"You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV
Christ's critics told the truth when they said, "He stirs up the people" (Luke 23:5 NKJV). The apostles' critics told the truth when they said, "They have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6 NKJV). Jesus and His disciples were "Let's do something about it" people, rather than "Let's not make waves" people. Which are you? Jesus said: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out...You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father" (Mt 5:13-16 NKJV). The purpose of salt is to flavor, not to sit in a shaker. The purpose of light is to illuminate, not just be an accessory. Being shy, or inarticulate, or not knowing the Scriptures well enough to share them is not an acceptable excuse. You are the only Christian some people will ever meet, so a lot is riding on you. Jim Elliott, who died as a missionary and martyr, said: "God makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God, deliver me from the dead asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of your spirit that I may be a flame. Make me your fuel, flame of God." Today, make that your prayer!
FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 19.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
WHAT KIND OF SOIL ARE YOU?
"A sower went out to sow his seed."
Luke 8:5 NKJV
Greater 2010 Revival is under way! Old things, old attitudes, old struggles, old situations and circumstances, old way of thinking....has passed away, behold ALL things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Wow! God's Word is powerful, His Word can remove the old, and replace it with new and bring healing, restoration and revival to a dry and weary soul. (Hebrews 4:11-13)
Do you receive that? For that spiritual renewal, or surgery to take place....you need to get to the doctor, to the hospital and get preped to receive what ever it is that you need.
During this revival, I have noticed the diverseness of faith in people. From small faith to large, no matter what size, God is pleased. But there is one thing that I believe the Lord is showing me. And that is not only the different measures of faith....but the different soils of each life to receive what they need.
The seed of God's Word is always productive. The only variable is the soil of our hearts. In the parable of the sower Jesus discusses different kinds of soil:
(1) Hard soil. In Bible times hard-packed footpaths ran alongside the farmer's field. Any seed falling there just shriveled and died. Be careful; when you've been walked on and disappointed, you can become callous; you can develop a tough, impenetrable shield that makes it easy for Satan to come along and steal the seed of God's Word before it has a chance to grow. Prayer will keep that from happening, so "break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord" (Hos 10:12 NIV).
(2) Superficial soil. In Jesus' day much of the farmland was just a few inches of topsoil over rock, with nothing to sustain roots. One Bible teacher writes: "Superficiality is the curse of the age. We live in a world of shallow relationships, superficial conversations, and hurried moments of prayer. We bounce from one spiritual activity to another without any real root system."
(3) Cluttered soil. This ground was overgrown with weeds. There was no room for anything else. Clutter happens so easily. And it's dangerous because it's so subtle. Ever notice how often you're bombarded with guarantees that material things will bring you happiness? Like the car manufacturer who advertises, "You can't buy happiness--but you can drive it!" Get real! Do a soil analysis and weed out anything that's hindering your spiritual growth. Once your heart's tender, your devotion deep, and your life uncluttered, you'll be good ground that yields fruit for God.
Luke 8:5 NKJV
Greater 2010 Revival is under way! Old things, old attitudes, old struggles, old situations and circumstances, old way of thinking....has passed away, behold ALL things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Wow! God's Word is powerful, His Word can remove the old, and replace it with new and bring healing, restoration and revival to a dry and weary soul. (Hebrews 4:11-13)
Do you receive that? For that spiritual renewal, or surgery to take place....you need to get to the doctor, to the hospital and get preped to receive what ever it is that you need.
During this revival, I have noticed the diverseness of faith in people. From small faith to large, no matter what size, God is pleased. But there is one thing that I believe the Lord is showing me. And that is not only the different measures of faith....but the different soils of each life to receive what they need.
The seed of God's Word is always productive. The only variable is the soil of our hearts. In the parable of the sower Jesus discusses different kinds of soil:
(1) Hard soil. In Bible times hard-packed footpaths ran alongside the farmer's field. Any seed falling there just shriveled and died. Be careful; when you've been walked on and disappointed, you can become callous; you can develop a tough, impenetrable shield that makes it easy for Satan to come along and steal the seed of God's Word before it has a chance to grow. Prayer will keep that from happening, so "break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord" (Hos 10:12 NIV).
(2) Superficial soil. In Jesus' day much of the farmland was just a few inches of topsoil over rock, with nothing to sustain roots. One Bible teacher writes: "Superficiality is the curse of the age. We live in a world of shallow relationships, superficial conversations, and hurried moments of prayer. We bounce from one spiritual activity to another without any real root system."
(3) Cluttered soil. This ground was overgrown with weeds. There was no room for anything else. Clutter happens so easily. And it's dangerous because it's so subtle. Ever notice how often you're bombarded with guarantees that material things will bring you happiness? Like the car manufacturer who advertises, "You can't buy happiness--but you can drive it!" Get real! Do a soil analysis and weed out anything that's hindering your spiritual growth. Once your heart's tender, your devotion deep, and your life uncluttered, you'll be good ground that yields fruit for God.
Monday, March 29, 2010
....AND HE KNOWS!
Psalm 37:16-20
When you look at the wicked and see their prosperity, don't fret or do anything foolish. The Lord is on your side, and "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). In this passage God gives us all the assurance we need to have peace in our hearts. "A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked" (v. 16).
Here is your First assurance: God knows how much we need, and all of His wealth is available to us. What good is it to have a million-dollar house if it's not a home? What good is it to have a huge bank account if our values are not right? David is telling us that it's better to have a little and have God (because then we have everything) than to have much and not have God.
Our Second assurance is that God knows how much we can take. "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous" (v.17). He knows how great a burden we can bear, how fierce a battle we can fight. When God puts us in the furnace, He always keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.
Third, God knows the days that we will live. "The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever" (v. 18). He has a plan for your life. That sounds like a Christian clichè, but it's true.
Ever been on a trip where a guide, or tour guide is needed? If so, you place your confidence and assurance in that guide, because they have been there before, they know what they are talking about.
That's how God wants us to live, TRUSTING HIM! Yes....He does know and He does care for you! He wants us to leave everything with Him, because He knows how much we need, how much we can take and what will happen each day. Don't worry; live a day at a time. God's Word is clear, "As your days, so shall your strength be" (Deut. 33:25).
Take comfort in knowing that God is intimately aware of your needs. He knows what you need and what your limits are. Do you have pressing needs? Leave them with Him. Trust Him to provide them and resist the urge to look ahead and worry. Concentrate on what God is doing for you today.
When you look at the wicked and see their prosperity, don't fret or do anything foolish. The Lord is on your side, and "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). In this passage God gives us all the assurance we need to have peace in our hearts. "A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked" (v. 16).
Here is your First assurance: God knows how much we need, and all of His wealth is available to us. What good is it to have a million-dollar house if it's not a home? What good is it to have a huge bank account if our values are not right? David is telling us that it's better to have a little and have God (because then we have everything) than to have much and not have God.
Our Second assurance is that God knows how much we can take. "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous" (v.17). He knows how great a burden we can bear, how fierce a battle we can fight. When God puts us in the furnace, He always keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.
Third, God knows the days that we will live. "The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever" (v. 18). He has a plan for your life. That sounds like a Christian clichè, but it's true.
Ever been on a trip where a guide, or tour guide is needed? If so, you place your confidence and assurance in that guide, because they have been there before, they know what they are talking about.
That's how God wants us to live, TRUSTING HIM! Yes....He does know and He does care for you! He wants us to leave everything with Him, because He knows how much we need, how much we can take and what will happen each day. Don't worry; live a day at a time. God's Word is clear, "As your days, so shall your strength be" (Deut. 33:25).
Take comfort in knowing that God is intimately aware of your needs. He knows what you need and what your limits are. Do you have pressing needs? Leave them with Him. Trust Him to provide them and resist the urge to look ahead and worry. Concentrate on what God is doing for you today.
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
"He will take care of you."
Psalm 55:22 NLT
Gladys Aylward, missionary to China more than fifty years ago, was forced to flee when the Japanese invaded Yuncheng. With only one assistant, she led a hundred orphans over the mountains toward free China. During the journey she grappled with fear. After passing a sleepless night she faced the morning with no hope of reaching safety. A thirteen-year-old girl in the group reminded her of their much-loved story of Moses and the Red Sea. "But I am not Moses," Gladys sighed in despair. "Of course you aren't," the girl said, "but God is still God!" When Gladys and the orphans made it through they proved once again that no matter how inadequate we feel, God is still God, and we can still trust Him.
Sometimes God calms the storm, other times He lets the storm rage and calms us. Either way, He sustains us and brings us through. We always have a choice: either we give the burden to God or we try to carry it ourselves. How does God provide for us? One day at a time. Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? Each day God fed them by sending manna from heaven. Notice how it worked. The number of people in your family determined the amount of manna you received, no more and no less. And God would only allow you to collect enough for each day; if you tried to hoard more, it rotted. Getting the idea? So trust God for today and leave tomorrow in His hands. "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you."
