfill Joseph's dreams, Joseph himself had virtually no interest at all in it. Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it" (Lk. 9:24). God wants to teach us a different set of values so that the kind of thing we start out wanting becomes secondary. God has something in mind for us that is far greater than the interest we began with. Joseph's day of exaltation had arrived. Yet, through it all, a very real humiliation had to take place. We know about the humiliation Joseph had experienced for 13 years after being sold by his brothers into slavery, then taken to Egypt. We know how he was falsely accused and cast into prison. Then came a different situation. Joseph had had a triumph and was given an exaltation, but the kind he really never asked for. He did not appear to be all that interested in what was about to happen. He watched as the Pharaoh took his ring off his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. Joseph never asked for that. All he wanted was to go home. He longed to go back to Canaan, to see his father, and to have his dreams fulfilled. Therefore, here we find an extraordinary incongruity: a humiliation in the heart of vindication. A triumph that was the opposite of everything he, himself, could have envisaged. Joseph wanted to go home, but a one-way ticket to Canaan wasn't available. Before he knew it, he had Egypt in his hip pocket. He had never prayed for that. But God wanted Egypt. What God wanted is what Joseph got. Joseph was given something that he could be trusted with because it didn't mean that much to him.
Friday, March 18, 2011
NEW THINGS
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward
in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13b-14
Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes
for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and
grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses
to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have
not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories
of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again
are victims of our past.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Is.
43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We
must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for
more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate
their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He
gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the
past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and
exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of
water to give life, not death.
How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your
life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in
the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in
your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and
through you today.
"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the
grave" [Author unknown].
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward
in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13b-14
Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes
for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and
grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses
to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have
not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories
of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again
are victims of our past.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Is.
43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We
must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for
more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate
their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He
gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the
past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and
exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of
water to give life, not death.
How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your
life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in
the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in
your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and
through you today.
"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the
grave" [Author unknown].
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
PERCEPTION IS NOT REALITY
"The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are
broken." - Job 4:10
In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality"
for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter
whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they
perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they
believe it or only perceive it.
The enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He may bring on us
what we perceive to be true when it is a lie. It may appear that there
is no way around a situation. He may bring great fear on us. When we
buy into his lie, we believe only what we have chosen to perceive to be
true. It usually has no basis of truth. Such was the case when Peter
looked on the waters during a night boat journey with the other
disciples. At first glance, he and the disciples screamed with fear,
thinking that what they saw was a ghost. It was actually Jesus.
Satan's name means "accuser." He travels to and fro to accuse the
brethren. He brings an impressive front to all he does, yet behind that
front is a weak, toothless lion with a destination that has already
been prepared in the great abyss. He knows his destination, but he wants to
bring as many with him as possible; so he often has a big roar, but
little bite.
The next time some event comes into your life that creates fear and
trembling, first determine the source. Look past the emotions and
evaluate the situation in light of God's Word. Perception is not always
reality.
broken." - Job 4:10
In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality"
for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter
whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they
perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they
believe it or only perceive it.
The enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He may bring on us
what we perceive to be true when it is a lie. It may appear that there
is no way around a situation. He may bring great fear on us. When we
buy into his lie, we believe only what we have chosen to perceive to be
true. It usually has no basis of truth. Such was the case when Peter
looked on the waters during a night boat journey with the other
disciples. At first glance, he and the disciples screamed with fear,
thinking that what they saw was a ghost. It was actually Jesus.
Satan's name means "accuser." He travels to and fro to accuse the
brethren. He brings an impressive front to all he does, yet behind that
front is a weak, toothless lion with a destination that has already
been prepared in the great abyss. He knows his destination, but he wants to
bring as many with him as possible; so he often has a big roar, but
little bite.
The next time some event comes into your life that creates fear and
trembling, first determine the source. Look past the emotions and
evaluate the situation in light of God's Word. Perception is not always
reality.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
WANTED: PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY
It was D. L. Moody who said, "Character is what you are in the dark."
When there is no one to impress, that's when true character, or
integrity, is revealed.
Humorist Will Rogers understood the meaning of integrity when he said,
"So live that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town
gossip."
How much influence can a person of integrity really have on others? If
we look at the example of Moses, we discover that a little character can
go a long way. As long as Moses was around, his influence was so
profound and significant that it kept people from doing the wrong thing.
After Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt and God miraculously
saved them from Pharaoh's armies at the Red Sea, He began to lead them
in a very clear and obvious way. During the day, He provided a cloud.
When the cloud moved, they moved. When the cloud stopped, they stopped.
At night, a pillar of fire led them in the same way. God provided for
their physical needs as well. Every morning, there would be fresh manna
waiting for them for breakfast. God faithfully provided it every day.
All they had to do was gather it up and enjoy it.
