Luke 9:23 "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
When missionary Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: “We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?” Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.”
There’s a big difference between just being interested in doing something and actually making a commitment to doing it! Just being interested allows us the freedom to do a thing only when our circumstances make it convenient for us. But making a commitment to do that thing means accepting no excuses and no reservations — it means putting aside our fears and reservations moving forward till we see the end result! Dr. Livingstone was looking for results, and this required men of commitment!
Jesus states that we must deny ourselves. That means that we must deny what we want to do and do what He wants us to do. That is difficult for most today because society pulls at us with the thought of "whatever I want is most important". But that is so contrary to what God says. We have to put our desires on the back burner when it comes to God and his work.
We used to sing a song at church camp that I attended when I was in Jr. High and we sang it every night for vespers service. It was "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus". If you know it, the lyrics are very strong and to even sing the song, one needs to make a conscious decision because to make this commitment, it will take 100% of our being. It starts with a decision to Follow Jesus, secondly, a promise that we will follow even if we are the only ones to do so. It ends with a statement that our eyes are fixed on the cross and nothing else. We put the world behind us and the cross before us. That is true commitment!
With 2009 under way, let’s make some commitments! Let's make solid commitments to our Lord and our church. They deserve it. There is so much work to do, that it will require our 100% dedication, and really, doesn't God deserve it? That's the real question we must answer.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Proper Lip Service
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. "They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men” (Matthew 15:8, 9).
I learned these from my mom and these sayings are all just ways to express that the words you speak have little value if they are not followed up with action.
Even more importantly, God is interested in the sincerity of our hearts rather than our words.
God sees our hearts; He knows our thoughts; He knows the attitudes and motivations behind our actions.
When we say we love God, but haven’t surrendered our will to Him, we are just like the Pharisees He addressed in these verses from Matthew (also in Mark 7:6, 7).
The Pharisees had become caught up in the rules they had created for daily life. Their worship of God became an opportunity to show everyone how well they followed the rules. Thus, rather than worshipping God, they were merely glorifying themselves. By focusing on their outward conduct they forgot that unlike men, God looks at the heart:
Let us be mindful of the fact that our words are meaningless to God if they don’t reflect a heart that is seeking Him.
There is no greater pleasure to God than when his children’s words match their lifestyle. Let’s be a people that “practices what they preach” and “puts our money where our mouth is”. Let’s give him proper lip service: our words matching our actions!
You’ve heard people say:
- “Talk is cheap.”
- “He’s just giving lip-service.”
- “Put your money where your mouth is.”
I learned these from my mom and these sayings are all just ways to express that the words you speak have little value if they are not followed up with action.
Even more importantly, God is interested in the sincerity of our hearts rather than our words.
God sees our hearts; He knows our thoughts; He knows the attitudes and motivations behind our actions.
When we say we love God, but haven’t surrendered our will to Him, we are just like the Pharisees He addressed in these verses from Matthew (also in Mark 7:6, 7).
The Pharisees had become caught up in the rules they had created for daily life. Their worship of God became an opportunity to show everyone how well they followed the rules. Thus, rather than worshipping God, they were merely glorifying themselves. By focusing on their outward conduct they forgot that unlike men, God looks at the heart:
- “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
- “God does not judge by external appearance” (Galatians 2:6).
Let us be mindful of the fact that our words are meaningless to God if they don’t reflect a heart that is seeking Him.
There is no greater pleasure to God than when his children’s words match their lifestyle. Let’s be a people that “practices what they preach” and “puts our money where our mouth is”. Let’s give him proper lip service: our words matching our actions!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Let’s Just Praise The Lord
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess His name." (Hebrews 13:15)
A large part of our day should be spent in praise. While God does want you to intercede for others and make requests of Him, there are plenty of Scriptures that tell us to also praise Him, to tell him of his worth.
Isaiah 43:7 informs us that we were "created to praise." Jesus said in Mark 12:30 that the greatest commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
God is at home in our praises. When God is at home in praise He does what He wants to do and is not held back by our human failures. We can't fail Him in our praise. I like to think about this as the one thing I can do which will never hurt anyone and it pleases the One who deserves it the most.
The writer in Hebrews states to continually offer praise. When was the last day that you had where you continuously offered praise? I would venture to say that if we all had a day like that, that would be a day we would never forget. Not only would it be cleansing for our soul, but I’m sure it would be the best day that we ever had.
There was a movie that came out years ago called Oh God! While there were parts of the movie that I didn’t agree with, there was a line in the movie that I always remember. God wanted his designated person to get people to think about Him. Therefore, everywhere people would look, they would see THINK GOD!. What a concept. What if we would think about God all day? What would happen? Perhaps we would forget our past, perhaps we would not struggle with that thing that we struggle with, perhaps we wouldn’t be as apt to sin. Or even, perhaps we would forget all about our trials and troubles. Wow! What an awesome day that would be.
My challenge to all of you is: THINK GOD! Allow your mind to dwell on who God is and offer up praises to him, all day long---continuously. If you do that, can you please comment on this blog and let us all know how your day went.
A large part of our day should be spent in praise. While God does want you to intercede for others and make requests of Him, there are plenty of Scriptures that tell us to also praise Him, to tell him of his worth.
Isaiah 43:7 informs us that we were "created to praise." Jesus said in Mark 12:30 that the greatest commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
God is at home in our praises. When God is at home in praise He does what He wants to do and is not held back by our human failures. We can't fail Him in our praise. I like to think about this as the one thing I can do which will never hurt anyone and it pleases the One who deserves it the most.
The writer in Hebrews states to continually offer praise. When was the last day that you had where you continuously offered praise? I would venture to say that if we all had a day like that, that would be a day we would never forget. Not only would it be cleansing for our soul, but I’m sure it would be the best day that we ever had.
There was a movie that came out years ago called Oh God! While there were parts of the movie that I didn’t agree with, there was a line in the movie that I always remember. God wanted his designated person to get people to think about Him. Therefore, everywhere people would look, they would see THINK GOD!. What a concept. What if we would think about God all day? What would happen? Perhaps we would forget our past, perhaps we would not struggle with that thing that we struggle with, perhaps we wouldn’t be as apt to sin. Or even, perhaps we would forget all about our trials and troubles. Wow! What an awesome day that would be.
My challenge to all of you is: THINK GOD! Allow your mind to dwell on who God is and offer up praises to him, all day long---continuously. If you do that, can you please comment on this blog and let us all know how your day went.
