Judges 3:31 NKJV "Shamgar...killed six hundred...Philistines with an ox goad."
Shamgar lived in dangerous times. Philistine gangs roamed the countryside, robbing people: "In the days of Shamgar...people avoided the main roads; and travelers stayed on...pathroads" (Jdg 5:6 NLT). Shamgar's only weapon was an ox goad, a long wooden staff with a steel tip used to prod oxen. But it wasn't until he came under attack that he discovered its full potential. Understand this: God has given you an "ox goad", something you can use to win in the situation you're facing. If you seek Him, He'll show you what it is. Like the boy with the five loaves and two fishes, God will take something small, bless it, then multiply it to bless others. The Bible says we are to "be instant in season, out of season" (2Ti 4:2). The Greek words for "be instant" could be translated "be prepared." The Greek word for "season" means "opportunity." You need to be preparing yourself now, when it looks like nothing is happening, because your season will change and the opportunity to act will suddenly present itself. When it does, you must be ready. In life, opportunities are either coming towards you, or passing you by. In college, a professor told Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that if he kept using such lofty words, he would never be a very effective public speaker. You have to wonder what that professor thought as he listened to Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech, and watched him go on to champion civil rights. What's your ox goad? Use it, and God will bless it!
FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 19.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
YOUR CHILDS LOVE
Genesis 33:5 NCV
"These are the children [the Lord] has given me."
It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do-simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr. James Dobson will help change your perspective.
"Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy.' He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, ‘Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?' The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you.' He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness.
My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents have been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold."
"These are the children [the Lord] has given me."
It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do-simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr. James Dobson will help change your perspective.
"Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy.' He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, ‘Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?' The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you.' He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness.
My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents have been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
MARRIAGE RIGHTS PART 2
Ecc 9:9 NKJV
"Live joyfully with the wife whom you love."
In discussing marriage on his TV sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld tells his friend why he's not married: "No healthy person would want the neglect I have to offer." Let's face it, even the best marriages are made up of two imperfect people who sometimes neglect each other. And when you've been hurt it's easy to react in the flesh instead of responding in the Spirit. Some hurts go deep. At this point we must remember that forgiveness is a decision, but trust is a process; when it's been torn down, it takes time to rebuild. Men and women often perceive trust differently. When a woman's been hurt, her husband may think an apology should immediately enable her to trust him again, move on, and not talk about it. That's not so; two things need to happen first:
(1) The offending partner needs to acknowledge what they've done. Don't just tell your mate to "get over it." Validate their feelings, even though they act like they don't want you to. Acknowledge their pain. When others rationalize or trivialize what's hurting us, it only makes us angrier. Only when we feel validated do our wounds begin to heal. (2) The offended partner needs to make sure that bitterness doesn't creep in. "How can I do that?" you ask. By refusing to stay hurt any longer than is absolutely necessary, and by allowing God to heal your heart and restore your love. The Bible says, "If you hear his voice today, don't be stubborn" (Heb 4:7 CEV). When God gives you the grace to forgive and release the hurt, you need to seize it!
"Live joyfully with the wife whom you love."
In discussing marriage on his TV sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld tells his friend why he's not married: "No healthy person would want the neglect I have to offer." Let's face it, even the best marriages are made up of two imperfect people who sometimes neglect each other. And when you've been hurt it's easy to react in the flesh instead of responding in the Spirit. Some hurts go deep. At this point we must remember that forgiveness is a decision, but trust is a process; when it's been torn down, it takes time to rebuild. Men and women often perceive trust differently. When a woman's been hurt, her husband may think an apology should immediately enable her to trust him again, move on, and not talk about it. That's not so; two things need to happen first:
(1) The offending partner needs to acknowledge what they've done. Don't just tell your mate to "get over it." Validate their feelings, even though they act like they don't want you to. Acknowledge their pain. When others rationalize or trivialize what's hurting us, it only makes us angrier. Only when we feel validated do our wounds begin to heal. (2) The offended partner needs to make sure that bitterness doesn't creep in. "How can I do that?" you ask. By refusing to stay hurt any longer than is absolutely necessary, and by allowing God to heal your heart and restore your love. The Bible says, "If you hear his voice today, don't be stubborn" (Heb 4:7 CEV). When God gives you the grace to forgive and release the hurt, you need to seize it!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
MARRIAGE RIGHTS, PART 1
"Live joyfully with the wife whom you love."
Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Sonja Ely writes: "I was watching my five-year-old granddaughter play with her toys. At one point she staged a wedding, first playing the role of the mother who assigned specific duties, then suddenly becoming the bride with her ‘teddy bear' groom. She picked him up and said to the ‘minister' presiding, ‘Now you can read us our rights.' Without missing a beat, she became the minister who said, ‘You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you, you have the right to have an attorney present, you may kiss the bride.'" To know what your marriage rights are, you must understand that:
(1) Marriage is God's idea. In Eden He said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Ge 2:18 NKJV). The word comparable means "compatible with his (or her) needs." When you marry someone, you marry everything they've been through. Each of you brings your own baggage. Unless you sort out what to keep and what to discard, things can quickly erode. (2) When you leave God out, you have problems. Satan has made marriage one of his prime targets. He loves to promote strife. When it comes to marriage we must learn to forgive, "Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2Co 2:11 NKJV). God's plan for your relationship is strength and harmony, not strife and confusion. He wants to help you build a strong, loving union that glorifies Him. To do that, you must show grace, and resolve to make Jesus Lord of your relationship.
Marriage is a great instutution ordained and blessed by God. Check back tomorrow for more encouragement....in marriage!
Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Sonja Ely writes: "I was watching my five-year-old granddaughter play with her toys. At one point she staged a wedding, first playing the role of the mother who assigned specific duties, then suddenly becoming the bride with her ‘teddy bear' groom. She picked him up and said to the ‘minister' presiding, ‘Now you can read us our rights.' Without missing a beat, she became the minister who said, ‘You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you, you have the right to have an attorney present, you may kiss the bride.'" To know what your marriage rights are, you must understand that:
(1) Marriage is God's idea. In Eden He said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Ge 2:18 NKJV). The word comparable means "compatible with his (or her) needs." When you marry someone, you marry everything they've been through. Each of you brings your own baggage. Unless you sort out what to keep and what to discard, things can quickly erode. (2) When you leave God out, you have problems. Satan has made marriage one of his prime targets. He loves to promote strife. When it comes to marriage we must learn to forgive, "Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2Co 2:11 NKJV). God's plan for your relationship is strength and harmony, not strife and confusion. He wants to help you build a strong, loving union that glorifies Him. To do that, you must show grace, and resolve to make Jesus Lord of your relationship.
Marriage is a great instutution ordained and blessed by God. Check back tomorrow for more encouragement....in marriage!
Monday, July 26, 2010
YOU HAVE WHAT'S REQUIRED!
Php 4:13 NKJV "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
When David first arrived at King Saul's palace he was a simple, unknown shepherd boy. But he had an impressive résumé! And God, in essence, said, "I saw you kill the bear and the lion; I was watching when you didn't realize it." Solomon wrote, "A man's gift maketh room for him" (Pr 18:16). David's gift may have been only a slingshot, but it opened the door to his future as Israel's king. So even though what you've got doesn't seem like much-give it to God and watch what He can do with it. You say, "But I'm not formally trained." All God requires is that you show up, say yes, and make yourself available.
When you give God what you've got, He gives you what He's got; that makes your odds unbeatable. "But I don't have the right credentials," you say. So what? Benjamin Franklin had less than two years of formal schooling. Yet at twenty-five he founded America's first library, at thirty-one he started its first fire department, at thirty-six he designed a heating stove that's still in use today, at forty he harnessed the power of electricity, at forty-five he founded the nation's first university, and at seventy-nine he invented bifocals. He was an economist, philosopher, diplomat, inventor, educator, publisher, and linguist who spoke and wrote in five languages. Chances are, you already have more education than he had when he was your age.
Add to that these two promises, "The Lord is my helper" (Heb 13:6 NKJV), "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and you have what's required!