The Israelites were surrounded by miracles and God's supernatural
leading, yet in a relatively short period of time, they turned to
idolatry. Their problem came down to one thing: the shallowness and
superficiality of their faith. It was as though their relationship with
God depended on Moses' presence. They never seemed to develop a
relationship with God of their own. While this is a wonderful tribute to
the influence of a godly man, it is also a criticism of their lack of
personal faith. Their relationship with God depended upon Moses'
relationship with God, and that is never a spiritually healthy thing to
do.
It is true that God can and will use people in our lives, but here is
the problem: even the greatest men and women of God have the potential
to fall. If you look to people, you will be disappointed ultimately. We
must never let people take the place of God in our lives. We must look
to Him, because He will never let us down.
When Moses temporarily left the Israelites to go up to Mount Sinai and
receive God's commandments, everything fell apart. As soon as he was
gone, they began looking for something to take his place. Hence, the
plans for the golden calf began. This ultimately led to a pathetic scene
of sexual immorality and full-tilt idol worship.
We can't really blame Moses because, in his defense, it was his personal
godliness and integrity that had kept them in check up to this point.
That is pretty amazing when you consider that Moses was leading more
than two million people. It reminds us that God can do a lot with a
little.
Maybe you are the only committed Christian in your family. When you get
together for family reunions, you are the minority. Or perhaps you are
the only Christian at your workplace. Maybe you are the only Christian
in your classroom or neighborhood. It can be so awkward and
uncomfortable. Often, we want to get out of situations like these. But
did you ever stop to think that God put you where you are to be a godly
influence?
That is what Moses was. Imagine how hard it must have been for him.
These people were filled with unbelief and constantly whined and
complained. But through his personal integrity and godliness, he
influenced them for good. How we need more people like him who will make
a difference in the lives of those around them.
In Ezekiel 22:30, God said, " 'So I sought for a man among them who
would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land,
that I should not destroy it; but I found no one' " (NKJV). God is still
looking for men and women who will stand in the gap and serve as godly
influences in this world.
Are you seeking to be an influence on those around you right now? If
someone were to interview people who really knew you well, what would
they say about you? Would they say that you are a man or woman of God?
God help us to be men and women of integrity.
When there is no one to impress, that's when true character, or
integrity, is revealed.
Humorist Will Rogers understood the meaning of integrity when he said,
"So live that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town
gossip."
How much influence can a person of integrity really have on others? If
we look at the example of Moses, we discover that a little character can
go a long way. As long as Moses was around, his influence was so
profound and significant that it kept people from doing the wrong thing.
After Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt and God miraculously
saved them from Pharaoh's armies at the Red Sea, He began to lead them
in a very clear and obvious way. During the day, He provided a cloud.
When the cloud moved, they moved. When the cloud stopped, they stopped.
At night, a pillar of fire led them in the same way. God provided for
their physical needs as well. Every morning, there would be fresh manna
waiting for them for breakfast. God faithfully provided it every day.
All they had to do was gather it up and enjoy it.
The Israelites were surrounded by miracles and God's supernatural
leading, yet in a relatively short period of time, they turned to
idolatry. Their problem came down to one thing: the shallowness and
superficiality of their faith. It was as though their relationship with
God depended on Moses' presence. They never seemed to develop a
relationship with God of their own. While this is a wonderful tribute to
the influence of a godly man, it is also a criticism of their lack of
personal faith. Their relationship with God depended upon Moses'
relationship with God, and that is never a spiritually healthy thing to
do.
It is true that God can and will use people in our lives, but here is
the problem: even the greatest men and women of God have the potential
to fall. If you look to people, you will be disappointed ultimately. We
must never let people take the place of God in our lives. We must look
to Him, because He will never let us down.
When Moses temporarily left the Israelites to go up to Mount Sinai and
receive God's commandments, everything fell apart. As soon as he was
gone, they began looking for something to take his place. Hence, the
plans for the golden calf began. This ultimately led to a pathetic scene
of sexual immorality and full-tilt idol worship.
We can't really blame Moses because, in his defense, it was his personal
godliness and integrity that had kept them in check up to this point.
That is pretty amazing when you consider that Moses was leading more
than two million people. It reminds us that God can do a lot with a
little.
Maybe you are the only committed Christian in your family. When you get
together for family reunions, you are the minority. Or perhaps you are
the only Christian at your workplace. Maybe you are the only Christian
in your classroom or neighborhood. It can be so awkward and
uncomfortable. Often, we want to get out of situations like these. But
did you ever stop to think that God put you where you are to be a godly
influence?
That is what Moses was. Imagine how hard it must have been for him.
These people were filled with unbelief and constantly whined and
complained. But through his personal integrity and godliness, he
influenced them for good. How we need more people like him who will make
a difference in the lives of those around them.