Psalm 55:22 NLT
Gladys Aylward, missionary to China more than fifty years ago, was forced to flee when the Japanese invaded Yuncheng. With only one assistant, she led a hundred orphans over the mountains toward free China. During the journey she grappled with fear. After passing a sleepless night she faced the morning with no hope of reaching safety. A thirteen-year-old girl in the group reminded her of their much-loved story of Moses and the Red Sea. "But I am not Moses," Gladys sighed in despair. "Of course you aren't," the girl said, "but God is still God!" When Gladys and the orphans made it through they proved once again that no matter how inadequate we feel, God is still God, and we can still trust Him.
Sometimes God calms the storm, other times He lets the storm rage and calms us. Either way, He sustains us and brings us through. We always have a choice: either we give the burden to God or we try to carry it ourselves. How does God provide for us? One day at a time. Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? Each day God fed them by sending manna from heaven. Notice how it worked. The number of people in your family determined the amount of manna you received, no more and no less. And God would only allow you to collect enough for each day; if you tried to hoard more, it rotted. Getting the idea? So trust God for today and leave tomorrow in His hands. "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you."
Friday, March 26, 2010
GREATER 2010
I want to personally invite you (my blogger and E-votional friends) to our GREATER 2010 Spring Revival. Some have asked about our church, others just curious, but I encourage you to make plans to come one of the services and see for yourself. Here at YHC, we consider ourself a hospital. There are a number of people, couples, families that are discouraged, down and need something to help bring them out. YHC is a FAMILY church, a HEALING church, a LOVING church and a GROWING church.
Sunday services begin at 10:30am and 6:00pm. All services Monday - Wednesday nights begin at 7:00pm.
Make plans.....bring your husband, your wife, there's something for the kids. I know that you will be blessed!
Pastor Bobby Richardson
Sunday services begin at 10:30am and 6:00pm. All services Monday - Wednesday nights begin at 7:00pm.
Make plans.....bring your husband, your wife, there's something for the kids. I know that you will be blessed!
Pastor Bobby Richardson
HE'LL DO IT AGAIN
Psalm 37:5-7
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (v. 5). Bring what to pass? God will bring to pass the thing that does you the most good and that brings Him the most glory. This is a good verse to memorize, a good hedge to plant. No doubt there is something in your life you would like God to do. You've been thinking about it, dreaming about it and praying about it. If God is going to accomplish things for us and in us and through us, we must follow certain instructions.
First, we must commit our way to the Lord. This is a definite act of our will. We don't commit it to the Lord and then take it back, anymore than a farmer plants his seed and then keeps digging it up to see if it's growing! Committing our way to the Lord is an act of the will, an act of faith. We make our way His way, and we make His way our way.
Second, we must trust God. What does it mean to trust God? It means to believe His promises and to know that He is such a wonderful God that He always can be trusted. We trust people because of their good character or performance. God's character is perfect, and His record is perfect.
Third, we must wait on the Lord. When will He act? When He wants to. This is why David adds, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (v. 7). Martin Luther translated this, "Be silent to God, and let Him hold thee." I like that. Just rest in the Lord. Wait for Him. He's working in you and on you while He's working for you. Commit, trust and wait, and He will bring it to pass.
What would you like to see God do in your life? Start by aligning your will with His. Commit your way to Him, trust Him and wait on Him. God is working for you. In His time He will accomplish His work.
God has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11), and He has known you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5) and what He has started...He will carry out, (Philippians 1:6) and He'll do it again!
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (v. 5). Bring what to pass? God will bring to pass the thing that does you the most good and that brings Him the most glory. This is a good verse to memorize, a good hedge to plant. No doubt there is something in your life you would like God to do. You've been thinking about it, dreaming about it and praying about it. If God is going to accomplish things for us and in us and through us, we must follow certain instructions.
First, we must commit our way to the Lord. This is a definite act of our will. We don't commit it to the Lord and then take it back, anymore than a farmer plants his seed and then keeps digging it up to see if it's growing! Committing our way to the Lord is an act of the will, an act of faith. We make our way His way, and we make His way our way.
Second, we must trust God. What does it mean to trust God? It means to believe His promises and to know that He is such a wonderful God that He always can be trusted. We trust people because of their good character or performance. God's character is perfect, and His record is perfect.
Third, we must wait on the Lord. When will He act? When He wants to. This is why David adds, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (v. 7). Martin Luther translated this, "Be silent to God, and let Him hold thee." I like that. Just rest in the Lord. Wait for Him. He's working in you and on you while He's working for you. Commit, trust and wait, and He will bring it to pass.
What would you like to see God do in your life? Start by aligning your will with His. Commit your way to Him, trust Him and wait on Him. God is working for you. In His time He will accomplish His work.
God has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11), and He has known you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5) and what He has started...He will carry out, (Philippians 1:6) and He'll do it again!
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!
"Because you have been trustworthy."
Luke 19:17 NIV
Money will buy you a bed but not sleep, books but not brains, food but not an appetite, a house but not a home, medicine but not health, luxuries but not happiness, image but not character, and religion but not salvation. You say, " Does that mean God doesn't want me to have money?" No, He will actually trust you with more money when you demonstrate that your trust is not in your money, but in Him alone (See 1Timothy 6:17). The Bible teaches three things about money: (1) When you become a good steward of what you have, God will entrust you with more. "Then he sent for the servants to whom he had give the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities'" (Luke 19:15-17 NIV). (2) When your focus is on serving others, God will entrust you with more. When Job took the focus off himself and began to pray for others, "The Lord... gave him twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10 NIV). (3) When you can walk away from material things to do God's will, God will entrust you with more. Abraham left the security of his home to fulfill God's plan, and he ended up one of the world's wealthiest men. On the other hand, the rich young ruler said no to following Christ because the cost was too high (See Mark 10:17-22). You ask, "What was the cost?" Everything!
Luke 19:17 NIV
Money will buy you a bed but not sleep, books but not brains, food but not an appetite, a house but not a home, medicine but not health, luxuries but not happiness, image but not character, and religion but not salvation. You say, " Does that mean God doesn't want me to have money?" No, He will actually trust you with more money when you demonstrate that your trust is not in your money, but in Him alone (See 1Timothy 6:17). The Bible teaches three things about money: (1) When you become a good steward of what you have, God will entrust you with more. "Then he sent for the servants to whom he had give the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities'" (Luke 19:15-17 NIV). (2) When your focus is on serving others, God will entrust you with more. When Job took the focus off himself and began to pray for others, "The Lord... gave him twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10 NIV). (3) When you can walk away from material things to do God's will, God will entrust you with more. Abraham left the security of his home to fulfill God's plan, and he ended up one of the world's wealthiest men. On the other hand, the rich young ruler said no to following Christ because the cost was too high (See Mark 10:17-22). You ask, "What was the cost?" Everything!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MEASURE YOURSELF
Psalm 37:1-4
Psalm 37 begins with a personal and practical admonition: Do not fret. Have you ever been fretful? Fret means: to feel or express worry, annoyance or discontent. How do we calm a fretful spirit and bring peace to a troubled heart? "Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity" (v. 1). Why do we envy the wicked? They seem to be prospering; they seem to be so happy. But what do they have that we need? In God we have everything we need. Whenever we find ourselves fretting, it's probably because we are measuring ourselves against others. That's the wrong thing to do. Instead, measure yourself against yourself. You're not competing with others; you're competing with yourself. Also measure yourself against the Lord Jesus Christ, because He is the One you are to be like: "The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13).
David reminds us: "For they [the wicked] shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good" (vv. 2,3). When you fix your eyes on the Lord and trust and obey Him, that fretful spirit quiets down, and peace comes to your heart. Whenever I stop trusting the Lord for my needs and for His help, my heart becomes heavy and burdened, and then I become fretful and worried. So "trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness" (v. 3). God takes care of His own.
We find a third admonition. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (v. 4). When we delight in the Lord, we learn to appreciate the delights of the Lord. Our desires become His desires, and we pray and live in His will.
Don't fret today. Look to the Lord in faith, trust in Him and delight in Him.
Competing with others and comparing yourself to them can lead to fretting. Measure yourself only against yourself and against Jesus Christ. Consider your needs. Are there any the Lord cannot provide? Place your trust in His provision. He is faithful.
Psalm 37 begins with a personal and practical admonition: Do not fret. Have you ever been fretful? Fret means: to feel or express worry, annoyance or discontent. How do we calm a fretful spirit and bring peace to a troubled heart? "Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity" (v. 1). Why do we envy the wicked? They seem to be prospering; they seem to be so happy. But what do they have that we need? In God we have everything we need. Whenever we find ourselves fretting, it's probably because we are measuring ourselves against others. That's the wrong thing to do. Instead, measure yourself against yourself. You're not competing with others; you're competing with yourself. Also measure yourself against the Lord Jesus Christ, because He is the One you are to be like: "The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13).