When David first arrived at King Saul's palace he was a simple, unknown shepherd boy. But he had an impressive résumé! And God, in essence, said, "I saw you kill the bear and the lion; I was watching when you didn't realize it." Solomon wrote, "A man's gift maketh room for him" (Pr 18:16). David's gift may have been only a slingshot, but it opened the door to his future as Israel's king. So even though what you've got doesn't seem like much-give it to God and watch what He can do with it. You say, "But I'm not formally trained." All God requires is that you show up, say yes, and make yourself available.
When you give God what you've got, He gives you what He's got; that makes your odds unbeatable. "But I don't have the right credentials," you say. So what? Benjamin Franklin had less than two years of formal schooling. Yet at twenty-five he founded America's first library, at thirty-one he started its first fire department, at thirty-six he designed a heating stove that's still in use today, at forty he harnessed the power of electricity, at forty-five he founded the nation's first university, and at seventy-nine he invented bifocals. He was an economist, philosopher, diplomat, inventor, educator, publisher, and linguist who spoke and wrote in five languages. Chances are, you already have more education than he had when he was your age.
Add to that these two promises, "The Lord is my helper" (Heb 13:6 NKJV), "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and you have what's required!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
START WHERE YOU ARE!
Luke 2:40 NKJV
"The Child grew and became strong."
When do we get our first clue that Jesus knows He is the Son of God? In the temple when He was twelve years old. His parents are three days into the return trip to Nazareth before they notice he's missing. The temple is the last place they search, but it's the first place Jesus goes. By the time Joseph and Mary locate their son He has confounded the most learned scholars in the temple. As a boy Jesus already senses the call of God. But what does He do next? Recruit disciples and preach sermons? No, He goes back home and learns the family business. That's what you should do!
Before you attempt to do great things for God, go home, love your family and take care of business. "But I'm called to be a missionary," you say. Good, your first mission field is where you live! What makes you think you'll be believed by those who barely know you, if you're not credible to those who know you best? Charity begins at home! The Psalmist says, "I will lead a life of integrity in my own home" (Ps 101:2 NLT). For His first thirty years Jesus' neighbors remembered Him as a worker. "He's just a carpenter" (Mk 6:3 TM). Jesus spent years developing a work ethic, sharpening His vocational skills and supporting His family. "He had to enter into every detail of human life" (Heb 2:17 TM). Why did Jesus do it that way? So He would know how we feel. So we'd be confident in going to Him with our needs, knowing He's qualified and able to meet them. So, start where you are!
"The Child grew and became strong."
When do we get our first clue that Jesus knows He is the Son of God? In the temple when He was twelve years old. His parents are three days into the return trip to Nazareth before they notice he's missing. The temple is the last place they search, but it's the first place Jesus goes. By the time Joseph and Mary locate their son He has confounded the most learned scholars in the temple. As a boy Jesus already senses the call of God. But what does He do next? Recruit disciples and preach sermons? No, He goes back home and learns the family business. That's what you should do!
Before you attempt to do great things for God, go home, love your family and take care of business. "But I'm called to be a missionary," you say. Good, your first mission field is where you live! What makes you think you'll be believed by those who barely know you, if you're not credible to those who know you best? Charity begins at home! The Psalmist says, "I will lead a life of integrity in my own home" (Ps 101:2 NLT). For His first thirty years Jesus' neighbors remembered Him as a worker. "He's just a carpenter" (Mk 6:3 TM). Jesus spent years developing a work ethic, sharpening His vocational skills and supporting His family. "He had to enter into every detail of human life" (Heb 2:17 TM). Why did Jesus do it that way? So He would know how we feel. So we'd be confident in going to Him with our needs, knowing He's qualified and able to meet them. So, start where you are!
Friday, July 23, 2010
PACE YOURSELF....DO SOMETHING! Part 2
Mt 11:29 NKJV
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me."