In Ezekiel 22:30, God said, " 'So I sought for a man among them who
would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land,
that I should not destroy it; but I found no one' " (NKJV). God is still
looking for men and women who will stand in the gap and serve as godly
influences in this world.
Are you seeking to be an influence on those around you right now? If
someone were to interview people who really knew you well, what would
they say about you? Would they say that you are a man or woman of God?
God help us to be men and women of integrity.
Monday, March 7, 2011
PAUL'S PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the
fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11
We hear a lot these days about planning and goal setting. Proponents of
planning say, "If you aim at nothing, chances are you will probably hit
it." They say that to wander aimlessly through life is like sailing a
boat without a sail and rudder. You end up wherever the wind takes you.
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal
mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary
statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and
the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three
important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product.
Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is
a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He understood that the
deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also
understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be
suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of
darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties.
Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are
living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles;
it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in
life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If
not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more
intimately.
fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11
We hear a lot these days about planning and goal setting. Proponents of
planning say, "If you aim at nothing, chances are you will probably hit
it." They say that to wander aimlessly through life is like sailing a
boat without a sail and rudder. You end up wherever the wind takes you.
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal
mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary
statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and
the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three
important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product.
Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is
a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He understood that the
deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also
understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be
suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of
darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties.
Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are
living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles;
it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in
life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If
not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more
intimately.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
PASSING THE TEST
"The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of
your neighbors-to David." - 1 Samuel 28:17b
When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at
specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through
four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate
call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the
deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of
responsibility in God's Kingdom.
Control-Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time
as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never
got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's
goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to
disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer
was a vessel God could use.
Bitterness-Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person
at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted
follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus
responded by washing Judas' feet. Every anointed leader will have a
Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we
will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we
retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.
Power-Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in
Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to
use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will
we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to
gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community,
"He who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the
ultimate servant leader.
Greed-This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great
influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it
becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a
great blessing. Many leaders started out well-only to be derailed once
prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can
blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually
under prosperity.
As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be
confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God
calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's
grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.
your neighbors-to David." - 1 Samuel 28:17b
When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at
specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through
four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate
call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the
deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of
responsibility in God's Kingdom.
Control-Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time
as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never
got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's
goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to
disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer
was a vessel God could use.
Bitterness-Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person
at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted
follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus
responded by washing Judas' feet. Every anointed leader will have a
Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we
will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we
retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.
Power-Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in
Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to
use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will
we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to
gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community,
"He who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the
ultimate servant leader.
Greed-This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great
influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it
becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a
great blessing. Many leaders started out well-only to be derailed once
prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can
blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually
under prosperity.
As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be
confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God
calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's
grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.
Monday, February 28, 2011
MOVE ON
..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." - Exodus 14:15
Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to
a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's
pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after nine plagues God had
inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally,
Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They
thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a
strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red
Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained
that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have
encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red
Sea.
They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where
they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his
mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The
defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves
in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been
better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex.
14:11b-12)
God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a
work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be
failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God
tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God
was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."
"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by
sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion.
God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is
just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.
A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of a marriage
separation, "You must not withdraw from
being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are
in. God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on
you to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep
investing yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much
pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need
once I decided simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing
myself in others helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we
look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for
the sake of Christ. This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We
begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of
the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving."
Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to
a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's
pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after nine plagues God had
inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally,
Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They
thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a
strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red
Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained
that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have
encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red
Sea.
They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where
they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his
mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The
defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves
in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been
better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex.
14:11b-12)
God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a
work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be
failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God
tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God
was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."
"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by
sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion.
God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is
just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.
A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of a marriage
separation, "You must not withdraw from
being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are
in. God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on
you to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep
investing yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much
pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need
once I decided simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing
myself in others helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we
look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for
the sake of Christ. This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We
begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of
the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving."
Friday, February 25, 2011
PERFORMING MIRACLES WITH YOUR STAFF
"But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs
with it."- Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is
it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff
represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for
his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God
turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned
the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a
few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform
miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his
hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as
Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles
through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to
see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power
through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things
happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He
might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
with it."- Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is
it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff
represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for
his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God
turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned
the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a
few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform
miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his
hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as
Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles
through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to
see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power
through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things
happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He
might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
MARITAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Confrontations are unavoidable in marriage. But the most important
factor in marital harmony isn't whether you get into a confrontation,
but how you handle the confrontations. James gives us God's formula for
handling marital debates: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man
be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
Three Don'ts of Conflict Resolution:
Here are three things from which to steer as you find yourself in
inevitable marital conflicts.
1. Don't Practice Avoidance. Do you avoid all conflict with your spouse?
Perhaps you are frightened of your spouse's anger. Perhaps you don't
want to lose an argument or you're afraid an argument will ruin your
marriage. Could it be that you're terrified you'll have to admit
something about yourself that you'd rather keep silent. Or are you so
afraid of seeing a problem inside yourself, that you just retreat?