David reminds us: "For they [the wicked] shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good" (vv. 2,3). When you fix your eyes on the Lord and trust and obey Him, that fretful spirit quiets down, and peace comes to your heart. Whenever I stop trusting the Lord for my needs and for His help, my heart becomes heavy and burdened, and then I become fretful and worried. So "trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness" (v. 3). God takes care of His own.
We find a third admonition. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (v. 4). When we delight in the Lord, we learn to appreciate the delights of the Lord. Our desires become His desires, and we pray and live in His will.
Don't fret today. Look to the Lord in faith, trust in Him and delight in Him.
Competing with others and comparing yourself to them can lead to fretting. Measure yourself only against yourself and against Jesus Christ. Consider your needs. Are there any the Lord cannot provide? Place your trust in His provision. He is faithful.
COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES (PART 2)
"It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"
Pr 15:23 NLT
Communication is important in ANY relationship, but vital in a marriage. Here are three communication principles you should practice: (1) The principle of proper timing. Dr. James Dobson says, "Love can perish when a man and wife forget how to talk to each other." But it's equally important to say the right thing at the right time. If there's something you want to discuss with your husband or wife, wait till the kids aren't around. Don't bring it up over dinner when everybody's tired and hungry. When you must talk immediately, put down the newspaper, turn the TV off, walk away from the computer and give each other your full attention. (2) The principle of mirroring. "Hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to... knowledge" (Pr 22:17 NKJV). Understanding increases when you measure it throughout the conversation. Have you ever said something to your partner and they heard something completely different? Mirroring lets you know you're really communicating. When your spouse makes a point, respond by saying, "What I hear you saying is..." or, "Are you saying...?" Then rephrase what you think you heard and wait for affirmation or correction. It's not about "being right" and defending your position, it's about making sure you're "getting" each other. (3) The principle of prayer. This is the most important one, because God is the only third partner in a marriage who can make it work. Dig the well before you get thirsty, by making a habit of praying together. R.A. Torrey says: "Many fail...because they wait until the hour of battle...others succeed because they've gained the victory on their knees long before...Anticipate battles, and fight them on your knees before they arise."
Husband, your wife needs to hear you pray for her, wives, your husband needs to hear your pray for him.
Pr 15:23 NLT
Communication is important in ANY relationship, but vital in a marriage. Here are three communication principles you should practice: (1) The principle of proper timing. Dr. James Dobson says, "Love can perish when a man and wife forget how to talk to each other." But it's equally important to say the right thing at the right time. If there's something you want to discuss with your husband or wife, wait till the kids aren't around. Don't bring it up over dinner when everybody's tired and hungry. When you must talk immediately, put down the newspaper, turn the TV off, walk away from the computer and give each other your full attention. (2) The principle of mirroring. "Hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to... knowledge" (Pr 22:17 NKJV). Understanding increases when you measure it throughout the conversation. Have you ever said something to your partner and they heard something completely different? Mirroring lets you know you're really communicating. When your spouse makes a point, respond by saying, "What I hear you saying is..." or, "Are you saying...?" Then rephrase what you think you heard and wait for affirmation or correction. It's not about "being right" and defending your position, it's about making sure you're "getting" each other. (3) The principle of prayer. This is the most important one, because God is the only third partner in a marriage who can make it work. Dig the well before you get thirsty, by making a habit of praying together. R.A. Torrey says: "Many fail...because they wait until the hour of battle...others succeed because they've gained the victory on their knees long before...Anticipate battles, and fight them on your knees before they arise."
Husband, your wife needs to hear you pray for her, wives, your husband needs to hear your pray for him.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES
"Whatever is in your heart determines what you say."
Matthew 12:34 NLT
The sign under a largemouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: "If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!" Jesus said, "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships. Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings... it comes out in your speech... If we intentionally... fill our hearts with love and respect... it overflows into our speech." Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger... harsh words make tempers flare" (Pr 15:1 NLT).
Author Rob Flood outlines two principles that helped change his attitude and heal his marriage:
(1) The principle of first response. The course of any conflict is determined by the responder, not the initiator. When the Pharisees questions Jesus, their intent was usually to trap Him. But because He had the power to determine the direction of the conversation, "They failed... Instead, they were amazed by his answer" (Lk 20:26 NLT). (2) The principle of physical touch. This is hard to apply once an argument has started. So when you know you're about to embark on a touchy subject you may find it beneficial to hold hands or sit close so you naturally touch. Ever notice it's hard to fight with someone when you're making physical contact? Even if you do get into an argument, physical separation can be a visual clue that it's time to switch tactics and regroup.
Matthew 12:34 NLT
The sign under a largemouth bass in a taxidermist's window read: "If I'd just kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here!" Jesus said, "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." It actually sets the tone in your relationships. Seven percent of our communication is based on content, 38 percent on tone of voice, and 55 percent on nonverbal signals like your facial expression, how you sit and what you do with your hands. Author Mandy Houk says: "If you care little for [people's] feelings... it comes out in your speech... If we intentionally... fill our hearts with love and respect... it overflows into our speech." Solomon said, "A gentle answer deflects anger... harsh words make tempers flare" (Pr 15:1 NLT).
Author Rob Flood outlines two principles that helped change his attitude and heal his marriage:
(1) The principle of first response. The course of any conflict is determined by the responder, not the initiator. When the Pharisees questions Jesus, their intent was usually to trap Him. But because He had the power to determine the direction of the conversation, "They failed... Instead, they were amazed by his answer" (Lk 20:26 NLT). (2) The principle of physical touch. This is hard to apply once an argument has started. So when you know you're about to embark on a touchy subject you may find it beneficial to hold hands or sit close so you naturally touch. Ever notice it's hard to fight with someone when you're making physical contact? Even if you do get into an argument, physical separation can be a visual clue that it's time to switch tactics and regroup.
TRUSTING THE LORD
Psalm 34:17-22
Christians must entrust five burdens to the Lord to receive blessings from Him.
First, trust the Lord with your frustrations (v. 17). The word
trouble means "to be in a bind" or "frustrated." Sometimes we bring
trouble on ourselves, as did David. The only safe place is in the will of
God. Sometimes other people cause our troubles, as Saul often did for
David. And sometimes we have troubles because God knows we need them. When
we have troubles, we need to pray for His help. Trust the Lord with your
frustrations.
Second, trust the Lord with your feelings (v. 18). David was repenting
because of his sin, and his heart was broken. God respects that attitude;
He is always near those who have a broken heart.
Third, trust the Lord with your future (v. 20). The word guard means "to
exercise great care over, to protect." When Jesus was on the cross, the
Devil was doing his worst, yet he could do only what God permitted. God
was guarding His own Son, and He will guard us, for He is concerned with
our future.
Fourth, trust the Lord with your foes (v. 21). Their own sin will slay
them. "Evil shall slay the wicked." Give your enemies to the Lord. Let Him
be the Judge (Rom. 12:17-21)
.
Finally, trust the Lord with your failures (v. 22). The word condemned
means "to be held guilty." David sinned against the Lord (the cause of his
broken heart), but God rescued and forgave him.
If you want to have a good day, trust the Lord with these five burdens.
When you became a Christian, you trusted Jesus as your Savior, and He
saved you from the penalty of your sin. But don't stop there. You need to
entrust your life to God daily. Entrust these burdens to Him and receive
the blessings He has for you.
Christians must entrust five burdens to the Lord to receive blessings from Him.
First, trust the Lord with your frustrations (v. 17). The word
trouble means "to be in a bind" or "frustrated." Sometimes we bring
trouble on ourselves, as did David. The only safe place is in the will of
God. Sometimes other people cause our troubles, as Saul often did for
David. And sometimes we have troubles because God knows we need them. When
we have troubles, we need to pray for His help. Trust the Lord with your
frustrations.
Second, trust the Lord with your feelings (v. 18). David was repenting
because of his sin, and his heart was broken. God respects that attitude;
He is always near those who have a broken heart.
Third, trust the Lord with your future (v. 20). The word guard means "to
exercise great care over, to protect." When Jesus was on the cross, the
Devil was doing his worst, yet he could do only what God permitted. God
was guarding His own Son, and He will guard us, for He is concerned with
our future.
Fourth, trust the Lord with your foes (v. 21). Their own sin will slay
them. "Evil shall slay the wicked." Give your enemies to the Lord. Let Him
be the Judge (Rom. 12:17-21)
.
Finally, trust the Lord with your failures (v. 22). The word condemned
means "to be held guilty." David sinned against the Lord (the cause of his
broken heart), but God rescued and forgave him.
If you want to have a good day, trust the Lord with these five burdens.
