“We become more and more like him.” 2Co 3:18 TLB
Spiritual growth could be compared to a seed, a building, and a child. Each requires our participation. When planted, seeds must be watered, fertilized and protected. When erected, buildings must be maintained. When born, children must be cared for, taught and disciplined. Getting the idea? Now, effort has nothing to do with your salvation, but it has everything to do with your spiritual growth. You can’t just sit around and hope to evolve into spiritual maturity. Paul explains our three responsibilities in becoming like Christ: (1) Deciding. “Everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it!” (Eph 4:22 TM). We must decide each day to let go of our old ways. (2) Renewing. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Ro 12:2 NKJV). The Greek word for “transformed” is metamorphosis, which describes the amazing way in which a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly. It’s a picture of what happens when we spend time in prayer, feed on God’s Word and allow Him to direct our thoughts. As we take on the beauty of Christ’s character, we begin to grow and soar to new heights. (3) Clothing. We must clothe ourselves each day with the character of Christ. “How do I do that?” you ask. By developing new habits. Your character is made up of the sum of your daily habits. What you do, you become! So, “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24 NIV). To become Christ-like you must commit yourself to doing these three things.
FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 19.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Becoming More Christ-Like (1)
“We become more and more like him.” 2Co 3:18 TLB
Becoming more Christ-like doesn’t mean losing your individuality. God created the characteristics that make you unique. Christ-likeness is about transforming your character, not your personality. Paul writes: “Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Eph 4:23-24 TM). Every time you forget that character, not comfort, is God’s first priority, you become frustrated and wonder, “Why is all this happening to me? Why doesn’t God do something about it?” Abundant life isn’t the absence of adversity, it’s growth in the midst of it. “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.” You say, “Yes, but how does this happen in real life?” Through our choices—we choose to do the right thing, then trust God’s Spirit to give us the power, love, faith and wisdom to do it. Since His Spirit lives inside us, these things are available for the asking. But when you ask God and He tells you what to do, you must obey Him. When Israel stood at the River Jordan, its floodwaters receded only after they stepped in. Obedience unlocks God’s power! God waits for you to act on His instructions. You can’t wait until you feel capable or confident; you must move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears. That’s how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and how Christ-like character is developed in you.
Becoming more Christ-like doesn’t mean losing your individuality. God created the characteristics that make you unique. Christ-likeness is about transforming your character, not your personality. Paul writes: “Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Eph 4:23-24 TM). Every time you forget that character, not comfort, is God’s first priority, you become frustrated and wonder, “Why is all this happening to me? Why doesn’t God do something about it?” Abundant life isn’t the absence of adversity, it’s growth in the midst of it. “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.” You say, “Yes, but how does this happen in real life?” Through our choices—we choose to do the right thing, then trust God’s Spirit to give us the power, love, faith and wisdom to do it. Since His Spirit lives inside us, these things are available for the asking. But when you ask God and He tells you what to do, you must obey Him. When Israel stood at the River Jordan, its floodwaters receded only after they stepped in. Obedience unlocks God’s power! God waits for you to act on His instructions. You can’t wait until you feel capable or confident; you must move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears. That’s how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and how Christ-like character is developed in you.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
When God Shows Up
The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” Mal 3:1 NKJV
Sometimes God shows up dramatically, like an unexpected check in the mail, a door opening, or protection in a situation that would otherwise destroy you (See Ps 91:11). Other times God shows up quietly, replacing your anxiety with assurance, whispering, “Fear not…I am with you” (Isa 41:10 NKJV). And when those around you say, “You’re different today, what’s changed?” you reply, “I don’t know, I just have peace about it.” That’s because “The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” Here are two Bible stories that illustrate this:
The first story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are misunderstood and mistreated. “After they had been severely flogged…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns…Suddenly…all the prison doors flew open” (Ac 16:23-26 NIV). Midnight prayers and songs of praise help you see beyond the problem to God, the great problem-solver. By taking the focus off yourself and putting it on Him, your outlook begins to change. The second story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are overwhelmed by the sheer size of the challenge. Faced with leading two million Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses prays, “Show me now Your way” (Ex 33:13 NKJV). God replies, “Here is a place by Me…I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand” (vv. 21-22 NKJV). When God tells you, “Here is a place by Me,” get into it and stay there! Even though you can’t see Him clearly, you’ll feel His presence, experience His goodness, and know that everything is going to be okay.
Sometimes God shows up dramatically, like an unexpected check in the mail, a door opening, or protection in a situation that would otherwise destroy you (See Ps 91:11). Other times God shows up quietly, replacing your anxiety with assurance, whispering, “Fear not…I am with you” (Isa 41:10 NKJV). And when those around you say, “You’re different today, what’s changed?” you reply, “I don’t know, I just have peace about it.” That’s because “The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” Here are two Bible stories that illustrate this:
The first story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are misunderstood and mistreated. “After they had been severely flogged…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns…Suddenly…all the prison doors flew open” (Ac 16:23-26 NIV). Midnight prayers and songs of praise help you see beyond the problem to God, the great problem-solver. By taking the focus off yourself and putting it on Him, your outlook begins to change. The second story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are overwhelmed by the sheer size of the challenge. Faced with leading two million Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses prays, “Show me now Your way” (Ex 33:13 NKJV). God replies, “Here is a place by Me…I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand” (vv. 21-22 NKJV). When God tells you, “Here is a place by Me,” get into it and stay there! Even though you can’t see Him clearly, you’ll feel His presence, experience His goodness, and know that everything is going to be okay.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What's Your Motive for Giving?
“Do not do your charitable deeds…to be seen.” Mt 6:1 NKJV
God measures your giving in two ways: (a) Your means—how much do you have? (b) Your motives—why are you giving? “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven…Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (vv. 1-4 NKJV). Here are two stories that illustrate the point Jesus was making.