Avoiding conflict never solves conflict; it only postpones the
inevitable. You may stuff it and repress it, but your stomach will keep
score. Don't practice avoidance. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).
2. Don't practice appeasement. Some people don't avoid conflict; they
appease. They automatically concede, in every discussion. One person
always wins; one always loses. One person always dominates; the other
simply gives in and gives ground. Godly compromise happens when both
spouses give a little. But appeasement is something else. Appeasers may
think they solve problems, but they don't.
Appeasement smolders in the heart like oily rags in a closet. They can
break out and burn the house down. What's more, appeasers are given to
self pity. They develop martyr complexes. They feel trapped because they
know they'll never win. And while marriages with appeasers may stay
together, they often suffer from emotional divorce, which is as tragic
as physical divorce.
3. Don't practice aggression. You must face your partner, but don't
attack. There are few problems husbands and wives can't solve if they
will attack the problem, rather than each other. The Bible says, you
must speak the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15). To attack the
problem, choose your time wisely.
Psychologists say that 90 percent of family arguments begin just before
mealtime, when your blood sugar is low. Another time not to bring up
problems is on the way to a social event or to church. "A soft answer
turneth away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1). The right time. The right tone. The
right turf. All three are so important.
Three Do's of Conflict Resolution
1. Practice accommodation. We all want our partners to change. But we
need to focus on ourselves. The most effective way to change your
partner is to change you. Because when you change, your partner has to
react to someone different. To change yourself, practice accommodation.
Suppose a wife says, "My husband and I don't spend enough time together.
He doesn't give me enough time." How can she accommodate her husband?
She could learn a sport he loves - that they can play together. That way
she gets what she deeply desires: time with her husband, but she does so
by accommodating herself to him.
2. Practice acceptance. By practicing accommodation, you say, "I
change." By practicing acceptance, you say, "My spouse might never
change. I accept it. I accept my partner." There are simply certain
things we have to accept about others. We're different.
In my wife's family, the Gentry household, there were never jokes and
witticisms. In the Rogers' household, they flew back and forth all the
time. I thought if you loved somebody, you showed that by teasing him or
her. To Joyce, you say what you mean and mean what you say. Who's right?
Nobody, of course. We're just different.
3. Practice adjustment. This is the best "do" of all. In accommodation,
I change. In acceptance, I make up my mind to love my spouse despite the
fact that he or she can't change. But in adjustment, we both change
together. And when that happens, it's wonderful.
Joyce turns into a pumpkin about 9 p.m. The longer I go, the faster my
engine runs, but it's hard to get the bed off my back in the morning! On
the other hand, Joyce wakes up immediately and starts singing. Now what
do you do when you have a lark and an owl married to each other? You
practice adjustment.
Practice accommodation, practice acceptance and practice adjustment.
Those are the ways to resolve conflicts.
factor in marital harmony isn't whether you get into a confrontation,
but how you handle the confrontations. James gives us God's formula for
handling marital debates: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man
be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
Three Don'ts of Conflict Resolution:
Here are three things from which to steer as you find yourself in
inevitable marital conflicts.
1. Don't Practice Avoidance. Do you avoid all conflict with your spouse?
Perhaps you are frightened of your spouse's anger. Perhaps you don't
want to lose an argument or you're afraid an argument will ruin your
marriage. Could it be that you're terrified you'll have to admit
something about yourself that you'd rather keep silent. Or are you so
afraid of seeing a problem inside yourself, that you just retreat?
Avoiding conflict never solves conflict; it only postpones the
inevitable. You may stuff it and repress it, but your stomach will keep
score. Don't practice avoidance. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).
2. Don't practice appeasement. Some people don't avoid conflict; they
appease. They automatically concede, in every discussion. One person
always wins; one always loses. One person always dominates; the other
simply gives in and gives ground. Godly compromise happens when both
spouses give a little. But appeasement is something else. Appeasers may
think they solve problems, but they don't.
Appeasement smolders in the heart like oily rags in a closet. They can
break out and burn the house down. What's more, appeasers are given to
self pity. They develop martyr complexes. They feel trapped because they
know they'll never win. And while marriages with appeasers may stay
together, they often suffer from emotional divorce, which is as tragic
as physical divorce.
3. Don't practice aggression. You must face your partner, but don't
attack. There are few problems husbands and wives can't solve if they
will attack the problem, rather than each other. The Bible says, you
must speak the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15). To attack the
problem, choose your time wisely.
Psychologists say that 90 percent of family arguments begin just before
mealtime, when your blood sugar is low. Another time not to bring up
problems is on the way to a social event or to church. "A soft answer
turneth away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1). The right time. The right tone. The
right turf. All three are so important.