When you became a Christian, you trusted Jesus as your Savior, and He
saved you from the penalty of your sin. But don't stop there. You need to
entrust your life to God daily. Entrust these burdens to Him and receive
the blessings He has for you.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
KNOW WHO YOU ARE (PART 2)
"Paul wrote in Philippians, "He emptied Himself." He cried from His heart, nails in His hands, and poured out His blood that we might believe His love for us. Significantly, Jesus chose the giving tree, His cross, as the demonstrative sign of His absolutely furious love for men and women. Described in the words of one early church father:... "the mightiest act of love ever to arise from a human soul."
How is it then that we've come to imagine that Christianity consists of primarily in what we do for God? How has this come to be the good news of Jesus? Is the kingdom that He proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women who go to church on Sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously appose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody?
Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of Calvary? Is that why He emerged in shattering glory from the tomb? Is that why He poured out His Holy Spirit on the church? To make nicer men and women with better morals?
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.
The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand new creations. Not to make people with better morals, but to create a community of prophets, teachers, preachers, evangelists and professional spiritual lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in even greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love.
This, my friends, is what it really means to be a Christian.
How is it then that we've come to imagine that Christianity consists of primarily in what we do for God? How has this come to be the good news of Jesus? Is the kingdom that He proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women who go to church on Sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously appose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody?
Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of Calvary? Is that why He emerged in shattering glory from the tomb? Is that why He poured out His Holy Spirit on the church? To make nicer men and women with better morals?
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.
The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand new creations. Not to make people with better morals, but to create a community of prophets, teachers, preachers, evangelists and professional spiritual lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in even greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love.
This, my friends, is what it really means to be a Christian.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES CHARACTER MAKE?
"Suffering produces perseverance."
Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Character is a word that brings many definitions from individuals. Individual character is sometimes taught or preached on, but what about church character? I know what some of you are thinking and I'm not talking about chracters in ther church.....but "church character". You don't hear to many sermons or teachings on "church character".
Leslie Williams writes: "An oilman discovered someone was illegally extracting oil from his property. When it went to court the man bribed the judge, throwing the oilman into debt. However, instead of declaring bankruptcy he paid it all off. The other man died wealthy. The oilman didn't. One left a legacy of money, the other a legacy of honor. I know, because that oilman was my grandfather." Williams continues: "I taught at a school where one of the deans flaunted his affair with a student... Shady financial transfers almost cost the school its accreditation... students [and teachers] didn't turn up for class. Professors gave negative scores to students they didn't like. Backstabbing created a 50 percent turnover in faculty... In case after case a quick fix preempted character development. The result was a college... trapped in a downward spiral of pettiness, low standards, and jealousy. What difference does character make? Now I work at [a college] where administrators make the tough decisions necessary for survival and respect. Professors caught in bed with students are fired. Drugs and alcohol are dealt with. Professors and students are required to turn up for class. Money is audited, and transactions are on the level. This school received an almost perfect accreditation score. The result is an atmosphere like a loving family. They've built five new... buildings to handle increasing student numbers."
Paul says, "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Trying to circumvent the principle of suffering producing character may bring temporary relief, but in the long run you lose out. Jesus walked out the process from beginning to end.
Character-building always involves a cross-- but the end result is always a crown.
Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Character is a word that brings many definitions from individuals. Individual character is sometimes taught or preached on, but what about church character? I know what some of you are thinking and I'm not talking about chracters in ther church.....but "church character". You don't hear to many sermons or teachings on "church character".
Leslie Williams writes: "An oilman discovered someone was illegally extracting oil from his property. When it went to court the man bribed the judge, throwing the oilman into debt. However, instead of declaring bankruptcy he paid it all off. The other man died wealthy. The oilman didn't. One left a legacy of money, the other a legacy of honor. I know, because that oilman was my grandfather." Williams continues: "I taught at a school where one of the deans flaunted his affair with a student... Shady financial transfers almost cost the school its accreditation... students [and teachers] didn't turn up for class. Professors gave negative scores to students they didn't like. Backstabbing created a 50 percent turnover in faculty... In case after case a quick fix preempted character development. The result was a college... trapped in a downward spiral of pettiness, low standards, and jealousy. What difference does character make? Now I work at [a college] where administrators make the tough decisions necessary for survival and respect. Professors caught in bed with students are fired. Drugs and alcohol are dealt with. Professors and students are required to turn up for class. Money is audited, and transactions are on the level. This school received an almost perfect accreditation score. The result is an atmosphere like a loving family. They've built five new... buildings to handle increasing student numbers."
Paul says, "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Trying to circumvent the principle of suffering producing character may bring temporary relief, but in the long run you lose out. Jesus walked out the process from beginning to end.
Character-building always involves a cross-- but the end result is always a crown.
Monday, March 22, 2010
KNOW WHO YOU ARE
My Emmaus weekend taught me that what I do is not who I am. What I do at work and church is a part of my life that I can let go or put on pause for a little while. Who I am is a King's Kid-his princess. Sometimes the pressures of life make you forget that. I had to realize who I am and whose I am. I've had a long journey with Christ growing up in church. I'm one of those people that can't tell you the time or place i got saved because I've always been in church. My acceptance of Christ was a young age, but I've had to die a lot since. Life beats you down and the devil puts thoughts in your head that you're not worthy enough to be called by God. But the Bible states He knew me before I was born -He chose me!! See it is a choice we make to serve God, but it's God who chooses us in the very beginning. I realized that God has never left me, I just chose to walk in front of Him - become too busy to realize He was there beside me. God's got great timing! I will now be able to have the fullest of joy as I spend each day with God and be ready for this weekend's women's conference and Greater2010 Spring Revival. You may not have experienced the Emmaus Walk, but that's okay. What I went to was not some charasmatic, shouting, throw down, fall out and experience God service. Where I found God was in a quiet, peaceful moment just me and Him. You can find Him too. Know He loves you no matter what has happened. He chose you. Will you choose Him too?
Yorkville Heights First Lady, Amy
God's Princess-my husband's Queen! Know who you are!!
Yorkville Heights First Lady, Amy
God's Princess-my husband's Queen! Know who you are!!
BEING A LENS
Psalm 35:22-28
Each of us is a lens that magnifies what we live for. People can look at and through our lives and see what is really important to us. The athlete magnifies his sport, his team and his winning record. The musician magnifies the instrument he plays. The scholar magnifies his discipline. As God's people, we should magnify the Lord.
The sinner, however, wants to magnify only himself. David said, "Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me" (v. 26). Notice the phrase "who magnify themselves against me." Whenever you live to magnify yourself, you are always against someone else. This means competition. And God doesn't want us to live competitively.
Our great desire should be to magnify the Lord, not ourselves. David said, "Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the Lord be magnified'" (v. 27). The Apostle Paul said, "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Are you magnifying the Lord today? Can people listen to your words, look at your life, measure your actions and say, "She belongs to the Lord. He belongs to the Lord"? It's important that people see the Lord, not us.
The most important quality of a lens is cleanliness. When the lenses of my glasses get dirty, I see the dirt. So I have to clean them. When we are dirty, people see us rather than the Lord. Let's keep our lives clean today. Let's magnify the Lord together; He is worthy of all praise.
Christians are on display before the world. What an opportunity and responsibility you have to impact others for Christ! If you love the Lord, you will want to magnify Him. Watch your words and actions. Are you living for Jesus? Keep the lens of your life clean so that He may be magnified through you.
Each of us is a lens that magnifies what we live for. People can look at and through our lives and see what is really important to us. The athlete magnifies his sport, his team and his winning record. The musician magnifies the instrument he plays. The scholar magnifies his discipline. As God's people, we should magnify the Lord.
The sinner, however, wants to magnify only himself. David said, "Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me" (v. 26). Notice the phrase "who magnify themselves against me." Whenever you live to magnify yourself, you are always against someone else. This means competition. And God doesn't want us to live competitively.
Our great desire should be to magnify the Lord, not ourselves. David said, "Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the Lord be magnified'" (v. 27). The Apostle Paul said, "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Are you magnifying the Lord today? Can people listen to your words, look at your life, measure your actions and say, "She belongs to the Lord. He belongs to the Lord"? It's important that people see the Lord, not us.
The most important quality of a lens is cleanliness. When the lenses of my glasses get dirty, I see the dirt. So I have to clean them. When we are dirty, people see us rather than the Lord. Let's keep our lives clean today. Let's magnify the Lord together; He is worthy of all praise.
Christians are on display before the world. What an opportunity and responsibility you have to impact others for Christ! If you love the Lord, you will want to magnify Him. Watch your words and actions. Are you living for Jesus? Keep the lens of your life clean so that He may be magnified through you.
GO ALL THE WAY!
"And go all the way with him."