Monday, October 20, 2008
It’s Time To Decide
Elijah went before the people and said “How long will you waiver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” I Kings 18:21
Have you ever heard or used the phrase “Make Up Your Mind!” Don’t you hate it when the driver in front of you can’t decide which lane to stay in? Or how about when the person in front of you, who is getting ice cream, can’t decide which flavor to get? Or how about when a group of people can’t decide where to eat for lunch?
No wonder Elijah was frustrated with Israel’s fickle faith. One day they bowed to God and the next day they would bow to Baal. One day the temple was a place of honor and the next day, any place was accepted as the Holy Place. Elijah must have felt that the people of Israel were trying to hold on to both God and Baal. I guess you could call it wishy-washy religion.
The words in the Scripture “waivering between two opinions” reminds me of a bird hopping between two branches, unable to decide where to land. Israel was just like this. They had every reason to fear God, but they still could not bring themselves to fully reject idolatry. But Elijah offers some words that would help them decide. He challenges them to fully follow God for who He was.
When we understand who God is, we can’t help but follow him—wholeheartedly. There will be no waivering, there will be hardship in letting go to the things of the world that oppose God.
My statement is a simple one: It is time to decide. Either follow God or don’t. But you can’t be like the bird going back and forth between the world and the kingdom of God. You must choose who you will serve this day!
Have you ever heard or used the phrase “Make Up Your Mind!” Don’t you hate it when the driver in front of you can’t decide which lane to stay in? Or how about when the person in front of you, who is getting ice cream, can’t decide which flavor to get? Or how about when a group of people can’t decide where to eat for lunch?
No wonder Elijah was frustrated with Israel’s fickle faith. One day they bowed to God and the next day they would bow to Baal. One day the temple was a place of honor and the next day, any place was accepted as the Holy Place. Elijah must have felt that the people of Israel were trying to hold on to both God and Baal. I guess you could call it wishy-washy religion.
The words in the Scripture “waivering between two opinions” reminds me of a bird hopping between two branches, unable to decide where to land. Israel was just like this. They had every reason to fear God, but they still could not bring themselves to fully reject idolatry. But Elijah offers some words that would help them decide. He challenges them to fully follow God for who He was.
When we understand who God is, we can’t help but follow him—wholeheartedly. There will be no waivering, there will be hardship in letting go to the things of the world that oppose God.
My statement is a simple one: It is time to decide. Either follow God or don’t. But you can’t be like the bird going back and forth between the world and the kingdom of God. You must choose who you will serve this day!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
He Stills Says Come!
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today." Luke 19:5 (NLT)
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but he had a couple of obstacles to get over: the crowd and his own height. He runs ahead of the crowd. Just imagine this for a moment and picture this in your mind: Here's a little rich guy running ahead of the crowds. When he reaches the 30-40' high tree, he climbs the short trunk and plants himself on 1 of the branches. Evidently he did not worry about looking ridiculous! We could stop here and just make this our devotion—when it comes to Jesus, it shouldn’t matter what people think. But let’s go on.
Zacchaeus thought that he was seeking Jesus, when in fact Jesus was seeking him. Jesus reaches the spot. He looks up and with so many people around him, Jesus sees one man. He calls Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew his name and his character. Jesus did not see who he was from the outside. . .God does not look at the things man looks at. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). So what did Jesus see when He saw Zacchaeus? He saw a man that was dealing with sin in his life. He saw a man who had been beaten down by the world. He saw a man that had been deceived and that had deceived other people. He saw a man who was dying inside
As we go through life we often feel insignificant. But, one life does matter. Zacchaeus is one seemingly insignificant man who was noticed by God.
And with all the people around you, God still sees you. He sees how you spend your day. He sees your disappointments and the pain you experience. He sees your successes and your failures. He sees your frustrations and your fears. He sees the decisions you are facing. He sees your worries, and he still says “Come”. He knows when you feel like giving up, when you are down or when you are happy. But he still says “Come”. Every person matters to Christ. So don’t let the crowd keep you from seeing Him. He loves you and wants to be the master of your life. He sees YOU and cares for YOU!
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but he had a couple of obstacles to get over: the crowd and his own height. He runs ahead of the crowd. Just imagine this for a moment and picture this in your mind: Here's a little rich guy running ahead of the crowds. When he reaches the 30-40' high tree, he climbs the short trunk and plants himself on 1 of the branches. Evidently he did not worry about looking ridiculous! We could stop here and just make this our devotion—when it comes to Jesus, it shouldn’t matter what people think. But let’s go on.
Zacchaeus thought that he was seeking Jesus, when in fact Jesus was seeking him. Jesus reaches the spot. He looks up and with so many people around him, Jesus sees one man. He calls Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew his name and his character. Jesus did not see who he was from the outside. . .God does not look at the things man looks at. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). So what did Jesus see when He saw Zacchaeus? He saw a man that was dealing with sin in his life. He saw a man who had been beaten down by the world. He saw a man that had been deceived and that had deceived other people. He saw a man who was dying inside
As we go through life we often feel insignificant. But, one life does matter. Zacchaeus is one seemingly insignificant man who was noticed by God.
And with all the people around you, God still sees you. He sees how you spend your day. He sees your disappointments and the pain you experience. He sees your successes and your failures. He sees your frustrations and your fears. He sees the decisions you are facing. He sees your worries, and he still says “Come”. He knows when you feel like giving up, when you are down or when you are happy. But he still says “Come”. Every person matters to Christ. So don’t let the crowd keep you from seeing Him. He loves you and wants to be the master of your life. He sees YOU and cares for YOU!
Monday, September 29, 2008
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 (NLT)
The writer of Acts tells us in Acts 2:42 that the early church was distinguished by 4 things. They were devoted to:
It is just as important today for us to be devoted to the Word of God as it was in the 1st century church. A well known author states: "When the people of God, united in His name, proclaim the Word of God, they can turn their world upside down." The early church definitely turned their world upside down! But, they were not only devoted to the Word, but also to fellowship with one another. Real Biblical fellowship requires face-to-face communication, whether in New Testament times or in today's Internet times.
Why are relationships so important? Apart from God Himself, there will only be two things in eternity: God's Word and God's people, living in relationship with Him. This reality alone should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. We should be striving to have God-honoring relationships in our lives. I know people who are looking forward to Heaven to "get away from certain people" (often in our own churches). What they forget is that many of those people they are longing to escape from will be with them for eternity!
Luke's reference to "the fellowship" implies that there was something unique in the gatherings of the early believers. One of those things is found in Acts 4:32: "All the believers were one in heart and mind." The whole congregation was united to one another in their allegiance to Jesus.