Story one: In 1977 a couple agreed to donate the three million dollars needed to build a new children’s zoo in Central Park, New York City. But problems arose because the two-inch-tall plaque acknowledging their gift wasn’t big enough. Plus, a couple who’d donated half a million dollars thirty years earlier to build the original zoo, had a bigger plaque. It was proposed that the names of the original donors be replaced by the names of the new ones. When the park commission refused, the couple withdrew their gift. Story two: It’s said that Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, “You may have them if you pay for them.” As a result the Spurgeons were misrepresented as being greedy. Only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Apparently the Spurgeons were more concerned with how God felt about their giving, than how people felt. How about you?
God measures your giving in two ways: (a) Your means—how much do you have? (b) Your motives—why are you giving? “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven…Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (vv. 1-4 NKJV). Here are two stories that illustrate the point Jesus was making.
Story one: In 1977 a couple agreed to donate the three million dollars needed to build a new children’s zoo in Central Park, New York City. But problems arose because the two-inch-tall plaque acknowledging their gift wasn’t big enough. Plus, a couple who’d donated half a million dollars thirty years earlier to build the original zoo, had a bigger plaque. It was proposed that the names of the original donors be replaced by the names of the new ones. When the park commission refused, the couple withdrew their gift. Story two: It’s said that Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, “You may have them if you pay for them.” As a result the Spurgeons were misrepresented as being greedy. Only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Apparently the Spurgeons were more concerned with how God felt about their giving, than how people felt. How about you?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Celebrate Christmas Every Day!
“That is why I was sent.” Lk 4:43 NIV
The story’s told of a mother putting away the nativity set after Christmas, when she noticed the Baby Jesus was missing. When she asked her four-year-old if he knew where Jesus was, he replied, “Yes, but He doesn’t want me to tell anybody.” “Why not?” she asked. “Because He doesn’t want you to put Him away with the decorations,” he said. Wisdom from the lips of a child! When you know why Jesus came, you’ll celebrate Christmas every day. He said: (1) “I came to fulfill [the law]” (Mt 5:17). The songwriter wrote: “The maker of the universe, as man for man, was made a curse. The claims of law that he had made, unto the uttermost, he paid.” Total coverage! Your sins of omission, commission and disposition were all paid for at Calvary. (2) “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28 NKJV). Jesus was responding to a mother’s request: “Grant…these two sons of mine may sit [on thrones] at your right [hand] and…your left [hand] in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21 NIV). He told her, “It’s about serving, not striving!” (3) “I must preach…the kingdom of God” (Lk 4:43 NIV). Each time we obey God’s will instead of our own, we “preach” to others what it’s like to live as a citizen of His kingdom. (4) “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Lk 19:10 NIV). Imagine meeting someone you worked with, or lived with, saying to you in heaven, “How come you never told me about Jesus?” Keep these four things in mind and you’ll celebrate Christmas every day.
The story’s told of a mother putting away the nativity set after Christmas, when she noticed the Baby Jesus was missing. When she asked her four-year-old if he knew where Jesus was, he replied, “Yes, but He doesn’t want me to tell anybody.” “Why not?” she asked. “Because He doesn’t want you to put Him away with the decorations,” he said. Wisdom from the lips of a child! When you know why Jesus came, you’ll celebrate Christmas every day. He said: (1) “I came to fulfill [the law]” (Mt 5:17). The songwriter wrote: “The maker of the universe, as man for man, was made a curse. The claims of law that he had made, unto the uttermost, he paid.” Total coverage! Your sins of omission, commission and disposition were all paid for at Calvary. (2) “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28 NKJV). Jesus was responding to a mother’s request: “Grant…these two sons of mine may sit [on thrones] at your right [hand] and…your left [hand] in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21 NIV). He told her, “It’s about serving, not striving!” (3) “I must preach…the kingdom of God” (Lk 4:43 NIV). Each time we obey God’s will instead of our own, we “preach” to others what it’s like to live as a citizen of His kingdom. (4) “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Lk 19:10 NIV). Imagine meeting someone you worked with, or lived with, saying to you in heaven, “How come you never told me about Jesus?” Keep these four things in mind and you’ll celebrate Christmas every day.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Think About What You Think About (2)
“God can do...far more than you could ever imagine.” Eph 3:20 TM
It’s said the king of Saudi Arabia once invited a famous golfer over for a tournament. Before the man returned home the king said, “I’d like to give you a gift. Anything you want; name it.” The golfer declined politely, saying he didn’t need anything. But the king was adamant, so he conceded, “Well, Your Highness, I collect golf clubs.” He imagined perhaps a gold putter or a diamond-studded driver. Imagine his shock weeks later when he got a letter containing—the deed to a 2,000-acre golf club! Paul says, “God can do…far more than you could ever imagine…in your wildest dreams.” Kings don’t think like we do, and when you serve the King of Kings that’s doubly true! God’s plan for you is far beyond anything you could envision for yourself. The Psalmist said the Lord had dealt “bountifully” with him (Ps 13:6 NKJV). God values the smallest effort—it’s small-mindedness He objects to! If you truly believe He is directing your steps and that goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, expect great things from God. Leon Nacson says, “Always anticipate the best outcome for yourself and others, because when what you expect is just more of the same, that’s what you get!” Remember, “Faith is being sure of what…we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NIV). So even when you can’t “see” it, trust God to work on your behalf, to arrange for you to be in the right place at the right time, and for others to go out of their way to help you—and watch God work.
