Becoming More Christ-Like (2)

“We become more and more like him.” 2Co 3:18 TLB




Spiritual growth could be compared to a seed, a building, and a child. Each requires our participation. When planted, seeds must be watered, fertilized and protected. When erected, buildings must be maintained. When born, children must be cared for, taught and disciplined. Getting the idea? Now, effort has nothing to do with your salvation, but it has everything to do with your spiritual growth. You can’t just sit around and hope to evolve into spiritual maturity. Paul explains our three responsibilities in becoming like Christ: (1) Deciding. “Everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it!” (Eph 4:22 TM). We must decide each day to let go of our old ways. (2) Renewing. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Ro 12:2 NKJV). The Greek word for “transformed” is metamorphosis, which describes the amazing way in which a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly. It’s a picture of what happens when we spend time in prayer, feed on God’s Word and allow Him to direct our thoughts. As we take on the beauty of Christ’s character, we begin to grow and soar to new heights. (3) Clothing. We must clothe ourselves each day with the character of Christ. “How do I do that?” you ask. By developing new habits. Your character is made up of the sum of your daily habits. What you do, you become! So, “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24 NIV). To become Christ-like you must commit yourself to doing these three things.

Becoming More Christ-Like (1)

“We become more and more like him.” 2Co 3:18 TLB




Becoming more Christ-like doesn’t mean losing your individuality. God created the characteristics that make you unique. Christ-likeness is about transforming your character, not your personality. Paul writes: “Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Eph 4:23-24 TM). Every time you forget that character, not comfort, is God’s first priority, you become frustrated and wonder, “Why is all this happening to me? Why doesn’t God do something about it?” Abundant life isn’t the absence of adversity, it’s growth in the midst of it. “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.” You say, “Yes, but how does this happen in real life?” Through our choices—we choose to do the right thing, then trust God’s Spirit to give us the power, love, faith and wisdom to do it. Since His Spirit lives inside us, these things are available for the asking. But when you ask God and He tells you what to do, you must obey Him. When Israel stood at the River Jordan, its floodwaters receded only after they stepped in. Obedience unlocks God’s power! God waits for you to act on His instructions. You can’t wait until you feel capable or confident; you must move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears. That’s how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and how Christ-like character is developed in you.

When God Shows Up

The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” Mal 3:1 NKJV




Sometimes God shows up dramatically, like an unexpected check in the mail, a door opening, or protection in a situation that would otherwise destroy you (See Ps 91:11). Other times God shows up quietly, replacing your anxiety with assurance, whispering, “Fear not…I am with you” (Isa 41:10 NKJV). And when those around you say, “You’re different today, what’s changed?” you reply, “I don’t know, I just have peace about it.” That’s because “The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” Here are two Bible stories that illustrate this:



The first story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are misunderstood and mistreated. “After they had been severely flogged…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns…Suddenly…all the prison doors flew open” (Ac 16:23-26 NIV). Midnight prayers and songs of praise help you see beyond the problem to God, the great problem-solver. By taking the focus off yourself and putting it on Him, your outlook begins to change. The second story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are overwhelmed by the sheer size of the challenge. Faced with leading two million Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses prays, “Show me now Your way” (Ex 33:13 NKJV). God replies, “Here is a place by Me…I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand” (vv. 21-22 NKJV). When God tells you, “Here is a place by Me,” get into it and stay there! Even though you can’t see Him clearly, you’ll feel His presence, experience His goodness, and know that everything is going to be okay.

What's Your Motive for Giving?

“Do not do your charitable deeds…to be seen.” Mt 6:1 NKJV




God measures your giving in two ways: (a) Your means—how much do you have? (b) Your motives—why are you giving? “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven…Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (vv. 1-4 NKJV). Here are two stories that illustrate the point Jesus was making.



Story one: In 1977 a couple agreed to donate the three million dollars needed to build a new children’s zoo in Central Park, New York City. But problems arose because the two-inch-tall plaque acknowledging their gift wasn’t big enough. Plus, a couple who’d donated half a million dollars thirty years earlier to build the original zoo, had a bigger plaque. It was proposed that the names of the original donors be replaced by the names of the new ones. When the park commission refused, the couple withdrew their gift. Story two: It’s said that Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, “You may have them if you pay for them.” As a result the Spurgeons were misrepresented as being greedy. Only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Apparently the Spurgeons were more concerned with how God felt about their giving, than how people felt. How about you?

Celebrate Christmas Every Day!

“That is why I was sent.” Lk 4:43 NIV




The story’s told of a mother putting away the nativity set after Christmas, when she noticed the Baby Jesus was missing. When she asked her four-year-old if he knew where Jesus was, he replied, “Yes, but He doesn’t want me to tell anybody.” “Why not?” she asked. “Because He doesn’t want you to put Him away with the decorations,” he said. Wisdom from the lips of a child! When you know why Jesus came, you’ll celebrate Christmas every day. He said: (1) “I came to fulfill [the law]” (Mt 5:17). The songwriter wrote: “The maker of the universe, as man for man, was made a curse. The claims of law that he had made, unto the uttermost, he paid.” Total coverage! Your sins of omission, commission and disposition were all paid for at Calvary. (2) “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28 NKJV). Jesus was responding to a mother’s request: “Grant…these two sons of mine may sit [on thrones] at your right [hand] and…your left [hand] in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21 NIV). He told her, “It’s about serving, not striving!” (3) “I must preach…the kingdom of God” (Lk 4:43 NIV). Each time we obey God’s will instead of our own, we “preach” to others what it’s like to live as a citizen of His kingdom. (4) “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Lk 19:10 NIV). Imagine meeting someone you worked with, or lived with, saying to you in heaven, “How come you never told me about Jesus?” Keep these four things in mind and you’ll celebrate Christmas every day.

Think About What You Think About (2)

“God can do...far more than you could ever imagine.” Eph 3:20 TM




It’s said the king of Saudi Arabia once invited a famous golfer over for a tournament. Before the man returned home the king said, “I’d like to give you a gift. Anything you want; name it.” The golfer declined politely, saying he didn’t need anything. But the king was adamant, so he conceded, “Well, Your Highness, I collect golf clubs.” He imagined perhaps a gold putter or a diamond-studded driver. Imagine his shock weeks later when he got a letter containing—the deed to a 2,000-acre golf club! Paul says, “God can do…far more than you could ever imagine…in your wildest dreams.” Kings don’t think like we do, and when you serve the King of Kings that’s doubly true! God’s plan for you is far beyond anything you could envision for yourself. The Psalmist said the Lord had dealt “bountifully” with him (Ps 13:6 NKJV). God values the smallest effort—it’s small-mindedness He objects to! If you truly believe He is directing your steps and that goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, expect great things from God. Leon Nacson says, “Always anticipate the best outcome for yourself and others, because when what you expect is just more of the same, that’s what you get!” Remember, “Faith is being sure of what…we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NIV). So even when you can’t “see” it, trust God to work on your behalf, to arrange for you to be in the right place at the right time, and for others to go out of their way to help you—and watch God work.

Think About What You Think About (1)

“What I feared has come upon me.” Job 3:25 NIV




Nick was a tough guy with a bad outlook. He worked for the railroad. One night after all his fellow workers had gone home he accidentally locked himself in a refrigerated boxcar. Worried that the temperature was below freezing, he yelled for help, but to no avail. The more he thought about his situation the colder he felt, till eventually he started shivering uncontrollably. Convinced he was dying, he wrote a letter to his family outlining what had happened. The next morning they found Nick’s body. An autopsy revealed that he had indeed frozen to death. But the investigators discovered something puzzling. The boxcar in which Nick was trapped was out of order and had been disconnected. The night he froze to death the temperature in the boxcar was sixty-one degrees, just below room temperature. But because he expected to die, he lost the battle in his mind.



What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, “What I feared has come upon me.” Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you—but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you’re agreeing to let Satan defeat you. Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done for you” (Mt 9:29 NIV). Another translation puts it like this: “Become what you believe” (TM). So get into agreement with God’s Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it’s up to you to take the first step!