What about you? Are you striving to have God-honoring relationships? Are you diligently striving to be of one heart and mind with other Christians? This is what we are called to do. Take a look at your relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Does it mimic those of the first century church? Just think, if it did, we would turn our community and our town upside down and isn’t that our goal?
The writer of Acts tells us in Acts 2:42 that the early church was distinguished by 4 things. They were devoted to:
- The apostles' teaching
- Fellowship with one another
- "Breaking of bread"
- Prayer.
It is just as important today for us to be devoted to the Word of God as it was in the 1st century church. A well known author states: "When the people of God, united in His name, proclaim the Word of God, they can turn their world upside down." The early church definitely turned their world upside down! But, they were not only devoted to the Word, but also to fellowship with one another. Real Biblical fellowship requires face-to-face communication, whether in New Testament times or in today's Internet times.
Why are relationships so important? Apart from God Himself, there will only be two things in eternity: God's Word and God's people, living in relationship with Him. This reality alone should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. We should be striving to have God-honoring relationships in our lives. I know people who are looking forward to Heaven to "get away from certain people" (often in our own churches). What they forget is that many of those people they are longing to escape from will be with them for eternity!
Luke's reference to "the fellowship" implies that there was something unique in the gatherings of the early believers. One of those things is found in Acts 4:32: "All the believers were one in heart and mind." The whole congregation was united to one another in their allegiance to Jesus.
What about you? Are you striving to have God-honoring relationships? Are you diligently striving to be of one heart and mind with other Christians? This is what we are called to do. Take a look at your relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Does it mimic those of the first century church? Just think, if it did, we would turn our community and our town upside down and isn’t that our goal?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
QUICK, GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME!
“Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts”—Col 3:16 (NLT)
I read this a while back and wanted to share this story with you and then bring an application home:
A disgruntled church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained: “I’ve gone to church for thirty years now, and in that time I have heard something like three-thousand sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. I think I’m wasting my time and the Pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This began a major controversy which went on for weeks until someone wrote in this reply:
“I’ve been married for thirty years now. In that time my wife has cooked some three thousand meals. For the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this … they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work…”
Wow, this is so true. We need our spiritual nourishment to be able to do the work of the Lord effectively! Corporate worship, fellowship with our brothers and sisters and seeking the advice of wise Godly people are ingredients to help do the Lord’s work effectively.
God does not want us to isolate ourselves! He wants us to be in constant fellowship with like minded believers, teaching and encouraging one another, singing psalms and spiritual hymns together! Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb.10-25)! Let’s all make it a priority to be in corporate worship together. View it as part of your ministry. When you consistently commit yourself to this, you are encouraging others around you and it may even be a testimony to someone else that is struggling. We’ve got a lot of work to do (as Jesus puts it, “the harvest is plentiful”). Let’s do it together!
I read this a while back and wanted to share this story with you and then bring an application home:
A disgruntled church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained: “I’ve gone to church for thirty years now, and in that time I have heard something like three-thousand sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. I think I’m wasting my time and the Pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This began a major controversy which went on for weeks until someone wrote in this reply:
“I’ve been married for thirty years now. In that time my wife has cooked some three thousand meals. For the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this … they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work…”
Wow, this is so true. We need our spiritual nourishment to be able to do the work of the Lord effectively! Corporate worship, fellowship with our brothers and sisters and seeking the advice of wise Godly people are ingredients to help do the Lord’s work effectively.
God does not want us to isolate ourselves! He wants us to be in constant fellowship with like minded believers, teaching and encouraging one another, singing psalms and spiritual hymns together! Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb.10-25)! Let’s all make it a priority to be in corporate worship together. View it as part of your ministry. When you consistently commit yourself to this, you are encouraging others around you and it may even be a testimony to someone else that is struggling. We’ve got a lot of work to do (as Jesus puts it, “the harvest is plentiful”). Let’s do it together!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
All For One and One For All
"All the believers were one in heart and mind." Acts 4:32(NIV)
The author of Acts makes a reference to early church and implies that there was something unique in the gatherings of the early Christians. One of those unique things is found in Acts 4:32: "All the believers were one in heart and mind." The whole congregation was united to one another in their allegiance to Jesus and each other. The Holy Spirit was holding together the church uniting them in their doctrinal beliefs, as well as in fellowship, giving, and worship (Acts 4:32).
Why is unity so important? Partially because it demonstrates to the world that we are Christians. At the end of His ministry, in John 13 & 17, Jesus made it clear that we were to bear some distinguishing marks until His return. In the first passage Jesus says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV) John 13:34-35.
The "all men" in this verse refers to the world. Jesus gives us a command which includes the condition: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." An "if" is involved. IF you obey, others will know you are a Christian. But since this is a command, it can also be violated. His command is that we demonstrate a special love to all true Christians. Notice the quality of the love. We are to love all Christians as Jesus has loved us. The love He exhibited to us is to be our standard.
Now the hard part . . . Jesus is giving a right to the world. He is giving the world the right to judge whether you and I are Christians, based on our observable love towards all Christians. That's pretty frightening! Please understand, Jesus is not saying that our failure to love other believers proves that we are not Christians. Rather He is saying, if you and I do not have the love we should have toward all other Christians, the world has the right to make the judgment that we are not Christians.
Want to have a better impact on others around you that are not Christians? Love those that are Christians. Want to see the power that can come inside your life and the life of your church? Love those that are Christians.
The author of Acts makes a reference to early church and implies that there was something unique in the gatherings of the early Christians. One of those unique things is found in Acts 4:32: "All the believers were one in heart and mind." The whole congregation was united to one another in their allegiance to Jesus and each other. The Holy Spirit was holding together the church uniting them in their doctrinal beliefs, as well as in fellowship, giving, and worship (Acts 4:32).
Why is unity so important? Partially because it demonstrates to the world that we are Christians. At the end of His ministry, in John 13 & 17, Jesus made it clear that we were to bear some distinguishing marks until His return. In the first passage Jesus says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV) John 13:34-35.
The "all men" in this verse refers to the world. Jesus gives us a command which includes the condition: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." An "if" is involved. IF you obey, others will know you are a Christian. But since this is a command, it can also be violated. His command is that we demonstrate a special love to all true Christians. Notice the quality of the love. We are to love all Christians as Jesus has loved us. The love He exhibited to us is to be our standard.
Now the hard part . . . Jesus is giving a right to the world. He is giving the world the right to judge whether you and I are Christians, based on our observable love towards all Christians. That's pretty frightening! Please understand, Jesus is not saying that our failure to love other believers proves that we are not Christians. Rather He is saying, if you and I do not have the love we should have toward all other Christians, the world has the right to make the judgment that we are not Christians.