Galileo said, "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect, has intended us to forego their use." When Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Mt 11:30 NKJV), His intention for you is to discover His will for your life, unlock and develop the gifts He's given you, draw daily on His power, use your common sense, and don't live stressed out. That means:
(1) Change your attitude. Ever notice how some people on a rollercoaster close their eyes, clench their teeth and wait for the ride to end, while up front the wide-eyed thrill-seekers relish every peak and plunge? They're all on the same trip, but their attitudes are entirely different. You can't always control what happens to you, but you can decide how you'll respond to it. For instance, choosing to see problems as opportunities for growth develops you instead of draining you. (2) Get physical. "Physical exercise has...value" (1Tim 4:8 GNT). You don't have to drive forty minutes to a health club, then wait thirty minutes to get on a treadmill for twenty minutes. Just start walking. A brisk walk works wonders for you physically and mentally. Come on, get moving! (3) Tap into the power of God's Word. Practice scriptural affirmations: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col 3:16 NIV). But before that can happen you must feed your mind with the Scriptures, then meditate on them until they take root and grow within you. That way they'll be there when you need them!
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me."
Galileo said, "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect, has intended us to forego their use." When Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Mt 11:30 NKJV), His intention for you is to discover His will for your life, unlock and develop the gifts He's given you, draw daily on His power, use your common sense, and don't live stressed out. That means:
(1) Change your attitude. Ever notice how some people on a rollercoaster close their eyes, clench their teeth and wait for the ride to end, while up front the wide-eyed thrill-seekers relish every peak and plunge? They're all on the same trip, but their attitudes are entirely different. You can't always control what happens to you, but you can decide how you'll respond to it. For instance, choosing to see problems as opportunities for growth develops you instead of draining you. (2) Get physical. "Physical exercise has...value" (1Tim 4:8 GNT). You don't have to drive forty minutes to a health club, then wait thirty minutes to get on a treadmill for twenty minutes. Just start walking. A brisk walk works wonders for you physically and mentally. Come on, get moving! (3) Tap into the power of God's Word. Practice scriptural affirmations: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col 3:16 NIV). But before that can happen you must feed your mind with the Scriptures, then meditate on them until they take root and grow within you. That way they'll be there when you need them!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
PACE YOURSELF....DO SOMETHING! Part 1
Mt 11:29 NKJV
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me."
Too many of us are like the guy who said, "When I rest, I rust." Here's a news flash-there will always be something else to do! If you're constantly driven by "what needs to be done," you'll burn out and fail to do what God has assigned you to do. So here are some practical suggestions for pacing yourself:
(1) Change your eating habits. The Bible says, "It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets" (Pr 25:27 TM). You wouldn't put sugar into your gas tank, so be wise; educate yourself about good nutrition. (2) Be clear about where you want to go. Set specific goals, and have a plan and a timetable for reaching them. Don't be controlled by mindless routine. (3) Instead of ignoring your problems, resolve them. Act before they become chronic and start sapping your energy. (4) Don't "veg" on TV. Too much television dulls you mentally and lulls you into lethargy, but "they that wait upon the Lord...renew their strength" (Isa 40:31). (5) If you're overloaded, don't take on more. Don't say yes out of a sense of guilt, false responsibility, or the need to be needed. (6) Take a break. When did you last take time to get away? A change of pace and fresh scenery are great battery-chargers. (7) Get to bed earlier. When you burn the candle at both ends, you are the one who burns out. You say, "But I'm doing it for the Lord." Notice what the Lord says: "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late...for so He gives His beloved sleep" (Ps 127:2 NKJV).
The Lord does care for you. His plan for you is a good one. It's all right here in the Word.
Check back tomorrow, I'll continue with God's plan for you. His intention for you is to discover His will for your life, unlock and develop the gifts He's given you, draw daily on His power, use your common sense, and don't live stressed out.
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me."