It’s said the king of Saudi Arabia once invited a famous golfer over for a tournament. Before the man returned home the king said, “I’d like to give you a gift. Anything you want; name it.” The golfer declined politely, saying he didn’t need anything. But the king was adamant, so he conceded, “Well, Your Highness, I collect golf clubs.” He imagined perhaps a gold putter or a diamond-studded driver. Imagine his shock weeks later when he got a letter containing—the deed to a 2,000-acre golf club! Paul says, “God can do…far more than you could ever imagine…in your wildest dreams.” Kings don’t think like we do, and when you serve the King of Kings that’s doubly true! God’s plan for you is far beyond anything you could envision for yourself. The Psalmist said the Lord had dealt “bountifully” with him (Ps 13:6 NKJV). God values the smallest effort—it’s small-mindedness He objects to! If you truly believe He is directing your steps and that goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, expect great things from God. Leon Nacson says, “Always anticipate the best outcome for yourself and others, because when what you expect is just more of the same, that’s what you get!” Remember, “Faith is being sure of what…we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NIV). So even when you can’t “see” it, trust God to work on your behalf, to arrange for you to be in the right place at the right time, and for others to go out of their way to help you—and watch God work.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Think About What You Think About (1)
“What I feared has come upon me.” Job 3:25 NIV
Nick was a tough guy with a bad outlook. He worked for the railroad. One night after all his fellow workers had gone home he accidentally locked himself in a refrigerated boxcar. Worried that the temperature was below freezing, he yelled for help, but to no avail. The more he thought about his situation the colder he felt, till eventually he started shivering uncontrollably. Convinced he was dying, he wrote a letter to his family outlining what had happened. The next morning they found Nick’s body. An autopsy revealed that he had indeed frozen to death. But the investigators discovered something puzzling. The boxcar in which Nick was trapped was out of order and had been disconnected. The night he froze to death the temperature in the boxcar was sixty-one degrees, just below room temperature. But because he expected to die, he lost the battle in his mind.
What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, “What I feared has come upon me.” Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you—but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you’re agreeing to let Satan defeat you. Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done for you” (Mt 9:29 NIV). Another translation puts it like this: “Become what you believe” (TM). So get into agreement with God’s Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it’s up to you to take the first step!
Nick was a tough guy with a bad outlook. He worked for the railroad. One night after all his fellow workers had gone home he accidentally locked himself in a refrigerated boxcar. Worried that the temperature was below freezing, he yelled for help, but to no avail. The more he thought about his situation the colder he felt, till eventually he started shivering uncontrollably. Convinced he was dying, he wrote a letter to his family outlining what had happened. The next morning they found Nick’s body. An autopsy revealed that he had indeed frozen to death. But the investigators discovered something puzzling. The boxcar in which Nick was trapped was out of order and had been disconnected. The night he froze to death the temperature in the boxcar was sixty-one degrees, just below room temperature. But because he expected to die, he lost the battle in his mind.
What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, “What I feared has come upon me.” Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you—but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you’re agreeing to let Satan defeat you. Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done for you” (Mt 9:29 NIV). Another translation puts it like this: “Become what you believe” (TM). So get into agreement with God’s Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it’s up to you to take the first step!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
When the Whistle Blows
"You will...be led...with peace." Isa 55:12 NAS
Have you ever felt "checked" in your spirit when you were about to do something? Chances are, God is trying to get your attention. His promise is, "I will make you wise...show you where to go...and watch over you" (Ps 32:8 NCV). A Christian couple were buying their first home. When it came time to sign the papers the wife said, "I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. My husband had the same sick feeling in his stomach, so we decided not to go forward...A few months later my husband died in an accident. I wouldn't have been able to make the payments and support a new baby and myself...Our lack of peace was the Holy Spirit calling ‘time out'...We don't know the future, God does, and He directs our steps by the way of peace, or lack of it. The Holy Spirit acts like a referee. When the players stay within the boundaries, they're free to move about. But when there's trouble, or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows the whistle, stops play and restores order. The absence of peace can mean ‘the heavenly referee' has blown the whistle. Sometimes the ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity, other times we step out of bounds by giving way to temptation and sin. If we're smart, when we hear the whistle we'll wait for God to restore our peace." The Bible says: "You will...be led...with peace." Does that mean you'll always feel certain about your decision? No, but the right decision will be accompanied by a sense of God's peace
Have you ever felt "checked" in your spirit when you were about to do something? Chances are, God is trying to get your attention. His promise is, "I will make you wise...show you where to go...and watch over you" (Ps 32:8 NCV). A Christian couple were buying their first home. When it came time to sign the papers the wife said, "I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. My husband had the same sick feeling in his stomach, so we decided not to go forward...A few months later my husband died in an accident. I wouldn't have been able to make the payments and support a new baby and myself...Our lack of peace was the Holy Spirit calling ‘time out'...We don't know the future, God does, and He directs our steps by the way of peace, or lack of it. The Holy Spirit acts like a referee. When the players stay within the boundaries, they're free to move about. But when there's trouble, or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows the whistle, stops play and restores order. The absence of peace can mean ‘the heavenly referee' has blown the whistle. Sometimes the ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity, other times we step out of bounds by giving way to temptation and sin. If we're smart, when we hear the whistle we'll wait for God to restore our peace." The Bible says: "You will...be led...with peace." Does that mean you'll always feel certain about your decision? No, but the right decision will be accompanied by a sense of God's peace
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Control Your Anger
"A quick-tempered man acts foolishly." Pr 14:17 NKJV
It's normal to get angry, but uncontrolled anger can cost you dearly. When Nabal refused to feed King David and his soldiers, David's anger almost drove him to murder. Only Abigail, Nabal's wife, saved David from the destructive potential of his own unchecked emotions. Looking back, David told Abigail, "Blessed is your advice...because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed" (1Sa 25:33 NKJV). Our anger is often rooted in pride. Naaman the leper felt insulted when Elisha told him to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan River. "Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed,' I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy'" (2Ki 5:11 NKJV). The Arizona Republic newspaper reported that when Steve Tran of Westminster, California, closed the door on twenty-five activated bug bombs, he thought he had seen the last of the cockroaches that shared his apartment. But when the spray reached the pilot light of the stove, it ignited, blasting his screen door across the street, breaking all his windows and setting his furniture ablaze. "I wanted to kill all of them," he said. "I thought if I used a lot more, it would last longer." According to the label, just two canisters of the pesticide would have solved Tran's roach problem. The blast caused over $10,000 damage to the apartment building. And the cockroaches? Tran reported, "By Sunday, I saw them walking around." Yes, "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly."