Want to have a better impact on others around you that are not Christians? Love those that are Christians. Want to see the power that can come inside your life and the life of your church? Love those that are Christians.
Friday, August 1, 2008
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON
So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Gal. 6:9 (NLT)
Preparing and having a great harvest is hard work. It is usually a few months between a farmer planting and the time of his harvest. But, if the necessary preparation has been done, the harvest is certain. Paul knew that we as human beings would grow weary and he encouraged us to not give up. . . to "keep on keepin on!"
What are you tired of? Are you looking to the harvest or just maintaining what is going on today? Have you given up already? Are you weary of the day to day work of keeping up your home? of paying the bills to reduce your debt? of serving others? of waiting on things to change in your family? of being the only Christian at your workplace ? of waiting on God to answer a prayer? of poor health? of a stressed marriage?
As we grow weary, often it results in discouragement and many of us eventually just give up. The best reason for resisting weariness and giving up, is that Jesus never gave up! He is our greatest example. As He was hanging on the cross, being ridiculed and abused, paying the price for our sins, not His. . . He endured. He fixed His eyes on the "joy set before him" and "endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The next time you get weary, fix your eyes on Jesus. . . "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:3) And remember, KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!
Preparing and having a great harvest is hard work. It is usually a few months between a farmer planting and the time of his harvest. But, if the necessary preparation has been done, the harvest is certain. Paul knew that we as human beings would grow weary and he encouraged us to not give up. . . to "keep on keepin on!"
What are you tired of? Are you looking to the harvest or just maintaining what is going on today? Have you given up already? Are you weary of the day to day work of keeping up your home? of paying the bills to reduce your debt? of serving others? of waiting on things to change in your family? of being the only Christian at your workplace ? of waiting on God to answer a prayer? of poor health? of a stressed marriage?
As we grow weary, often it results in discouragement and many of us eventually just give up. The best reason for resisting weariness and giving up, is that Jesus never gave up! He is our greatest example. As He was hanging on the cross, being ridiculed and abused, paying the price for our sins, not His. . . He endured. He fixed His eyes on the "joy set before him" and "endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The next time you get weary, fix your eyes on Jesus. . . "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:3) And remember, KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
HIS HANDS AND FEET
“He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.” Mt 9:36-38
Jesus saw that the people were helpless. . . His heart went out to them. . . and as a result, He took action! Hundreds of thousands of people needed to know him as Lord & Savior, so He sent His followers to go out to the people and share about the Kingdom of God. Jesus' disciples were "His feet" going out to share the good news. They were also "His hands" ministering and healing the people, and "His mouth" telling others about Him. They may have been few in number, but they had a radical impact on the world!
Today, we are called to be "Jesus' feet" going out into the world to share the Good News that God loves men, women, and children. . . and He wants to have a relationship with them. We are called to be "Jesus hands" ministering, serving and spiritually healing those who are hurting. And we are called to be "Jesus' mouth", having an answer on the tip of our tongue as to why we have hope for the future.
Who around you needs a relationship with God? Are you being God's feet and going to them? Are you being His hands and reaching out, listening, empathizing with them, and developing a relationship? And are you being Jesus' mouth, sharing the most important message of all time. . . that Jesus Christ died to pay the price for the sins of all men and women?
We may be few in number, but we can have a radical impact now and in eternity!
Jesus saw that the people were helpless. . . His heart went out to them. . . and as a result, He took action! Hundreds of thousands of people needed to know him as Lord & Savior, so He sent His followers to go out to the people and share about the Kingdom of God. Jesus' disciples were "His feet" going out to share the good news. They were also "His hands" ministering and healing the people, and "His mouth" telling others about Him. They may have been few in number, but they had a radical impact on the world!
Today, we are called to be "Jesus' feet" going out into the world to share the Good News that God loves men, women, and children. . . and He wants to have a relationship with them. We are called to be "Jesus hands" ministering, serving and spiritually healing those who are hurting. And we are called to be "Jesus' mouth", having an answer on the tip of our tongue as to why we have hope for the future.
Who around you needs a relationship with God? Are you being God's feet and going to them? Are you being His hands and reaching out, listening, empathizing with them, and developing a relationship? And are you being Jesus' mouth, sharing the most important message of all time. . . that Jesus Christ died to pay the price for the sins of all men and women?
We may be few in number, but we can have a radical impact now and in eternity!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Rear View Mirror
He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever. And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making all things new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." Rev. 21:4-5(NLT)
Any good driver will tell you that you can not drive a car while looking in the rear view mirror. Focusing on what you just past is not going to help you arrive alive at your destination which still lies ahead on the journey. A good runner will tell you that the number one rule of running is to stay focused on the finish line and to not look back at the starting line. While you are in competition with other runners it is not a good idea to be looking over your shoulder to who is behind you but rather to look ahead to where the goal line is. Football players will tell you it is not a good idea to be looking at the defenders when trying to catch a pass from the quarterback. If they do not stay focused on receiving the pass they are sure to drop it.
So it is with our walk with the Lord. As we travel on this road called life, there will be many trials and tribulations we will encounter. There will be opposition to our trip. Road blocks will arise and detours will be created in order to slow our progress toward our destination. Many have traveled this road before us, taking the journey from earth to heaven. With such a large crowd of people who have given their lives while they were moving closer to heaven, let us keep focused on the REWARDS of the future and not the REGRETS of the past. Looking back at past hurts and past mistakes is like driving a car while looking in the rear view mirror. Even focusing on past accomplishments could hurt your forward progress as well. Many like to live in the glory moments of the past, forgetting that their journey is not completed, the trip is not over and there are many more adventures awaiting up ahead.
Past successes as well as past failures are just that PAST. They are rear view mirror objects, reflections of what our lives used to be. Therefore let us strive to keep focused straight ahead not looking to the left or the right nor behind us as we run the race with patience.
Any good driver will tell you that you can not drive a car while looking in the rear view mirror. Focusing on what you just past is not going to help you arrive alive at your destination which still lies ahead on the journey. A good runner will tell you that the number one rule of running is to stay focused on the finish line and to not look back at the starting line. While you are in competition with other runners it is not a good idea to be looking over your shoulder to who is behind you but rather to look ahead to where the goal line is. Football players will tell you it is not a good idea to be looking at the defenders when trying to catch a pass from the quarterback. If they do not stay focused on receiving the pass they are sure to drop it.