Too many of us are like the guy who said, "When I rest, I rust." Here's a news flash-there will always be something else to do! If you're constantly driven by "what needs to be done," you'll burn out and fail to do what God has assigned you to do. So here are some practical suggestions for pacing yourself:
(1) Change your eating habits. The Bible says, "It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets" (Pr 25:27 TM). You wouldn't put sugar into your gas tank, so be wise; educate yourself about good nutrition. (2) Be clear about where you want to go. Set specific goals, and have a plan and a timetable for reaching them. Don't be controlled by mindless routine. (3) Instead of ignoring your problems, resolve them. Act before they become chronic and start sapping your energy. (4) Don't "veg" on TV. Too much television dulls you mentally and lulls you into lethargy, but "they that wait upon the Lord...renew their strength" (Isa 40:31). (5) If you're overloaded, don't take on more. Don't say yes out of a sense of guilt, false responsibility, or the need to be needed. (6) Take a break. When did you last take time to get away? A change of pace and fresh scenery are great battery-chargers. (7) Get to bed earlier. When you burn the candle at both ends, you are the one who burns out. You say, "But I'm doing it for the Lord." Notice what the Lord says: "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late...for so He gives His beloved sleep" (Ps 127:2 NKJV).
The Lord does care for you. His plan for you is a good one. It's all right here in the Word.
Check back tomorrow, I'll continue with God's plan for you. His intention for you is to discover His will for your life, unlock and develop the gifts He's given you, draw daily on His power, use your common sense, and don't live stressed out.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
TITHING....A FULL COVERAGE PLAN!
Mal 3:10 NIV "‘Test me in this,' says the Lord."
It's estimated that less than one-tenth of all those who attend church, give a tenth of their income to God's work, even though the Bible clearly teaches that the first tenth of all we earn belongs to God. "A tithe of everything...is holy to the Lord" (Lev 27:30 NIV). Today two-thirds of the church's income comes from people aged sixty-nine or older. That's alarming! We need to teach our children the responsibility and rewards of tithing. Perhaps you think tithing only applied to those who lived under the Old Testament law, like the Pharisees. No, Jesus said, "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees...you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:20 NIV).
The tithe is a minimum, your love and faith should determine the maximum. Abraham paid tithes six hundred years before the law (See Gen 14:20), then Jesus endorsed it saying we "ought" to tithe (See Mt 23:23), and the writer to the Hebrews confirmed that it's still God's plan (See Heb 7:4-5). As believers, we are the spiritual seed of Abraham, and as such, his blessings have been promised to us (See Gal 3:14). But if you want what Abraham had, you've got to do what Abraham did-and he was the first man in Scripture to tithe! Giving God the first tenth of your income makes Him number one in your priorities. His Word says, "‘Bring the whole tithe...Test me in this,'...‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it'" (Mal 3:10 NIV). Do you want to walk in God's blessings? Be a tither!.....I'm just sayin'!
It's estimated that less than one-tenth of all those who attend church, give a tenth of their income to God's work, even though the Bible clearly teaches that the first tenth of all we earn belongs to God. "A tithe of everything...is holy to the Lord" (Lev 27:30 NIV). Today two-thirds of the church's income comes from people aged sixty-nine or older. That's alarming! We need to teach our children the responsibility and rewards of tithing. Perhaps you think tithing only applied to those who lived under the Old Testament law, like the Pharisees. No, Jesus said, "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees...you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:20 NIV).
The tithe is a minimum, your love and faith should determine the maximum. Abraham paid tithes six hundred years before the law (See Gen 14:20), then Jesus endorsed it saying we "ought" to tithe (See Mt 23:23), and the writer to the Hebrews confirmed that it's still God's plan (See Heb 7:4-5). As believers, we are the spiritual seed of Abraham, and as such, his blessings have been promised to us (See Gal 3:14). But if you want what Abraham had, you've got to do what Abraham did-and he was the first man in Scripture to tithe! Giving God the first tenth of your income makes Him number one in your priorities. His Word says, "‘Bring the whole tithe...Test me in this,'...‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it'" (Mal 3:10 NIV). Do you want to walk in God's blessings? Be a tither!.....I'm just sayin'!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
KEEP THE TORCH BURNING
Ecc 9:11 NKJV
"The race is not to the swift."
In ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finish line with their torch still burning. What a picture! "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Lk 12:48). In God's kingdom you are called to run your best race and break the tape with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style-but staying power!