It's normal to get angry, but uncontrolled anger can cost you dearly. When Nabal refused to feed King David and his soldiers, David's anger almost drove him to murder. Only Abigail, Nabal's wife, saved David from the destructive potential of his own unchecked emotions. Looking back, David told Abigail, "Blessed is your advice...because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed" (1Sa 25:33 NKJV). Our anger is often rooted in pride. Naaman the leper felt insulted when Elisha told him to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan River. "Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed,' I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy'" (2Ki 5:11 NKJV). The Arizona Republic newspaper reported that when Steve Tran of Westminster, California, closed the door on twenty-five activated bug bombs, he thought he had seen the last of the cockroaches that shared his apartment. But when the spray reached the pilot light of the stove, it ignited, blasting his screen door across the street, breaking all his windows and setting his furniture ablaze. "I wanted to kill all of them," he said. "I thought if I used a lot more, it would last longer." According to the label, just two canisters of the pesticide would have solved Tran's roach problem. The blast caused over $10,000 damage to the apartment building. And the cockroaches? Tran reported, "By Sunday, I saw them walking around." Yes, "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly."
Monday, December 20, 2010
Surrender (3)
"Because you say so, I will." Lk 5:5 NIV
One of the great leaders of the twentieth century was Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade. Through the Four Spiritual Laws tract and the Jesus film (seen by over four billion), more than 150 million people were won to Christ. When asked why God had used him so effectively, Bill replied, "When I was a young man I made a contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said, ‘From this day forward I am a slave of Jesus Christ.'" Picture yourself chained like a slave to an oar, rowing to the drumbeat of a galley master till the day you die-that's surrender!
Surrender isn't just the best way to live-it's the only way! All other approaches lead to frustration. The Bible calls surrender "your reasonable service" (Ro 12:1). Your wisest moments will always be those when you say yes to God. Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover that the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life-is you. You cannot fulfill His purposes while you're focusing only on your own plans and self-interest. If God is going to do His deepest work in you, it will begin with surrender. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, your dreams, your weaknesses, your habits, your hurts and hang-ups. Put Jesus in the driver's seat, and take your hands off the wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing that is under His control can ever be out of control. Surrendered to Christ, you can handle anything life throws at you.
One of the great leaders of the twentieth century was Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade. Through the Four Spiritual Laws tract and the Jesus film (seen by over four billion), more than 150 million people were won to Christ. When asked why God had used him so effectively, Bill replied, "When I was a young man I made a contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said, ‘From this day forward I am a slave of Jesus Christ.'" Picture yourself chained like a slave to an oar, rowing to the drumbeat of a galley master till the day you die-that's surrender!
Surrender isn't just the best way to live-it's the only way! All other approaches lead to frustration. The Bible calls surrender "your reasonable service" (Ro 12:1). Your wisest moments will always be those when you say yes to God. Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover that the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life-is you. You cannot fulfill His purposes while you're focusing only on your own plans and self-interest. If God is going to do His deepest work in you, it will begin with surrender. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, your dreams, your weaknesses, your habits, your hurts and hang-ups. Put Jesus in the driver's seat, and take your hands off the wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing that is under His control can ever be out of control. Surrendered to Christ, you can handle anything life throws at you.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Surrender (1)
Because you say so, I will." Lk 5:5 NIV
Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight you can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that you are empowered to succeed in what He's called you to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes, Lord" to whatever He asks. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can we call Jesus "Lord," and refuse to obey Him? (See Lk 6:46 NKJV).
Peter demonstrated true surrender when Jesus told him to try again. "‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.' And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish" (Lk 5:5-6 NKJV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't seem to make sense. Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's plan without knowing why circumstances happened as they did. Each was fully surrendered to God, and they came out on top. "How will I know I'm fully surrendered?" you ask. When you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your own agenda or control the situation. You don't have to be in charge, you simply let go and let God have His way.
Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight you can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that you are empowered to succeed in what He's called you to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes, Lord" to whatever He asks. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can we call Jesus "Lord," and refuse to obey Him? (See Lk 6:46 NKJV).
Peter demonstrated true surrender when Jesus told him to try again. "‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.' And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish" (Lk 5:5-6 NKJV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't seem to make sense. Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's plan without knowing why circumstances happened as they did. Each was fully surrendered to God, and they came out on top. "How will I know I'm fully surrendered?" you ask. When you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your own agenda or control the situation. You don't have to be in charge, you simply let go and let God have His way.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Preparing for Your Biggest Test
“After these things…God tested Abraham.” Ge 22:1 NKJV
The life of Abraham teaches you that: (1) You can walk with God, yet not know the details of your destiny. "And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8 NKJV). (2) When God makes you a promise, the timeline is up to Him. Abraham waited twenty years for Isaac to be born and fulfill the promise, "I will make you a great nation" (Ge 12:2 NKJV). (3) Sometimes you'll get it wrong before you get it right. Tired of waiting, Abraham fathered Ishmael. If he'd just waited, Isaac would have been born on God's schedule. Often your greatest mistakes come from impatience. (4) You can have faith in one area, yet experience fear in another. When Abraham got to Gerar, King Abimelech took a fancy to his wife Sarah. Thinking only of himself, Abraham said, "‘She is my sister.' And Abimelech...took Sarah" (Ge 20:2 NKJV). We all have our "Gerar moments," times when we cave in to fear, self-interest, or other people's demands. Were it not for God's grace we'd all be disqualified! Next we read, "After these things...God tested Abraham, and said...‘Take now your son...whom you love...and offer him...as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you'" (Ge 22:1-2 NKJV). Notice the words, "After these things." The tests you've been through begin to make sense when you face your biggest test. When you pass it, like Abraham, you can call God "Jehovah Jireh" which means "The-Lord-Will-Provide" (Ge 22:14 NKJV). And at that point God will say, "Now you've arrived at a place where I can use you!"