When the Whistle Blows

"You will...be led...with peace." Isa 55:12 NAS



Have you ever felt "checked" in your spirit when you were about to do something? Chances are, God is trying to get your attention. His promise is, "I will make you wise...show you where to go...and watch over you" (Ps 32:8 NCV). A Christian couple were buying their first home. When it came time to sign the papers the wife said, "I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. My husband had the same sick feeling in his stomach, so we decided not to go forward...A few months later my husband died in an accident. I wouldn't have been able to make the payments and support a new baby and myself...Our lack of peace was the Holy Spirit calling ‘time out'...We don't know the future, God does, and He directs our steps by the way of peace, or lack of it. The Holy Spirit acts like a referee. When the players stay within the boundaries, they're free to move about. But when there's trouble, or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows the whistle, stops play and restores order. The absence of peace can mean ‘the heavenly referee' has blown the whistle. Sometimes the ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity, other times we step out of bounds by giving way to temptation and sin. If we're smart, when we hear the whistle we'll wait for God to restore our peace." The Bible says: "You will...be led...with peace." Does that mean you'll always feel certain about your decision? No, but the right decision will be accompanied by a sense of God's peace

Control Your Anger

"A quick-tempered man acts foolishly." Pr 14:17 NKJV



It's normal to get angry, but uncontrolled anger can cost you dearly. When Nabal refused to feed King David and his soldiers, David's anger almost drove him to murder. Only Abigail, Nabal's wife, saved David from the destructive potential of his own unchecked emotions. Looking back, David told Abigail, "Blessed is your advice...because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed" (1Sa 25:33 NKJV). Our anger is often rooted in pride. Naaman the leper felt insulted when Elisha told him to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan River. "Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed,' I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy'" (2Ki 5:11 NKJV). The Arizona Republic newspaper reported that when Steve Tran of Westminster, California, closed the door on twenty-five activated bug bombs, he thought he had seen the last of the cockroaches that shared his apartment. But when the spray reached the pilot light of the stove, it ignited, blasting his screen door across the street, breaking all his windows and setting his furniture ablaze. "I wanted to kill all of them," he said. "I thought if I used a lot more, it would last longer." According to the label, just two canisters of the pesticide would have solved Tran's roach problem. The blast caused over $10,000 damage to the apartment building. And the cockroaches? Tran reported, "By Sunday, I saw them walking around." Yes, "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly."

Surrender (3)

"Because you say so, I will." Lk 5:5 NIV



One of the great leaders of the twentieth century was Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade. Through the Four Spiritual Laws tract and the Jesus film (seen by over four billion), more than 150 million people were won to Christ. When asked why God had used him so effectively, Bill replied, "When I was a young man I made a contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said, ‘From this day forward I am a slave of Jesus Christ.'" Picture yourself chained like a slave to an oar, rowing to the drumbeat of a galley master till the day you die-that's surrender!



Surrender isn't just the best way to live-it's the only way! All other approaches lead to frustration. The Bible calls surrender "your reasonable service" (Ro 12:1). Your wisest moments will always be those when you say yes to God. Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover that the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life-is you. You cannot fulfill His purposes while you're focusing only on your own plans and self-interest. If God is going to do His deepest work in you, it will begin with surrender. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, your dreams, your weaknesses, your habits, your hurts and hang-ups. Put Jesus in the driver's seat, and take your hands off the wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing that is under His control can ever be out of control. Surrendered to Christ, you can handle anything life throws at you.

Surrender (1)

Because you say so, I will." Lk 5:5 NIV



Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight you can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that you are empowered to succeed in what He's called you to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes, Lord" to whatever He asks. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can we call Jesus "Lord," and refuse to obey Him? (See Lk 6:46 NKJV).



Peter demonstrated true surrender when Jesus told him to try again. "‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.' And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish" (Lk 5:5-6 NKJV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't seem to make sense. Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's plan without knowing why circumstances happened as they did. Each was fully surrendered to God, and they came out on top. "How will I know I'm fully surrendered?" you ask. When you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your own agenda or control the situation. You don't have to be in charge, you simply let go and let God have His way.

Preparing for Your Biggest Test

“After these things…God tested Abraham.” Ge 22:1 NKJV



The life of Abraham teaches you that: (1) You can walk with God, yet not know the details of your destiny. "And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8 NKJV). (2) When God makes you a promise, the timeline is up to Him. Abraham waited twenty years for Isaac to be born and fulfill the promise, "I will make you a great nation" (Ge 12:2 NKJV). (3) Sometimes you'll get it wrong before you get it right. Tired of waiting, Abraham fathered Ishmael. If he'd just waited, Isaac would have been born on God's schedule. Often your greatest mistakes come from impatience. (4) You can have faith in one area, yet experience fear in another. When Abraham got to Gerar, King Abimelech took a fancy to his wife Sarah. Thinking only of himself, Abraham said, "‘She is my sister.' And Abimelech...took Sarah" (Ge 20:2 NKJV). We all have our "Gerar moments," times when we cave in to fear, self-interest, or other people's demands. Were it not for God's grace we'd all be disqualified! Next we read, "After these things...God tested Abraham, and said...‘Take now your son...whom you love...and offer him...as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you'" (Ge 22:1-2 NKJV). Notice the words, "After these things." The tests you've been through begin to make sense when you face your biggest test. When you pass it, like Abraham, you can call God "Jehovah Jireh" which means "The-Lord-Will-Provide" (Ge 22:14 NKJV). And at that point God will say, "Now you've arrived at a place where I can use you!"

Instead of Complaining, Change!

"Let us examine our ways and test them." La 3:40 NIV



One child complains about the other: "Mommy, he hit me!" She's convinced it's her brother's fault, that he ought to be punished, that she should have Mom's sympathy and be absolved of all responsibility. But her brother is equally certain: "She started it. She took my toy." We grow older, but not always wiser! It "just happened," we say, then proceed to blame people and circumstances. We dance to the tune but we don't want to pay the piper, so we complain about our consequences, saying it wasn't our fault. This is not the way God does business, and it doesn't work. "Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?" (v. 39 NIV). What works with God is this:



(1) Acknowledge your wrong behavior. Someone else may have initiated it, but your part in it is your responsibility. Plus, complaining offends God. "The people complained...in the hearing of the Lord, and...his anger was aroused" (Nu 11:1 NIV). Leave other people's sin to God and deal with your own. (2) Look at your behaviors. "Let us examine our ways." Look beyond this specific event to how you typically act in similar situations. Learn from it, so you can change! (3) Determine whether your ways really work. "Let us...test them." Analyze, observe and judge how well your "ways" have actually worked-or not! (4) If they don't work, change them. "Let us return to the Lord" (La 3:40 NIV). Repeating wrong behaviors guarantees continued failure. Returning to doing things God's way, brings the end of frustration and the beginning of joy and fulfillment!

In Spite of the Odds, and Opposition

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."Ps 23:5 NKJV



If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (vv. 5-6 NKJV). Underscore the word "surely." It's God's guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you! "But I'm really struggling," you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His spirit to guide you, His Word to illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will: (1) See that your problem is just a platform for Him to "show himself strong on your behalf" (See 2Ch 16:9). (2) Discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point (See 2Co 12:7-9). (3) Be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your future, God does, so look to Him!

Be Careful What You Say (3)

"The lips of the godly speak helpful words."Pr 10:32 NLT



A World War II poster reads, "Loose lips sink ships." So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself: (1) Is it true? "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16 NKJV). That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions! Until you're certain it's true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth. (2) Is it confidential? Did you hear it as a result of someone else having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember: "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered" (Pr 11:13 ESV). Your usefulness to God requires that you not sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust. (3) Is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating-don't be his accomplice. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? (4) Is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself, "What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?" Always keep this in mind: you're more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't. "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards" (Pr 29:11). Be wise; be careful what you say.

Be Careful What You Say (2)

"The lips of the godly speak helpful words." Pr 10:32 NLT

Your words can bring two things: (1) Encouragement. Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, "A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the seat of the pants, but is miles ahead in results." Solomon said, "Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim" (Pr 15:4 TM). When life is hard, "a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!" (Pr 15:23 AMP). Hope pierces the despair, and people begin to believe that they really have a chance to make it. Many a wounded soul has gotten through their deepest valley on the strength of a word of encouragement. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Pr 16:24 NIV). People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement! Just a card, an e-mail, a phone call-the Bible calls them "apples of gold in settings of silver" (Pr 25:11 NKJV). (2) Salvation. "The fruit of the...righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men-he gathers and receives them for eternity]" (Pr 11:30 AMP). The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. "The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well" (Pr 10:11 TM). You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost, changing their past, their present and their future. Your words can also help people to mature and grow in their relationship with God. Yes, "The lips of the righteous feed many" (Pr 10:21 NAS).

Be Careful What You Say (1)

"The lips of the godly speak helpful words."Pr 10:32 NLT



Your tongue can be a source of great blessing. It can provide people with two things they need: (1) Wisdom. "The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice...The lips of the godly speak helpful words" (vv. 31-32 NLT). Paul told Timothy, "You have heard me teach [many] things...teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" (2Ti 2:2 NLT). Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge. Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you. If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime. (2) Correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected. But if you "Listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise...reject discipline, you only harm yourself...listen to correction...grow in understanding...humility precedes honor" (Pr 15:31-33 NLT). Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth teller, but "You can trust a friend who corrects you" (Pr 27:6 CEV). Three important principles apply here: First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship. If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth telling to someone who has. You have to earn that right. Second, truth telling isn't a license to go hunting. A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (See Eph 4:15). Third, appreciation will come, but be prepared, it may be delayed! "In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery" (Pr 28:23 NLT).