The Bible says: "Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...lest you become weary and discouraged" (Heb 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of twelve He told His parents, "I must be about my Father's business" (Lk 2:49). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, "I must work the works of him that sent me" (Jn 9:4). Facing the cross, He announced, "For this cause I was born" (Jn 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, "It is finished" (Jn 19:30). In Revelation chapter one verse fourteen we get one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and "His eyes [are] like a flame of fire" (NKJV). He crossed the finish line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!
"The race is not to the swift."
In ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finish line with their torch still burning. What a picture! "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Lk 12:48). In God's kingdom you are called to run your best race and break the tape with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style-but staying power!
The Bible says: "Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...lest you become weary and discouraged" (Heb 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of twelve He told His parents, "I must be about my Father's business" (Lk 2:49). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, "I must work the works of him that sent me" (Jn 9:4). Facing the cross, He announced, "For this cause I was born" (Jn 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, "It is finished" (Jn 19:30). In Revelation chapter one verse fourteen we get one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and "His eyes [are] like a flame of fire" (NKJV). He crossed the finish line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
WONDER AND WORSHIP
Ps 99:5 NKJV
"Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool."
Never lose your sense of wonder, or you'll lose your motivation for worship. Unless you believe God is all-powerful, ever-present and approachable, you'll live in a state of anxiety believing that everything depends on you. You'll shrink from sharing your faith in case you're ridiculed or can't find the right words. You'll fail to be generous because the source of your security is in yourself. You'll avoid confronting those who need it, because without the certainty of God's acceptance you become a slave to people's opinions.
We live in a cynical age that discourages wonder. We've diminished the marvel and awe, yet deep down we still ache for it. When you shrink your concept of God to fit your own rationale, you pray without faith, work without passion, serve without joy, and suffer without hope. And the result is fear, retreat, and loss of vision. But there's one thing that's guaranteed to restore your understanding of how big and wonderful God is-worship.
God created us so that when we experience something awe-inspiring we need to praise it, to wrap words around it. We don't worship God because He needs it, but because we do. Without worship our perception of Him is incomplete, we forget how great He is, we overlook our calling and become self-involved. We lose our sense of wonder and gratitude by plodding through life with blinders on, and we become self-reliant, stubborn and proud. So, each day let's pause and say with the Psalmist, "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool."
"Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool."
Never lose your sense of wonder, or you'll lose your motivation for worship. Unless you believe God is all-powerful, ever-present and approachable, you'll live in a state of anxiety believing that everything depends on you. You'll shrink from sharing your faith in case you're ridiculed or can't find the right words. You'll fail to be generous because the source of your security is in yourself. You'll avoid confronting those who need it, because without the certainty of God's acceptance you become a slave to people's opinions.
We live in a cynical age that discourages wonder. We've diminished the marvel and awe, yet deep down we still ache for it. When you shrink your concept of God to fit your own rationale, you pray without faith, work without passion, serve without joy, and suffer without hope. And the result is fear, retreat, and loss of vision. But there's one thing that's guaranteed to restore your understanding of how big and wonderful God is-worship.
God created us so that when we experience something awe-inspiring we need to praise it, to wrap words around it. We don't worship God because He needs it, but because we do. Without worship our perception of Him is incomplete, we forget how great He is, we overlook our calling and become self-involved. We lose our sense of wonder and gratitude by plodding through life with blinders on, and we become self-reliant, stubborn and proud. So, each day let's pause and say with the Psalmist, "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool."
Friday, July 16, 2010
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
John 3:36 TM "Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets...everything."
It's said that the wealthy English Baron Fitzgerald had only one child, a son. Early in his teens the boy's mother died. Tragically, in his late teens the boy died also. In the meantime, Fitzgerald's financial holdings greatly increased due to acquiring the artwork of Europe's greatest masters. Before his death, Fitzgerald left explicit instructions that an auction be held at which his entire art collection would be sold. A big crowd of prospective buyers gathered. Among them were many well-known museum curators and private collectors eager to bid. The artwork was displayed for viewing before the auction began. Among the paintings was one that received little attention. It was of poor quality and by an unknown local artist. It happened to be a portrait of Fitzgerald's only son. As the auction began the auctioneer read from Fitzgerald's will, which clearly instructed that the first painting to be sold was of "my beloved son." Because of its poor quality the painting didn't receive any bids-except one. The bidder was the old servant who'd helped raise the boy and had dearly loved him. For less than an English pound he bought the painting. At that point the auctioneer stopped the bidding and asked the attorney to read again from the will. The crowd was hushed as he read, "Whoever purchases this painting of my son, gets all my art collection-the auction is over!"