The life of Abraham teaches you that: (1) You can walk with God, yet not know the details of your destiny. "And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8 NKJV). (2) When God makes you a promise, the timeline is up to Him. Abraham waited twenty years for Isaac to be born and fulfill the promise, "I will make you a great nation" (Ge 12:2 NKJV). (3) Sometimes you'll get it wrong before you get it right. Tired of waiting, Abraham fathered Ishmael. If he'd just waited, Isaac would have been born on God's schedule. Often your greatest mistakes come from impatience. (4) You can have faith in one area, yet experience fear in another. When Abraham got to Gerar, King Abimelech took a fancy to his wife Sarah. Thinking only of himself, Abraham said, "‘She is my sister.' And Abimelech...took Sarah" (Ge 20:2 NKJV). We all have our "Gerar moments," times when we cave in to fear, self-interest, or other people's demands. Were it not for God's grace we'd all be disqualified! Next we read, "After these things...God tested Abraham, and said...‘Take now your son...whom you love...and offer him...as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you'" (Ge 22:1-2 NKJV). Notice the words, "After these things." The tests you've been through begin to make sense when you face your biggest test. When you pass it, like Abraham, you can call God "Jehovah Jireh" which means "The-Lord-Will-Provide" (Ge 22:14 NKJV). And at that point God will say, "Now you've arrived at a place where I can use you!"
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Instead of Complaining, Change!
"Let us examine our ways and test them." La 3:40 NIV
One child complains about the other: "Mommy, he hit me!" She's convinced it's her brother's fault, that he ought to be punished, that she should have Mom's sympathy and be absolved of all responsibility. But her brother is equally certain: "She started it. She took my toy." We grow older, but not always wiser! It "just happened," we say, then proceed to blame people and circumstances. We dance to the tune but we don't want to pay the piper, so we complain about our consequences, saying it wasn't our fault. This is not the way God does business, and it doesn't work. "Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?" (v. 39 NIV). What works with God is this:
(1) Acknowledge your wrong behavior. Someone else may have initiated it, but your part in it is your responsibility. Plus, complaining offends God. "The people complained...in the hearing of the Lord, and...his anger was aroused" (Nu 11:1 NIV). Leave other people's sin to God and deal with your own. (2) Look at your behaviors. "Let us examine our ways." Look beyond this specific event to how you typically act in similar situations. Learn from it, so you can change! (3) Determine whether your ways really work. "Let us...test them." Analyze, observe and judge how well your "ways" have actually worked-or not! (4) If they don't work, change them. "Let us return to the Lord" (La 3:40 NIV). Repeating wrong behaviors guarantees continued failure. Returning to doing things God's way, brings the end of frustration and the beginning of joy and fulfillment!
One child complains about the other: "Mommy, he hit me!" She's convinced it's her brother's fault, that he ought to be punished, that she should have Mom's sympathy and be absolved of all responsibility. But her brother is equally certain: "She started it. She took my toy." We grow older, but not always wiser! It "just happened," we say, then proceed to blame people and circumstances. We dance to the tune but we don't want to pay the piper, so we complain about our consequences, saying it wasn't our fault. This is not the way God does business, and it doesn't work. "Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?" (v. 39 NIV). What works with God is this:
(1) Acknowledge your wrong behavior. Someone else may have initiated it, but your part in it is your responsibility. Plus, complaining offends God. "The people complained...in the hearing of the Lord, and...his anger was aroused" (Nu 11:1 NIV). Leave other people's sin to God and deal with your own. (2) Look at your behaviors. "Let us examine our ways." Look beyond this specific event to how you typically act in similar situations. Learn from it, so you can change! (3) Determine whether your ways really work. "Let us...test them." Analyze, observe and judge how well your "ways" have actually worked-or not! (4) If they don't work, change them. "Let us return to the Lord" (La 3:40 NIV). Repeating wrong behaviors guarantees continued failure. Returning to doing things God's way, brings the end of frustration and the beginning of joy and fulfillment!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
In Spite of the Odds, and Opposition
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."Ps 23:5 NKJV
If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (vv. 5-6 NKJV). Underscore the word "surely." It's God's guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you! "But I'm really struggling," you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His spirit to guide you, His Word to illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will: (1) See that your problem is just a platform for Him to "show himself strong on your behalf" (See 2Ch 16:9). (2) Discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point (See 2Co 12:7-9). (3) Be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your future, God does, so look to Him!
If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (vv. 5-6 NKJV). Underscore the word "surely." It's God's guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you! "But I'm really struggling," you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His spirit to guide you, His Word to illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will: (1) See that your problem is just a platform for Him to "show himself strong on your behalf" (See 2Ch 16:9). (2) Discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point (See 2Co 12:7-9). (3) Be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your future, God does, so look to Him!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Be Careful What You Say (3)
"The lips of the godly speak helpful words."Pr 10:32 NLT
A World War II poster reads, "Loose lips sink ships." So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself: (1) Is it true? "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16 NKJV). That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions! Until you're certain it's true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth. (2) Is it confidential? Did you hear it as a result of someone else having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember: "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered" (Pr 11:13 ESV). Your usefulness to God requires that you not sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust. (3) Is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating-don't be his accomplice. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? (4) Is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself, "What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?" Always keep this in mind: you're more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't. "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards" (Pr 29:11). Be wise; be careful what you say.