Three Do's of Conflict Resolution
1. Practice accommodation. We all want our partners to change. But we
need to focus on ourselves. The most effective way to change your
partner is to change you. Because when you change, your partner has to
react to someone different. To change yourself, practice accommodation.
Suppose a wife says, "My husband and I don't spend enough time together.
He doesn't give me enough time." How can she accommodate her husband?
She could learn a sport he loves - that they can play together. That way
she gets what she deeply desires: time with her husband, but she does so
by accommodating herself to him.
2. Practice acceptance. By practicing accommodation, you say, "I
change." By practicing acceptance, you say, "My spouse might never
change. I accept it. I accept my partner." There are simply certain
things we have to accept about others. We're different.
In my wife's family, the Gentry household, there were never jokes and
witticisms. In the Rogers' household, they flew back and forth all the
time. I thought if you loved somebody, you showed that by teasing him or
her. To Joyce, you say what you mean and mean what you say. Who's right?
Nobody, of course. We're just different.
3. Practice adjustment. This is the best "do" of all. In accommodation,
I change. In acceptance, I make up my mind to love my spouse despite the
fact that he or she can't change. But in adjustment, we both change
together. And when that happens, it's wonderful.
Joyce turns into a pumpkin about 9 p.m. The longer I go, the faster my
engine runs, but it's hard to get the bed off my back in the morning! On
the other hand, Joyce wakes up immediately and starts singing. Now what
do you do when you have a lark and an owl married to each other? You
practice adjustment.
Practice accommodation, practice acceptance and practice adjustment.
Those are the ways to resolve conflicts.
Monday, February 21, 2011
MY GOD SHALL PROVIDE
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious
riches in Christ Jesus."- (Philippians 4:19)
Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God
for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not
generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not
work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in
this place.
When God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the
desolate desert, they had no ability to provide for themselves.
God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna
from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day's portion of
what they needed. This was a season in their lives to learn
dependence and the faithfulness of God as provider. By and by,
they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God's
"supernatural provision" was no longer required. "The manna
stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was
no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of
the produce of Canaan" (Josh. 5:12). In both cases God was the
provider of the need.
For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our
work. Like the birds of the fields we are commanded to go out and
gather what God has already provided. It is a process of
participation in what God has already provided. Sometimes it
appears it is all up to us; sometimes it appears it is all up to
God. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our
provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He
requires our involvement in either case.
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands
have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your
God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth,
and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers,
as it is today (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have
today. He is a faithful provider.
riches in Christ Jesus."- (Philippians 4:19)
Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God
for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not
generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not
work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in
this place.
When God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the
desolate desert, they had no ability to provide for themselves.
God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna
from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day's portion of
what they needed. This was a season in their lives to learn
dependence and the faithfulness of God as provider. By and by,
they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God's
"supernatural provision" was no longer required. "The manna
stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was
no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of
the produce of Canaan" (Josh. 5:12). In both cases God was the
provider of the need.
For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our
work. Like the birds of the fields we are commanded to go out and
gather what God has already provided. It is a process of
participation in what God has already provided. Sometimes it
appears it is all up to us; sometimes it appears it is all up to
God. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our
provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He
requires our involvement in either case.
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands
have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your
God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth,
and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers,
as it is today (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have
today. He is a faithful provider.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
As children, many of us played "the gossip game." After forming a line,
the child at the beginning would tell his neighbor a story. Then, the
narrative would be passed down, with each child having the opportunity
to hear and relay the message.
The point to the game was to see how the story had changed by the time
it reached the end of the line. Interestingly enough, the final tale was
rarely similar to what was said at the beginning.
Sadly, the Gospel can be distorted in the same manner. When Jesus
ascended into heaven, He commanded the disciples to spread His Word
throughout a lost and sinful world. His message of truth was untainted,
one hundred percent pure.
They followed Jesus' command, but, as the Gospel spread, the opportunity
for error arose. Wherever the apostles preached, false teachers would
quickly follow, instructing the early church to obey legalistic rules
and regulations that God Himself did not require.
Two thousand years have passed since Jesus walked the earth. With this
inevitable passage of time comes more opportunity for God's truth to be
distorted. Teachers from all faiths are prepared to tell you whatever
you want to hear. Paul warned Timothy about this when he wrote:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but
wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their
ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
False doctrine is rampant in our world. We are surrounded by beliefs and
guidelines that fail to match up with the litmus test that is the Word
of God. The Lord not only wants us to come to know Him as Savior, He
also desires that all men "come to the knowledge of the truth" (1
Timothy 2:3-4).
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers to reach the world
with His Gospel. But how are we as Christians to spread His Word if we
do not understand what we believe?
The Apostle Peter tells Christians to:
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a
defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is
in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so
that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good
behavior in Christ will be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Even as false doctrine was widespread in Peter's day, he realized that
believers would always be tempted with the lure of doctrinal error. In 2
Peter 2:1-3, he says:
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also
be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive
heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift
destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and
because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their
greed they will exploit you with false words.