Walking by Faith

"I will instruct you...in the way you should go."Ps 32:8 NIV


Paul writes: "I go...not knowing the things that will happen to me...except that the Holy Spirit testifies...saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me" (Ac 20:22-24 NKJV). It's only human to want to know where you're going and what you're getting into. But God informs us on a "need to know" basis. Like Abraham, when you follow Him, you do it "not knowing" where the Lord leads, but believing what He promised, confident that no matter how He does it or how long it takes, He will keep His word to you (See Heb 11:8). Being in God's will doesn't exempt you from problems. God doesn't promise a carpet on the race track or a bed of roses on the battlefield. But you can be "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Php 1:6 NIV). Jon Walker says, "God knows every step of the journey...the blessings and dangers...where you've been...where you're going, and...the best path to take...He never intended you to figure out the steps without Him. How you get on mission and succeed...are God's responsibilities. Your responsibility is to seek His guidance and obey His instructions. He said, ‘I will instruct you...in the way you should go...and watch over you' (Ps 32:8 NIV). Your job is to trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. His job is to set your path straight (See Pr 3:5-6). There's no requirement for you to figure it all out."

"In the Year of Drought"

"He...will not be anxious in the year of drought."Jer 17:8 NKJV

The mother of eight children came home one afternoon and noticed it was quieter than usual. She looked in the living room and five of her little darlings were sitting in a circle, playing with five of the cutest skunks you've ever seen. Instantly she began to scream, "Run, children, run!" Each child grabbed a skunk and ran in different directions. Instead of helping, her screams so scared the children that they each squeezed their skunk. That day she learned-it's always too soon to panic!

In tough economic times the difference between peace and panic depends on Who you are trusting in. When you've done all you know, give it to God-and don't take it back! We live in a fear-filled world. If you read the headlines and not the Scriptures, listen to the shock jocks instead of those who strengthen your faith, you'll experience what Jesus described as "Men's hearts failing them for fear" (Lk 21:26). As a redeemed child of God you live by His rules, under His protection, supplied by "His riches" (See Php 4:19). Here's a promise you need to stand on: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord...For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jer 17:7-8 NKJV). "In the year of drought," don't panic. Instead, trust God to come through for you!

Joseph’s Coats To be used by God, you must wear the two coats

"Then Pharaoh...clothed him in garments of fine linen."Ge 41:42 NKJV


Joseph wore:
(1) The coat of favor. "Now [Jacob] loved Joseph...and he made him a coat of many colours" (Ge 37:3). Like Joseph's multicolored coat, the favor of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd, open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says: "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield" (Ps 5:12 NKJV).
(2) The coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he said no to her advances and stayed true to his convictions. "When Joseph went into the house to do his work...she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.' But he left his garment in her hand, and fled" (Ge 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, or cut corners on the job, or lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do, but you'll be tested-and your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr. Joseph Parker, the great English pulpiteer and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, "An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads." When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps 119:11 NKJV).

Beware of Self-Righteousness

"You who judge others do these very same things." Ro 2:1 NLT


A woman looked out her window every morning and commented on the dirty laundry on her neighbor's line. One day she noticed it was sparkling clean: "Maybe she's using a new detergent," she remarked. "No," said her husband. "I got up early and cleaned our windows." Hello! When Paul talks about "greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception...gossip" (Ro 1:29 NLT), it's tempting to think it doesn't apply to you. Then he says, "You are just as bad...you...do these very same things." Maybe you've never embezzled money, but have you ever shortchanged somebody? Or taken an "iffy" tax deduction? How about when you're stuck in traffic, or you overhear some juicy gossip? Phil Yancey says: "Murder and adultery differ from hatred and lust only by degree...Paul reserves his most scathing comments for self-righteous people...A Pharisee of Pharisees, he knew the pattern...the danger that accompanies a feeling of moral superiority. Just as denial keeps you from seeing a doctor about a lump or lesion...denial of sin leads to worse consequences...I accepted a speaking engagement from some Christians involved in Twelve-Step Programs...As I pondered what to say...it occurred to me that what recovering alcoholics confess daily-personal failure and the need for grace...represent high hurdles for those of us who take pride in independence and self-sufficiency. Romans 3:10 says, ‘There is none righteous,' and God's grace is the only solution. It comes free of charge, apart from the law and...human efforts towards self-improvement...we need only hold out open, needy hands-the most difficult gesture for a self-righteous person."

Aim, Shoot, and Keep Shooting!

"Strike the ground." 2Ki 13:18 NKJV



When the king of Israel needed a strategy for defeating the Syrians he turned to the prophet Elisha, who told him, "‘Take a bow and some arrows.' So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, ‘Put your hand on the bow.' So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, ‘Open the east window'; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, ‘Shoot'; and he shot. And he said, ‘The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them.' Then he said, ‘Take the arrows'; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, ‘Strike the ground'; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, ‘You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times'" (vv. 15-19 NKJV).



What are you asking God to do? Save someone you love? Provide finances? Help you break a habit? Succeed in your career? Find out what He has promised you in His Word, and use those promises like arrows. Aim them at your problem, shoot, and keep shooting until God moves on your behalf. If this story teaches us anything, it's this: there are situations in life when faith and persistence not only determine your victory, but the extent to which you win. So aim, shoot, and keep shooting!

Parent, That’s Your Job Description

"Teach them diligently to your children." Dt 6:7 NKJV



Abraham had a nephew called Lot who succeeded in business, but lost his family. How come? Because: (a) he had the wrong emphasis-he placed material success above spiritual success; (b) he had the wrong environment-he thought his children could live in Sodom and not be affected by it; (c) he had the wrong expectation-he thought he could change his surroundings by compromising with them; (d) he set the wrong example-he thought his family would follow his instructions; instead they followed his lifestyle; (e) he had the wrong relationships-he didn't realize until it was too late, how much Sodom had influenced his family (See Ge 19:4-5). If you think you can live by the world's rules and expect your children to follow God's, you're kidding yourself. Instead of preaching about the shoes you want your children to fill, walk in them! Lead by example. Outside of your influence as a parent, the four greatest influences in your child's life are their peers, the internet, media and music. And all four are either working for you or against you. You say, "But I'm really busy right now." Get un-busy! Rethink your priorities. Your child's character is being molded each day; the question is, by whom? God's Word clearly states that these six things constitute your job description as a parent: (1) Instruct them (See Dt 6:6-7). (2) Train them (See Pr 22:6). (3) Provide for them (See 2Co 12:14). (4) Nurture them (See Eph 6:4). (5) Discipline them (See 1Ti 3:4). (6) Love them (See Tit 2:4). The truth is, you have no greater responsibility!

Pray About Everything

"Pray about everything...Tell God what you need." Php 4:6 NLT


The four-year-old son of a missionary family in Africa spotted a picture of a little pink dinosaur in a magazine and set his heart on having one. His mom knew it was impossible (the magazine was three years old), but her son never doubted God would come through for him. Ten months later, on Christmas Eve, a box from home arrived. At first glance it seemed to contain something special for everyone-except a four-year-old boy. Then they reached the bottom-and they were stunned. The lady who sent the box had no way of knowing God would use her to answer a little boy's prayer. Before taping up the box, at the last minute, she tossed in the one item impossible for his parents to provide-something so insignificant no rational adult would ever have been foolish enough to ask God for...a pink plastic brontosaurus from a fast-food restaurant promotion!



Sometimes we feel foolish bothering God with little things, but we shouldn't. The Bible says: "Pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." God is interested in every detail of your life; if something is important to you, it's important to Him. In Bible times two sparrows were sold for a cent (on sale you could buy five for two cents!) yet Jesus said, "Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it...the very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Mt 10:29-30 NLT). When you learn to trust God in little things, you'll be able to trust Him in big ones.

Two Stories about Marriage

"Love...keeps no record of being wronged." 1Co 13:4-5 NLT



Story one: Deborah K. Johnson writes: "My seven-year-old daughter wanted to take violin lessons, so I took her to a music store to rent an instrument. Hoping she would understand the importance of making a commitment to practice, I explained that lessons were expensive. I was willing to make the financial sacrifice if she promised to work hard. ‘There may be times you'll feel like giving up,' I said, ‘but I want you to hang in there!' She nodded, understanding, then in her most serious voice she said, ‘It will be just like marriage, right, Mom?'" Story two: A husband asked his wife, "Tell me, dear, have you ever been in love before?" She thought for a moment and replied, "No, darling. I once respected a man for his great intelligence. I admired another one for his remarkable courage. And I was captivated by yet another for his good looks and charm. But with you, well, how else could I explain it, except love?" Have you been finding fault with your mate instead of remembering the qualities that attracted you to them? Attitudes are like weeds, they spring up overnight and if you don't deal with them they take over the whole garden. Don't let that happen! Next time you're too busy to show love, or you react in anger, read these words: "Love is patient and kind. Love...does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged...Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance" (1Co 13:4-7 NLT).