Philippians 3:10
While John was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos, far from his loved ones and surrounded by the cries of abused captives, he had a vision of Jesus. He writes, "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead" (Rev 1:17 NKJV). Incredible revelation in the midst of confinement, chaos and pain-- that's how it works! The difficult circumstances you're going through right now can actually clear your perceptions, cause you to seek God as never before, and find answers for your life. John's predicament proves that negative experiences don't hide the Lord--they reveal Him. Instead of destroying you, Satan's attack can actually develop you.
Yes, it stresses you, but it also stretches you spiritually. In Hebrews chapter 11 we see two things:
the deeds of their faith and the depth of their faith. Where did God prove His faithfulness to Daniel? In the lion's den. Where did the Lord reveal Himself to the three Hebrew children? In a fire heated seven times over. There's a place in God where fiery trials consume everything except your desire to know Him. Though that place may sometimes escape your grasp, never let it escape your gaze. It was Paul's all-consuming goal: "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him."
There it is: no reservations, no retreat, and no regrets; just a desire to know God intimately and a commitment to "go all the way with him." Let that be your heart's desire today!
Philippians 3:10
While John was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos, far from his loved ones and surrounded by the cries of abused captives, he had a vision of Jesus. He writes, "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead" (Rev 1:17 NKJV). Incredible revelation in the midst of confinement, chaos and pain-- that's how it works! The difficult circumstances you're going through right now can actually clear your perceptions, cause you to seek God as never before, and find answers for your life. John's predicament proves that negative experiences don't hide the Lord--they reveal Him. Instead of destroying you, Satan's attack can actually develop you.
Yes, it stresses you, but it also stretches you spiritually. In Hebrews chapter 11 we see two things:
the deeds of their faith and the depth of their faith. Where did God prove His faithfulness to Daniel? In the lion's den. Where did the Lord reveal Himself to the three Hebrew children? In a fire heated seven times over. There's a place in God where fiery trials consume everything except your desire to know Him. Though that place may sometimes escape your grasp, never let it escape your gaze. It was Paul's all-consuming goal: "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him."
There it is: no reservations, no retreat, and no regrets; just a desire to know God intimately and a commitment to "go all the way with him." Let that be your heart's desire today!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
GOD'S TOOLS
Psalm 34:19-22
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (v. 19). The psalmist does not say, "I thought the Lord kept us out of afflictions. I thought that if I read my Bible every day and prayed and tried to obey His will, I would never have any afflictions." Instead, he says that we will face many afflictions.
Why do we have afflictions in our lives? We have some afflictions simply because we are human. They are just a part of human life. We get older, and our bodies begin to run down. Not every sickness, every accident or every problem we face comes because God is angry at us or is disciplining us. They may just be a part of life.
We also have afflictions because Satan is against us. He'd love to destroy us. Or, afflictions may come because we have disobeyed the Lord. I'm glad for those; I'm glad that God loves me enough to "spank" me when I've disobeyed Him.
But often, afflictions are God's tools for helping us grow. We don't really grow until we've been through the furnace, through the storm or through the battle. God is not raising hothouse plants that shrivel when the hot wind blows on them. No, He wants to raise mature sons and daughters, and that's why we have afflictions. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (v. 19). He doesn't keep us out of them. He delivers us from them. Sometimes He changes the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us. The real secret of deliverance is not the circumstance around you but the faith within you.
Expect affliction, but trust God for deliverance.
Perhaps God's greatest use of affliction is as a tool for helping you grow into a mature Christian. The good news is that you may trust Him to deliver you from your afflictions. The next time you face affliction, trust the Lord for your deliverance.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (v. 19). The psalmist does not say, "I thought the Lord kept us out of afflictions. I thought that if I read my Bible every day and prayed and tried to obey His will, I would never have any afflictions." Instead, he says that we will face many afflictions.
Why do we have afflictions in our lives? We have some afflictions simply because we are human. They are just a part of human life. We get older, and our bodies begin to run down. Not every sickness, every accident or every problem we face comes because God is angry at us or is disciplining us. They may just be a part of life.
We also have afflictions because Satan is against us. He'd love to destroy us. Or, afflictions may come because we have disobeyed the Lord. I'm glad for those; I'm glad that God loves me enough to "spank" me when I've disobeyed Him.
But often, afflictions are God's tools for helping us grow. We don't really grow until we've been through the furnace, through the storm or through the battle. God is not raising hothouse plants that shrivel when the hot wind blows on them. No, He wants to raise mature sons and daughters, and that's why we have afflictions. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (v. 19). He doesn't keep us out of them. He delivers us from them. Sometimes He changes the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us. The real secret of deliverance is not the circumstance around you but the faith within you.
Expect affliction, but trust God for deliverance.
Perhaps God's greatest use of affliction is as a tool for helping you grow into a mature Christian. The good news is that you may trust Him to deliver you from your afflictions. The next time you face affliction, trust the Lord for your deliverance.
Friday, March 12, 2010
WHEN TEMPTED - CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
“Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee.”
James 4:7 NKJV
Pastor Jon Walker writes: “When Leo Tolstoy was a boy he started ‘The White Polar Bear Club.’ To become a member you had to stand for thirty minutes and not think of a white polar bear. Have you ever intentionally tried not to think about something? It’s almost impossible! We often handle temptation in a similar fashion. We think we can stand near it, and if we don’t think about it we’ll have the victory. The problem is, the more we try not to concentrate on it the more it becomes the center of our focus…the longer we think about not submitting the more likely it is that we will. The Bible says: ‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (Jas 4:7 NIV). We quote the latter half of the verse, but if all you’re doing is focusing on the devil you’re still focusing on the temptation.
I’m not suggesting…you shouldn’t say, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan.’ I’m saying you can’t do it in your own strength; you do it by humbling yourself before God, recognizing that He’s your strength…When you keep your eyes on Him the Devil will flee because you’re resisting him by embracing God. Be humble enough to seek help. A sure sign you’re about to fall, is when you think ‘I can handle this on my own.’ See this as an urgent alarm to submit to God and say, ‘Lord, I need your strength and wisdom. Lead me not into temptation.’ Then walk away from the temptation. And if you need to, call a friend for prayer and accountability.”
James 4:7 NKJV
Pastor Jon Walker writes: “When Leo Tolstoy was a boy he started ‘The White Polar Bear Club.’ To become a member you had to stand for thirty minutes and not think of a white polar bear. Have you ever intentionally tried not to think about something? It’s almost impossible! We often handle temptation in a similar fashion. We think we can stand near it, and if we don’t think about it we’ll have the victory. The problem is, the more we try not to concentrate on it the more it becomes the center of our focus…the longer we think about not submitting the more likely it is that we will. The Bible says: ‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (Jas 4:7 NIV). We quote the latter half of the verse, but if all you’re doing is focusing on the devil you’re still focusing on the temptation.
I’m not suggesting…you shouldn’t say, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan.’ I’m saying you can’t do it in your own strength; you do it by humbling yourself before God, recognizing that He’s your strength…When you keep your eyes on Him the Devil will flee because you’re resisting him by embracing God. Be humble enough to seek help. A sure sign you’re about to fall, is when you think ‘I can handle this on my own.’ See this as an urgent alarm to submit to God and say, ‘Lord, I need your strength and wisdom. Lead me not into temptation.’ Then walk away from the temptation. And if you need to, call a friend for prayer and accountability.”
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A NEW SONG
Psalm 33:1-5
"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy" (v. 3). Have you sung a new song to the Lord lately? Where do you find this new song, and how can you best express it? The psalmist is talking about worshiping the Lord. Worship should have a freshness to it. Sometimes in our worship we sing the old songs in the old way, and we lose some of our skill. David was a harpist. He said, "Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings [a psaltery]. Sing to Him a new song" (vv. 2,3).
We get a new song from several sources.
First, we get a new song from God's Word. "For the word of the Lord is right" (v. 4). When I read my Bible, I ask God to show me new things. Psalm 119:18 is a good prayer: "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." He gives me new insights from His Word, and that gives me a new song.
Next, we get a new song from God's works. "For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (vv. 4,5). When we look around, we may see sadness, but the psalmist saw goodness. We may see unrighteousness and injustice, but the psalmist saw God's righteousness and justice. Open your eyes and look around you. See the wonderful new things God is doing.
Finally, we get a new song from our walk with the Lord. When we go through new experiences and new challenges, God gives us new victories. Then we have a new song to sing. I want to have freshness in my worship. I want fervor and freshness in my witness for the Lord. I want Him to do something new in my life. I want to sing a new song. Do you?
God wants you to walk closely with Him so He may lead you into new experiences and challenges. If you're singing an old song, it could mean that you need to renew your walk with the Lord. Feed on the Word of God and look at what He is doing in your life. Ask Him to give you a new song.
"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy" (v. 3). Have you sung a new song to the Lord lately? Where do you find this new song, and how can you best express it? The psalmist is talking about worshiping the Lord. Worship should have a freshness to it. Sometimes in our worship we sing the old songs in the old way, and we lose some of our skill. David was a harpist. He said, "Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings [a psaltery]. Sing to Him a new song" (vv. 2,3).