In order to defend our faith from false doctrine, we must first examine
our beliefs. We shouldn't read through the Bible only to pull out verses
that confirm what we already hold true. Instead, we should take all of
what we believe and examine it against the entirety of truth found in
the Bible. Are your beliefs firmly set in the Word of God?
If someone asked you, "tell me about the Bible," what would you say? If
they asked you why baptism is important, what would you tell them? If
you were asked to explain the Trinity, how would you answer?
We should be entrenched and deeply rooted in God's Word, formulating a
mental grid of beliefs in our minds. If we understand the Bible's truth,
false teaching will not infiltrate this mental grid. God will alert us
to error, allowing us to eliminate untruths from our understanding of
His Word.
Why should you want to defend your beliefs? The world may tell you that
as long as you believe something, then you will be okay. This is not
true. When we believe the truth-the Bible-we are:
Prevented from being misled by false doctrine
Protected from those who attack our faith
Prepared to answer those who are honestly seeking truth
Persuasive in our expression and presentation of what we believe
Prosperous in our personal relationship with Christ
We are surrounded by those who are eager to tell us that salvation is
based on works and legalistic rules, that Christ was a "great teacher"
but not the Son of God, that Jesus is not coming again, and that baptism
is the only requirement to being saved.
Rarely will we find someone that believes exactly as we do. However, if
their values are not rooted in the Word of God, then they are adhering
to false doctrine.
Jude tells us that false teachers are like "clouds without water,
carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead,
uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam;
wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever"
(Jude 1:12-13).
There are thousands of teachers that are attempting to sell us something
that sounds good and appeals to our "sensuality." However, when we are
grounded in the principles of the Bible, we can wisely discern the
difference between truth and error.
In a world saturated with untruth, let God guide you to all the answers
that you seek. Know what you believe!
the child at the beginning would tell his neighbor a story. Then, the
narrative would be passed down, with each child having the opportunity
to hear and relay the message.
The point to the game was to see how the story had changed by the time
it reached the end of the line. Interestingly enough, the final tale was
rarely similar to what was said at the beginning.
Sadly, the Gospel can be distorted in the same manner. When Jesus
ascended into heaven, He commanded the disciples to spread His Word
throughout a lost and sinful world. His message of truth was untainted,
one hundred percent pure.
They followed Jesus' command, but, as the Gospel spread, the opportunity
for error arose. Wherever the apostles preached, false teachers would
quickly follow, instructing the early church to obey legalistic rules
and regulations that God Himself did not require.
Two thousand years have passed since Jesus walked the earth. With this
inevitable passage of time comes more opportunity for God's truth to be
distorted. Teachers from all faiths are prepared to tell you whatever
you want to hear. Paul warned Timothy about this when he wrote:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but
wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their
ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
False doctrine is rampant in our world. We are surrounded by beliefs and
guidelines that fail to match up with the litmus test that is the Word
of God. The Lord not only wants us to come to know Him as Savior, He
also desires that all men "come to the knowledge of the truth" (1
Timothy 2:3-4).
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers to reach the world
with His Gospel. But how are we as Christians to spread His Word if we
do not understand what we believe?
The Apostle Peter tells Christians to:
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a
defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is
in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so
that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good
behavior in Christ will be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Even as false doctrine was widespread in Peter's day, he realized that
believers would always be tempted with the lure of doctrinal error. In 2
Peter 2:1-3, he says:
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also
be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive
heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift
destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and
because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their
greed they will exploit you with false words.
In order to defend our faith from false doctrine, we must first examine
our beliefs. We shouldn't read through the Bible only to pull out verses
that confirm what we already hold true. Instead, we should take all of
what we believe and examine it against the entirety of truth found in
the Bible. Are your beliefs firmly set in the Word of God?
If someone asked you, "tell me about the Bible," what would you say? If
they asked you why baptism is important, what would you tell them? If
you were asked to explain the Trinity, how would you answer?
We should be entrenched and deeply rooted in God's Word, formulating a
mental grid of beliefs in our minds. If we understand the Bible's truth,
false teaching will not infiltrate this mental grid. God will alert us
to error, allowing us to eliminate untruths from our understanding of
His Word.
Why should you want to defend your beliefs? The world may tell you that
as long as you believe something, then you will be okay. This is not
true. When we believe the truth-the Bible-we are:
Prevented from being misled by false doctrine
Protected from those who attack our faith
Prepared to answer those who are honestly seeking truth
Persuasive in our expression and presentation of what we believe
Prosperous in our personal relationship with Christ
We are surrounded by those who are eager to tell us that salvation is
based on works and legalistic rules, that Christ was a "great teacher"
but not the Son of God, that Jesus is not coming again, and that baptism
is the only requirement to being saved.