Stand on God’s Promises

"He always does exactly what he says." 2Co 1:19 TLB



Ever had a friend break a promise? The check doesn't come, the repairman doesn't show, your date doesn't call? Count on it, people will let you down. But God won't, "He always does exactly what he says. He...fulfills all...[His] promises" (vv. 19-20 TLB). Knowing that enables you to keep walking by faith while you wait for them to be fulfilled. James MacDonald says: "It's the not-knowing that crushes us. We doubt...worry...despair...falter and fail...If we knew how this was going to play out we'd be okay. We can take a bad day...month...year...or decade...as long as we know how it ends. A health crisis...a question about your marriage...uncertainty over a child...we all have areas we need to hold on to what God said...He knows what He promised, He can't lie, and He can't forget. He'll deliver on time. Who else can make a promise like that? Now I wish I could tell you it always figures out perfectly in our lifetime, but I'd be lying...You can't make sense of God's promises with this life only. You must factor in the reality of eternity...Eternity brings it all together...eternal life...and the assurance of heaven are what make His promises so precious." Victor Frankl, who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, said, "A weak faith is weakened by predicaments and catastrophes, whereas a strong faith is strengthened by them." A Sunday school class was memorizing Psalm 23 and little Tommy couldn't get beyond the first verse. On the big day he stepped up to the microphone, grinned at the audience and announced, "The Lord is my Shepherd-and that's all I know!" And it's all you need to know for now.

Your Trial is Producing Maturity

"After you have suffered...God...will...establish you." 1Pe 5:10 NAS



Stephanie Voiland writes: "My friend...spent months job-hunting, and as leads failed to pan into paychecks she became discouraged. Yet...she refused to anesthetize the waiting ache...She fasted from TV, believing God had given her this time to reflect on where she was headed. Through those agonizing months God showed up in ways more profound than a job offer. She looked for a way to support herself; He taught her a new level of dependence on Him. As she waited for a potential employer's call, God spoke into her soul...She searched for a ‘genie-god' to instantly meet her needs; God blew her away by revealing He's bigger than she ever dreamed. Eventually she landed a job and was grateful...but she was even more grateful to learn how God meets us through waiting in ways beyond those we can ask or imagine...Sometimes in the bleakest moments, His intervention manifests itself...we receive the perfect job, the physical healing, the necessary funds, and the wait is over. Other times He does the miracle in us."



Gold only becomes valuable when the impurities have been removed in the fire, and God uses tough times like a refining process to bring out the best in us. He controls the heat, because His goal isn't to destroy you but to develop you. He tailors the trial to the area in your life that needs work, and as you mature He ups the intensity. Athletes start out training with light weights, and as they grow stronger they progress to heavier ones. As you grow in Christ, obstacles that once seemed overwhelming will be par for the course.

Be Humble!

"No...messenger [is] greater than the one who sent him."  Jn 13:16 NIV



One of the reasons God chose John the Baptist as Jesus' forerunner is because he was humble. He's introduced simply as a "voice...crying in the wilderness" (Mk 1:3), no pretentious preambles or highfalutin titles. Many notable saints came before John, but Jesus said, "Among those born...no one has arisen greater than John" (Mt 11:11 RSV). John had no hidden agenda or overblown ego; his message was: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). John Barnett says: "Pride is the sin of competing with God...it makes you self-reliant, self-absorbed, self-deceived, self-confident, self-conscious, self-sufficient, self-satisfied, self-focused, self-centered and self-driven. It makes you unreliable, because nobody can tell you what to do...unloving, because you won't sacrifice for others...unteachable, because nobody can correct you...competitive, because you'll always try to outdo others. Humility means not always having to be asked, reminded and recognized...you go round looking for ways to serve." Somebody asked Hudson Taylor, "Are you conscious of the way God has prospered you in the China Inland Mission? I doubt any man has had greater honor." Taylor replied, "I don't see it like that. I think God must have been looking for someone small enough and weak enough to use so that all the glory might be His...and He found me." Bottom line: "God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud" (1Pe 5:5 TLB). So, be humble!

How’s Your Prayer Life?

"It is time to seek the Lord." Hos 10:12



The place of prayer is where you meet with God to be instructed, corrected, cleansed, loved, built up and prepared to do His will. It can be anywhere, but it must be somewhere! It can be anytime, but it must be a set time. Without prayer, what do you have to draw on? You'll work harder and harder and accomplish less and less because you're operating in your own strength. But after you've prayed you'll struggle less and accomplish more because you're operating in God's strength. If you're spending hours watching television but say you've no time to pray, "It is time to seek the Lord." If you're living comfortably with sins that once troubled you, "It is time to seek the Lord." If you're speaking words of bitterness towards someone who hurt you, "It is time to seek the Lord." If having material things consumes so much of your energy that there's none left for God and your family, "It is time to seek the Lord." The New Testament church grew so fast that the apostles found themselves with no time to pray. So they said, "It is not right" (Ac 6:2 NCV). That's where you must start! If you've forsaken the place of prayer it will show up in your attitudes and actions. What did the apostles do? They said, "We will give ourselves continually to prayer" (Ac 6:4). And look what happened: "The word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied" (Ac 6:7). If you've gotten this far with little prayer, inconsistent prayer, or no prayer, think how far you'll go when you begin to pray.

Your Heavenly Body

"How are the dead raised? With what kind of body?"  1Co 15:35 NIV

Ever wonder what your heavenly body will be like? The Bible gives us three answers to the questions, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?" First, it speaks of anatomy: "Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another" (1Co 15:39 NIV). Just as fish are designed to handle the pressures of the ocean and birds are designed to fly, your heavenly body will be custom-made for eternity. (Imagine traveling not merely at the speed of light, but the speed of thought!) Next, it speaks of astronomy: "The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead" (1Co 15:41-42 NIV). There will be degrees of honor and differences of reward when we get to heaven. Your service now is what determines your status then (See Ro 2:6). Finally, it speaks of agriculture: "It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power" (1Co 15:43 NIV). The old Saxon word for cemetery means "God's acre." How wonderful; Christians don't get buried, they get planted!



There's a bulletin board in the Mayo Clinic which reads: "Cancer is limited: it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot erode faith, it cannot eat away peace, it cannot destroy confidence, it cannot kill friendship, it cannot shut out memories, it cannot silence courage, it cannot invade the soul, it cannot reduce eternal life, it cannot quench the spirit, and it cannot lessen the power of the resurrection."

THE DOMINO EFFECT OF PRAISE

"I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14 NLT

We have all heard the phrase, "praise Him anyway, praise Him when you don't feel like it." Did you know that many times it's not about feelings, but limitations that we place on ourselves, which in turn limits God.
We relate praise to church, when in essence you should have already worked up a spiritual lather before you get there.

Don't limit yourself to worshiping God in church. Be like the Psalmist: "I will bless the Lord at all times" (Ps 34:1). When you don't feel like praising God but you do it because you want to please Him, that's called "the sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15). And when praise becomes a lifestyle it has a domino effect (that's where one change causes another, which in turn causes another). When you tell God how wonderful He is, how much you love Him and want to spend time with Him, you're more likely to find your mate telling you how wonderful you are, how much they love and enjoy being around you. Over time your family and friends start to feel the effect. On the other hand, when you withhold from God the praise He deserves, you deprive yourself of what you need in your own life. David said, "Magnify the Lord with me...let us exalt his name together" (Ps 34:3). God inhabits [occupies, sets up house in] the praises of His people (See Ps 22:3). When you tell Him, "You're wonderful, there's no problem You can't solve and no need You can't meet. I'm casting all my care on You. I know You love me and I'm not going to give in to depression and defeat. I'm trusting You to conquer my enemies, break down the doors that are locked and give me victory," God sends angels to fight and win the battle on your behalf (See Heb 1:14). No wonder David said, "I will praise you more and more." It works! Isn't it time you started thinking along the same lines?

YOU'VE GOT TO "WORK AT IT"

"Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting."
1Co 13:7 CEV

We find this out with our kids, that if we continue to give them things without teaching them rewards, gains and blessings only causes the child to be expectant of receiving without working for it. We call it be spoiled, and if not corrected we will carry this "stinkin' thinkin'" into our adulthood.
Wealth comes by work, relationships come by work, and yes we must work at our marriage, continually.