We get a new song from several sources.
First, we get a new song from God's Word. "For the word of the Lord is right" (v. 4). When I read my Bible, I ask God to show me new things. Psalm 119:18 is a good prayer: "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." He gives me new insights from His Word, and that gives me a new song.
Next, we get a new song from God's works. "For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (vv. 4,5). When we look around, we may see sadness, but the psalmist saw goodness. We may see unrighteousness and injustice, but the psalmist saw God's righteousness and justice. Open your eyes and look around you. See the wonderful new things God is doing.
Finally, we get a new song from our walk with the Lord. When we go through new experiences and new challenges, God gives us new victories. Then we have a new song to sing. I want to have freshness in my worship. I want fervor and freshness in my witness for the Lord. I want Him to do something new in my life. I want to sing a new song. Do you?
God wants you to walk closely with Him so He may lead you into new experiences and challenges. If you're singing an old song, it could mean that you need to renew your walk with the Lord. Feed on the Word of God and look at what He is doing in your life. Ask Him to give you a new song.
TAKING YOUR PLACE IN THE PLAN OF GOD
"I am... the God of Abraham... Isaac, and...Jacob."
Ex 3:6 NKJV
Today we're conditioned to think in terms of instant gratification. We're the generation of lunch-time face lifts and text messaging; we hate to wait for anything. Think about the last time you had to wait for something to arrive by "snail mail," or stand in line at the checkout counter. Now, here's where we get it wrong: we expect whatever God initiates through us to be completed-- while we are still around to see the end result. We don't like it when He decides to continue the work through another person-- or worse-- another generation! But that's how God works. When God reveals something to you it's usually within the framework of what's already taken place before you came on the scene. He told Moses, "I am the God of your father...of Abraham...Isaac, and...Jacob." God had made certain promises to Moses' forefathers hundreds of years earlier, and now it was Moses' time to take his place in the plan of God. Accepting that you're a small link in a big chain can be humbling, but once Moses understood it he was able to connect with and focus on something bigger than himself. "It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work" (1 Co 3:7-8 NLT).
It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're not concerned about who carries the torch over the finish line.
Ex 3:6 NKJV
Today we're conditioned to think in terms of instant gratification. We're the generation of lunch-time face lifts and text messaging; we hate to wait for anything. Think about the last time you had to wait for something to arrive by "snail mail," or stand in line at the checkout counter. Now, here's where we get it wrong: we expect whatever God initiates through us to be completed-- while we are still around to see the end result. We don't like it when He decides to continue the work through another person-- or worse-- another generation! But that's how God works. When God reveals something to you it's usually within the framework of what's already taken place before you came on the scene. He told Moses, "I am the God of your father...of Abraham...Isaac, and...Jacob." God had made certain promises to Moses' forefathers hundreds of years earlier, and now it was Moses' time to take his place in the plan of God. Accepting that you're a small link in a big chain can be humbling, but once Moses understood it he was able to connect with and focus on something bigger than himself. "It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work" (1 Co 3:7-8 NLT).
It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're not concerned about who carries the torch over the finish line.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
REFUSE TO LET FEAR STOP YOU!
"I was afraid."
Luke 19:21 NIV
Ask yourself, "What would I attempt, if I weren't afraid of failing?" Jesus told of a man who entrusted his business to three key workers. He gave the first worker five talents, the second two, and the third one. In Bible times one talent was about fifteen years' salary, so you begin to grasp what an opportunity this was. It was a defining moment which gave each of them the chance to test their skills, develop initiative, practice good judgment, and profit from their investment. The first two men did exactly that, doubling theirs. But the third was afraid of failing, so he buried his talent. Jesus described this man as "wicked" and said his talents would be taken from him and given to the man who used his profitably. He wasn't judged for what he did, he was judged for doing nothing.
Fear of people, fear of failure, and fear of rejection can tempt you to bury your gift. Don't do it! Unless you've the courage to start-- you're already finished. When God called people like Moses, Gideon, Deborah and Esther they all had to overcome their natural fears; so will you. When they were in the wilderness, fear of lack made the Israelites want to go back to Egyptian slavery. Fear of persecution caused the disciples to forsake Jesus in His darkest hour, and caused Peter to deny Him-- three times. Refuse to let fear stop you! How you use your talents is a matter of the utmost importance. The truth is, it's the basis upon which God will finally judge and reward you.
Luke 19:21 NIV
Ask yourself, "What would I attempt, if I weren't afraid of failing?" Jesus told of a man who entrusted his business to three key workers. He gave the first worker five talents, the second two, and the third one. In Bible times one talent was about fifteen years' salary, so you begin to grasp what an opportunity this was. It was a defining moment which gave each of them the chance to test their skills, develop initiative, practice good judgment, and profit from their investment. The first two men did exactly that, doubling theirs. But the third was afraid of failing, so he buried his talent. Jesus described this man as "wicked" and said his talents would be taken from him and given to the man who used his profitably. He wasn't judged for what he did, he was judged for doing nothing.
Fear of people, fear of failure, and fear of rejection can tempt you to bury your gift. Don't do it! Unless you've the courage to start-- you're already finished. When God called people like Moses, Gideon, Deborah and Esther they all had to overcome their natural fears; so will you. When they were in the wilderness, fear of lack made the Israelites want to go back to Egyptian slavery. Fear of persecution caused the disciples to forsake Jesus in His darkest hour, and caused Peter to deny Him-- three times. Refuse to let fear stop you! How you use your talents is a matter of the utmost importance. The truth is, it's the basis upon which God will finally judge and reward you.
Monday, March 8, 2010
CONFESSION...IS IT NECESSARY?
Psalm 32:1-7
Psalm 32 is the record of David's experience after he sinned with Bathsheba and then confessed his sin to the Lord. He feels the heavy hand of God's discipline. "For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer" (v. 4). In other words, David says, "God, Your hand was so heavy on me that it was like squeezing a sponge. You have just squeezed all of the energy out of me." It's difficult to have the heavy hand of God's discipline on us, but it shows that God loves us. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives" (Heb. 12:6).
Discipline leads to the forgiving hand of God's mercy. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile" (vv. 1,2). While David was silent and would not confess his sin, he felt God's hand of discipline draining him. But when he confessed his sin, that heavy hand was lifted. Then God went to the record book and graciously wiped the record clean. That's the meaning of that word impute. It means "to put on the account." First John 1:9 tells us that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Confession leads to the protecting hand of God's grace. "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance" (v. 7). David went from silence to confession to singing, When your soul is clean, you have a song in your heart.
It's good to know that God forgives sin. Let's confess our sin and sing His praises.
Unconfessed sin is a terrible burden. God loves His children too much to allow unconfessed sin in their lives. The hand that disciplines is the same hand that forgives and protects. Are you harboring unconfessed sin? Confess it now and thank God for His forgiveness and protecting hand of grace.
Psalm 32 is the record of David's experience after he sinned with Bathsheba and then confessed his sin to the Lord. He feels the heavy hand of God's discipline. "For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer" (v. 4). In other words, David says, "God, Your hand was so heavy on me that it was like squeezing a sponge. You have just squeezed all of the energy out of me." It's difficult to have the heavy hand of God's discipline on us, but it shows that God loves us. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives" (Heb. 12:6).
Discipline leads to the forgiving hand of God's mercy. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile" (vv. 1,2). While David was silent and would not confess his sin, he felt God's hand of discipline draining him. But when he confessed his sin, that heavy hand was lifted. Then God went to the record book and graciously wiped the record clean. That's the meaning of that word impute. It means "to put on the account." First John 1:9 tells us that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Confession leads to the protecting hand of God's grace. "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance" (v. 7). David went from silence to confession to singing, When your soul is clean, you have a song in your heart.
It's good to know that God forgives sin. Let's confess our sin and sing His praises.
Unconfessed sin is a terrible burden. God loves His children too much to allow unconfessed sin in their lives. The hand that disciplines is the same hand that forgives and protects. Are you harboring unconfessed sin? Confess it now and thank God for His forgiveness and protecting hand of grace.
Friday, March 5, 2010
WHOSE HANDS?
Psalm 3l:1-8
Psalm 31 is one of David's exile psalms. He wrote it when Saul was chasing him through the rough hill country of Judah. David was going from cave to cave and from hill to hill.
During his exile, David discovered that God's hand was adequate for every need of every day. Have you noticed in the Psalms how often David talked about hands? As a shepherd he knew the importance of his hands. He had to carry the shepherd's crook, the staff. He also used a slingshot and later exchanged it for a sword. Occasionally he would exchange his sword for a harp. The hands that had been in battle produced beautiful music for the glory of God.