So it is with our walk with the Lord. As we travel on this road called life, there will be many trials and tribulations we will encounter. There will be opposition to our trip. Road blocks will arise and detours will be created in order to slow our progress toward our destination. Many have traveled this road before us, taking the journey from earth to heaven. With such a large crowd of people who have given their lives while they were moving closer to heaven, let us keep focused on the REWARDS of the future and not the REGRETS of the past. Looking back at past hurts and past mistakes is like driving a car while looking in the rear view mirror. Even focusing on past accomplishments could hurt your forward progress as well. Many like to live in the glory moments of the past, forgetting that their journey is not completed, the trip is not over and there are many more adventures awaiting up ahead.
Past successes as well as past failures are just that PAST. They are rear view mirror objects, reflections of what our lives used to be. Therefore let us strive to keep focused straight ahead not looking to the left or the right nor behind us as we run the race with patience.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
A Dedicated Air Freshener
How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make these groundless accusations? How long will you pursue lies? Psalm 4:2 (NLT)
Ok, I am going to go out on a limb and let you know something about me. I believe that air fresheners are one of the greatest inventions to be introduced to this earth in years. They are so convenient now too. You can plug them in anywhere. The newest models have a switch you can set to freshen up the room every 15, 30, or 45 seconds. When they are all out of that smelly good stuff, just pop in a refill and you are good to go.
Why am I making such a big deal about these cool things? Here's why, in my opinion. If you have an animal, it takes away the smell. If you left your leftover lasagna on the table, it can sit there and rot for a week before you start to realize it. After a long day you can come home and open the door to the smell of a frosty winter mist instead of musty gym clothes. If you need to take care of those unwanted odors, then just use an air freshner and all will be better. That is why I am in love with air fresheners. But, we can also take this further and relate it to our every day life as a Christian. God can be the breath of fresh air in our walk with Christ. By reading the Bible, you allow yourself to wash away the sin by realizing how you are to live. By praying, we can erase those odors in our lives that bring disappointment to our Father.
When we have the right tools and equipment, it is easy to make even my place smell fresh and clean. When we have the right stuff in our Christian life, it makes it simple to resist the sin that will stink up the place. God is the only "freshener" that will work. After all, our very lives should be a sweet aroma to Him but it is after we totally let Him fill us that it can happen.
Let God freshen up your life. If it is stale, plug into Him. If it is messed up, take a shot of God every 15, 30 or 45 seconds. It will do wonders for your life. The more you allow God to freshen your life, the more you will be "smelling" great to others.
Ok, I am going to go out on a limb and let you know something about me. I believe that air fresheners are one of the greatest inventions to be introduced to this earth in years. They are so convenient now too. You can plug them in anywhere. The newest models have a switch you can set to freshen up the room every 15, 30, or 45 seconds. When they are all out of that smelly good stuff, just pop in a refill and you are good to go.
Why am I making such a big deal about these cool things? Here's why, in my opinion. If you have an animal, it takes away the smell. If you left your leftover lasagna on the table, it can sit there and rot for a week before you start to realize it. After a long day you can come home and open the door to the smell of a frosty winter mist instead of musty gym clothes. If you need to take care of those unwanted odors, then just use an air freshner and all will be better. That is why I am in love with air fresheners. But, we can also take this further and relate it to our every day life as a Christian. God can be the breath of fresh air in our walk with Christ. By reading the Bible, you allow yourself to wash away the sin by realizing how you are to live. By praying, we can erase those odors in our lives that bring disappointment to our Father.
When we have the right tools and equipment, it is easy to make even my place smell fresh and clean. When we have the right stuff in our Christian life, it makes it simple to resist the sin that will stink up the place. God is the only "freshener" that will work. After all, our very lives should be a sweet aroma to Him but it is after we totally let Him fill us that it can happen.
Let God freshen up your life. If it is stale, plug into Him. If it is messed up, take a shot of God every 15, 30 or 45 seconds. It will do wonders for your life. The more you allow God to freshen your life, the more you will be "smelling" great to others.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Meeting In the Tent
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (NIV)
Exodus 33:11
The setting: Moses has led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. God made His presence known to the people in a number of ways. Perhaps the most dramatic meeting happened at the foot of Mt. Sinai. . . "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up" (NIV) Exodus 19:16-20
Moses understood the importance of receiving God's guidance in leading the people. And he met regularly with God. . . "Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend". (NIV) Exodus 33:7-11
How often do you meet with God? When was the last time that you had a heart to heart chat with God? Do you have a regular appointment with Him? or is it an occasional meeting? Are you receiving His guidance for living your life? or are you trying to do it on your own? Where is your "tent of meeting"? that special place where you and God communicate.
If your "tent" has been left without a visit for awhile, why not start a new habit today? Meet God and allow Him to "speak" to you as His friend!
Exodus 33:11
The setting: Moses has led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. God made His presence known to the people in a number of ways. Perhaps the most dramatic meeting happened at the foot of Mt. Sinai. . . "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up" (NIV) Exodus 19:16-20
Moses understood the importance of receiving God's guidance in leading the people. And he met regularly with God. . . "Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend". (NIV) Exodus 33:7-11
How often do you meet with God? When was the last time that you had a heart to heart chat with God? Do you have a regular appointment with Him? or is it an occasional meeting? Are you receiving His guidance for living your life? or are you trying to do it on your own? Where is your "tent of meeting"? that special place where you and God communicate.
If your "tent" has been left without a visit for awhile, why not start a new habit today? Meet God and allow Him to "speak" to you as His friend!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Reflect on Him
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (NIV) Psalm 29:2
AW Tozer once wrote: "Worship is the effort to close the gap between the heart and the God it adores." God wants us to worship Him, to acknowledge who He is. Worship shows our devotion to God. It's an act of giving ourselves to God. When you spend time with God, try beginning your time by coming to Him in worship. . .praising Him for who He is!
How do you worship God? Here are a few ways to praise God:
What are you reflecting to others? What would others say you're reflecting to the world? Does your face reflect God's glory? Why not focus your praise on Him and allow Him to transform you into something that will have people asking you “what’s up?”
Reflect on Him---He deserves it!
AW Tozer once wrote: "Worship is the effort to close the gap between the heart and the God it adores." God wants us to worship Him, to acknowledge who He is. Worship shows our devotion to God. It's an act of giving ourselves to God. When you spend time with God, try beginning your time by coming to Him in worship. . .praising Him for who He is!
How do you worship God? Here are a few ways to praise God:
- PRAISE GOD IN SONG. . . if don’t consider yourself a singer, try reading some words to songs as part of your worship.
- PRAISE GOD FOR HIS CHARACTER TRAITS. . . for His lovingkindness, His grace, His power, His mercy, etc.
- PRAISE GOD THROUGH HIS NAMES. . . try going through the alphabet. . . A: Abba, B: Bread of Life, C: Creator, etc.