A World War II poster reads, "Loose lips sink ships." So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself: (1) Is it true? "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16 NKJV). That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions! Until you're certain it's true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth. (2) Is it confidential? Did you hear it as a result of someone else having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember: "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered" (Pr 11:13 ESV). Your usefulness to God requires that you not sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust. (3) Is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating-don't be his accomplice. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? (4) Is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself, "What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?" Always keep this in mind: you're more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't. "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards" (Pr 29:11). Be wise; be careful what you say.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Be Careful What You Say (2)
"The lips of the godly speak helpful words." Pr 10:32 NLT
Your words can bring two things: (1) Encouragement. Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, "A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the seat of the pants, but is miles ahead in results." Solomon said, "Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim" (Pr 15:4 TM). When life is hard, "a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!" (Pr 15:23 AMP). Hope pierces the despair, and people begin to believe that they really have a chance to make it. Many a wounded soul has gotten through their deepest valley on the strength of a word of encouragement. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Pr 16:24 NIV). People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement! Just a card, an e-mail, a phone call-the Bible calls them "apples of gold in settings of silver" (Pr 25:11 NKJV). (2) Salvation. "The fruit of the...righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men-he gathers and receives them for eternity]" (Pr 11:30 AMP). The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. "The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well" (Pr 10:11 TM). You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost, changing their past, their present and their future. Your words can also help people to mature and grow in their relationship with God. Yes, "The lips of the righteous feed many" (Pr 10:21 NAS).
Your words can bring two things: (1) Encouragement. Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, "A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the seat of the pants, but is miles ahead in results." Solomon said, "Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim" (Pr 15:4 TM). When life is hard, "a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!" (Pr 15:23 AMP). Hope pierces the despair, and people begin to believe that they really have a chance to make it. Many a wounded soul has gotten through their deepest valley on the strength of a word of encouragement. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Pr 16:24 NIV). People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement! Just a card, an e-mail, a phone call-the Bible calls them "apples of gold in settings of silver" (Pr 25:11 NKJV). (2) Salvation. "The fruit of the...righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men-he gathers and receives them for eternity]" (Pr 11:30 AMP). The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. "The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well" (Pr 10:11 TM). You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost, changing their past, their present and their future. Your words can also help people to mature and grow in their relationship with God. Yes, "The lips of the righteous feed many" (Pr 10:21 NAS).
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Be Careful What You Say (1)
"The lips of the godly speak helpful words."Pr 10:32 NLT
Your tongue can be a source of great blessing. It can provide people with two things they need: (1) Wisdom. "The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice...The lips of the godly speak helpful words" (vv. 31-32 NLT). Paul told Timothy, "You have heard me teach [many] things...teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" (2Ti 2:2 NLT). Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge. Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you. If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime. (2) Correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected. But if you "Listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise...reject discipline, you only harm yourself...listen to correction...grow in understanding...humility precedes honor" (Pr 15:31-33 NLT). Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth teller, but "You can trust a friend who corrects you" (Pr 27:6 CEV). Three important principles apply here: First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship. If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth telling to someone who has. You have to earn that right. Second, truth telling isn't a license to go hunting. A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (See Eph 4:15). Third, appreciation will come, but be prepared, it may be delayed! "In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery" (Pr 28:23 NLT).
Your tongue can be a source of great blessing. It can provide people with two things they need: (1) Wisdom. "The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice...The lips of the godly speak helpful words" (vv. 31-32 NLT). Paul told Timothy, "You have heard me teach [many] things...teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" (2Ti 2:2 NLT). Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge. Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you. If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime. (2) Correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected. But if you "Listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise...reject discipline, you only harm yourself...listen to correction...grow in understanding...humility precedes honor" (Pr 15:31-33 NLT). Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth teller, but "You can trust a friend who corrects you" (Pr 27:6 CEV). Three important principles apply here: First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship. If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth telling to someone who has. You have to earn that right. Second, truth telling isn't a license to go hunting. A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (See Eph 4:15). Third, appreciation will come, but be prepared, it may be delayed! "In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery" (Pr 28:23 NLT).
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Walking by Faith
"I will instruct you...in the way you should go."Ps 32:8 NIV
Paul writes: "I go...not knowing the things that will happen to me...except that the Holy Spirit testifies...saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me" (Ac 20:22-24 NKJV). It's only human to want to know where you're going and what you're getting into. But God informs us on a "need to know" basis. Like Abraham, when you follow Him, you do it "not knowing" where the Lord leads, but believing what He promised, confident that no matter how He does it or how long it takes, He will keep His word to you (See Heb 11:8). Being in God's will doesn't exempt you from problems. God doesn't promise a carpet on the race track or a bed of roses on the battlefield. But you can be "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Php 1:6 NIV). Jon Walker says, "God knows every step of the journey...the blessings and dangers...where you've been...where you're going, and...the best path to take...He never intended you to figure out the steps without Him. How you get on mission and succeed...are God's responsibilities. Your responsibility is to seek His guidance and obey His instructions. He said, ‘I will instruct you...in the way you should go...and watch over you' (Ps 32:8 NIV). Your job is to trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. His job is to set your path straight (See Pr 3:5-6). There's no requirement for you to figure it all out."