Clara Null writes: "At a wedding my granddaughter Melissa asked, ‘Why is the bride always dressed in white?' I replied, ‘Because white represents happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.' Her next question was: ‘Then why's the groom dressed in black?'" Marriage only works if you "work at it." So here are three principles for strengthening yours: 1) Become a good listener. Jesus said, "Consider carefully how you listen" (See Lk 8:18). Sometimes the most important thing in communicating with your mate is to hear what is not being said, to learn to read between the lines. Just "being there" isn't enough; your mate needs to feel heard-and validated. When they are, they'll open up and accept what you have to say. (2) "Speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15 NLT). Nobody likes to be corrected, but when someone is heading down the wrong road, love will "get in your face." Our marriages break down when truth is violated, integrity is forsaken, trust is broken, manipulation is allowed, self-interest is the rule, control is the goal, and time isn't invested. (3) Always believe the best. Love sees you at your worst but never forgets your best; thinks you're a little bit more wonderful than you really are; will talk with you endlessly or just sit with you in silence; is happier about your success than you are; doesn't try to know more, act smarter or be your constant teacher; it listens even when what you have to say is not particularly interesting. That's because love believes you're important!

WHERE YOU ARE MATTERS!

"You have been wandering around...long enough; turn."
Deut 2:3 NLT

God's plan for your life always involves your gifts, His timing, and being in the right place. But three things can keep that from happening: fear of failing, unwillingness to leave your comfort zone, and being swayed by the opinions of others. There came a point where in order to enter the Promised Land, God said to Israel, "You have been wandering around...long enough; turn." When you reach this point it's crucial that you say yes to God and be willing to step out in faith.

During a famine God said to the prophet Elijah: "‘Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.' So he did what the Lord had told him...and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook" (1Ki 17:2-6 NIV). God's plan for your life is always connected to a place. Jesus "had to go through Samaria" (Jn 4:4 NIV). Why? To meet a woman who was destined to reach that city with the Gospel. You can't just go where you like, God will honor you when you're where He wants you to be. God has promised to bless you, but sometimes He has to reposition you in order to receive His blessing. It was when Ruth moved to Bethlehem that she met Boaz and married him. It was when Bartimaeus went to where Jesus was that he received his sight. Where you are matters!

FAN OR FOLLOWER?

"By Him actions are weighed."
1Sa 2:3 NKJV

Are you a Fan of Jesus, or a Follower? What’s Your Heart-Motive?

I heard a story of a lady who answered the knock on her door and saw a man with a sad expression. "I'm sorry to disturb you," he said, "but I'm collecting money for an unfortunate family in the neighborhood. The husband is out of work, the kids are hungry, the utilities will soon be cut off, and worse, they're about to be kicked out of their apartment if they don't pay the rent by this afternoon." With great concern the woman said, "I'll be happy to help. But who are you?" He replied, "I'm the landlord." Clearly, this man was more concerned with his own interests than with anyone else's. What he was doing was not illegal, but it was wrong. Under the pretense of serving, he was self-serving. Hello! What's your heart-motive?

The Pharisees prayed, fasted and gave money to the poor, but they did it to impress others. So Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired...for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven...When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them" (Mt 6:1,5 NLT). Then Jesus said, "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Mt 5:16 NLT). You're supposed to make God look good-not yourself. Check your heart-motive; are you doing a good thing with a bad motive? "The Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed."

STRIVE FOR PROGRESS....NOT PERFECTION

"It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you." Php 3:1 NIV

Have you any idea how often the people you admire got it wrong, half right, almost right, before they got it right? Making mistakes is the unenjoyable, unavoidable part of making progress. That's why Paul said, "It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." He understood that you have to keep hearing and doing it in order to get it right.

Stop comparing yourself with others. The Bible says, "When they measure themselves by themselves...they are not wise" (2Co 10:12 NIV). Some of us are given five talents, some two, and some one. Your talents, not your wishes, determine your potential. One-talent people who make the most of what they've been given receive the same "well done" as five-talent people. The person who gets into trouble is the one who's afraid to take the risk; their biggest mistake is their unwillingness to make a mistake! Dr. John Maxwell says, "Your performance depends on your commitment to practice. Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play. It sharpens you. Wise people understand this, and develop the discipline to do it." If you want to sum up what lifts most successful individuals above the crowd, you could do it in these four words: a little bit more. Successful people do what's expected of them-plus a little bit more. So, the word for you today is-strive for progress, not perfection!

DECIDE AND TAKE ACTION!

"Everyone who has will be given more."

Matthew 25:29 NIV

Every accomplishment starts with a decision. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Jesus gave us the parable of a businessman who gave one employee ten talents to invest, and he doubled them. A second employee received five talents, and he doubled them too. A third employee got one talent, but he buried it. Afraid of losing it, he failed to take even a modest risk. "The master was furious...‘It's criminal to live cautiously like that...you knew I was after the best, why did you do less?'" (Mt 25:26 TM). The Bible says we "walk by [the eye of] faith, not by [natural] sight" (2Co 5:7). Unless you're willing to take prayed-over, carefully-considered and well-advised risks, you're not operating in faith. And "without faith it is impossible to please [God]" (Heb 11:6). Jesus ended His parable saying, "Everyone who has will be given more...Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Your goal should be to maximize the investment on everything you do. Ken Blanchard calls this getting the highest return on life. It means putting all your eggs in God's basket (don't worry, He won't drop them!). To get more, you must use what God's already given you. When you step out in faith, God moves, and extraordinary things happen. John Mason says: "Not what we have but what we use, not what we see but what we choose-these are the things that mar or bless human happiness." When you limit what you will do, you limit what you can do. Think: if you don't act now, what will it ultimately cost you?

CHANGING AND GROWING!

"They go from strength to strength." Ps 84:7 NIV

In an old Peanuts cartoon Charlie Brown says to his friend Linus, "What would you do if you felt that no one liked you?" Linus replies, "I'd see what I could do to improve." To which Charlie Brown replies, "I hate that answer!" There are three reasons we hate that answer and want to freeze life where it's at: (1) When it took everything we had to get to where we are, "Let's go" is not what we want to hear. (2) We're creatures of habit; we form our habits, then our habits form us. (3) Change makes us feel insecure; deep down, we fear we don't have what it takes.

Near the top of Mount Everest is a marker which reads, "He died climbing." (What a great way to be remembered!) Growth is an uphill climb. If you want to keep growing you must never stop climbing: "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Pr 4:18). How do we grow and change? "They go from strength to strength." In his book Teaching to Change Lives Dr. Howard Hendricks asks teachers these soul-searching questions. "How have you changed lately? In the last week, let's say? Or the last month? Can you be very specific? Or must your answer always be incredibly vague? You say you're growing, okay-how? ‘Well,' you say, ‘In all kinds of ways.' Great; name one! You see, effective teaching only comes through a changed person. When you stop changing, you stop leading." Today ask God to pinpoint the areas in which you need to change and grow.

BLESSED IN GIVING

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35 NCV

Wendy Pope writes: "When God calls me to give, I don't always feel like I'm being blessed. Perhaps you've had a similar experience. He prompts you to prepare a meal for a family hit by illness, and after a long day you're barely able to prepare one for your own family. Or when you're exhausted, He nudges you to go get your friend's children because she needs a break. No matter what the situation, when God calls us to give...we come out blessed...His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He has the master plan, and all we need be concerned about is doing what He asks without complaining. You may question His reasoning when [He] nudges you to take your rude co-worker to lunch...or teach your child's Sunday school class and give the teacher a break. The bottom line is, whether we think it or not...it means something to eternity and to the person we're giving to. Basically, without Jesus I'm a selfish person. I wonder what kind of blessing I'll get...money, a new car or a finer home? I'm ashamed of those thoughts, but they came from an infant Christian who didn't understand that the blessing...is a closer walk with the greatest Giver who ever lived." Do you sometimes give out of obligation, or guilt, or to gain other people's approval? Giving is the true measure of our love for God, and He always blesses us when we do it. So, "Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure" (2Co 9:7 NLT), do it with a willing heart.

SACRIFICING SLEEP

Psalm 119:145-152

Would you rather have the Word of God than sleep? Don't misunderstand me.
We need sleep. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that God expects us to
take care of our bodies, and sleep is part of that care. But the psalmist
says that he would rather have the Word of God than sleep. "I rise before
the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes
are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word"
(vv. 147,148).

Imagine being married to a person who gets up early in the morning to cry
out to God and hope in His Word. Then late at night he's still awake,
reading and meditating on the Scriptures.

Jesus also was up early in the morning, praying and meditating on the
Word. And on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, Moses and Elijah were
discussing Christ's plan to die in Jerusalem. Peter, James and John were
there, but they were asleep (Luke 9:32). They slept through perhaps the
greatest Bible conference ever held on earth!

I'm afraid some of us have done the same thing. We've slept through the
blessing. For God to bless us through His Word, we have to start each day
with it. Do you set your alarm clock early enough in the morning to read
the Bible? Sure, that extra half hour in bed would be pleasant. But like
the psalmist, we need to say, "I'm going to anticipate the dawning of the
morning. I want to spend time with God and meditate in His Word."
Sacrificing sleep to meditate in the Word of God is not a loss; it's an
investment in your spiritual life. The Bible contains blessings you can
use the rest of the day. Let it be the key that opens and locks your day.

LIGHTEN UP!