- PRAISE GOD BY PRAYING BACK PRAYERS IN THE BIBLE. . . 1 Chronicles 16:7-10; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Daniel 2:19-23; Luke 1:57-69, etc.
- PRAISE GOD BY READING THE PSALMS BACK TO GOD. . . Psalm 62, 89, 93, etc
What are you reflecting to others? What would others say you're reflecting to the world? Does your face reflect God's glory? Why not focus your praise on Him and allow Him to transform you into something that will have people asking you “what’s up?”
Reflect on Him---He deserves it!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Plowing Through Life
But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NAS) Luke 9:62
I am not a farmer’s daughter or a gardener, but I am wondering how many of us have ever plowed some land. I used my dad’s old fashioned plow when I was growing up and boy was it hard. But if you have never had the opportunity to plow, let’s imagine it in our minds for a minute. Well let's put our hands down on the plow handles and begin preparing the soil for seed that will be sown and produce (hopefully) a huge harvest! But, what happens when you look back? The plow goes crooked! No neat rows, but a hodgepodge of lines dug up in the field.
Now read the Scripture again at the beginning of this devotion. What do you suppose it means to look back as it relates to our lives with Him? Do we look back longing for an old way of life? Do we look back with regrets over past sins? Do we look back trying to relive past accomplishments? How do you look back or how have you looked back?
Other times we may not be looking back into our pasts, but instead looking side to side at what's around us? Again the plow will go crooked if we're not looking straight ahead. What distracts you from looking straight ahead, focusing your attention on Christ? Is it relationships? The pursuit of becoming comfortable? The attractiveness of what society has to offer? Ambition? Competition? Desiring what your friends and neighbors have? What's turning your focus away from purpose ahead of you?
Jesus didn't allow distractions in His life. He put His hands down on the plow with a fixed purpose and completed His task. Jesus doesn't want followers who are half-hearted or lukewarm. . . He doesn't want followers with a distracted or divided focus! How's your plowing? What needs to change so you can plow straight ahead and follow Jesus?
The only way we can accomplish what He needs us to accomplish is to understand what Christ expects from us and look directly to Him as our guide. Grab a hold of Christ and start plowing.
I am not a farmer’s daughter or a gardener, but I am wondering how many of us have ever plowed some land. I used my dad’s old fashioned plow when I was growing up and boy was it hard. But if you have never had the opportunity to plow, let’s imagine it in our minds for a minute. Well let's put our hands down on the plow handles and begin preparing the soil for seed that will be sown and produce (hopefully) a huge harvest! But, what happens when you look back? The plow goes crooked! No neat rows, but a hodgepodge of lines dug up in the field.
Now read the Scripture again at the beginning of this devotion. What do you suppose it means to look back as it relates to our lives with Him? Do we look back longing for an old way of life? Do we look back with regrets over past sins? Do we look back trying to relive past accomplishments? How do you look back or how have you looked back?
Other times we may not be looking back into our pasts, but instead looking side to side at what's around us? Again the plow will go crooked if we're not looking straight ahead. What distracts you from looking straight ahead, focusing your attention on Christ? Is it relationships? The pursuit of becoming comfortable? The attractiveness of what society has to offer? Ambition? Competition? Desiring what your friends and neighbors have? What's turning your focus away from purpose ahead of you?
Jesus didn't allow distractions in His life. He put His hands down on the plow with a fixed purpose and completed His task. Jesus doesn't want followers who are half-hearted or lukewarm. . . He doesn't want followers with a distracted or divided focus! How's your plowing? What needs to change so you can plow straight ahead and follow Jesus?
The only way we can accomplish what He needs us to accomplish is to understand what Christ expects from us and look directly to Him as our guide. Grab a hold of Christ and start plowing.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Positive Peer Pressure
Daniel 3:17-18.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. . . But even if he does not. . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the idol King Nebuchadnezzar had set up for the people to worship. It would have been interesting to listen in on their conversation as they discussed what to do about the king's order in spite of the fact that they could die if they refused to obey it.
Their thoughts probably ran along the same lines ours would have if we had been in their position. One of them probably suggested that they just bow down without letting their minds and spirits enter into worship of the image. Go thru the motions without the feeling. They knew their hearts were pure, even though they had bent their knees in order to preserve their lives.
Another may have suggested that they go on a long vacation trip away from the city until the edict to worship the idol expired. If they did that, they would not have to appear to worship, but could preserve their lives.
A third option involved putting their lives on the line. If they refused to bow down when the signal was given, they knew what would happen. Their actions would be reported to the king immediately and they would end up in the fiery furnace. The temptation to compromise or run away must have been just as intense for them as it would be for us. But, they chose to trust God and stand firm in their refusal to worship any god but him.
Soon after Shadrach and company had made their decision, the signal was given. Immediately, men, women and children fell to their knees to worship this idol, but there were three friends who stood tall and did not bend the knee.
Peer pressure is generally considered to be negative. Growing up, my dad would always advise me about following the crowd, or doing what others do if I didn’t believe in it. But, it also has a positive side. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, peer support helped them stand firm in a life-threatening situation. Solomon pointed out in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that it is good to have a friend who will stand with you and help you up when you fall down. Since friends can be so helpful in giving us the backbone we need to make Godly decisions, we should work hard at selecting the very best people to be our companions. We should choose friends who will apply positive peer pressure rather than negative. That’s what the church is for…..the support system that we need when we need to take a stand or make a positive statement for God. Surround yourself with those that are in God’s will for they will provide positive peer pressure.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. . . But even if he does not. . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the idol King Nebuchadnezzar had set up for the people to worship. It would have been interesting to listen in on their conversation as they discussed what to do about the king's order in spite of the fact that they could die if they refused to obey it.
Their thoughts probably ran along the same lines ours would have if we had been in their position. One of them probably suggested that they just bow down without letting their minds and spirits enter into worship of the image. Go thru the motions without the feeling. They knew their hearts were pure, even though they had bent their knees in order to preserve their lives.
Another may have suggested that they go on a long vacation trip away from the city until the edict to worship the idol expired. If they did that, they would not have to appear to worship, but could preserve their lives.
A third option involved putting their lives on the line. If they refused to bow down when the signal was given, they knew what would happen. Their actions would be reported to the king immediately and they would end up in the fiery furnace. The temptation to compromise or run away must have been just as intense for them as it would be for us. But, they chose to trust God and stand firm in their refusal to worship any god but him.
Soon after Shadrach and company had made their decision, the signal was given. Immediately, men, women and children fell to their knees to worship this idol, but there were three friends who stood tall and did not bend the knee.