David also talked about the hand of the enemy. "And [You] have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy" (v. 8). "My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies" (v. 15). We do have enemies. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Pet. 5:8). Our enemies would like to destroy us, but God's hand protects us.
"Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth" (v. 5). This is the prayer of Jewish boys and girls in the Old Testament times. Whenever he went to bed, the little child would say, "Into Your hand I commit my spirit." When our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for us on the cross, He said, "It is finished! Into Your hands I commend My spirit" (John 19:30; Luke 23:46). When you commit your life into God's hand, you don't have to worry about any other hand, because His hand protects you, provides for you and guides you.
It is good for us to depend on God's hand, the hand of provision, protection and guidance. What are your needs today? Have you asked God to provide for them ? Depend on the hand of God; you will find Him faithful.
Psalm 31 is one of David's exile psalms. He wrote it when Saul was chasing him through the rough hill country of Judah. David was going from cave to cave and from hill to hill.
During his exile, David discovered that God's hand was adequate for every need of every day. Have you noticed in the Psalms how often David talked about hands? As a shepherd he knew the importance of his hands. He had to carry the shepherd's crook, the staff. He also used a slingshot and later exchanged it for a sword. Occasionally he would exchange his sword for a harp. The hands that had been in battle produced beautiful music for the glory of God.
David also talked about the hand of the enemy. "And [You] have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy" (v. 8). "My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies" (v. 15). We do have enemies. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Pet. 5:8). Our enemies would like to destroy us, but God's hand protects us.
"Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth" (v. 5). This is the prayer of Jewish boys and girls in the Old Testament times. Whenever he went to bed, the little child would say, "Into Your hand I commit my spirit." When our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for us on the cross, He said, "It is finished! Into Your hands I commend My spirit" (John 19:30; Luke 23:46). When you commit your life into God's hand, you don't have to worry about any other hand, because His hand protects you, provides for you and guides you.
It is good for us to depend on God's hand, the hand of provision, protection and guidance. What are your needs today? Have you asked God to provide for them ? Depend on the hand of God; you will find Him faithful.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
"YOU HAVE...."
Psalm 30:1-12
Two words are repeated seven times in Psalm 30--"you have." David is praising God for what He had done for him. Are you doing that today? Perhaps you've seen the plaque that says, "Prayer changes things," and that's true. I've also seen a plaque that says, "Praise changes things," and that also is true. It's amazing how our whole attitude and whole outlook can be transformed by praising God.
In verse 6 David gives a testimony: "Now in my prosperity I said, 'I shall never be moved."' When we have prosperity without humility, it leads to adversity. Why? Because we start to be more concerned with things than we are with God. David said in his prosperity, "I shall never be moved." But then he found out that he could be moved. He found out that his prosperity did not guarantee security. So instead of saying "I shall" or "I shall not," he began saying "You have." He submitted his will to God's will. "You have" defeated the enemy. "For You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me" (v. 1). "You have" given me victory. "You have" answered prayer. "You have healed me" (v. 2). "You have brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive" (v. 3). Com'n and Praise Him!
God did some marvelous things for David. He defeated his enemy, answered his prayer, saved his life and established him (v. 7). And then He gave him joy. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).
Do you want your life to be transformed today? Move from "I shall" to "You have" and, in humility, praise God for what He has done.
Submitting to God is an exercise in humility. Until you humble yourself before Him and concern yourself with the things of God, you will not become established. For God to work in your life, your will must be aligned with His. Are you submitted to Him? If not, humble yourself before Him and allow Him to transform your life.
(Sunday Sermon Sample....)
Two words are repeated seven times in Psalm 30--"you have." David is praising God for what He had done for him. Are you doing that today? Perhaps you've seen the plaque that says, "Prayer changes things," and that's true. I've also seen a plaque that says, "Praise changes things," and that also is true. It's amazing how our whole attitude and whole outlook can be transformed by praising God.
In verse 6 David gives a testimony: "Now in my prosperity I said, 'I shall never be moved."' When we have prosperity without humility, it leads to adversity. Why? Because we start to be more concerned with things than we are with God. David said in his prosperity, "I shall never be moved." But then he found out that he could be moved. He found out that his prosperity did not guarantee security. So instead of saying "I shall" or "I shall not," he began saying "You have." He submitted his will to God's will. "You have" defeated the enemy. "For You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me" (v. 1). "You have" given me victory. "You have" answered prayer. "You have healed me" (v. 2). "You have brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive" (v. 3). Com'n and Praise Him!
God did some marvelous things for David. He defeated his enemy, answered his prayer, saved his life and established him (v. 7). And then He gave him joy. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).
Do you want your life to be transformed today? Move from "I shall" to "You have" and, in humility, praise God for what He has done.
Submitting to God is an exercise in humility. Until you humble yourself before Him and concern yourself with the things of God, you will not become established. For God to work in your life, your will must be aligned with His. Are you submitted to Him? If not, humble yourself before Him and allow Him to transform your life.
(Sunday Sermon Sample....)
ARROWS
"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are...children."
Psalm 127:4 NKJV
The Bible says parents are like archers and children are like arrows. Parent, as an archer it's your job to: (1) Protect them in the quiver (home). After the assassination of her husband, Jacqueline Kennedy was asked if she planned to run for political office. "No," she replied, "my major effort must be devoted to my children. If they turn out badly, nothing I could do in the public eye would have any meaning." Our children are growing up in a generation where they can get drugs, buy weapons, meet a predator, engage in virtual sex, and do it all under your own roof via computer. That should alarm you! You say, "I figured it out; they will too." No, "A child left to himself brings shame to his [parents]...Correct your son, and...he will give delight to your soul" (Pr 29:15-17 NKJV). But be careful. If your children view you as judgmental and joyless they'll avoid you, then later explode like a time bomb. Build a home in which they can ask questions openly, get answers and form lifelong values. The word "warrior" means you must fight for them! (2) Aim them in the right direction. "Train up a child in the way he should go" (Pr 22:6). Don't overprotect them or you'll choke their creativity, don't sacrifice them for material things, and don't impose your unfulfilled dreams on them. Help them to discover their talents and discern God's plan for their life; then become their biggest cheerleader. (3) Release them. It can be difficult letting go. But it's easier when you know you've taught them the truth, they're covered by prayer, and under God's protection.
Psalm 127:4 NKJV
The Bible says parents are like archers and children are like arrows. Parent, as an archer it's your job to: (1) Protect them in the quiver (home). After the assassination of her husband, Jacqueline Kennedy was asked if she planned to run for political office. "No," she replied, "my major effort must be devoted to my children. If they turn out badly, nothing I could do in the public eye would have any meaning." Our children are growing up in a generation where they can get drugs, buy weapons, meet a predator, engage in virtual sex, and do it all under your own roof via computer. That should alarm you! You say, "I figured it out; they will too." No, "A child left to himself brings shame to his [parents]...Correct your son, and...he will give delight to your soul" (Pr 29:15-17 NKJV). But be careful. If your children view you as judgmental and joyless they'll avoid you, then later explode like a time bomb. Build a home in which they can ask questions openly, get answers and form lifelong values. The word "warrior" means you must fight for them! (2) Aim them in the right direction. "Train up a child in the way he should go" (Pr 22:6). Don't overprotect them or you'll choke their creativity, don't sacrifice them for material things, and don't impose your unfulfilled dreams on them. Help them to discover their talents and discern God's plan for their life; then become their biggest cheerleader. (3) Release them. It can be difficult letting go. But it's easier when you know you've taught them the truth, they're covered by prayer, and under God's protection.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE
“Get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you.”
Proverbs4:7-8 NKJV
When it comes to experience: (1) We all experience more than we understand. Baseball player Earl Wilson said, “Experience enables you to recognize the mistake when you make it again.” Let’s face it – too much happens to us in life for us to be able to understand all of it. No matter how smart we are, our understanding will never catch up with our experience. So we must make the most of what we can understand. At the end of each day we should ask, “What have I learned today?” (2) Our attitude toward unplanned and unpleasant experiences determines our growth. Steve Penny, head of S4 Leadership Network in Australia, observed, “Life is full of unforeseen detours. Consequences happen which seem to completely cut across our plans. Learn to turn your detours into delights. Treat them as special excursions and learning tours. Don’t fight them or you will never learn their purpose. Enjoy the moments, and pretty soon you will be back on track again, probably wiser and stronger because of your little detour.” (3) Lack of experience is costly. Our greatest ignorance is not of what we have yet to learn, but of how little we really know. Harry Golden remarked, “The arrogance of the young is a direct result of not having known enough consequences. The turkey that every day greedily approaches the farmer who tosses him grain is not wrong. It’s just that no one has ever told him about Thanksgiving.” You can’t avoid making mistakes but you can limit them, grow through them, and not keep making the same ones.