"Unless you...become like children."
Matthew 18:3 NAS

How's your sense of humor these days? Jesus said, "Unless you...become like children, you will not enter the kingdom." Anne Klein, an expert on healing through humor, reminds us that children laugh about four hundred times a day and adults just fifteen. And you pay a price for it! Your spirit breaks, you lose your vitality and shrivel up emotionally. Laughter has an immediate effect on your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle and brain activity. It influences how your body handles disease by activating your immune system. The Bible says: "A relaxed attitude lengthens...life" (Pr 14:30 TLB). "A joyful heart makes a [happy] face" (Pr 15:13 NAS). "For the happy...life is a continual feast" (Pr 15:15 NLT). "A cheerful heart is good medicine...a broken spirit saps a person's strength" (Pr 17:22 NLT). If a pill could do all that for you, wouldn't you take it? Life should be enjoyed, not endured!

Chuck Swindoll says, "Laughter is a God-given escape hatch...a safety valve...to lack a sense of humor is a serious deficiency." He points out that a healthy sense of humor is defined by the ability to laugh at your own mistakes, to accept justified criticism and get over it, to interject (or at least enjoy) wholesome humor in the middle of tense situations, and control statements that would be unfit, even though they may be funny. Theologian Helmut Thielecke wrote: "Lines of laughter about the eyes are just as much marks of faith as lines of care and seriousness. The church is in a bad way when it banishes laughter and leaves it to the cabaret, the nightclub and the toastmasters."

IN TRAINING

"Everyone who competes...goes into strict training."
1Corinthians 9:25 NIV

Author Brian Tracy was at a conference when he met Kop Kopmeyer, an expert in the field of success. Kopmeyer has written four best sellers based on 250 principles he observed from fifty years of research. Tracy asked him, "Of the 1,000 success principles you discovered, what's the most important?" Without hesitation Kopmeyer replied, "Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." We are like sticks of dynamite; the power is on the inside but nothing happens till the fuse gets lit. Self-discipline lights the fuse, and without it, even if you've been blessed with talent, a good background, education and opportunity, it can be a struggle to rise above mediocrity.

The same principle that governs physical fitness governs spiritual fitness. To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done. It takes: (1) Discipline. Thankfully, "God has...given us...power...and self-discipline" (2Ti 1:7 NLT). (2) Faith. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Ro 10:17 NKJV). (3) Determination. You don't always feel like exercising every day, but when you do it you feel better, right? And when you don't feel like doing what God says but you do it anyway, your feelings catch up with your actions and you're glad you did it. (4) Accountability. Having a trusted friend monitor your progress increases your odds of maintaining new habits. Lack of accountability makes it easy to revert to your old ways. Bottom line: you are in training to win "a crown that will last forever."

THE ATTITUDE OF AFFECTION

“Be persistent in your prayers.”
Eph 6:18 NLT

We have started a new teaching series called "The Love, Anointing Connection". In it I talk about if serving God is a burden to you, you block His blessings. Deuteronomy 28:47-48 says, "When we serve God with a grudging, ungrateful attitude, His provisions are blocked in our lives." A lack of affection toward God, along with ungratefulness, can actually be the reason we are experiencing LACK!

Andrew Murray wrote: “Many Christians look upon it as a burden and a duty and a difficulty to get alone with God! That is the great hindrance to our Christian life everywhere.” God says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great…things, which you do not know” (Jer 33:3 NKJV). The answers you seek can be found on your knees. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (Jn 15:7 NKJV). Prayer is like a platinum card; it gives you access to God’s wisdom and resources. Paul writes: “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Ro 12:12 NKJV). The story’s told of a soldier in World War II who was caught creeping back into his quarters from some nearby woods. Brought before his commanding officer and charged with communicating with the enemy, he said he had just gone out to pray. His commanding officer asked, “Do you make a habit of spending hours alone in prayer?” “Yes, sir,” he replied. “Then get down on your knees and pray now,” roared the officer, “for you’ve never needed it more!” The soldier kneeled down and prayed so powerfully that his CO shouted, “Enough, you may go, I believe you! If you hadn’t been so often at drill, you wouldn’t have done so well at review.” Prayer isn’t like a spare tire; you can’t just leave it in your trunk and expect it to be effective when you need it. You must “be persistent in your prayers.” In other words, stay in constant contact with God.

What's your attitude toward God? A bad attitude toward God blocks His power.

YOUR FIRST STEP, GO AHEAD...TAKE IT!

"Jesus said...‘Get up!'"
John 5:8 NIV

At the pool of Bethesda Jesus was drawn to a man who'd been physically incapacitated for thirty-eight years and couldn't walk. That's a long time to wait for things to change. Many of us would have given up. "When Jesus...asked...‘Do you want to get well?'...[he] replied, ‘I have no one to help me...While I am trying to get in, someone else goes...ahead of me.' Then Jesus said...‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk'" (vv. 6-8 NIV).

How do you see yourself? As a helpless victim? Wendy Blight says: "I lived like that...for a decade. At twenty-one I was raped by a masked stranger hiding in my apartment. Before that I loved life. I'd just completed college...graduated with honors...become engaged to a wonderful man...and had an amazing job waiting for me...My attacker's...act shattered my hopes and dreams. I lived in a prison of fear and despair. Then I encountered Christ...the words He spoke...pierced my soul. I...was the man on that mat...accustomed to my place of sorrow...I enjoyed being the victim...I was comfortable. The Bible says, ‘The Word of God is living and active...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart' (Heb 4:12 NIV) and it spoke personally to me. I knew I needed to take the first step. I surrendered my fear, pity, and grief...I learned God had a plan for my life and a purpose for my pain. However, I'd never see it until I had the courage to get up and walk. If you're on the mat...open God's Word. Let Him speak...promises of hope and healing. Before you can get off the mat, you must surrender your fear, self-pity, and despair. Will you do it?"

TRUST GOD AND KEEP GOING!

"Gideon...crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit."
Judges 8:4 NKJV

Are you thinking of quitting? You believed you could make a difference until they poured criticism and cold water on you. At that point you decided it was easier to adjust your expectations to their opinion and just keep smiling. Don't do it; God has too much invested in you! The comfort zone is for those who are exempt from pain but denied progress; protected from failure but held in the grip of mediocrity. Get up and get out of there while you still can: "Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die" (Rev 3:2). Open your Bible and begin to fill your mind with God's promises; they're powerful motivators. Pray, believing God for great things. Plug in at church. Rekindle your desire, for ultimately that's what determines your destiny! Jesus suffered the loss of His disciples, His friends, and even His clothes (See Jn 19:23-24). But they couldn't rob Him of "the joy that was set before him" (Heb 12:2). Even while He was dying He continued to minister. Then He went into hell, came out with the lock and keys and announced, "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore" (Rev 1:18 NKJV). And He is your example!

When Gideon fought the Midianites we read that he "came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit." Because Gideon refused to let the Jordan River intimidate him, or fatigue stop him, God gave him a great victory! And He will do the same for you.

GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED, PART 2

"The Lord…has pleasure in [our] prosperity.”
Psalm 35:27 NKJV

Ignatius Loyola prayed, “Teach us, Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not count the cost, to fight and not heed the wounds, to toil and not seek for rest, to labor and not ask for any reward save that of knowing we do your will.” Success is knowing and doing God’s will for your life. Here are four laws that govern it:

(1) Be clear about the cost. For everything you gain, you give up something. How much are you willing to sacrifice for your dream? Your answer will determine your future. Sometimes the greatest obstacle to tomorrow’s success—is today’s success. Paul writes: “What happens when we live God’s way…We find ourselves…able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (Gal 5:22-23 TM). (2) Focus like a laser. Chart a detailed course and establish deadlines. List the things you need to do each day, set regular checkpoints, and when necessary be accountable to someone. “Walk…making the most of your time” (Eph 5:15-16 NAS). (3) See yourself achieving it. Maureen Dowd says, “The minute you settle for less, you get less than you settled for.” The Bible says God “calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (Ro 4:17 NKJV). So start to think now like the person you expect to be then! (4) Keep learning. Look for opportunities to learn. Paul told Timothy, “Give attention to reading” (1Ti 4:13 NKJV). The person who won’t read is more to be pitied than the person who can’t read. Meditate constantly on God’s laws and you will succeed in whatever you do (See Jos 1:8).

PRAY FOR GOD'S FAVOR

“Find favor…in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 3:4 NKJV

To fulfill your God-given assignment in life you will need God’s favor! How did Joseph go from being a lowly inmate to running the whole prison system? “The Lord was with Joseph…and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison…whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper” (Ge 39:21-23 NKJV). Why did King Ahasuerus choose a Jewish slave girl named Esther to be his queen? “She obtained grace and favor in his sight…so he set the royal crown upon her head” (Est 2:17 NKJV). How did Samuel go from being a custodian in the temple to being a prophetic voice of the nation? “Samuel grew…in favor both with the Lord and men” (1Sa 2:26 NKJV). What did all these favored people have in common?