Peer pressure is generally considered to be negative. Growing up, my dad would always advise me about following the crowd, or doing what others do if I didn’t believe in it. But, it also has a positive side. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, peer support helped them stand firm in a life-threatening situation. Solomon pointed out in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that it is good to have a friend who will stand with you and help you up when you fall down. Since friends can be so helpful in giving us the backbone we need to make Godly decisions, we should work hard at selecting the very best people to be our companions. We should choose friends who will apply positive peer pressure rather than negative. That’s what the church is for…..the support system that we need when we need to take a stand or make a positive statement for God. Surround yourself with those that are in God’s will for they will provide positive peer pressure.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Christian’s Secret Weapon
1 Samuel 4:7-8
The Philistines were afraid. “A god has come into the camp,” they said. “We’re in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert."
One of the most important reasons for reading the Bible is to learn what God is like. What we know about God’s character, and personality greatly influences how we relate to Him. It determines how much we can trust him to help us when we’re in trouble.
Samuel 4 tells the story of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against Israel. The Ark represented God's presence and power. The Jews had carried it into the battle for that very reason. After losing the battle the day before, they decided they could only win against this stronger and better-equipped army if God fought for them. When the Philistine army found out that the Ark had arrived in the Jews’ camp, they were terrified. They realized that they would have to battle the God of Israel. This was the same God who had delivered the Jews from Egypt using terrible plagues. They knew they were in deep, deep trouble.
Both Israel and the Philistines knew they same thing about God. They knew about his awesome power. The Philistines understood that they faced an army whose most important weapon was their God. And, Israel knew they could win the battle only if God would use his power to fight for their side.
God’s power has helped Israel miraculously win many battles over the course of history. Once they acknowledge God for who he was and turned from their sin, God would fight the battle and the victory became theirs.
We often battle powerful enemies like fear, depression, sorrow, and peer pressure. These are powerful enemies. How can we possibly win? In the same way the armies of Israel defeated superior powers and weapons. We win by tapping into the power of God who promises to be our Defender. As we admit that we are weak and ask for his help, we release the power that God used to create everything in the universe by just speaking it into existence.
That power is the most important weapon we have in our battle against sin. Let’s do like the Israelites did and ask for God’s presence to help us in our battles. Let's depend on God and not ourselves. Let's understand the power that is behind the name--God. Let's realize that the only power we need is that of the Lord's. Let's admit that we can't do battle by ourselves but that we need the power of God. God is powerful, let's rely on that!
The Philistines were afraid. “A god has come into the camp,” they said. “We’re in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert."
One of the most important reasons for reading the Bible is to learn what God is like. What we know about God’s character, and personality greatly influences how we relate to Him. It determines how much we can trust him to help us when we’re in trouble.
Samuel 4 tells the story of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against Israel. The Ark represented God's presence and power. The Jews had carried it into the battle for that very reason. After losing the battle the day before, they decided they could only win against this stronger and better-equipped army if God fought for them. When the Philistine army found out that the Ark had arrived in the Jews’ camp, they were terrified. They realized that they would have to battle the God of Israel. This was the same God who had delivered the Jews from Egypt using terrible plagues. They knew they were in deep, deep trouble.
Both Israel and the Philistines knew they same thing about God. They knew about his awesome power. The Philistines understood that they faced an army whose most important weapon was their God. And, Israel knew they could win the battle only if God would use his power to fight for their side.
God’s power has helped Israel miraculously win many battles over the course of history. Once they acknowledge God for who he was and turned from their sin, God would fight the battle and the victory became theirs.
We often battle powerful enemies like fear, depression, sorrow, and peer pressure. These are powerful enemies. How can we possibly win? In the same way the armies of Israel defeated superior powers and weapons. We win by tapping into the power of God who promises to be our Defender. As we admit that we are weak and ask for his help, we release the power that God used to create everything in the universe by just speaking it into existence.
That power is the most important weapon we have in our battle against sin. Let’s do like the Israelites did and ask for God’s presence to help us in our battles. Let's depend on God and not ourselves. Let's understand the power that is behind the name--God. Let's realize that the only power we need is that of the Lord's. Let's admit that we can't do battle by ourselves but that we need the power of God. God is powerful, let's rely on that!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Cry Out to Jesus
O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, 'God will never rescue him!' But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high." Psalm 3:1-3 (NLT)
What do you do when the chips are down? Do you panic? Do you cry? Do you complain? Are you like Elijah and run to a vacant place and grumble to God? If anyone had reason to complain or panic, it was king David. He was fleeing from his son and facing a military crisis. His enemies were increasing to the tens of thousands (see Ps 3:6) and they were actively pursuing him. Did he go into a deep depression? No! He did quite the opposite. Contrary to how we might act in his situation, David confidently cried out to God to help him and he received confidence and peace of mind....David went to sleep, knowing that "the Lord sustains me" (see vs 5). Although his enemies were all around him, and he probably felt there was no way out (think about it: one man vs 10,000), he trusted God as he said: "Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May your blessings rest on your people." (vs 7-8).
What do you do when it seems like you are up against the impossible? Where do you go when your enemies come after you (and enemies may not be physical people, but situations)? Who do you turn to when you need help? Only God is our true Protector and Deliverer. If you turn to anything or anyone else other than Him, you are settling for less than the best! Turn to God. Cry out to Him, and He will give you a peace that guards your heart and mind.
One of my favorite songs right now is by Casting Crowns and it is entitled "Cry Out to Jesus". I wanted to share the lyrics with you as maybe you find yourself or somone you know in these types of situations and what we are encouraged to do is cry out to Jesus. Remember, he will lift our head up!
Cry Out To Jesus
What do you do when the chips are down? Do you panic? Do you cry? Do you complain? Are you like Elijah and run to a vacant place and grumble to God? If anyone had reason to complain or panic, it was king David. He was fleeing from his son and facing a military crisis. His enemies were increasing to the tens of thousands (see Ps 3:6) and they were actively pursuing him. Did he go into a deep depression? No! He did quite the opposite. Contrary to how we might act in his situation, David confidently cried out to God to help him and he received confidence and peace of mind....David went to sleep, knowing that "the Lord sustains me" (see vs 5). Although his enemies were all around him, and he probably felt there was no way out (think about it: one man vs 10,000), he trusted God as he said: "Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May your blessings rest on your people." (vs 7-8).
What do you do when it seems like you are up against the impossible? Where do you go when your enemies come after you (and enemies may not be physical people, but situations)? Who do you turn to when you need help? Only God is our true Protector and Deliverer. If you turn to anything or anyone else other than Him, you are settling for less than the best! Turn to God. Cry out to Him, and He will give you a peace that guards your heart and mind.