Rarely will we find someone that believes exactly as we do. However, if
their values are not rooted in the Word of God, then they are adhering
to false doctrine.
Jude tells us that false teachers are like "clouds without water,
carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead,
uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam;
wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever"
(Jude 1:12-13).
There are thousands of teachers that are attempting to sell us something
that sounds good and appeals to our "sensuality." However, when we are
grounded in the principles of the Bible, we can wisely discern the
difference between truth and error.
In a world saturated with untruth, let God guide you to all the answers
that you seek. Know what you believe!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
MOTIVATIONS TO CALL
..."Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." - Mark 10:49
Do you recall the circumstances when God first called you into
relationship with Him? Were you in need of something? Were you in a
crisis situation? Every day God calls someone into relationship with Him
through different circumstances. More often than not, the circumstances
relate to a need in their life that only God can meet.
Bartimaeus had the need to see again. He was a poor blind beggar, who
had heard about Jesus and the miracles He had done. The crowds rebuked
him for seeking Jesus, yet he continued to cry out. "Many rebuked him
and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David,
have mercy on me!'...Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and
came to Jesus" (Mk. 10:48,50). That day, Bartimaeus saw for the first
time. But more than that, he saw with spiritual eyes for the first time.
Each workday, we rub shoulders with someone who has not met this Jesus
we know personally. God uses needs to draw us to Himself. What need has
He placed in a coworker that only Christ can meet? Perhaps you are the
instrument He wants to use to introduce that person to Himself. It
requires availability and a willingness to look for people with needs;
then point them to Christ to meet their needs. Pray for divine
appointments today.
There are four types of Christians in the workplace. Which one are you?
Read Os Hillman's article Four Types of Christians in the Workplace.
Send an email to 4types@quicktell.com for a free article.
Do you recall the circumstances when God first called you into
relationship with Him? Were you in need of something? Were you in a
crisis situation? Every day God calls someone into relationship with Him
through different circumstances. More often than not, the circumstances
relate to a need in their life that only God can meet.
Bartimaeus had the need to see again. He was a poor blind beggar, who
had heard about Jesus and the miracles He had done. The crowds rebuked
him for seeking Jesus, yet he continued to cry out. "Many rebuked him
and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David,
have mercy on me!'...Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and
came to Jesus" (Mk. 10:48,50). That day, Bartimaeus saw for the first
time. But more than that, he saw with spiritual eyes for the first time.
Each workday, we rub shoulders with someone who has not met this Jesus
we know personally. God uses needs to draw us to Himself. What need has
He placed in a coworker that only Christ can meet? Perhaps you are the
instrument He wants to use to introduce that person to Himself. It
requires availability and a willingness to look for people with needs;
then point them to Christ to meet their needs. Pray for divine
appointments today.
There are four types of Christians in the workplace. Which one are you?
Read Os Hillman's article Four Types of Christians in the Workplace.
Send an email to 4types@quicktell.com for a free article.
Monday, February 14, 2011
LOVE AT NO COST
While society has changed greatly since creation, one thing has
remained
constant: man's desperate desire for love. As far back as Adam and Eve,
man has constantly sought after an ultimate connection.
Modern society is no different when it comes to the need to be loved,
evident in the glitz and glamour of the world around us. If you listen
to any music station on the radio, at some point you'll likely hear a
love song that includes the ageless romantic mantra, "I'll be there for
you." The recent reality show craze on television has focused on
society's inherit longing for love. Similarly, every February 14th we
load up our credit cards with material displays of affection-roses,
chocolates, and exquisite dinners.
From a relationship standpoint-whether it is marriage, friendship,
family, or dating-it's assuring to know that there is someone out there
who always has our best interests in mind. But how often do we display
that same unconditional attitude towards those we love?
Thomas Merton said, "Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one
loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of
themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward." Yet, how often do we
view love as something to be bartered for, rather than something to be
freely given?
One of the most poignant examples of unconditional love comes from Luke
15-the story of the Prodigal Son (also referred to as "The Parable of
The Forgiving Father"). In this parable, Jesus describes a young man
who
takes his father's inheritance, runs away, and spends it all on "loose
living" (v. 13). Penniless and driven to the point of working in a hog
pen, the boy realizes that even his father's servants have ample
food-something which he lacks.
Returning home, expecting to be cast off to live in servitude, the
young
man discovers that his father welcomes him with open arms. (v. 20)
Instead of lecturing his son or delegating him to servant status, the
father requests the best clothing, sacrifices a "fatted calf," and
extravagantly celebrates the boy's return. (v. 23)
In telling the story of the Prodigal Son, Christ describes the
characteristics of God's love, while also illustrating the standard by
which we should treat each other. The parable gives six characteristics
of unconditional love: acceptance, touch, quality time, giving, acts of
service, and encouragement.