Paul writes: "I go...not knowing the things that will happen to me...except that the Holy Spirit testifies...saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me" (Ac 20:22-24 NKJV). It's only human to want to know where you're going and what you're getting into. But God informs us on a "need to know" basis. Like Abraham, when you follow Him, you do it "not knowing" where the Lord leads, but believing what He promised, confident that no matter how He does it or how long it takes, He will keep His word to you (See Heb 11:8). Being in God's will doesn't exempt you from problems. God doesn't promise a carpet on the race track or a bed of roses on the battlefield. But you can be "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Php 1:6 NIV). Jon Walker says, "God knows every step of the journey...the blessings and dangers...where you've been...where you're going, and...the best path to take...He never intended you to figure out the steps without Him. How you get on mission and succeed...are God's responsibilities. Your responsibility is to seek His guidance and obey His instructions. He said, ‘I will instruct you...in the way you should go...and watch over you' (Ps 32:8 NIV). Your job is to trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. His job is to set your path straight (See Pr 3:5-6). There's no requirement for you to figure it all out."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"In the Year of Drought"
"He...will not be anxious in the year of drought."Jer 17:8 NKJV
The mother of eight children came home one afternoon and noticed it was quieter than usual. She looked in the living room and five of her little darlings were sitting in a circle, playing with five of the cutest skunks you've ever seen. Instantly she began to scream, "Run, children, run!" Each child grabbed a skunk and ran in different directions. Instead of helping, her screams so scared the children that they each squeezed their skunk. That day she learned-it's always too soon to panic!
In tough economic times the difference between peace and panic depends on Who you are trusting in. When you've done all you know, give it to God-and don't take it back! We live in a fear-filled world. If you read the headlines and not the Scriptures, listen to the shock jocks instead of those who strengthen your faith, you'll experience what Jesus described as "Men's hearts failing them for fear" (Lk 21:26). As a redeemed child of God you live by His rules, under His protection, supplied by "His riches" (See Php 4:19). Here's a promise you need to stand on: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord...For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jer 17:7-8 NKJV). "In the year of drought," don't panic. Instead, trust God to come through for you!
The mother of eight children came home one afternoon and noticed it was quieter than usual. She looked in the living room and five of her little darlings were sitting in a circle, playing with five of the cutest skunks you've ever seen. Instantly she began to scream, "Run, children, run!" Each child grabbed a skunk and ran in different directions. Instead of helping, her screams so scared the children that they each squeezed their skunk. That day she learned-it's always too soon to panic!
In tough economic times the difference between peace and panic depends on Who you are trusting in. When you've done all you know, give it to God-and don't take it back! We live in a fear-filled world. If you read the headlines and not the Scriptures, listen to the shock jocks instead of those who strengthen your faith, you'll experience what Jesus described as "Men's hearts failing them for fear" (Lk 21:26). As a redeemed child of God you live by His rules, under His protection, supplied by "His riches" (See Php 4:19). Here's a promise you need to stand on: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord...For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jer 17:7-8 NKJV). "In the year of drought," don't panic. Instead, trust God to come through for you!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Joseph’s Coats To be used by God, you must wear the two coats
"Then Pharaoh...clothed him in garments of fine linen."Ge 41:42 NKJV
Joseph wore:
(1) The coat of favor. "Now [Jacob] loved Joseph...and he made him a coat of many colours" (Ge 37:3). Like Joseph's multicolored coat, the favor of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd, open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says: "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield" (Ps 5:12 NKJV).
(2) The coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he said no to her advances and stayed true to his convictions. "When Joseph went into the house to do his work...she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.' But he left his garment in her hand, and fled" (Ge 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, or cut corners on the job, or lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do, but you'll be tested-and your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr. Joseph Parker, the great English pulpiteer and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, "An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads." When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps 119:11 NKJV).
Joseph wore:
(1) The coat of favor. "Now [Jacob] loved Joseph...and he made him a coat of many colours" (Ge 37:3). Like Joseph's multicolored coat, the favor of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd, open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says: "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield" (Ps 5:12 NKJV).
(2) The coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he said no to her advances and stayed true to his convictions. "When Joseph went into the house to do his work...she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.' But he left his garment in her hand, and fled" (Ge 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, or cut corners on the job, or lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do, but you'll be tested-and your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr. Joseph Parker, the great English pulpiteer and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, "An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads." When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps 119:11 NKJV).
Friday, December 3, 2010
Beware of Self-Righteousness
"You who judge others do these very same things." Ro 2:1 NLT
A woman looked out her window every morning and commented on the dirty laundry on her neighbor's line. One day she noticed it was sparkling clean: "Maybe she's using a new detergent," she remarked. "No," said her husband. "I got up early and cleaned our windows." Hello! When Paul talks about "greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception...gossip" (Ro 1:29 NLT), it's tempting to think it doesn't apply to you. Then he says, "You are just as bad...you...do these very same things." Maybe you've never embezzled money, but have you ever shortchanged somebody? Or taken an "iffy" tax deduction? How about when you're stuck in traffic, or you overhear some juicy gossip? Phil Yancey says: "Murder and adultery differ from hatred and lust only by degree...Paul reserves his most scathing comments for self-righteous people...A Pharisee of Pharisees, he knew the pattern...the danger that accompanies a feeling of moral superiority. Just as denial keeps you from seeing a doctor about a lump or lesion...denial of sin leads to worse consequences...I accepted a speaking engagement from some Christians involved in Twelve-Step Programs...As I pondered what to say...it occurred to me that what recovering alcoholics confess daily-personal failure and the need for grace...represent high hurdles for those of us who take pride in independence and self-sufficiency. Romans 3:10 says, ‘There is none righteous,' and God's grace is the only solution. It comes free of charge, apart from the law and...human efforts towards self-improvement...we need only hold out open, needy hands-the most difficult gesture for a self-righteous person."