Proverbs4:7-8 NKJV
When it comes to experience: (1) We all experience more than we understand. Baseball player Earl Wilson said, “Experience enables you to recognize the mistake when you make it again.” Let’s face it – too much happens to us in life for us to be able to understand all of it. No matter how smart we are, our understanding will never catch up with our experience. So we must make the most of what we can understand. At the end of each day we should ask, “What have I learned today?” (2) Our attitude toward unplanned and unpleasant experiences determines our growth. Steve Penny, head of S4 Leadership Network in Australia, observed, “Life is full of unforeseen detours. Consequences happen which seem to completely cut across our plans. Learn to turn your detours into delights. Treat them as special excursions and learning tours. Don’t fight them or you will never learn their purpose. Enjoy the moments, and pretty soon you will be back on track again, probably wiser and stronger because of your little detour.” (3) Lack of experience is costly. Our greatest ignorance is not of what we have yet to learn, but of how little we really know. Harry Golden remarked, “The arrogance of the young is a direct result of not having known enough consequences. The turkey that every day greedily approaches the farmer who tosses him grain is not wrong. It’s just that no one has ever told him about Thanksgiving.” You can’t avoid making mistakes but you can limit them, grow through them, and not keep making the same ones.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
THE REWARDS OF KINDNESS (PART 1)
"I will draw water for your camels also."
Genesis 24:19 NKJV
One day Abraham sent his servant Eliezer out to find a wife for his son Isaac. Standing by a small town well, Eliezer prayed, "Let the woman who offers to water my camels be the one you have chosen." Suddenly Rebekah shows up and says, "I will draw water for you and your camels" (See Genesis 24:13-14 NKJV). Rebekah had no idea that Eliezer had the ability to change her life. She didn't know her act of kindness would open a door to great blessing. In Old Testament times it was customary to offer water to a stranger; it was known as the law of hospitality. The Jews believed the words: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2 NKJV).
But who on earth offers to water ten thirsty camels? One camel can drink forty gallons of water. That's a half-day project! Rebekah was generous to a total stranger, seeking nothing but the joy of serving. What she didn't know was that these camels would transport her back to Isaac, make her his bride, shower her with great wealth and put her in the family of Christ. So if you want to get ahead in life, show up early, stay late, work hard, be honest, and be a problem solver. Live by Christ's teaching, "Go the extra mile" (See Matthew 5:41 NKJV).
The key to success is in doing not merely what is expected, but a little more. Yes, camels are ugly, but out of that ugly situation came the most beautiful thing that ever happened to Rebekah.
Genesis 24:19 NKJV
One day Abraham sent his servant Eliezer out to find a wife for his son Isaac. Standing by a small town well, Eliezer prayed, "Let the woman who offers to water my camels be the one you have chosen." Suddenly Rebekah shows up and says, "I will draw water for you and your camels" (See Genesis 24:13-14 NKJV). Rebekah had no idea that Eliezer had the ability to change her life. She didn't know her act of kindness would open a door to great blessing. In Old Testament times it was customary to offer water to a stranger; it was known as the law of hospitality. The Jews believed the words: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2 NKJV).
But who on earth offers to water ten thirsty camels? One camel can drink forty gallons of water. That's a half-day project! Rebekah was generous to a total stranger, seeking nothing but the joy of serving. What she didn't know was that these camels would transport her back to Isaac, make her his bride, shower her with great wealth and put her in the family of Christ. So if you want to get ahead in life, show up early, stay late, work hard, be honest, and be a problem solver. Live by Christ's teaching, "Go the extra mile" (See Matthew 5:41 NKJV).
The key to success is in doing not merely what is expected, but a little more. Yes, camels are ugly, but out of that ugly situation came the most beautiful thing that ever happened to Rebekah.
Monday, March 1, 2010
BELIEVING, SEEING, FEASTING
Psalm 27:7-14
Going without food will make you weak and even faint. Have you ever fainted? The psalmist discovered a way to keep from fainting. "I would have lost heart [fainted], unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (v. 13). David felt somewhat forsaken. His enemies were attacking him, and the circumstances were unbearable. David had to beleve....beleve in what God said and walk by it.
We have to walk by faith just as David did. "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed." Jesus taught in Luke 18 that men ought always to pray and not to faint. When you pray, it's an evidence of faith. The world says that seeing is believing. If the world had written verse 13 of this passage, it would read: "I would have fainted unless I had seen, and then I believed." That was Martha's problem. Lazarus, her brother, had been dead and in the grave for four days. But Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you would believe, you would see?" (John 11:40). Thomas said, "Seeing is believing," but Jesus says, "Believing is seeing" (John 20:24-29).
The evidences of faith are rather obvious. First, we seek the Lord. "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek"' (v. 8). Do you want to build your faith and be able to walk by faith and war by faith? Then seek the Lord. Second, call on the Lord. "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies" (v. 11). That's prayer. Third, do the hardest thing of all--wait on the Lord. "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" (v. 14). Believing is seeing. Trust the Lord today. Feast on the Word and walk by faith.
One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is waiting on God. It is especially difficult in the midst of trials. But that is when He builds your faith.
Going without food will make you weak and even faint. Have you ever fainted? The psalmist discovered a way to keep from fainting. "I would have lost heart [fainted], unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (v. 13). David felt somewhat forsaken. His enemies were attacking him, and the circumstances were unbearable. David had to beleve....beleve in what God said and walk by it.
We have to walk by faith just as David did. "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed." Jesus taught in Luke 18 that men ought always to pray and not to faint. When you pray, it's an evidence of faith. The world says that seeing is believing. If the world had written verse 13 of this passage, it would read: "I would have fainted unless I had seen, and then I believed." That was Martha's problem. Lazarus, her brother, had been dead and in the grave for four days. But Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you would believe, you would see?" (John 11:40). Thomas said, "Seeing is believing," but Jesus says, "Believing is seeing" (John 20:24-29).
The evidences of faith are rather obvious. First, we seek the Lord. "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek"' (v. 8). Do you want to build your faith and be able to walk by faith and war by faith? Then seek the Lord. Second, call on the Lord. "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies" (v. 11). That's prayer. Third, do the hardest thing of all--wait on the Lord. "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" (v. 14). Believing is seeing. Trust the Lord today. Feast on the Word and walk by faith.
One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is waiting on God. It is especially difficult in the midst of trials. But that is when He builds your faith.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"Your words were found, and I ate them."
Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV
We need to feed on God's Word each day.
A woman bought a parrot, took him home, and then returned him to the pet store the next day. "This bird doesn't talk," she told the owner. "Does he have a mirror?" asked the owner. "Parrots love mirrors. They see themselves and start up a conversation." So the woman bought the mirror. Next day she returned. The bird still wasn't talking. "How about a ladder? Parrots love walking up and down a ladder. A happy parrot is more likely to talk." The woman bought a ladder. Sure enough, she was back the next day; the bird still wasn't talking. "Does your parrot have a swing? If not, that's the problem. He'll relax and talk up a storm." The woman reluctantly bought a swing and left. When she walked into the store the next day her countenance had changed. "The parrot died," she said. The pet store owner was shocked. "I'm so sorry. Tell me, did he ever say a word?" he asked. "Yes, right before he died," the woman replied. "He said, ‘Don't they sell any food at that pet store?'" The moral of this story is: You can spend your life on mirrors, focusing on appearance; on ladders, focusing on career success; on swings, focusing on entertainment-and starve to death spiritually. Mother Teresa said the most difficult cases she dealt with in Calcutta were those who'd lost their appetite entirely, or were so sickly they couldn't feed themselves or digest food. You'll die spiritually if you don't feed yourself on God's Word each day! Jeremiah said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."
Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV
We need to feed on God's Word each day.
A woman bought a parrot, took him home, and then returned him to the pet store the next day. "This bird doesn't talk," she told the owner. "Does he have a mirror?" asked the owner. "Parrots love mirrors. They see themselves and start up a conversation." So the woman bought the mirror. Next day she returned. The bird still wasn't talking. "How about a ladder? Parrots love walking up and down a ladder. A happy parrot is more likely to talk." The woman bought a ladder. Sure enough, she was back the next day; the bird still wasn't talking. "Does your parrot have a swing? If not, that's the problem. He'll relax and talk up a storm." The woman reluctantly bought a swing and left. When she walked into the store the next day her countenance had changed. "The parrot died," she said. The pet store owner was shocked. "I'm so sorry. Tell me, did he ever say a word?" he asked. "Yes, right before he died," the woman replied. "He said, ‘Don't they sell any food at that pet store?'" The moral of this story is: You can spend your life on mirrors, focusing on appearance; on ladders, focusing on career success; on swings, focusing on entertainment-and starve to death spiritually. Mother Teresa said the most difficult cases she dealt with in Calcutta were those who'd lost their appetite entirely, or were so sickly they couldn't feed themselves or digest food. You'll die spiritually if you don't feed yourself on God's Word each day! Jeremiah said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."
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