(1) They gave their best effort. They excelled at what God gave them to do, and when the time came He promoted them. (2) They put others first. David served King Saul even though he was a ruthless boss. Ruth worked to support her widowed mother-in-law Naomi, while Naomi’s other daughter-in-law Orpah thought only of herself. (3) They sought guidance and had a teachable spirit. God answered Ruth’s request by giving her Naomi, the right mentor, Boaz, the right boss, and making sure she got into the right field (See Ru 2:2-3). God’s favor will connect you to the right people and get you to the right place. When your chosen field is the field God has chosen for you, you can’t help but be blessed in it. No, you won’t be exempt from trials, but you’ll succeed in what you’re called to do.

FINISHING STRONG!

“I have finished my course.”
2Timothy 4:7

The course God sets before us is seldom easy. Running it takes commitment. James MacDonald said: “I’ve lived long enough to know men and women whose lives were sold out to God a few years ago, but who’ve since walked off the track…gone AWOL…lost their longing for God. Fear of following in their footsteps haunts me…and it should you, too…The faithfulness of my walk with God depends on my willingness to stay in a relationship with Him. I never want to lose the grip His greatness has on my life and the privilege it is to…serve Him till the day I’m welcomed into His presence. That passion compels me. It keeps me honest and humble…the last thing I want to do is crawl across the finish line a defeated, derailed Christian, or worse—give up the race before my life’s over. I want to break that tape with arms high, my face to the sun.” Paul said, “I have…finished my course…Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.” Notice, courage + endurance + faithfulness = reward. Photographer Jacob Riis said: “When nothing seems to help, I go look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps 100 times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the 101st blow it will split in two, and I know it wasn’t the last blow that did it, but all the blows that have gone before.” God’s Word is “a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer 23:29 NKJV). So, “[hold] fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ [you’ll] have reason to glory because [you] did not run in vain” (Php 2:16 NAS).

(for more on Dr. James MacDonald check out: http://www.walkintheword.com/)

GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED

“The Lord…has pleasure in [our] prosperity.”
Ps 35:27 NKJV

God delights in seeing His children succeed; what good parent wouldn’t? Jesus said: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?” (Mt 7:11 NKJV).

David wanted to build the temple, but God chose his son Solomon instead. Sometimes our desires differ from God’s, so we need to consult Him before we make a move. Usually God reveals His plan one step at a time. If your desire for something persists, it’s an indication that God is leading you. So look for the signs, listen to the Holy Spirit, prayerfully evaluate everything, cultivate an instant response to God, reject all feedback that breeds doubt, ask God for wisdom and expect it. And don’t be selective about who you’re willing to receive wisdom from. After all, God once spoke through a jackass and changed history. The Bible says, “Ask him, and he will gladly tell you” (Jas 1:5 TLB). Wisdom is the ability to see and interpret things through God’s eyes. What an advantage! The Psalmist says, “The entrance of thy words giveth…understanding” (Ps 119:130). When God saves you He renews your mind because that’s the drawing board for your future. Mind management should be one of your top priorities: “Whatsoever things are…good…think on these things” (Php 4:8). Don’t justify failure another day; refuse to stay bogged down; stop placing blame on others. Instead circle today’s date on your calendar and declare that the best days of your life are beginning—right now!

DO THE NUMBERS....YOU STILL COUNT!

"I have called you by your name; you are Mine."

Isa 43:1 NKJV

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, "Though you are one of the teeming millions in this world, and though the world would have you believe that you do not count and that you are but a speck in the mass, God says, ‘I know you.'" How wonderful is that? Take a moment and consider the things in life that rob us of self-esteem. Words such as, "I don't want you; I don't love you anymore." Or "You're unsuitable for the job; sorry, we have to let you go." Or, "You keep making the same stupid mistakes. You'll never get it right." Or, "Why can't you be like your brother, or your sister, or so-and-so?" Understand this:

(1) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you do for a living. Because when you can no longer do it you'll feel worthless. Think about some of the famous people you know: athletes, artists, speakers, etc. When they can no longer do what they do they get depressed, even suicidal. (2) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you own. Recently the U.S. housing market lost up to 40% of its value in one year. Millions of people saw their social status go down and their financial security go up in smoke. (3) Your self-esteem cannot be based on other people's opinion. Because it will always make you vulnerable to rejection. What's the solution? Discover what God thinks about you and build your life on it. "Thus says the Lord, who created you...who...redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." It doesn't get any better than that!

LET'S GET SPECIFIC

“Established in the faith…abounding in it.”
Col 2:7 NKJV

Addressing the Colossian believers about their lifestyle, Paul writes: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it” (vv. 6-7 NKJV). In the third and fourth chapters Paul gets specific. In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases His words: “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other…None of this going off and doing your own thing…Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them. Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master to no end. Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits. Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance…Being Christian doesn’t cover up bad work…masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don’t forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master—God in heaven. Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open…Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others” (Col 3:15–4:6 TM). Now, let’s get specific; what is God saying to you through these Scriptures?

LIFE WILL TEST YOU, PART 3

"God has come to test you."
Ex 20:20 NKJV

Do you remember your school days? When you were being tested the teacher was silent. The Bible says: "Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him...When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and...He...saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night [just before the dawn] he went out to them...walking on the lake...They cried out, because they...were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed" (Mk 6:45-51 NIV). This story teaches that:

(1) Being in the will of God requires you to go through storms. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all" (Ps 34:19). (2) When you can't see Him, His eye is still on you. You are never out of His sight, His care or His reach. (3) He will never give you an assignment you can complete without His help, so don't try it alone. (4) If you let it, fear will cloud your thinking and keep you from recognizing Him when He comes to you. (5) First He will speak to you, then to the circumstances that threaten you. When He does, you'll experience supernatural peace. (6) When your boat is "in the middle" of the storm, the best is yet to come! (7) The darkest hour is just before the dawn. Rejoice! The sun will shine again; God won't fail you.

LIFE WILL TEST YOU, PART 2

"God has come to test you."
Ex 20:20 NKJV

God told His people: "The Lord your God led you...these forty years in the wilderness, to...test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not" (Dt 8:2 NKJV). The tests of life reveal how well you take instruction, what you've learned, and what you'll do in any given set of circumstances. What you've been taught is only theory, until it's been tested. And life will test you!

Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a bird named Chippy: "Chippy the parakeet never saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage singing, the next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over. His problem began when his owner decided to clean his cage with a vacuum. She stuck the nozzle in to suck up the seeds and feathers at the bottom of the cage. Then the phone rang. Instinctively she turned to pick it up. She'd barely said ‘hello' when-sswwwwPPPPP! Chippy got sucked in. She gasped, let the phone drop, and snapped off the vacuum. With her heart in her mouth, she unzipped the bag. There was Chippy-alive, but stunned-covered with heavy black dust. She grabbed him and rushed to the bathtub, turned on the faucet full blast and held Chippy under a torrent of ice-cold water, power-washing him clean. Then she did what any compassionate pet owner would do: she snatched up the hairdryer and blasted the wet, shivering little bird with hot air." Swindoll closes his story with these words: "Chippy doesn't sing much any more." Life will test you, but don't let it steal your song!

LIFE WILL TEST YOU

"God has come to test you." Ex 20:20 NKJV

Do you remember the tests you took in school? You passed or failed, but you couldn't avoid them. Life works that way too. When it comes to life's tests-you must prepare yourself in advance! Jesus said: "A wise man...built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall...A foolish man...built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall" (Mt 7:24-27 NKJV). The first man built his house on rock because he knew it wasn't a question of "if," but "when," a storm will come. The second man built his house on sand because it was cheap and easy. When the storm came the first man's house stood and the second man's house fell. What's the point Jesus was making? Your talents, your résumé and your reputation may get you to the top, but if you haven't built strong character you won't stay there long. Furthermore, your beliefs may be sincere and line up with what other people around you think, but unless they're founded on God's Word they'll fail you when you need them most. Three times in the Bible we read, "The just shall live by faith" (Ro 1:17 NKJV). When the tests of life come you've got to be able to rise up and say, "I may not have all the answers, but I have proven God's character and track record and I'm trusting Him to do what He's promised in His Word!"

PRACTICE....

"Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress."
1Timothy 4:15 NLT

The average person in any line of work could double their productive capacity if they began right now to practice all the things they know they should do, and stopped practicing all the things they know they shouldn't do. Now, success doesn't come just by practice; you must practice right and do the right things. Dr. John Maxwell gives us four pillars of practice we should incorporate into our daily lives in order to succeed: (1) A good coach. Did you hear about the guy who entered his mule into the Kentucky Derby? "He'll never win," a friend said. "I know," he replied, "but we only learn and grow by association." You need to get around the right people (See 2Th 3:7-9).
(2) Your best effort. Are you practicing in a way, a time and a place that allow you to give your best? Are you giving yourself incentives? Paul's motivation was: "There is a crown waiting for me" (See 2Ti 4:8).
(3) A clear purpose. Be certain about what you're trying to accomplish. Effort without knowledge is like speed without direction. Paul's objective was to "complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me" (Ac 20:24 NIV).
(4) The right resources. Paul challenges Timothy to become a reader (See 1Ti 4:13). What resources should you invest in to help you excel?