A woman looked out her window every morning and commented on the dirty laundry on her neighbor's line. One day she noticed it was sparkling clean: "Maybe she's using a new detergent," she remarked. "No," said her husband. "I got up early and cleaned our windows." Hello! When Paul talks about "greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception...gossip" (Ro 1:29 NLT), it's tempting to think it doesn't apply to you. Then he says, "You are just as bad...you...do these very same things." Maybe you've never embezzled money, but have you ever shortchanged somebody? Or taken an "iffy" tax deduction? How about when you're stuck in traffic, or you overhear some juicy gossip? Phil Yancey says: "Murder and adultery differ from hatred and lust only by degree...Paul reserves his most scathing comments for self-righteous people...A Pharisee of Pharisees, he knew the pattern...the danger that accompanies a feeling of moral superiority. Just as denial keeps you from seeing a doctor about a lump or lesion...denial of sin leads to worse consequences...I accepted a speaking engagement from some Christians involved in Twelve-Step Programs...As I pondered what to say...it occurred to me that what recovering alcoholics confess daily-personal failure and the need for grace...represent high hurdles for those of us who take pride in independence and self-sufficiency. Romans 3:10 says, ‘There is none righteous,' and God's grace is the only solution. It comes free of charge, apart from the law and...human efforts towards self-improvement...we need only hold out open, needy hands-the most difficult gesture for a self-righteous person."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Aim, Shoot, and Keep Shooting!
"Strike the ground." 2Ki 13:18 NKJV
When the king of Israel needed a strategy for defeating the Syrians he turned to the prophet Elisha, who told him, "‘Take a bow and some arrows.' So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, ‘Put your hand on the bow.' So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, ‘Open the east window'; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, ‘Shoot'; and he shot. And he said, ‘The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them.' Then he said, ‘Take the arrows'; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, ‘Strike the ground'; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, ‘You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times'" (vv. 15-19 NKJV).
What are you asking God to do? Save someone you love? Provide finances? Help you break a habit? Succeed in your career? Find out what He has promised you in His Word, and use those promises like arrows. Aim them at your problem, shoot, and keep shooting until God moves on your behalf. If this story teaches us anything, it's this: there are situations in life when faith and persistence not only determine your victory, but the extent to which you win. So aim, shoot, and keep shooting!
When the king of Israel needed a strategy for defeating the Syrians he turned to the prophet Elisha, who told him, "‘Take a bow and some arrows.' So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, ‘Put your hand on the bow.' So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, ‘Open the east window'; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, ‘Shoot'; and he shot. And he said, ‘The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them.' Then he said, ‘Take the arrows'; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, ‘Strike the ground'; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, ‘You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times'" (vv. 15-19 NKJV).
What are you asking God to do? Save someone you love? Provide finances? Help you break a habit? Succeed in your career? Find out what He has promised you in His Word, and use those promises like arrows. Aim them at your problem, shoot, and keep shooting until God moves on your behalf. If this story teaches us anything, it's this: there are situations in life when faith and persistence not only determine your victory, but the extent to which you win. So aim, shoot, and keep shooting!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Parent, That’s Your Job Description
"Teach them diligently to your children." Dt 6:7 NKJV
Abraham had a nephew called Lot who succeeded in business, but lost his family. How come? Because: (a) he had the wrong emphasis-he placed material success above spiritual success; (b) he had the wrong environment-he thought his children could live in Sodom and not be affected by it; (c) he had the wrong expectation-he thought he could change his surroundings by compromising with them; (d) he set the wrong example-he thought his family would follow his instructions; instead they followed his lifestyle; (e) he had the wrong relationships-he didn't realize until it was too late, how much Sodom had influenced his family (See Ge 19:4-5). If you think you can live by the world's rules and expect your children to follow God's, you're kidding yourself. Instead of preaching about the shoes you want your children to fill, walk in them! Lead by example. Outside of your influence as a parent, the four greatest influences in your child's life are their peers, the internet, media and music. And all four are either working for you or against you. You say, "But I'm really busy right now." Get un-busy! Rethink your priorities. Your child's character is being molded each day; the question is, by whom? God's Word clearly states that these six things constitute your job description as a parent: (1) Instruct them (See Dt 6:6-7). (2) Train them (See Pr 22:6). (3) Provide for them (See 2Co 12:14). (4) Nurture them (See Eph 6:4). (5) Discipline them (See 1Ti 3:4). (6) Love them (See Tit 2:4). The truth is, you have no greater responsibility!
Abraham had a nephew called Lot who succeeded in business, but lost his family. How come? Because: (a) he had the wrong emphasis-he placed material success above spiritual success; (b) he had the wrong environment-he thought his children could live in Sodom and not be affected by it; (c) he had the wrong expectation-he thought he could change his surroundings by compromising with them; (d) he set the wrong example-he thought his family would follow his instructions; instead they followed his lifestyle; (e) he had the wrong relationships-he didn't realize until it was too late, how much Sodom had influenced his family (See Ge 19:4-5). If you think you can live by the world's rules and expect your children to follow God's, you're kidding yourself. Instead of preaching about the shoes you want your children to fill, walk in them! Lead by example. Outside of your influence as a parent, the four greatest influences in your child's life are their peers, the internet, media and music. And all four are either working for you or against you. You say, "But I'm really busy right now." Get un-busy! Rethink your priorities. Your child's character is being molded each day; the question is, by whom? God's Word clearly states that these six things constitute your job description as a parent: (1) Instruct them (See Dt 6:6-7). (2) Train them (See Pr 22:6). (3) Provide for them (See 2Co 12:14). (4) Nurture them (See Eph 6:4). (5) Discipline them (See 1Ti 3:4). (6) Love them (See Tit 2:4). The truth is, you have no greater responsibility!
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