Christ: without Him you have nothing. But with Him you have the best of both worlds: this one, and the one to come.
It's said that the wealthy English Baron Fitzgerald had only one child, a son. Early in his teens the boy's mother died. Tragically, in his late teens the boy died also. In the meantime, Fitzgerald's financial holdings greatly increased due to acquiring the artwork of Europe's greatest masters. Before his death, Fitzgerald left explicit instructions that an auction be held at which his entire art collection would be sold. A big crowd of prospective buyers gathered. Among them were many well-known museum curators and private collectors eager to bid. The artwork was displayed for viewing before the auction began. Among the paintings was one that received little attention. It was of poor quality and by an unknown local artist. It happened to be a portrait of Fitzgerald's only son. As the auction began the auctioneer read from Fitzgerald's will, which clearly instructed that the first painting to be sold was of "my beloved son." Because of its poor quality the painting didn't receive any bids-except one. The bidder was the old servant who'd helped raise the boy and had dearly loved him. For less than an English pound he bought the painting. At that point the auctioneer stopped the bidding and asked the attorney to read again from the will. The crowd was hushed as he read, "Whoever purchases this painting of my son, gets all my art collection-the auction is over!"
Christ: without Him you have nothing. But with Him you have the best of both worlds: this one, and the one to come.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
DO SOMETHING!
Eph 5:15 AMP "Live purposefully."
Are you easily swayed by what others say and do, or do you have a plan and stick with it? Are you doing what you love, or just doing things out of mindless routine? Mark Twain said, "The secret of success is to make your vocation your vacation." In other words, love what you do and do what you love!
Many of us never get around to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives because we're so busy keeping everybody happy. This world is filled with people who think they know what you should be doing with your life. No, it's your life, and when you stand before God He won't ask anybody else about it except you!
Are you courageous enough to follow your heart rather than the crowd? Are you focused, even when many voices try to draw you away from your purpose? An interesting phenomenon occurs when you have no strong convictions or clear purpose of your own; you tend to get irritated with those who do.
The term "whatever" seems to be especially popular these days. While we must always strive to live in harmony and consider other people's feelings and viewpoint, God's Word condemns complacency, indifference, and an unwillingness to stand up for what we know is right.
We need to be intentional! We can't just stand around waiting to see what everyone else is going to do, then follow the crowd. There are basically two kinds of people: those who wait for something to happen, and those who make things happen. Don't say, "I wish they would do something about this problem."
You are they......do something!
Are you easily swayed by what others say and do, or do you have a plan and stick with it? Are you doing what you love, or just doing things out of mindless routine? Mark Twain said, "The secret of success is to make your vocation your vacation." In other words, love what you do and do what you love!
Many of us never get around to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives because we're so busy keeping everybody happy. This world is filled with people who think they know what you should be doing with your life. No, it's your life, and when you stand before God He won't ask anybody else about it except you!
Are you courageous enough to follow your heart rather than the crowd? Are you focused, even when many voices try to draw you away from your purpose? An interesting phenomenon occurs when you have no strong convictions or clear purpose of your own; you tend to get irritated with those who do.
The term "whatever" seems to be especially popular these days. While we must always strive to live in harmony and consider other people's feelings and viewpoint, God's Word condemns complacency, indifference, and an unwillingness to stand up for what we know is right.
We need to be intentional! We can't just stand around waiting to see what everyone else is going to do, then follow the crowd. There are basically two kinds of people: those who wait for something to happen, and those who make things happen. Don't say, "I wish they would do something about this problem."
You are they......do something!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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