The father wholeheartedly accepts his son, and even runs to meet the
young man outside. (v. 20) The father could have cast him off, refusing
his return because of the son's ungratefulness. Yet, with open arms, he
offers a warm welcome.
Upon reaching his son, he hugs and kisses the young man-demonstrating
his love through physical touch. As the boy explains his guilt and
humility, the father listens and allows him to vent his feelings of
shame and frustration. The father gives quality time.
He also gives the young man gifts-a new robe, ring and sandals. This
act of giving is an outward display of his affection. In addition, he
serves by sacrificing the fatted calf and throwing a party. He chooses to make
his son's return an event to celebrate.
Finally, the father provides encouragement, assuring him that though he
was once dead, he is now alive-a reminder of the restored relationship
we experience with God when we ask for forgiveness. (v. 24)
Now these are certainly characteristics of God's love for us, but they
are also the ideals that God wants us to follow in our relationships
with others. Consider the relationships in your life-how often do you
express your love and gratitude through these characteristics?
One of the most important things to remember is that love is not a
feeling; it is a decision, a commitment. God chooses to love us, not
based on anything we do, but based on His holiness. He chooses to love
us unconditionally in spite of our sin.
When we love others based on commitment and not our fickle emotions,
then our relationships will become much more stable and grounded.
Feelings will always change. A commitment grounded in unconditional
love will never change.
Our relationship with God is clearly evident through our relationships
with others. By striving to treat others as God treats us, we can begin
to realize what He has in store for our lives. As Henry Ward Beecher
said, "I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love."
remained
constant: man's desperate desire for love. As far back as Adam and Eve,
man has constantly sought after an ultimate connection.
Modern society is no different when it comes to the need to be loved,
evident in the glitz and glamour of the world around us. If you listen
to any music station on the radio, at some point you'll likely hear a
love song that includes the ageless romantic mantra, "I'll be there for
you." The recent reality show craze on television has focused on
society's inherit longing for love. Similarly, every February 14th we
load up our credit cards with material displays of affection-roses,
chocolates, and exquisite dinners.
From a relationship standpoint-whether it is marriage, friendship,
family, or dating-it's assuring to know that there is someone out there
who always has our best interests in mind. But how often do we display
that same unconditional attitude towards those we love?
Thomas Merton said, "Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one
loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of
themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward." Yet, how often do we
view love as something to be bartered for, rather than something to be
freely given?
One of the most poignant examples of unconditional love comes from Luke
15-the story of the Prodigal Son (also referred to as "The Parable of
The Forgiving Father"). In this parable, Jesus describes a young man
who
takes his father's inheritance, runs away, and spends it all on "loose
living" (v. 13). Penniless and driven to the point of working in a hog
pen, the boy realizes that even his father's servants have ample
food-something which he lacks.
Returning home, expecting to be cast off to live in servitude, the
young
man discovers that his father welcomes him with open arms. (v. 20)
Instead of lecturing his son or delegating him to servant status, the
father requests the best clothing, sacrifices a "fatted calf," and
extravagantly celebrates the boy's return. (v. 23)
In telling the story of the Prodigal Son, Christ describes the
characteristics of God's love, while also illustrating the standard by
which we should treat each other. The parable gives six characteristics
of unconditional love: acceptance, touch, quality time, giving, acts of
service, and encouragement.
The father wholeheartedly accepts his son, and even runs to meet the
young man outside. (v. 20) The father could have cast him off, refusing
his return because of the son's ungratefulness. Yet, with open arms, he
offers a warm welcome.
Upon reaching his son, he hugs and kisses the young man-demonstrating
his love through physical touch. As the boy explains his guilt and
humility, the father listens and allows him to vent his feelings of
shame and frustration. The father gives quality time.
He also gives the young man gifts-a new robe, ring and sandals. This
act of giving is an outward display of his affection. In addition, he
serves by sacrificing the fatted calf and throwing a party. He chooses to make
his son's return an event to celebrate.
Finally, the father provides encouragement, assuring him that though he
was once dead, he is now alive-a reminder of the restored relationship
we experience with God when we ask for forgiveness. (v. 24)
Now these are certainly characteristics of God's love for us, but they
are also the ideals that God wants us to follow in our relationships
with others. Consider the relationships in your life-how often do you
express your love and gratitude through these characteristics?
One of the most important things to remember is that love is not a
feeling; it is a decision, a commitment. God chooses to love us, not
based on anything we do, but based on His holiness. He chooses to love
us unconditionally in spite of our sin.
When we love others based on commitment and not our fickle emotions,
then our relationships will become much more stable and grounded.
Feelings will always change. A commitment grounded in unconditional
love will never change.
Our relationship with God is clearly evident through our relationships
with others. By striving to treat others as God treats us, we can begin
to realize what He has in store for our lives. As Henry Ward Beecher
said, "I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love."
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