You only play well if you practice well. So, where are you on the practice continuum? Just starting out? At the phase of rapid progress? Have you already made your greatest gains, now you're fine tuning? Knowing where you are, helps you know what you need to do. So keep practicing.

WHAT CAN YOU GIVE TODAY...APPRECIATION?

"Encourage him."
Duet. 1:38 NKJV

Some of us "self-starters" need little or no appreciation; the rest of us need it regularly. God told Moses to encourage Joshua, his replacement, because he'd big shoes to fill. Even Paul needed appreciation. "We were troubled on every side...Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (2Co 7:5-6 NKJV). When you show appreciation, you're doing God's work! We think wonderful things about people but we don't tell them. Appreciation only works when you express it! A psychologist interviewed the son of a successful business tycoon. The boy had refused to take over the family business after his dad's death, even though it would have made him very rich. The boy explained: "You don't understand the relationship I had with my father. He was a driven man who came up the hard way. His objective was to teach me self-reliance, and he thought the best way to do it, was never to encourage or praise me. Every day we played ball in the yard. The idea was for me to catch the ball ten straight times. I'd catch it eight or nine times, but always on the tenth throw he'd do everything possible to make me miss it. He'd throw it on the ground or over my head so I'd no chance of catching it." Then he paused tearfully and said, "That's why I have to get away; I want to catch that tenth ball!" This young man grew up feeling he could never be good enough to please his father. Sound familiar?

The Bible says, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" (Pr 12:25 NKJV). So, show appreciation.

YOU CAN CONQUER WORRY

"Do not...be anxious about tomorrow."
Matthew 6:34 AMP

Most of the stuff we worry about never happens, or turns out better than we anticipate. Worry, like faith, is a spiritual force. Like a magnet, it attracts the very things we fear, clouds our judgment and distorts our perspective. God never intended us to carry tomorrow's burdens along with today's. So, here are three steps to help you conquer worry:

(1) Replace it. Telling somebody not to worry doesn't work. Worry is like an emotional spasm; the only way to break it is to replace it. "Whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things" (Php 4:8 NIV). In other words, switch the channel!
(2) Dissect it. "Fear involves torment" (1Jn 4:18 NKJV). Worry torments you; your imagination runs amok, conjuring up all kinds of scary scenarios. But it's also illogical; when you take it apart rationally and systemically, it loses its power to control you.
(3) Rise above it. A well-known pastor was flying over the Mississippi River one day when the sky grew dark. "We can't see where we're going!" he exclaimed. Calmly the pilot replied, "We just need to rise above the ground heat, dust and smoke." After climbing another 1,000 feet they emerged into a clear, beautiful world. Corrie Ten Boom called faith "the radar that pierces through the fog." When worry tries to fog you in, you can rise above it by placing your trust in the Lord. "Those who trust in the Lord...will soar...like eagles" (Isa 40:31 NLT).

DO IT GOD'S WAY AND FIND FULFILLMENT

"the thief comes only to steal..."
John 10:10 NIV

I recently stumbled upon some of Paul Harvey's greatest stories. I read where a television news anchorman from Altoona, PA, using his own home as a demo, was showing his viewers how to protect their homes from robbers. TV anchorman Brandon Brooks installed double locks on all the doors, windows that can't be opened from outside, sophisticated alarms-the works. But what he failed to take into account was that thieves were also watching and learning the details of his security system and where the TV, VCR, and furniture were located. The following week, while Brooks was on the air, they cleaned him out-because that's what thieves do!

Satan is a thief! Jesus said he "comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life...to the full." Henry Blackaby says: "Since Adam and Eve, people have had to choose who to believe. Satan convinced them disobeying God would gain them everything. Instead it robbed them of all they had, and for the rest of their lives they experienced only a fraction of the blessing God intended...The world wants to convince you you'll find fulfillment by adopting its standards of morality for your marriage, raising your children, and advancing your career...If you believe this you'll never experience the blessings God intended. Sin brings death (Romans 6:23)...Jesus wants you to live your life with security, knowing you're His beloved child. If you're not experiencing His love, joy and peace today you're settling for less than God intended. If you've been making excuses for why you're not living an abundant and joyful life, determine to settle for nothing less than God's best. Instead of following the world's way...listen to the Savior's voice and...find fulfillment."

PUT AWAY YOUR OLD MEASURING ROD!

"It was a river." Eze 47:5 NKJV

Paul writes: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Eph 3:20 NKJV). You say, "With my lack of education, limited income, poor health and past mistakes, I don't see how I can succeed." When you're dealing with God, put away your old measuring rod! Ezekiel had a vision. He saw a river flowing from the temple:
"When the man went out...with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim...Then he said to me...it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live...Along the bank of the river...will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary" (Eze 47:3-12 NKJV).
Notice, this river flows from God. He is the One who determines your future and decides your abundance. No matter who sows or who reaps, "God...gives the increase" (1Co 3:7 NKJV). Who determines the extent of your blessing? God! So put away your old measuring rod!

VERGE OF ADULTRY

We, as the Church, are the bride of Christ. We are married to Christ in covenant union with Him sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, as we have learned is our convincer - he makes us aware and convinces us of where we are in standing with Christ. There is never a more difficult place in a marriage than when someone is committing adultery. When someone goes outside the marriage to get a need met. That is what cheating is...getting a legitimate need met in an illegitimate way. You cheat on your spouse and yourself and the consequences are horrible; this is why God hates divorce...he knows the consequences. Truth is, we are divorced in our hearts long before we sign the papers; that is why spouses are often stunned and shocked when affairs are revealed, because they didn't realize, they didn't know the other person has turned away in their heart first. This was the accusation of Jesus in Revelation 2 to the Ephesian Church. He said he was proud of the consistency, constancy, the work, the effort, but the charge was they were slipping away. They were on the verge of spiritual adultery and almost divorced in their hearts from him. They had forgotten their first love. He said, go back and do what you did in the beginning. How you get there is what keeps you there.


Sometimes you have to go back, back to your knees, back to prayer and fasting, back to engaging Scripture, back to the simple things. You have to go inward to solve the outward problems of your life. You have to engage your heart. It is the hardest work in the world, but it is the simplest...do what you did in the beginning. Remember the beginning and start there. The Holy Spirit will help you restore your marriage to Christ. He will bring you back from the verge of adultery and spiritual divorce. He will help you renew your vows and live the covenant relationship out to its fullest.

If you are committing adultery, repent. If you are divorced, remarry. Whatever you do, find your way back to Christ, he has never left and has been and always will be faithful. (Matt. 25, Eph. 5, 1 John 3 and 4,Gal.5.23; Rev. 2)

CAN THEY TELL YOU'VE BEEN WITH JESUS?

"They...recognized them as men who had been with Jesus."
Acts 4:13 NLT

Amy and I were having lunch with a pastor friend and his wife, we were talking about our jobs and our ministry as a pastor. Well, his wife chimed in and said "...and the way he drives is not a good impression on our business. He has signs on his truck and he always drives fast....honey you're gong to make somebody mad and they see our signs." She had a good point, and it got me thinking, Can people tell that I have been with Jesus? Can they see Him in me? Do I "represent" Him well?

Luann Prater says: "I got a company-logo license plate...now everybody can see who I work for. I was excited and proud-till somebody cut me off in traffic and I realized I can't react now without considering the impression it'll leave! If you had to wear ‘God's seal on your forehead' (See Rev 9:4), would you be nicer to the store clerk, the grumpy boss, the bratty kid? If the world could see at a glance who you are, would it alter your behavior?...When you're filled with the Holy Spirit it's as evident as having a nameplate saying you belong to Christ...I've gotten used to the nameplate now...I think before I react...consider the consequences...It no longer makes me anxious...afraid I'll discredit my company. Now people see me coming and wave...Who's reading your nameplate? Can they tell you've ‘been with Jesus?'"

Jesus laid it out clearly: "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (Jn 15:8 NIV). If somebody were to videotape your life would it show you're a loving husband or wife, a good parent, a conscientious worker and a joy to be around? Author Lysa TerKeurst says: "Let's be honest, it's tough being sold out for Christ in a flesh-filled body...I must allow His teaching to seep into my heart and mind...ask Him to interrupt my natural fleshly response with truths He taught me...So if my husband forgets to do something, or my kids punch my buttons, or somebody cuts me off in traffic...causing my flesh to rear up...I can say, ‘Father...do what You want, not what I want.'"