One of my favorite songs right now is by Casting Crowns and it is entitled "Cry Out to Jesus". I wanted to share the lyrics with you as maybe you find yourself or somone you know in these types of situations and what we are encouraged to do is cry out to Jesus. Remember, he will lift our head up!
Cry Out To Jesus
To everyone who's lost someone they love,
long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough,
then you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains,
keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and
there is no one who can make it right
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing,
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on,
they lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again,
still it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains,
you try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone
in your shame and suffering
The widow who struggles with being alone,
wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home,
say a prayer tonight
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing,
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
THE BENEFITS OF WAITING
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eales; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
Waiting can be difficult. For me, sometimes it seems impossible. We live in a society that demands things quickly with little to no time to wait. We have gone from sit down meals to fast food (although you can debate that phrase). We sometimes schedule more in a day than we can get accomplished, leaving little time for the important things in life. It is against our nature to wait for things. Think about your driving......I think I can boldly say that some of us have little patience for "slow" drivers and those are probably the ones going the speed limit. And too many times, we carry this impatience over to God. When facing problems or issues in life, we pray to God and we want an answer immediately. We try and put God on a timetable.
Actually, the verse quoted at the beginning of this devotion uses the word wait. The Hebrew word "wait" literally means "to bind together," perhaps by twisting something with a chord, if you can visualize that. It is by twisting ourselves around God's strong nature that we ourselves receive strength and confidence in Him. We don't possess these traits ourselves, but God makes them available to those who wait and hope in Him. God promises to "renew their strength". Some translations say "gain their strength" and the Hebrew word for gain means exchange. So in reality, when we wait on the Lord, he will exchange our weakness for His strength. It is taking all our weaknesses, when we want to quit, or our lack of faith in the middle of trials or our impatience and replacing these with his strength. When we place our weakness at His feet, He will exchange them for his strength. This reminds me of one of my favorite choruses:
His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone
The question is: can you wait on the Lord? or better, will you wait on the Lord?
Waiting can be difficult. For me, sometimes it seems impossible. We live in a society that demands things quickly with little to no time to wait. We have gone from sit down meals to fast food (although you can debate that phrase). We sometimes schedule more in a day than we can get accomplished, leaving little time for the important things in life. It is against our nature to wait for things. Think about your driving......I think I can boldly say that some of us have little patience for "slow" drivers and those are probably the ones going the speed limit. And too many times, we carry this impatience over to God. When facing problems or issues in life, we pray to God and we want an answer immediately. We try and put God on a timetable.
Actually, the verse quoted at the beginning of this devotion uses the word wait. The Hebrew word "wait" literally means "to bind together," perhaps by twisting something with a chord, if you can visualize that. It is by twisting ourselves around God's strong nature that we ourselves receive strength and confidence in Him. We don't possess these traits ourselves, but God makes them available to those who wait and hope in Him. God promises to "renew their strength". Some translations say "gain their strength" and the Hebrew word for gain means exchange. So in reality, when we wait on the Lord, he will exchange our weakness for His strength. It is taking all our weaknesses, when we want to quit, or our lack of faith in the middle of trials or our impatience and replacing these with his strength. When we place our weakness at His feet, He will exchange them for his strength. This reminds me of one of my favorite choruses:
His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone
He carries us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, his strength is perfect
The question is: can you wait on the Lord? or better, will you wait on the Lord?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Are You More Like Cain or Abel?
"Now Adam slept with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When the time came, she gave birth to Cain, and she said, "With the Lord's help, I have brought forth a man!" Later she gave birth to a second son and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain was a farmer. At harvesttime Cain brought to the Lord a gift of his farm produce, while Abel brought several choice lambs from the best of his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. "Why are you so angry?" the Lord asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? Gen 4:1-6 (NLT)
The two sons of Adam and Eve came to worship God. It is clear from the Scripture that neither of these men had forgotten his Creator. It seemed logical that Cain, a tiller of the ground (farmer) would bring something from his crop; and that Abel, a shepherd, would bring from his flock. Why, then, was God displeased with Cain's offering?
I think by this Scripture, we can see the importance that God places on worship. Worship must not be just what we want to do to honor God, but what God has asked us to do to honor Him.
We are not really told in this Scripture why Cain's offering of worship was rejected by God. We do know that Abel gave of his "firstfruits" meaning of his very best. Perhaps Cain held something back and gave just enough to get him by--or so he thought. Maybe Abel's heart was filled with joy and Cain's was a little bitter--being put out that he had to give something. Maybe Cain felt he was giving only because he was obligated to give. Abel brought so much more than just the newest to the flock--he brought their "fat" portions. What this tells me is that he put quite a bit of care, effort and concern into his offering. He had taken the time to be certain that he was giving to the Lord what the Lord really deserved. Perhaps Cain rushed thru his thought process and just gave from what first entered his mind. We could make a lot of speculations as to why Abel's offering was accepted and Cain's was not. However, I think we would miss the application. How does this story apply to you and I?
Actually, that is for you to answer, but here are some questions that might help you answer it.
The two sons of Adam and Eve came to worship God. It is clear from the Scripture that neither of these men had forgotten his Creator. It seemed logical that Cain, a tiller of the ground (farmer) would bring something from his crop; and that Abel, a shepherd, would bring from his flock. Why, then, was God displeased with Cain's offering?
I think by this Scripture, we can see the importance that God places on worship. Worship must not be just what we want to do to honor God, but what God has asked us to do to honor Him.
We are not really told in this Scripture why Cain's offering of worship was rejected by God. We do know that Abel gave of his "firstfruits" meaning of his very best. Perhaps Cain held something back and gave just enough to get him by--or so he thought. Maybe Abel's heart was filled with joy and Cain's was a little bitter--being put out that he had to give something. Maybe Cain felt he was giving only because he was obligated to give. Abel brought so much more than just the newest to the flock--he brought their "fat" portions. What this tells me is that he put quite a bit of care, effort and concern into his offering. He had taken the time to be certain that he was giving to the Lord what the Lord really deserved. Perhaps Cain rushed thru his thought process and just gave from what first entered his mind. We could make a lot of speculations as to why Abel's offering was accepted and Cain's was not. However, I think we would miss the application. How does this story apply to you and I?
Actually, that is for you to answer, but here are some questions that might help you answer it.
- Do I always give God my best when it comes to worship?
- Do I prayerfully consider what I can give God?
- Do I rush thru my worship and give Him what first comes to mind?
- Do I view my worship as an offering to God?
- Do I really know who God is in order to give Him my best?
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